tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135040012024-03-18T22:24:51.506-05:00The Victorian GypsyThe adventures of a VictorianGypsy--mostly following all the rules, but with just a splash of whimsey and rebelllion.Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.comBlogger222125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-79624779683523232002020-09-10T01:37:00.002-05:002020-09-10T01:37:39.478-05:00Slow, Slow, Quick, Quick, Slow<p> For days this quote has been going through my head, and I'm not sure why. I am not taking dance lessons or planning war strategies, or even watching old movies. Maybe it's telling me that I should be doing something of the sort. The most likely would probably be watching old movies. I found 32 places using the quote. And there were many versions on You Tube. Now it's probably going through your head too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/09bi2qpxs_k" width="320" youtube-src-id="09bi2qpxs_k"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>I always thought this was all about the foxtrot, but it turns out that "slow, slow, quick, quick, is actually well known as an ancient Mongol war plan, courtesy of Ghengis Khan. It stands for Prepare (slow), Deceive (slow), Distract (quick), and Surprise (quick). If that doesn't tell us something about 2020, then nothing I can think of does! I don't know if I am ready for any more surprises!<br /><p>I guess this is how life seems to be going for many of us lately. Long, lazy days when I feel that I haven't accomplished anything, mixed with super busy times when everything seems to be going by too quickly. I don't remember a year when so many people were confused enough to have to ask what day it is. Now I seem to hear it from someone every time I go out. So many of us are working at home or not working at all anymore. Calendars that don't get used and appointments that are forgotten are normal. I am glad to not have children at home. I could never remember all the different forms of in-school, home-school, online school, no school options that everyone has now. </p><p>So many of us have changed our plans and have put a lot of things on hold. The biggest difference for us was that there wasn't an Iowa State Fair in August. John's family have owned Lemonade and Foot Long hot dog stands at the fair since his grandmother started them in 1948, over 70 years ago. This was the year I would have been an official part of this family tradition. Hopefully, I'll get my Lemonade t-shirt next year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaIG9bnAPTP-3yYLygFdsG9g2JX0gw4TDKT9iGbDNvYs1EHpVcU7bR0DBP16zQqVK8cwmrbmUk-nj1rHaasxcfkCiZ6L2wCoaBMuAxtG_06zeIQ0fRiTTS8WQiErUnQAXl4vI/s720/Brafford%2527s+Lemonade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaIG9bnAPTP-3yYLygFdsG9g2JX0gw4TDKT9iGbDNvYs1EHpVcU7bR0DBP16zQqVK8cwmrbmUk-nj1rHaasxcfkCiZ6L2wCoaBMuAxtG_06zeIQ0fRiTTS8WQiErUnQAXl4vI/w400-h300/Brafford%2527s+Lemonade.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Months ago I thought I would probably be going to England in September. Of course, that will not be happening this year. I can't go anywhere until I get my name changed on my passport. Just one more thing I keep forgetting to add to my mostly empty calendar.<div>My favorite happening this year was getting my cozy little cottage. I truly love "Second Story Cottage" and our own second story.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>On a dare, I'll take this dance</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Slow, slow, quick, quick, </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Magic and Wit</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Now we glide across the floor</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Slow, slow, quick, quick.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I wanted more.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Slow, slow, quick, quick</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>We were lucky to meet.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Now I feel complete</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">(words from one of the You Tube variations)</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> </p></div>Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-77996333597188729022020-08-07T15:34:00.000-05:002020-08-07T15:34:30.427-05:00Second Story Cottage<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sXMeq7yfnpUcRMC3-rV1V2iPCRfNxhkcb2oPTchWN5LLkpVzJVVfiSw0YtwacBSYK1zAEjxkhS06ORpdzRP_4I3vrHfG_7-bAs34my680k3ButmvnCHHkyIzPkECvtZX4Y0P/s4032/20200807_102050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sXMeq7yfnpUcRMC3-rV1V2iPCRfNxhkcb2oPTchWN5LLkpVzJVVfiSw0YtwacBSYK1zAEjxkhS06ORpdzRP_4I3vrHfG_7-bAs34my680k3ButmvnCHHkyIzPkECvtZX4Y0P/s640/20200807_102050.jpg" /></a></div> It's official! I have a name and a sign. Special thanks to my lifelong friend, Donna, for painting my sign. You may have noticed that this building is a one story structure. But for us, this is our second story, so it seems very appropriate. Last October, while on our honeymoon, we stumbled upon one of my favorite bookstores. It is in Laramie, Wyoming, and is called "The Second Story", because it is located upstairs in an historic building. I wrote about it before, when I first fell in love with it. What could be more fascinating than an old bordello converted to a book shop. Shenanigans and Stories, how perfect is that? We went back in December and visited again. This was when we had to retrieve the car which had been in Wyoming since the transmission failed. Really, it was a total bit of serendipity that made this name happen. Sort of like our whole relationship.<p></p><p>The Cottage has been evolving, and I am sure it will change a lot after I use it more. I still have several more pictures to hang on the walls. I have already changed out some of the furniture. I am trying not to have it be too crowded, but I'm not sure if that is possible.</p><p>At first I had a nice old 1940's style desk in this spot. I liked it so much that I wanted to put it in the front room of the house as my computer desk. It looks great in the house, and I use it every day. On our trip to Clear Lake for my birthday, we found this perfect drop leaf table. It's very narrow, but when a leaf is up, there is lots of space for crafting and writing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGl5DjqlUbABPOT9ZYiwphdJv6fvE4laPplJHqFCJ3Ejmxpo5mJd3veodLgybAPAtKmqEi2CPN3K_o34x2bAbuwqul5eH7wAeBcrC0KevAivKa_0kyOqN-jWweLKVrrlU5CzN/s4032/20200807_140541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGl5DjqlUbABPOT9ZYiwphdJv6fvE4laPplJHqFCJ3Ejmxpo5mJd3veodLgybAPAtKmqEi2CPN3K_o34x2bAbuwqul5eH7wAeBcrC0KevAivKa_0kyOqN-jWweLKVrrlU5CzN/s640/20200807_140541.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hgDHmORvBKChmdx1-WoO2ghq-NTktiPMF0mObO3EAmKECyUthcM5AFjLCJgcdyobT8CnXatwY9H6dRsK1dB_lTKjGPDayZQ6BLmnRvJfoWf1cI4VIYDQ_9aBn8-afgYqcfQS/s4032/20200807_140724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hgDHmORvBKChmdx1-WoO2ghq-NTktiPMF0mObO3EAmKECyUthcM5AFjLCJgcdyobT8CnXatwY9H6dRsK1dB_lTKjGPDayZQ6BLmnRvJfoWf1cI4VIYDQ_9aBn8-afgYqcfQS/s640/20200807_140724.jpg" /></a></div><p>I have a very fitting pillow for the chair. I also have a cute little dragonfly door knocker, and a pineapple Welcome flag outside. All gifts with special meanings. </p><p>I have done a little sewing. I can keep an amazing amount of supplies hidden behind the curtains in the storage area. I am trying to use the cottage for writing, machine sewing and paper journaling projects. I want to keep hand sewing in the house. I do like to stitch while I binge watch tv.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfqgQT7sD1RGcSzbd4D6dZRjxi6Nw573LrFzTnwrelE_LfX7jlPH2MjzCmQitQwfeXmUGA4eyMVaHDrtSZ0tXFJvWipUj3RneWV9_8EZChAJBilvY2_4dyjfvHdpzHqoLYpuF/s4032/20200807_140439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfqgQT7sD1RGcSzbd4D6dZRjxi6Nw573LrFzTnwrelE_LfX7jlPH2MjzCmQitQwfeXmUGA4eyMVaHDrtSZ0tXFJvWipUj3RneWV9_8EZChAJBilvY2_4dyjfvHdpzHqoLYpuF/s640/20200807_140439.jpg" /></a></div><p>And here's a little reminder from Jane Austen. "Completely and Perfectly and Incandescently Happy" A few years ago I was sure that I would never be happy again. And look at me now. I am living my second story.</p>Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-66749051231383748452020-06-23T01:32:00.001-05:002020-06-23T01:32:39.061-05:00Yesterday and Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mostly Empty Shelves Wherever I Shop</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />Once upon a time, a long time ago, I thought that if we all just stayed home for two or three weeks, then the world would go back to normal. Well, that didn't happen, did it? The world nearly stopped for several weeks, and many did stay home. Those were the rules, but not everyone is a rule follower. Our lives didn't change that much at first, because we don't go out a lot. I never dreamed that I would have to wait so long to see our children and grands. Since I didn't feel comfortable working at the funeral home, I decided to take time off, by choice. Because of that, I'm not eligible for unemployment. Luckily, that is part time, and not a necessary income. And I practically stopped shopping. We ordered groceries online a few times, but decided that shopping for ourselves was better than having others shopping for us. I will probably never use all of the gallon of Crisco oil that was sent as a substitution. If I order online again, I will be sure to check the "Do Not Substitute" box! I ended up with some things I never ordered. We have been to Menard's a few times. I am pretty comfortable there because masks are required. Yesterday I finally went to the fabric store and Barnes and Noble. It was very disappointing. I should have waited a little longer. Everything has been rearranged and many shelves are half empty. I think a lot of magazines have suspended publication for a while. I used to like to wander around and browse and look at things and ponder life when I shopped. Now it has become a lesson in efficiency to finish quickly.<div>I see more anger all around. I am just about to give up on Facebook groups, since most of the ones I'm in are erupting daily in squabbles and nastiness. Administrators keep reminding members of the rules, and eliminating posts. Some have even closed down. Coincidence? I don't think so.<div><div>And now, nearly all summer activities have been suspended, or postponed, or cancelled completely. Since the Iowa State Fair has recently been cancelled, we will not have the three Brafford lemonade and hot dog stands in August this year. That will make a big difference to us and to the employees! It is both a relief and a disappointment. <br /><div>Some of our children have been able to work at home, so that has been fortunate. We have several in various aspects of the restaurant business, so that has not. Two of my children have been exposed to Covid 19 at work and had to be tested. My daughter-in-law works in a hospital in contact with infected patients, and looks like she is dressed for battle everyday at her job.</div><div>And in the midst of all this, I don't mean to ignore the tension and riots that are happening every day in our city, and country, and world. I remember the marches and the powerful speeches from the 1960's. I thought the world would have changed for the better by now. </div><div>Every morning for months I have listened to the news and waited for the numbers. I deeply believe this virus is a serious happening and that it is everyone's responsibility to treat it as such. As time goes on, I think that many have decided they are done with it and no longer believe in taking it seriously. We are moving on, and reopening places that will need to be closed again. This isn't over just because we want it to be.<br /><div><br />
