tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4995725235547380512024-03-13T12:11:11.093-06:00Rob's blogRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.comBlogger566125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-76739985818773254252018-04-03T19:14:00.001-06:002018-04-03T19:14:39.041-06:00Around here...New lens<span style="font-size: large;">"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." -Albert Einstein</span><br />
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I follow <a href="https://creativemarket.com/tinathelen">tinathelen</a> on instagram, and love her simple photos. The lighting is always amazing and I like how she stages everything. One day I asked her what lens she used in a particular photo. She told me a 100mm macro lens. I decided I was going to buy me one of these lenses. I did. I have had fun trying it out of things around here. Walk with me as I show you around... to the many faces of spring.<br />
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Nearby and always around for me to photography is my cat, Maggie. She was the first subject of my new lens... she's not too excited about it.<br />
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Doesn't she look like she's praying here? "Oh please let her go photograph something else, and leave me alone!"<br />
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Next were flowers... these are from some of my indoor plants.<br />
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Tulips are some of my favorite flowers. I love having pots of them around. <br />
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I bought these for Easter.</div>
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This is my orchid. I bought it last year. This is my second bloom. I have 16 flowers on it. <br />
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Now let's go outside...</div>
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This is our phlox. We have it here and on the other side. It is gorgeous ground cover.</div>
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The dandelions are NOT in our yard. Warren pulls them out with vengeance. These are from a yard down the street. I find them a nice weed flower...as long as they are in someone else's yard.<br />
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Getting ready to go to seed...</div>
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The seeds...Make a wish...</div>
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May all your wishes come true!</div>
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Happy Spring!</div>
Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-8181215328134627772018-04-01T18:51:00.000-06:002018-04-01T18:51:03.233-06:00Easter...Family<span style="font-size: large;">"Forever He is glorified...forever He is lifted high...forever He is risen. He is alive, He is alive." -Forever, Kari Jobe</span><br />
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This post will be short, and sweet because I do not have a lot of time. <br />
Our sanctuary was decorated so beautifully at our church this morning. I took the photo then edited it to my liking, then added the doves. I quite like how it turned out.<br />
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After church we went to lunch at Luke's which was very delicious. I especially liked the keto cheesecake.<br />
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These two did all the cooking...lamb, chicken, biscuits, crab cakes, cauliflower salad, okra. Yum.<br />
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These guys relaxed...<br />
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Yesterday was baseball practice, so I have to throw in a couple of the pictures from that.<br />
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It was a great weekend all around. I love the Lord, and I love my family. Happy Easter to all.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-32102551184030404372018-03-17T17:10:00.002-06:002018-03-17T17:10:40.318-06:00Grandkids finish reading program...<span style="font-size: large;">"The more you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Seuss, <u>I Can Read with my Eyes Shut</u></span><br />
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I started teaching my grandkids, Tate and Sawyer, to read this past summer using the book, <u>Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.</u> (Note: Luke, their dad did about 35% of the lessons as well)<br />
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I highly recommend this book. The lessons take about 15-20 minutes each day. Not only do they focus on reading, but writing and reading comprehension as well. There are pictures with each story that my grandkids could not wait to see. (The pictures are to remain covered until after they read the story). I wanted to get the lessons done before they started kindergarten, but that did not happen due to several issues. The boys are not on the same reading level. Tate finished with lesson 100 on March 13, while Sawyer has a few more lessons before he is done. We had our reading party for both anyway. Both of them could hardly wait to celebrate. I decorated the table in Dr. Seuss fashion.<br />
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I made a cake shaped like a book with a bookmarked similar to the one we used in our real book.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S50SUEiRexk/Wq2cowl-JeI/AAAAAAAAAfw/RFTGNJj8W9QZB6_pN3XufUk8JWYwAJIYwCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_1249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S50SUEiRexk/Wq2cowl-JeI/AAAAAAAAAfw/RFTGNJj8W9QZB6_pN3XufUk8JWYwAJIYwCLcBGAs/s640/_MG_1249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I let them each pick out a gift for completing their lessons, and I wrote and illustrated a book about them that they could read themselves. Each book had 20 pages...they loved their books. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRYxurp05zo/Wq2dKTjixJI/AAAAAAAAAgE/BeJ0vlkjnV8MCbc2KNkv61juX6vpZwzOwCLcBGAs/s1600/frontcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1378" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PRYxurp05zo/Wq2dKTjixJI/AAAAAAAAAgE/BeJ0vlkjnV8MCbc2KNkv61juX6vpZwzOwCLcBGAs/s640/frontcover.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_hGBR3PMuE/Wq2den66WjI/AAAAAAAAAgI/UN9AAyfAluU4uVwn4qhVWJIwlZp8Ao5JgCLcBGAs/s1600/frontcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1378" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_hGBR3PMuE/Wq2den66WjI/AAAAAAAAAgI/UN9AAyfAluU4uVwn4qhVWJIwlZp8Ao5JgCLcBGAs/s640/frontcover.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Before they got to open any gifts, they had to read a lesson...the last one (100) for Tate, and Sawyer lesson 80. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dI0u5lWsOso/Wq2d7fnl8AI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/cploOIwO3DUOCnrISfYDKOhMdloHSumaACEwYBhgL/s1600/_MG_1256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dI0u5lWsOso/Wq2d7fnl8AI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/cploOIwO3DUOCnrISfYDKOhMdloHSumaACEwYBhgL/s640/_MG_1256.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesson 100</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesson 100</td></tr>
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Some fun, and gifts...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lkp1MzFa24/Wq2d7xy3F5I/AAAAAAAAAgY/2748Ms84SHwe5EAL3zqJ6JhNhLU2xGczACLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_1252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="851" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lkp1MzFa24/Wq2d7xy3F5I/AAAAAAAAAgY/2748Ms84SHwe5EAL3zqJ6JhNhLU2xGczACLcBGAs/s640/_MG_1252.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what Tate picked for his gift</td></tr>
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It was a fun celebration for all. We are a reading family. We want our grandkids to enjoy reading as much as we do...after all, my philosophy is that "if you can read, you can do anything." I am so proud of these boys.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-38704820416515576832018-03-15T18:55:00.000-06:002018-03-15T18:55:13.231-06:00Cat's day...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today is my Maggie's (my cat) 6th birthday. According to a cat-age calculator, she is 40 in human years. Age 2 is equivalent to 24 in human years, then for each year after you add 4 years. An indoor cat ages slower than an outdoor cat. Maggie is an indoor cat because there are lots of predators that would like to have her for their lunch. </div>
