tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59528492024-03-23T11:12:38.631-07:00Beagle's Bay!Living by the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia! Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.comBlogger551125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-87002650151542400202017-11-15T05:51:00.000-08:002017-11-16T03:38:43.069-08:00Your Husband Has Colon CancerWhen Dr. C. called me and said "your husband has colon cancer" - well my world just fell out from underneath me.<br />
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Hubs - like a lot of men, waited until age 51 (almost 52) to get his "first ever" colonoscopy. It had been scheduled prior, but work got in the way - and life, so we finally got the appointment rescheduled. I had mine previously, and honestly - the prep is the worst part. There are a few different prep kits they can give you, but mix it up - get it cold - drink and then grab your I-pad and stay in, or a few steps from, the bathroom.<br />
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During the colonoscopy, Dr. C removed 12 polyps. Eleven came back ok, but one popped positive for cancer. Hubs was traveling (again), when Dr. C called me. We knew each other from my previous hospital - and yes, he had signed off on her giving me information. So, I had the news - do I tell him over the phone or do I wait until he comes home 3 days later? He face-timed me that night, took one look at me and said "why have you been crying"? Well, that was it. We never keep secrets from each other anyway, why start now?<br />
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A referral to a colon-rectal surgeon came next. We lucked out - the BEST EVER Colon Rectal Surgeon is here in Tidewater, VA! We went for the first visit, and Dr. F - his name badge - has a poop emoji over his picture. He's wearing a button that reads - "Keep Calm and Poop". Hubs felt RIGHT at home! <br />
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Surgery was scheduled for two weeks later. They removed a section of his sigmoid colon - using laparoscopy and robotics. A 3 day hospital stay and hubs was discharged home. The section was tested for cancer, and wouldn't you know it, 3 lymph nodes popped positive. At that point - the protocol starts for chemotherapy. Which is a whole 'nother blog post........<br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-64809049767014226242017-11-15T05:31:00.002-08:002017-11-15T05:31:38.223-08:00Wow! I can't believe it's been FOUR years since I last<br />
Blogged! Man, has time flown or what? Many, many changes in my life! Most recently, we've become in-laws, and will become grandparents in 2018.<br />
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More to come......I'm hoping blogging will relieve some of the stress! <br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-89069652588574787742013-03-17T12:53:00.001-07:002013-03-17T13:03:50.316-07:00Flowergirl BasketThis is what I've been working on lately. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo41tjW-Gby2SsKBGwcT42n8UphkQVuxu0Bbym_LzScKwv2Aalm5Ynjdr8i3UqAyA4XI_9nYCEHj2KQ7x42G7K4FYHp-2qQAv7L-5T_vbDPRhKIJ5ozDAVb2Bg3ANEQjmr-kA/s1600/baskettwo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJo41tjW-Gby2SsKBGwcT42n8UphkQVuxu0Bbym_LzScKwv2Aalm5Ynjdr8i3UqAyA4XI_9nYCEHj2KQ7x42G7K4FYHp-2qQAv7L-5T_vbDPRhKIJ5ozDAVb2Bg3ANEQjmr-kA/s320/baskettwo.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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I can't show it on Facebook yet, since the bride doesn't want everything shown. DS's best friend Vince is getting married Apr 6, and their daughter will be the flower girl. The bride couldn't find a flower girl basket she liked, so I told her to get a basket, and I would put it together for her. Here is the finished product.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp37R1A6fxIrvVZUTLJ-_TAC9nxNFwlKVGLeKt1y4jHcvI5hXNuLYCN6wUa4lnxHqQ5FtK5gutYuv-IawEQ1DtrXVGR9kN_-T9ox86zkNlsJAVDlO4noq_Ldl-HE3Ch5XTA7K/s1600/basketone.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp37R1A6fxIrvVZUTLJ-_TAC9nxNFwlKVGLeKt1y4jHcvI5hXNuLYCN6wUa4lnxHqQ5FtK5gutYuv-IawEQ1DtrXVGR9kN_-T9ox86zkNlsJAVDlO4noq_Ldl-HE3Ch5XTA7K/s320/basketone.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out, and she is too. I wasn't given much to go on, only to incorporate the color of the wedding. It's on the Spirit of Norfolk, which is a boat cruise. It should be loads of fun, if the weather is nice. April 6 in VA is a bit iffy for a boat cruise, but we shall see! LOL</div>
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Just wanted to share, and I'm not sure a lot of people read my blog anyway! LOL</div>
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Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-46529130100660688972013-01-11T05:55:00.002-08:002013-01-11T05:55:48.176-08:00A Letter From Me, To Me<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A Letter From Me, To Me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “homework” this week from the <a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/2012/12/new-years-weight-loss-challenge/new-year/" target="_blank">New Year’s Weight Loss Challenge</a> at <a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/" target="_blank">The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans</a>, was to write yourself a letter from the future i.e. next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s my letter From Me, To Me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear Me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am SO proud of you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s take a look back at your accomplishments this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You did a great job in getting healthier this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You managed to lose weight, get toned and you walked your @$$ off – almost literally!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See what joining Planet Fitness did for you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I know you enjoy being outside, especially in the summer months, but it’s just not quite the same as getting in a good workout at the gym.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You managed to use several new pieces of exercise equipment too, and didn’t just stick with the trusty treadmill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I loved how you took some of your favorite recipes (even those family recipes that have been passed down), and modified them – healthier, but still tasty and enjoyable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m very proud of the way you encouraged several of your co-workers to become healthier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ve been a great friend to them on <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">myfitnesspal</a>, showing encouragement and giving them a little nudge when they have needed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They also have given you nudges here and there – and that is a GOOD thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know you can see the advantages of writing down your food and exercise and tracking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep at it, even though you are where you want to be weight wise – you KNOW how easy it is for the weight to start creeping back on, and once it starts creeping, it comes back quicker. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You and Rusty just celebrated your 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary! CONGRATS. In this day and age, that is reason to celebrate! I know you both will enjoy the anniversary vacation you have planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t wait to see you in your new bathing suit, be sure to get a picture of the two of you on the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here you are, looking towards the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will turn 50 this year!! 50!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay focused – the best is YET to come girl!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Signed, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Me !</span></div>
Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-2179641167783009922013-01-02T15:32:00.000-08:002013-01-02T15:32:14.588-08:00Setting Goals<br />
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Here it is, the big, bad and ugly.<br />
Dec. 2011, Family vacation to Disney World<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrinY84GS_jzgKOO6m0rqY63RpBrsQ7liXjfxnSEEf3Cxoifr3b-oU4dWj6BuShIoHoKUzXPpIGL9ZkqdAzeagcsppW8pUW8Qal0WbVSUg_W1n68W2ALd0oBTxJsAuutsKBrI/s1600/suzDec11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrinY84GS_jzgKOO6m0rqY63RpBrsQ7liXjfxnSEEf3Cxoifr3b-oU4dWj6BuShIoHoKUzXPpIGL9ZkqdAzeagcsppW8pUW8Qal0WbVSUg_W1n68W2ALd0oBTxJsAuutsKBrI/s200/suzDec11.png" width="133" /></a><br />
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I think I had lost about 10 pounds from my highest weight of 215. I was
around 205 here. Not a happy person - unhappy with my work environment
and stressed to the max over anything work related. Not that my employer was the cause of my weight gain, but the stress of
the environment didn't help. I would come home, and just be mentally
exhausted from all that was going on. When I think back over the years, in Dec. 1983, when DH and I were married - my wedding dress was a size 5 - A SIZE 5!!! I couldn't get one leg in a size 5 today! Birth control pills added 20 lbs, infertility stress added more weight, being a (finally) new mom, plus having a career - no time for ME, the death of a parent, the remarriage of my Dad 3 quick months after my Mom passed.....then the fabulous 40's hit, and MORE weight gain. LIFE and me not taking care of myself is what did it. I was wearing size 18 pants and XXL shirts.<br />
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Here I am today:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDUn3FUhNYzo81mVJb1NoiwSLZROQmLf4Gdk1m1vHAhZk-cTRjgoxsuHK70O7wpMiLRdI1GNQr0OHATV1Ma1C_HhGN3n5Iv3uG2jw9xL7pS_FWQ6L8nogj4qtJmpunslgGRZj/s1600/suz3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHDUn3FUhNYzo81mVJb1NoiwSLZROQmLf4Gdk1m1vHAhZk-cTRjgoxsuHK70O7wpMiLRdI1GNQr0OHATV1Ma1C_HhGN3n5Iv3uG2jw9xL7pS_FWQ6L8nogj4qtJmpunslgGRZj/s200/suz3.jpg" width="150" /></a>At 180 lbs - still not where I want to be....but, I'm getting there. I'm MUCH happier - I'm working on ME, taking time for ME. I have a new employer and a job I love. Family still has it's ups and downs, but I find if I put ME near the top of the list - then everything else will fall into place.<br />
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Over the past year, I actually got down to 171 lbs. I use a <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/" target="_blank">Fitbit</a> to track my exercise throughout the day, and I use <a href="http://myfitnesspal.com/">MyFitnessPal.com</a> (I use the iPhone app) to track my eating. It syncs with my <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/" target="_blank">Fitbit</a> so I don't have to worry about adding in my exercise, it automatically does that when I come home from work and pass my by computer. I'm now in size 14 pants and size L shirts. I have gotten rid of/donated/given away all of my size 16 and 18 pants, skirts, dresses and my tops/blouses. I did keep one pair of size 18 pants, and I put them on occasionally. That is one way I can see my weight loss - in pictures, I don't see it as much. <br />
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I've joined the 8 week New Year's Weight Loss Challenge over at <a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/" target="_blank">The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans</a> - and partnered up with my friend <a href="http://thedailymel.com/" target="_blank">Mel</a>. She has always been an inspiration to me and I am honored to be partnered with her for this challenge. Our team name is FitBy50. I have 21 months until I turn 50 years old (HOW DID THAT HAPPEN).....and I want to be healthier so I can enjoy the rest of my life.<br />
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My goals for the next 8 weeks are:<br />
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1. Track my food - ALL of it....the good, the bad and the ugly if there is any. I have my Power Foods from Weight Watchers that I use, and an old Weight Watchers program that I refer back to...I just don't convert it all to points - I enter what I eat into MyFitnessPal....hey, it's FREE!<br />
2. Walk at least 10,000 steps a day - Track via my Fitbit. I have a walking partner at work, and we have been slackers at walking lately. I've already sent her a text message to "bring your walking shoes" tomorrow, as it's her first day back at work from the holidays. Between my walk to/from the parking garage and then if we get in 25-30 minutes at lunch, I'm almost at my 10,000 just with that. <br />
3. Reacquaint myself with my treadmill. I SO enjoy walking outside. But, when the time changed and it started getting dark BEFORE I got home, well, there went my evening walks. Since we do have a treadmill, I will turn on Pandora on my iPhone and get in a good 30 - 45 minute walk.<br />
4. Fit-Abs calendar - The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans has a <a href="http://shrinkingjeans.net/2012/12/fab-abs-january-monthly-workout-calendar/" target="_blank">Fit-Abs Calendar</a> for January. The first week looks easy, then it gets harder :) I have the "tire" around my middle, so any help in that area is a PLUS.<br />
5. Lunch - brown bag it. I eat at my desk, so we can walk (see #2 above). I eat healthier when I brown bag, plus it's a LOT cheaper.<br />
6. Weight loss - for the first 8 weeks, I would love to get back down to where I was in the fall - around the 171 mark. Then, as the days get longer, and we have more daylight - I can start incorporating longer walks along the beach and outside.<br />
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After the 8 weeks, I'll update and put my goals for the rest of the year......I'm giving serious consideration to running a 5K. In order to do that, I will have to work on ME a lot.....physically and mentally. I would much rather be "behind the scenes" rather than out in public for all to see. It took a LOT for me to post those two pictures above. I HATE, HATE, HATE having my picture taken. I see all the imperfections and fat rolls. Even now, with today's picture - I'm not happy with it. But, I'm putting it out there. Working on ME and trying to accept ME for who I am.<br />
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Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-86231142675144235062012-12-08T05:05:00.000-08:002012-12-08T05:05:08.135-08:00Family RecipesI love digging through old cookbooks. Especially those that are from churches and community groups. An abundance of recipes - some passed down in families for generations can be found.<br />
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My mother in law also loved cookbooks, and had a huge collection of them. Over the years, she and I gifted each other with cookbooks - one year at Christmas we gave each other the SAME cookbook as a gift.<br />
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I've been going through her recipes and cookbooks to find family recipes that I know were near and dear to her. Since she is no longer with us, it's fallen on me to make sure these recipes don't disappear forever. When my grandmother passed away, so did her recipe for the best ever Molasses Stack Cake. It was so wonderful, and she only made it at Christmas. I can remember her baking the thin layers, then assembling with her homemade applesauce between each layer. The cake then went in the refrigerator a few days before it was cut and served. Sigh...... I do have a recipe for a similar version, but none taste exactly like grandma's.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCRJFfD0uS-y5ZNoi8nCFENBZArn54MV0CwNxXYYW4DJCDMlFKkCFttIo5B4eTd34yPRQ9F4SrHeq2FQDU0l2TMpszKggEJGcOLatJFPi4fCX5HNR0LEnLm7ADz7IczeQKMXo/s1600/DSC_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCRJFfD0uS-y5ZNoi8nCFENBZArn54MV0CwNxXYYW4DJCDMlFKkCFttIo5B4eTd34yPRQ9F4SrHeq2FQDU0l2TMpszKggEJGcOLatJFPi4fCX5HNR0LEnLm7ADz7IczeQKMXo/s320/DSC_0665.JPG" width="320" /></a>As for my mom in law, the most favorite dish she made was her sweet potato casserole - with a mixture of brown sugar and pecans on top, not marshmallows - Yuck. Luckily, I have found her recipe for those, however, my son has told me twice now, that "it's not as good as grandma's". I think grandmas just have that extra special love they add in when preparing their favorite dishes.<br />