<br /></div></div></div></div></div>Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-28638795870143690312020-06-09T00:32:00.000-05:002020-06-09T00:32:15.081-05:00No Name CottageMy little workshop/getaway/sewing room/writer's studio/ creative place to dream and play/magical cottage is almost all put together now. There are only a few things left to do. Pictures still need to be hung. And there are a couple of shelves that I want to fill.<br /><span style="text-align: center;">Here is the outside now. Geraniums are growing in the window boxes and herbs are in the wagon. We will paint the front door black to match the rest of the buildings. More landscaping will happen eventually. And as soon as I can commit to a name I will have a cottage sign above the door. John wants to name it "No More Cloudy Days" Cottage, but I think the name should be shorter. But that name means a lot to both of us, and was our wedding song. (Sung by the Eagles) When we first started seeing each other, we had both lived through a lot of storms and were happy to have sunshine in our lives. I am thinking Sunshine Cottage, or Sunrise, Sunlit or Sunlight. I'm just worried it sounds too much like a motel or nursing home! Unofficially, I think it will just be the cottage. But I want a sign!</span><br /><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Step inside and you will see everything at once because I have an open concept just like the decorating shows. Actually, it's because it measures 8 feet by 14 feet. Just inside the door is a small wooden chest with several drawers. One of the first things you will notice is all the fabric! I love this print, and don't think I could ever have too much of it. I hadn't planned to have the curtained alcoves, but they are perfect for storage. They hide and disguise several totes of fabric and craft supplies. (I have written before about my fascination with tension curtain rods. So many uses!) The cupboard is an old computer desk and holds my sewing machine. Don't look too closely at the curtains. At this point they are only basted. I am still decorating with the stacked to the ceiling look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lc4OtsAYt0dJNmuhkuN6I3OzaQLoVYmaCD9g70mfOiEGxvWgeL4FvYtmbkmVwg4ohXhYh72Oq2yoINvgPrGHlFLdbQ1Tdj4EqJnFqqWrC7gZ6HjE7yxwa6qVE_rBHtB8G6Vz/s4032/20200608_193315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lc4OtsAYt0dJNmuhkuN6I3OzaQLoVYmaCD9g70mfOiEGxvWgeL4FvYtmbkmVwg4ohXhYh72Oq2yoINvgPrGHlFLdbQ1Tdj4EqJnFqqWrC7gZ6HjE7yxwa6qVE_rBHtB8G6Vz/w225-h400/20200608_193315.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Next is a comfy little chair located by the bookcases. Right now I spend a lot of time sitting here and admiring the room. There are a couple of antique suitcases next to the chair.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF9t0Hf_DPWuFOyeauFEyvXwu8fH2iF6kdlA8MJC6gnxK4YE3zj4sXve4OHMi4cPHfxj4aQ3W1w59oLpx7aOB1sm4I5k0BUksoRec1LuqaiWMTbaZ7AEH03RSMijKBtSryqux/s4032/20200608_193331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGF9t0Hf_DPWuFOyeauFEyvXwu8fH2iF6kdlA8MJC6gnxK4YE3zj4sXve4OHMi4cPHfxj4aQ3W1w59oLpx7aOB1sm4I5k0BUksoRec1LuqaiWMTbaZ7AEH03RSMijKBtSryqux/w225-h400/20200608_193331.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOEy4LTbs72Nkb49USojWvmYtCKitcddI9AYtP6RQy4HBcUF6NkwENaJpnYLDdMO1D2ehuTX63xgx2K4FaQP1VNH1Y2NqaLr4py3Iijr-fHxJbbItn3QKim3xZTUM2N8BjfPu/s4032/20200608_193422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOEy4LTbs72Nkb49USojWvmYtCKitcddI9AYtP6RQy4HBcUF6NkwENaJpnYLDdMO1D2ehuTX63xgx2K4FaQP1VNH1Y2NqaLr4py3Iijr-fHxJbbItn3QKim3xZTUM2N8BjfPu/w225-h400/20200608_193422.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div>Here are some close up pictures of some of the treasures I am putting back on the shelves. I'm not done yet as I am still unpacking boxes that have spent a long time in storage. I can see an empty shelf, and I know that never happens. I will be moving things around for a while, but at least now I finally know what I want to keep and what isn't necessary anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTOu0rftev6qQg68u0jQNFzrARp00awbAJTyQCQCcpzQPSf-Em8eTLTmVGrY85NSHVSV9sF12QYSyaXxfkYJuOlEAJItu-61yIUYRdHdvuiAWpUC1Y9Tvh3FbwMC3RsPWMJh8/s4032/20200608_193518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTOu0rftev6qQg68u0jQNFzrARp00awbAJTyQCQCcpzQPSf-Em8eTLTmVGrY85NSHVSV9sF12QYSyaXxfkYJuOlEAJItu-61yIUYRdHdvuiAWpUC1Y9Tvh3FbwMC3RsPWMJh8/w225-h400/20200608_193518.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZKVWTBG8aU8Um1Sz8ciDltxTq0iLwgz7O4KfyBpjdkYPkYciD2pJXRBRN2BBrObJPDEPwSWhltHCwvOHi2JxOKyq7rp_eYVxO7a8v6SSGi2NphqnAqqaTe4QlrGXdLXaD4Gr/s4032/20200608_193515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ZKVWTBG8aU8Um1Sz8ciDltxTq0iLwgz7O4KfyBpjdkYPkYciD2pJXRBRN2BBrObJPDEPwSWhltHCwvOHi2JxOKyq7rp_eYVxO7a8v6SSGi2NphqnAqqaTe4QlrGXdLXaD4Gr/w225-h400/20200608_193515.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhPNHz9xZ_Wmvz2aFN7TJ28-ef1UG99y1Cmt5t8Askmj5SXylw-sxj5fwKssg-LvUBl4cgVKveNpXPmG2Rsym94QVZMZW6L29dTsdqI0Nk5mJhSgB_5a-4j_1ipeLaeqfa6Kr/s4032/20200608_193547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhPNHz9xZ_Wmvz2aFN7TJ28-ef1UG99y1Cmt5t8Askmj5SXylw-sxj5fwKssg-LvUBl4cgVKveNpXPmG2Rsym94QVZMZW6L29dTsdqI0Nk5mJhSgB_5a-4j_1ipeLaeqfa6Kr/w225-h400/20200608_193547.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCOgzmLfrGHNMMe6X0FXiTp_qfE9Ctpe5jwpi-ZIfqL4jNBLg0znKFwrfWvWqeDMCB0RtnHdH4X4wNt75QVym5_l7zYd13-3gDnGqILJstJXOjga7yn7Ld2wMnpNA4U4jdphH/s4032/20200608_193500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCOgzmLfrGHNMMe6X0FXiTp_qfE9Ctpe5jwpi-ZIfqL4jNBLg0znKFwrfWvWqeDMCB0RtnHdH4X4wNt75QVym5_l7zYd13-3gDnGqILJstJXOjga7yn7Ld2wMnpNA4U4jdphH/w225-h400/20200608_193500.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div>The desk was the only thing I didn't have previously. I found it a few days ago at an antique mall. It was just the right size, though not my usual style. I am drawn to the battered and chippy. This is much more elegant, but it works in my little cottage. I think it will be the perfect place for writing. I feel organized again. Well, maybe not organized, but on the way. In a few weeks, I am going to set up a booth at that mall, and finally work on letting go of extra things that I have been holding onto and keeping in storage for too long. I am finally feeling more settled and it is a good feeling.</div>Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-40941550902740572582020-05-16T00:10:00.000-05:002020-05-16T00:10:51.267-05:00SHE SAID SHE SHED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiYT-ksdavpCJjnBGWb7BupnLlY_qCciGZrgJRyu3KXZtJcewrzKukUdQovGORZdqDk1lHh2yE8Bl0zuLabR83xjty3_GNgxIERBIh0WLE2l1wON6mnlSGIhz7qX3jhmyzlD1/s1600/20200515_221811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKiYT-ksdavpCJjnBGWb7BupnLlY_qCciGZrgJRyu3KXZtJcewrzKukUdQovGORZdqDk1lHh2yE8Bl0zuLabR83xjty3_GNgxIERBIh0WLE2l1wON6mnlSGIhz7qX3jhmyzlD1/s400/20200515_221811.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walls and A Roof</td></tr>
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Several months before John and I even thought about getting married, we were watching tv one night, and a well-known commercial came on. It was for insurance, and depicted the burning of Sheryl's She Shed. John had never heard of such a concept, but thought it was a good idea. I am referring to the building, not the burning. And that was the beginning of my She Shed. We've talked about it a lot since then, always as something that would happen someday. And that day has arrived.<br />
This has been a busy week. They started on my building on Monday morning, and today (Friday) the workmen finished. Of course, it's not a house, but I was surprised how quickly it has been coming together. There is a lot left to do. The wiring and drywall is installed, but all the finish work is ours to do.<br />
It is close to the house, nestled in by the patio and deck, and near the garage, and tool shed. It will be white, trimmed in black. That is the same color scheme that is on the rest of the buildings here. I had planned on shutters, but forgot to tell them that. However, I will have window boxes. And a sign. And a wreath on the door. I am looking forward to a place to decorate. I love our old farmhouse, but it has been lived in for a long time by many other people. It will take awhile before it truly reflects my taste.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUysEemkLirMmMWmw0IjtlAm4bRSvo4PfwGpmDU1LvAU5kkmmwLuawxd2bhmmJA7dikO5s0YsK6g3xw77SN_qSm2NfAEub0c9YBwrpqhKqsyYsjTASDOhfvW9Zk02pmdnGeRA/s1600/20200515_144559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUysEemkLirMmMWmw0IjtlAm4bRSvo4PfwGpmDU1LvAU5kkmmwLuawxd2bhmmJA7dikO5s0YsK6g3xw77SN_qSm2NfAEub0c9YBwrpqhKqsyYsjTASDOhfvW9Zk02pmdnGeRA/s640/20200515_144559.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to Paint.</td></tr>
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There is another window on the side wall, which is larger. I wanted a lot of wall space, because I have a lot to hang on the walls. I know I will probably fill most of the area! I am hoping for a look that is not overly crowded, but that may not happen! I still have so many treasures that have survived several moves and lifestyle changes in the past years. I am in the process of doing a final clearout of a storage unit that I have held onto for too many years. I am going through boxes and a house that is also filled with too many things, and trying to keep only what I really want.</div>
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Many years ago, in my old life as a young wife, I owned a small home business called HerbPatch, making and selling "herbal gifts and pleasantries". For quite a while, my work area was in our busy (family of seven) laundry room. We had an old milk house on our property, and my late husband renovated it for me. I always suspected that he was tired of picking bits of lavender out of his clothes! I spent many of my favorite hours there. It was much more rustic than this new building, but, it too, was a special place, Two of the walls had floor to ceiling shelves, filled with gallon sized glass jars of dried flowers and herbs. A large wooden table filled most of the room. At the time, with five young children, I called it My Place of Serenity. I have thought of Serenity Cottage as a name for my new building, but now my life is serene almost all of the time. I'm not sure if I need to be reminded to be serene. I want to call it a cottage instead of a she shed because I have loved seeing so many beautifully named cottages during my visits to England. Nearly all the houses in my favorite little villages have names and signs on or beside their doors. I am thinking of something quaint but not overly cutesy. I would enjoy hearing any suggestions.<br />
I no longer make flower arrangements and potpourri to sell, but I will be doing lots more papercrafting, sewing, and reading, and writing. I am starting to feel more creative, just knowing I have a room of my own.<br />
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-83076052295133948232020-04-07T01:54:00.000-05:002020-04-07T12:49:46.953-05:00And More of the Same<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF1Hqr9Pa2o5ThzUG5pgxqHJKlfEHISqkc6sJ__QSIVTBNRaKzVXB_6baKzUgb4maDcA_5VRBuUb0FaAyoozKhXsyJGT3BcJaQ93c6YOJOZplr9r_iTSb9SucmfmzLBF5L5Oa/s1600/20200401_125328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF1Hqr9Pa2o5ThzUG5pgxqHJKlfEHISqkc6sJ__QSIVTBNRaKzVXB_6baKzUgb4maDcA_5VRBuUb0FaAyoozKhXsyJGT3BcJaQ93c6YOJOZplr9r_iTSb9SucmfmzLBF5L5Oa/s320/20200401_125328.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Short Walk Around the Neighborhood</td></tr>
