tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10295240616401516802024-02-19T06:57:06.754-08:00Hotdish & Hallelujahs:This is how we roll.Jimusikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09877787913422483904noreply@blogger.comBlogger240125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-40498748820191064972014-07-16T18:48:00.000-07:002015-01-27T12:08:24.765-08:00CSSA Class of 2004 ReunionTen years ago, we did this:<br />
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So it seemed like a good time to have a little "check-in" with the cohort. Those who could gathered in Corvallis last week for a little reunion. It was great because there was no group work and no Think Cards! We gathered updates from as many cohort-mates as possible, and they are consolidated here.<br />
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<b>Jennifer (Schiefelbein) Wellborn</b><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Since graduation, I've lived in Tucson, Arizona where we get 300 days of sun. I initially worked for University of Arizona as an undecided academic advisor (like UESP at OSU). Then for over 6 1/2 years I worked for my alma mater, Northern Arizona University, as a Program Coordinator for their Tucson Campus in their Extended Campuses division, which has nearly 40 campuses throughout the state of Arizona in both urban and rural areas. I worked primarily with the teacher education programs and did outreach to our community college partner since NAU offered only junior/senior-level and graduate-level coursework. I grew the teacher preparation programs by 400% in 2 years and provided academic advising to all students enrolled in these programs as well as prospective students. I loved that job but opportunities to move up were not available so I had to move on.</i><br />
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<i>About 3 years ago, I left NAU to take a position at Pima Community College, which is one of the largest multi-campus community college districts in the nation (still in Tucson, AZ). I served as Assistant Registrar for Veterans Benefits and Graduation Coordinator. I oversaw the graduation processing for the College, as well as the administration of Veterans benefits for 1300-1400 veterans each semester. HOwever, I missed daily interaction with students so...</i></div>
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<i>Just over a year ago, I took a slight position decrease and pay cut to internally transfer to the position of Student Life Coordinator at one of the campuses and I love it! I advise the Student Government, I plan student activities and cultural events. I get to teach leadership workshops and classes, and take students to leadership conferences. I recently transferred again to a different campus and my immediate supervisor is encouraging and supportive yet challenging. She is gently trying to push me into getting my Doctorate... someday.</i></div>
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<i>On the personal front, just a few weeks after graduation, Dan and I got married in Flagstaff, Arizona where we went to college. In just under 2 weeks, we celebrate our 10th anniversary! Crazy, I know! I included a picture of us at Disneyland from a couple years ago where he is actually smiling even though it was crowded and hot. Several years ago, I took up marathon running. No, I was never a runner before, in fact my first race ever was the 2006 Tucson Marathon. I have run about 10 marathons and a little over a dozen half marathons. Last spring, I did a 202 mile 12-person relay, which was fun/crazy/smelly/tiring/when-<wbr></wbr>are-we-doing-it-again. I haven't been running much lately, running during the summer months in Arizona is hard, the only sane time to do it is <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1322744391" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5am</span></span>.</i></div>
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<i>I wish I could be there with all of you today!!! I had planned for months to be there but life got in the way and prevented me from being there :-(</i></div>
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<i><br /></i><b>Ali (Fanjoy) Edington</b></div>
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<b>Melinda Brown</b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.940000534057617px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After working in higher ed for 13 years, I decided to make a move for myself and not a job. So, in 2011, my canine boys and I packed up our house in Virginia and headed out on a 3-month cross-country trip to find a dog-friendly, service-oriented community. I found our perfect fit in Fort Collins, Colorado - we love the sunshine and lack of humidity, especially! We are approaching three years, and I have a great job working in the non-profit sector for Alzheimer's Association doing fundraising and event-planning across Northern Colorado. I get to meet with donors and plan wonderful events in support of a cause that is near to my heart. I think fondly of my days working in education, but also love the emotional rewards in my new role. I have also been able to engage in several volunteer roles in my new community; joining the Board of Directors for a local animal shelter, steering committee member for a leadership course through our local Chamber, and an active member for Junior League. Hope you all are just as happy as Cole, Spencer and I! </span><span class="emoticon emoticon_smile" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yf/r/vgEDZOkFYM2.png); background-position: -119px -866px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #333333; display: inline-block; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; height: 16px; line-height: 17.940000534057617px; vertical-align: top; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 16px;" title=":)"></span></i></div>
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<b>Jill (Gutzler) Taylor</b></div>
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<i>After graduation, I worked at OSU as a study abroad advisor for 2.5 years. It was fun to be in Corvallis and not have to study. I loved Corvallis even more. </i></div>
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<i>Mark and I decided to finally be in the same city so we both moved to Anchorage. I worked at the University of Alaska Anchorage for 7 years doing academic advising, advising Greek Life and student organizations, and finally Student Activities which I loved. After our second daughter was born, I decided I wanted to work less. So last year we moved to Skagway, in SE Alaska. Mark is the superintendent of the railroad there and I play with the girls. We spend the summers there, so last winter we house sat in Portland and got to take a lot of fun vacations. Once our oldest daughter Lily is in school we will need a new plan, but for now it's fun. I miss working in higher ed and once the girls are in school I hope to return. I hope one of you will want to hire me some day. </i></div>
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<b>Tracy (Glumich) Hovland</b></div>
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<i>Hi, everyone! Sorry I'm missing the first official CSSA check in since 2004. I'm doing well living in Minnetonka, Minnesota with my five-year-old daughter, Ava, and my husband. We are currently getting ready to add a fourth family member -- a dog -- this summer. I'm not working right now but I am enjoying spending time at home with my daughter. If we haven't already, please connect with me on Facebook. I'd love to see how you are doing. Miss you all!</i></div>
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<span class="null"><i>I am disappointed that I cannot make it out. Plane flight was a little pricey for Katie and I at this point - just bought our first house and are doing everything we can to get our savings account back in good shape!</i></span></div>
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<span class="null"><i>Update - got married (finally) back in September. Started working at Georgetown in April of last year, scary how fast a year went, scarier how fast 10 went!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Nikki Olson</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">From Nicole: Nikki's update to me was something along the lines of "will you please tell everybody what I'm up to?" Sounds like a busy mom of three!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">After graduation Nikki stayed in Corvallis and met her husband, Henry. Nikki took a job in Recreational Sports at Univeristy of Minnesota-Duluth (her alma mater) and they moved to Minnesota. Their son, Oscar, is about 3. Their twins, Rosemary & Eleanor, are about 8 months old. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Glen Miller</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Debi Stabler</b></span></div>
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<b>Wende (Feller) Fischer</b></div>
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<b>Maren Oates</b></div>
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<b>Nicole Kent</b></div>
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Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-59046688216287623342013-09-02T22:24:00.002-07:002013-09-02T22:49:43.239-07:00Buddy Modifications<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a bit of a drama with the scooter lately. I thought I'd post my stupidity and lessons learned with the hope someone else out there might not make the same mistakes.<br />
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<b>Details: </b>2009 Genuine Buddy Scooter 125<br />
<b>Modifications: </b><br />
<ul>
<li>NCY No Rev CDI (no RPM limiter which gives me about 2-3 MPH more on the top end then stock)</li>
<li>Deadlight replacement with 3watt LED's</li>
<li>Electronic flasher relay ELFR-1 (so I can run LED's in the turn signals)</li>
<li>Replacement amber LED's for the turn signals</li>
<li>Red LED strips from Autozone installed under the tank for more visibility</li>
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<b>The Story:</b></div>
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I initially read about the now defunct <a href="http://voodooscooterparts.com/">http://voodooscooterparts.com/</a> and their bob combo conversion. I liked the idea of using the dead lights up front but wanted more than amber turn signals. I found some people who had put white lights up front and stole some of their suggestions. </div>
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Superbright LED's has <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1156 LED Bulb - Single Intensity 1 x 3 Watt High Power LED w/ Reflector Lens that fit perfectly in the dead light location. I ordered two and installed them with some junk wire and quick splice adapters. I found the positive wire running to the turn signal that is activated with the key and crimped on with a quick splice. It's amazing what damage a little knowledge can do.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Of course I killed the battery by leaving my keys in the ignition in the garage right away. That foolish choice was only the start. Everything seemed to work just fine for over a thousand miles. Around </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">the time I was about 800 miles past the second oil change, I took the scoot for a run to Eugene and </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">back. The next day the scooter wouldn't start. Assuming it was just time to replace the plug or maybe the fuel filter, I took it in for maintenance. I was right about the oil change, plug, fuel filter, battery...sigh. It still wouldn't go more than a block from the mechanics. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Turns out my crappy quick splicers and the low grade wire were shorting out the whole system. Only took my mechanic at </span><a href="http://www.albanypowersports.com/">http://www.albanypowersports.com/</a> a couple hours to shock himself and yank my crappy wiring out.<br />
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<b>Lesson</b>: Use the right gauge wiring with good insulation. Don't use the quick splice adapters to tap into a secondary power source. Sure it might work but these scooters are pretty sensitive. One short and you'll lose power to the plug which will flood the engine and cause it to backfire (or die). <br />
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Now everything is 14 gauge, all splices are soldered and heat shrunk. I've used connectors at all key points so I can disconnect the whole thing as needed. It's run through a switch hidden just inside the storage compartment. Power is directly from the battery (for now) with a 3 amp fuse on the whole thing.<br />
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In the end I think it worked out. Much higher visibility at night from the front and the rear. Might add a racing stripe out of retroreflective tape next. Then on to messing with weights and maybe add a 161cc conversion kit. :)<br />
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BTW - My friend and I took both scooters on that Eugene trip. I drove Nicole's red buddy and rolled over 1000 on the odometer. The black one's got over 4000 now. Wonder who rides more?<br />