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Since I have been taking an online calligraphy class, I decided to practice my writing by making her a birthday card. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WL7L7uaYMbA/WqsQca-k3II/AAAAAAAAAeA/JeCip2m3a_gfIrPgzaM6JCOEHNyHkI_EQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E1779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WL7L7uaYMbA/WqsQca-k3II/AAAAAAAAAeA/JeCip2m3a_gfIrPgzaM6JCOEHNyHkI_EQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E1779.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's how we celebrated her birthday... I took photos of her. She was not impressed...<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0hyjY3hrhk/WqsSkt3lnMI/AAAAAAAAAec/JGjwLdmJRf03hZPSKWKy4J6QcMSOlCwTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1000" height="522" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A0hyjY3hrhk/WqsSkt3lnMI/AAAAAAAAAec/JGjwLdmJRf03hZPSKWKy4J6QcMSOlCwTgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIAkC8N-YkE/WqsSf1sdgDI/AAAAAAAAAfE/Bgg976LfjXU5npSq6i1a3uCw5VB4YdPlACEwYBhgL/s1600/Maggie%2Bbday%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="900" height="508" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jIAkC8N-YkE/WqsSf1sdgDI/AAAAAAAAAfE/Bgg976LfjXU5npSq6i1a3uCw5VB4YdPlACEwYBhgL/s640/Maggie%2Bbday%2Bweb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow...look at that wicked claw...</td></tr>
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This cupcake sings Happy Birthday when you squeeze it. Then the candle goes out...and you can hear someone trying to blow out the candle. Maggie is not sure what to make of this item.<br />
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Finally, she got bored with it all, and just ignored the cupcake. I guess photo time is pretty much over. </div>
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Wow...this picture makes her look very fat... well she is fat, but this makes her look ji-gundo fat. She is just fat. What can I say, she's an indoor cat...and we love her anyway. Happy birthday. But no cake for you. You're too fat!<br />
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<br />Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-36279517844548338432018-02-25T19:40:00.000-07:002018-02-25T19:40:44.640-07:00Just for fun...<span style="font-size: large;">"This world is but a canvas to our imagination." -Henry David Thoreau</span><br />
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My grandkids seem to think I can do anything. One of their favorite things to do is make silly photos on the computer...with my help, of course. I don't mind because, eventually, they will learn some pretty awesome skills using photoshop. So here are some of their recent creations. This grandson wanted to be climbing his birthday cake...then he wanted to add the moon (in the upper left), and a galaxy (in orange at the bottom left), and red stars scattered about. <br />
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Why they like to be turned into "little" people I do not know, but it is kind of fun. <br />
Here's another one...he had some help with this one...<br />
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And now just some fun photos... Always with silly faces...</div>
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I have to say, I was inspired, so I did my own spin on a couple of photos to make a collage. <br />
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And yes, Life is good. </div>
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Hugs to you.</div>
Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-47083733332096255082018-02-14T15:37:00.001-07:002018-02-14T15:37:36.345-07:00Happy Valentine's Day...<span style="font-size: large;">"Love is a force more formidable than any other. It is invisible- it cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession could."-Barbara de Angelis</span><br />
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I got out my camera to take photos in commemoration of Valentine's Day. I hope everyone will tell those who are important to them, how much they mean and how they have added to the pleasure of your life plus how much you love them.<br />
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Fun Day for me with all these photos. Hugs.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-44563876526682072692018-02-13T14:42:00.003-07:002018-02-13T14:42:49.197-07:00Alone...<span style="font-size: large;">"A lecture might inform someone, but music affects us in a more profound way. Music can go past the intellect to the intimate, moving us so compellingly. We are different for having encountered the enriching blend of notes, tones, and ideas." -John Ashcroft</span><br />
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We have hired a <a href="http://newfitnessfun.homestead.com/index.html">personal trainer</a>. In the beginning, it was to help me get mobility in my ankle and get me walking again. Chuck (the trainer) made such a difference in my life that I encouraged Warren to give him a try for his back issues. Chuck has helped us both. The facility is about a 30 minute drive from our home. I find that I do not mind the drive at all, because it is a glorious drive. The hills, mountain side, longhorns, cattle and geese are a pleasure to behold. Many times I wish I had my camera to take photos of the beauty I see. (I will remember to take it one of these days). I, also, like to listen to <a href="http://www.klove.com/">KLOVE</a> while driving. In case you're not familiar with KLOVE, it is a Christian radio station (88.3 FM in Hendersonville). It is my time to be alone...with God. It is during this alone time that I pay close attention to the lyrics of the songs playing on the radio. So many times the songs touch my soul. I am moved, and I am not the same. Have you ever felt like a song was just for you? It is in the quiet of my car that God ministers to me and takes me to a new level of faith. He takes me to new heights in our relationship. He restores me. He encourages me. He gives me hope. He makes me new. He gives me wonderful life. He makes me grateful for all things. He blesses me. I look forward to these drives. When the drive is over, and I pull into my driveway, my heart is overflowing with the goodness of God. He has done great things.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The following photos were taken at my friend, Suzanne's house. </span></div>
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<br />Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-59251304152167475062018-02-07T15:03:00.001-07:002018-02-07T15:03:48.606-07:00This is Us...<span style="font-size: large;">"Love is a force more formidable than any other. It is invisible- it cannot be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and offer you more joy than any material possession could." -Barbara deAngelis</span><br />
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I have to say, hands down, the NBC show, "This Is Us", has become my favorite show. Love is so on display in this series. And the show, through the characters, demonstrates how love transforms lives even in the worst of circumstances. One of my friends recommended that I watch it to pass the time when I was laid up for 2 months recuperating from my broken ankle. I downloaded the NBC app, and checked it out one day. At first, I did not like it. I did not know what was happening as the scenes changed, so I turned it off. Then after watching the FEW movies on Netflix and Amazon that did NOT have tons of curse words, or the "F" bomb...which by the way, are hard to find...I went back to check it out again. I decided to push through at least 2 episodes, and I became hooked. Since I was starting from the beginning I had all of season one and two to watch. I did a show marathon, and watched them all in about 3 days. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Characters from left to right: the parents, Rebecca and Jack...middle the twins, Kate and Kevin, and Randall the adopted son and his wife that I cannot remember her name. </td></tr>