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We are still staying home, as is just about everyone these days. In a few days we will celebrate our first half year of marriage. (April 12). During this time I think we have spent more time together than most couples! Our first two months involved a lot of time in cars, and car dealerships, since ours decided not to behave on our honeymoon. We managed to have adventures anyway, although it was a bit of a stressful time. I spent a lot of moments determined to be cheerful, and I think I managed very well under the circumstances. John is very easy to get along with, but he is a man who loves routine. Sometimes I think my main routine is a lack of routine!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMW9BKkA_3o3mczGdHkZvR2NmRAES_G6n17w5j0FoU9MK6wgjgJnMWVb97lQ75Ojaro39o3vxlTeNWPIXDGt66M-PH7FsXAn3DiGJ38PvDXJ7aEttfN4zdUxQ2ePo1XNAwnDI/s1600/20200329_144115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMW9BKkA_3o3mczGdHkZvR2NmRAES_G6n17w5j0FoU9MK6wgjgJnMWVb97lQ75Ojaro39o3vxlTeNWPIXDGt66M-PH7FsXAn3DiGJ38PvDXJ7aEttfN4zdUxQ2ePo1XNAwnDI/s320/20200329_144115.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He Drives. I Stitch and Talk.</td></tr>
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We are "a bit older" than most newlyweds, so we have more than seventy years of memories, recollections, and reminiscing to catch up on. We talk a lot. And as long as I stay away from the tv remote and politics, we get along very well. Just tonight we discovered that both of our fathers liked to eat fried corn meal mush. I don't think most people even remember that. I'm not sure if grocery stores even carry it anymore. Of course, it has been weeks since I have been in a grocery store. Or any store. We have been taking this stay at home thing very seriously. We do take walks. John works outside when the weather is nice enough. I have been putting things away, as so many of my possessions have been in storage for several years. Sometimes it feels like Christmas when I open boxes and rediscover items I had almost forgotten. And then I need to decide what to do with them in my new home. And to make things blend when so many different tastes are involved.</div>
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I also watch a lot English cozy murder mysteries. We just subscribed to one of the British channels, and I will happily confess to binge watching. I feel a little guilty not multi tasking, so I have been keeping busy with hand sewing. In January I purchased a block of the month kit, and for the first time ever I am caught up. I have been waiting for over a week for April's wool and it finally arrived today. They do look a little wonky here, so don't examine them closely. I think it will all go together well when it's done. I've never stitched a big project like this one before. And now I can watch charming English mayhem without guilt.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs_WX-tOfP4luwNfyz2xEm0EtqeX_tuJmF0qVvme3XoJ5-KhQVquX31cEuN6SqubbDYmLMctfAwHRZr8kEoX4CdNaHSShK-Si-P7qInwi59ZEidRTO0ECo-BFQvu3zGyyjTz3/s1600/20200405_183532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLs_WX-tOfP4luwNfyz2xEm0EtqeX_tuJmF0qVvme3XoJ5-KhQVquX31cEuN6SqubbDYmLMctfAwHRZr8kEoX4CdNaHSShK-Si-P7qInwi59ZEidRTO0ECo-BFQvu3zGyyjTz3/s320/20200405_183532.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s6pFGaIAnPjLutd39q7reLCehi__Sdp_XOm5f5O9rzZ9_Uwk6CIur1iHI2xQVEZ1hEtQclMeHo8NuWwisI4lYPneuwUyy3_1V2VdgjjzZ4rsaOzmYta8Ka2nfZlFwYT7WwHZ/s1600/20200405_202720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1561" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9s6pFGaIAnPjLutd39q7reLCehi__Sdp_XOm5f5O9rzZ9_Uwk6CIur1iHI2xQVEZ1hEtQclMeHo8NuWwisI4lYPneuwUyy3_1V2VdgjjzZ4rsaOzmYta8Ka2nfZlFwYT7WwHZ/s320/20200405_202720.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March</td></tr>
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That is what we've been doing here. There is lots I didn't mention, such as the worry and the prayers. Our lives haven't changed much, but I know this is making major differences for many others. We miss seeing our children and grandchildren. It is difficult knowing that we can't be there to make this<br />
staying at home easier for others. Stay safe everyone. And may this soon be over, and may we all remember and enjoy the things that make life precious.<br />
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-63277089056943315132020-03-24T22:25:00.000-05:002020-03-24T22:25:56.647-05:00Fun Times at Home<div>
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We are living in a different world than we expected, aren't we? Our state, Iowa, isn't under an official "shelter in place" order, but of course nearly every one is doing just that. Even though we have been staying in for over a week, it seems like much longer. </div>
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My last big outing was to the grocery store, with one quick trip to Menard's. I am starting to notice how often I usually leave the house. Normally I do go to work at least two or three times a week, but not now. I don't usually think of myself as a shopper, but do like to go to a bookstore, library, and craftshop more often than I realized. Those are my "happy places." I like to wander around and get inspired. I'm pretty sure I like these stores because the clerks, though friendly, are usually unlikely to chat. I am not much of a chatterer. That is actually helping me now. John and I are used to living a pretty quiet life, so all this isn't as big a change for us as for many. Luckily, we don't have to worry about a big change in income, since we are mostly retired. The biggest difference for us is that we are no longer going out to dinner several times a week. We received a lot of restaurant gift cards for our wedding five months ago, and have been using them quite steadily. I've made no secret of being a begin-again cook. I realize that I have had several years of snacking instead of cooking! It still surprises me that my new husband likes to eat dinner every night. He is a very good sport about it all, and he really isn't a very adventurous diner. This is probably good for me, because I do not like long and complicated recipes. I have discovered that I don't like to spend more time with food prep than it takes to eat the finished dish. I do spend a lot of time looking at recipes, just because I enjoy it. I'm not sure if it means anything though. I also like to spend a lot of time reading diet books.<br />
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I need to show our new whirligig. It's a bi-plane, and was adorably rusty when we bought it. I am attracted to men who like to paint purposely rusted yard ornaments. Years ago, I came home from work one day and Jim had painted all my yard art glossy white. John painted this one red, white, and blue. We found a Snoopy on a shelf, who fits almost perfectly. (He did have to have surgery on one leg) He still needs a goggle and helmet to be a proper Red Baron, but I did knit him a red scarf. When the wind blows, the plane flies, the propeller twirls, and the scarf blows. It is pretty cute, even if it isn't what I would have thought to be my style.</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-71846289808178138672020-03-17T01:30:00.000-05:002020-03-17T01:30:29.535-05:00The Luck of the Irish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fHCjLQptJuohhdKZaEDCobFnz8Eu8S7xMRzi4-FSZjCagDbOgQRCs4vAYAF8DEhie2eBD_npdqYwAScP06j7nww-XLBa_FgmcMhk0TLPuaao2Z_3dvi07QoSBqkkX9kxGJwN/s1600/20200316_233459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="733" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fHCjLQptJuohhdKZaEDCobFnz8Eu8S7xMRzi4-FSZjCagDbOgQRCs4vAYAF8DEhie2eBD_npdqYwAScP06j7nww-XLBa_FgmcMhk0TLPuaao2Z_3dvi07QoSBqkkX9kxGJwN/s640/20200316_233459.jpg" width="291" /></a><br />
Happy St Paddy's Day. This beautiful hand embossed picture was a wedding present from my daughter-in-law and oldest son. Thank you Jim and Kristan. It hangs by our front door, so I can see and read it every day.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">" May your troubles be less</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And your blessings be more.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And nothing but happiness</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Come through your door"</span></b><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">One of those simple Irish verses that manage to say it all, isn't it?</span></div>
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Tess and Finn---Younger Days</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Irish Girls<br />Erin, Meg, Bridget</td></tr>
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This is going to be the strangest March 17th that any of us have lived through. And I certainly hope it is the most unusual one that we will ever have to remember. There won't be a lot of celebrating going on I think, because almost everything is closed. The Corona virus has become a chilling reality. None of us knows what to expect. I don't think that it really hit me until I went to the grocery store and saw that so many aisles were empty. They were completely out of all the meats that I planned to buy. There were almost no canned goods. Hardly any soups, or fruits or vegetables. And everyone knows that paper products and cleaning supplies can barely stay on the shelves. And the sad thing is that it isn't because of lack. This has been caused by fear and hoarding. No one needs to have too much of anything.<br />
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The past several years have turned me into a bit of a minimalist in the area of food supplies, because I didn't have a kitchen. As a fraternity House Mom, I had a chef for five years, and really did very little grocery shopping. Now I am learning to cook again, and to plan meals. But we have only shopped for what we needed. I haven't had a full pantry or freezer. And we go out to eat a lot of nights. Seriously, a lot. Many restaurants have already closed. There is a very good chance that everyone will need to be quarantined for weeks if this virus is going to be controlled. </div>
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Lately, I have been seriously trying to be healthier. I just started a series of Pilates classes, and have started to feel a difference. And now my gym is closed. I have been flirting with the Keto diet, or at least a low carb version of proteins and veggies. As of today that is no longer working for me. Sadly, crisis has turned me into a monster for chips and chocolate. Tomorrow is another day, and I will hopefully come to my senses again before it is too late.</div>
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<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> From Me and Mine, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> To You and Yours. May the Future Be Bright </span></b><b style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">And Even Be Better </b></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> Than All of the Past</b></span></div>
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<b style="color: lime;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Happy St Patrick's Day</span></b></div>
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-9727072341593911092019-12-21T21:39:00.001-06:002019-12-21T21:39:23.708-06:002019 Christmas Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember my first married Christmas. I was nineteen, and Jim and I had just bought our first house. We had a big, live tree, with handmade decorations and tiny white lights. Many of them were made with salt dough and cookie cutters, and then painted. Patchwork styrofoam balls with modpodged fabric were popular then. I think I actually strung popcorn and cranberries for it too. We hardly had any furniture. I remember arranging tv trays in the corners to look like tables.<br />