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Happy Scooting!</div>
Jimusikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09877787913422483904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-66027331832759113562013-02-11T20:48:00.000-08:002013-02-11T20:48:14.646-08:00XOXO Valentine's Cupcakes As usual, I found inspiration on Pinterest this week. Check out these cute <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/179510735118758079/">XOXO cupcakes</a>!<br />
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I was racing to prepare donations for the youth group's Valentine Dessert Auction, and decided these would be quick and easy. I even took a short-cut by ditching the piping bag and opting for frosting in a can. <br />
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I think the frosting would have looked a little nicer if I hadn't taken the shortcut, but not bad for a quick treat!</div>
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<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-78685599805860585312013-02-11T20:31:00.002-08:002013-02-11T20:38:52.160-08:00Oreo Truffle Pops for Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was enlisted to help a friend make truffle pops for a wedding shower. When I figured out that they were easy, cute AND delicious I decided I'd better find a reason to make another batch. Thank goodness the youth group needed donations for their Valentine Dessert Auction! You might need this "fancy" trick up your sleeve, too.<br />
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<b>To make truffle pops, you'll need:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>One regular size bag of Oreos</li>
<li>8 oz package of cream cheese, softened</li>
<li>One bag of chocolate chips</li>
<li>Sprinkles</li>
<li>Cake pop sticks (from Michael's)</li>
<li>Clear treat sacks (from Michael's)</li>
<li>Cupcake papers</li>
<li>Decorative wire garland or ribbon</li>
</ul>
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1. Place cream cheese and all the Oreos in a food processor. Pulse until combined and lump free.</div>
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2. Shape dough into balls about 1 1/2" in diameter. Place truffles on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Insert a stick into the top of each truffle. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes. </div>
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3. Using a double-boiler (or your microwave), melt the chocolate chips to a consistency that will be good for dipping. Dip each truffle into the chocolate until uniformly covered. </div>
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4. Shake on some sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet. Return truffle to the baking sheet. When all the truffles have been dipped, refrigerate for another 15-20 minutes.<br />
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5. Slip a cupcake liner into the bottom of a treat sack. Add your truffle pop (stick side up) and secure with a piece of wire garland. You can twist the ends of your garland around a pencil if you want them to have some curl.<br />
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Happy <strike>Valentine's </strike>Truffle Pop Day!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-72488242412007316092012-12-19T19:19:00.001-08:002012-12-19T21:26:18.149-08:002012 Holiday Greetings!<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">We're looking back at a very pleasant, low-key 2012!</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">In January...</span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Jim went to San Francisco to work at the MacWorld conference. All his tech-gadget itches were scratched.</li>
<li>Nicole opened a new learning center for Engineering students at OSU. It continues to be a big focus of her work.</li>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">In February...</span></div>
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<li>Mom & Fred came to visit. Since our birthdays are three weeks apart, we shared a party.</li>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPsjTkecPAi8oCY5ZSV_eI8caFF9qJBzcsQu2vvcWNiSQQNZcZUtzkxaxN8vFLFe1AUTjM10wkfFPp9ECpev5zS7a2mh29fJULNc04BKDtrfRbhlbc8HxLwOBtviAWrjke_cuFdxhN9rr/s1600/DSCN0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPsjTkecPAi8oCY5ZSV_eI8caFF9qJBzcsQu2vvcWNiSQQNZcZUtzkxaxN8vFLFe1AUTjM10wkfFPp9ECpev5zS7a2mh29fJULNc04BKDtrfRbhlbc8HxLwOBtviAWrjke_cuFdxhN9rr/s320/DSCN0269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating a combined 98 years! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In March...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Jim and <a href="http://www.dailybarometer.com/news/glee-choir-members-diversify-experiences-merge-interests-1.2913004#.UNIYweRhT6U">OSU Glee</a> hosted their first "Sing Off" concert. They collaborated with OSU's a ccappella groups to rock our socks.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoIqU5e56F77bp8KbwpJdAKv1IVbKPvjl6GwA6N5Nle0Ahk_I3q6-XPcVuBcrL1aMqK9fP-veSP_sxUm5wY7DnJBtyyoaZhijFfO_5WOANwC0OAPuffIB4YXF-vH-zusGJkocsCLvtGiW/s1600/298601_10150279650153590_1927704350_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoIqU5e56F77bp8KbwpJdAKv1IVbKPvjl6GwA6N5Nle0Ahk_I3q6-XPcVuBcrL1aMqK9fP-veSP_sxUm5wY7DnJBtyyoaZhijFfO_5WOANwC0OAPuffIB4YXF-vH-zusGJkocsCLvtGiW/s320/298601_10150279650153590_1927704350_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OSU Glee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In April...</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>We got to hear <a href="http://www.chanticleer.org/">Chanticleer</a> in Portland</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In May...</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Nicole got to go to Anchorage on a work trip and snuck in a quick visit with <a href="http://chippertree.blogspot.com/">the Taylors</a>.</li>
<li>We were "drafted" to the Methodist Marmots softball team. Nobody can tell us where the team name came from, but we won a few games and had a lot of fun!</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluvmTUTQCwgNbc3zH_wqs3Jc3impOophWXRv9qulgiKcWk1-myYdpEyuQQwlSoB5gZDYWjhQg07avu5x7yrd2BugyusHLKCBcv6pV5EnWObThWUFpoVYDxZHJTNSf0fW9F-a4ph-RD5e-/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluvmTUTQCwgNbc3zH_wqs3Jc3impOophWXRv9qulgiKcWk1-myYdpEyuQQwlSoB5gZDYWjhQg07avu5x7yrd2BugyusHLKCBcv6pV5EnWObThWUFpoVYDxZHJTNSf0fW9F-a4ph-RD5e-/s320/IMG_0444.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did some landscaping...and discovered a convenient way to transport trees.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In June...</span><br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmTL0ZsrkyXoPoOhx6NTR_NqBbSCjQWp1C3QfOWbohQuweHSjFCRkRrSuwarcoT_93fnh-18n2g-YOCTgpE0z2Ej1ixxA7BFd9p0lyNK-N7ijok4NKHROqa0JGxOaN_zxNYGnpCvrc7f4/s1600/rent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><ul>
<li>We got a visit from <a href="http://itsaredredworld.blogspot.com/">Erin & Aiden</a></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hdZ-V1UmxvyOvHhQfEo4_gWGyCuS7LTo0QhVG4O8MkU_jN6c2MxtjzPLZBKdcvCPgv_eKWa01Kazw8C7WGRvzZAGJXlJ2skTq7CegBAK5uQrh_DpnRDYoGVPr7LIKTz5cQDALsi1fRFD/s1600/IMG_0482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hdZ-V1UmxvyOvHhQfEo4_gWGyCuS7LTo0QhVG4O8MkU_jN6c2MxtjzPLZBKdcvCPgv_eKWa01Kazw8C7WGRvzZAGJXlJ2skTq7CegBAK5uQrh_DpnRDYoGVPr7LIKTz5cQDALsi1fRFD/s320/IMG_0482.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Jim & Eloise snuck in a little beach time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqTBK9wgN6BCi3erzMo_qc-xLnn8QNR9b1M6nfRJYfWsN9wCiPb6v2NgqmUbZGdrhm-IXjqrz2vFdAQWcmCQ7fVRois0TsK6qiszr45sH-mwMK58GUkQLQmWlgF1E-IAv0paZzG-AlaGD/s1600/DSCN0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqTBK9wgN6BCi3erzMo_qc-xLnn8QNR9b1M6nfRJYfWsN9wCiPb6v2NgqmUbZGdrhm-IXjqrz2vFdAQWcmCQ7fVRois0TsK6qiszr45sH-mwMK58GUkQLQmWlgF1E-IAv0paZzG-AlaGD/s320/DSCN0426.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom & I met up with Brenda in Seattle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In July...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0AyKmMz_r2jgRrrjo2RYpfPnJxxMRcBiFvEcFP32ttTg9i6QIas7RbFosKMo2TK-QxoEKd7ygsVGFpnOTQZwfzT1hVjqWVesTzEhpah8WZDCERiw-aYBvD0mNGInRNN0c_TU_Qb0Z_PD/s1600/IMG_1863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0AyKmMz_r2jgRrrjo2RYpfPnJxxMRcBiFvEcFP32ttTg9i6QIas7RbFosKMo2TK-QxoEKd7ygsVGFpnOTQZwfzT1hVjqWVesTzEhpah8WZDCERiw-aYBvD0mNGInRNN0c_TU_Qb0Z_PD/s320/IMG_1863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jim chaperoned the youth group mission trip to Juneau. They built a community garden and celebrated the 4th of July Alaska-style.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In August...</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipitrCkratRp3K812H1AXSruhi60Evmy0bcb6PjL9stHo2WfQJBxqsZrbUVNBTMM-4O-Gbl0JCVt7dsl4RGFpzShJBpe6MuEG0UgWNL1p7X9UocIHI15a8wCe3y4c4kNDRyGg6fEoRw6v_/s1600/DSCN0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipitrCkratRp3K812H1AXSruhi60Evmy0bcb6PjL9stHo2WfQJBxqsZrbUVNBTMM-4O-Gbl0JCVt7dsl4RGFpzShJBpe6MuEG0UgWNL1p7X9UocIHI15a8wCe3y4c4kNDRyGg6fEoRw6v_/s320/DSCN0448.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We spent a week in Montana. Sunsets at Mom & Fred's are the best!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJPlujL19-PJ-hQAuR_V13BdxqLtZt0sn_R2AH5TeMyjF65wXBxE_giJ5ig56gZKbiuuKAkeeixkCKKT5LFUW59HTvrNR5WRiBx7LJtfCCVvXvEqVbIeG7lh71lmCr0fl9mx-r8RHxuXj/s1600/pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJPlujL19-PJ-hQAuR_V13BdxqLtZt0sn_R2AH5TeMyjF65wXBxE_giJ5ig56gZKbiuuKAkeeixkCKKT5LFUW59HTvrNR5WRiBx7LJtfCCVvXvEqVbIeG7lh71lmCr0fl9mx-r8RHxuXj/s320/pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole's grad school pals had a super fun Corvallis reunion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In September...</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Our sister-in-law Treena visited for Labor Day weekend. We shopped till we dropped!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hKnr8T28Hkf3Ep_tF6YzVnaxdXjl5Wy2JCDWcigFrmo7pzKCW7xcyPHvVw5wnBK_ADvVN3gM5UeWlbh12vQcCXkY8ZCOPQL_WqxcULGVtlhUlsICTewPBZgAhte4NXXwQ_FO4nRBYTk7/s1600/IMG_0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hKnr8T28Hkf3Ep_tF6YzVnaxdXjl5Wy2JCDWcigFrmo7pzKCW7xcyPHvVw5wnBK_ADvVN3gM5UeWlbh12vQcCXkY8ZCOPQL_WqxcULGVtlhUlsICTewPBZgAhte4NXXwQ_FO4nRBYTk7/s320/IMG_0405.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got the dog dirty. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In October...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYLcLRSG8tVXiZFBWP5F7rgvLuaJ8HsYZvtui1eTATWLbobZ0RWakQAQvUBaKLbYE0JDYYhMsWTEJ-XV-9gmka42MazVkRMuxwLokjseLze-TtdnpyeeARF7fsbtya9jPEI69SToN-WfR/s1600/DSCN0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYLcLRSG8tVXiZFBWP5F7rgvLuaJ8HsYZvtui1eTATWLbobZ0RWakQAQvUBaKLbYE0JDYYhMsWTEJ-XV-9gmka42MazVkRMuxwLokjseLze-TtdnpyeeARF7fsbtya9jPEI69SToN-WfR/s320/DSCN0523.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole traveled to Nashville for a conference and saw the Grand Ole Opry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In November...</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBnMB0yi40833krL02xb8bCBnMko5mlkffJv_kfmxeMYWXxlKRQuY_l-BHVpVsXTHq3WrsX5H097ieXbdNsKl5eYSCi0nZzmUYbMFCk7oLFbOie6CilXeR-cUYEIPxa3_1H4YXNMUs36j/s1600/136090_10151158412809543_1279312345_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBnMB0yi40833krL02xb8bCBnMko5mlkffJv_kfmxeMYWXxlKRQuY_l-BHVpVsXTHq3WrsX5H097ieXbdNsKl5eYSCi0nZzmUYbMFCk7oLFbOie6CilXeR-cUYEIPxa3_1H4YXNMUs36j/s320/136090_10151158412809543_1279312345_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim & Nicole reunited with old friends for a Willamette Choir Reunion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmTL0ZsrkyXoPoOhx6NTR_NqBbSCjQWp1C3QfOWbohQuweHSjFCRkRrSuwarcoT_93fnh-18n2g-YOCTgpE0z2Ej1ixxA7BFd9p0lyNK-N7ijok4NKHROqa0JGxOaN_zxNYGnpCvrc7f4/s1600/rent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmTL0ZsrkyXoPoOhx6NTR_NqBbSCjQWp1C3QfOWbohQuweHSjFCRkRrSuwarcoT_93fnh-18n2g-YOCTgpE0z2Ej1ixxA7BFd9p0lyNK-N7ijok4NKHROqa0JGxOaN_zxNYGnpCvrc7f4/s320/rent2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim served as Music Director and Band Leader for a production of RENT. <br />(See the back of his head under the platform?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">In December...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>We spent a few days in Phoenix enjoying 80-degree weather with <a href="http://itsaredredworld.blogspot.com/">Erin & Aiden</a>.</li>
<li>Jim hung enough Christmas lights to ensure that our house can be seen from space.</li>
</ul>
<div>
As always, we are reminded of the many blessings of this life, and are so grateful for the family and friends we share it with! We wish you the happiest of holidays and a joy-filled new year!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jim, Nicole & Sugar</span></i></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-91948910283162807052012-06-15T10:36:00.002-07:002012-12-19T21:24:55.821-08:00The WaveI can remember vividly the interior of my uncles tow truck. The dingy saddle blanket seat cover embedded with dirt and cigaret smoke. The quarter inch of dust and smoke layered on the dash, CB and miscellaneous paperwork that wouldn't get touched for months. I can still remember getting woken up at 5am by my uncles low cool voice and slow demeanor. A mixing bowl of Frosted Flakes in my lap as I tried desperately to keep up with him at breakfast. <br />