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If you have not watched it, I would highly recommend it. I love that this is a family with real problems. They are honest and earnest about trying to get things right. Isn't that what we do as parents?...we want to get things right. Every episode left me feeling good, and encouraged. Life is hard enough. We need something that will leave us feeling better, and something to which we can relate. Even in the most perfect family, there is baggage. We, as parents, have these little lives entrusted to us as clean slates. We try to sow good seeds into our children, so they will grow up to be productive, healthy individuals. (Healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually). No matter how hard we try to be the best parent possible, our parenting is colored by our personality, and our own upbringing. It is not until our children become adults that we get sneak peeks into our children's lives as they recall certain situations from their childhood through their own story telling. As parents, we don't always get it right, but as I tell my kids, we did the best we could at the time with what we knew. <br />
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That's what this series is all about. Little peeks into each child's life. The series goes through separate stories of the kids: Kevin, Kate, and Randall, at different stages of their lives. We learn their hang ups, strengths, and weakness as a result of their upbringing. I find the stories heart-felt, and true. We see the parents helping the kids work through the difficulties of life. As a parent, you will relate. If you have not seen "This Is Us", try one or two episodes. I think you love it as well.<br />
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Hugs...Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-22476112874929308462018-02-03T17:42:00.000-07:002018-02-03T17:42:05.398-07:00So true...<span style="font-size: large;">"When you release expectations, you are free to enjoy things for what they are instead of what you think they should be." -Mandy Hale</span><br />
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When I first broke my ankle, I had expectations of how long I would be incapacitated, and when I'd be up, around, and back to normal. I thought 6 weeks tops. Boy was I wrong! I am well into my 4th month of recovery, and I am just now getting around to walking...sort of normally. I found these two hilarious truths on the instagram account of "brokenleggirl." I could so relate.<br />
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This is what my recovery looks like...the one on the right. The reality one.<br />
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This next one is called the "adventures of a broken legged girl." This is totally true. Pretty adventurous, I know. <br />
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I don't have shoes that I can wear with this ankle brace, so my friend let me borrow her shoes. They are 2 sizes too big for me, but they work. I wear a thick sock on my good leg, and a thin sock on my bad let. Nobody can see I have different socks on, and it works. <br />
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Slowly, I am getting there! Hugs.Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-42376772120830222842018-02-02T20:23:00.002-07:002018-02-02T20:23:29.440-07:00Just do...<span style="font-size: large;">"Don't wait for inspiration. Take action. Action generates inspiration." -Frank Tibott</span><br />
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My last blog post was about my accident... truly a crisis in my life, and that of my family. It changed everything in an instant. Everybody has known someone whose either been in a "crisis" or has been in one themselves. We all have heard or said, "Let us know if there's anything we can do for you." All this is said with the best intentions and biggest heart. People want to help, but when you are in the thick of a crisis, it is difficult to know or say what you need. So if I could suggest one thing, it is to "just do" rather than ask "what can I do?" Here are some things people "just did" for me...for us.<br />
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Brought me flowers, and plants. Or sent flowers from out of state through the florist. So very wonderful.</div>
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Planted some of the plants brought to me.</div>
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Made us soup, quiche, and chili...all made from scratch no less. Brought us rotisserie chicken, and guacamole. (2 of our favorite things to eat). Not only one time, but multiple times...like every time they came to visit.</div>
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People visited. Just to BE with me. So appreciated.</div>
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Mailed Starbuck gift cards, and Bath & Body gift cards with a note...we love you. </div>
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Brought magazines and books to read. Dot-to-dot and coloring magazines.</div>
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Bought me socks with the non-slip dots, and cute pajama bottoms.</div>
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Let me borrow the best ice packs to help with my swelling ankle.</div>
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Many sent cards, letters, emails, or texts. These were so encouraging and just nice to receive to let me know I was not forgotten, but prayed for and loved.</div>
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Gifted me a massage. This was just divine, and exactly what I needed.</div>
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Came by to pick me up, so I could go get coffee or tea with all the girls.</div>
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Offered to decorate my house for the holidays, and take the decorations down after the holidays were over.<br />
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Taught me how to knit...they brought the yarn, the knitting needles, and the pattern.<br />
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Cleaned my house. Multiple times... Did laundry. </div>
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Called me just to talk.</div>
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Came to stay with me during the times Warren had to be away. </div>
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Made sure to include me in as many activities as I could handle. Like birthdays!</div>
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There were so many kind things people did for us. I hope this gives you some ideas of how to "just do". Truly, God never intended for us to do life alone. We need each other... Many thanks to all who helped put me together again. Hugs!Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-2578585258680187632018-01-20T19:02:00.001-07:002018-01-20T19:02:15.246-07:00Lessons I have learned because of a broken ankle...<span style="font-size: large;">"Make me to hear joy and gladness. Let the bones which you have broken rejoice." -Psalms 51:8</span><br />
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When I broke my ankle in 3 places along with dislocated it on Oct. 3, 2017, I never dreamed recovery and rehab would be so hard or long. Nor have I experienced such tremendous pain as I have had with this ankle. Nor did I expect such depression. I have had broken bones in the past (wrist) which healed in 6 weeks. I thought this would be the same experience. My life changed drastically on that day. <br />
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When I visited the orthopedist the day after my accident, I was told I would have to have surgery, be put in a splint for 2 weeks, then in a CAM boot. This didn't seem like it was going to be bad at all or very long. Little did I know what was ahead for me.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Warning: some photos not suitable for small children.</span></i><br />
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Here's photos from the accident. I fell while going down a hill. Arms loaded with weights and a mat. My foot slipped on the dewy grass. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my leg was sideways</td></tr>
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My x-ray before:<br />
