tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79655749264003825182024-03-13T04:56:25.195-07:00taking the backroad: a family's adventureBackroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.comBlogger504125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-61256994479904623492016-11-10T15:00:00.003-08:002016-11-10T15:00:26.552-08:00November 10, 2016::Give Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is time...time to think about the things for which we are thankful. Especially today. Especially when there is the temptation to look at what we have lost, or have the fear of losing in the wake of the US presidential election. I feel the need to both express my gratitude somewhere and to find a place to explore my grief and my responsibility in the face of what could be a trying time for my country and fellow human beings. Instead of just sharing articles and responding to comments on Facebook, I am here to try to process what my life should be. I am here to express my concerns and joys. I am here to try to responsibly share my inner thoughts in a way that my children know who I am and what I stand for, even when I forget to tell them. So, I am on the backroad again.<br />
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I will start with gratitude...<br />
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<li>for the ability to express myself freely</li>
<li>for the freedom of expression we have always allowed our kids</li>
<li>for the chance to understand the other side through best friends who are there and who are willing to share without judging or trying to change us</li>
<li>for the opportunity to question the status quo and the decision we made long ago to allow our kids the same opportunity</li>
<li>for the opportunity to use my privilege in society to help those who suffer because of it</li>
<li>for the opportunity to grow morally and spiritually from my fears and disappointments</li>
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What will my lessons be on the backroad? I am anxious to see. Join me, won't you?</div>
Namaste<br />
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<br />Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-11046865463699507892015-06-05T07:22:00.003-07:002015-06-05T07:26:56.022-07:00<div style="font-family: sans-serif;">
There is something about summer...a feeling...that is reserved for now. Since our oldest was a toddler, we've intentionally planned slow summers. They have been restorative and meaningful for our family. As we've moved further away from our "summer place" in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, that physical time away from chaos has grown shorter and shorter. This year, it will be a brief week.</div>
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The kids are involved in more this summer than ever before, yet we still long for that "summer" we've cherished for so long. It is a place, for sure, but more than that, it is a feeling. Have we had enough practice living in that feeling in years past to create it at home?</div>
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I think it is more than happiness. It's a sense of peace, a sense of sacred, a sense of freedom, and one of nonstriving. It is intention and contentment. It's the way we wish to spend each moment of our time.</div>
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My intention and practice for #ourbackroadsummer.</div>
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Today, a little knitting and Pandora</div>
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And a shady spot in the garden.</div>
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Summer is here today.</div>
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Wishing you that feeling today too.</div>
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Namaste</div>
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<br />Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-73772221710264093752015-06-02T17:46:00.002-07:002015-06-02T17:46:54.354-07:00June 2, 2015::pow!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's summer without a library reading program?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Summer Reading Club at our local library is serious business. We attended the first of two kickoff parties for <u>Every Hero Has A Story.</u> Hundreds of kids were there, along with knights, firefighters, various comic book heroes, games, obstacle courses, crafts, climbing walls, and lots of food. We are serious about making reading fun!! POW!!</span><br />
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Namaste</div>
<br />Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-32498634679519479792015-06-01T17:52:00.002-07:002015-06-01T17:52:59.113-07:00June 1, 2015::our backroad summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Ahhh, summer..</div>
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June 1 and summer is finally here for us (except that it is 55* today). The boys have finished their regular lessons, and Sis is working at a relaxed pace to finish up a few loose ends. There is a little more time for gardening, biking, hanging out on the back porch, and for getting dirty...maybe even more time for sharing here.<br />
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So, for the next few months, I will share with you what a backroad summer means to us.<br />
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NamasteBackroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-36669598497372979182015-03-18T17:50:00.001-07:002015-03-18T17:50:19.453-07:00March 18, 2015::sixteenOur baby girl turned sixteen today. Sixteen. Wow! That number is BIG! So happy to be spending this day and this life with her. <div><br></div><div>Happy Birthday, dear daughter.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxvxXb83qeE/VQodPqT2arI/AAAAAAAAD3c/-MM_--zaJvw/s640/blogger-image--791705669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxvxXb83qeE/VQodPqT2arI/AAAAAAAAD3c/-MM_--zaJvw/s640/blogger-image--791705669.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YGiGBvfHPQk/VQodDylLEVI/AAAAAAAAD28/5_4Bl4AxL1c/s640/blogger-image--102146679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YGiGBvfHPQk/VQodDylLEVI/AAAAAAAAD28/5_4Bl4AxL1c/s640/blogger-image--102146679.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nBok1z6WDyw/VQodSGIV07I/AAAAAAAAD3k/dwYpySX1SzQ/s640/blogger-image--1785781471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nBok1z6WDyw/VQodSGIV07I/AAAAAAAAD3k/dwYpySX1SzQ/s640/blogger-image--1785781471.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Miss Patty was her thirteenth birthday gift. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RX_TxGhaHAw/VQoc_bdR_-I/AAAAAAAAD2s/rKiGT6iPszA/s640/blogger-image-930054093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RX_TxGhaHAw/VQoc_bdR_-I/AAAAAAAAD2s/rKiGT6iPszA/s640/blogger-image-930054093.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Breakfast brunch with napkins from her first birthday party. Sometimes it does pay to be a pack rat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NY3tu25Wkm4/VQodNKhhA9I/AAAAAAAAD3U/Ywo43UaP-rM/s640/blogger-image--1295738523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NY3tu25Wkm4/VQodNKhhA9I/AAAAAAAAD3U/Ywo43UaP-rM/s640/blogger-image--1295738523.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent the afternoon visiting the humane society and every pet-related store in Kokomo. She really wanted one of the German Shepard puppies to come home with us. We resisted THIS year (see above).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fJpxzlBFK1k/VQodBTS6Y3I/AAAAAAAAD20/tsoUpEXeVSQ/s640/blogger-image--2103773739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fJpxzlBFK1k/VQodBTS6Y3I/AAAAAAAAD20/tsoUpEXeVSQ/s640/blogger-image--2103773739.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Her one request: a chocolate covered cherry cake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PkjXF8ATtJs/VQoc9ttL_tI/AAAAAAAAD2k/tXXZo6diiKE/s640/blogger-image-722714669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PkjXF8ATtJs/VQoc9ttL_tI/AAAAAAAAD2k/tXXZo6diiKE/s640/blogger-image-722714669.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two layers of white cake with a middle layer of chocolate covered cherries, nestled in a couple of inches of buttercream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wI43YfJp07U/VQodF1NxRgI/AAAAAAAAD3E/qUoroRSG9iA/s640/blogger-image-1610061490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wI43YfJp07U/VQodF1NxRgI/AAAAAAAAD3E/qUoroRSG9iA/s640/blogger-image-1610061490.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All of that covered in more buttercream, chocolate syrup, and Oreo crumbs. She certainly knows how to choose something special. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WvGcvGcfMVw/VQodJpbdOMI/AAAAAAAAD3M/ZFR8G_ZTMf8/s640/blogger-image--1740247755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WvGcvGcfMVw/VQodJpbdOMI/AAAAAAAAD3M/ZFR8G_ZTMf8/s640/blogger-image--1740247755.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dinner at Chipotle and now, she and her dad are doing algebra. Low key, kinda like her. Perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Happy Sweet 16, Darlin' Girl. Love you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-65184375201352665612015-01-23T10:19:00.001-08:002015-01-23T10:19:20.772-08:00Jan 22, 2015::sick dayBrice and I both woke up this morning with the cold that Daddy has been suffering for nearly two weeks. The big kids seem healthy, so far, but a sick day is in order for the little guy (and me, as much as possible). <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DdO2_Z_mXwo/VMKQmecJmOI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/YZiK2Bt651c/s640/blogger-image-1984531697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DdO2_Z_mXwo/VMKQmecJmOI/AAAAAAAAD1Y/YZiK2Bt651c/s640/blogger-image-1984531697.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I fixed a snacky buffet for us, so everyone can wander in and out between school assignments and have some healthy options without Mom's watchful eye.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GGBI3shghgc/VMKQoB7_flI/AAAAAAAAD1g/nsjNcOYL1cY/s640/blogger-image--1190849344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GGBI3shghgc/VMKQoB7_flI/AAAAAAAAD1g/nsjNcOYL1cY/s640/blogger-image--1190849344.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Today is winter CSA day, which just so happens to be soup and pie. Low pressure, nourishing, and nurturing.</div><div><br></div><div>The rest of the day will likely be filled with hot tea, PBS, elderberries, dog snuggling, and knitting. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zg8qT85APCc/VMKQpwIQZ0I/AAAAAAAAD1o/C8BVyVGxTCk/s640/blogger-image--990065266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zg8qT85APCc/VMKQpwIQZ0I/AAAAAAAAD1o/C8BVyVGxTCk/s640/blogger-image--990065266.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Tomorrow is Saturday. Maybe we can convince Dad to join us in the slowness then.</div><div><br></div><div>Namaste</div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-646001906735269602015-01-20T11:17:00.001-08:002015-01-21T14:27:26.306-08:00Jan 21, 2015::tiny studioSince I can remember, if someone asked me what do I want most I have had one abiding thought...a studio. <div><br></div><div>Of course, a studio ranks after health, contentment, and world peace, but it plays a huge part in my own health, contentment, and inner peace. Twice in my adult life, I have had a studio. A room of my own where I can leave projects in progress and come and go at leisure. A place where others in the family are welcome, but is usually quiet and comfortable, is my greatest material desire.<div><br></div><div>In recent years, that space has been shared by homeschool curriculum and books, books, books. Fine, and fun, but not peace and quiet and creativity. When we picked up and moved to Indiana, we decided to go for a smaller house. Still five of us living and learning together, just less space to do so. Studio on hold again.