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I snagged a few of her cookbooks and brought them home with me. The Buckroe Baptist Church cookbook is from 25 years ago. Since we now attend this church, I can look through it, and see recipes from ladies and their families that have been at this church for years. Recipes from ladies that have passed on, and luckily shared recipes with us so we can continue to make these wonderful dishes. The Hampton City Schools cookbook is special because Mom worked for them for many years, as a school bus driver. The Sharing Recipes book is one from a former church, that Mom and I both contributed recipes to. The Hampton Roads church cookbook is one that I helped organize and publish about 15 years ago. <br />
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I'm also finding all sorts of pieces of paper with recipes written on them. Mom used to make German Bologna at Christmas. Tucked away in a page of the school cookbook was her handwritten recipe for German Bologna. We haven't had this in many years, and I probably won't make it this year - but, I do have the recipe. :)<br />
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I have plans for the Belcher family recipes. It is going to take some planning and organizing, but I can't wait to share them with you!<br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-9786947298174455522012-11-25T16:55:00.001-08:002012-11-25T16:55:09.082-08:00Shhhhhhh...........<br />
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Shhhhhhh....... I'm stitching again........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ6rrMp8qZbDXJoA7rio9rtIppyX7XJ56rzoSJevJwBFEmlyiWIGLkvW62iWR04pESfkRzUVVSzp9psfqVTwUyVsdjzxXxiBVHwjKLbpnqgsq2KJIkbkQ-R6Dj7MvhbBDEAHz/s1600/stitching..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ6rrMp8qZbDXJoA7rio9rtIppyX7XJ56rzoSJevJwBFEmlyiWIGLkvW62iWR04pESfkRzUVVSzp9psfqVTwUyVsdjzxXxiBVHwjKLbpnqgsq2KJIkbkQ-R6Dj7MvhbBDEAHz/s1600/stitching..png" /></a></div>
I'm not sure if it's the cold, or the holidays, or just that I might actually have a small amount of time to sit down and stitch right now.....but, I picked up a project and am stitching on it.<br />
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Stay tuned........ :)Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-42760489752709801232012-09-01T15:21:00.001-07:002012-09-01T15:21:08.027-07:00Shrimp N GritsA lot has happened in life since I last blogged - I'm still trying to come to terms with some things that have happened.. I think I'm finally ready to write about it - and also have this as a place for my memories - especially of my dear Mom in law that passed away in May.<br />
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We returned a few weeks ago from a family vacation in Key West, FL. One BIL has a vacation house there, and has been wanting the whole family to get together. Unfortunately, Mom and Dad (in-laws) never made it there before she passed away. Dad went down for a week in June, and then when we went down in August, he returned for another week! We had a great time, and it's definitely on our list of places to visit again!<br />
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BIL took us to some amazing restaurants and places while in Key West. Once such place was call Louie's Backyard. I have never been one for grits, and I can eat shrimp on occasion. Since I've been trying to eat healthier lately, seafood has become one of my go to meals, especially shrimp. So, on this night, I chose the Shrimp and Grits (I figured I would try the grits, leave them, and eat the shrimp).<br />
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This is what showed up on the table:<br />
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Do you HEAR the angels singing? Oh My Word! Shrimp, with mushrooms and bacon, over grits with white cheddar cheese! Yeah, THAT'S healthy all right!!! It was SO SO SO good! I shared with those at the table, ate what I wanted, and still had shrimp and grits left over....and oh yes, the grits? NOT gritty at all - cooked wonderfully (I'm sure the white cheddar cheese helped) :)<br />
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I've been wondering about trying to replicate the dish. Did a Google search and found the recipe. This is from The Flavors of the Florida Keys Cookbook, by Linda Gassenheimer. Louie's Backyard also has a cookbook out and I believe the recipe is included in it as well.<br />
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I have not made these - as yet. They are on my to try list - and of course make the recipe my own, by changing a few things. I probably won't use all the butter (Pam may have to do) and I think a pepper jack cheese would be yummy.<br />
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<b><u>Louie's Backyard Shrimp and Grits Recipe - serves 4</u></b><br />
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2 1/2 cups milk<br />
2 1/2 cups water<br />
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste<br />
1 cup stone-ground grits<br />
4 tablespoons butter<br />
2 cups grated white cheddar cheese<br />
pinch of cayenne pepper<br />
1 cup diced cooked bacon<br />
6 tablespoons butter, divided<br />
36 shrimp, peeled anddeveined<br />
3 cups quartered button mushrooms<br />
juice from 2 lemons (about 4 tablespoons)<br />
4 tablespoons chopped parsley<br />
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Bring milk and water to a boil in a heavy bottomed saucepan over high heat. Add a little salt and pepper to taste. Add grits and cook over a low flame for about 1 hour stirring often. Add more warm water if the pan becomes too dry. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter, cheese and cayenne pepper. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.<br />
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Cook bacon in a large skilled over medium-high heat until brown. Remove, drain on a paper towel, and dice. Pour the grease out of the skillet and add 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. When the butter sizzles, add the bacon, shrimp and mushrooms. Cook until the shrimp color, about 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle the lemon juice into the skillet and add the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and shipped parsley. Shake the pan until the butter incorporates with the lemon juice.<br />
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Spoon the grits onto 4 plates and place the shrimp on top of grits.<br />
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NOTE: you can u se mild olive oil and butter instead of all butter. The shrimp takes only minutes to make and should be made last minute. The grits can be made a few hours ahead and gently heated by adding a little warm water and stirring constantly.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-87731184650758396512012-02-07T07:29:00.000-08:002012-02-07T07:29:25.555-08:00February WIPocalypse UpdateTime for the February <a href="http://measi.net/measiblog/2011/08/28/4814/">WIPocalypse update!</a><br />
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I stuck with Shores of Hawk Run Hallow. I am REALLY enjoying this piece again, and am bound and DETERMINED to get it finished...Sooner rather than Later. I think it's been a WIP for 4 years now (really)?!!<br />