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X-ray after the dislocated bone was pulled back into place. I cannot read x-rays, but apparently there are 3 breaks in the tibia, and fibula. My break is called a trimalleolar fracture with a dislocation.<br />
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I was told I would have one plate and three screws. That was not what happened. Here's the day after surgery in my splint.<br />
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Two weeks after surgery I got the splint off, and some of the stitches out...<br />
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See how my calf as atrophied?<br />
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Instead of one plate, I have 2 plates and 12 screws. The left side photo, and left side of the x-ray was where the bone was in pieces. (the shorter plate)<br />
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I wasn't allowed to bear weight on my foot for 8 weeks post surgery. That meant I was either sitting in bed or on the couch. This was not a time of just sitting. I was in a lot of pain. Like through the roof sort of pain. Excruciating pain. It was constant pain. Then came the depression, deep depression. Somedays were worse than others. I had to have a lot of talks with myself. One friend suggested I see about getting something for the depression from the doctor. For some, that may have been the way to healing. For me, I felt the Lord wanted me trust Him. I did not get anti-depressants. Here is what I felt and know: Our circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. Mine did. With that change came a choice. I could let it get me down, or I could embrace it, and allow myself to be changed and allow the Lord to work that change. I know God is good. He knows exactly how I felt, He saw my tears, my frustration, my depression. He allowed this. As much as I did not like it, maybe He had something He wanted to teach me through this experience. <br />
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Here's what I learned:<br />
1. Friends and family are like a healing balm. They visited, brought food, made meals, cleaned my house, did my laundry, prayed for me, and sent me cards. <br />
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2. I learned to search the Word more diligently looking for ways that God might want me to change. I looked for what He was trying to say and teach to me.<br />
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3. I listened to praise music. The Bible tells me that God inhabits the praises of his people. What better way to have Him in my presence than through praise music. It truly lifted my soul.<br />
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<i>The following lessons are from Alistair Begg's "Truth for Life" broadcast. (November 16)</i><br />
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4. Pain or sickness teaches us our nothingness. Our pain/sickness is out there for everyone to see...there is no hiding it. When we confront our pain/sickness in the middle of the night, or in front of the mirror (how awful I looked on some days), and in our loneliness, it is impossible for us to deny our <b>uselessness</b>, and our <b>total helplessness</b>. I certainly was useless and totally helpless. I must have looked pretty bad, even though I thought I looked sort of good. People tell me today that "I look so much better." <br />
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5. Pain/sickness forces us to cast all our cares on the Lord. We may or may not get better. While my hope is to be restored to full function, I may not be able to do all that I used to do. I must consider that even though I work toward totally recovery. <br />
Charles Spurgeon says this is but a dress rehearsal for when our life's work will be ended.<br />
"<i>...the reigns drop from the driver's hands. The plowman forgets the furlough, the seed baskets hangs no longer on the sower's arm, and this experience cuts us loose from earthly shores, and provides us with a dress rehearsal when our life's work will be ended, and we will be no more."</i><br />
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6. Pain, if sanctified, creates tenderness towards others. I cannot tell you how many people called, or wrote me to encourage me because they had been through a similar circumstance. They were empathic and tender toward me. Their softness towards me greatly humbled me, and inspired me to keep on keeping on. And to be tender towards others in pain and sickness.<br />
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7. Pain may cause us to become all the more focused and diligent when we are favored... I saw the favor and blessing of the Lord on my life as He sent me friends, family, words, songs, movies, etc. that made me grateful to be so ever present in His mind, and thoughts. I am more grateful for little things. I see the little things that make life extra-ordinary. I don't take little things for granted. <br />
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Spurgeon, also, said, "<i>The keys of men's hearts hang up in the narrow chamber of suffering</i>."<br />
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What may have appeared as "wasted months" can be turned to something powerfully important in God's kingdom...Wasted months may turn out to be an economy of life if, in the years that God gives us, we are more earnest, more careful, more prayerful, more dependent upon God, or passionately committed to doing the work of the gospel more than when we went into the chamber and found the keys hanging on the hook. <br />
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I'd like to share a message a friend texted to me that touched my heart in so many good ways.<br />
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<i>"The</i> <i>life circumstances that you are journeying through may appear to moving at a snail's pace, but remember that the snail always has contact with the path it is journeying upon. While traveling at sub-speed enjoy looking around and taking in God's creation from where you reside. There is no way, no matter how slow your pace that you can see, retain, and share all that you observe. It is like God's word, there is just too much to effectively communicate all that is before your eyes, but please try. Enjoy enlightening those around you with what God allows you to see."</i><br />
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I am now almost 16 weeks out from my accident. I would have liked to have been Wonder Woman and had my recovery go faster than it has, but obviously that is not the case. My mind wants me healed faster, but my body has a different plan. I am learning to be more patient with everything, and appreciate each milestone. I have to share one such milestone that is probably too much information. Nonetheless, it is an illustration of progress. After surgery, I had a pain pump attached to a tube that was inserted inside my leg to bathe the nerve endings with pain meds. The pump was outside my body in a pouch that was housed in a small sack looking much like a cross-body purse. The first day we were home, my hubby, was helping me in the bathroom. It was very complicated to get my pj's down, along with my underwear with all the tubing, pump, and strap. Finally, he said, "that's it, I have a solution for this." He got some scissors, and cut my underwear off. He said, you don't need these. I went around "commando" style of a couple of months. It was milestone when I could wear underwear again. ;)<br />
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My journey thus far:<br />
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November 30<br />
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I was allowed to start 25% weight bearing and gradually increase the weight put on my foot.<br />
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12 Weeks... completely weight bearing...CAM boot only. Christmas Day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cowboy boot allows my hips to be at the same level which helps me with an even gait instead of a limp. </td></tr>
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I started swimming as often as I could...<br />
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January 4, 2018. I was given an ankle brace, and told to start weaning off the CAM boot.<br />
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I could not wear any of my shoes with this ankle brace. I went shopping for shoes. These are what I found that work because they are cut low around the ankle.<br />