</div><div><br></div><div>In response to tighter quarters, I have picked up the habit of working on writing and projects in early morning quiet. All the kids are late sleepers, so I usually get a couple of solid hours of thinking time, but dragging supplies out of the garage every morning...not so motivating. </div><div><br></div><div>Periodically, over the eighteen months we have lived here, I have wandered the house looking for inspiration for a studio space. Where can I put a table and my supplies? Where can I do that and still have some semblance of order? Well, surprise! No studio loft appeared! </div><div><br></div><div>What did appear, though, was this magical wardrobe. One day, it caught my eye. No fur coats and lamppost. We have stored knock knacks and yoga mats in here for years. A nice prop room for changing up seasonal tables, but a lot of wasted space. </div><div><br></div><div>Oh, now...it is a magical place for me. My tiny studio storage space full of possibility. I still have to work on the dining room table, but it's like a candy store, calling my name every time I walk by...make something...come on...open the door...you know you want to...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B4_QSv9QZ-Y/VMAny2HxMBI/AAAAAAAAD1E/89KDqUs2nKk/s640/blogger-image-1864418573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B4_QSv9QZ-Y/VMAny2HxMBI/AAAAAAAAD1E/89KDqUs2nKk/s640/blogger-image-1864418573.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JUJmEWMI0a4/VMAni7oOOGI/AAAAAAAAD0E/4QeCPr-b27g/s640/blogger-image-193473896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JUJmEWMI0a4/VMAni7oOOGI/AAAAAAAAD0E/4QeCPr-b27g/s640/blogger-image-193473896.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rsFe4aHpnJ8/VMAnxX4ToSI/AAAAAAAAD08/3OL22G0TujA/s640/blogger-image-1572970111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rsFe4aHpnJ8/VMAnxX4ToSI/AAAAAAAAD08/3OL22G0TujA/s640/blogger-image-1572970111.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aE7zHJJeDyk/VMAnr_Op3iI/AAAAAAAAD0s/RYmhvIlAoe8/s640/blogger-image--191612078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aE7zHJJeDyk/VMAnr_Op3iI/AAAAAAAAD0s/RYmhvIlAoe8/s640/blogger-image--191612078.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grK77N4Pq60/VMAnvlogzcI/AAAAAAAAD00/yTNusfEBmfk/s640/blogger-image-1493392275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grK77N4Pq60/VMAnvlogzcI/AAAAAAAAD00/yTNusfEBmfk/s640/blogger-image-1493392275.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3gdrjfRJVvM/VMAnkWECE5I/AAAAAAAAD0M/g1RcLbyZvwA/s640/blogger-image--1345476027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3gdrjfRJVvM/VMAnkWECE5I/AAAAAAAAD0M/g1RcLbyZvwA/s640/blogger-image--1345476027.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ezBuuCDbuHo/VMAnog1XpWI/AAAAAAAAD0c/BZX9BdbASRM/s640/blogger-image--1891392865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ezBuuCDbuHo/VMAnog1XpWI/AAAAAAAAD0c/BZX9BdbASRM/s640/blogger-image--1891392865.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nRW21m-HtUE/VMAnqFutNaI/AAAAAAAAD0k/tVc1T1psrYs/s640/blogger-image-458379486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nRW21m-HtUE/VMAnqFutNaI/AAAAAAAAD0k/tVc1T1psrYs/s640/blogger-image-458379486.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zFmvv9Uq3zM/VMAng8ldBGI/AAAAAAAADz8/crxGfbvhPI0/s640/blogger-image-503168793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zFmvv9Uq3zM/VMAng8ldBGI/AAAAAAAADz8/crxGfbvhPI0/s640/blogger-image-503168793.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-voMEbqUzJ40/VMAnm8_AWoI/AAAAAAAAD0U/jKRk7HP8DHQ/s640/blogger-image--130532719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-voMEbqUzJ40/VMAnm8_AWoI/AAAAAAAAD0U/jKRk7HP8DHQ/s640/blogger-image--130532719.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div>Namaste</div></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-67821804359109286462015-01-20T03:49:00.001-08:002015-01-20T03:49:10.531-08:00Jan 20, 2015::Gambills take DCOur holiday break, and subsequent holiday travels, started early this year. The kids, and dogs, and I left Kokomo on Dec 15 for my parents' house in Tennessee. Todd flew to Washington, DC on Dec 17 for business and we decided to accompany him. But first, we needed to drop off the dogs and Christmas gifts with my dad, and pick up my mother and mother-in-law, who both joined in on the adventure.<div><br></div><div>The 17th began well, with plans to meet Mom's college roommate for lunch in Staunton, VA. About thirty miles from the exit I started hearing strange sounds from the engine and smelled the unmistakable stench of antifreeze. By the time we pulled into the restaurant, it was clear that a visit to the dealer was necessary. So, the moms and kids stayed behind to eat pie and I sat in the dealership lobby, watching. Bonanza and Adam12 for three hours. Finally, after learning that Todd and. I would be buying each other a new radiator for Christmas, I rented another van and hauled the crew on to DC. What a way to start the trip!!</div><div><br></div><div>Once we arrived in DC, the fun began in earnest. We walked and walked, and saw as much as we could possibly see in the two and a half days we had there. That seems to be our MO...never do a field trip half-way. I think I learned that from my Dad. Wish he could have accompanied us. Next time, Poppy!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SrrdIr0PSRQ/VL4_wWW9flI/AAAAAAAADuk/OKSRPBA2lhk/s640/blogger-image-1675227104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SrrdIr0PSRQ/VL4_wWW9flI/AAAAAAAADuk/OKSRPBA2lhk/s640/blogger-image-1675227104.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A little Adam-12 at the repair shop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">DC Day 1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EUWQI2MrkuQ/VL5Ak_z44UI/AAAAAAAADy0/qd66KK-PIp8/s640/blogger-image-1462617074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EUWQI2MrkuQ/VL5Ak_z44UI/AAAAAAAADy0/qd66KK-PIp8/s640/blogger-image-1462617074.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">National Botanical Garden to see the trains</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j6KhxvfyEZY/VL5AjWYg-VI/AAAAAAAADys/Bh7rV711zkU/s640/blogger-image--980547196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-j6KhxvfyEZY/VL5AjWYg-VI/AAAAAAAADys/Bh7rV711zkU/s640/blogger-image--980547196.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BmiVPWnEe1U/VL5ADiofppI/AAAAAAAADwE/4gb_HxuacLQ/s640/blogger-image--1820432176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-BmiVPWnEe1U/VL5ADiofppI/AAAAAAAADwE/4gb_HxuacLQ/s640/blogger-image--1820432176.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Bxs9JLeCgJI/VL5ALMANNBI/AAAAAAAADws/PMue6Wwe3ME/s640/blogger-image--442892884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Bxs9JLeCgJI/VL5ALMANNBI/AAAAAAAADws/PMue6Wwe3ME/s640/blogger-image--442892884.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress were on the list as well</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jQXJmqFFa1g/VL4_7JpTDQI/AAAAAAAADvc/Fa9T9pDYiIo/s640/blogger-image--76068780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jQXJmqFFa1g/VL4_7JpTDQI/AAAAAAAADvc/Fa9T9pDYiIo/s640/blogger-image--76068780.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Air and Space Museum</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sw8kWEcBa2k/VL5AVEIaFGI/AAAAAAAADxk/j3gX4jT95kA/s640/blogger-image-1997876913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sw8kWEcBa2k/VL5AVEIaFGI/AAAAAAAADxk/j3gX4jT95kA/s640/blogger-image-1997876913.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The sculpture garden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0GpH4YVKtkE/VL5AfULLWeI/AAAAAAAADyU/bkoH5btTp6U/s640/blogger-image--4892969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0GpH4YVKtkE/VL5AfULLWeI/AAAAAAAADyU/bkoH5btTp6U/s640/blogger-image--4892969.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the Mall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GH-WqPlpbBo/VL4_5kQ7BTI/AAAAAAAADvU/kvrtYtvAqPg/s640/blogger-image-2017835193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GH-WqPlpbBo/VL4_5kQ7BTI/AAAAAAAADvU/kvrtYtvAqPg/s640/blogger-image-2017835193.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where are George and Ringo?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-__3IHtcboVk/VL4_4VGUPoI/AAAAAAAADvM/OTVGtXrck7I/s640/blogger-image--574135683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-__3IHtcboVk/VL4_4VGUPoI/AAAAAAAADvM/OTVGtXrck7I/s640/blogger-image--574135683.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Natural History Museum</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_9_Eh33vZ4/VL4_vG54wII/AAAAAAAADuc/JJp9NIpnSnY/s640/blogger-image-2086043150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_9_Eh33vZ4/VL4_vG54wII/AAAAAAAADuc/JJp9NIpnSnY/s640/blogger-image-2086043150.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back to the Capitol</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w4zecd_lIzI/VL5ASCVs08I/AAAAAAAADxU/vz3jFySEri8/s640/blogger-image--1862428898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w4zecd_lIzI/VL5ASCVs08I/AAAAAAAADxU/vz3jFySEri8/s640/blogger-image--1862428898.jpg"></a></div><br></div>DC Day 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TyizyWb2xwU/VL5AtIL8lEI/AAAAAAAADzc/WFcr9eVWzTk/s640/blogger-image-752171180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TyizyWb2xwU/VL5AtIL8lEI/AAAAAAAADzc/WFcr9eVWzTk/s640/blogger-image-752171180.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>White House Visitor Center</div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3UdVXXB77f4/VL5AcCbZmgI/AAAAAAAADyE/geM-chSrusQ/s640/blogger-image--633664351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3UdVXXB77f4/VL5AcCbZmgI/AAAAAAAADyE/geM-chSrusQ/s640/blogger-image--633664351.jpg"></a></div><br></div>And the White House</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AZe4-U-QTvY/VL5AWgB5eiI/AAAAAAAADxs/gOHErHR7aik/s640/blogger-image--313750548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AZe4-U-QTvY/VL5AWgB5eiI/AAAAAAAADxs/gOHErHR7aik/s640/blogger-image--313750548.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tLXOUq8Jn_I/VL5AGTJon9I/AAAAAAAADwU/Src7XwBlw8w/s640/blogger-image-1505309646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tLXOUq8Jn_I/VL5AGTJon9I/AAAAAAAADwU/Src7XwBlw8w/s640/blogger-image-1505309646.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The War Memorials</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N1an22X8PPs/VL4_9bCkwsI/AAAAAAAADvk/k7IDfnyezZ4/s640/blogger-image--1592155754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N1an22X8PPs/VL4_9bCkwsI/AAAAAAAADvk/k7IDfnyezZ4/s640/blogger-image--1592155754.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the Lincoln Memorial ( "Hamriham Lincoln" Brice)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-306avw_nhME/VL5ACOpcLQI/AAAAAAAADv8/D3jSR7Zy30U/s640/blogger-image-1300705986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-306avw_nhME/VL5ACOpcLQI/AAAAAAAADv8/D3jSR7Zy30U/s640/blogger-image-1300705986.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uLRzphtPMNo/VL5Ags_B_nI/AAAAAAAADyc/BM3LmD2dq48/s640/blogger-image--1205071484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uLRzphtPMNo/VL5Ags_B_nI/AAAAAAAADyc/BM3LmD2dq48/s640/blogger-image--1205071484.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VvCRIKX6T28/VL5Ah8WJR2I/AAAAAAAADyk/RD3mtco_qmw/s640/blogger-image-24103760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VvCRIKX6T28/VL5Ah8WJR2I/AAAAAAAADyk/RD3mtco_qmw/s640/blogger-image-24103760.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hKYU35XtM8s/VL5AE4JCk-I/AAAAAAAADwM/JyBYSb5aVkk/s640/blogger-image-1293063088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hKYU35XtM8s/VL5AE4JCk-I/AAAAAAAADwM/JyBYSb5aVkk/s640/blogger-image-1293063088.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VbCOIu9KQnA/VL5AdwnlGSI/AAAAAAAADyM/3HL1Eu-6vSg/s640/blogger-image-1808917632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VbCOIu9KQnA/VL5AdwnlGSI/AAAAAAAADyM/3HL1Eu-6vSg/s640/blogger-image-1808917632.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Am68GOndJUw/VL4_tThPq6I/AAAAAAAADuU/9fSXtysr0hI/s640/blogger-image--1520461744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Am68GOndJUw/VL4_tThPq6I/AAAAAAAADuU/9fSXtysr0hI/s640/blogger-image--1520461744.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eQbkcrinjpk/VL5AJpZbNFI/AAAAAAAADwk/35mETSqFrEw/s640/blogger-image-1272349171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eQbkcrinjpk/VL5AJpZbNFI/AAAAAAAADwk/35mETSqFrEw/s640/blogger-image-1272349171.