Obviously, times have changed. Over the years, I collected a lot of decorations. Most of them were still handmade or gifts from friends.I have always decorated for Christmas, but not with a lot of sparkle. I have never had a themed tree, or one with a color scheme different than traditional holiday hues. No life sized Santas or light up reindeers for me. I think the wildest I ever got was my Christmas village. It was actually made from several different villages, using only my favorite pieces. I've never wanted things to match too much.<br />
I put most of my decorations away a few years ago, and didn't open the boxes again for quite a while. I had a small tree for me, with paper decorations cut from antique books. I let the youngest grands decorate their own little trees. Most of the ornaments have been in storage, along with our original Christmas stockings. I didn't start listening to holiday music again until last year. But now, I am living through my own winter thaw. It is so good to be enjoying Christmas again.<br />
It's been several years since I have lived in a real house. As a fraternity House Mom, I had one rule: it must not be breakable. It was a good rule.<br />
Now I am living a new life,and it's one I didn't count on happening for me. Especially at the age of seventy. I am in a house again, and decorating for a merry, happy Christmas. We are watching Christmas movies again. We are looking at the lights and drinking hot chocolate. We are discussing the merits of tiny white fairy lights versus big colorful bulbs. (The bulbs won). We even have bubble lights on our tree! (I hadn't seen them since my childhood!) I don't think I went overboard with the decorating, because, in truth, we are still putting things away, and trying to decide what goes where. And we are blending his and mine. Some of my favorites, some of his, and new ones that we have acquired together. Our styles don't always meld, but that is to be expected, since we each have each lived over 50 years with all our "stuff". We have too much furniture, and are still trying to make it look like it belongs together. We will probably be "a work in progress" for the rest of our lives, but that's okay.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"John's Morning Routine" painted by his son<br />My favorite cupboard<br />Large Crochet Stocking</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santas and Trees and Subtle Lights</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Trees and Handmade Garlands<br />And Gifts From Friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OEdNGuKTtS5DXlRqcQUoX4EdU2EsiDNDRn-ghUXjTvjQnv2Fa8FKsBtNARavhdvL5xDhtinV9DLo6tOfb2SffEoOR9eixiEVdTkovI6A_g-gz4qmqvhbfoMW7ocwRcSmqsI9/s1600/20191221_194151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1073" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OEdNGuKTtS5DXlRqcQUoX4EdU2EsiDNDRn-ghUXjTvjQnv2Fa8FKsBtNARavhdvL5xDhtinV9DLo6tOfb2SffEoOR9eixiEVdTkovI6A_g-gz4qmqvhbfoMW7ocwRcSmqsI9/s400/20191221_194151.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portion of John's SnowGlobe Collection</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gwuaU6K_ZkZDIbiNiCT9KrekeyUmZ8w1qxzEMdeCmselBjk4NVamsNmpK4RdNEXjcstd4iVDGK_-X8zDPv1Oub2VyB8GXq28WMlcj4BvzTz2ayvDew_PWJYEJgg0qXLL5rln/s1600/20191221_141321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gwuaU6K_ZkZDIbiNiCT9KrekeyUmZ8w1qxzEMdeCmselBjk4NVamsNmpK4RdNEXjcstd4iVDGK_-X8zDPv1Oub2VyB8GXq28WMlcj4BvzTz2ayvDew_PWJYEJgg0qXLL5rln/s400/20191221_141321.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Advent Lighthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb0Dgf-FlfBi5shGpuLtdh8iO31VD60z8xd1eqyfuo3pK2kL8tkNlolJG_BqNpqdYgYy6z6-QJ7lDWcbzKNOA4mPeNsA0gpbqLxpslmRxMX3VyWb1PudFrw8vGi-8WwYlTYgr/s1600/20191221_141228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb0Dgf-FlfBi5shGpuLtdh8iO31VD60z8xd1eqyfuo3pK2kL8tkNlolJG_BqNpqdYgYy6z6-QJ7lDWcbzKNOA4mPeNsA0gpbqLxpslmRxMX3VyWb1PudFrw8vGi-8WwYlTYgr/s400/20191221_141228.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Library</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoN5A_dIPd3ww__k-7sMsGepUB8S_COIiwiZ3MePtmWbz52U9qM3PrPjiWtnhbeagCu5F_XSgTZ-qGnyRNxGuwyfoDeMkQW2tgYhsoguyF2SYhzq0vSUylrHix8Mz81bNIVmG/s1600/20191129_011638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoN5A_dIPd3ww__k-7sMsGepUB8S_COIiwiZ3MePtmWbz52U9qM3PrPjiWtnhbeagCu5F_XSgTZ-qGnyRNxGuwyfoDeMkQW2tgYhsoguyF2SYhzq0vSUylrHix8Mz81bNIVmG/s400/20191129_011638.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another View of "The Library"<br />More Bookcases Unseen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmutOoX4eQ6doJBhZSjL6ZlAC5p0XF0lGJQ7ZN4mluYDBinxkstefxKkTDoAlfT8uLniPwT1Fp8JQ8UrcTwwMZPurWrSaj_tcS8py-JebjSj_9uSOwxEy266B-owasHy_iRgA/s1600/20191221_141147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmutOoX4eQ6doJBhZSjL6ZlAC5p0XF0lGJQ7ZN4mluYDBinxkstefxKkTDoAlfT8uLniPwT1Fp8JQ8UrcTwwMZPurWrSaj_tcS8py-JebjSj_9uSOwxEy266B-owasHy_iRgA/s400/20191221_141147.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Favorite, Favorite Bookcase<br />Finally Out of Storage</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8aXB5aw_Z75eIFWe2YqdDdLLi8yRLtCCVLT-T9h2SfotLn99G5kZvVeHApY2wzmo_CjF613RVnGj0_WerK8PlZcGDerBg0MGS1bBfe1rQvfP6-lZML3jook2HV3VhKBNj6wU/s1600/20191221_141133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8aXB5aw_Z75eIFWe2YqdDdLLi8yRLtCCVLT-T9h2SfotLn99G5kZvVeHApY2wzmo_CjF613RVnGj0_WerK8PlZcGDerBg0MGS1bBfe1rQvfP6-lZML3jook2HV3VhKBNj6wU/s400/20191221_141133.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Sandi's First Tree Together<br />Ornaments from Clear Lake and Laramie<br />And Our Wedding Decorations<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTM5nXT88sMwS4vFkMCvX_oxRX0pkrEzmygA-IetIrU7OzsydeCh_fYewbVycTZJFaTg_KZjcxmXfM2M_0oT414DtjKHP6aIAhNw0F8W7_wiVzuH-WujWolQ8qXN-QIn6BlUz/s1600/20191221_141118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTM5nXT88sMwS4vFkMCvX_oxRX0pkrEzmygA-IetIrU7OzsydeCh_fYewbVycTZJFaTg_KZjcxmXfM2M_0oT414DtjKHP6aIAhNw0F8W7_wiVzuH-WujWolQ8qXN-QIn6BlUz/s400/20191221_141118.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Just Married"<br />The Beginning</td></tr>
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-83562459383036278332019-12-11T17:31:00.000-06:002019-12-11T17:35:17.219-06:00On The Road Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who ever would have guessed that I am a gypsy cowgirl? I love this town! We got our car back yesterday afternoon and all went well. I am going to miss the push button start and especially the heated seats on the rental.</div>
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Last night we went to a lovely restaurant called "Altitude". We do notice the altitude here. It is nearly 8000 feet. We are used to less than a thousand. So many of the shops are on the second stories of the old buildings. (Remember when I mentioneded the brothels?) Lots and lots of stairs!!</div>
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Today we shopped and our first stop was the bookstore we visited last time. Next door is a used bookstore and coffee shop called Night Heron Books. There are lots of little coffee shops and candy stores. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TH7Fw4-urXJw3E_IUozioXhy36UsURsFtPLQ5ififYNN76HlihfwkC7i_E_15bitjyKgJdz5WY5sZxZYshFXXAPfzuzFPHkxqooq7GH-DM-uVAWXTpQk_wzVBlvEmRXEet0k/s1600/20191211_103832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TH7Fw4-urXJw3E_IUozioXhy36UsURsFtPLQ5ififYNN76HlihfwkC7i_E_15bitjyKgJdz5WY5sZxZYshFXXAPfzuzFPHkxqooq7GH-DM-uVAWXTpQk_wzVBlvEmRXEet0k/s320/20191211_103832.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
"The Chocolate Cellar" is another great shop. I have never seen such a display of antique chocolate boxes and candy tins.<br />
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I loved "Cowgirl Yarns." We actually saw four men come in while we were there, so I'm hoping John didn't feel too out of place. One of the men sat down and worked on his knitting.<br />
Another really fun shop was "Miss Etta's Place." Remember Etta Place, The Sundance Kid's lady friend. Loved it. They even had a free hot chocolate bar. I felt like I was in a Hallmark movie!<br />
We did more shopping and bought several ornaments for our first tree together. We had a very good day and planning for an uneventful ride home<br />
tomorrow. Yippee Yi Yo and a Merry, merry Christmas!<br />
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<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-71346736981144828152019-11-26T23:42:00.000-06:002019-11-27T10:02:22.182-06:00Wife Life: Trouble In Paradise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI14Ukc6qhVpn2gxmIEu-evPc_rLgdnpbpIzxMZGtN421MjCxmHuIUS6cpSu2BiQ0prCTXtMa-tDcL0Z8MZVEctZhBN3zvT1NN3MJJl0gbjGlRM_wCBEXBqjAAiqRmFl4kCq3a/s1600/20191126_204256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1089" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI14Ukc6qhVpn2gxmIEu-evPc_rLgdnpbpIzxMZGtN421MjCxmHuIUS6cpSu2BiQ0prCTXtMa-tDcL0Z8MZVEctZhBN3zvT1NN3MJJl0gbjGlRM_wCBEXBqjAAiqRmFl4kCq3a/s320/20191126_204256.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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First of all, I need to set the stage and remind you all that I have a history with electronic devices. And it isn't a good history. From the time I got my first computer, and it took 157 sign-ins before I could actually connect with the internet until today's debacle with the remote, <i> </i>I have always had unusual experiences. I can't even count the number of times that internet technicians have said to me, "I've never seen this happen before!!!</div>
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Every once in a while I visit a psychic for a card reading. (Doesn't everyone?) She was very quick to point out that I probably had trouble with this very thing. She said it was a sign of my powerful intuitive aura and electrical field or some such magical explanation.</div>
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My children would be the first to tell you that this is true. They will not let me use their computers or their phones.</div>
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So, today, I had a little mishap with the tv remote. I hardly touched it, but it wouldn't play nice. Finally, after a lot of exasperation, John was able to get it back to where it was supposed to be. I won't say that I have been banned completely from the remote, but I don't think the tv and I will be on very good terms for a while. It occurred to me that our first fight just might be about a television.</div>
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Actually, things are going really well. There isn't any trouble here. I just thought it made a good title. Of course, there are so many changes in both our lives. Being a newlywed after many years of marriage, followed by several years of being alone, is bound to have some adjustments. Learning someone else's routine is necessary. After years and years, we are used to doing everything a certain way, without really thinking about why or how. I have moved into a house where John has lived for nearly thirty years. He has raised a family, and had a wonderful, loving wife, who wasn't me. And, I too, have all my memories of another life. It will take a while before we have adjusted to living in this house together. At some point, we may decide to move, but right now this is best.</div>