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January 18, 2018. I put the crutches away.<br />
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I am getting there, slowly but steadily. I could not have done it without my friends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">top left: Sharon gave me ice packs, socks, visits, and a meal. Top right: Sarah, cleaned my house, brought food, and had many visits. Bottom left: All these girls texted encouraging words, came to pick me up for coffee. Darlene, the one in the center wit the pink scarf also came with Sarah to clean my house, brought meals, and visited on many occasions. Bottom right: the lady in the blue sweater with the blonde hair brought yarn, knitting needles and taught me to knit. The lady with the red hair sent me cards, and daily texts and emails. She had a broken leg and knew exactly how I felt. Everyone of them prayed for me. I love them all dearly. </td></tr>
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Or this marvelous man, my hubby. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nov9LqJ_4RQ/WmPjdxyUUPI/AAAAAAAAAWw/24ITF12olgAlG488IPg1mNWFfNMlvvkJACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="751" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nov9LqJ_4RQ/WmPjdxyUUPI/AAAAAAAAAWw/24ITF12olgAlG488IPg1mNWFfNMlvvkJACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1269.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This man did it all since I could not do anything. He was my nurse, cook, maid, laundry man, and a very good "wife."<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Most of all, I thank my God who sustained me and still sustains me. He is my life, and my all. I am nothing without Him. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. </span></td></tr>
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"<i>Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure." </i>It has been quite an adventure and it is not over yet! Hugs to all. <br />
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<br />Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-90421115388904039592018-01-07T17:47:00.000-07:002018-01-07T17:47:49.983-07:00Gratitude...Hope...Trust<span style="font-size: large;">"We come this far by faith. We go step by step by faith."</span><br />
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I like this quote, and I am sorry I cannot read my writing as to who the author is to give credit to him or her. Last Sunday I was able to attend church...which I have not been able to do since October 3 when I fell and broke my ankle to pieces. It was wonderful...refreshing...enjoyable...to be able to be among a body of believers. It is like God picked me up, and gave me a hug! I had a friend ask me why I thought I had to go through what I did with my broken ankle...what was the purpose of all that pain and suffering? In the next few days, I hope to reveal how God spoke to me through all this ordeal. And what I learned. I am not sure I will ever fully understand the why. And perhaps I am not to know until I meet God face to face. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Life is difficult. Yes it is-for all of us to some degree-but we get to chose how we walk through it." -M. Scott Peck, <u>The Road Less Traveled</u></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.stevebrownministries.com/">Steve Brown</a> was the visiting speaker at church. He spoke on Hope. Hope defined is: "an unfulfilled desire that is accompanied sometimes , but not always, with a reasonable expectation that the hope will be fulfilled." -American Dictionary<br />
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Hope for the New Year! Isn't that what we all desire in the midst of all the turmoil we find ourselves surrounded by in this world? We are defined by our hope. In what do you put your hope? I put my in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Steve Brown says:<br />
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<li>Hope is given by God- it is in our DNA. </li>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arimo, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arimo, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arimo, sans-serif;">Blaise Pascal said, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arimo, sans-serif;">“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arimo, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">” </span><br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Hope is defined by forgiveness.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Hope is guaranteed by authority...Christ's authority. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Everything was created by Jesus</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"> The universe is held together by His word</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I bought myself some flowers in honor of the New Year. They were so </span></span>gorgeous, I could not help but take photos of them. And I tried out some new edits...ones I usually would never choose to do. But, hey, it's a new year. Time to try new things.</div>
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I left church feeling overwhelming loved!</div>
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Full of hope...</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Full of gratitude for many things, but most of all for...</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKPAEZjPFO0/WlK5Gy_1iNI/AAAAAAAAAT0/BS3S_P3UFVQpyBJq90NFMNseHdj8ksuTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1344-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="754" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKPAEZjPFO0/WlK5Gy_1iNI/AAAAAAAAAT0/BS3S_P3UFVQpyBJq90NFMNseHdj8ksuTgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1344-2.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">My man...who fixed meals, cleaned the house, did the laundry, the grocery shopping...He did everything that needed to be done for months while I </span></span>convalesced.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">My trust is in God because I know His greatness is unsearchable, He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, great in lovingkindness, good, raises up those who are bowed down. He is my covering, strength, passion, helper healer, provider, glory, faithful friend, counselor, hope, love, and life.</span></div>
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And of course, there is Maggie. An added joy to my life. She is the icing on my cake of life.</div>
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To quote Rosamunde Pilcher...one of my favorite authors...<br />
<i>"I felt philosophic. And then suddenly very happy. This happiness caught me unawares, as I used to be caught unawares by the random ecstasies of childhood."</i> <u>The Carousel</u><br />
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Hugs...<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-3407223736102753832018-01-01T18:11:00.000-07:002018-01-01T18:11:10.232-07:00New Year's Day...<span style="font-size: large;">"Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> -Minnie Louise Haskins, "Year of the Gate."</span><br />
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New beginnings...2018. In case you have not noticed, I updated my blog slideshow to reflect my life today. New pictures. Of course, my son, Mark, had to help me get everything working properly. I sort of knew how to do it...he really knew how to get things situated and working like I wanted it. So thank you, Mark. <br />
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One of my goals for 2018 is to get back into calligraphy. I did tons of calligraphy shortly after my college years. Then it sort of died out. It seems to be coming back, so I thought I would be more diligent about practicing the art of calligraphy.<br />
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<br />Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-23938029484840874432017-12-31T18:29:00.001-07:002017-12-31T18:29:50.440-07:00New Year's Eve...<span style="font-size: large;">"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> -Michael Altshula</span><br />
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On Christmas Day, I walked without any crutches. Just my CAM boot. A milestone, and progress!<br />