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I finished block one:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCfEQ4NaA9o4L8k_8GOkivZu63iZrTSYYkLrIJHzWI31QiFkPj34uO9m2FjJ56otS39tgp0YK5VtGktTUnkfpS-_Qr5q1k3h8dzdoQZSbGdWA-NkYZT0PnIX40SFo4kmv4TnI/s1600/DSC_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCfEQ4NaA9o4L8k_8GOkivZu63iZrTSYYkLrIJHzWI31QiFkPj34uO9m2FjJ56otS39tgp0YK5VtGktTUnkfpS-_Qr5q1k3h8dzdoQZSbGdWA-NkYZT0PnIX40SFo4kmv4TnI/s320/DSC_0286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and am now working on block two: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi1uMWG9n-ARRg-TEF2fhlqEQIGqy4UFB9qbesbsVIxJB5u7R_NCxdgFDcVaNzqutmWsSstkPzsATjAwa_fzH29xYah2W6DwJwY75b7fCvUMPJPz6Y6bNElGD3zHMRXSk_YCe/s1600/DSC_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKi1uMWG9n-ARRg-TEF2fhlqEQIGqy4UFB9qbesbsVIxJB5u7R_NCxdgFDcVaNzqutmWsSstkPzsATjAwa_fzH29xYah2W6DwJwY75b7fCvUMPJPz6Y6bNElGD3zHMRXSk_YCe/s320/DSC_0287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The rest of the piece is pretty wrinkled on my Q-Snaps or I would have taken a picture of the whole thing. After block two, I have four more blocks to go. The final block, I will be changing to more of a local, personalized block. <br />
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I can't wait to visit more blogs and see your progress as well!<br />
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SuzanneSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-58648591999416440242012-02-06T16:35:00.000-08:002012-02-06T16:35:49.236-08:00A Little Stash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTvrRX5EkgsZBBMrCxqlIU1AyPp6YSyU94hrl-g21wbDngVQFhyphenhypheneH3zuidKdlSl6On2cSrffEkVMQVlSJ5AlAQka3JzP0jNLLDlrPcxao7duccNASHBPvYF9vYV1vHk1WBsdF/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTvrRX5EkgsZBBMrCxqlIU1AyPp6YSyU94hrl-g21wbDngVQFhyphenhypheneH3zuidKdlSl6On2cSrffEkVMQVlSJ5AlAQka3JzP0jNLLDlrPcxao7duccNASHBPvYF9vYV1vHk1WBsdF/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I hit up <a href="http://amystitches.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amy</a> at <a href="http://www.downsunshinelane.com/" target="_blank">Down Sunshine Lane</a>'s Super Bowl Sale Saturday night at 9:05 pm (started at 9:00 pm). This afternoon (Monday), my order showed up. How is THAT for service? I always receive this type of service from Amy - I highly recommend her and DSL.<br />
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My purchases were: <br />
<br />
"Our Love Nest" - Country Cottage Needleworks. I may stitch this for DS and "future" DIL.<br />
"Vintage Christamas" - Country Cottage Needleworks. I just love this one<br />
"Chincoteague" - Carriage House Samplings. What can I say, I live in SE Virginia, by the Chesapeake Bay. Chincoteague and Assateague Islands are part of local lore, and the annual pony swim is still held each year.<br />
"The Flood" - Plum Street Samplers. Reminds me of the church camp song "Arky, Arky". The back sheet lists Genesis 6:5-8. Such a lovely design from <a href="http://plumstreetsamplers.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Paulette</a>.<br />
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On the stitching front, I *have* been stitching. Tomorrow is the day for a <a href="http://measi.net/measiblog/2012-wipocalypse/" target="_blank">WIPocalypse</a> update.....so you will see my current progress then :)<br />
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DH and I took today off from work, and tomorrow is my regular day off, so we are enjoying a nice long 4 day weekend! We had the kids over last night for the Super Bowl and of course yummy food! DS and his girlfriend now have a roommate. That will help with their house expenses and the roommate cooks and cleans, and he is a gamer like DS. He is a few years older than DS, and seems very level headed. I think "J" will be a good fit with them.<br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-10871024256136650852012-01-10T12:59:00.000-08:002012-01-10T12:59:02.326-08:00WIPocalypse UpdateJanuary <a href="http://measi.net/measiblog/2011/08/28/4814/">WIPocalypse</a> Update time! I don't have much of an update, since it's only been 9 days. My stitching time is usually on the weekends. After being gone from home approx 12 hours during the day M-F, after I get home, workout, fix dinner - my brain is dead for cross stitching.<br />
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This weekend I wasn't able to stitch at all - we had my BIL, SIL and nephew in. So, of course, spending time with the nephew came first. He is growing like a weed and talking more and more. He's 4 and just started pre-school back in September. It has really helped him with his speech and showing his personality! SO good to see.<br />
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I started working on Shores of Hawk Run Hollow. Here was progress Jan 1, 2012:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2sJfGdZ1bGZGKzRUKhjb9qc6TvUh4k8rnWu1UpZbwZ6f7CvM0M_F2UcD3JoTPi87OA2WeO2mjT9qGueFOKhY51KKqTv-gm06v0WEaQO08o4Sp2UltBlWNwMwsBMfXZEG4Xgx/s1600/1-1-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz2sJfGdZ1bGZGKzRUKhjb9qc6TvUh4k8rnWu1UpZbwZ6f7CvM0M_F2UcD3JoTPi87OA2WeO2mjT9qGueFOKhY51KKqTv-gm06v0WEaQO08o4Sp2UltBlWNwMwsBMfXZEG4Xgx/s320/1-1-12.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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And here is the current progress Jan 9, 2012:<br />
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I had to frog some of the white (for the waves) and re-do, so that took a bit of time as well. Hopefully next time I will be able to show more progress - given that it's only been 9 days, and really - this is only about 1 Sunday afternoon watching a football game worth of stitching time! LOL<br />
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Hope everyone is having a great New Year! DH and I also started back on the "new year, new you" way of eating. I am following Weight Watchers and lost 5 lbs at my first WI. :)<br />
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Til next time!<br />
<br />
Suz<br />
<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-89050349402716250672011-12-31T11:31:00.000-08:002011-12-31T14:38:32.628-08:00WIPocalypse Final List1. Shores of Hawk Run Hollow- Carriage House Samplings<br />
2. Mermaids of the Deep Blue - Mirabilia<br />
3. Alhambra Garden - Chatelaine Designs<br />
4. Little House Neighborhood - Little House Designs<br />
5. Holly & Ivy Sampler - TW Designs<br />
6. Titanic - Dimensions (this is my oldest WIP)<br />
7. Personalized Sampler<br />
8. Lady of the Flag - Mirabilia<br />
9. Egyptian Sampler - TW Designs (not feeling this one - may need to find a new home for it) LOL<br />
10. Winter Queen - Mirabilia (need to find pattern - have everything else)<br />
11. Royal Holiday - Mirabilia (found pattern, floss, beads, but no fabric) I don't think I've even started this.<br />
12. **Reserve for New Start<br />
13. **Reserve for New Start<br />
14. Heart of America - Little House Needleworks<br />
15. Beach Cottage - Country Cottage Needleworks<br />
16. December Delivery - Pine Mountain Designs<br />
17. Land that I Love - Pine Mountain Designs <br />
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In gathering my WIP's and supplies together for this WIPocalypse - I have come to the realization that I am living in a very unorganized and cluttered world. I SERIOUSLY need to purge through some things. I just went through the computer/stash room and gathered one whole trash bag full of *JUNK* in under 5 minutes. Now to keep that momentum up. ***I seriously need to stop - I've had to edit this Final list 3 x now. LOLSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-29600931175481142302011-12-30T06:52:00.000-08:002011-12-30T06:52:16.364-08:002012 WIPocalypse List (in progress)Working on my <a href="http://measi.net/measiblog/2011/08/28/4814/" target="_blank">2012 WIPocalypse</a> list. Hoping this will help me get my stitching mojo back! <br />
<br />
Start of list - I need to dig through my WIP's and get them organized.<br />
<br />
1. Shores of Hawk Run Hollow- Carriage House Samplings<br />
2. Mermaids of the Deep Blue - Mirabilia<br />
3. Alhambra Garden - Chatelaine Designs<br />
<br />
4. Little House Neighborhood - Little House Designs<br />
5. Holly & Ivy Sampler - TW Designs<br />
6. Titanic - Dimensions (this is my oldest WIP)<br />
7. Personalized Sampler<br />
8. Lady of the Flag - Mirabilia (need to find)<br />
9. Egyptian Sampler - TW Designs (not feeling this one - may need to find a new home for it) LOL<br />