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the Washington Monument</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mxh8n4qxAF8/VL5AHyUwlbI/AAAAAAAADwc/OLgRVVPTr5M/s640/blogger-image--499748812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mxh8n4qxAF8/VL5AHyUwlbI/AAAAAAAADwc/OLgRVVPTr5M/s640/blogger-image--499748812.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A little break and on to...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nl_Dsh2T8Yw/VL5APCpGlxI/AAAAAAAADxE/VVwj1niX4Nw/s640/blogger-image-1950368648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nl_Dsh2T8Yw/VL5APCpGlxI/AAAAAAAADxE/VVwj1niX4Nw/s640/blogger-image-1950368648.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The American History Musem</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HWKjDd-urIM/VL5ATkhTjtI/AAAAAAAADxc/dlpabWfXZns/s640/blogger-image-683500176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HWKjDd-urIM/VL5ATkhTjtI/AAAAAAAADxc/dlpabWfXZns/s640/blogger-image-683500176.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yyAZHz35fZw/VL4__RFDsrI/AAAAAAAADvs/OaLP6A350sU/s640/blogger-image--1951502637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yyAZHz35fZw/VL4__RFDsrI/AAAAAAAADvs/OaLP6A350sU/s640/blogger-image--1951502637.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qvM-k24isvs/VL5AYua0ShI/AAAAAAAADx0/zJiL44pn3Mg/s640/blogger-image-662828530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qvM-k24isvs/VL5AYua0ShI/AAAAAAAADx0/zJiL44pn3Mg/s640/blogger-image-662828530.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xzPX1TBS1kM/VL4_1N9tiiI/AAAAAAAADu8/z1r3J0qonFs/s640/blogger-image-1417109525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xzPX1TBS1kM/VL4_1N9tiiI/AAAAAAAADu8/z1r3J0qonFs/s640/blogger-image-1417109525.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-czQv7FqNNkc/VL5AN7WTDWI/AAAAAAAADw8/Du15EFRCLi8/s640/blogger-image-455604892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-czQv7FqNNkc/VL5AN7WTDWI/AAAAAAAADw8/Du15EFRCLi8/s640/blogger-image-455604892.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">DC Day 3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4SMsnWeWbS8/VL5AQzH6ljI/AAAAAAAADxM/ZxHjR2R5X_c/s640/blogger-image--783294879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4SMsnWeWbS8/VL5AQzH6ljI/AAAAAAAADxM/ZxHjR2R5X_c/s640/blogger-image--783294879.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">National Gallery before heading back to TN</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZAp0MvSoNCg/VL5AqBU3yJI/AAAAAAAADzM/ZOCAtX4-P9w/s640/blogger-image--475679433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZAp0MvSoNCg/VL5AqBU3yJI/AAAAAAAADzM/ZOCAtX4-P9w/s640/blogger-image--475679433.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XzRDJnmXPeA/VL5AAphTUBI/AAAAAAAADv0/f_KDFTPZbPM/s640/blogger-image--520503600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XzRDJnmXPeA/VL5AAphTUBI/AAAAAAAADv0/f_KDFTPZbPM/s640/blogger-image--520503600.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Y520smYZjc/VL5AMSNmSnI/AAAAAAAADw0/3Kh80ZYw55g/s640/blogger-image--22305872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5Y520smYZjc/VL5AMSNmSnI/AAAAAAAADw0/3Kh80ZYw55g/s640/blogger-image--22305872.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3j-DnUDEkTg/VL5AoZ6Gp4I/AAAAAAAADzE/RnfjwUZMnLY/s640/blogger-image-2134639981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3j-DnUDEkTg/VL5AoZ6Gp4I/AAAAAAAADzE/RnfjwUZMnLY/s640/blogger-image-2134639981.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2W93OEercNI/VL4_zPA-r3I/AAAAAAAADu0/b3of5iidJAo/s640/blogger-image-622923001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2W93OEercNI/VL4_zPA-r3I/AAAAAAAADu0/b3of5iidJAo/s640/blogger-image-622923001.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a4Cg58V4Kp4/VL5Amu9YEeI/AAAAAAAADy8/MyMMzi_tNGo/s640/blogger-image--379953003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a4Cg58V4Kp4/VL5Amu9YEeI/AAAAAAAADy8/MyMMzi_tNGo/s640/blogger-image--379953003.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H1TSWseT9Dg/VL5ArkY5elI/AAAAAAAADzU/e-AbgIUrDG8/s640/blogger-image-526942457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H1TSWseT9Dg/VL5ArkY5elI/AAAAAAAADzU/e-AbgIUrDG8/s640/blogger-image-526942457.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rGd4WT3WgBw/VL5AaV2q5JI/AAAAAAAADx8/wSswilhRtJE/s640/blogger-image-112834950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rGd4WT3WgBw/VL5AaV2q5JI/AAAAAAAADx8/wSswilhRtJE/s640/blogger-image-112834950.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HUzQ5Bu1IBw/VL4_x0b_L7I/AAAAAAAADus/Hr_AEPOLSow/s640/blogger-image--1037804149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HUzQ5Bu1IBw/VL4_x0b_L7I/AAAAAAAADus/Hr_AEPOLSow/s640/blogger-image--1037804149.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-20482793930889644232014-12-08T06:20:00.001-08:002014-12-08T06:20:41.255-08:00Dec 8, 2014::fall back into it<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This weekend, I had the privilege of spending some time with some beautiful women as we participated in a demonstration of handwork at a local art gallery. In sharing our lives, we naturally shared Facebook pages, Instagram streams, and blog addresses. There's nothing quite like realizing you just asked a new friend to peek into your life...and you </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">are two months behind. Oh well, life is busy here. Lots of travel, learning, making, living. I would love to be one of those mothers who do it all AND blog about it all. I try. Sometimes, though, I am just too busy living it to reflect upon it. So, here is a record of the last two months...for posterity and anyone interested.</span></div><div><br></div><div>October and November 2014</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_PDdis61oU/VIWy86eqiqI/AAAAAAAADqM/3EMfuVngeKs/s640/blogger-image-175199754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_PDdis61oU/VIWy86eqiqI/AAAAAAAADqM/3EMfuVngeKs/s640/blogger-image-175199754.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Before the first frost, I finally remembered to bring in our herbs for drying. Of course, when I bagged them up, I some how got mint in every bag with the basil and oregano. Oh well. Live and learn!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cYIuEDqoeWM/VIWzGqe3t9I/AAAAAAAADq8/FXNEDMKOySY/s640/blogger-image-1353533557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cYIuEDqoeWM/VIWzGqe3t9I/AAAAAAAADq8/FXNEDMKOySY/s640/blogger-image-1353533557.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Todd spent half of October in SE Asia, recruiting students for IUK</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VdPpnKYVZvE/VIWzTXyTvCI/AAAAAAAADr8/CThG-LKXnsc/s640/blogger-image-1476660145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VdPpnKYVZvE/VIWzTXyTvCI/AAAAAAAADr8/CThG-LKXnsc/s640/blogger-image-1476660145.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So, I packed up the kids and headed south.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IMf7XwyoBPo/VIWy-AkiGhI/AAAAAAAADqU/cfdAgPcMFSA/s640/blogger-image--439654331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IMf7XwyoBPo/VIWy-AkiGhI/AAAAAAAADqU/cfdAgPcMFSA/s640/blogger-image--439654331.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a 13 hr trip in countless traffic stops...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7EsAgTw4JI0/VIWzRs73eiI/AAAAAAAADr0/1hn7dRkvLGU/s640/blogger-image--1704535448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7EsAgTw4JI0/VIWzRs73eiI/AAAAAAAADr0/1hn7dRkvLGU/s640/blogger-image--1704535448.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We arrived at my parents' home, in Tennessee, to a late night, belated birthday celebration for Reeves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Z7rS7rW22o/VIWzKTkIL-I/AAAAAAAADrM/sB_AgiPAAYI/s640/blogger-image-1646901880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Z7rS7rW22o/VIWzKTkIL-I/AAAAAAAADrM/sB_AgiPAAYI/s640/blogger-image-1646901880.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While there, we visited the Western North Caroluna Farmers Market in Asheville. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G4xm4c6mHh0/VIWy2BCpKbI/AAAAAAAADps/qDLaBv4fk5k/s640/blogger-image--7649124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G4xm4c6mHh0/VIWy2BCpKbI/AAAAAAAADps/qDLaBv4fk5k/s640/blogger-image--7649124.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tRz2Anqm4vA/VIWzBRWcw9I/AAAAAAAADqk/KZOhLMY7-Mw/s640/blogger-image-124345396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tRz2Anqm4vA/VIWzBRWcw9I/AAAAAAAADqk/KZOhLMY7-Mw/s640/blogger-image-124345396.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Scuppernongs were so ripe, the air was thick with their sweet scent and bees swarmed everywhere, drunk from the sugar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZieerVZpCMM/VIWyymRwAQI/AAAAAAAADpc/WcT9z5ykEbs/s640/blogger-image-753158465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZieerVZpCMM/VIWyymRwAQI/AAAAAAAADpc/WcT9z5ykEbs/s640/blogger-image-753158465.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My grandmother, Mama Jean, loves playing with the kids.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l881r_3CwcE/VIWzZcem9aI/AAAAAAAADsU/0aYMq8ngN5o/s640/blogger-image-23966760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l881r_3CwcE/VIWzZcem9aI/AAAAAAAADsU/0aYMq8ngN5o/s640/blogger-image-23966760.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I had the biggest Bloody Mary in history,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xnZQvV2IgiA/VIWzl3sXBSI/AAAAAAAADtM/mOVPlGILfDc/s640/blogger-image-1983316259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xnZQvV2IgiA/VIWzl3sXBSI/AAAAAAAADtM/mOVPlGILfDc/s640/blogger-image-1983316259.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We attended a fiber festival.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9oxaPE_H4Q/VIWzpOZ5a8I/AAAAAAAADtc/GbVc00TyhYc/s640/blogger-image-422433330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j9oxaPE_H4Q/VIWzpOZ5a8I/AAAAAAAADtc/GbVc00TyhYc/s640/blogger-image-422433330.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is Brice...sleeping...something he did very little of during our trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7liek7KfRM/VIWyv8H-nQI/AAAAAAAADpM/8RiVUXoqYOo/s640/blogger-image-1087400989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7liek7KfRM/VIWyv8H-nQI/AAAAAAAADpM/8RiVUXoqYOo/s640/blogger-image-1087400989.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As usual, Brice had instructions for us to build something. Mom and I put together this spiffy Godzilla costume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VIfBDYrM3U8/VIWztqU3TGI/AAAAAAAADt0/xqUMjnkxZMs/s640/blogger-image-354717512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VIfBDYrM3U8/VIWztqU3TGI/AAAAAAAADt0/xqUMjnkxZMs/s640/blogger-image-354717512.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We met my sister, Julie, and sweet Anna at an apple orchard in Flat Rock, NC</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l0drDZz1u0M/VIWzdNpCViI/AAAAAAAADsk/WitGXes72_4/s640/blogger-image-1216346363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l0drDZz1u0M/VIWzdNpCViI/AAAAAAAADsk/WitGXes72_4/s640/blogger-image-1216346363.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wif6yBobP7s/VIWy37yb9OI/AAAAAAAADp0/PAoHWPo5mOs/s640/blogger-image--817823345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Wif6yBobP7s/VIWy37yb9OI/AAAAAAAADp0/PAoHWPo5mOs/s640/blogger-image--817823345.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UYx9igD6Jeg/VIWzWUtdonI/AAAAAAAADsM/e66TjTnZ9i8/s640/blogger-image-1007995621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UYx9igD6Jeg/VIWzWUtdonI/AAAAAAAADsM/e66TjTnZ9i8/s640/blogger-image-1007995621.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I just love fall in the Blue Ridge Mtns!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8ojkDqgmYhg/VIWza0oxlPI/AAAAAAAADsc/8Z-3_NccQyc/s640/blogger-image-2071248466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8ojkDqgmYhg/VIWza0oxlPI/AAAAAAAADsc/8Z-3_NccQyc/s640/blogger-image-2071248466.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I tried to get a Christmas card worthy picture of the kids, but this happened.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2i2l57fMxMs/VIWy0WbZpTI/AAAAAAAADpk/89gTMkUGOx4/s640/blogger-image-1419938974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2i2l57fMxMs/VIWy0WbZpTI/AAAAAAAADpk/89gTMkUGOx4/s640/blogger-image-1419938974.