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Selfies with family are hard to get, because everyone is a clown...but mostly it's Luke. I wanted to commemorate the holiday...here's how my family cooperates.<br />
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Finally, everyone cooperated...Plus Luke gave us a lesson in how to take a decent selfie. After all the clowning around.<br />
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So today we say good-bye to 2017. So long...</div>
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It was rather a tough year...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sleeping was pretty hard...<br /></td></tr>
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Things are looking good for 2018...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year! </span></div>
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May you have the best year ever!</div>
Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-24774476764482891682017-12-30T15:15:00.003-07:002017-12-30T15:15:26.971-07:00A little winter fun...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"When snow falls, nature listens." -Antoinette VanKleef</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pecan Orchards, Roswell, NM</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> -Andy Goldsworthy</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iN3LxoAOrg/WkgN83eA-2I/AAAAAAAAARA/SvIpylJZP2sSlFV2H4DX9fR3tzsAusIAQCLcBGAs/s1600/Sawyer%2Btate%2Bsnow%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2iN3LxoAOrg/WkgN83eA-2I/AAAAAAAAARA/SvIpylJZP2sSlFV2H4DX9fR3tzsAusIAQCLcBGAs/s640/Sawyer%2Btate%2Bsnow%2Bweb.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandkids<br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Winter!</span></td></tr>
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Robhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01363436537870048191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-43765411355226003702017-12-24T09:41:00.001-07:002017-12-24T09:41:14.249-07:00Christmas Eve...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Magic of Christmas is not in the presents but...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">in <i>HIS</i> presence.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Aso1NDqe1o/Wj_XywngALI/AAAAAAAANHA/J5ScPS60UmkvzHEUsemHzkM-4WfMIYfngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Aso1NDqe1o/Wj_XywngALI/AAAAAAAANHA/J5ScPS60UmkvzHEUsemHzkM-4WfMIYfngCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-45183033361246210942017-12-20T18:36:00.000-07:002017-12-20T18:36:11.462-07:00Amazing Christmas card...<span style="font-size: large;">"...and He will be called Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace..."Isaiah 9:6b</span><br />
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I enjoy Christmas cards, do you? I got one yesterday from a friend, and it has to be my all time favorite card...favorite as in all the years of my past life, which is getting to be many years. This card is the best one ever. It will probably remain so for the rest of my life. It says it all...what Christ did for us. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYi0JMdhZw4/WjsN3a4rrlI/AAAAAAAANGs/4QfzuZo6qxkoJVE05KcIYhsnpOEKPEG5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1284-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yYi0JMdhZw4/WjsN3a4rrlI/AAAAAAAANGs/4QfzuZo6qxkoJVE05KcIYhsnpOEKPEG5gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1284-2.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFQWrITO6Hw/WjsN3VmEtkI/AAAAAAAANGw/51c7j1OL2vEyc6GLBignl-8TI6s-Yc21QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFQWrITO6Hw/WjsN3VmEtkI/AAAAAAAANGw/51c7j1OL2vEyc6GLBignl-8TI6s-Yc21QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1285.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I was listening to a news report last night, they reported on a survey saying only 29% of people think of Christmas as a "religious" holiday. That broke my heart. Christmas is because of Christ. Our whole calendar is based upon His birth (B.C.) and death. (A.D.) I wonder if they have taken the whole concept of our calendar out of public school now. In this house, we observe CHRISTmas. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!"Joshua 24:15. Be Blessed. Hugs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-64240753560073792922017-12-13T15:56:00.000-07:002017-12-13T15:56:25.619-07:00My cat and Christmas...December 13<span style="font-size: large;">"Cats are like Christmas...they always keep their shine." -unknown</span><br />
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I am not doing very well keeping up with the December Daily, but that doesn't bother me. I do what I can, and I am content with that. I think I have mentioned before, but I cannot take photos like I would like to due to my limited mobility because of my broken ankle. I am somewhat more mobile not so doing a simple photo project around the house is quite a thrill for me. Last year I bought some star lights in the after Christmas sale. I put them away and forgot about them until I was going through one of my drawers in my dining room buffet. I can do a photo shoot using them as a prop. Since my cat spends much of her time lounging around on the bed, chair, or in the sun, she is a prime candidate to wrap in the star lights. She just sits there somewhat curious about what these shining things are. I had some little Christmas tree ornaments as well. She loves to bat around little balls. I thought as long as she remains still, I think I can get some fun photos. And I was right. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJFOAQ7pyfA/WjGuDJnMVPI/AAAAAAAANGI/-eAbUFnUsbEzMtuTkahI98BN02H5haSXwCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_0752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="738" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJFOAQ7pyfA/WjGuDJnMVPI/AAAAAAAANGI/-eAbUFnUsbEzMtuTkahI98BN02H5haSXwCLcBGAs/s640/_MG_0752.jpg" width="472" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Maggie...my awesome cat. She's looking at me like...What now?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGu-Fs6pK14/WjGuDEqjS0I/AAAAAAAANGM/lJjyv06ECygxGyfnWg8eOX5oRXx15VrmACLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_0755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="783" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JGu-Fs6pK14/WjGuDEqjS0I/AAAAAAAANGM/lJjyv06ECygxGyfnWg8eOX5oRXx15VrmACLcBGAs/s640/_MG_0755.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmm...this looks like a pretty nice toy...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-or_xhasNshY/WjGuCp2YUuI/AAAAAAAANGE/opFBhMPTn9YSjGH-S1WiknYQk-nIts91wCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_0759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-or_xhasNshY/WjGuCp2YUuI/AAAAAAAANGE/opFBhMPTn9YSjGH-S1WiknYQk-nIts91wCLcBGAs/s640/_MG_0759.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this star isn't too bad either...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEyPgZ73trU/WjGuDexiQ1I/AAAAAAAANGQ/Rqu0WuxsMDAU4_3TcXIDVGlw4tNeBgTpACLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_0761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="701" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEyPgZ73trU/WjGuDexiQ1I/AAAAAAAANGQ/Rqu0WuxsMDAU4_3TcXIDVGlw4tNeBgTpACLcBGAs/s640/_MG_0761.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I look angelic?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr-wKXDsMuM/WjGuD_oQMUI/AAAAAAAANGU/Q7uaIm_4cnwfgWzZos8Zpsv9yABXEwPlACLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_0762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="771" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr-wKXDsMuM/WjGuD_oQMUI/AAAAAAAANGU/Q7uaIm_4cnwfgWzZos8Zpsv9yABXEwPlACLcBGAs/s640/_MG_0762.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about a profile shot?...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSKncHspCkc/WjGuECtA_JI/AAAAAAAANGY/1Ku7rLqUA1ASTiVDNY-2ssG5x63T4uhoQCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_0763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XSKncHspCkc/WjGuECtA_JI/AAAAAAAANGY/1Ku7rLqUA1ASTiVDNY-2ssG5x63T4uhoQCLcBGAs/s640/_MG_0763.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And an adoration shot?...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGWzh9qQHhc/WjGuESPpb7I/AAAAAAAANGc/ynE09rl0ftwQdP8HG2z4Bg4zsc5XLM0TgCLcBGAs/s1600/_MG_0766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGWzh9qQHhc/WjGuESPpb7I/AAAAAAAANGc/ynE09rl0ftwQdP8HG2z4Bg4zsc5XLM0TgCLcBGAs/s640/_MG_0766.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can we be done now?</td></tr>