<br />
The cab of the truck afforded a great view of the north-east tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Most of it was viewed with my head out the window gasping for air as my uncle filled the cab with cigarette smoke regularly. <br />
<br />
"You smoke yet?" he'd ask every summer when I came to visit. It was almost ritual.<br />
"Nope," I'd reply.<br />
"Good, don't start, it's a nasty habit." Of course his way with words is hard to recreate in type. The low voice and almost kung-fu like pace of speaking somehow put extra weight on things. The irony of him telling me not to smoke as he habitually tapped the pack of cigarettes on the steering wheel and lit another wasn't lost on me, even in my teens. He should have died of emphysema, not 25 bullets.<br />
<br />
Conversations with my uncle were usually short, sweet and to the point. Much of them fundamental in driving or a great life lesson. It's amazing how much you learn from a person who doesn't say much. The company he kept always intrigued me with its wide variety of characters from all walks of life. He was a man's man but the way he looked out for those around him showed deep compassion. He seemed to always have an eye out for the future, how his actions now might best affect the world around him later. <br />
<br />
My head's out the window, it's mid-afternoon and we're passing Jefferson County International Airport. As a 15 year old kid I'm watching everything, soaking it all in. I notice my uncles hand raise up off the steering wheel in an almost obligatory wave. The truck going the other direction returns the sign. <br />
<br />
"He must know that guy," I thought to myself. A few more cars pass and another pickup truck passes, the hand goes up but this time...no response. <br />
<br />
Odd, he's only waving at specific people but not all of them return the wave. I keep silent and start to monitor this pattern, wondering if I can build the courage to ask about it. I start to figure it out. He waves when it's a truck but not at cars or vans. But then, just as I think I've got it, a couple Harley Davidsons pass and he waves. Amazingly enough, they return the sign. <br />
<br />
Now I've gotta know. What's with this wave thing. I finally muster up the courage to ask late in the afternoon. <br />
<br />
"Why do you wave at oncoming trucks?"<br />
"I want them to notice the tow truck so I wave," he replies.<br />
"But you only wave at certain vehicles?"<br />
"Most of our customers are local and drive pick-up trucks, plus now that we can tow motorcycles, I wave at bikes too."<br />
<br />
How often do you see people waving from the drivers seat? The friendly gesture intrigued me but disappeared from my memory as life barreled forward. It was a genius way to drum up a report with the locals and caught potential customers off guard when they received a friendly gesture. <br />
<br />
Half a lifetime later I found myself waving just like my uncle used to, but for different reasons. Now I own a Jeep Rubicon and a Scooter. Both vehicles build a population of drivers who wave at one another when you pass. It's not about building a customer base but encouraging a community. The obligatory wave is a recognition of another human in a similar situation. You might not know them, you might never actually see them again but the wave does something to the soul. It's hard to be emotional distressed when your riding around with the top off and another Jeeper waves at you. It's a gentle reminder how good life is and that there are people out there always willing to wave back. <br />
<br />
I don't think I got into riding motorcycles or jeeps just to wave at other people but the ever constant reminder of my uncle every time I gesture at a passing rig is a welcomed God-wink. I'd like to believe that action is paying it forward just a little bit. Heaven forbid we reach-out to others, even when it's just a simple wave. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.jeep4ever.ca/images/jeep_wave/jeep_wave_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://www.jeep4ever.ca/images/jeep_wave/jeep_wave_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jimusikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09877787913422483904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-58710066859255011912012-05-03T07:46:00.003-07:002012-05-03T07:46:42.566-07:00DIY Tablecloth<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A nice dining room set is currently on our wish list. In the meantime, we get along just fine by covering up our sad old table with a nice tablecloth. I went out and bought a formal white tablecloth and a festive tablecloth for the holidays, but was wanting something more casual for everyday. Not seeing anything that fit my criteria (1. must love it, 2. must be able to afford it) I was biding my time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then I stumbled onto this <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/179510735117201543/">Tablecloth Tutorial</a> on Pinterest: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiw1K7Ju4XEcNXeLxrRJL9fKXTB96XL4DIQYIpq4FCdfqu5snJcnH8ZP1gHqI4oixOvaA-wBACW9Npz2kG_shKmoIj9JLONTbwGun4G19cX8lpm5n3kLBXuIAcmFHegmU1hZ7gNpowI_d/s1600/tablecloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiw1K7Ju4XEcNXeLxrRJL9fKXTB96XL4DIQYIpq4FCdfqu5snJcnH8ZP1gHqI4oixOvaA-wBACW9Npz2kG_shKmoIj9JLONTbwGun4G19cX8lpm5n3kLBXuIAcmFHegmU1hZ7gNpowI_d/s1600/tablecloth.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Photo & Tutorial from <a href="http://hamburgerpanda.onsugar.com/How-Make-tablecloth-2882811">Hamburger Panda</a></td></tr>
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Duh! I own a sewing machine. I can sew straight lines with it. Therefore, I can make my own tablecloth.</div>
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About a week later we were helping Jim's family with an estate sale at his Aunt Judy's home. Judy was an avid seamstress and had an enviable stash of fabric. Low and behold...there it was...perfect tablecloth fabric for $1 a yard! </div>
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I like it when Pinterest teams up with the Universe to send me important messages. <i>Make your own tablecloth, Nicole. Seriously!</i></div>
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When my mom came to visit in February I felt confident that I had the back-up necessary to fire up the ole Singer. In one afternoon (which was more measuring and ironing than actual sewing) I was able to whomp up our new tablecloth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgUJltekAnPIMZK05oAyUpmiVrzUP4jA-uiIW-RnCny1rh6ZkH62PPIGhwxG-vL8nqYZ58DRF6PJ5XwZIFStXThASyTG5nvZjVy9zI4JzC_Vg3f5xzR2nQWvJNTFFT0ZNlMVBGRnYTJf7/s1600/DSCN0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgUJltekAnPIMZK05oAyUpmiVrzUP4jA-uiIW-RnCny1rh6ZkH62PPIGhwxG-vL8nqYZ58DRF6PJ5XwZIFStXThASyTG5nvZjVy9zI4JzC_Vg3f5xzR2nQWvJNTFFT0ZNlMVBGRnYTJf7/s320/DSCN0361.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ta da! Of course, my initial attraction to the fabric <i>might</i> have been motivated by the perfect match with our Peacock and Scarlet Fiestaware.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMhqZaXJA5Bl-ERxbC85WQ79Gex8QmQzMIFvmnciOIcE7kBGb_KgtsPYcJ0jWnmhioy4AVTAe45mBSaXkeqZ4syCJMYbO-p5B2pRritvYdrE0fsnxnFuYIpCIS457wdKFYSvlT3kYvHO6/s1600/DSCN0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiMhqZaXJA5Bl-ERxbC85WQ79Gex8QmQzMIFvmnciOIcE7kBGb_KgtsPYcJ0jWnmhioy4AVTAe45mBSaXkeqZ4syCJMYbO-p5B2pRritvYdrE0fsnxnFuYIpCIS457wdKFYSvlT3kYvHO6/s320/DSCN0358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I like to call them Ms. Peacock and Miss Scarlet. We have Mrs. White, too. Looks like any future Fiestaware purchases will need to be Plum, Mustard, or Green...</div>
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Nicole did it. With the Singer. In the Dining Room. </div>
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PS - The Hamburger Panda tutorial was great - very easy to follow and lots of good photos. </div>
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PPS - <i>Whomp up</i> is Montanan for <i>make.</i> As in, "bein as I'm hungry I oughta <i>whomp up</i> some dinner." </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-27738215264138487502012-04-26T18:08:00.001-07:002012-04-26T18:09:08.967-07:00My Secret to Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When my mom came to visit in February we found a very cute shop on NW 23rd, and I bought the first cute thing for our mantle:</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It's true. Love and a dog have made my life very happy. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">All you need is love...and a dog. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicofb5n3L2v40yCRz_dxXLH65wMxhlTB6EnMk_-JU_cXHTtiT794W8406oB4ZvooPbwWMkOwzmFdFfcMjCYJNtyKDeLPutPMAlgNjwF8mDT7c301hx809IW3zhvH1Jl1OfRRjvF3C4ZahH/s1600/DSCN0344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicofb5n3L2v40yCRz_dxXLH65wMxhlTB6EnMk_-JU_cXHTtiT794W8406oB4ZvooPbwWMkOwzmFdFfcMjCYJNtyKDeLPutPMAlgNjwF8mDT7c301hx809IW3zhvH1Jl1OfRRjvF3C4ZahH/s320/DSCN0344.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a mop. </div>
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You need love, a dog, and a mop. </div>
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Do you see that face? She's so guilty she won't even look at me. Good thing I'm so happy ;)</div>
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<br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-2084361169808508942012-04-21T16:32:00.002-07:002012-04-21T16:32:50.073-07:00Window Washing Made Easy - Really!I sure love Pinterest. Recently, I pinned instructions for <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/04/streak-free-window-cleanerno-wiping-or.html#more-1757">Streak-Free Window Cleaner.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutrgBGcCVxverYF81hfzREdSIr0u0_i0DivC_CTI6HpFbIM04vZ0m1zkbEiUABJP_9x_vY3i3uYg2WxiGNJuP3miJqzRGNgIG4gxuVbEH7dJQQdrTVyUuSO7VHwys8ZYOy-UuYYzdmC1f/s1600/window+cleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutrgBGcCVxverYF81hfzREdSIr0u0_i0DivC_CTI6HpFbIM04vZ0m1zkbEiUABJP_9x_vY3i3uYg2WxiGNJuP3miJqzRGNgIG4gxuVbEH7dJQQdrTVyUuSO7VHwys8ZYOy-UuYYzdmC1f/s320/window+cleaner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/04/streak-free-window-cleanerno-wiping-or.html#more-1757">One Good Thing by Jillibee</a></td></tr>
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Seemed like it might be too good to be true, but I figured I'd give it a shot when the sun came out this afternoon.<br />
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Ya know what? IT WORKS! Really well. Zero elbow grease and/or squeegee-ing required. Too good not to share. <br />
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I had no idea how grimy our windows had gotten over the winter. It's like the outside world came into sharper focus!<br />
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-82591486152602007102012-03-14T11:05:00.001-07:002012-03-14T11:05:41.434-07:00HTPC ExperienceHello Blog-readers and Tech Nerds. It's been a while since I've contributed so on Pie day (which so many of my friends have pointed out is only observed by real nerds), I thought I'd write a techy post on my Home Theater PC experience...hence the title. <br />
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The market is being flooded by new digital means of watching TV on your big screen. From the Apple TV to Google TV, the Boxee Box to integrated Apps built into your favorite flatscreen, companies are finally trying to tap into what many of us have been doing for years. Watching TV on a computer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaVgK_FH4PZurgz0VEBQqhfuKssJmll_j2DERAbjzIfxTol5iibQwnjaghCQyQn2VR_hEpjljDrg-nMcqvrgvra_ciF-loJQUsLfFfeRbr2zaSeZvv-5eUCMmlIMeSatNSuJENtkNgEI/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaVgK_FH4PZurgz0VEBQqhfuKssJmll_j2DERAbjzIfxTol5iibQwnjaghCQyQn2VR_hEpjljDrg-nMcqvrgvra_ciF-loJQUsLfFfeRbr2zaSeZvv-5eUCMmlIMeSatNSuJENtkNgEI/s320/IMG_0298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I built my first HTPC in 2006 out of the best components I could afford off NewEgg.com at the time. It was a great box that looked like an old school audio receiver with volume knob and buttons on the front. Even had an LCD you could have display almost anything. I ran that system all the way till 2010 (almost 24 hours a day) till the motherboard fried. <br />
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For the last 2 years I've been running a much smaller machine and I have to say, I'm quite impressed with the quality. Asrock put together some bare bones systems built mostly on laptop parts that really handles the graphic requirements a new HTPC needs (that's for the suggestion Brain). Costing me less than $500 for the hardware, I have a high definition system connected to my Flat Screen that when coupled with Windows running Media Center and a Tuner Card will record and play TV almost out of the box. <br />
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<b>What You Need:</b><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007549&IsNodeId=1&Description=asrock&name=Barebone%20Systems&Order=BESTMATCH">Asrock Barebones Computer</a></li>