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And this...note my face...my usual face when trying to organize my gang.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tyKwucA8kM8/VIWzIj0d8AI/AAAAAAAADrE/pTMtMXU7BXM/s640/blogger-image-17552615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tyKwucA8kM8/VIWzIj0d8AI/AAAAAAAADrE/pTMtMXU7BXM/s640/blogger-image-17552615.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At least Embree will pose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-drvOgI_Pr_U/VIWzhNxCUJI/AAAAAAAADs0/dw848cDXmFE/s640/blogger-image--4831295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-drvOgI_Pr_U/VIWzhNxCUJI/AAAAAAAADs0/dw848cDXmFE/s640/blogger-image--4831295.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Their picture with Nana wasn't too wild.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EOLSiG_NsJM/VIWzsOlUEHI/AAAAAAAADts/8WsWKGL0Xsc/s640/blogger-image--814123454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-EOLSiG_NsJM/VIWzsOlUEHI/AAAAAAAADts/8WsWKGL0Xsc/s640/blogger-image--814123454.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After two weeks, we rushed back to Indiana to make a home cooked meal for our traveling daddy...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qc0e7eTi-Nc/VIWzi1h51YI/AAAAAAAADs8/MBC6JyngCZ0/s640/blogger-image-1095280034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Qc0e7eTi-Nc/VIWzi1h51YI/AAAAAAAADs8/MBC6JyngCZ0/s640/blogger-image-1095280034.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">...who crashed for a couple of days after all that time in Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. I don't blame him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7bslA-Lb0A4/VIWzejvF0TI/AAAAAAAADss/McnMxh6gaSo/s640/blogger-image-2954579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7bslA-Lb0A4/VIWzejvF0TI/AAAAAAAADss/McnMxh6gaSo/s640/blogger-image-2954579.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We celebrated El Dia De Los Muertos...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MVu-BJcPsig/VIWzndzfR-I/AAAAAAAADtU/g4E_ys-3g18/s640/blogger-image--1968851511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MVu-BJcPsig/VIWzndzfR-I/AAAAAAAADtU/g4E_ys-3g18/s640/blogger-image--1968851511.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2tav3eTm-Jk/VIWzMMTP4mI/AAAAAAAADrU/iODNsWXuiHg/s640/blogger-image-613974273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2tav3eTm-Jk/VIWzMMTP4mI/AAAAAAAADrU/iODNsWXuiHg/s640/blogger-image-613974273.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">...and Halloween.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uBJ4gEE6pHU/VIWy5julaHI/AAAAAAAADp8/_CpV28M-2-o/s640/blogger-image-1239425139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uBJ4gEE6pHU/VIWy5julaHI/AAAAAAAADp8/_CpV28M-2-o/s640/blogger-image-1239425139.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Reeves was some character from You Tube. I think he looks like the guy on the Pringles can, or Mr. Peanut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6Sk7vSS564A/VIWzNbBNxpI/AAAAAAAADrc/2tmAqns5sTw/s640/blogger-image--1058204778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6Sk7vSS564A/VIWzNbBNxpI/AAAAAAAADrc/2tmAqns5sTw/s640/blogger-image--1058204778.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brice enjoyed his light up Godzilla costume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vS3yI4f_NJM/VIWzUsQ8jKI/AAAAAAAADsE/4xLKN9CmUOM/s640/blogger-image-14595653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vS3yI4f_NJM/VIWzUsQ8jKI/AAAAAAAADsE/4xLKN9CmUOM/s640/blogger-image-14595653.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Reeves finally saved enough money to buy a new gaming computer. Now we will never see him!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t7noRCDLseE/VIWzqp0BQ2I/AAAAAAAADtk/x7rtBeYw-mQ/s640/blogger-image--295261083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t7noRCDLseE/VIWzqp0BQ2I/AAAAAAAADtk/x7rtBeYw-mQ/s640/blogger-image--295261083.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course, now I have leverage to get chores done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1aI1R7uZGws/VIWy7EQKzhI/AAAAAAAADqE/NOcbXTQoT7A/s640/blogger-image-989460682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1aI1R7uZGws/VIWy7EQKzhI/AAAAAAAADqE/NOcbXTQoT7A/s640/blogger-image-989460682.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We made hardtack for a social studies lesson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nllMoyY20Mw/VIWyuCMAR9I/AAAAAAAADpE/r6OuIQrV_kk/s640/blogger-image--1398747565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nllMoyY20Mw/VIWyuCMAR9I/AAAAAAAADpE/r6OuIQrV_kk/s640/blogger-image--1398747565.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I worked like crazy to get some Christmas gifts made...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bDHKkzMG0XE/VIWzCscIAaI/AAAAAAAADqs/xeF-6bv_mNY/s640/blogger-image-107949769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bDHKkzMG0XE/VIWzCscIAaI/AAAAAAAADqs/xeF-6bv_mNY/s640/blogger-image-107949769.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9OHxduBvNxw/VIWyxDnSizI/AAAAAAAADpU/lCl2Uwu9dJk/s640/blogger-image-660500049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9OHxduBvNxw/VIWyxDnSizI/AAAAAAAADpU/lCl2Uwu9dJk/s640/blogger-image-660500049.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ekxDSGhZy6I/VIWzEc9v3kI/AAAAAAAADq0/c6oc3-_tZZ4/s640/blogger-image-1853204113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ekxDSGhZy6I/VIWzEc9v3kI/AAAAAAAADq0/c6oc3-_tZZ4/s640/blogger-image-1853204113.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gDFMWHoPfEU/VIWzOx5oD4I/AAAAAAAADrk/XquNbF7Kye8/s640/blogger-image-409079390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gDFMWHoPfEU/VIWzOx5oD4I/AAAAAAAADrk/XquNbF7Kye8/s640/blogger-image-409079390.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">...and dreamed of some new projects for next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Spih-Ol7T8E/VIWzkdT6d2I/AAAAAAAADtE/upupTIHUB28/s640/blogger-image-1406373613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Spih-Ol7T8E/VIWzkdT6d2I/AAAAAAAADtE/upupTIHUB28/s640/blogger-image-1406373613.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I slipped away for a day in Indy by myself...with Georgia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-0HxzIwsZI/VIWy_vtHbQI/AAAAAAAADqc/p6Nu0j9SkdM/s640/blogger-image-1585754334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y-0HxzIwsZI/VIWy_vtHbQI/AAAAAAAADqc/p6Nu0j9SkdM/s640/blogger-image-1585754334.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We spent Thanksgiving Day around the table with friends from <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mlwSgaV8lPk/VIWzQeM6KRI/AAAAAAAADrs/QMC8JCMsRzY/s640/blogger-image--2006843513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mlwSgaV8lPk/VIWzQeM6KRI/AAAAAAAADrs/QMC8JCMsRzY/s640/blogger-image--2006843513.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the first time in several years, we put up a full size, live tree. We usually wait until we get to our cabin in North Carolina a few days before Christmas, but this year Embree requested a big tree. I love the stories we share when we talk about the ornaments. Everyone seems to find their way to the tree when the ornaments appear. I love that tradition and I am so happy it happened this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">December now, and holidays are in </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">full swing. Lots to share as we make and wrap and travel. See you soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-33183762933469465422014-10-02T08:49:00.001-07:002014-10-02T08:53:06.406-07:00October 2, 2014::new friends<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">-- Maya Angelou </p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Part of our plan for our children's education is the commitment we have made to introducing them to as many different cultures and people as possible. As a one income family, international travel for our whole family is hard. Though we have plans to visit other countries with our children, or to facilitate their exploration of other countries as young adults, it is important to us that the celebration of cultural diversity be of importance daily. We are always on the lookout for diverse experiences within our own community. So much to learn and so many new friends to meet.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Since we have been in Kokomo, we have become a part of the group of people at IUK who welcome, assist, and recruit international students. Last night, we shared our home and table with nursing students and faculty members from Beijing, China. Reeves helped me explain how to put together a plate of American nachos. Embree shared selfies and compared American and Chinese fashion with all the students, and Brice taught them all how to play Monopoly.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">This evening came just one day before Todd leaves for a recruiting trip to Southeast Asia, including China, SKorea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Singapore. It was a fun night and a great way to start our indepth study of the cultures of these countries.</p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oOvoJhO4LNw/VC102PN6IdI/AAAAAAAADoo/wtMC4Vlb2OY/s640/blogger-image-1651994591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oOvoJhO4LNw/VC102PN6IdI/AAAAAAAADoo/wtMC4Vlb2OY/s640/blogger-image-1651994591.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y7JoF7WXi5M/VC103y4CklI/AAAAAAAADow/r6TcKUWVXAU/s640/blogger-image--340307833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y7JoF7WXi5M/VC103y4CklI/AAAAAAAADow/r6TcKUWVXAU/s640/blogger-image--340307833.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7rX1Aa6mqx4/VC100Dk2vUI/AAAAAAAADog/U-6fhm6JQF8/s640/blogger-image-195116426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7rX1Aa6mqx4/VC100Dk2vUI/AAAAAAAADog/U-6fhm6JQF8/s640/blogger-image-195116426.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br><p></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;"><br></p><p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Namaste</p>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-82780486129232611382014-09-30T07:13:00.001-07:002014-09-30T07:15:51.736-07:00September 30, 2014::september gone already?Can it be? October tomorrow? Already?<div>It seems that the summer flew by this year. Maybe because we homeschooled through. Maybe because the kids are at the age when time is picking up speed for me. </div><div><br></div><div>Now, October is here, and with it, the wild rush that is the holiday season. Next time I look up it will be January...and bitterly cold and sparkly white here in Kokomo, I am sure.</div><div><br></div><div>Here's a little of what we've been up to in September...</div><div><br></div><div>We have purchased and used 40 lbs of clay this month. Brice is quite the prolific sculptor.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iOTw7DonCJE/VCq7FD22h4I/AAAAAAAADoQ/QkU2GQyBiSI/s640/blogger-image-896207086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iOTw7DonCJE/VCq7FD22h4I/AAAAAAAADoQ/QkU2GQyBiSI/s640/blogger-image-896207086.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was asked to serve as the interim Vice President during the first few months of our new yarn guild. I have really enjoyed getting involved and meeting so many nice people and talented knitters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZKbFnp0dGSs/VCq6M-pZEsI/AAAAAAAADnA/kQjetI8QCQU/s640/blogger-image-797738860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZKbFnp0dGSs/VCq6M-pZEsI/AAAAAAAADnA/kQjetI8QCQU/s640/blogger-image-797738860.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Reeves turned twelve. Here comes puberty! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_W5MvPrKCoA/VCq6P0OqMvI/AAAAAAAADnQ/r-7S1LzQu54/s640/blogger-image-1563805450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_W5MvPrKCoA/VCq6P0OqMvI/AAAAAAAADnQ/r-7S1LzQu54/s640/blogger-image-1563805450.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Todd turned 48. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-16OiU-xfSN4/VCq6bBNPrOI/AAAAAAAADoI/UhjvvS25qzo/s640/blogger-image--312419050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-16OiU-xfSN4/VCq6bBNPrOI/AAAAAAAADoI/UhjvvS25qzo/s640/blogger-image--312419050.