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I hope this helped get you more into the Christmas Spirit. Hugs to all. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-37856443265711974762017-12-09T14:04:00.002-07:002017-12-09T14:04:38.982-07:00First Snow...December daily 9<span style="font-size: large;">"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world and wake up in another quite different...and if this is not enchantment, then where is it to be found." -J.B. Priestly</span><br />
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We were warned that is was going to snow...but the weather service said it was only going to be a few inches of snow... They were wrong!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-SgycI6woM/WixKV3EmmAI/AAAAAAAANE4/0haUcWYaZnU77xERAGgauambqKpBjqxewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-SgycI6woM/WixKV3EmmAI/AAAAAAAANE4/0haUcWYaZnU77xERAGgauambqKpBjqxewCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1197.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would be a couple of inches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MffUlHqs2Zs/WixK2TkOt_I/AAAAAAAANFA/IpJZxLN0ze4CXp9OETiTepdHgWSA6km8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1000" height="496" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MffUlHqs2Zs/WixK2TkOt_I/AAAAAAAANFA/IpJZxLN0ze4CXp9OETiTepdHgWSA6km8gCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1198.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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It snowed all day, all night, and 1/2 of the next day. Our couple of inches turned into about 12 inches. I have to say it looked gorgeous when we woke. The blanket of snow was breath-taking. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oztPKcr9ruU/WixLQJZdymI/AAAAAAAANFE/VbH_pzM9e2IzplzWVf7AcS70cRbKFWOUQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oztPKcr9ruU/WixLQJZdymI/AAAAAAAANFE/VbH_pzM9e2IzplzWVf7AcS70cRbKFWOUQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1239.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our magical event...glorious!</td></tr>
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I like snow for a little while...like about 3 hours. Then I want it to melt, completely. That way I don't have to worry about ice on the roads. Or sidewalks. Or slipping.<br />
I was glad when the sun came out...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eznww5HMze8/WixMQIHkR6I/AAAAAAAANFQ/70rlSKzNeL8O8yz52lPIXuKEsY3nmmf3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eznww5HMze8/WixMQIHkR6I/AAAAAAAANFQ/70rlSKzNeL8O8yz52lPIXuKEsY3nmmf3wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1245.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still beautiful.</td></tr>
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But the sun coming out meant shoveling the driveway...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTSjalzOiJ4/WixNQiHINlI/AAAAAAAANFc/ymFpqwnK7bgT1yi-lgzSvAXuaiH3CPhagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fTSjalzOiJ4/WixNQiHINlI/AAAAAAAANFc/ymFpqwnK7bgT1yi-lgzSvAXuaiH3CPhagCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1244.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oh my this is sure a lot of snow, and a big driveway!", sighed Warren.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhHRS3AI5W0/WixNWs8ykAI/AAAAAAAANFg/gwW_LsEbpwsncQHC-k3geG0eJB-INW9kACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhHRS3AI5W0/WixNWs8ykAI/AAAAAAAANFg/gwW_LsEbpwsncQHC-k3geG0eJB-INW9kACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankful for my hubby.</td></tr>
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I did a photo-art piece with the snow scene of our first snow. I wanted it to look very old.<br />
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And a couple selfies to close out the day...</div>
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Hugs...</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-69039336344274505772017-12-05T15:00:00.000-07:002017-12-05T15:00:35.763-07:00December Day 6... throwback Tuesday<span style="font-size: large;">"Everybody has the idea of Santa in their head and in their heart."- Mick Foley</span><br />
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Last year at this time I was with my friends at Disneyworld. Christmas at Disney is magical. All the lights and the Christmas music do wonders to put you in the Christmas spirit. Add these crazy ladies, and it is sure to be a blast. Notice we all have on matching pajamas. <br />
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My friend, Sarah goes to Disneyland every year...three or four times a year. (She's the second from the left in the above photo) She knows where to go, and how to do it so there is no standing in line, just a lot of walking, and fun times.<br />
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We were there when the park opened...<br />
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And we left just before closing each night.</div>
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We got some fun pictures...</div>
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And even saw Santa Claus. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Everything that you want Santa to be, he is." -Mick Foley</td></tr>
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Indeed it is the magical world of Disney. HugsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-81046698876304007022017-12-04T15:13:00.000-07:002017-12-04T15:13:10.491-07:00December day 4...Peace<span style="font-size: large;">"Sleep in heavenly peace." -Silent Night by Father Joseph Mohr</span><br />
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"And He will be called...Prince of peace. Of the increase of His government, and peace there will be no end." Isaiah 9: 16-17<br />
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"Let the peace of God rule in your hearts..." Colossians 3:15<br />
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The key to peace is authority...letting Christ be your authority. When we allow the Prince of peace to govern our lives, peace either immediately or ultimately results. We cannot have the Peace <i>OF</i> God until we have peace <i>WITH</i> God. We have peace with God when we surrender ourselves totally and completely to Him. Christ is LIFE. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">precious angel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet dreams</td></tr>
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Sleep is what my cat does best. Loved the way the light shone on her that day.<br />
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Hugs...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-91917937032701460282017-12-02T18:21:00.001-07:002017-12-02T18:21:51.645-07:00Lovely Remnants of Fall... December Day 2<span style="font-size: large;">"In autumn, don't go to the jewelers to see gold, go to the parks." -Mehmet Murat Ildan</span><br />
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If journaling or story telling is something you enjoy, check out the <a href="https://aliedwards.com/projects/december-daily">December Daily</a> project by Ali Edwards. "<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">December Daily<span style="border: 0px; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; top: -0.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">®</span></span><span style="background-color: #f6f4f1; font-size: 18px;"> </span></i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><i>is a December mini-album project that documents the 25 days leading up to Christmas. The simple goal is to capture the spirit of December via one story per day</i>."</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Ali Edwards)</span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span>I don't make a physical album, but I do like to take a daily picture to capture the time leading up to Christmas. It helps to get me into the Christmas spirit. It helps me notice the blessings I may have glanced over. It helps me get my creative juices flowing. It is a challenge to me. Today was an absolutely gorgeous day, so I went to soak up some rays from the sun on my front porch. I couldn't help but take photos of the beautiful colors that were all around me. Since I cannot carry my big camera, I took these with my iPhone. Look at all the amazing colors...</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing oranges. This is my sedum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of red and green in keeping with Christmas colors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cannot remember the name of this plant. These berries are very tiny.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lonely leaf. I liked the little berries on it. </td></tr>