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He has been so good about everything, while I am rearranging furniture, and adding my own considerable collections and personality to an already lived in and loved in space. I know it's difficult when I move something away from where it's always been, but he is always cheerful about it. Well, almost always. There is that little thing with the remote.</div>
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-46751972527308425122019-11-20T00:13:00.000-06:002019-11-20T00:13:47.308-06:00Wife LifeHard to believe, but I have been a married woman for five weeks! Our life is pretty normal and calm, and I am loving it. I've been quiet here, so I guess it's time to catch up on the everydayness.<br />
I am still working part time for the fraternity and for the funeral home, so I am finding myself busier than I want to be, especially with the holidays coming. I am trying to work my volunteering back into my schedule, but I haven't been too successful yet. You just can't keep adding things without taking something away, can you?<br />
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When I last wrote, we had just come back from our half honeymoon. Our car is still enjoying Wyoming, but we haven't seen it. This week we were finally going to pick it up, after the dealership called and said it was ready. All was well, the weather was good, and we were going to take a road trip. But they called us back to let us know it had failed the test drive, and now the transmission is out of commission......AGAIN. At this point, we will likely decide to have it towed back to Iowa, rather than gamble on winter weather. I am hoping to to return to Laramie, even if only to visit The Second Story Bookstore again.<br />
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This building was built in 1889 as a public hall, and was the site of many large concerts and dances. Some of the events were the Annual Brakeman's Ball, Machinist's Ball, and the Union Pacific Orchestra Gala. Wyoming was a Railroad Town!<br />
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The building became a hotel in the mid 1890's. Downtown Laramie was right in the middle of the Red Light District for several years, and all the little rooms and alcoves which are now filled with books were well used by the local cowboys and "soiled doves"<br />
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The upstairs bookstore was renovated and rented to the owners in 1992. They have owned the building since 1995 and are delightful. This was the favorite place we visited on our half-a-moon. We have a love of books and book shops in common. (Remember, we had a book theme wedding!) We had our own version of books on tape on our trip. He drove and I read aloud. I haven't done this since my children were small. John loves to learn about World War II and airplanes, so our book was "Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe" by Robert Matzen. That's not a book I would have normally read, but I really enjoyed it. And now I know a lot about fighter pilots. I would have probably picked a cozy British mystery. He usually reads non-fiction and biographies. We are a very well rounded couple. I am talking about our literary tastes, not our size, but, yeah, that, too.<br />
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Tune in again for "Wife Life: The Times and Adventures of an Elderly Newlywed" Maybe someday people will be reading this aloud on road trips!<br />
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-17202845794109435272019-10-20T22:20:00.000-05:002019-10-20T22:20:38.016-05:00HALF A HONEYMOON<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We are home. I have to say it seemed like we were gone a really long time, but that is because so much of it was spent in cars. We ended up with three of them! A big thank you to the GM dealership in Laramie, who really went above and beyond to see that we had a car. They contacted General Motors and they rented us a car to get back home. They actually had to get special permission to get a Ford, since the rental place didn't have any Chevys. It will be a few weeks before our car is ready. The transmission went out, (2017, and only 30,000 miles) and because of a strike, car parts are difficult to get. We have the rental until ours is fixed and then have to have it back in 2 days. It's about a 10 hour drive, so when they call, we have to be ready to go. It reminds me of packing a bag to have a baby!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We are pretty sure that the fact that we were in our 70's and on our honeymoon helped. We played that card as often as we could. Hoping to be able to take a couple of days and see some of the attractions we missed the first time. I didn't get to the quilt store, but I went to my newest favorite bookstore ever. I can't wait to tell you about it. And I really want to get some good pictures of the scenery that aren't through the car windows.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We still want to go Oregon someday. But we are thinking of flying.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Ford Fusion: Our Current Ride</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><br />The following is copied from my earlier Facebook Posts. I wasn't able to blog from my phone.</span><br />
<span style="color: #1c1e21;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">LARAMIE, WYOMING </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F9dozr1YLw_cKNgchfgaX-3lc_PtV5JRvsRf0i1uGpTIW6w69DR__h6QQIViWFznngTkLa11Q-cy1vY0jEmDvzPyn1jNNHRsyozdNTqhdB_JvplIVi8UVU_sgCLWqfOBzr0y/s1600/20191018_135731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_F9dozr1YLw_cKNgchfgaX-3lc_PtV5JRvsRf0i1uGpTIW6w69DR__h6QQIViWFznngTkLa11Q-cy1vY0jEmDvzPyn1jNNHRsyozdNTqhdB_JvplIVi8UVU_sgCLWqfOBzr0y/s320/20191018_135731.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our second car</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily for me I have my little sewing corner set up, so I have been stitching away while we decide our next step. We finally got in late last night, and the first motel we went to didn't have any available rooms! Then we found another one close to the car dealership, so this is where we will be for the next few days.They have given us a car for the weekend. They aren't sure when they can even look at it, because 4 cars were towed in ahead of us! Laramie is a pretty historic place so I've found an old mansion for us to visit. There was also a Brothel tour, but we missed it. In the old days, Laramie was called Hell-on-Wheels, a wild old railroad town. It was also the first place that women were allowed to vote. And I hear it has a pretty good quilt shop. We are still blissfully happy with everything except the car.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UTAH</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">I'm not able to blog on my phone, but here are the highlights of our marriage</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">so far.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">1. We had a beautiful suite at the Marriott.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">2. After dinner, I stood up and tipped the wobbly high top table over. Two full glasses of water absolutely drenched my dress. I grabbed the chair. The table hit the chair, and we all hit the floor. I ended up with a swollen lip and a bruise on my chin. No, I was not inebriated.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px;">3. First day of honeymoon went very well, except Nebraska vies wit</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-size: 14px;">h Wyoming as most boring state to drive through.<br />4. Things finally started to get prettier as we got to Ogden, Utah. Unfortunately that's when the car started to misbehave. We checked in to a Hampton Inn. Sorry to say that the very small room in this one was $100.00 more than the nice large one in Sydney, Nebraska's Hampton Inn. They did give us a free bottle of water. ( I guess this must be common. Our second hotel went up $100. for our second night. It was Homecoming weekend. Luckily, we didn't have to stay another night)<br />5. This morning we took the car to a dealership. (2017 and still under warranty) They couldn't find anything wrong.<br />6. Found a great needlework shop. Yea!<br />7.Car still not feeling quite right so we decided to head back. Mostly fine all day<br />8. As I write this we are in a tow truck headed toward Laramie which is 70 miles from where our car completely stopped. We waited one and a half hours for it to get here. Two troopers stopped to see if we were ok, and a man who calls himself The Alien also stopped. It is so dark here that a person cannot see anything but other headlights no matter where one looks.Not sure of the next step yet, but I think this marriage will survive, and the wedding was lovely.<br />9. I know that I would not make a good pioneer. Ever.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Impala. John, tell us how you really feel</td></tr>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-71909928836045865842019-10-14T15:06:00.001-05:002019-10-14T15:06:37.749-05:00Mr and Mrs Brafford<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0i9v4HfeQ_94OqcrC8NS1jpYYDtGKvvQYwNAhRfergZBJ-3L3zMZv4dF6Y-1gIOxicnjdtNr6HLpEJB2UEaYYiSiE0e0Z38RAgH1i7vOj7JB6AoV9o7Y-H6fZ_xuuQpmpPI0/s1600/cakw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0i9v4HfeQ_94OqcrC8NS1jpYYDtGKvvQYwNAhRfergZBJ-3L3zMZv4dF6Y-1gIOxicnjdtNr6HLpEJB2UEaYYiSiE0e0Z38RAgH1i7vOj7JB6AoV9o7Y-H6fZ_xuuQpmpPI0/s320/cakw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And We Are Married</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUw2wtAZfCv9D_avdn-huV0dxDoygDb02jWtpMOkWI8y8Xkr8D2-1kYrYDUWr20AGCacBTykDq1gVAaS-MevNQqiZmYCI9EMDJqcFfDvgWNVXI8tYGgj-PNa1_MJ6Ugf_K6mb/s1600/family2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUw2wtAZfCv9D_avdn-huV0dxDoygDb02jWtpMOkWI8y8Xkr8D2-1kYrYDUWr20AGCacBTykDq1gVAaS-MevNQqiZmYCI9EMDJqcFfDvgWNVXI8tYGgj-PNa1_MJ6Ugf_K6mb/s320/family2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Immediate Families </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWkzuTUvrkodtaRoDrRJvoejdrwW2DxuHL5556nTk9biByFJuwBUNtz_GFATyIEfA02e55MkqDejY7nzZFFC6yDAe1rbxXB_nzdejdZAMVR9sXewHvoIY7FMGmoWeCKmKmN5F/s1600/front+porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWkzuTUvrkodtaRoDrRJvoejdrwW2DxuHL5556nTk9biByFJuwBUNtz_GFATyIEfA02e55MkqDejY7nzZFFC6yDAe1rbxXB_nzdejdZAMVR9sXewHvoIY7FMGmoWeCKmKmN5F/s320/front+porch.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the Yellow House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV3S5OHlAnZDMZk6B7m8Jd1-xb6iX4Y7F1zZnG1X-E3tZUXxVMpXfUVwxDlHORiQLA-fG84Yw4BPcvJYsDGe_gy7wWQsWhM27UcgKacF4zjP5UmZ1GzSyUw1Kcg2oxk2qllq-/s1600/The+Yellow+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV3S5OHlAnZDMZk6B7m8Jd1-xb6iX4Y7F1zZnG1X-E3tZUXxVMpXfUVwxDlHORiQLA-fG84Yw4BPcvJYsDGe_gy7wWQsWhM27UcgKacF4zjP5UmZ1GzSyUw1Kcg2oxk2qllq-/s320/The+Yellow+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Yellow House</td></tr>
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On October 12, 2019 I changed my name. I am now Sandra Moran Brafford. And I couldn't be happier. Everything went as planned, and was perfect. Except I cried like a baby when I said my vows. This surprised everyone I think, especially me.<br />
We had a book themed wedding. Next time I will show more pictures of all the ways we used books in the ceremony. John was such a good sport. He has loaded and unloaded my bookcases several times in the past few weeks. They made the perfect wedding arch. We decorated the shelves with special items, and books, of course. I tried to find book titles that included all the names, but ran out of time. Some of the ones that I thought would be most difficult to find were actually easy. I found grandsons Oskar and Cass right away, but got stuck on more common names. And if I had proceeded, I would have filled all the shelves with books.<br />