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We attended the Festival of Machines at Conner Prarie with Theresa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YPDETkoWPTs/VCq6OQhLCII/AAAAAAAADnI/LL011jYir70/s640/blogger-image--1457185394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YPDETkoWPTs/VCq6OQhLCII/AAAAAAAADnI/LL011jYir70/s640/blogger-image--1457185394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Where we went on an authentic hayride, pulled by an antique tractor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pz28tcNHYh8/VCq6ABcsSbI/AAAAAAAADmI/LFxilc3VZsk/s640/blogger-image--1118716961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pz28tcNHYh8/VCq6ABcsSbI/AAAAAAAADmI/LFxilc3VZsk/s640/blogger-image--1118716961.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4s5_qox8Xhk/VCq6Tn0FBGI/AAAAAAAADng/1gLbXdX4_80/s640/blogger-image-1552459368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4s5_qox8Xhk/VCq6Tn0FBGI/AAAAAAAADng/1gLbXdX4_80/s640/blogger-image-1552459368.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We've started making breakfast a big deal around here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8oQ7QhM67P8/VCq6Jmb7eKI/AAAAAAAADmw/bwvQFJxujgg/s640/blogger-image--1724536030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8oQ7QhM67P8/VCq6Jmb7eKI/AAAAAAAADmw/bwvQFJxujgg/s640/blogger-image--1724536030.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Todd took Reeves to a Magic tournament...that started at midnight. They got home at 4:30 am. Is it really time for our kids to be attending midnight openings? We are too old!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wOu4RXjaDHI/VCq6W3XDShI/AAAAAAAADnw/U0imjAdCEnI/s640/blogger-image-172937759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wOu4RXjaDHI/VCq6W3XDShI/AAAAAAAADnw/U0imjAdCEnI/s640/blogger-image-172937759.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Embree and I substituted for a friend in her art class at the local community center. I really love teaching kids who are eager. I think I see some volunteer work here in my future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XbZrXyLsOVI/VCq6H8zd9UI/AAAAAAAADmo/1o_SQl9DY3A/s640/blogger-image-609695296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XbZrXyLsOVI/VCq6H8zd9UI/AAAAAAAADmo/1o_SQl9DY3A/s640/blogger-image-609695296.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vDYTn67UnXo/VCq6RtKsOSI/AAAAAAAADnY/-R0ra1S65K8/s640/blogger-image-1481746880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vDYTn67UnXo/VCq6RtKsOSI/AAAAAAAADnY/-R0ra1S65K8/s640/blogger-image-1481746880.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We followed this little bug...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wzQtZT39vs8/VCq6EAfRrbI/AAAAAAAADmY/1Kvl2bTI-fs/s640/blogger-image--439791968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wzQtZT39vs8/VCq6EAfRrbI/AAAAAAAADmY/1Kvl2bTI-fs/s640/blogger-image--439791968.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">to the annual VW Cruise-in at Oktoberfest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r-GT1jVda74/VCq6YX40lMI/AAAAAAAADn4/-S2OsrBYtbE/s640/blogger-image-1063012361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r-GT1jVda74/VCq6YX40lMI/AAAAAAAADn4/-S2OsrBYtbE/s640/blogger-image-1063012361.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nS6KqcQsQKs/VCq57HSohAI/AAAAAAAADl4/n5BIEveS64A/s640/blogger-image-106471285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nS6KqcQsQKs/VCq57HSohAI/AAAAAAAADl4/n5BIEveS64A/s640/blogger-image-106471285.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASdPbkeqdcQ/VCq580VF3sI/AAAAAAAADmA/Gx5n7YgM4aw/s640/blogger-image-1256751591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ASdPbkeqdcQ/VCq580VF3sI/AAAAAAAADmA/Gx5n7YgM4aw/s640/blogger-image-1256751591.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o4oGqatg-S0/VCq6VEegjpI/AAAAAAAADno/Y8MUtNegaKM/s640/blogger-image-2072146391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o4oGqatg-S0/VCq6VEegjpI/AAAAAAAADno/Y8MUtNegaKM/s640/blogger-image-2072146391.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We attended a very special wedding in Kentucky. I was lucky to be able to do the flowers (with the help of a talented friend and her marguerite-making skills) and Todd helped in the ceremony. Beautiful night. Great to spend time with some of our Kentucky family</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBq9rrJI0nw/VCq6ZpNqVPI/AAAAAAAADoA/cKUXJy0Su9c/s640/blogger-image--2118199601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zBq9rrJI0nw/VCq6ZpNqVPI/AAAAAAAADoA/cKUXJy0Su9c/s640/blogger-image--2118199601.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And now, we are preparing for Todd to travel to Southeast Asia for most of October. South Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Vietnam all on the agenda. Packing, vaccines, electric converters, travel guides...and practice at dinner with chopsticks. What an adventure he has in store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K6MXdruvYuQ/VCq6LbOyC_I/AAAAAAAADm4/87EapU3JP-8/s640/blogger-image--777579908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K6MXdruvYuQ/VCq6LbOyC_I/AAAAAAAADm4/87EapU3JP-8/s640/blogger-image--777579908.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gD2mCd560AM/VCq6Cb4UgAI/AAAAAAAADmQ/7WDGMkMPxC4/s640/blogger-image-211460315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gD2mCd560AM/VCq6Cb4UgAI/AAAAAAAADmQ/7WDGMkMPxC4/s640/blogger-image-211460315.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OvzS6-hLWHg/VCq6F1BADvI/AAAAAAAADmg/xaJCh5KKkIA/s640/blogger-image--447868712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OvzS6-hLWHg/VCq6F1BADvI/AAAAAAAADmg/xaJCh5KKkIA/s640/blogger-image--447868712.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy October to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-56582971842564030192014-09-21T05:23:00.001-07:002014-09-21T05:23:56.149-07:00September 21,2014::sentimental sunday<b><i>sentimental sunday::a weekly reminiscent post</i></b><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EK0dB1qC7l0/VB7DWrtfVTI/AAAAAAAADlo/-kdP34uDnD0/s640/blogger-image-354311320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EK0dB1qC7l0/VB7DWrtfVTI/AAAAAAAADlo/-kdP34uDnD0/s640/blogger-image-354311320.jpg"></a></div><br></i></b></div><div><b><i>March 2010 - Brice goes off-road and chocolate milk dirt-track.</i></b></div><div><b><i>Namaste</i></b></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-58830728394917902142014-09-19T05:52:00.001-07:002014-09-19T06:06:57.527-07:00September 19, 2014::in my mind...This morning, I can't stop thinking about...<div><br></div><div>all the new firewood stacked in the garage</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SgNXjBeA00Q/VBwqb-drrbI/AAAAAAAADlY/dklhDI6Sp34/s640/blogger-image--115296097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SgNXjBeA00Q/VBwqb-drrbI/AAAAAAAADlY/dklhDI6Sp34/s640/blogger-image--115296097.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>at the farm</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_AwSJXzwnw/VBwqYjcki4I/AAAAAAAADlI/0DidVuN9IuE/s640/blogger-image-637364109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_AwSJXzwnw/VBwqYjcki4I/AAAAAAAADlI/0DidVuN9IuE/s640/blogger-image-637364109.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BNlBRN9ShME/VBwpcnMK2pI/AAAAAAAADlA/4GJ-XKeMyvY/s640/blogger-image--386433128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BNlBRN9ShME/VBwpcnMK2pI/AAAAAAAADlA/4GJ-XKeMyvY/s640/blogger-image--386433128.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>in the Blue Ridge Mountains.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jnUdzv6MI88/VBwqaJBvFuI/AAAAAAAADlQ/omEpWZF4R4g/s640/blogger-image--873585638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jnUdzv6MI88/VBwqaJBvFuI/AAAAAAAADlQ/omEpWZF4R4g/s640/blogger-image--873585638.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>The mountains are calling and I must go. John Muir</div><div><br></div><div>Namaste</div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-62926748544209448162014-09-14T10:05:00.000-07:002014-09-14T10:05:00.821-07:00September 14, 2014::sentimental sundays<i>sentimental sundays::a weekly reminiscent post </i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFqZsREhpT0/VBXKD2tNMOI/AAAAAAAADkw/f_hZ_wpHjAY/s1600/downsized_0923101135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RFqZsREhpT0/VBXKD2tNMOI/AAAAAAAADkw/f_hZ_wpHjAY/s1600/downsized_0923101135.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
September 2010 - impromptu art lesson.<br />
We were on the Georgetown College campus sketching trees for our nature study. A former student of mine just stopped and pulled out his charcoal.<br />
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<br />Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-76553187659834561862014-09-10T17:27:00.001-07:002014-09-10T17:29:50.179-07:00September 10, 2014::twelveTwelve years ago today...<div><br></div><div>Todd and I were preparing to travel to UVA, in Charlottesville, VA, to defend our comps for our doctoral program. Long hours studying, beginning our dissertation proposals, the fear of failure, and life with a three year old all combined in a perfect storm of nail biting, snap your head off, paralyzing stress.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div>Little<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Bess would go to Nana and Poppy's the next day and Todd and I would check into our hotel for a last minute study binge before comps on Friday. We probably wouldn't even be able to speak to each other until it was over.</span></div><div><br></div><div>Then the phone rang.</div><div><br></div><div>"Your son was born today. I need a name. Meet me at the hospital in Martinsville tomorrow. Bring your daughter."</div><div><br></div><div>Wait, what?</div><div><br></div><div>No name, no car seat, no baby clothes...our brains were full of Thomas Jefferson. </div><div><br></div><div>Screech!!!! Nothing like an unexpected, life changing phone call to bring priorities into focus.</div><div><br></div><div>That night, we ran to the store for baby supplies. The next morning we packed up our daughter, our diaper bag, and our dry cleaned suits and left for Martinsville, VA.</div><div><br></div><div>On Thursday, we met our sweet son, loaded him into the car, stopped half way to Charlottesville to let his big sister hold him, and checked into our hotel on the UVA campus. We never cracked a book. We sat in a circle on the bed and stared, dumbfounded, at this baby who was suddenly our son.</div><div><br></div><div>The next morning, after a sleepless night, we dressed our kids in orange and blue, and took turns parenting and defending our comps. </div><div><br></div><div>Then, we dragged ourselves home and took the whole weekend to just marvel at our little miracle.</div><div><br></div><div>He's never stopped surprising us.</div><div><br></div><div>Happy Birthday, sweetheart.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3x1rQ5y1MBE/VBDsV4A__ZI/AAAAAAAADkQ/LSiLsRpIdJM/s640/blogger-image--1887821015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3x1rQ5y1MBE/VBDsV4A__ZI/AAAAAAAADkQ/LSiLsRpIdJM/s640/blogger-image--1887821015.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rtpfCWNV8-Q/VBDsXFznDPI/AAAAAAAADkY/p2Z2S3FfyDU/s640/blogger-image--1237675924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rtpfCWNV8-Q/VBDsXFznDPI/AAAAAAAADkY/p2Z2S3FfyDU/s640/blogger-image--1237675924.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PeHsF5GWzXc/VBDsgzQTMqI/AAAAAAAADkg/BtXv0zjGTwg/s640/blogger-image-472882562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PeHsF5GWzXc/VBDsgzQTMqI/AAAAAAAADkg/BtXv0zjGTwg/s640/blogger-image-472882562.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-36255928534740615162014-09-09T13:59:00.001-07:002014-09-09T13:59:14.843-07:00September 9, 2014::nearly three monthsWow! It has been nearly three months since I last posted. <div><br></div><div>A combination of too busy and too unsure of my own direction has caused me to go so long with nothing to say. Recently, I found myself looking at posts from years past. This blog used to be such a good record of our family history. I especially appreciate seeing the great adventures we've had homeschooling. </div><div><br></div><div>It's been a very frustrating school year, so far, and I need some of that great adventure to remind me why we have taken on this awesome responsibility. I need reassurance when there are tears, and hair pulling, and gnashing of teeth...all on my part. There are so many wonderful, teachable, rewarding moments. There are so many successes. It is so easy to let the frustrations take the focus away from the damn wonderful-ness of being in my children's lives. <div><br></div><div>So, I am recommitting to this space, just for my sanity and for future reminiscing. </div><div>It will not be a place to work through the hard moments. It won't be a space for self doubt. There's plenty of that in the wee hours of the morning.