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There's more, these are the ones I could get to/remember. I KNOW I have more Mirabilia and TW's as well as some smaller Pine Mountain WIP's.<br />
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<br />
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-45423245464369489962011-11-23T04:38:00.000-08:002011-11-23T04:48:23.923-08:00<a href="http://www.coastalliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/15-mouth-watering-cranberry-recipes-00414000072665/page6.html">Oatmeal Cookies with Orange Soaked Cranberries</a><br />(clickable link to Coastal Living website)<br /><br />One of the neighbors brought these cookies to our neighborhood Thanksgiving get-together last Saturday. I passed on them the first time to grab one of the homemade creme horns that we had made that morning. As the neighbor was leaving, she passed around her basket of cookies....OMG!!! Then she said the recipe was in the latest Coastal Living magazine (which I JUST started a subscription to and my first issue had arrived a few days earlier). I went home and SCORE - I had the right issue! I later found the recipe at the website online - and thought I would share. If you have a cookie exchange to go to this year - take these. They are THAT GOOD.<br /><br />The picture doesn't do these justice....just sayin' LOL<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img4.myrecipes.com/i/recipes/cl/11/oatmeal-cookies-cl-l.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://img4.myrecipes.com/i/recipes/cl/11/oatmeal-cookies-cl-l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.coastalliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/15-mouth-watering-cranberry-recipes-00414000072665/page6.html">Oatmeal Cookies with Orange Soaked Cranberries</a><br />Ingredients <ul><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">3/4 cup</span> <span itemprop="name"> dried cranberries</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1/3 cup</span> <span itemprop="name"> orange liqueur</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 1/2 cups</span> <span itemprop="name"> all-purpose flour</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name"> baking soda</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">3/4 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name"> baking powder</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1/4 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name"> salt</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span itemprop="name"> unsalted butter, softened</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span itemprop="name"> granulated sugar</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span itemprop="name"> firmly packed light brown sugar</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 </span> <span itemprop="name"> large egg</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">2 teaspoons</span> <span itemprop="name"> orange zest</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 teaspoon</span> <span itemprop="name"> vanilla extract</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">1 cup</span> <span itemprop="name"> uncooked regular oats</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li><li itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient"> <span itemprop="amount">4 ounces</span> <span itemprop="name"> white chocolate, chopped</span> <span itemprop="preparation"> </span> </li></ul> <h3>Preparation</h3> <ul itemprop="instructions"><li>1. Combine first 2 ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. Drain and set aside. (To quickly steep cranberries, combine cranberries and liqueur in a small bowl, and microwave on high 30 seconds; cover and let stand 2 hours.)</li><li>2. Preheat oven to 350°. Whisk together flour and next 3 ingredients in a medium bowl.</li><li>3. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy; gradually beat in granulated and brown sugars. Beat in egg, orange zest, and vanilla. Add flour mixture, and beat at low speed just until combined. Stir in oats, chocolate, and cranberries.</li><li>4. Drop mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake, in batches, 10 to 12 minutes or until edges just begin to brown. Cool on baking sheets 5 minutes. Transfer to wire racks, and cool completely.</li></ul> <div class="byline"> <p class="author">Jackie Mills, R.D., <a href="http://www.coastalliving.com/"><i><b><span itemprop="author">Coastal Living</span></b></i></a> <span itemprop="published">NOVEMBER 2011</span> </p> </div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-64288713670264988352011-09-28T16:57:00.000-07:002011-09-28T17:04:43.561-07:00<span style="font-family: times new roman;">The reason I can't get anything done............</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijb99Vkv4WMiYwe7mz7AeiIzoMyLSDIaazIvMjbubpnEFVDAMsmvBC_jjl459jKMvM7BQ6kMnqhdsEgzQ0qlt6HKyaNrmfCElNkz90zo-YXTPCe0VCSVOJbZcqydaONrGwW_v/s1600/lexie4"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijb99Vkv4WMiYwe7mz7AeiIzoMyLSDIaazIvMjbubpnEFVDAMsmvBC_jjl459jKMvM7BQ6kMnqhdsEgzQ0qlt6HKyaNrmfCElNkz90zo-YXTPCe0VCSVOJbZcqydaONrGwW_v/s320/lexie4" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657565234942027378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7WggiAyiVQuW1uoFCs1A1rV6BAh4KJD4RkQMQPzXVnX_J_TbBawgNmQYH2PoTlAXNoS0D8GH1j-YE0YGBf9TqsPUCcdf0P-nhRAWirlpRSY_Q6x60DzURhYFhpS2mseVp5A8/s1600/lexie3"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7WggiAyiVQuW1uoFCs1A1rV6BAh4KJD4RkQMQPzXVnX_J_TbBawgNmQYH2PoTlAXNoS0D8GH1j-YE0YGBf9TqsPUCcdf0P-nhRAWirlpRSY_Q6x60DzURhYFhpS2mseVp5A8/s320/lexie3" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657565232984052498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEL7EBPkOFLoCWbYt2pZJdi2dF2DBOFwdwORuKeXyD3ykXt7UIpDhpGcNSHV_SApz-gUuCMhZdgBpCvHMta_lIGHWhRd3IQC0qvDnps0PhbLPD9OCTQE-XoYM9coaO7DGlJwy2/s1600/lexie2"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEL7EBPkOFLoCWbYt2pZJdi2dF2DBOFwdwORuKeXyD3ykXt7UIpDhpGcNSHV_SApz-gUuCMhZdgBpCvHMta_lIGHWhRd3IQC0qvDnps0PhbLPD9OCTQE-XoYM9coaO7DGlJwy2/s320/lexie2" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657565233157051906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Where ever we are, that's where she wants to be! LOL</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-65430809332566563912011-09-24T13:50:00.000-07:002011-09-24T14:12:43.802-07:00I have a confession to make....but I'll get to that in a bit.<br /><br />I wanted to show you this painted buoy that one of the gals in the neighborhood painted. When DH and I would fly kites on the beach, our sweet girl Nina used to run and chase after them. I had taken numerous pictures of her doing this, and I gave one to our artist neighbor to see if she could paint me a buoy with Nina on it.<br /><br />One of the 0riginal picture's I sent:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCbAWaR3IKc6FNo1ilTl20jLVUTZeoaGTH2Adc3p_BRqgpKi8YQS89ryDiLFhwpzmyPpGN2Ye5GJ9626N3a-s9sWJnZKeq3VR1JHT3YTn6HtxTyU2CIvf43DRYaSXasbPpvKC/s1600/nina3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCbAWaR3IKc6FNo1ilTl20jLVUTZeoaGTH2Adc3p_BRqgpKi8YQS89ryDiLFhwpzmyPpGN2Ye5GJ9626N3a-s9sWJnZKeq3VR1JHT3YTn6HtxTyU2CIvf43DRYaSXasbPpvKC/s320/nina3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656034388471993730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The artist rendition:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxOhldUNj471NKGbWrnn5ZzFHgAikm7b4asq4K4EyXrE1xwZhyG8QRySh6nuGqsfk57EsUauADaA2gfpFumET-T-iL_T72BhFXEAn3MgSTL-kZ7J-fe4cJizYyUSwyhgZE5p5/s1600/CSC_0015.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxOhldUNj471NKGbWrnn5ZzFHgAikm7b4asq4K4EyXrE1xwZhyG8QRySh6nuGqsfk57EsUauADaA2gfpFumET-T-iL_T72BhFXEAn3MgSTL-kZ7J-fe4cJizYyUSwyhgZE5p5/s320/CSC_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656031938311073170" border="0" /></a><br />(crappy light I know). I actually had this done before Nina passed away, but it just means so much more to me now. Even though we have Lexi, I still miss my old girl.<br /><br />Now for the confession - I haven't stitched in months...MONTHS I tell ya! Just have NOT been "in the mood" or "the mood hasn't hit me", as my grandma used to say. This has really been a rough year - With my father-in-law's health at the end of last year, and then Nina's cancer, surgery and passing. Then with my job change and Nate moving out this year. I have been in a bit of a funk (and yes, I had a breakdown in the doctor's office when she asked "how are you doing"- and I now have a wonderful little happy pill to keep me sane).