We took a family photo and almost thought we would get everyone. Oskar and his new brother Leif, stayed home in Minnesota with their mama, since Baby is only a few days old. Two of the KC grands were sick and couldn't come either. We'll keep trying for that big photo.<br />
We had lots of help putting everything together and I am so grateful for all my talented friends and family. They helped to create just the wedding we wanted.<br />
I walked down the aisle to an Eagles song, "No More Cloudy Days". One of our early dates was at an Eagles concert, and that quickly became "our" song. Our ceremony was very short, but meaningful<br />
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Our Readings</div>
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Life is amazing and then it's awful. And then it's amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful, it's ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful and relax and exhale through the ordinary. That's just living, heartbreaking, soul-healing , amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it's breathtakingly beautiful. (Anon)</div>
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And now at last</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
They were beginning</div>
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Chapter One</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
of the great story</div>
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No one on earth</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Has ever read </div>
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Which goes on forever</div>
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In which every chapter is </div>
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Better than the one before. C.S. Lewis</div>
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The Vows</div>
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John: You have brought light back into my life. You are my today and all of my tomorrows.</div>
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And when we are old, let's sit at the breakfast table for hours, watching the birds and the squirrels. Let's walk together, (holding hands) in the evening as the sun goes down, and sit on the porch, reading aloud from our books, But mainly, we'll just love each other.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sandi: (CRYING LOUDLY) I didn't want to fall in love or to need someone ever again.I really didn't want anything. But then you appeared and became everything I wanted. You are my home and my adventure.</div>
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You are my love story</div>
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And I write you into</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Everything I do</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Everything I see</div>
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Everything I touch</div>
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And everything I dream</div>
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You are the words</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That fill my pages.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Rings</div>
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<br /></div>
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This ring is a token of my love for you. I marry you with this ring. And with all that I have. And all that I am.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It was very short and absolutely wonderful. I wanted to post it here, in case you missed it because of all the crying. </div>
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And now the wedding is ended, And the marriage begins!</div>
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-37533676692735375992019-09-26T20:48:00.000-05:002019-09-26T20:48:34.244-05:00Moving-The Saga Continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You would think I would be all moved by now. But I am not. I don't know why they call it "Moving Day". I've done it several times now and it always takes me a month. This time I planned it out, and started early. I was living in just two rooms for the past few years, so how much stuff could I have? Well, obviously, much more than I admit. Whenever I move, my main problem is paper. Books, magazines and files take up a large portion of space in my life. I don't know how it happens, but two narrow bookcases contain at least fifteen boxes of books when they are packed up. Heavy books! The math doesn't seem to match. Yes, I do have more than two bookcases. And files! I just can't believe it when people say you will never look at them again. I want to see everything.<br />
I previously wrote about the bathtub story. I am still living it. My computer just broke. I may have dropped a box on it which contributed to its' sudden demise. When I went to buy a new one, I accidently backed into someone's new car in the parking lot. My House Mom job didn't end a month ago like I thought it would, and has involved some time consuming duties I wasn't planning to have. I found out that I can't have my mail forwarded because I am moving from a business to a residential address. So I am trying to let everyone know. And I will be changing my name. To add an extra little bit of complication and humiliation I sat in a chair which collapsed, and gave me several aches and bruises. I have cut out just about everything in my days recently that isn't necessary. (Okay, I did see the Downton Abbey movie, but that was absolutely necessary).<br />
I have a new laptop now, but I am still trying to get used to it. Important files keep disappearing. Even now, my sentences are melting away, even as I write them. Am I the only one that has this happen? I've spent hours lately searching for things I need and used to have.<br />
And now our wedding is only 2 weeks and 2 days away. There will be lots of changes! I no longer have a chef. I am enjoying cooking again, but you have to think about it every day!! I am learning to live with someone again. Really, twenty eight frat boys don't count. We are having a simple, but no longer small celebration. Most of the preparations are under control, if not finished. And I am sure it will come together. So I guess I am not yet a Bridezilla. Or, I am just in denial. Yes, that could be it. Today we got our marriage license. Now we are feeling pretty official! And very, very happy.<br />
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-21553338614178245332019-08-23T01:24:00.002-05:002019-08-23T01:24:50.600-05:00 Bathtub In The Hallway Syndrome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When our children were small we lived in a big old nineteenth century farmhouse. It was a great place to raise them, and we loved living there. We spent most of the first several years building and unbuilding, adding on rooms, and knocking out walls to change other rooms. The kids thought having doorways covered with large sheets of plastic was the normal way to live.<br />
Our house had a large bathroom on the main floor, and a laundry room t<u>h</u>at was quite a bit smaller. With five children, our laundry room was always busy, so we decided to change the rooms, and it was a good decision, but it was one of those projects that seemed to go on forever. I am sure we finished the laundry room first, because there was another bathroom with a tub and a shower on the second floor. During that time, our big, old clawfoot tub lived in the hallway, And it took up most of the space, so we were tripping over the tub for what seemed like months. The kids loved it, and spent a lot of time playing in the tub. Soon, I was tripping over both the tub and the the little people who thought they lived there. And of course, as things do, nothing went smoothly. Parts had to be specially ordered. The wallpaper rolls didn't match when they finally arrived. Etcetera, etcetera....<br />
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I am not a woman who usually shares a lot with strangers, but I found myself telling anyone I saw about the bathtub in the hallway. People in the grocery store check out line, and the cashiers at the mall, all heard about my cast iron bathtub. (This tub was directly in the path of the kitchen and the laundry. These were the rooms where I spent a lot of my time in those days!) If someone said "Hello" or "How's your day?" or "What's new?", they would hear my long, sad, boring remodeling story. I couldn't stop talking about it. I was overwhelmed, and consumed by the disorder in my daily life.<br />
And that is how I feel today. Good things are happening, and I am extremely happy. But the app on my phone reminds me that I am getting married in 51 days! NOTE TO SELF: Small, simple wedding plans never stay that way. And my calendar tells me I am moving in just 8 days. I worry, because, not only do I not have a kitchen now, I have hardly cooked at all in eight years. I worry, because I have gotten used to living alone. If one can call it living alone while sharing a house with twenty eight young men! I worry about combining and honoring our pasts, while building a new life together that is uniquely our own. I worry that I am still fat. And I worry just because I can think of all sorts of new things to worry about.<br />
Classes are starting in 4 days, and everyone has moved back into the Frat House this week. They just began a big reconstruction project here, because of water damage. This project was first scheduled early in the summer, and was supposed to be finished weeks ago, before we had a full house. This fall it is noisier than usual, since parts of the public space are off limits until the work is completed. I am now in full blown "Bathtub in the Hallway Syndrome."<br />
My symptoms are a little different, but at this time I am definitely Overwhelmed and Underorganized. I am trying a few different ways to not feel overloaded. They may or may not be helping. I am working very hard to be conscious of where I put my phone, my purse, my glasses, and my keys. Even though I live in a very small space, I can lose anything here, and I have, especially now that there are boxes everywhere. I can hold something in my hand, and, in a minute, it is gone and I have to spend time looking in all the unlikely places I may have set it down. I think it is because this space has never really felt like my home.<br />
I started going through all the boxes in my storage area. I really wish I hadn't taken on that project right now, but I don't want to carry all of this with me to my future life. The last two times I moved, I just put all the papers and memorabilia in boxes without sorting or looking at it. It wasn't time yet, and I couldn't face it. Now, I am ready to let go of things I have kept too long, but it still isn't easy. I keep telling myself that I don't need every word I have ever written, every craft supply, every book I have bought, and every decorative item. I don't have a lot of furniture anymore, but I have substituted with lots and lots of little things.<br />