</div><div><br></div><div>No, this will be the space I come back to when all of those things take over and I need to be reminded. </div><div><br></div><div>A space for gratitude</div><div>A space for beauty</div><div>A space for "this is wonderful and wanderful"</div><div>A space to remember all the things that make this backroad special.</div><div>In the end, it's the small moments of gratutude that make happy memories.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SjWcfPYaD88/VA9qIQgQ6xI/AAAAAAAADkA/-ON8KzRMmm4/s640/blogger-image--1165454624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SjWcfPYaD88/VA9qIQgQ6xI/AAAAAAAADkA/-ON8KzRMmm4/s640/blogger-image--1165454624.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-27781138648367380652014-06-15T08:55:00.001-07:002014-06-15T08:55:06.699-07:00June 15, 2014::in my father's gardenMy usual weekly post from my own garden dims in comparison to just one photo from my parents' garden.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EhfzwTt0v_0/U53B2ChXJNI/AAAAAAAADhw/KvteyMbRpRw/s640/blogger-image-660662632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EhfzwTt0v_0/U53B2ChXJNI/AAAAAAAADhw/KvteyMbRpRw/s640/blogger-image-660662632.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy Father's Day</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3anXd2Lb5ec/U53BzLTbEWI/AAAAAAAADho/jt0YaFGStsg/s640/blogger-image-2113527508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3anXd2Lb5ec/U53BzLTbEWI/AAAAAAAADho/jt0YaFGStsg/s640/blogger-image-2113527508.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-60757089230973501682014-06-09T13:39:00.001-07:002014-06-09T13:39:58.686-07:00June 9, 2014::in the gardenJust a few new blooms to share this week...<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n-oTXDn-wtE/U5YbkS3k_BI/AAAAAAAADhI/bXhydnyTaDo/s640/blogger-image-1197534978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-n-oTXDn-wtE/U5YbkS3k_BI/AAAAAAAADhI/bXhydnyTaDo/s640/blogger-image-1197534978.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-btwT7ijBvNY/U5YbnZOFmQI/AAAAAAAADhY/bX3UfL9IprE/s640/blogger-image--1527820752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-btwT7ijBvNY/U5YbnZOFmQI/AAAAAAAADhY/bX3UfL9IprE/s640/blogger-image--1527820752.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GUSTJb0yLnY/U5Ybl26X8yI/AAAAAAAADhQ/m3FK8nCil8w/s640/blogger-image-1405195548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GUSTJb0yLnY/U5Ybl26X8yI/AAAAAAAADhQ/m3FK8nCil8w/s640/blogger-image-1405195548.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-68598510092277427422014-05-31T10:24:00.001-07:002014-05-31T10:24:45.983-07:00May 31, 2014::in the garden<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This week, the peonies and wisteria have started their bloom. There are a few odds and ends here and there, but the biggest surprise of all...I didn't kill the roses!</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Ig5_8LDahQ/U4oQP8x5m0I/AAAAAAAADgY/gle_HA5M7HI/s640/blogger-image--924045748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Ig5_8LDahQ/U4oQP8x5m0I/AAAAAAAADgY/gle_HA5M7HI/s640/blogger-image--924045748.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M5zzmjHp4AI/U4oQSqc4JRI/AAAAAAAADgg/kyLA-SEl5KA/s640/blogger-image-1230465504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-M5zzmjHp4AI/U4oQSqc4JRI/AAAAAAAADgg/kyLA-SEl5KA/s640/blogger-image-1230465504.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bwV4fawXZSM/U4oQW-emC6I/AAAAAAAADg4/Ruz-1sQSrH8/s640/blogger-image--1233104058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bwV4fawXZSM/U4oQW-emC6I/AAAAAAAADg4/Ruz-1sQSrH8/s640/blogger-image--1233104058.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4SJpXyvq2M/U4oQLCMoRSI/AAAAAAAADgA/T1gf-0F2D-c/s640/blogger-image--873088432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b4SJpXyvq2M/U4oQLCMoRSI/AAAAAAAADgA/T1gf-0F2D-c/s640/blogger-image--873088432.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ri6hPXSPE1A/U4oQOcQbz2I/AAAAAAAADgQ/gSBtGO43ooM/s640/blogger-image-1045413787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ri6hPXSPE1A/U4oQOcQbz2I/AAAAAAAADgQ/gSBtGO43ooM/s640/blogger-image-1045413787.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivzCF5EaIGU/U4oQULpEKyI/AAAAAAAADgo/h58UR__rzC8/s640/blogger-image-297173283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivzCF5EaIGU/U4oQULpEKyI/AAAAAAAADgo/h58UR__rzC8/s640/blogger-image-297173283.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zEi8nsuH2Fs/U4oQVZNTS1I/AAAAAAAADgw/s8x_HUDq2TA/s640/blogger-image--1825349837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zEi8nsuH2Fs/U4oQVZNTS1I/AAAAAAAADgw/s8x_HUDq2TA/s640/blogger-image--1825349837.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DLBGe0nXGPI/U4oQGTehqZI/AAAAAAAADfo/boezTnSdWyM/s640/blogger-image-1824884039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DLBGe0nXGPI/U4oQGTehqZI/AAAAAAAADfo/boezTnSdWyM/s640/blogger-image-1824884039.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LLS5ZgxvN4M/U4oQHuW1o7I/AAAAAAAADfw/LNmPm5He0wg/s640/blogger-image-1201491443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LLS5ZgxvN4M/U4oQHuW1o7I/AAAAAAAADfw/LNmPm5He0wg/s640/blogger-image-1201491443.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b2eeN0iUpUw/U4oQJFNPDMI/AAAAAAAADf4/CkyCTV_0ONc/s640/blogger-image-1727594601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-b2eeN0iUpUw/U4oQJFNPDMI/AAAAAAAADf4/CkyCTV_0ONc/s640/blogger-image-1727594601.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ICRouw8_qls/U4oQM7wo7JI/AAAAAAAADgI/7zvMtE7HoOA/s640/blogger-image-1160778944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ICRouw8_qls/U4oQM7wo7JI/AAAAAAAADgI/7zvMtE7HoOA/s640/blogger-image-1160778944.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-89883484746738977692014-05-25T19:33:00.001-07:002014-05-25T20:01:27.548-07:00May 25, 2014::off our beaten pathThis week's garden post comes from our home in Kentucky...the one that is still for sale though we are settled happily in Indiana.<div><br></div><div>Our youngest boy's sweet birthmom got married this weekend. The kids and I travelled down earlier in the week so that I could do the flowers for the wedding. It was a very special day...though Brice still contends they should have gotten married in a tree. Go figure.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--3hu-LqbuAg/U4KuhVDj59I/AAAAAAAADfY/RL9cQYfp4tw/s640/blogger-image--728977139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--3hu-LqbuAg/U4KuhVDj59I/AAAAAAAADfY/RL9cQYfp4tw/s640/blogger-image--728977139.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hCgDt4i6XYk/U4KubZtDFqI/AAAAAAAADfI/i5rBhqDf8SA/s640/blogger-image-1357912078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hCgDt4i6XYk/U4KubZtDFqI/AAAAAAAADfI/i5rBhqDf8SA/s640/blogger-image-1357912078.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p-NKSAfxnmo/U4KueWHN6JI/AAAAAAAADfQ/zKT_pRBnNjM/s640/blogger-image-1746933019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p-NKSAfxnmo/U4KueWHN6JI/AAAAAAAADfQ/zKT_pRBnNjM/s640/blogger-image-1746933019.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IOLk6zExP4E/U4KuLNBFJjI/AAAAAAAADd4/HiB3CZ_9OpE/s640/blogger-image--1869713932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IOLk6zExP4E/U4KuLNBFJjI/AAAAAAAADd4/HiB3CZ_9OpE/s640/blogger-image--1869713932.jpg"></a></div><br></div>She is very special to us and we were so happy to be able to join her and her family for this happy celebration.</div></div><br></div><div>We were lucky enough to be assisted by my mom and grandmother, and dear friend from across the street. The kids enjoyed being back; just being in the place they all remember as home, and visiting best friends as well.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mntQMVQBWoU/U4KuSZ087hI/AAAAAAAADeg/SApQRCnt1P0/s640/blogger-image-491745787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mntQMVQBWoU/U4KuSZ087hI/AAAAAAAADeg/SApQRCnt1P0/s640/blogger-image-491745787.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-stRi9DtiKSw/U4KuYLP5DJI/AAAAAAAADe4/zYNgIFy6naM/s640/blogger-image--678314055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-stRi9DtiKSw/U4KuYLP5DJI/AAAAAAAADe4/zYNgIFy6naM/s640/blogger-image--678314055.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7ZKqnxRrDBI/U4KuQ-EsKiI/AAAAAAAADeY/mYsKiScyz5c/s640/blogger-image--36092067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7ZKqnxRrDBI/U4KuQ-EsKiI/AAAAAAAADeY/mYsKiScyz5c/s640/blogger-image--36092067.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>We have new renters moving in and needed to ready a few things for the new family, so we hauled our air mattresses and camp chairs down and roughed it...no wifi...GASP!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwbhIgRG7eE/U4KuWtnSEXI/AAAAAAAADew/hfFKyEwQ6DM/s640/blogger-image-1049907081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wwbhIgRG7eE/U4KuWtnSEXI/AAAAAAAADew/hfFKyEwQ6DM/s640/blogger-image-1049907081.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It was so nice to be back for a visit. Our garden there is quite a bit more modest than the one in Indiana, but everything there is special because we started from scratch and did all the landscaping and planting ourselves.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maL512TIBLM/U4KuJ_aL2oI/AAAAAAAADdw/gQpSZ1mW3v4/s640/blogger-image-289504628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-maL512TIBLM/U4KuJ_aL2oI/AAAAAAAADdw/gQpSZ1mW3v4/s640/blogger-image-289504628.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9AG1JroRFoU/U4KuHEMQ_aI/AAAAAAAADdg/azXZM9G9sNU/s640/blogger-image-1848713624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9AG1JroRFoU/U4KuHEMQ_aI/AAAAAAAADdg/azXZM9G9sNU/s640/blogger-image-1848713624.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>Though we missed the lilac, we enjoyed our peonies so much. After a few years of barely blooming, they are finally thriving.</div><div><br></div><div>There were a few other plants in bloom to welcome us back...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-krcBDCdOVhY/U4KuZtB-F9I/AAAAAAAADfA/fVOQx388JN8/s640/blogger-image-995361625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-krcBDCdOVhY/U4KuZtB-F9I/AAAAAAAADfA/fVOQx388JN8/s640/blogger-image-995361625.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Oak leaf hydrangea</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CJjIG4IRfQw/U4KuIfhEyMI/AAAAAAAADdo/4HM1XY_aj3I/s640/blogger-image--608320183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CJjIG4IRfQw/U4KuIfhEyMI/AAAAAAAADdo/4HM1XY_aj3I/s640/blogger-image--608320183.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Viburnum</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Em0K2yM4QaM/U4KuMehEgiI/AAAAAAAADeA/ouC7dn9f9_I/s640/blogger-image--957676829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Em0K2yM4QaM/U4KuMehEgiI/AAAAAAAADeA/ouC7dn9f9_I/s640/blogger-image--957676829.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Clematis </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H6aksCOTFE0/U4KuUP75JQI/AAAAAAAADeo/pQR6EkVdeCQ/s640/blogger-image-1716863140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H6aksCOTFE0/U4KuUP75JQI/AAAAAAAADeo/pQR6EkVdeCQ/s640/blogger-image-1716863140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L1yjE4SKHts/U4KuPEiGRCI/AAAAAAAADeQ/x5ilci2lxnU/s640/blogger-image-8816208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L1yjE4SKHts/U4KuPEiGRCI/AAAAAAAADeQ/x5ilci2lxnU/s640/blogger-image-8816208.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gEF9iSz934/U4KuNviO1WI/AAAAAAAADeI/bigqsNK1VZ0/s640/blogger-image-187310883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_gEF9iSz934/U4KuNviO1WI/AAAAAAAADeI/bigqsNK1VZ0/s640/blogger-image-187310883.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>We enjoyed our old friend this weekend.