<br /><br />I think the cooler weather, the return of something to watch on TV in the evenings, and my "happy pill" have given me the urge to pick up my stitching again. I have been working on Shores of Hawk Run Hollow FOREVER it seems (my stitching buddy, Susan, has long left me in the dust and completed her Shores already).<br /><br />I have pulled it out from the depths of my stitching bag, set up the Ott light, and am getting ready to put it back on my q-snaps. Before doing so, I snapped a few pictures. Here is the block I'm working on:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7yOByp5wMNyx8nkQzIRiOkpB_i1ZqIFoyxSF28rIhGc7BmpR-GeK3ke5Q0GgkQb5omkyzvzESbaDQeVGAbE-Gf6MMEEhK8lY3Jyj-81Zt2xGTNUwBEzwnuXaHq6xfl9KVMq5/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7yOByp5wMNyx8nkQzIRiOkpB_i1ZqIFoyxSF28rIhGc7BmpR-GeK3ke5Q0GgkQb5omkyzvzESbaDQeVGAbE-Gf6MMEEhK8lY3Jyj-81Zt2xGTNUwBEzwnuXaHq6xfl9KVMq5/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656031937059231170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />and where the entire project is:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31-JswtFyJXyuk167ZS9CXUxxrx6PAyBQnC_yyIrSeprSCIRGEzWTKnoAdnyWe22X0WfTqo_I0lsAm0L66SsaaKFrHKYDP-pv8xMJWHAAXNyUZ3VdhNsLLPEEy3qn3sKvT4Ds/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31-JswtFyJXyuk167ZS9CXUxxrx6PAyBQnC_yyIrSeprSCIRGEzWTKnoAdnyWe22X0WfTqo_I0lsAm0L66SsaaKFrHKYDP-pv8xMJWHAAXNyUZ3VdhNsLLPEEy3qn3sKvT4Ds/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656031933926939714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Let's see how far I get this winter on it!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-12829244845720287642011-09-09T08:09:00.000-07:002011-09-09T08:18:34.321-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yB1mTkFybwgS2dzoMSeGJ569eDUKDRgfQi5gxIHm-K30elRW3P2pXRkuzcKQp6TG5m1bBWQnRd_w0TTTr5KqS42hgy5-NoSoBVr4YEtJHAmR4a6qj_NA7hFdIZGN4-AQ8Pyc/s1600/CSC_0081.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yB1mTkFybwgS2dzoMSeGJ569eDUKDRgfQi5gxIHm-K30elRW3P2pXRkuzcKQp6TG5m1bBWQnRd_w0TTTr5KqS42hgy5-NoSoBVr4YEtJHAmR4a6qj_NA7hFdIZGN4-AQ8Pyc/s320/CSC_0081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650378580647711602" border="0" /></a><br />Our lazy hound dog! She is a mess - but we love her to pieces.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0-RNgM7-VgP4chgPPuhflhVXJ8ZiFlL09gOqm9E5zGL8rCKs3RERXAZL4fiVsTEbvOJTg2tjokY1cBrOM8OV5TTCmVywQT9qmthEK6qcaksaHDKc8mz7LEwmXD_i8rbwTV5t/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0-RNgM7-VgP4chgPPuhflhVXJ8ZiFlL09gOqm9E5zGL8rCKs3RERXAZL4fiVsTEbvOJTg2tjokY1cBrOM8OV5TTCmVywQT9qmthEK6qcaksaHDKc8mz7LEwmXD_i8rbwTV5t/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650378254659491202" border="0" /></a><br />Grandview Beach yesterday, as Hurricane Katia is offshore.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnxGpZPl8vx4aR1_moXBsBNGskxs6_nkhBCszR96TYYlS739SmEL6TpQ0XraSXjxtbgZzwksKpxehhEF_vNwtyg7AK-sZwcY3SfjUz8_ah0kaNAHXRNUod1VlbNKJUMukd-Q6/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnxGpZPl8vx4aR1_moXBsBNGskxs6_nkhBCszR96TYYlS739SmEL6TpQ0XraSXjxtbgZzwksKpxehhEF_vNwtyg7AK-sZwcY3SfjUz8_ah0kaNAHXRNUod1VlbNKJUMukd-Q6/s320/DSC_0140.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650379015272237010" border="0" /></a><br />Grandview Beach tree with part of a rainbow in the background.Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-77627065372496282662011-09-05T09:54:00.000-07:002011-09-05T09:58:31.518-07:00What is everyone doing this fine Labor Day? I'm doing laundry, and still trying to get my house back in order. Samantha and I have a date for pedicures at 2:00, and I still need to shower.<br /><br />We survived the hurricane......we evacuated to the in-laws, and lost power there early on. Go figure. According to all the Facebook posts I was reading on my iPhone, our little corner of the world kept power the ENTIRE time. DS was NOT amused, he was ready to go home within one minute of the power going out at Grandma's. LOL<br /><br />We did flood, which is normal - had about 9 inches of water in the garage and yard. Debris of course from the neighborhood (if you know it's going to flood, WHY don't you pick up the crap in your yard first)??<br /><br />It's been a nice weekend. My family reunion was canceled, so we had laid low. It's back to work tomorrow, and then I'm off Friday, so it's a 3 day work week for me!Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-25588789492507867392011-08-26T11:44:00.000-07:002011-08-26T11:53:23.206-07:00For those of you that I'm not in contact with on Facebook, we are evacuating due to the Hurricane. We live in a very low lying area, and are under mandatory evacuation. We will be going a few miles inland to my in-laws house. Hoping to leave tomorrow (Sat morning) and return Sunday.
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<br />For reference, here are some past flooding pictures. I thought I had Hurricane Isabel pictures, but it was before I started blogging....and my November 2009 Nor'easter pictures are on Facebook! During Isabel, we had 33 inches of water in the garage....and yes, we evacuated then too. LOL It should be interesting, my mom and father in law, Nate and his girlfriend, DH, me, 3 dogs, 2 rats, and a hedgehog, plus umpteen computers, cell phones, ipads, etc. (you know, the IMPORTANT STUFF)!! LOL
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<br /><a href="http://suzinva.blogspot.com/2006/09/more-ernesto-pictures-bonita.html">Ernesto</a>
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<br /><a href="http://suzinva.blogspot.com/2006/10/nor-easter-october-2006.html">October 2006 nor'easter</a>
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<br />Stay safe everyone in the path of the storm.
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<br />Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-40193358966783708932011-07-24T18:24:00.000-07:002011-07-24T18:26:25.207-07:00My husband just posted this on FaceBook - I am still LOL - as he and I differ when it comes to music. I LOVE praise songs - and can sing them over and over. As you can tell, he has his own opinion:<br /><br /><div><h2 class="uiHeaderTitle">The Problem with Praise Songs</h2></div><div class="clearfix"><div class="mbs uiHeaderSubTitle lfloat fsm fwn fcg">by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1707632986">Rusty Belcher</a> on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 9:15pm</div></div><div class="mbl notesBlogText clearfix"><div><p>First off, don't get me wrong. I love praising the Lord in song. I don't care if it is a classic hymn or a modern tune. My problem is praise songs that only have one verse that is repeated over and over. Would it have killed the author / composer to take a little more time and come up with a second verse? How hard could it be? Well i decided to find out for myself.<br /><br />After singing today's praise song in church this morning, I decided to see how many additional verses I could come up with before the service was over. Here you go.<br /><br /><br />Great and Mighty<br /><br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Lift up your banner, let the anthems sing,<br />Praises to our king.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br /><br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Jesus Christ is the Son of God,<br />That's what we believe.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br /><br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />God gave us his only Son,<br />Who died for you and me.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br /><br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Jesus is the way, the truth and light,<br />The only way to God is He<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br /><br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />He coming back to take us with him,<br />Will you come with me?<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br /><br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.