<li>A version of Windows (suggest Windows 7 64bit with Home Premium or above for Media Center)</li>
<li>A USB TV Tuner (<a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116031">This one</a> looks pretty good and does digital)</li>
<li>A HDMI cable to connect your TV (assuming you have a HDTV with HDMI input)</li>
<li>You probably want an external hard drive cause you're gonna fill up the built in one with recorded TV</li>
<li>If you buy the Asrock that doesn't include a remote, pickup a MCE remote with infrared receiver</li>
<li>If you like to have the keyboard an mouse handy, a wireless set makes it easy to hide</li>
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<b>The Setup:</b></div>
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<li>Boot up the Asrock and install Windows (use a password you can easily input with the remote). Connect to the internet and run windows update. I'd throw the following software on there too:</li>
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<li>Chrome for Browsing</li>
<li>FlashPlayer</li>
<li>VLC (for watching odd codex)</li>
<li>ffdshow (Free open-source codex to process video and audio)</li>
<li>Make sure the Graphic Card drivers are the most current and up-to-date</li>
<li>Logmein or another remote desktop client</li>
<li>Virus Protection (use something free with good ratings, Norton will just slow the whole thing down)</li>
<li>I'd setup Netflix while you have the mouse and keyboard connected to make it easy</li>
<li>Install your external hard drive, format and name it if you so desire</li>
<li>Install your Tuner Card</li>
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<li>Now, connect the computer to your flat screen (if you are using the built in infrared, make sure the box is in direct sight of your remote, otherwise locate your IR receiver in a good location)</li>
<li>Make sure the tuner card is connected to your cable or cable box</li>
<li>Boot the system and run Media Center. You will now walk through all the steps to properly display MCE on your TV and setup the Tuner Card to work with your service provider. (Note: if you are using a cable box things get much more interesting with IR blasters and trying to get windows to control your cable box. I just gave up and use the basic cable and avoid the mess of cable boxes)</li>
<li>Setup MCE to record your favorite TV shows.</li>
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There are of course many issues that can arrise and having your own HTPC isn't for the faint a heart. But lets be honest here, having something you don't have to pay for, that records TV and will display whatever online content you want on your big screen is pretty awesome. It's really just a huge computer so go ahead an throw on The Daily Show through Chrome and full screen it...looks better than Netflix most of the time. YouTube and Vimeo, with HD streaming you won't know why you ever just flipped channels for hours looking for something to watch. </div>
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<br /></div>Jimusikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09877787913422483904noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-70752384651250479982012-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:002012-03-03T09:18:26.132-08:00DIY Boot Straightener<div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRBRGF73eoySTMG_fOHDatr9Tc9_82ylhuLN8c6a5CRGTgE4NFRfL4IsUGY3RLcKUK5QMkZBo0k2HJhtJUQzWM5C0GYrnnIyvGh-t5_v4NmLzlR00MfHawRJpRPxs3Uvs2Yd6nQ1e01z5/s1600/DIY+Boot+Straightener.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRBRGF73eoySTMG_fOHDatr9Tc9_82ylhuLN8c6a5CRGTgE4NFRfL4IsUGY3RLcKUK5QMkZBo0k2HJhtJUQzWM5C0GYrnnIyvGh-t5_v4NmLzlR00MfHawRJpRPxs3Uvs2Yd6nQ1e01z5/s320/DIY+Boot+Straightener.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><br /></div>Droopy boots get me down. They flop over in the closet, looking messy and creating extra creases and slouchiness in the boots I'm trying to get a lot of life from. <div><br /></div><div>Solution? A pool noodle. I grabbed this noodle at Target for $2 (too bad they haven't shown up at our Dollar Store just yet). I cut it into four sections and straightened up my black and brown boots in nothin flat! Regular scissors work fine - this was a two minute project.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Saturday!</div><div style='clear:both; text-align:CENTER'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-42936159106798515832012-02-19T19:25:00.000-08:002012-02-19T19:25:43.035-08:00Lasagna Soup: Delish!Thanks to Pinterest I'm finding all sorts of tasty new recipes. Tonight we tried this one and it gets thumbs up all around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySe9J5l7plquqhn_H_NquXlaiH_HoyX-888hLx5DDshdXSXunIdO-4LUIVHjgWv6zY3gAgWoA5SzdOSsHfGybizDf6uFcIcgLH7BTOh3eNeBAmtEm8bECvaagzZixGMXbpVUGog5zbyR3/s1600/tastes_like_lasagna_soupnew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySe9J5l7plquqhn_H_NquXlaiH_HoyX-888hLx5DDshdXSXunIdO-4LUIVHjgWv6zY3gAgWoA5SzdOSsHfGybizDf6uFcIcgLH7BTOh3eNeBAmtEm8bECvaagzZixGMXbpVUGog5zbyR3/s320/tastes_like_lasagna_soupnew.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Deen Bros.</td></tr>
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This is "<a href="http://thedeenbros.com/index.php/recipes/recipe_detail/bobbys_lighter_tastes_like_lasagna_soup/">Tastes Like Lasagna Soup</a>" by the Deen Bros. I think these are Paula Deen's sons with healthier takes on their mom's recipes. We skipped the breadsticks and extra cheese on top and it was still super tasty!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-16736163800389336482012-02-08T12:53:00.000-08:002012-02-18T08:39:44.252-08:00House TourWe moved into our first house back in October and Jimbo posted a few <a href="http://hotdishandhallelujahs.blogspot.com/2011/08/best-house-yet.html">pictures from our initial visit</a>. It seems like it's high time to take you on the tour!<br />
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I consider the house "furnished" but not "decorated." You'll notice lots of bare walls. As much that blankness is bothering me, I'm taking the decorating projects slowly. Thank goodness for mountains of inspiration on Pinterest! I thought it might be fun to give you the "before" tour and then unveil decorating projects as they are completed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur7rK6cgZSLBLP1lLFcyz-cM0MiMWrT6LNQ0I20qHkALa3kI_vJAmaX7wF1ObyQTM_B-Nw6GC7xUf5-eSxfxfvyla6zVzHFTEh49AGxJLo3ZNmsQard-c32sCGhZyIKWv4x1NR7PuiKim/s1600/DSCN0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur7rK6cgZSLBLP1lLFcyz-cM0MiMWrT6LNQ0I20qHkALa3kI_vJAmaX7wF1ObyQTM_B-Nw6GC7xUf5-eSxfxfvyla6zVzHFTEh49AGxJLo3ZNmsQard-c32sCGhZyIKWv4x1NR7PuiKim/s320/DSCN0219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Front Room - complete with Jim's beloved Steinway and a big front window for Sugar to monitor the cul-de-sac.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAhCi6D4od44lorCuPFLeRV49bNsljNXr9Smr6CZ2D9CLJyxf7ui5AcZkOZLbUjRvyFjnu8p3kUlnnxqFvbwXb0iiHB6kVEDuEv9bvLYtHqrkTRDtmmZwLdEm8NE7SArEfYucRf0yQ8f-/s1600/DSCN0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAhCi6D4od44lorCuPFLeRV49bNsljNXr9Smr6CZ2D9CLJyxf7ui5AcZkOZLbUjRvyFjnu8p3kUlnnxqFvbwXb0iiHB6kVEDuEv9bvLYtHqrkTRDtmmZwLdEm8NE7SArEfYucRf0yQ8f-/s320/DSCN0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from the Front Room into the Dining Room (and the Kitchen beyond that).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEErQ7KpJ5Gq6oAd3ro7OWNNGO3vGK7l_Rs63uQpfM6udFr09G5urM7pJ9om6YK6fZYicNn4L6otbSqPpM9sJ2t1fljmMrznUvpRE32MsVyTTZ6jmf5fVy6QPKXIc6rTvxQ2mvKQElL5X/s1600/DSCN0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEErQ7KpJ5Gq6oAd3ro7OWNNGO3vGK7l_Rs63uQpfM6udFr09G5urM7pJ9om6YK6fZYicNn4L6otbSqPpM9sJ2t1fljmMrznUvpRE32MsVyTTZ6jmf5fVy6QPKXIc6rTvxQ2mvKQElL5X/s320/DSCN0223.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry & Hallway - we love the cut-outs opening to the Dining Room on the right. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cROp2Pva1ZMQp4eonBEBcQ_hfBZHZ7VdsQh9_CfRw3tmBhRT7h8xFOfrEWTyceArLrUh60hT1bjAu7c6pDhIPiHnYelWe6MEkdW1-RoYAxHySK3h5BS-iTjS_i_WtD1dSjO18jhp_aKt/s1600/DSCN0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cROp2Pva1ZMQp4eonBEBcQ_hfBZHZ7VdsQh9_CfRw3tmBhRT7h8xFOfrEWTyceArLrUh60hT1bjAu7c6pDhIPiHnYelWe6MEkdW1-RoYAxHySK3h5BS-iTjS_i_WtD1dSjO18jhp_aKt/s320/DSCN0225.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen - glass block windows on either side of the stove allow more natural light.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym4Oe5iCd-5eILLJ-y0zqJcS6Lz1rdV6m15au6s45o43YVEG7YY8mWqMokoHWEDlFVvetIbFXF3hqhRONs5ha4LpmPSRSJccy5HRFhNYXFbKuap-VkVdIVTfKg0O9AW7TRMKbMvgeRkBs/s1600/DSCN0226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym4Oe5iCd-5eILLJ-y0zqJcS6Lz1rdV6m15au6s45o43YVEG7YY8mWqMokoHWEDlFVvetIbFXF3hqhRONs5ha4LpmPSRSJccy5HRFhNYXFbKuap-VkVdIVTfKg0O9AW7TRMKbMvgeRkBs/s320/DSCN0226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen "view" (complete with a dirty soup pot) into the Living Room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP35gLToW4p7ebA50xGVAFG7wFlqXbYzigzxWNLViZ-Oh37VqEPgJO52JIU7Go19n4RxlAmBaVp7UEbM3zuyqPzuedSjcJy0OPaQtQ2_4tZ9rfZlNaxqLnJBQvN7LHcLQ3gp6bnDXdqShh/s1600/DSCN0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP35gLToW4p7ebA50xGVAFG7wFlqXbYzigzxWNLViZ-Oh37VqEPgJO52JIU7Go19n4RxlAmBaVp7UEbM3zuyqPzuedSjcJy0OPaQtQ2_4tZ9rfZlNaxqLnJBQvN7LHcLQ3gp6bnDXdqShh/s320/DSCN0227.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room, Patio, and Backyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj9HKdYdyRM9Xan-Eljva4J8Z7mmicrgO0W9hyphenhyphenG3LYerLUhUBxcV8NpjLVkHkWXSXgOYZ3db0UURZA4hUr2g3zXTOdlt1jiccKdUR-ivTKFxt6q1A4mMnHXUwuz13ovzyVyG4BaWSvq8X/s1600/DSCN0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYj9HKdYdyRM9Xan-Eljva4J8Z7mmicrgO0W9hyphenhyphenG3LYerLUhUBxcV8NpjLVkHkWXSXgOYZ3db0UURZA4hUr2g3zXTOdlt1jiccKdUR-ivTKFxt6q1A4mMnHXUwuz13ovzyVyG4BaWSvq8X/s320/DSCN0228.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living Room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigq2JjzHXxZDAC9mfGashKF0z5awSZMNEkFZ39t7l2RWWxXfMDxfIxjhpi27sFwsTrqVHzPmaQu5GQYmeDpUhH3WdPlapBTu858lc-LwkHZoYlQ63t2_R1gH5AkdDeNGKgJHbcWEZ3D14/s1600/DSCN0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhigq2JjzHXxZDAC9mfGashKF0z5awSZMNEkFZ39t7l2RWWxXfMDxfIxjhpi27sFwsTrqVHzPmaQu5GQYmeDpUhH3WdPlapBTu858lc-LwkHZoYlQ63t2_R1gH5AkdDeNGKgJHbcWEZ3D14/s320/DSCN0229.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantry!! One of my only finished spaces...I couldn't resist painting it a wild color. <br />This is "Jack-O-Lantern" from Miller Paint.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eremOHAKgEDCL-SjbPXSx8-Bb0sH4XN_pk6VnoRRXvxLKks7jvKQCVauGTO0c03watzZmiXs8CqoQw3bkYa4v3ZBv00xWggyzI54pS1TTtnE9wfl_Xciz5yGDMskqTs9atcURnC9SNY-/s1600/DSCN0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eremOHAKgEDCL-SjbPXSx8-Bb0sH4XN_pk6VnoRRXvxLKks7jvKQCVauGTO0c03watzZmiXs8CqoQw3bkYa4v3ZBv00xWggyzI54pS1TTtnE9wfl_Xciz5yGDMskqTs9atcURnC9SNY-/s320/DSCN0221.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry Room - VERY exciting for us =)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZlMsJ2yWyjJVQG106S2Ru5vzQG1HjxGYjg6veK4UrzMmUmwhtWg3IDgnvR7RmNUjWbX1Vr_CKA90m791tFQygSKDazm2XhcZtsVpv4H7Y5_iMNQL1N_6Au8CwYexeyDAqU7d1uPnZp3y/s1600/DSCN0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZlMsJ2yWyjJVQG106S2Ru5vzQG1HjxGYjg6veK4UrzMmUmwhtWg3IDgnvR7RmNUjWbX1Vr_CKA90m791tFQygSKDazm2XhcZtsVpv4H7Y5_iMNQL1N_6Au8CwYexeyDAqU7d1uPnZp3y/s320/DSCN0230.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest bath </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENzBoRVaApWHuTqABqR-v-uSJLg4yeFa2NfveSd0nCSRmWok7QcqMla-eWcmhhHGjwx3czMNcNdDd06Zj-upyZu_5hBjz6C4xtWswdGtmvJ7uQ85Vq6oYqWWabHiPhoER06tQqHI-CRxs/s1600/DSCN0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENzBoRVaApWHuTqABqR-v-uSJLg4yeFa2NfveSd0nCSRmWok7QcqMla-eWcmhhHGjwx3czMNcNdDd06Zj-upyZu_5hBjz6C4xtWswdGtmvJ7uQ85Vq6oYqWWabHiPhoER06tQqHI-CRxs/s320/DSCN0232.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guest Room! Come and visit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAEsGZP1yZGlwfm4lMhGt3PobWhdbr09MocFLCwkEP5NxF49jWmnwbdvL5GtZ9WJJi3bvTn9uv0iCXKh3w6EwXyZWZEZUF4UwVxzwNaECaF2oIgoPL8PlXzvuVA8bswxCXuoQ1ARsy_Sx/s1600/DSCN0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAEsGZP1yZGlwfm4lMhGt3PobWhdbr09MocFLCwkEP5NxF49jWmnwbdvL5GtZ9WJJi3bvTn9uv0iCXKh3w6EwXyZWZEZUF4UwVxzwNaECaF2oIgoPL8PlXzvuVA8bswxCXuoQ1ARsy_Sx/s320/DSCN0236.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office (Nicole's side)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfETor76_ARsUMAcJW2AKwGCPc0U5vlN5Y81hXBp2KmGAvXIRAo5cRkherGTr3Z2C2Fy0XukSH8hwyadPWhmRNrRMEKotL28ddMrfx4slCJvpuDwqz5bTwDng4AP2PbFAhvTWO7ryGCLx/s1600/DSCN0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfETor76_ARsUMAcJW2AKwGCPc0U5vlN5Y81hXBp2KmGAvXIRAo5cRkherGTr3Z2C2Fy0XukSH8hwyadPWhmRNrRMEKotL28ddMrfx4slCJvpuDwqz5bTwDng4AP2PbFAhvTWO7ryGCLx/s320/DSCN0237.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office (Jimbo's side)</td></tr>