</div><div><br></div><div>Namaste</div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-43850804779623845522014-05-17T07:11:00.001-07:002014-05-17T07:11:51.488-07:00May 17, 2014::in the gardenThis week in our garden, it's been wet. Sopping wet.<div>Soaking wet.</div><div><br></div><div>When Brice was little, he thought "soaking" meant "very." It makes sense. He would come in from a run through the sprinkler and I would say "Oh, Baby, you are soaking wet!" Then he would shiver a little and say he was "soaking cold." He used to tell us he was "soaking hungry" and "soaking mad." </div><div><br></div><div>So, when I say it was wet this week, baby, it was soaking wet!</div><div><div><div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JTAvVRnkm7A/U3duAiTlzRI/AAAAAAAADb4/JFYN18gp74s/s640/blogger-image--1035650297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JTAvVRnkm7A/U3duAiTlzRI/AAAAAAAADb4/JFYN18gp74s/s640/blogger-image--1035650297.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last of the redbud tree is scattered on the deck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZJuIL-zopik/U3dt2OZJ5fI/AAAAAAAADbI/SXXUp5pa1XQ/s640/blogger-image-1745347238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZJuIL-zopik/U3dt2OZJ5fI/AAAAAAAADbI/SXXUp5pa1XQ/s640/blogger-image-1745347238.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div>The green spaces are wild...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d17YAy_dFh8/U3duEKfPRiI/AAAAAAAADcI/mJPi_4vr75I/s640/blogger-image-1646711073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d17YAy_dFh8/U3duEKfPRiI/AAAAAAAADcI/mJPi_4vr75I/s640/blogger-image-1646711073.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>This may look like a weed patch, but it's July's glory...full of phlox and turk's cap lillies.</div><div><br></div><div>We are overrun with columbine</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rj8-mgp3Rf8/U3dt0cEW6SI/AAAAAAAADbA/LKV4baWYwQE/s640/blogger-image-1779111383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rj8-mgp3Rf8/U3dt0cEW6SI/AAAAAAAADbA/LKV4baWYwQE/s640/blogger-image-1779111383.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tZEbsDEAzac/U3dt8visKDI/AAAAAAAADbg/2wpJOTgDSNU/s640/blogger-image-774594833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tZEbsDEAzac/U3dt8visKDI/AAAAAAAADbg/2wpJOTgDSNU/s640/blogger-image-774594833.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--ElBYf6V3qk/U3dt3kyGCdI/AAAAAAAADbQ/nTPDZ5lZLws/s640/blogger-image-711376340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--ElBYf6V3qk/U3dt3kyGCdI/AAAAAAAADbQ/nTPDZ5lZLws/s640/blogger-image-711376340.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Gy5tIREX2HU/U3dt96mzseI/AAAAAAAADbo/enrbXX1oIgw/s640/blogger-image-207307891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Gy5tIREX2HU/U3dt96mzseI/AAAAAAAADbo/enrbXX1oIgw/s640/blogger-image-207307891.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div></div></div><div>And there are a few other beauties amongst the wildness.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o-cbiefHpJ8/U3dt_ZamXNI/AAAAAAAADbw/9lrPuVNE9Ac/s640/blogger-image-1365560481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o-cbiefHpJ8/U3dt_ZamXNI/AAAAAAAADbw/9lrPuVNE9Ac/s640/blogger-image-1365560481.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_ikLZn1ZBBk/U3dt5dt93XI/AAAAAAAADbY/g0agK3GdmSc/s640/blogger-image--2001349836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_ikLZn1ZBBk/U3dt5dt93XI/AAAAAAAADbY/g0agK3GdmSc/s640/blogger-image--2001349836.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0WCv-v-02qw/U3duHKohnrI/AAAAAAAADcQ/Ucshsc1gA70/s640/blogger-image-1079370346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0WCv-v-02qw/U3duHKohnrI/AAAAAAAADcQ/Ucshsc1gA70/s640/blogger-image-1079370346.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hLkbqvy_N20/U3duJGqk5CI/AAAAAAAADcY/atWT48LoNvA/s640/blogger-image-1840547917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hLkbqvy_N20/U3duJGqk5CI/AAAAAAAADcY/atWT48LoNvA/s640/blogger-image-1840547917.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hR2FVujGAHA/U3duCETIZKI/AAAAAAAADcA/_pLWZw3Xodc/s640/blogger-image-743733973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hR2FVujGAHA/U3duCETIZKI/AAAAAAAADcA/_pLWZw3Xodc/s640/blogger-image-743733973.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div>Soaking Namaste</div></div></div></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-34369162115347387102014-05-09T06:48:00.001-07:002014-05-09T07:14:54.395-07:00May 9, 2014::today in our garden<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">IN THE GARDEN...a weekly photolog chronicling our first year living in the former home of a master gardener.</span></div><div><br></div>The great explosion of blooming has slowed, but things are greening up nicely. There are still hidden gems of color, though, and the heat this week has prompted a quick appearance of leaves on the trees...leaves that were no where to be seen a few short days ago.<div><br></div><div>The lull in color is soothing as we await the next blooms.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dq1m7azDnow/U2zi0RM4QkI/AAAAAAAADag/di2AtVYqXyI/s640/blogger-image--1637182655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dq1m7azDnow/U2zi0RM4QkI/AAAAAAAADag/di2AtVYqXyI/s640/blogger-image--1637182655.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kZK2DHs9xAk/U2zilz9aaUI/AAAAAAAADZY/riIfocX2ZbE/s640/blogger-image-1959978646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kZK2DHs9xAk/U2zilz9aaUI/AAAAAAAADZY/riIfocX2ZbE/s640/blogger-image-1959978646.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The green is intense</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SDBkwZZwCtU/U2zi1zE3iTI/AAAAAAAADao/qJKAs3daa-c/s640/blogger-image-1181128291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SDBkwZZwCtU/U2zi1zE3iTI/AAAAAAAADao/qJKAs3daa-c/s640/blogger-image-1181128291.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last of the daffodil-related color</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rmEJqM71xJA/U2zitl9r6hI/AAAAAAAADZ4/vObDKN5DStU/s640/blogger-image-2040898231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rmEJqM71xJA/U2zitl9r6hI/AAAAAAAADZ4/vObDKN5DStU/s640/blogger-image-2040898231.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">White trillium tucked in under the hostas</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IIiTdN55oxM/U2zi3MsdTXI/AAAAAAAADaw/Em78X5tWyjU/s640/blogger-image-1631483425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IIiTdN55oxM/U2zi3MsdTXI/AAAAAAAADaw/Em78X5tWyjU/s640/blogger-image-1631483425.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A sea of tiny yellow blooms </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YU46NwH2_Jk/U2ziy5PHlII/AAAAAAAADaY/QnZeAyUheTA/s640/blogger-image--817114811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YU46NwH2_Jk/U2ziy5PHlII/AAAAAAAADaY/QnZeAyUheTA/s640/blogger-image--817114811.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A single primrose in the corner of the garden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R39MWs6qrUs/U2ziux3hF1I/AAAAAAAADaA/Y4ohFhQP0Yc/s640/blogger-image--1706254928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R39MWs6qrUs/U2ziux3hF1I/AAAAAAAADaA/Y4ohFhQP0Yc/s640/blogger-image--1706254928.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tiny pink blossoms that almost disappear from across the garden</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IWEUBbol-iQ/U2ziwOsvL_I/AAAAAAAADaI/8w9doN4VUC4/s640/blogger-image-162640992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IWEUBbol-iQ/U2ziwOsvL_I/AAAAAAAADaI/8w9doN4VUC4/s640/blogger-image-162640992.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The heady Lilly of the Valley blooms are just appearing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JDZaLjUdXL0/U2zixZCvSJI/AAAAAAAADaQ/V83Y-FjFDeA/s640/blogger-image--1460654280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JDZaLjUdXL0/U2zixZCvSJI/AAAAAAAADaQ/V83Y-FjFDeA/s640/blogger-image--1460654280.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As are a few scattered columbine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XkoMVNmPhJY/U2zirGgvlSI/AAAAAAAADZo/cbYFtfOl3Rw/s640/blogger-image-2139933871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XkoMVNmPhJY/U2zirGgvlSI/AAAAAAAADZo/cbYFtfOl3Rw/s640/blogger-image-2139933871.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And lillies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W6r6rAy6Jvs/U2zisY8KQ2I/AAAAAAAADZw/wP1TyGqlqA8/s640/blogger-image--1453511067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W6r6rAy6Jvs/U2zisY8KQ2I/AAAAAAAADZw/wP1TyGqlqA8/s640/blogger-image--1453511067.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And tiny pink blooms that are easily overlooked </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wnblxABaFLI/U2zin3utA6I/AAAAAAAADZg/7YuaaF2EJVM/s640/blogger-image--2057366081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wnblxABaFLI/U2zin3utA6I/AAAAAAAADZg/7YuaaF2EJVM/s640/blogger-image--2057366081.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our deck garden awaits morning coffee...this is my favorite room in the house</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On another, far more important note...we are keeping these girls, and all children experiencing injustice, in our thoughts. Looking for ways to act.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bhC55Acug4g/U2zikiaG2TI/AAAAAAAADZQ/UAU2jG1nMM4/s640/blogger-image--494347076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bhC55Acug4g/U2zikiaG2TI/AAAAAAAADZQ/UAU2jG1nMM4/s640/blogger-image--494347076.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-18552885472041834742014-04-28T12:00:00.001-07:002014-04-28T12:00:10.875-07:00April 28, 2014::today in the garden<div>IN THE GARDEN...a weekly photolog chronicling our first year living in the former home of a master gardener.</div><div><br></div>A sampling of the sights of today's garden stroll...<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7vcjg3IkeU0/U16lHqFcwiI/AAAAAAAADYA/BEhSAAZWfIM/s640/blogger-image-519153412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7vcjg3IkeU0/U16lHqFcwiI/AAAAAAAADYA/BEhSAAZWfIM/s640/blogger-image-519153412.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vq2ZAehdako/U16k_-mTQdI/AAAAAAAADXI/vrU4B-Nd4Aw/s640/blogger-image-873459189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vq2ZAehdako/U16k_-mTQdI/AAAAAAAADXI/vrU4B-Nd4Aw/s640/blogger-image-873459189.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x20BHNqo7gM/U16lLGDc2ZI/AAAAAAAADYY/43Orie2k2O0/s640/blogger-image--36007979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x20BHNqo7gM/U16lLGDc2ZI/AAAAAAAADYY/43Orie2k2O0/s640/blogger-image--36007979.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZEDJUfmgAQY/U16k7VHnD9I/AAAAAAAADWo/r_CgO1J2N9E/s640/blogger-image--1582460129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZEDJUfmgAQY/U16k7VHnD9I/AAAAAAAADWo/r_CgO1J2N9E/s640/blogger-image--1582460129.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dtCF-pML2Vk/U16k6O09rUI/AAAAAAAADWg/4koFM6j882s/s640/blogger-image-234302035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dtCF-pML2Vk/U16k6O09rUI/AAAAAAAADWg/4koFM6j882s/s640/blogger-image-234302035.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8AwSIi_hacY/U16lEAivxFI/AAAAAAAADXo/b3vhUUMkDt0/s640/blogger-image--1206909523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CqsQ4IVmpww/U16lBLe4PBI/AAAAAAAADXQ/rnDYHRYqabE/s640/blogger-image-1105807176.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qd1LpWuPjUU/U16lMFxK_RI/AAAAAAAADYg/9PUs4onh7js/s640/blogger-image--1092522540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Qd1LpWuPjUU/U16lMFxK_RI/AAAAAAAADYg/9PUs4onh7js/s640/blogger-image--1092522540.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lAsptKOzJMs/U16lNBnjPbI/AAAAAAAADYo/0bCazmqt_fo/s640/blogger-image-1157569199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lAsptKOzJMs/U16lNBnjPbI/AAAAAAAADYo/0bCazmqt_fo/s640/blogger-image-1157569199.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-854FlcTdiHM/U16lCMQDFAI/AAAAAAAADXY/MWKmnuSvpUo/s640/blogger-image--1546185749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-854FlcTdiHM/U16lCMQDFAI/AAAAAAAADXY/MWKmnuSvpUo/s640/blogger-image--1546185749.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-26b1GqjFGXg/U16k5Et4BCI/AAAAAAAADWY/IrpXmaWxPB4/s640/blogger-image--1859201043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-26b1GqjFGXg/U16k5Et4BCI/AAAAAAAADWY/IrpXmaWxPB4/s640/blogger-image--1859201043.