<br />Praise Songs should have more than one verse,<br />It not that hard you see.<br />Great and Mighty is the Lord our God.<br />Great and Mighty is He.</p></div></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-370868478266848352011-06-27T06:22:00.000-07:002011-06-27T06:31:52.631-07:00I should go on road trips more often! I actually finished something on the ride up to N. VA this weekend. Here is Pine Mtn Designs Summer fun. Forgive the picture quality. I took it a few minutes after I finished it, in the truck, with my cell phone. LOL<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UbCvW5rbRig7M7TVyQHlZzyQsWuRXUvu9Tzp5-rsAtymwWEmTe540xubtsIZy5y95-5pbUgMxl2FTrFwKLAv3_LkOfs_vX044UFXIhL2AnzMYoXC3u8Z28AA6z1pny4Y4127/s1600/IMG_0382%255B1%255D"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3UbCvW5rbRig7M7TVyQHlZzyQsWuRXUvu9Tzp5-rsAtymwWEmTe540xubtsIZy5y95-5pbUgMxl2FTrFwKLAv3_LkOfs_vX044UFXIhL2AnzMYoXC3u8Z28AA6z1pny4Y4127/s320/IMG_0382%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622889670545964818" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had a nice time with the nephews this weekend, seeing CARS 2.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_I0UufP3R7IdhR7oOr-kcPNTmiOS6JZsYkid8UmIW7HRPJ5cIEvSPJ3NKa5N8q-FNIYJAyyCyACG3io2kI97Io-n_z8bm1TNC-uyOaruy-ydOFPQ3ko69G6DDcBW2LoBCboUl/s1600/IMG_0421%255B1%255D"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_I0UufP3R7IdhR7oOr-kcPNTmiOS6JZsYkid8UmIW7HRPJ5cIEvSPJ3NKa5N8q-FNIYJAyyCyACG3io2kI97Io-n_z8bm1TNC-uyOaruy-ydOFPQ3ko69G6DDcBW2LoBCboUl/s320/IMG_0421%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890291863900418" border="0" /></a><br />Here are Tristan (l) and Cartney (r), waiting for the movie to start. The pictures I took of Dylan were too dark :(<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n0QQavX8ZYO9-BHhtJ9N3J_WYHroeXwc28FQyXlWDoQ_yqMzMqgyEwCYrd6nTKTy1NaGVqHmnBMs3bYXqfm_TWxHNwLi4gFRlsJyqHP-hpCGbp9l_cKnua3w0l3F8cDAEkQ5/s1600/IMG_0384%255B1%255D"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9n0QQavX8ZYO9-BHhtJ9N3J_WYHroeXwc28FQyXlWDoQ_yqMzMqgyEwCYrd6nTKTy1NaGVqHmnBMs3bYXqfm_TWxHNwLi4gFRlsJyqHP-hpCGbp9l_cKnua3w0l3F8cDAEkQ5/s320/IMG_0384%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890828528069714" border="0" /></a><br />Lexi h ad her first road trip and we won't be doing THAT again any time soon. She managed to pee and poop in my BIL's house within 30 minutes of getting there (after already doing it outside). She barked, ran off once, and annoyed the heck out of their dog Nevis. She did manage to get in the pool:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4dWeOsOGZJMOZbLzFXj3YwKl-YiEn0f4cP8NZSprVlfhSiZ5bYW4Yys9LtEfUOuve0AwzoR8UC1inUC7Cs88HLpLxfS5HHFx7zo1qgDBp7_G3UTlWIeBf__UdUAtphe4JB9x/s1600/IMG_0406%255B1%255D"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4dWeOsOGZJMOZbLzFXj3YwKl-YiEn0f4cP8NZSprVlfhSiZ5bYW4Yys9LtEfUOuve0AwzoR8UC1inUC7Cs88HLpLxfS5HHFx7zo1qgDBp7_G3UTlWIeBf__UdUAtphe4JB9x/s320/IMG_0406%255B1%255D" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622890831210939698" border="0" /></a><br />although it wasn't her choice. But at least we know she can swim - and good too!<br /><br />Hope everyone has a wonderful week! I am off work today, and Friday, so only had to work 3 days this week - and have a 4 day weekend coming up!! YAYSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-30478245833783626122011-04-21T04:08:00.000-07:002011-04-21T04:32:44.296-07:00Big Changes!<br /><br />Well, the past few months have brought BIG changes to the Belcher household. DH and I are now empty nesters. Yup, and I SURVIVED it! Not without a few tears hear and there (and they still pop up every now and then). DS had dropped the hint a few months ago that he and his GF/fiancee were "looking at apartments". The girlfriend's dad has a new lady friend and wasn't home much, so he offered to have DS move in there. Their house is about 3/4 of a mile away, so it's still close, but we rarely see either of them. Their schedules are different - he starts work at 7 a.m., and she doesn't get off work usually until 9:30 pm. I'm not too thrilled with the fact that they are "living together", but I have to get over that I guess. I can't tell them how to live their life. I am thankful they are in a committed relationship though, and DS truly loves her and has told me on more than one occasion "Mom, she is THE ONE for me".<br /><br />So, DH and I are figuring out a new relationship on our end. It's kind of nice to be able to do what we want, when we want. I've had to learn to "let go". It's nice not having as much laundry to wash. The first time DS did his laundry after he moved out, it DID result in not one, but two phone calls to me with questions. I did laugh over that.<br /><br />On a professional level, I have a new job that I start on April 25. After 29 years, I left my employer and will be working for good ole Uncle Sam (or Uncle Obama as my good friend Geni told me - since she knows my feelings about him lol). I will still be working in credentialing, at a naval hospital in our area. I will have a longer commute (45 mins approx vs a 15-20 minute one), I'm hoping it won't be too bad, but I will have one tunnel to go through. Luckily, it isn't *the* busiest one here in the area, which is prone to backups and delays - so I'm hoping most days are smooth sailing.<br /><br />I'm off this week and "unemployed". I'm trying to get the house decluttered and in order. Sadly, it's going much slower than I anticipated. LOL Monday and Tuesday I didn't do much of anything - just enjoyed being home, and having DH home. His work schedule has been absolutely CRAZY. Last week he was in Sioux Falls, SD (and DS happened to be in Kansas City) - both gone on the same week - and it was an emotional week for me, since it was my last week at my former employer. DH has made a point to work from home this week and we have lunch dates, and taking a few breaks during the day to sit on the deck and relax for a few minutes. I did have an amazing Tastefully Simple party Tuesday night (almost $700 in sales so far). Tomorrow (Friday), DH and DS have off, so we are going to hit up Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and DH's partner at work is treating us to lunch there. He invited us to go with his family. Busch Gardens has an awesome B1G1F ticket - so it worked out great for us. DS needs to find a friend or we have a $15 off any ticket deal for him.<br /><br />That's all for now!<br />SuzSuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-79596141846583083022011-02-26T01:15:00.000-08:002011-02-26T01:20:34.515-08:00Say it ain't SNOW!.................<br /><br />Our day after Christmas snow! It actually started snowing Christmas night - woke up the next morning to a winter wonderland! It was beautiful!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AZfOVwAq2E4HSYg6_PnK374zBKsNQfTPAYoJPPZUGJUhdFT6vv4h-nWwXNcNHkEnL4xyqx_8lpPsMdXMQICouuszf9oFTuKOc63Nj7Ah8J-jM-m0CnVAEEQX0pog6p1vsIQJ/s1600/DSC_0302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577925207956264882" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9AZfOVwAq2E4HSYg6_PnK374zBKsNQfTPAYoJPPZUGJUhdFT6vv4h-nWwXNcNHkEnL4xyqx_8lpPsMdXMQICouuszf9oFTuKOc63Nj7Ah8J-jM-m0CnVAEEQX0pog6p1vsIQJ/s320/DSC_0302.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCYCYDcWu2o7kxxcfftRydQcfMz7pRXfCkmpXNJcQTP5ZjsPd6jQo-0oi-dM2eoN14Y7JDvEWiZoKEsv7F5Hxdc1Uodd3pMu3u4yPsXYd0mXblG3kRA_tjj0uKkBM7oGKqQXk/s1600/DSC_0297.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577925205073592770" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCYCYDcWu2o7kxxcfftRydQcfMz7pRXfCkmpXNJcQTP5ZjsPd6jQo-0oi-dM2eoN14Y7JDvEWiZoKEsv7F5Hxdc1Uodd3pMu3u4yPsXYd0mXblG3kRA_tjj0uKkBM7oGKqQXk/s320/DSC_0297.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcUeLJyISj7kiCxFjuM2Tg4GHvYbL58d1tIeNA3tEFlFzliUmU2LBs_NOwbqMgYMK6XMn1WJPAZ-MbAyrcK36vb0rMwsCrgstVqXjFhzvFyZJONUA7p1rt3pyXuAGjZc83Z1G/s1600/DSC_0311.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577925199493616562" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcUeLJyISj7kiCxFjuM2Tg4GHvYbL58d1tIeNA3tEFlFzliUmU2LBs_NOwbqMgYMK6XMn1WJPAZ-MbAyrcK36vb0rMwsCrgstVqXjFhzvFyZJONUA7p1rt3pyXuAGjZc83Z1G/s320/DSC_0311.