Now, as the deadline nears, I am saying no to a lot of people and projects. And cancelling appointments. If I have ignored you, not returned your call, or have just disappeared for a while, I guess I just have to say "Sorry, not sorry." You are probably lucky. I would just be talking about the phantom bathtub anyway!Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-61950156080285933412019-06-24T00:13:00.000-05:002019-06-24T00:13:49.284-05:00Two Hearts Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two hearts on sticks. It says "I want to try Today". This is a crafting project I made several years ago, and today it really seems appropriate. Because sometimes I feel like a woman with two hearts. Today would have been Jim's 70th birthday. He died a few days after turning 62, so now he has been gone for 8 years. It is still hard to believe. Some days it seems like I just became a widow. I vividly remember how frightening and unfamiliar everything was. My life changed in so many ways, and I felt that everything had been taken away. And other days, now it seems like forever ago. I have learned to be alone. And I have learned to love again. I never, ever thought I would. I even had the word "Forever" tattooed on my wrist. And he was my forever. We married just after turning nineteen, and had almost 43 years together. I see him in our children and grandchildren. I will always grieve that they did not have more time with him, and that he wasn't here to be with them as they grew. I miss him very much and the life I thought we would continue together.<br />
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And yet, at the same time, I am so in love with John. (Old People Romance) I am looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together. The feelings are sometimes complicated, and confusing. We both understand that we can love two people. I miss Jim, but want to be with John. I am excited to change my life again and to share it with the man who is perfect for me now. Our wedding is in 111 days. The time is going quickly! Except for June. June is a month that I am always anxious to be done with. Father's Day, Jim's birthday, John's wife's death, and finally, Jim's death on the last day of this not so lovely month.<br />
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That has been my day today. Missing my Forever, but happy to begin again with my Always. My two hearts. But, no more tattoos. He'll just have to take my word for it.<br />
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<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-35565131380391362052019-05-19T10:49:00.000-05:002019-05-19T14:54:33.512-05:00Beginnings and Endings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is Graduation. I am sitting here all alone at the Frat House feeling strangely sad and weepy. This is actually the first class that I have been with since they were freshmen. And they are also my last group since I will be leaving college life in a couple of months.<br />
My life has changed so much in the last several years. It has turned and twisted many ways that I never, ever expected it to go. I never would have dreamed that I would have lost a son, been widowed, worked in a funeral home, been a frat mom (We call it House Director), and fallen in love. Obviously, things have been getting a lot better lately!<br />
This white board in the kitchenette is where I leave messages. Sometimes they read them. Sometimes, not. I always tell them I am going to write a book about life here. I don't know if they will believe it or not, but it just may hang over their heads if they ever run for office.<br />
They are all exceptional young men and it has been a privilege to watch them grow and mature and move into the real world.<br />
I remember that my first year I was constantly shocked, amazed, surprised or disgusted by something I saw or heard. Now, there is very little that ever surprises me. Sometimes, I still find them disgusting, but in a completely likeable way. (Does that even make sense? Only if you live with 28 boys!) I have grown by this experience even more than they have.<br />
So I just want to say Congratulations to the Class of 2019, and to those of you that will still be here after I leave. It has been a privilege and an adventure to be your invisible voice of reason, your calming influence, and your House Mom.<br />
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<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-89528259256378720532019-02-05T20:02:00.000-06:002019-02-05T20:02:14.563-06:00It's A Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a busy month. I am getting ready for lots of changes in my life! We have picked a date, and will be getting married in October. And when I think of all the things I need to do, that isn't very long at all! The weather has been atrocious here in the midwest, so I have spent more time than usual watching tv, and checking Pinterest and the rest of the Internet for wedding inspiration. I've learned that cotton candy is trendy for bouquets. And that everybody seems to want gourmet S'Mores at the reception. And brides are still wearing strapless wedding gowns.<br />
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I've discovered that there isn't a lot of information available for those of us planning a small second wedding. Weddings are much different than they were the first time I walked down the white carpeted aisle. Everything is geared toward wedding extravaganzas. No bridal magazines for me! And I am looking at dresses advertised for "the grandmother of the Bride". I guess this is my Save the Date announcement.<br />
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Today I watched a televised segment on the "Steve Harvey" show about senior citizen weddings. Their guests were a couple who were in their mid sixties when they got married. Their engagement picture went viral because they were such a cute older couple and they gave hope to others that life wasn't over at their advanced ages. They were both widowed and had 70 years of blissful wedded experience between them. It sure made me feel old. John was married for 51 years. Jim and I were married for 43. That's 94 years! So if anyone would like some advice, I guess we are over-qualified.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">We'll have a small wedding at my daughter's house. And a bigger party afterwards. Because of course we need to be around in case anyone wants to hear some of our old people wisdom.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-67178791315789686702019-01-01T14:02:00.000-06:002019-01-01T14:02:31.650-06:00Ring In The New<br />
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January the First is always one of my favorite times of the year. Full of new choices and changes. Actually 2018 was one of the best years that I have had in a long time. And it is looking like 2019 will be even better.</div>
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I am so happy to share that John and I are engaged. Old People Romance is about to become Old People Marriage. It is exciting, and beautiful and terrifying to be thinking of making another big change in my life.</div>
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We both had long and happy first marriages. And we both know how devastating it is to lose the one person who we thought would be our only love. I cannot even begin to say how lucky I feel to have found such a special man, and to look forward to spending the rest of our lives together.</div>
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When Jim and I got married in 1968, we were only nineteen. We assumed that our life together would always be rosy. Now I am older and wiser. I know what wedding vows mean. And that "in</div>
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sickness and in health" and "til death us do part" are very real and heartbreaking happenings. And we know how quickly time passes.</div>
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This time we are blending large families instead of starting from scratch! I am sure there will be awkward moments ahead as our grown children and our grandchildren fear we will want to replace</div>
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a parent who is irreplaceable. That won't happen, but it is so difficult to always be living in the past. I did it for many years. I am ready to look forward to the future again.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-2987180773911036812018-11-06T00:27:00.001-06:002018-11-06T00:27:26.053-06:00And The Election Is Finally Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you voted yet? Even though early voting has become very convenient, I usually like to vote on the actual day. So on Tuesday, November 6, I will take the very short walk to a neighboring church and cast my vote. And I'm hoping my team wins. I know you all may feel the same about your choices, and I am trying my best to respect them if they are not the same as mine. But I find it very difficult. It still surprises me that two people can listen to the very same words, yet hear such different things.<br />
The first time I voted was for George McGovern. I stayed up most of the night listening to speeches. During the years, I have probably picked more losers than winners. There have been candidates I have loved. There have been others that scared me. This year I really don't know about the outcomes. I have tried to listen to both sides. Yet, at the same time, I am weary of all of it. I really don't remember a time when there have been so many issues and so many strong opinions. And these are only the midterms!<br />
For most of my voting life, my husband and I had nearly the same opinions when it came to politics. We didn't usually talk about who we were voting for ahead of time, but we always found out it was the same candidate. I remember one year when I didn't really like any of the major choices, and so I voted for either the Green Party or Libertarian candidate. I don't know which. And then I discovered that he voted for the same one! We liked the same news shows, and the same political commentators. He watched a lot more tv than I did, and was very well informed. Discussing politics was always fun and lively. We both had a lot to say, but we didn't usually surprise one another.<br />
I can't say that this year. John and I both believe in the importance of voting, but I am pretty sure most of our votes will cancel one another out. He surprises me all the time. He's also very well informed, and he makes me think. But I don't think he'll try to change my mind. He just wants to hear my opinion. And that's okay with both of us. I'm looking forward to more surprises ahead.<br />
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-50554403908568298852018-10-15T02:11:00.000-05:002018-10-15T02:11:05.658-05:00Revisiting the Past<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbxggBq6EaRKhFD-3ISUKVqEiIvwfWOc2X3zdSJTxm-bYj0WZC5K9hyphenhyphenjfWvIDL78lcsJccQLt0gBReFyY9CC5jJ3WLCGPjUM9SOQliTdItSTofzbHzitumtxEnBP6K9kOvUye/s1600/20181014_220234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbxggBq6EaRKhFD-3ISUKVqEiIvwfWOc2X3zdSJTxm-bYj0WZC5K9hyphenhyphenjfWvIDL78lcsJccQLt0gBReFyY9CC5jJ3WLCGPjUM9SOQliTdItSTofzbHzitumtxEnBP6K9kOvUye/s640/20181014_220234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is the Flynn Mansion at Living History Farms. It was built in 1870 by a railroad contractor and was a very modern house at the time. Hot and cold running water! Indoor bathrooms! Gas lighting! I was privileged to work here as Supervisor for several years, and often thought that being an historic interpreter was the best job in all the world. I miss it.<br />
During my time as "Mrs. Flynn", I studied Victorian crafts, housekeeping,and manners and morals. I know a bit about such topics as proper wardrobes, tea parties, etiquette, setting a table, cooking and baking on a woodstove, managing servants, and many kinds of needlework.<br />
There was a time when I could tell you the high points of decorating. I used to call this the fruit, flowers, fringe, feathers, fur, and fainting couches tour.<br />
I knew Queen Victoria's Secrets.<br />
I could make a hat, starting from a buckram foundation, and finishing with the trimmings. I knew exactly what a lady would keep in her reticule.<br />