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dp74nADfwic/U16lDG151QI/AAAAAAAADXg/dmXssJrYYc8/s640/blogger-image-1461424049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dp74nADfwic/U16lDG151QI/AAAAAAAADXg/dmXssJrYYc8/s640/blogger-image-1461424049.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wXjrLxMbHJ4/U16k8YavOxI/AAAAAAAADWw/8g40wgnIJS4/s640/blogger-image-2071246373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wXjrLxMbHJ4/U16k8YavOxI/AAAAAAAADWw/8g40wgnIJS4/s640/blogger-image-2071246373.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uqx_r_3Zzw8/U16lFekUt0I/AAAAAAAADXw/jwyntWTG-bA/s640/blogger-image--203541410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uqx_r_3Zzw8/U16lFekUt0I/AAAAAAAADXw/jwyntWTG-bA/s640/blogger-image--203541410.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFYDL_tlgMY/U16k9ngaJSI/AAAAAAAADW4/jCaB1mz9lKI/s640/blogger-image--1662717428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFYDL_tlgMY/U16k9ngaJSI/AAAAAAAADW4/jCaB1mz9lKI/s640/blogger-image--1662717428.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lc8fPiUZLw0/U16lGXQq9cI/AAAAAAAADX4/RzexrdmRN7I/s640/blogger-image--2108674341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Lc8fPiUZLw0/U16lGXQq9cI/AAAAAAAADX4/RzexrdmRN7I/s640/blogger-image--2108674341.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div>Namaste</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0Kokomo Kokomo40.452744 -86.152153tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-26267157532188149292014-04-23T06:07:00.001-07:002014-04-23T06:07:22.387-07:00April 22, 2014::earth day in our garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kCKmcxP7OsA/U1e69lCOSJI/AAAAAAAADVo/v5ONDIzcNvo/s640/blogger-image--483323284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kCKmcxP7OsA/U1e69lCOSJI/AAAAAAAADVo/v5ONDIzcNvo/s640/blogger-image--483323284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I am trying not to blink...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LBBT1cy_Hd4/U1e625fJzcI/AAAAAAAADU4/FHV7WhX7no4/s640/blogger-image--1845504855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LBBT1cy_Hd4/U1e625fJzcI/AAAAAAAADU4/FHV7WhX7no4/s640/blogger-image--1845504855.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I blinked last week, and found that the huge forsythia on the side of our house went unnoticed in her blooming glory. This is one of the last of her blossoms, but we will remember next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YRO8OWeBly4/U1e6-7CCWjI/AAAAAAAADVw/2V7S4Cg9atc/s640/blogger-image-1255180360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YRO8OWeBly4/U1e6-7CCWjI/AAAAAAAADVw/2V7S4Cg9atc/s640/blogger-image-1255180360.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the dogwood that was bare yesterday has tiny beginnings today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Don't blink. Spring is fast once she arrives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I am trying to keep a photolog, this first year, of the treasures this garden has in store. I can't fully express how filled with gratitude I am for this gift and for the years of loving care the Jaynes gave their home before we moved in last summer. This garden is nothing short of amazing.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I took my usual morning stroll, on this Earth Day, here are some of the other beauties I found.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kCKmcxP7OsA/U1e69lCOSJI/AAAAAAAADVo/v5ONDIzcNvo/s640/blogger-image--483323284.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blue and yellow violets</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CXxiho1jvPs/U1e60gYXfuI/AAAAAAAADUo/bkCGnM09kc4/s640/blogger-image-1753916750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CXxiho1jvPs/U1e60gYXfuI/AAAAAAAADUo/bkCGnM09kc4/s640/blogger-image-1753916750.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7-nAKGG2nVc/U1e7AO7x_yI/AAAAAAAADV4/64eFRB_WBOk/s640/blogger-image--699841811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7-nAKGG2nVc/U1e7AO7x_yI/AAAAAAAADV4/64eFRB_WBOk/s640/blogger-image--699841811.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Leaves on the Hawthorn and crabapple that were not there yesterday</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ziROEFa7OX0/U1e636_3QSI/AAAAAAAADVA/7YzV10qmz-U/s640/blogger-image-1503775327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ziROEFa7OX0/U1e636_3QSI/AAAAAAAADVA/7YzV10qmz-U/s640/blogger-image-1503775327.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The last of the glorious daffodils</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XLrXqXeCmD0/U1e7CPSAvCI/AAAAAAAADWI/przd1HgdAeA/s640/blogger-image-290556252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XLrXqXeCmD0/U1e7CPSAvCI/AAAAAAAADWI/przd1HgdAeA/s640/blogger-image-290556252.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the first of the tulips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p4MHiYkXpug/U1e7BOUKhXI/AAAAAAAADWA/53oTyjYC9A4/s640/blogger-image-1471116320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p4MHiYkXpug/U1e7BOUKhXI/AAAAAAAADWA/53oTyjYC9A4/s640/blogger-image-1471116320.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tiny blue blossoms, replaced by tiny white ones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nw7catxY30/U1e6zboexXI/AAAAAAAADUg/SYex5NUROhw/s640/blogger-image--1322774209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6nw7catxY30/U1e6zboexXI/AAAAAAAADUg/SYex5NUROhw/s640/blogger-image--1322774209.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Inspiration for design</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pGOyWhhaaJc/U1e67hEc3cI/AAAAAAAADVY/u2ccV5iqx1A/s640/blogger-image-535339952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pGOyWhhaaJc/U1e67hEc3cI/AAAAAAAADVY/u2ccV5iqx1A/s640/blogger-image-535339952.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Purple vinca </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XCcIneu6NQY/U1e65ZP4ICI/AAAAAAAADVI/BRMqOlklaF8/s640/blogger-image-866786017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XCcIneu6NQY/U1e65ZP4ICI/AAAAAAAADVI/BRMqOlklaF8/s640/blogger-image-866786017.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hostas as taking their places where daffodils once reigned</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uqap_5JkQws/U1e612VtSnI/AAAAAAAADUw/AdvoL4_4iUI/s640/blogger-image-622937441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uqap_5JkQws/U1e612VtSnI/AAAAAAAADUw/AdvoL4_4iUI/s640/blogger-image-622937441.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Determination</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lyApqoYDQlo/U1e68mpWzmI/AAAAAAAADVg/u-Bh_AIzt0U/s640/blogger-image-1798027703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lyApqoYDQlo/U1e68mpWzmI/AAAAAAAADVg/u-Bh_AIzt0U/s640/blogger-image-1798027703.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And this photo, posted in my last garden log...I had high hopes for her</div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iGyEmRx92mI/U1e66eZpnpI/AAAAAAAADVQ/GkxJU9xvpOo/s640/blogger-image-1586736957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iGyEmRx92mI/U1e66eZpnpI/AAAAAAAADVQ/GkxJU9xvpOo/s640/blogger-image-1586736957.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And they have been confirmed! Maroon Trillium! Thousands of them everywhere! Confirmed, by a local lover of nature even before the tiny color began to show. Older folks here call them "bloody noses." I call them dreamy. I remember Trillium sightings on the Blue Ridge Parkway with my family as a kid. They were few and far between, and always a sight to behold. I just can't get over there abundance right out my back door. I will not take this loveliness for granted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Namaste</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7965574926400382518.post-61294441065967087032014-04-22T14:01:00.001-07:002014-04-22T14:01:28.534-07:00April 19-20, 2014::Chicago Birthday<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GwBypVUPoVI/U1bYfjoimtI/AAAAAAAADTI/_kJ3o1sg_nQ/s640/blogger-image--1092198643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GwBypVUPoVI/U1bYfjoimtI/AAAAAAAADTI/_kJ3o1sg_nQ/s640/blogger-image--1092198643.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Little Bess and Granny await the train.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7o_3SvaCM7k/U1bYooRnY5I/AAAAAAAADUI/k-qy7OV3yFw/s640/blogger-image-1848375113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7o_3SvaCM7k/U1bYooRnY5I/AAAAAAAADUI/k-qy7OV3yFw/s640/blogger-image-1848375113.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Instagram ing from our hotel room overlooking Lake Michigan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E_ek5oW1HNA/U1bYi1t2Z6I/AAAAAAAADTg/x7HYQ3XRvYc/s640/blogger-image-1058930618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E_ek5oW1HNA/U1bYi1t2Z6I/AAAAAAAADTg/x7HYQ3XRvYc/s640/blogger-image-1058930618.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Deep dish pizza birthday dinner at Pizano's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Ql_PGyXvPA/U1bYgkHmb6I/AAAAAAAADTQ/KdLiAHEptbw/s640/blogger-image--1648511187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9Ql_PGyXvPA/U1bYgkHmb6I/AAAAAAAADTQ/KdLiAHEptbw/s640/blogger-image--1648511187.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">South Michigan Avenue near Grant Park</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-coFPbs3Mwvw/U1bYkLZyFRI/AAAAAAAADTo/Za6OcQaNvyw/s640/blogger-image--10048045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-coFPbs3Mwvw/U1bYkLZyFRI/AAAAAAAADTo/Za6OcQaNvyw/s640/blogger-image--10048045.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lion at the Chicago Art Institute</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YH87Sc46TGc/U1bYh_-XCuI/AAAAAAAADTY/kkm_-9EIOe8/s640/blogger-image-1769438769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YH87Sc46TGc/U1bYh_-XCuI/AAAAAAAADTY/kkm_-9EIOe8/s640/blogger-image-1769438769.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Crown Fountain</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Da20u5UJlEs/U1bYptNDkrI/AAAAAAAADUQ/8ktdHP7Q6Jg/s640/blogger-image--1814165394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Da20u5UJlEs/U1bYptNDkrI/AAAAAAAADUQ/8ktdHP7Q6Jg/s640/blogger-image--1814165394.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Selfies at The Bean</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1ztabLqCG0g/U1bYlO_Nl7I/AAAAAAAADTw/MLes7_DKll8/s640/blogger-image-522563632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1ztabLqCG0g/U1bYlO_Nl7I/AAAAAAAADTw/MLes7_DKll8/s640/blogger-image-522563632.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Bean</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tjs6cUpuUc0/U1bYmXtMOcI/AAAAAAAADT4/JMRH9ajv29w/s640/blogger-image-417542400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tjs6cUpuUc0/U1bYmXtMOcI/AAAAAAAADT4/JMRH9ajv29w/s640/blogger-image-417542400.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">City selfie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h4OXg8jcKU0/U1bYngeF-gI/AAAAAAAADUA/YbFwkEpV3pA/s640/blogger-image-1931340116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h4OXg8jcKU0/U1bYngeF-gI/AAAAAAAADUA/YbFwkEpV3pA/s640/blogger-image-1931340116.jpg"></a></div>Noooooooo!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br></div>Little Bess turned fifteen in March. Instead of gifts, she asked for a girls' weekend to shop in Chicago. We invited Todd's mom to join us and shop we did! <div><br></div><div>Forever 21, H&M, American Apparal, Urban Outfitters, Macy's...some two or three times. I have never seen so many tiny, plastic, ripped fashions...then again I am not a mall shopper. And so many are throw backs to the eighties! Arrrgh! I thought I'd never see jellies or hammer pants again! </div><div><br></div><div>While I prefer Chacos and leggings with dresses, Bess is all about skinny jeans with oversized sweaters, and over the knee socks with high waisted shorts. I certainly felt my age. She did buy a Rolling Stones tshirt, though. At least there's one thing we can agree upon after all. <div><br></div><div>Namaste</div></div>Backroad Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955956039008984613noreply@blogger.com0