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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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4XZoyxsohdA0jVMmEoHJPEy3Q_3zVNKBOTGrOoTqzwQA_Fz9JthGPGOWQnpUTz5MicrciUpmOf3OHdmx-CxFT3Jn9C9JlTvjUAKxcHWRnMqQsnF8j683yQzjAxM54wF0DkGY4vF0WHAb/s1600/DSCN0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4XZoyxsohdA0jVMmEoHJPEy3Q_3zVNKBOTGrOoTqzwQA_Fz9JthGPGOWQnpUTz5MicrciUpmOf3OHdmx-CxFT3Jn9C9JlTvjUAKxcHWRnMqQsnF8j683yQzjAxM54wF0DkGY4vF0WHAb/s320/DSCN0238.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iQPMlojSvYS0DJumqldmBxwKtjUq9PdISz-RMCvI_ryepkYpfQOi1AbQWxS3Fr8TDJFMmlZI0wgxmCXdrWt9VxilIZNax2_I43eUS0v4sUwDkhyoGTAQ8L9dQhgJ8asYY2xnw2IE9IPY/s1600/DSCN0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iQPMlojSvYS0DJumqldmBxwKtjUq9PdISz-RMCvI_ryepkYpfQOi1AbQWxS3Fr8TDJFMmlZI0wgxmCXdrWt9VxilIZNax2_I43eUS0v4sUwDkhyoGTAQ8L9dQhgJ8asYY2xnw2IE9IPY/s320/DSCN0239.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master (and some legos...)</td></tr>
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We (and by "we" I mean our dear friends Karen, Jen, Jonathan, and Spencer) did a lot of painting prior to moving day so we're happy with our wall colors. Now that you've taken the tour, feel free to schedule your visit and start sending in your ideas for decor!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-50819161219770830172011-12-14T19:33:00.001-08:002012-02-18T08:39:52.273-08:002011 Holiday Greetings!Time for a look back at 2011...We vowed it would be <a href="http://hotdishandhallelujahs.blogspot.com/2011/03/year-of-nothing.html">Year of Nothing</a>, but we sure crammed a lot in!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquIKY64E0JjSSj-YymxCjP8kcmraD_gbYE1pKaxzZLUZxB37-9UhREe5NVWgV8CUliAcHr95APzQqGE7bpFXKKbMLDx-6_c_iYjgaLzhsoHUcebVA1vhfsMRJl7t-uAPq4hA9DBwVOMlr/s1600/DSCN2188.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjquIKY64E0JjSSj-YymxCjP8kcmraD_gbYE1pKaxzZLUZxB37-9UhREe5NVWgV8CUliAcHr95APzQqGE7bpFXKKbMLDx-6_c_iYjgaLzhsoHUcebVA1vhfsMRJl7t-uAPq4hA9DBwVOMlr/s320/DSCN2188.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January brought actual snow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bigger than the news of snow was the start of Jim's new job as Director of Oregon State University's <a href="http://oregonstate.edu/cla/music/chorus/glee-choir">Glee Choir</a>. Between 75 and 100 students have enrolled every quarter and they are a big hit around campus. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI19cd798iJYmMeDFeHBPrZRVoaHUfTwUoev7bZgI-8RCX_Gqg36FT_Yi395mhj9Sopp1zcX2emZnoj-03BJz5XWgHAHCD-4mZoBSs11lbz0MRMuzJcwEc52PyDSbP1DvXqFL-qg1G8z-n/s1600/DSCN2507.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI19cd798iJYmMeDFeHBPrZRVoaHUfTwUoev7bZgI-8RCX_Gqg36FT_Yi395mhj9Sopp1zcX2emZnoj-03BJz5XWgHAHCD-4mZoBSs11lbz0MRMuzJcwEc52PyDSbP1DvXqFL-qg1G8z-n/s320/DSCN2507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OSU Glee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jimbo hit the big 3-0 in April. His best friend Lucas turned 30 a few days later so we rolled the whole thing into one big birthday shindig (complete with matching novelty t-shirts) at the Kennedy School in Portland. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdeo-iuRBaWOVsm3VTznHSj793sNssry5EyWc92oKeSl33DSl5PB9qG93qmE7OvY0KwN2awrEYuycqvWR5eX57A1xYtPB-rV1bIvz_3e8IM9aNLscp_1dEiF2Va_gvlDm65dq1UmlOstY/s1600/DSCN2246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdeo-iuRBaWOVsm3VTznHSj793sNssry5EyWc92oKeSl33DSl5PB9qG93qmE7OvY0KwN2awrEYuycqvWR5eX57A1xYtPB-rV1bIvz_3e8IM9aNLscp_1dEiF2Va_gvlDm65dq1UmlOstY/s320/DSCN2246.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Soon after we celebrated another friendship - my 20th anniversary with my bestie Brenda Lee. We'd been promising ourselves to celebrate milestones (10 years... 15 years...) but never managed to pull it off. So we went big for our 20th and flew off to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmx5mKz5pWimkrwBERXO_rpdUNfMWz1UurhjDaaZwddCHck9wdbNMimPinXAtDdzvimQjhYI8Kxzirvc6UGyqa0ju9fXdcFdCFvWieX1V1gKu6B6UkiSewuRqlpCnS9LIFSJw-1qoEDMC/s1600/DSCN2292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmx5mKz5pWimkrwBERXO_rpdUNfMWz1UurhjDaaZwddCHck9wdbNMimPinXAtDdzvimQjhYI8Kxzirvc6UGyqa0ju9fXdcFdCFvWieX1V1gKu6B6UkiSewuRqlpCnS9LIFSJw-1qoEDMC/s320/DSCN2292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim and Thatcher came along to..."supervise"...and we had a fantastic time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>April included one more special celebration - showering our girl, <a href="http://itsaredredworld.blogspot.com/">Erin</a>, and anticipating the arrival of her sweet baby Aiden. <br />
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My pals from grad school got together in Las Vegas in May. We had a fantastic <a href="http://hotdishandhallelujahs.blogspot.com/2011/06/vegas-baby-bff.html">reunion</a>, including a Cirque du Soleil show and a special baby shower brunch to celebrate<a href="http://thelovelyresidence.blogspot.com/"> Nikki</a>'s little guy, Oscar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevAMDw9F6frhyO0IH9bZ2SMLeYzrsZJ8BphAh7L1jok5kZhkwBPkf4KlPz32WFERuiLqrrEWjT8Zyep88_YOZ-QPb6bCaD-3hp-a3iHr7SI-DNlIK1g1BfbFp_9lg_y9OjPZvUS8Xd3Kd/s1600/DSCN2438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevAMDw9F6frhyO0IH9bZ2SMLeYzrsZJ8BphAh7L1jok5kZhkwBPkf4KlPz32WFERuiLqrrEWjT8Zyep88_YOZ-QPb6bCaD-3hp-a3iHr7SI-DNlIK1g1BfbFp_9lg_y9OjPZvUS8Xd3Kd/s320/DSCN2438.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
In June, I joined a group of OSU colleagues to run our <a href="http://hotdishandhallelujahs.blogspot.com/2011/06/aloha-june.html">Hawaii orientation</a> program in Honolulu. Thanks to an unused companion fare, Jim was able to tag along. Of course he was put right to work and learned a lot about academic advising and online registration! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMGeHIrXKcZTl5QquI11o-KmNFD4NQmnhFYBxC-1rbk0kKR9tqRL9N5QmuLFfzQqQXEDO-06QQBDQ3H4X-Cy5FDX618EDOfo-f03StfIe1lL5EES60mnsiR0ZpyvHIYxPgOsUjy4b6wwk/s1600/attachment-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMGeHIrXKcZTl5QquI11o-KmNFD4NQmnhFYBxC-1rbk0kKR9tqRL9N5QmuLFfzQqQXEDO-06QQBDQ3H4X-Cy5FDX618EDOfo-f03StfIe1lL5EES60mnsiR0ZpyvHIYxPgOsUjy4b6wwk/s320/attachment-1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
July found us in Charleston, South Carolina, helping our dear friend Amanda move. A few days later we'd gotten her settled in Columbus, Ohio. We got to see a few new states and try out the Piggly Wiggly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIQkMx7tqliQdlUKLGTwLBjAE2eX4W6SvA4WlWKdmD0p86CbD8VdU3rKzTHmLtfINjvaWgCK8PS69vpnlMpBWBndVVnIkdrK97n1XZuIozCBG0v_v0hrW_lrrfYfBX0_3jRglZcrqloEU/s1600/DSCN2527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIQkMx7tqliQdlUKLGTwLBjAE2eX4W6SvA4WlWKdmD0p86CbD8VdU3rKzTHmLtfINjvaWgCK8PS69vpnlMpBWBndVVnIkdrK97n1XZuIozCBG0v_v0hrW_lrrfYfBX0_3jRglZcrqloEU/s320/DSCN2527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotdishandhallelujahs.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-heart-south.html">I dig the Pig!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We traveled back to Montana in August and had a nice relaxing vacation. We spent time with my Mom and Fred in Missoula, and took a camping trip with my Aunt Sandy and Uncle Dean. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3VN8csEvkkfkkqpvUq0P1x4OkMRNML-xvg6Kfce5Vb1Jpg5PZ3a3AEuiOXf6IDNiWQgOaOgRzdoT3d92nfBFZRkzWK5X1Dp4oRnj2yRsHdOFe_IhbjNMtmxmwMoFcx1JF12kAWGnXXTW/s1600/DSCN2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3VN8csEvkkfkkqpvUq0P1x4OkMRNML-xvg6Kfce5Vb1Jpg5PZ3a3AEuiOXf6IDNiWQgOaOgRzdoT3d92nfBFZRkzWK5X1Dp4oRnj2yRsHdOFe_IhbjNMtmxmwMoFcx1JF12kAWGnXXTW/s320/DSCN2693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Four days with no internet, no cell phones, and nothing more pressing to attend to than getting the boat in the water? Hello Vacation! I finally got good at towing/backing/parking a trailer. I think I'll add that to my resume...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-s7smg_QIxtid26SuYsjDROcg-ACxAquffKuuclDrOnyz4e2BmYZg3sDVNoJ9J5wqlGT6ZY9VPdXDiRRj_wlXxOfA_BdJyw4lIxpL6BgKztFIYdi39Jxz0Yg6zYvLS1ryjGOeVWrCVpe/s1600/DSCN2711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-s7smg_QIxtid26SuYsjDROcg-ACxAquffKuuclDrOnyz4e2BmYZg3sDVNoJ9J5wqlGT6ZY9VPdXDiRRj_wlXxOfA_BdJyw4lIxpL6BgKztFIYdi39Jxz0Yg6zYvLS1ryjGOeVWrCVpe/s320/DSCN2711.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We squeezed in a day trip to introduce Jim to Glacier National Park.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Just as we returned from Montana, I had my last day at OSU's College of Pharmacy. It was hard to say goodbye after 8 years, but opportunity knocked for me and I took a new job as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs for OSU's College of Engineering. About a month later, Jim was offered a position as Choir Director for the First United Methodist Church in Corvallis. Glee and the church keep Jim happy and busy, and we both feel so fortunate to have found such fulfilling work this year. <br />
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Knowing that we are happily settling into long-term jobs in Corvallis, we decided to take the plunge and buy our first home. We looked at 10 houses and fell in love with number 11!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRVQDAhkpv2_kpr-KPtlTQwhzOZxHiXUXH-YT98cOVEc7pI4xAI2b10IS9V0s_5tUhrGkY11xJVFXVOvmYAkKfHVFQsKfinXCfF-IOUze3oIOKc9elNZkZZ8dyPTBL_eRhWnLsBy3MBvU/s1600/DSCN0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRVQDAhkpv2_kpr-KPtlTQwhzOZxHiXUXH-YT98cOVEc7pI4xAI2b10IS9V0s_5tUhrGkY11xJVFXVOvmYAkKfHVFQsKfinXCfF-IOUze3oIOKc9elNZkZZ8dyPTBL_eRhWnLsBy3MBvU/s320/DSCN0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We moved in to our new digs in October, and have been enjoying "fancy" amenities like the dishwasher, a garage, and a real yard for Sugar. It's a big step up from our 850 square foot rental!<br />
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Thanksgiving found us at my brother's house in Spokane, Washington. It was a nice low-key weekend with my family and included a benefit dog-walk for the Humane Society. <br />
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And now it's time for Christmas. It will be our first in our home, and Jim's family will come to celebrate with us. As we count our blessings - family, friends, good health, meaningful work, and the world's greatest dog - we wish you all the best. May all your days be filled with joy! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHTTwALSRB9i0c4d2e-wB1Ka8VfU2irHPbYQ4a5Z_1MWDYQH9-7qwwdv727MpEe96jPq7lRtQqwRJtAYNHnqaD-hh2su2Kf-peHLJ0KtbFv1TO31N5oCBmapfW17cYj6Mjhql511LvBUn/s1600/DSCN0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHTTwALSRB9i0c4d2e-wB1Ka8VfU2irHPbYQ4a5Z_1MWDYQH9-7qwwdv727MpEe96jPq7lRtQqwRJtAYNHnqaD-hh2su2Kf-peHLJ0KtbFv1TO31N5oCBmapfW17cYj6Mjhql511LvBUn/s320/DSCN0157.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #cc0000;">Happy Holidays from Jim, Nicole, and Sugar</i></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-41214322184854525602011-11-27T20:41:00.001-08:002012-02-18T08:40:15.714-08:00DIY Ornament Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are gobs of cute<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/179510735116750007/"> ornament wreaths</a> all over Pinterest, and I finally got around to making my own!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3fFvJXksr72tKJZiTMfcoZsbBlUq5EgCu-v9i1lILWzWLsFo28f-ORvyUyKfWbX09uHdAHv4Kej4nrE7GINpedJ16IsEDdy0Z3O7JlMBu4bDIMCxxhNAP4HZp6UucWK_dCHk6h87T8bW/s1600/DSCN0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3fFvJXksr72tKJZiTMfcoZsbBlUq5EgCu-v9i1lILWzWLsFo28f-ORvyUyKfWbX09uHdAHv4Kej4nrE7GINpedJ16IsEDdy0Z3O7JlMBu4bDIMCxxhNAP4HZp6UucWK_dCHk6h87T8bW/s400/DSCN0109.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I followed a very nice<a href="http://everythinganythingaboutnothingreall.blogspot.com/2009/12/wreath-movie.html"> tutorial from Andrea</a>, and there are plenty of others out there so I won't bore you with the repeat here. I found these fun silver ornaments at Winco (of all places!) and they were even cheaper than the dollar store options. I used 70 ornaments total. The best part? The globe snaps into the hook on the ornament so there was none of the tedious gluing required on the other tutorials. I think Winco is also called Cub Foods in some areas (wink wink Minnesota girls!). <br />
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Our door is super tall so standard over-the-door wreath hangers weren't working. We found a really nice decorative metal <a href="http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/Products/Product-Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U523080QE0IIHEICN90GC1000000_nid=S65JWNBK5QgsKVFXBMTRZQglM15LQSMPHQbl">Command Hook</a> at Home Depot and adhered it to the door. It's sturdy, but removable so I'm not worried about damaging the door surface. <br />
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Come knock on our door! We are super festive!<br />
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<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-32853510596860911602011-11-22T10:29:00.001-08:002012-02-18T08:41:00.368-08:00ETSY Find: Self-Inking Return Address Stamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Buying our first house gave me the excuse I've been needing to order a return address stamp. A little hard to justify when we were renting, but absolutely essential to home ownership!</div>