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Hugs to all!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-90540049543070224942017-12-01T16:03:00.000-07:002017-12-01T16:03:07.881-07:00It's December...Already!!!!<span style="font-size: large;">"True love is a reflection of the Savior's love. In December of each year, we call it the Christmas spirit. You can hear it. You can see it. You can feel it!" -Thomas S. Monson</span><br />
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I am very happy the president has announced we are saying "Merry Christmas" again instead of happy holidays. With the dawning of December, comes the thrill of Christmas...Christ coming to earth and dwelling among us. I would like to get out all my Christmas stuff, but with my limited ability to move because of my ankle fracture, I will find joy in the Christmas spirit that surrounds me. I did get out some of Christmasy things for my dining room table.<br />
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I liked this napkin folded like a Christmas tree. I found the directions to this very cute, and easy tree on the <a href="https://www.pier1.com/christmas-tree-napkin-fold">Pier1</a> website.<br />
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Christmas is in the air...</div>
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Anticipation is in the air...Hugs and Blessings to all.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-62548623416333601542017-11-30T15:14:00.003-07:002017-11-30T15:14:58.022-07:00Alphabet, letters, words...and my cat...F<span style="font-size: large;">"Action, looks, words, steps form the alphabet by which you may spell character." -Johann Kaspar Lavater</span><br />
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One gorgeous day in the middle of November, my husband came in the house excited about a picture he had just taken. It was of a monarch butterfly on one of our cone flowers. It was a great shot with all the intricate details of the butterfly wings. It was like a stain-glass object had melded into the prickly seeds of the cone flower. Stunning would be another great adjective to describe what he was showing me. Monarchs make their yearly migration through our area. Before I broke my ankle, I spent a day on the Blue Ridge Parkway trying to find the fields of these butterflies as they are migrating through...but to no avail. So when my husband showed me this, I was happy to see it, but sad I could not go out to capture my own photo.<br />
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One of the hardest things about the fact that I cannot do much of anything but sit while my ankle heals is that I cannot go out to take photos. I see the beauty of my surroundings and I want to capture it in camera, but I can't. Our <a href="http://www.cameraclubofhendersonville.com/">camera club</a> usually has some monthly theme to help us hone and challenge our photography skills. For the month of November the theme was alphabet. For some reason, (probably because I have white hair) I translated alphabet to mean letters. So I had it in my mind that the theme was letters. We can submit up to 3 photos. I had already taken one photo of a some letters in a bin. I decided that I was going to take 2 more photos for the November challenge so I could have my three. Believe me, being on crutches, not being able to weight-bear on my leg, and trying to hold a camera is really a huge challenge. I had my husband gather up my props, and I worked...working as in sweating kind of work...to get these photos. And I was wasted tired when I finished. But I was happy. I present my finished photos.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlSdUvdt0PM/WiB6TrbtHXI/AAAAAAAANCI/AvOLPAsR1Uc0q5MJ2JNbTL99brsnj1cOgCLcBGAs/s1600/RobMcKelvy_A_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vlSdUvdt0PM/WiB6TrbtHXI/AAAAAAAANCI/AvOLPAsR1Uc0q5MJ2JNbTL99brsnj1cOgCLcBGAs/s640/RobMcKelvy_A_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">F.S. are the initials to my dad, and grandfather's first and middle name: Fred Stephenson. I was so excited when these two letters, by chance, were on top in a bin of letters. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVCtAKj7EiM/WiB6S7efCdI/AAAAAAAANCA/aRMBBKZl0SsvZ0e4GinyYQ0TDhf6XjzRQCLcBGAs/s1600/RobMcKelvy_A_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="1400" height="374" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVCtAKj7EiM/WiB6S7efCdI/AAAAAAAANCA/aRMBBKZl0SsvZ0e4GinyYQ0TDhf6XjzRQCLcBGAs/s640/RobMcKelvy_A_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, I did this photo because I got it in my mind that the theme was letters, when in fact, the theme was alphabet. Oh well, its a nice picture anyway. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6M5nYWMLZU/WiB6TENscyI/AAAAAAAANCE/4T-gOFgH7OAzAjsFoClZ-_MSuZsOYhfsgCLcBGAs/s1600/RobMcKelvy_A_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1400" height="474" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6M5nYWMLZU/WiB6TENscyI/AAAAAAAANCE/4T-gOFgH7OAzAjsFoClZ-_MSuZsOYhfsgCLcBGAs/s640/RobMcKelvy_A_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandkids magnetic letters. Don't they look wonderful! </td></tr>
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Unfortunately, my photos were not presented at our monthly meeting. Somehow, they got misplaced. That's okay...I will show them here, and I was assured the photos would make it into one of the monthly slideshows. Sometime. <br />
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While I was taking my photos, my cat was close by...checking out what I was doing, and checking out things outside. I love the fact that she's always close by. She's as faithful as any dog.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3zu9sQxFVk/WiB7IKApLII/AAAAAAAANCQ/VuylGSAx54we-cVBhVhY2aqPgsIqT4_oACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3zu9sQxFVk/WiB7IKApLII/AAAAAAAANCQ/VuylGSAx54we-cVBhVhY2aqPgsIqT4_oACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1283.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted the pictures taken in the afternoon light. My cat always scouts out the best light.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xr6aUvUiOyo/WiB7ITomVcI/AAAAAAAANCY/-coRFITE9R8vMBiuOJPnaODN9lyqIqn2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="939" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xr6aUvUiOyo/WiB7ITomVcI/AAAAAAAANCY/-coRFITE9R8vMBiuOJPnaODN9lyqIqn2QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1295.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RkYp2449l2s/WiB7IZIZG5I/AAAAAAAANCU/3tueAgQAtsAH_lI58M38QMMs-iVImzqqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="520" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RkYp2449l2s/WiB7IZIZG5I/AAAAAAAANCU/3tueAgQAtsAH_lI58M38QMMs-iVImzqqgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1296.jpg" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting...</td></tr>
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It was good to take pictures again, even if it was somewhat of a challenge. Hugs and blessings to all.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499572523554738051.post-83837248860179440092017-11-23T10:56:00.003-07:002017-11-23T10:56:34.989-07:00Happy Thanksgiving...<span style="font-size: large;">"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who. nevertheless, set aside a day of Thanksgiving." -</span>H. U. Westermayer<div>
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Thankful for so many things today...my God, my life, my country, my family, my friends...and these are but a few. Happy Thanksgiving to all. </div>
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<br />Blessings to everyone.</div>
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