I knew the proper games for boys and girls.<br />
I could send messages with a bouquet of flowers, or a fan.<br />
And I could make jewelry from hair.<br />
I recently went back for an afternoon and demonstrated hairwork. Although most jewelry was made with human hair, we use horsehair to show the procedure. We can buy it, cleaned and ready to use. (Disclaimer: No animals were harmed during this process.)<br />
Hairwork was very common from the seventeenth through the nineteenth century. It was at a height of popularity during the Civil War. A sentimental lady could weave lengths of her hair to make a watch chain. Whenever her beau would look at his pocket watch, he would be reminded of his sweetheart at home.<br />
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The table is used to make the chain. A pattern is laid on top of the table, and the strands of hair are twisted to form the braid. The book on the parlor table is a reproduction of "The Art of Hairwork", written by Mark Campbell, and first published in 1867. It has instructions for a table, many patterns, and was also a catalog of jewelry that could be ordered.<br />
At one time I collected jewelry. Here are pictures of the pieces that I have. The chain is for a pocket watch. Most of the other pieces are brooches. These are beautiful gold pins with compartments to hold a tiny bit of hair. The hair was often made into small flowers, braids, or curls. Many of these were mourning pieces, with names and dates engraved on the back. Some are reversible. It was possible to show the contents, or to wear it with the precious memory close to one's heart. Hair jewelry was a very sentimental decoration, and the pieces were treasured.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YKiWGZXzZkBClyU1mXFLiZu7h7VJ4J9tCiWvoIoTd6HdoUf86DUTMwpD4HCbbVu1Qu4CsLF4L0BsDm4EN_kfD5BSR9oHIpG0ng8HdY3kE6O90cPymv_cqsLlFMzQzCH0kVdf/s1600/20181014_220819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0YKiWGZXzZkBClyU1mXFLiZu7h7VJ4J9tCiWvoIoTd6HdoUf86DUTMwpD4HCbbVu1Qu4CsLF4L0BsDm4EN_kfD5BSR9oHIpG0ng8HdY3kE6O90cPymv_cqsLlFMzQzCH0kVdf/s640/20181014_220819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hairwork flowers are made with knitting needles. You may have seen these formed into a wreath or other design. This one is always on display at Flynn. Many shapes of flowers can be made from a basic gimp, which is formed over the needles, and secured with a thin wire. Wreaths were often formed in an open, horseshoe shape. This meant it was a friendship wreath, made from hair collected from friends and family members. When the circle was closed, it was a memorial wreath.<br />
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Here are some of the many flowers that can be made. Beads and tiny artificial leaves can be added for color. The song is from the nineteenth century. <br />
When I demonstrate hairwork, it is one craft that is very high on the "Ick" scale. Today, many people think this is just a little too unusual. I have often seen visitors jump backwards when I explain what I am doing! And yet, these same people are often the ones to tell me that of course they saved their babies' curls! Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-44406810703528224242018-08-10T13:33:00.001-05:002018-08-10T13:33:49.569-05:00Anniversaries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is my 50th wedding anniversary. At least it would be if there were still two of us here. Jim has been gone for seven years now, and my life has changed at least 77 ways in those years! A golden anniversary is a pretty big thing, even if only one of us is can acknowledge it. I tend to mope around a lot, play sad music, and just be generally depressed and totally miserable on all our holidays. Tonight, I will even be working at Hamilton's, which, by the way, is the last place I saw him. I know, bad choice. I really wasn't looking at my calendar when I said yes to that one. Even though it sounds strange, working at the funeral home has been very healing for me over the past few years. I just don't like to be there on my own significant days. Oh well, as my mother-in-law used to say: "Offer it up". See what I mean, I dwell in the past on days like today.<br />
But, this year everything feels better. I've mentioned here before that I am seeing someone. I really thought that I could never care for anyone else, and it surprises me all the time that I do. And, sometimes, I feel guilty and that I shouldn't expect to have any happiness again. Yet, I feel so lucky every day to have found such a nice man, and that he cares about me, and that we enjoy being together. Thank you, John, for coming into my life.<br />
And, so, along with the sad songs, and the memories, I am listening to new songs. And I am enjoying making new memories. And feeling alive. And looking forward to the future. Happy Anniversary to me.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"The broken will always be able to love harder than most. Once you have been in the dark, you appreciate everything that shines." Zachry K. Douglas</span></i></b></div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-42432998370006807632018-07-18T20:59:00.000-05:002018-07-18T20:59:53.789-05:00What a Way to Get a Bouquet.....or Always Carry An Epipen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sunday was my birthday. It wasn't the big one, but close enough. I had a lovely party with my family. I received a beautiful necklace from my special someone. And my frat boys left flowers at my door. Life was good.</div>
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Monday was not so good. I have had some serious allergies for many years. And I have had testing more than once. I've had an epipen for over 30 years. Not the same one, of course. They are only good for a year, and cost a few hundred dollars each time. I have never actually injected myself, but have practiced. I have, however, been to the ER several times over the past few years, and stay a few hours while they monitor me and give me iv's. I am always very careful not to eat things that might be dangerous for me, but there is something out there. We can't yet figure out what it is, but it is trying to kill me. I can always tell immediately if I have eaten the wrong thing.</div>
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This time it was a little different. I was at the grocery store, and my eyes started to feel puffy. Usually it begins with itching in my ears and my mouth, so I just took a Benedryl and started to drive home. About ten minutes later I decided to keep on going to the ER, I thought I was making a good decision, but I have been lectured several times today by doctors and nurses that it should be epipen in one hand giving myself a shot, while I am calling for an ambulance with the phone in my other hand. </div>
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I spent the past three days in the hospital, mostly in the ER, and Intensive Care. I was in severe anaphylactic shock, and was sedated, and on a ventilator for sixteen hours. I know it brought back some terrible memories for my kids. This was the way Jim died, almost exactly seven years ago. He was on life support, and we had to make the decision to let him go. I know they had to be thinking of that time while they watched and waited with me day and night. I am sorry to put them through that again. I am looking pretty bruised and battered, and full of medicine, and a lot less blood than I had in my veins a few days ago. Lucky for me, they didn't have to pull that plug. </div>
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And I got flowers:</div>
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I'm sure there must be easier ways! I want to say thank you to all the wonderful staff at Mercy Hospital. And to my children, even though they didn't recognize me and told the nurse that I wasn't their mother. To the people who did see me, I hope you forget. It was not pretty, but I am glad to be here and grateful for all the caring messages I received. And once again, Life is Good!</div>
Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13504001.post-34452575663806050532018-07-03T01:46:00.000-05:002018-07-03T01:48:43.331-05:00Jigsaw Puzzle Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was about twelve, my dad gave me a box filled with lined cards and dividers. The cards were smaller than typical index cards and the box was about fifteen inches long, with a fitted lid. On the first card I wrote the title "Revelations of My Soul". I had borrowed those words from a vampire story I had recently read. I thought it was fitting. For the next several years, I filled those cards with thoughts, and quotes, and many, many revelations. When I moved away, I had a little ceremony, and burned the cards, along with all my teenage journals. It felt like a very grown-up thing to do. But, it never stopped me from collecting files. Over the years, I have had a variety of boxes, indexes, and furniture files. My first four drawer file was a Christmas gift, and I was thrilled with it. And I have always loved to write info on index cards. And drawers with labels are their own particular sort of heaven, I think. I am sure it seems disconcerting to a lot of people, but I am comforted by paper. Now that I live in my tiny space, you can see that there isn't a lot of room for furniture, but I employ my own kind of jigsaw puzzle decorating. I long for "white space", and fantasize about becoming a minimalist, but obviously, I don't want it enough to leave any gaps unfilled! If I can find a way to fit something in, I will do it. My granddaughter used to call our house the house of doors and drawers, because I had so many cupboards and drawers in it. I don't have a lot of cupboards and drawers anymore. I only kept my favorites. And I have found a way to fit them in to my space. My latest treasure is shown above. I fell in love with this metal file cupboard at a store nearly a hundred miles, away. And it took four trips to get it home! The first time I had to find a place that it would fit. The second trip, I went back to see it again, measured and purchased it. The third trip was a miscalculation. We found it was just a smidge too long to fit in my daughter's vehicle. And after the fourth, and final trip, it came to live with me. And it is perfect. It has thirty six pullout drawers, and holds file folders and magazines. All of them are labeled. I do love labels.<br />
The picture below is a cupboard I have had for many years. It is oak with sliding doors below, and seventeen drawers above. All labeled, of course. It also has two pull out "bread board shelves", so I can use it as a desk. Some people may think that is a lot of file drawers for a tiny room, but I've never made a secret of the fact that I would live in a library if I could. For the first two years that I lived here, this favorite cupboard was in storage. And finally, I decided to move some of the more traditional furniture, and find a place for it. My rooms came furnished. Very new and nice, but never to my taste. I've lived here now for three years, and keep adding my own things back in. I think of myself like Mary Kate in the movie, "The Quiet Man". Do you remember how she just wanted to have"her things about her"? John Wayne wasn't enough. She needed her antique furnishings too.<br />
I know it looks very crowded, and my style of decorating these days is layered, labeled, and stacked. Sometimes, I think that everything I have is on top of something else. My rooms are actually taller than they are wide, so it seems that the only way to go is up.<br />
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Sandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01578049208134994770noreply@blogger.com0