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There are a zillion options on ETSY so I didn't bother looking elsewhere. Since I was a liberated woman who didn't change her name the day after the wedding, all the really cute monogramed stamps were out. Bummer! Honestly, that's my only regret about keeping my name...not having a monogram. And, if that's my only misgiving, I suppose I made the right choice.</div>
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So, anyway, back to the ETSY selections! Eventually I settled on this one from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/savethedate?ref=seller_info">Savethedate</a> Design's shop.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCAdHn9EZ1xr8q6ZNlrVBKgmLfUMp0948XCdeA-M0bKKTxuWBWznitD_xp6TcurjzZP5O_HVgBniZc_-eaa9loQsvd6cf_QGit-xSs4ezc17PDeFVsXCWUxNUJ-zmD75M4olmFhnVrT46/s1600/stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCAdHn9EZ1xr8q6ZNlrVBKgmLfUMp0948XCdeA-M0bKKTxuWBWznitD_xp6TcurjzZP5O_HVgBniZc_-eaa9loQsvd6cf_QGit-xSs4ezc17PDeFVsXCWUxNUJ-zmD75M4olmFhnVrT46/s320/stamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cute. Simple. And solves the mis-matched last names issue by eliminating them all together! </div>
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About a week later our fancy new stamp arrived in the mail. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkdtKb6-vqkR0dVEauYvV9T_m3xl8rnzPlpSUgHifL3ZiF32JZ6jVyFJG_n6Q_cnVQnKUmaN2uHw6zRA6FKif_KXTKLbmKCUaMjjyCMSoyRUjFYXBUitkpBhBPFWGshacqwqQTyi2lFtK/s1600/DSCN0027_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkdtKb6-vqkR0dVEauYvV9T_m3xl8rnzPlpSUgHifL3ZiF32JZ6jVyFJG_n6Q_cnVQnKUmaN2uHw6zRA6FKif_KXTKLbmKCUaMjjyCMSoyRUjFYXBUitkpBhBPFWGshacqwqQTyi2lFtK/s320/DSCN0027_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
She packages her stamps in little fabric drawstring storage bags - a nice touch. Obviously I covered up our exact street address (you all know it anyway!) but you get the idea. <br />
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My excitement over this swell new self-inking delight (combined with a couple sick days at home) motivated me to finish up our holiday cards early. Now <i>that's</i> an amazing stamp =)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-79456590741632867372011-11-19T08:46:00.001-08:002012-02-18T08:41:12.118-08:00Pinterest Project: Glittered Light BulbsI finally made something I found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/179510735116754658/">Pinterest</a>: Glittered Christmas Bulbs! Though the instructions were minimal, the project was easy, inexpensive, and fairly quick. The gratification was big =)<br />
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<b>What you need:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhfIY2gRu5Q5UNkYKt5o6P0ZUiDHL5gTiKZBVxcNGP2n_bSX27_wtU2p59jQ0y03dWTPOJ1U7eGKKMzGaemzn__P3yvnsqsOlAYfz5zIvEQ9Sioc6oLhvj9vjBENEaf4tiLDv_crzrWmW/s1600/DSCN0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhfIY2gRu5Q5UNkYKt5o6P0ZUiDHL5gTiKZBVxcNGP2n_bSX27_wtU2p59jQ0y03dWTPOJ1U7eGKKMzGaemzn__P3yvnsqsOlAYfz5zIvEQ9Sioc6oLhvj9vjBENEaf4tiLDv_crzrWmW/s320/DSCN0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
* Old Christmas bulbs<br />
* Glitter<br />
* Modge Podge or Decoupage<br />
* Paintbrush<br />
* Paper plate<br />
* Cookie Sheet<br />
* Waxed Paper<br />
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Both Recollections and Martha Stewart make <i>Extra Fine Glitter. </i>It was perfect for this project - good coverage, and not as chunky as regular glitter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pbm_M8L3H1QQh_e-NI-0Dq6YBHI48g1kTeE4JgRyoDNDPBOE6rbSU6ExpQdqKeNvx9YertP6uy_Bn60ud4Q1mJciRd6UhHpUBhDVrLzfbDl5tItAYCHUrazmweRUhqMD36YE4co8lNtM/s1600/DSCN0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pbm_M8L3H1QQh_e-NI-0Dq6YBHI48g1kTeE4JgRyoDNDPBOE6rbSU6ExpQdqKeNvx9YertP6uy_Bn60ud4Q1mJciRd6UhHpUBhDVrLzfbDl5tItAYCHUrazmweRUhqMD36YE4co8lNtM/s320/DSCN0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each bottle is $4-$5 each, but I hoarded Michael's 50% off coupons and spent $6.50 total. I do love to save! <br />
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Martha's glitter was more expensive, but I didn't really see a difference in the quality. Both lines have awesome color choices.<br />
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Let's get this show on the road! Remove the bulbs from their string. I scooped up this set at a garage sale and paid 50 cents. Again with the savings! Of course, they were grimy from life in someone's garage so I had to wipe them all down first. Still worth it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBgsFwp6Bct0fKs2Zu0N3WshiRSZbzTVf218cIpixXyGa8bUjgnRItU5e-UFxXPLOWZjy01QhCaHcDRKyxfB3TYdC1Ram_WolgmIINJ9ZgB04_xpeqzh2Par7uscjBBBRSOCqYOcz-Gla/s1600/DSCN0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBgsFwp6Bct0fKs2Zu0N3WshiRSZbzTVf218cIpixXyGa8bUjgnRItU5e-UFxXPLOWZjy01QhCaHcDRKyxfB3TYdC1Ram_WolgmIINJ9ZgB04_xpeqzh2Par7uscjBBBRSOCqYOcz-Gla/s320/DSCN0056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using the paintbrush, apply a medium layer of Modge Podge over the colored surface of the bulb. I chose to leave the metal base exposed. <br />
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Working directly over the paper plate, shake glitter over the bulb. It was easy to miss the pointed tip so I had to go back and catch those little bare spots. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgRNn44PatE9li9zpN711RGdS5eRlbvo1JBwW4d9RazUuqeN1sUSBhMSa-OUkzLmOVFDBOm9eh3vI9r_gWe9JFh15z7C_BAUJALizZFE5jRB45KARcQK6iiAe4dAmB9RPQJ8d6BYKRFq3/s1600/DSCN0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgRNn44PatE9li9zpN711RGdS5eRlbvo1JBwW4d9RazUuqeN1sUSBhMSa-OUkzLmOVFDBOm9eh3vI9r_gWe9JFh15z7C_BAUJALizZFE5jRB45KARcQK6iiAe4dAmB9RPQJ8d6BYKRFq3/s320/DSCN0057.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Still over the paper plate, tap the excess glitter from the bulb, allow it to dry just a bit. <br />
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Lay them on your wax-paper covered cookie sheet to dry completely. I left them overnight just to be on the safe side. <br />
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Return the remaining glitter to the jar. Covering 24 bulbs used very little glitter so I have plenty left over for other projects. <br />
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And that's all there is to it! I'll be exercising a lot of restraint to keep these in the closet until after Thanksgiving =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGQNruuR4_GDtEaeMzqaVodA371P25rR1EdLEnnTD1ei2ipSpAh4CXEyybNjMTXiZYXxn-SM7J23Wz0gR_fP4w84UNpWeetYg1aa22VpPAWbVdIs41EICgNFejPrVq32ydug9FzVhoa_k/s1600/DSCN0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGQNruuR4_GDtEaeMzqaVodA371P25rR1EdLEnnTD1ei2ipSpAh4CXEyybNjMTXiZYXxn-SM7J23Wz0gR_fP4w84UNpWeetYg1aa22VpPAWbVdIs41EICgNFejPrVq32ydug9FzVhoa_k/s1600/DSCN0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGQNruuR4_GDtEaeMzqaVodA371P25rR1EdLEnnTD1ei2ipSpAh4CXEyybNjMTXiZYXxn-SM7J23Wz0gR_fP4w84UNpWeetYg1aa22VpPAWbVdIs41EICgNFejPrVq32ydug9FzVhoa_k/s320/DSCN0067.JPG" width="186" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-41717997360329466432011-11-12T10:54:00.001-08:002012-02-18T08:41:39.456-08:00Holiday Card Photos<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86C4CRPwCp706ge-sTYKnkjSZymrpe5BE5Hcj6THQCIrWSqYWMqtKlCtzftIysCiI9TA0jPlIxrue0mnYhJF5hxMbtdKSIQZ_u14jsnm4tbaEEo-1cFwlLfr3ItNCHWrdDMiRNTd93vCS/s1600/DSCN0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86C4CRPwCp706ge-sTYKnkjSZymrpe5BE5Hcj6THQCIrWSqYWMqtKlCtzftIysCiI9TA0jPlIxrue0mnYhJF5hxMbtdKSIQZ_u14jsnm4tbaEEo-1cFwlLfr3ItNCHWrdDMiRNTd93vCS/s320/DSCN0036.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're ruling this one out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-41156041347957028502011-11-05T08:28:00.000-07:002012-02-18T09:18:18.349-08:00Fast Freddie's Balsamic VinaigretteNeed a good recipe for vinaigrette? Just so happens I swiped one from my step-dad, Fast Freddie. It's quick and easy, and goes together from ingredients you probably have on hand. <br />
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You need:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8WhPD7e7qa_uO8r2NwhpDBDfObFcwYtUFgEv-fxx40hOvZGR0_8Yh-31rKsvF4_ZkFjIByC3mpOTM3nEeo7C-TxB-NjfUWEwoxD5L6hwLHxDPm_2SFLvohBJo0LkwBOwbGwC18k9tSnQ/s1600/DSCN0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8WhPD7e7qa_uO8r2NwhpDBDfObFcwYtUFgEv-fxx40hOvZGR0_8Yh-31rKsvF4_ZkFjIByC3mpOTM3nEeo7C-TxB-NjfUWEwoxD5L6hwLHxDPm_2SFLvohBJo0LkwBOwbGwC18k9tSnQ/s320/DSCN0010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
*Olive oil<br />
*Red wine vinegar<br />
*Balsamic vinegar (optional, but so good!)<br />
*Basil<br />
*Lemon juice<br />
*Salt<br />
*Pepper<br />
*Garlic<br />
*A cute bottle for your finished product<br />
*A blender<br />
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The ingredients are not measured exactly, so you can make as much or as little as you'd like. My bottle holds about 2 cups of dressing so I use a 1/2 cup for each "part" in the recipe.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHGLoAWoqEMDP15JnU6CBD9onnX01Y2KZZCoJFZS7dgoNT2unTwBnO7JQzyCgoAuYx6yVl_ofr6r75o_-KxD1JYx736oo5QombiHnPsgb6U-CLg_rL_rlFRjPsXJBokqAC_3lv5y5BaeH/s1600/DSCN0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHGLoAWoqEMDP15JnU6CBD9onnX01Y2KZZCoJFZS7dgoNT2unTwBnO7JQzyCgoAuYx6yVl_ofr6r75o_-KxD1JYx736oo5QombiHnPsgb6U-CLg_rL_rlFRjPsXJBokqAC_3lv5y5BaeH/s320/DSCN0012.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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In the blender, combine:<br />
3 parts olive oil<br />
1 part vinegar (I do mostly red wine, and a little balsamic)<br />
minced garlic (I like garlic - two cloves for me)<br />
basil (a bit less than a tablespoon)<br />
salt (to taste, maybe a teaspoon)<br />
fresh ground pepper (to taste, about a teaspoon)<br />
1 shot of lemon juice<br />
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The next step is really key to getting good dressing. First, fail to notice that your blender is switched to the "on" position. Next, ensure that the lid is off. Better yet - place the lid far down the counter so it's nowhere near your blender. Now lean over and plug the blender in. Do all of this while on the phone with your mother so that, when the s**t hits the fan (literally...sigh) you can squawk in her ear about "olive oil everywhere!" and drop your phone in the sink. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr_Jr9Nqs7Ra2S1CVKldrWwtqyyMGJmteMmNsSKENOL3NOfXa0G-q77I77mFUnl90V_7_F7e1l8iDstu_dgcyz7iD9DmyAFa-cIPEqa_3XHUHcgL8fGgfo7Gy3Yj1yd-ucUoe1DL7IsK2/s1600/DSCN0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr_Jr9Nqs7Ra2S1CVKldrWwtqyyMGJmteMmNsSKENOL3NOfXa0G-q77I77mFUnl90V_7_F7e1l8iDstu_dgcyz7iD9DmyAFa-cIPEqa_3XHUHcgL8fGgfo7Gy3Yj1yd-ucUoe1DL7IsK2/s320/DSCN0013.JPG" width="229" /></a></div>
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Awesome! Once you've cleaned up your mess, changed your oil-splattered clothes, and called your mother back to ensure her you weren't nose-to-nose with a burglar, you can blend up your dressing and get on with your life. <br />
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<i>Confession: there was a moment here when I considered pitching this whole mess and starting over so I could have nice tidy pictures for this post. But then I realized two things. First, that's wasteful! Secondly, I am SO not the gal with the picture perfect life, coiffed and spit-polished for presentation on her award winning blog. I make messes and screw things up and think that pulling the covers up counts as making the bed. So I'm keepin it real. This is how I make salad dressing. Go ahead and judge me, Martha. My counter is cleaner than your criminal background check. Oh snap! </i><br />
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Now you have a tasty bottle of homemade salad dressing and a freshly cleaned kitchen. Enjoy! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1x2S1QrlTP_AICMQcREd9nZnHC7uQ_rBHw6SOxTgRete-HzEkwVI_3kWkaqQ7Z3VGPOpojl1lbofjZuV2lLMWGNvvDZZ5qZfzWRzrEhIW8-cf0VukJ-BPs1hCmnyIRxTLkVQl_KRPXBT/s1600/DSCN0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1x2S1QrlTP_AICMQcREd9nZnHC7uQ_rBHw6SOxTgRete-HzEkwVI_3kWkaqQ7Z3VGPOpojl1lbofjZuV2lLMWGNvvDZZ5qZfzWRzrEhIW8-cf0VukJ-BPs1hCmnyIRxTLkVQl_KRPXBT/s320/DSCN0014.JPG" width="160" /></a></div>
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Your dressing should be stored in the fridge, and you'll notice the olive oil and vinegar separating. Not to worry! I usually take the dressing out of the fridge while I'm making dinner so it can warm up a bit and then give it a good shake. Got your buns in the oven? Set the dressing bottle on the stove and it will warm up nicely. <br />
<br />Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-81995064871808910122011-10-31T13:08:00.000-07:002012-02-18T09:18:32.640-08:00Welcome to Monica & Chandler's!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We made it! We're IN our new home! Thanks to the world's greatest friends our new place is painted, every last thing we own has been schlepped, furniture's assembled and beds are made. It's a pretty exciting time here at Hotdish Central. Every day one of us turns to the other to say "can you believe we own a house?" Our first mortgage payment isn't due for a whole month so we are love-love-loving home ownership!</div>
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Do you know what that means for you? In addition to our here-and-there ramblings about cooking, crafting, choral music, and canines, we'll have all sorts of home improvement and DIY projects to trot across the blog. For our debut project, I'm only showing you the front door. =) </div>
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If you run in our circle of friends, chances are good that you can quote episodes of <i>Friends</i> like it's your job. Seriously, if some struggling cable network ever works up a <i>Friends</i> Trivia Hour our people will be the champs! Move over, Ken Jennings, we've got the game show domination thing in the bag. We spent the last couple years bringing Jimbo up to speed by rewatching the entire series, so it was his proud graduation from the Friends Academy when he suggested we frame our peephole.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn15V3QoVI9A5eFlkELF1MT0hGuOHJhe15xhdSSJgYTyUd4jgMo3tnBpGLLAxdwKvxxVAf_sVgMrl8Ud8gCr0cs1Wcdi3AgpsD2d8xL1QWm6Jctp6DcErfIh3wFHe9GgDZAS4X0RjiyxF5/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn15V3QoVI9A5eFlkELF1MT0hGuOHJhe15xhdSSJgYTyUd4jgMo3tnBpGLLAxdwKvxxVAf_sVgMrl8Ud8gCr0cs1Wcdi3AgpsD2d8xL1QWm6Jctp6DcErfIh3wFHe9GgDZAS4X0RjiyxF5/s1600/img-thing.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Genius! Why didn't I think of that? For a quick second we googled "Monica's Door Frame" and found that you can buy replicas online for upwards of $30. Are you kidding? I can do better things with that $30! Perfect opportunity to do it ourselves. </div>
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Enter the cheapo frame from TJ Maxx:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fVe6mcuZRjtr9PN411I2RsyFTVWQYFl4Q4v26Yl1ltiMn2gJH6uJHV1ss5aGiob264jytUy0R8KxHD1u5IlSu2Ynda2YQnQHDELJqITNYp4DxYzpzPBwbXId8VjpM1-IpInvUIt52HPe/s1600/Dixie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fVe6mcuZRjtr9PN411I2RsyFTVWQYFl4Q4v26Yl1ltiMn2gJH6uJHV1ss5aGiob264jytUy0R8KxHD1u5IlSu2Ynda2YQnQHDELJqITNYp4DxYzpzPBwbXId8VjpM1-IpInvUIt52HPe/s320/Dixie.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
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This gold finish did NOTHING for me so I took a page from <a href="http://thelovelyresidence.blogspot.com/">Mrs. Lovely's</a> book and <strike>bought</strike> sent Jimbo to Home Depot for my first can of spraypaint. Even better? He also picked up this swell plastic trigger. Now my spray-finger won't be sore or covered in paint! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6esZRFuOPszJKujwuGCeWQ4tCe598kEmQ4aL65A5U55rT3VX-7VS5CEf8tbM0-gBaAcdGhO-9e7TCSxme4jU87jSfcMA3TOyrgNg83BhA5weO4OFdLUdBQr_c7sA0gDNjDw9eQc2Izgf/s1600/Paint+trigger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6esZRFuOPszJKujwuGCeWQ4tCe598kEmQ4aL65A5U55rT3VX-7VS5CEf8tbM0-gBaAcdGhO-9e7TCSxme4jU87jSfcMA3TOyrgNg83BhA5weO4OFdLUdBQr_c7sA0gDNjDw9eQc2Izgf/s320/Paint+trigger.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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One coat of Rust-oleum Colonial Red, a little double-sided adhesive tape, and done!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppg0HVqiW-Rqkx43fR_LQzxT5w9qL_4R-s6FtsHo556ignAMSPKaV52rK60uAgjHlmjLc5h4-j43z1y8LwsAUvmIUayJse83UUVHM1J1SMZo1JFuWAd_U8UtU-iOWFHoTDb2NUWzxvJNE/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppg0HVqiW-Rqkx43fR_LQzxT5w9qL_4R-s6FtsHo556ignAMSPKaV52rK60uAgjHlmjLc5h4-j43z1y8LwsAUvmIUayJse83UUVHM1J1SMZo1JFuWAd_U8UtU-iOWFHoTDb2NUWzxvJNE/s320/photo+%25282%2529.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
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Mmmmmm....shiny & red. These are good things. </div>
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Never one to be left out of the action (but easily bribed with a biscuit to do what I ask of her), Sugar volunteered to show you our entry. I once heard that your photos should always have someone in them...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyerWOGLTgSJJS6cO0UgixOAXDGhb4huQAM1bjx_cyxPQYA_4Q61UWwkh5CFhlGUWDL255veUkCIbd4fWR31gB8ngFiHlFSlroADoJwPx8yiFAiBoXBJTjRMyLodjnS14-hvIdQU90RWQY/s1600/photo+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyerWOGLTgSJJS6cO0UgixOAXDGhb4huQAM1bjx_cyxPQYA_4Q61UWwkh5CFhlGUWDL255veUkCIbd4fWR31gB8ngFiHlFSlroADoJwPx8yiFAiBoXBJTjRMyLodjnS14-hvIdQU90RWQY/s320/photo+%25283%2529.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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Welcome! Can't wait to peer through that cute peephole at all our future visitors. </div>
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PS - you can have your own swell rug (in a few other nice colors) from Costco =)</div>
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PPS - I'm hoping to provide better photos (not taken with my phone) soon. It's a long story for another time, but my camera took a swim this summer and I just got a replacement. So glad Santa came early so I can really document important things like spray paint triggers!</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-9021722717725027502011-10-13T13:26:00.000-07:002011-10-13T13:26:18.005-07:00The Height of RudenessI have been rude. I'm mortified. And here's why...<br />
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In the process of packing up our house this week, I stumbled across two envelopes that had fallen behind my desk. They were thank you notes from our wedding. The one that happened nearly a year and a half ago. <br />
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They are written, sealed, and stamped. <br />
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Just never mailed. <br />
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Hence my mortification. <br />
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Martha Stewart should have me flogged.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-52265817516033430022011-10-10T12:48:00.000-07:002012-02-18T09:20:08.629-08:00Quick & Easy Brown RiceWe eat a lot of rice and, about two years ago, we switched to brown rice to be a little healthier. The only problem is that cooking brown rice takes 2-3 times as long as cooking white rice. Throwing a quick stir-fry together is nearly impossible when the rice requires an hour to cook! For those nights when we'd really like a quick side of rice, and don't have an hour to let it cook, we started buying Trader Joe's Frozen Brown Rice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidotSuusq1MC9AHVIOaLOO6gu50F6WM-xu3I1pBpa6OnkeTqL9qILVjCTUufWk7-A_7IkX8K-Twwx9E62INv7G6ldKnHcT-k7SvR-Zr6Cbzr1_GsusyHJD5AqF_AfX5XP7pQIgVGC8heuM/s1600/IMG_0350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidotSuusq1MC9AHVIOaLOO6gu50F6WM-xu3I1pBpa6OnkeTqL9qILVjCTUufWk7-A_7IkX8K-Twwx9E62INv7G6ldKnHcT-k7SvR-Zr6Cbzr1_GsusyHJD5AqF_AfX5XP7pQIgVGC8heuM/s320/IMG_0350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The box holds three microwavable packets - each with about two servings of rice. Perfect for the two of us! However...at $3.50 a box, the price of convenience seems a little steep. So, we came up with a great cost-saving DIY solution. Want to hop on board the frugalista bandwagon to make your own? Read on!</div>
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Here's what you need:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV3gu5tDrQgpkq6Ye4Z9KRxSXHtOwjJ2TUYmxuQBFioKhVjDwW6PIZHarrU5FZOQSbzev2CxshCdbwwMgvEd8X8YVmhd4xnMjAoOgedXYAxddiKxPzR7Vzm1Do_TzNqTQi_BZ_pux8ixt/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZV3gu5tDrQgpkq6Ye4Z9KRxSXHtOwjJ2TUYmxuQBFioKhVjDwW6PIZHarrU5FZOQSbzev2CxshCdbwwMgvEd8X8YVmhd4xnMjAoOgedXYAxddiKxPzR7Vzm1Do_TzNqTQi_BZ_pux8ixt/s320/IMG_0345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>Long grain brown rice (I purchase in bulk. Cheap, cheaper, cheapest!)</li>
<li>Bouillon of your choosing (we like Knorr's chicken or vegetable)</li>
<li>Quart-sized freezer bags. Regular sandwich bags don't hold up as well for this process.</li>
<li>Rice maker {<i>or a saucepan to cook your rice on the stove. Stove-top cooking instructions can be found at the end of the post</i>}</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJB-QiggSlt13JBw0TndR19bpNuze3o77mzqD2kLBF1OyLbDYRccOPCvPGTv7epcbK9hMF_2jZE-kOY3uOLiVuhKrhHbrPbxK0CRMDYyJTrRh-syj3Gu_id5AvAkfuQ6WsVb8LrvMvSAh/s1600/IMG_0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJB-QiggSlt13JBw0TndR19bpNuze3o77mzqD2kLBF1OyLbDYRccOPCvPGTv7epcbK9hMF_2jZE-kOY3uOLiVuhKrhHbrPbxK0CRMDYyJTrRh-syj3Gu_id5AvAkfuQ6WsVb8LrvMvSAh/s320/IMG_0346.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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For our small rice cooker, I use two cups brown rice and one bouillon cube. Knorr's cubes are double-sized, intended to be used with two cups of liquid. If you are using smaller traditional buoillon, you may want two cubes. It's really a matter of taste - I like a little flavor, but don't want it to overwhelm the main dish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdNX9TBO2wkULYwLZio5s7zqNweqboIhAr6dKlFR9iKibFCWkxOg3VmymtvGPR0SXD0AcsPlgoSVUZvO-fYzRkVD2e3tt9aWJwMTi620PDislKLCuhm1Mc36xEHm7_k7ABp99FAQjZ-ut/s1600/IMG_0347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdNX9TBO2wkULYwLZio5s7zqNweqboIhAr6dKlFR9iKibFCWkxOg3VmymtvGPR0SXD0AcsPlgoSVUZvO-fYzRkVD2e3tt9aWJwMTi620PDislKLCuhm1Mc36xEHm7_k7ABp99FAQjZ-ut/s320/IMG_0347.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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Add four cups of water. Brown rice requires more water than white...keep your water-to-rice ratio at 2:1.<br />
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Pop on the lid and let this handy-dandy appliance do it's job! An hour later your rice will be ready.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzFeWRZQCAb2NXQOHojjwjAgK_hJsvi8TEKg5jszQT6SBODDun6fVrtHQc68-5nGpG3-Jqzh1J9cAPWY9VN3HQAxyMe79m_204I_XLe16EKZgQeFtGG0VnT5taTNvu2josvJnPCT2lQOv/s1600/IMG_0348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzFeWRZQCAb2NXQOHojjwjAgK_hJsvi8TEKg5jszQT6SBODDun6fVrtHQc68-5nGpG3-Jqzh1J9cAPWY9VN3HQAxyMe79m_204I_XLe16EKZgQeFtGG0VnT5taTNvu2josvJnPCT2lQOv/s320/IMG_0348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Allow the rice to cool a bit so you don't burn yourself (or melt your freezer bag!) <br />
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Divide the rice into 3-4 servings, putting each serving into a freezer bag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZoRRa5M7ufnL3Skwk6D1wSTTGH_qV3xVwsgRqz-nBhGAKpr1QJc10QRdGP_2WY7UfbJTZSObQArCGzPIfp0DR3x3-fXXl52dQ4WSUGGl4Ljde0R-f_ib3DyC_Y9zOzT9e9m2RDUymw32/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZoRRa5M7ufnL3Skwk6D1wSTTGH_qV3xVwsgRqz-nBhGAKpr1QJc10QRdGP_2WY7UfbJTZSObQArCGzPIfp0DR3x3-fXXl52dQ4WSUGGl4Ljde0R-f_ib3DyC_Y9zOzT9e9m2RDUymw32/s320/IMG_0349.jpg" width="320" /></a>Flatten the rice a bit so it fills the whole bag with a fairly uniform thickness. This will make it easier to stack your bags in the freezer and will allow the rice to defrost evenly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZoRRa5M7ufnL3Skwk6D1wSTTGH_qV3xVwsgRqz-nBhGAKpr1QJc10QRdGP_2WY7UfbJTZSObQArCGzPIfp0DR3x3-fXXl52dQ4WSUGGl4Ljde0R-f_ib3DyC_Y9zOzT9e9m2RDUymw32/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZoRRa5M7ufnL3Skwk6D1wSTTGH_qV3xVwsgRqz-nBhGAKpr1QJc10QRdGP_2WY7UfbJTZSObQArCGzPIfp0DR3x3-fXXl52dQ4WSUGGl4Ljde0R-f_ib3DyC_Y9zOzT9e9m2RDUymw32/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZoRRa5M7ufnL3Skwk6D1wSTTGH_qV3xVwsgRqz-nBhGAKpr1QJc10QRdGP_2WY7UfbJTZSObQArCGzPIfp0DR3x3-fXXl52dQ4WSUGGl4Ljde0R-f_ib3DyC_Y9zOzT9e9m2RDUymw32/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZoRRa5M7ufnL3Skwk6D1wSTTGH_qV3xVwsgRqz-nBhGAKpr1QJc10QRdGP_2WY7UfbJTZSObQArCGzPIfp0DR3x3-fXXl52dQ4WSUGGl4Ljde0R-f_ib3DyC_Y9zOzT9e9m2RDUymw32/s1600/IMG_0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Place the bags in your freezer. When you are ready to use them, open the zipper about 1 inch (to allow the steam to vent) or just puncture the bag with a fork. Microwave on high for about 4 minutes, and enjoy!<br />
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<i>{Stove-top instructions} </i><br />
<i>1. In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups rice, 4 cups water, and one bouillon cube to a boil.</i><br />
<i>2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 55 minutes. </i><br />
<i>3. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. </i>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-67008530963929968332011-10-05T08:06:00.000-07:002011-10-05T08:06:41.834-07:00So Long, Pharmies!In keeping with our commitment to making 2011 the<a href="http://hotdishandhallelujahs.blogspot.com/2011/03/year-of-nothing.html"> <i>Year of Nothing</i></a> {HA!}, I made the decision to leave my position in the OSU College of Pharmacy in August. I spent eight great years as the Academic Advisor for the Pre-Pharmacy students, and had an outstanding experience. But then opportunity knocked, and I was offered a position in OSU's College of Engineering. So I took the leap and left the comfy job where I totally knew what I was doing and dove headfirst into the world of Engineering as Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs. I think it's gonna be awesome, but I have NO idea what I've gotten myself into. Hello, steep learning curve! <br />
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The hardest part of leaving Pharmacy was definitely saying goodbye to my students. Because it takes 7-8 years of school to become a pharmacist I had been advising some of those students for a long time. I raised a few of 'em from pups! I was touched by the outpouring of kind notes from the Pharmies when my departure was announced, and had to break my "no crying at work" rule a few times. Those stinkers.<br />
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Last week marked my first full month in Engineering, and I got a surprise visit from a Pharmie bringing me the most wonderful gift. The students had collaborated to make me a beautiful hard-bound photo book. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4IfAqZy4rpscMFz2dO2zVcOmUHLILk4Xl6uA8re5GD1B95yN5kVdjObN0KjHVQBAHVYH241SLJqVDGDyjuwy7xIk5LbiEQvThSOK7vy_eES_Ygos6ckjOIYchLUNu3qH3Jp5nsWMZXRZ/s1600/COP+book+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4IfAqZy4rpscMFz2dO2zVcOmUHLILk4Xl6uA8re5GD1B95yN5kVdjObN0KjHVQBAHVYH241SLJqVDGDyjuwy7xIk5LbiEQvThSOK7vy_eES_Ygos6ckjOIYchLUNu3qH3Jp5nsWMZXRZ/s320/COP+book+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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About 40 students submitted photos and letters remembering our time together and describing the impact I'd had on them. Well cue the waterworks because I was wrecked! Only a month into the new job and I'm already crying at work. Those stinkers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOxUCxjeE0uTM8T2Fxw7uVJY9cYsly7fXLAvDKLid6BnW_cajrPZFkGCfl_pW69IjH8RYlht-8g3R2c272d6Jy7repmV6XTngvUniOOkjZR041FcSsADDj-vi2OY_iu7VMVp2ODlQ_lMR/s1600/COP+book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOxUCxjeE0uTM8T2Fxw7uVJY9cYsly7fXLAvDKLid6BnW_cajrPZFkGCfl_pW69IjH8RYlht-8g3R2c272d6Jy7repmV6XTngvUniOOkjZR041FcSsADDj-vi2OY_iu7VMVp2ODlQ_lMR/s320/COP+book.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have absolutely loved my career as an Academic Advisor, and <i>this is why</i>. I have the privilege of being invited along on the college journey with some awesome people who are in the process of deciding who they are and where they belong in the world. There's never a dull moment. And most importantly, there are moments like this one where I can see that I've made a difference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBN0tSoSWvlR6Opgi0qmGX27sh16Im03S47qL8Qn6-vU3uK3bXicwJc97Vc2A762T8hQEEc-gUO7YOdUYRtsE9pCM-GZ-98LQiK4zRFKCjNSJeDMgcsbTyDCRt6ubuf2Mud-ltgLmuhoa/s1600/Angelou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBN0tSoSWvlR6Opgi0qmGX27sh16Im03S47qL8Qn6-vU3uK3bXicwJc97Vc2A762T8hQEEc-gUO7YOdUYRtsE9pCM-GZ-98LQiK4zRFKCjNSJeDMgcsbTyDCRt6ubuf2Mud-ltgLmuhoa/s320/Angelou.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>(source: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/180333163/">Pinterest</a>)</i></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12741884315609842613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-80499449503325316362011-09-12T07:07:00.000-07:002012-02-18T08:43:58.070-08:00Napping with Sugar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My wife said to me as we were about to pickup Sugar, "She will not be allowed on ANY furniture!" For the most part, this has stayed true. Sugar got up once on the couch and after being scolded and having chairs put on the couch for two or three days, she never touched the furniture again. It was less than a month however that I caught the two of them napping on the bed on a Saturday afternoon. </div>
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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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm21DWLVoOKTcCDVceqwI85zxxygd6_b_PjREswIE2KpkvdNKrkXAWoSr5hDoLHtaUITyH9ATnsIgSaTmNuf0gWETZ2n4YzdVjqIja2I0zdYIPd2lq6KM14AMrNCpGC2OZWuV15aeO_M/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmm21DWLVoOKTcCDVceqwI85zxxygd6_b_PjREswIE2KpkvdNKrkXAWoSr5hDoLHtaUITyH9ATnsIgSaTmNuf0gWETZ2n4YzdVjqIja2I0zdYIPd2lq6KM14AMrNCpGC2OZWuV15aeO_M/s320/IMG_1009.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicole and Sugar napping on a Saturday</td></tr>
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This dog loves to nap and most of all, she will do anything to make sure she is as close as possible to the person she is napping with. She is quite the cuddler and we quickly realized that if you want to sleep in on Saturday morning, just let Sugar into the bed and she won't move until both humans are up and out of the bed. </div>
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The other day a strange phenomenon occurred. We napped as usual and upon waking up Sugar rolled over on her back and continued to sleep fully sprawled. Her lips and jowls going where gravity desired contorting her face in the opposite of it's naturally occurring direction. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgdPcwP6UD8fihiy83cH0URWjLOfftlCUFnCVPp0emIzKUqIJ-z0yJDmGdbMACiGxcT9EaKB9-vI0_0LW7Y49fj1G5zh-myivMcqvnwU3uZOKyF0guPbeBJ4o-ALBnalYCxMMeWqQN7A/s1600/IMG_1476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgdPcwP6UD8fihiy83cH0URWjLOfftlCUFnCVPp0emIzKUqIJ-z0yJDmGdbMACiGxcT9EaKB9-vI0_0LW7Y49fj1G5zh-myivMcqvnwU3uZOKyF0guPbeBJ4o-ALBnalYCxMMeWqQN7A/s320/IMG_1476.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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I, of course, fully amused took a picture and proceeded to laugh hysterically which didn't seem to bother the dog...she continued to sleep. Showing the picture to my wife, she joined me in the hilarity until she turned the phone upside-down and we encountered this image:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUKQJdraIjCrsIX577JMfjJDHJZ3uCItUBp05xbmvWfYowZ-7B9pwQs9itioxixItHnrjFD2MmamnHA8bTY4S7C5UZyyDG8-NBwBtakA-7zeM1c2nApisf0yvsEN0aYvnYQgXv4O1dFw/s1600/IMG_1476+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUKQJdraIjCrsIX577JMfjJDHJZ3uCItUBp05xbmvWfYowZ-7B9pwQs9itioxixItHnrjFD2MmamnHA8bTY4S7C5UZyyDG8-NBwBtakA-7zeM1c2nApisf0yvsEN0aYvnYQgXv4O1dFw/s320/IMG_1476+-+Version+2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Now that I tell you is a happy dog. </div>
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~jim</div>
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<br /></div>Jimusikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09877787913422483904noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1029524061640151680.post-44375515122726601722011-08-29T20:29:00.000-07:002012-02-18T09:22:14.050-08:00The Best House Yet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Loyal Friends,</div>
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As some of you know, we are seriously considering settling down in Corvallis and have began our search for our first home. Below is a show and tell of the house we really like!</div>
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It's located in a small subdivision in SW Corvallis. It's adjacent to a retirement community and the Corvallis Country Club (no Dad, we can't play unless we're members)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdEK7-MGcr7TFnyfy9vSBDQKus1YM8skOJjL9l9_keni-bPs6c25UxiQdVmBYK4QYjOpwXpJQiZ9pAQXfr4TRyxh6WTVo9hwZr95XRZ-b5yRQhzt33AuWg3-jmi0HUjJkWGpoUKBFjnU/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdEK7-MGcr7TFnyfy9vSBDQKus1YM8skOJjL9l9_keni-bPs6c25UxiQdVmBYK4QYjOpwXpJQiZ9pAQXfr4TRyxh6WTVo9hwZr95XRZ-b5yRQhzt33AuWg3-jmi0HUjJkWGpoUKBFjnU/s320/IMG_1450.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The entryway is right next to the first living area that has a great dining area framed in by this low wall. </div>
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Of course there is a great Sugar window that looks out on the street.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJroyBodcV7QAW9l6ylIsDi-ns-zN6e73m4LY9fk3rWo9S4F2OVMruFsA0HfMji0n6wCCxuzTYgXAisKKz2PbAy5nf8DWUSDYb3rEktrWImbGXWTBasQ9rLVuSPx16qQ4yFHfJwPIveFU/s1600/IMG_1451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJroyBodcV7QAW9l6ylIsDi-ns-zN6e73m4LY9fk3rWo9S4F2OVMruFsA0HfMji0n6wCCxuzTYgXAisKKz2PbAy5nf8DWUSDYb3rEktrWImbGXWTBasQ9rLVuSPx16qQ4yFHfJwPIveFU/s320/IMG_1451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nicole's must is a separate laundry room/mud room. This stands right off the entry way and connects to the garage. Perfect for dog doors to the back yard.</div>
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The kitchen is divided by the other living area with this great little bar. </div>
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We're pretty stoked about the layout. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyD4iaIySrPrCdVxgW-fys9DRYwkh7PGPfMl8NUlZy_y7aBc56LVsF82ZIh4sHOs1-YPnZl43UVCPdu-Q9r1j0U6L0tyXPUEV-31vx-b2gBhDUHE_8w2R7xIejP4oRVBB_C_hu3OavnM/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMyD4iaIySrPrCdVxgW-fys9DRYwkh7PGPfMl8NUlZy_y7aBc56LVsF82ZIh4sHOs1-YPnZl43UVCPdu-Q9r1j0U6L0tyXPUEV-31vx-b2gBhDUHE_8w2R7xIejP4oRVBB_C_hu3OavnM/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Huge pantry (including spices and a pencil sharpener).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwXiaF-Si6wVf-kTZHCLPgfHHcUK5GX_0bNnVUEn58I51eLHhJcN09OxUw3ymF3twwsL5VBn3M59p2JED1oBrxRuGjhDCJSVwLsL5xRCI6jSOiDo221ZBbt7-swwaOA4StHcOmGnyB1I/s1600/IMG_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwXiaF-Si6wVf-kTZHCLPgfHHcUK5GX_0bNnVUEn58I51eLHhJcN09OxUw3ymF3twwsL5VBn3M59p2JED1oBrxRuGjhDCJSVwLsL5xRCI6jSOiDo221ZBbt7-swwaOA4StHcOmGnyB1I/s320/IMG_1463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then there is a little hallway back to the bedrooms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX4-8b__T3_cwHHCNcYxkz2U-BK6U3dVblXXKe6RX0WAElph4VafJPd5u0fEi-5lgbVUfm797AfgtKgbFistW0nUyWzbIaKAt1tTMxBgh4UTragIpnpo041FMTfWpqpG1dJ4o-WwZFeo/s1600/IMG_1465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX4-8b__T3_cwHHCNcYxkz2U-BK6U3dVblXXKe6RX0WAElph4VafJPd5u0fEi-5lgbVUfm797AfgtKgbFistW0nUyWzbIaKAt1tTMxBgh4UTragIpnpo041FMTfWpqpG1dJ4o-WwZFeo/s320/IMG_1465.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Here is the guest bath.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo7tRDZRoAl7HFAZ2bqmjJcdRh6u5NLmyA0_DOIu_e6GOKQ95o3ffR6UsZrKLU0zGGZ7ts9inDXE_BTQ-KcCmZyR3A4uFOuxnXGgIXB6l5QJYm1s7nz-xtGexlQQt2GcTCw6qlt8hHus/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXo7tRDZRoAl7HFAZ2bqmjJcdRh6u5NLmyA0_DOIu_e6GOKQ95o3ffR6UsZrKLU0zGGZ7ts9inDXE_BTQ-KcCmZyR3A4uFOuxnXGgIXB6l5QJYm1s7nz-xtGexlQQt2GcTCw6qlt8hHus/s320/IMG_1466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two bedrooms mirrored with great closet space and a cool nook above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZeJhB_al2HxOBAmE8LETIBtgK6u8ZZqVYpeVcBXhXl-n6oDD3kW5mG_lkF980KSFiTce-r7bPpHZdVYK6c-NDt0z0LxQYKsrFMnEQJi-JcmtMVZWOBEYSOZXVPCNrgw4XEW3bxi5IFk/s1600/IMG_1468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZeJhB_al2HxOBAmE8LETIBtgK6u8ZZqVYpeVcBXhXl-n6oDD3kW5mG_lkF980KSFiTce-r7bPpHZdVYK6c-NDt0z0LxQYKsrFMnEQJi-JcmtMVZWOBEYSOZXVPCNrgw4XEW3bxi5IFk/s320/IMG_1468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a nice big master bedroom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6c0A_j8TqHYqrRXUg7o5R2G_BOKbNj9cZ9ZsPFe8JZ9PLvkc7qVQHvmGEuCxQ-7QDmWXTzpnshaC-SxL69aDlCjqNztrj_rAhgSKtYL7KgyNig6g5EKVkwNYNfSoptWSHjayMPwf0Zw/s1600/IMG_1470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6c0A_j8TqHYqrRXUg7o5R2G_BOKbNj9cZ9ZsPFe8JZ9PLvkc7qVQHvmGEuCxQ-7QDmWXTzpnshaC-SxL69aDlCjqNztrj_rAhgSKtYL7KgyNig6g5EKVkwNYNfSoptWSHjayMPwf0Zw/s320/IMG_1470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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With connected bathroom including TWO sinks! Oh ya.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRaKa39TjGvt_ptMV4C5umbKQISx2BA89bXp-aZNbMVv26zaOUp19iYxgXARJMGViGROIx7fw8JDX4pLhXQqfnFrBCbwYZStvvpvgJvY21weqL_Hmgxhyg0jpKaj9SGqRhvJsjBdp_ag/s1600/IMG_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRaKa39TjGvt_ptMV4C5umbKQISx2BA89bXp-aZNbMVv26zaOUp19iYxgXARJMGViGROIx7fw8JDX4pLhXQqfnFrBCbwYZStvvpvgJvY21weqL_Hmgxhyg0jpKaj9SGqRhvJsjBdp_ag/s320/IMG_1471.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Great skylight, don't need the light at all during the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid73blJJP1dqYFXHNAEpxVhiV1jjCL0nd1McaRCZzqD_U-inWhhOZQ_YlNxWQio3qKO6gzqxgVAjKi29AhwmRwZ1QXDhiSYV7L77Qbm6zIh0GqroCtbSXHkP6M_F-KoYPSunXj0cAB8k0/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid73blJJP1dqYFXHNAEpxVhiV1jjCL0nd1McaRCZzqD_U-inWhhOZQ_YlNxWQio3qKO6gzqxgVAjKi29AhwmRwZ1QXDhiSYV7L77Qbm6zIh0GqroCtbSXHkP6M_F-KoYPSunXj0cAB8k0/s320/IMG_1474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And of course, an amazing walk-in closet!</div>
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The negatives are a small yard, close proximity to neighboring houses and a pretty small front yard. It does however have a little porch! The kicker is that all the lots share easement through the back yard for a stormwater system and this yard has three manhole covers that give access to that system. All and all the benefits outweigh the negatives. A great neighborhood close to friends, stores and campus. An awesome house with high ceilings and a wonderful layout. Now if we can get the low price we want, we might just be moving up in the world. Goodbye 900 square feet and no garage, hello 1786 with a two car garage. We won't know what to do with ourselves!</div>
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~jim</div>Jimusikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09877787913422483904noreply@blogger.com0