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT4VR1PeZEibhDREbb6L3UqPD05cxOQxXNVB54rS5RF4c5W6-H3cXyj6STQsvps9PZnWEV2Ve9DfY6_Xo9WQhp9EO2VFHYsIRphpWPi38epHMpWfppS0t8re4W9FYt2cnQvWX/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577925195827958722" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT4VR1PeZEibhDREbb6L3UqPD05cxOQxXNVB54rS5RF4c5W6-H3cXyj6STQsvps9PZnWEV2Ve9DfY6_Xo9WQhp9EO2VFHYsIRphpWPi38epHMpWfppS0t8re4W9FYt2cnQvWX/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkPjJ5vxJFeoYVb9iOSne8khZo0lwQSQnUpoWa6Km7gQs6EO1PQNI8aUv2ec3ocejFn_6HonyuVzuSnwzV8VdVO9W8XUMeYNgHNigbNwzJsyVMF859OdUCLoojMrGYuD7mwgj/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577925192341024818" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkPjJ5vxJFeoYVb9iOSne8khZo0lwQSQnUpoWa6Km7gQs6EO1PQNI8aUv2ec3ocejFn_6HonyuVzuSnwzV8VdVO9W8XUMeYNgHNigbNwzJsyVMF859OdUCLoojMrGYuD7mwgj/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm trying to catch up on posts and get info/pictures up that I want to keep. Those of you following me on Facebook...sorry for the repeat!</div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div></div></div></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-65640492637310081002011-02-26T00:58:00.000-08:002011-02-26T01:12:07.050-08:00And now we have Lexie.......<br /><br />Lexie came to us via Craigslist. A young (very young) military couple had her in small apartment over in Norfolk. After several phone calls, one of which in the background I heard the male owner say "if she wants her tell her to come get her...RIGHT NOW". Apparently several people had called about Lexie and set up a time to meet her, but didn't show up. So, off we went and we brought her home. She's MUCH happier here. She will now leave food in her bowl - when we first got her, she wolfed down food like she had never had any before.<br /><br />Guess who is is her favorite?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhx5pMN7ZvoskCT74WWLF3hk5b_PawJiXEZx_c8p3ilZN79zPVP_MhJKfUl7REWf8pHneHDlVJpSOBRIpaotwnDomK93qJJuh-EBbM6VFvwCQrK3_4rKb13WGKzy8WBpDB4NB/s1600/DSC_0453.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577921877655208530" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhx5pMN7ZvoskCT74WWLF3hk5b_PawJiXEZx_c8p3ilZN79zPVP_MhJKfUl7REWf8pHneHDlVJpSOBRIpaotwnDomK93qJJuh-EBbM6VFvwCQrK3_4rKb13WGKzy8WBpDB4NB/s320/DSC_0453.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Where ever DH is.........Lexie is usually right beside him. He worked from home the entire month of January as he was writing a training manual. So, they were home all day together!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW46hqpSvZvVySCEeMAn0pxVdgWvuHwgSdciZCW1dLnpGdYUCGLc2rUcLej4231oWGJX5fipXvAfLg7bDHEeco5NY0h6SazPdzq74SiuJ__wmodMEyubmHrJdGuYHEusiYGBT/s1600/DSC_0479.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577921873332024306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW46hqpSvZvVySCEeMAn0pxVdgWvuHwgSdciZCW1dLnpGdYUCGLc2rUcLej4231oWGJX5fipXvAfLg7bDHEeco5NY0h6SazPdzq74SiuJ__wmodMEyubmHrJdGuYHEusiYGBT/s320/DSC_0479.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She is really TOO big to be a lap dog.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgaaPf8q5rmNbwFudvrxsX9VLJ7A7OEB1bJcLsyvnhdZ6Bw3LTOzG7pz37N0y9l72BtU6wLYTY1W2EDxwOtlvlJviAbE3SHHoeS_ssSrghxhCosgyUBsJ5py8X5W7ZS89sDOX/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577921869167131458" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgaaPf8q5rmNbwFudvrxsX9VLJ7A7OEB1bJcLsyvnhdZ6Bw3LTOzG7pz37N0y9l72BtU6wLYTY1W2EDxwOtlvlJviAbE3SHHoeS_ssSrghxhCosgyUBsJ5py8X5W7ZS89sDOX/s320/DSC_0336.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Such a goofball<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipmgBxeatnXBWFRJMdWx13LKKneGwaCxnI3RuWniUFE3Z2At6kE0vyQbm8CsVh4EZMvy6QAp731SdT3rCluCxVAia7GyqkBkgHfqhPQYMTNJ_oL04EEPUKovJNjVfyCb5mJcH/s1600/DSC_0365.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577921865961577298" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipmgBxeatnXBWFRJMdWx13LKKneGwaCxnI3RuWniUFE3Z2At6kE0vyQbm8CsVh4EZMvy6QAp731SdT3rCluCxVAia7GyqkBkgHfqhPQYMTNJ_oL04EEPUKovJNjVfyCb5mJcH/s320/DSC_0365.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We need to get her in a training class. She's right now just a year old. Also, she spazzes out when she sees other dogs (especially when they are loose and running around the neighborhood). Her bark is really LOUD and annoying. Nina was bigger than the beagle next door, but Lexie is huge. Much longer and taller. I think she's more walker coonhound or Harrier....but whatever she is...........I think we will keep her!<br /><br /><div> </div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5952849.post-59102605400828542282010-12-18T17:05:00.000-08:002011-02-20T16:52:18.514-08:00Where Did the Time Go? -<br /><br />(this post was originally started on Dec 18 - The day we put Nina down)<br /><br />I'm not sure where the fall of 2010 went. It started in September, when we discovered our sweet Nina dog had a mast cell tumor on her front paw. After having it aspirated and meeting with our vet, and referred to and meeting with a surgical vet, instead of amputating at the shoulder, we opted to amputate 2 toes on her paw. She was 10, our lifestyle and where we live would have made it difficult for her to get by on 3 legs. Anyway, the same day she had her surgery, my father-in-law underwent double bypass surgery. Recouperation on both took weeks...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc8irZ6H3f73OkiwHDWo3UyzK4yWXZd_REBWOWK1axq76wdyL7rXOzfaL1Pi1XXsls1mEQqlEN1hnb1BoPbUJ3YvbVt8xWAEDQP7wSCLlmq5rezX28R3UlO4XyKdBXzHv6Zz1/s1600/DSC_0459.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvc8irZ6H3f73OkiwHDWo3UyzK4yWXZd_REBWOWK1axq76wdyL7rXOzfaL1Pi1XXsls1mEQqlEN1hnb1BoPbUJ3YvbVt8xWAEDQP7wSCLlmq5rezX28R3UlO4XyKdBXzHv6Zz1/s320/DSC_0459.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575921730167796194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />December brought us to our much planned for Disney vacation. 23 people total from my husband's side of the family. In-laws and out-laws so to speak. It was fun and we totally relaxed and had a great time. Mom-in-law and Father-in-law tooled around Disney and Universal on scooters.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_zzKFVI8zqbkeYByKdhLDyvYIWBTVQnhlmo6QpLjb2CeLKvGSBR0E-Onphc6xhD3CAQrKPGRhbK74n4b6ZDtIhwC7G9igv7CcseKHcNyeEYLQrh9DY0XZA8CtIZVLq9c0jQX/s1600/Copy+of+DSC_0003.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_zzKFVI8zqbkeYByKdhLDyvYIWBTVQnhlmo6QpLjb2CeLKvGSBR0E-Onphc6xhD3CAQrKPGRhbK74n4b6ZDtIhwC7G9igv7CcseKHcNyeEYLQrh9DY0XZA8CtIZVLq9c0jQX/s320/Copy+of+DSC_0003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575921720340193602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The week after we came back, we noticed a knot on Nina's neck. It literally grew overnight and by the time we got her to the vet and had it aspiration, it was the diameter of a softball. So not good. Again, it was mast cell tumor and the vet said there was really nothing to do but make her comfortable. I found out on the way home driving thru snow (which around here causes havoc no matter how little or much snow we get). That same night, on the way home, DS ended up spinning out and putting his car in a ditch. NOT a good day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWnRPyag7o9PbSjdNgqvgjOLIxFfCoR19ggeNwH8e-t10hp1ipNJcTFC1YL90Kxblio3vHYPZrbRrKzOX-b6WBlldDnK8eHn1j1xshgN0IV0nbO5XYtBK1ztoObmjXifvK59-/s1600/DSC_0173.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWnRPyag7o9PbSjdNgqvgjOLIxFfCoR19ggeNwH8e-t10hp1ipNJcTFC1YL90Kxblio3vHYPZrbRrKzOX-b6WBlldDnK8eHn1j1xshgN0IV0nbO5XYtBK1ztoObmjXifvK59-/s320/DSC_0173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575921709263248626" border="0" /></a><br /><br />He went the next day and traded in his car for a BAT (Big @** Truck) Ford F250 4X4. Yes, he bought it himself, we didn't have to co-sign for it. :)<br /><br /><br />We made the difficult decision to put Nina down the Saturday before Christmas. I still cry (and am now) just thinking about it. Such a sad day. Our neighbors came over the night before and spent some time with her, we all just cried together while loving on her. She was on mega pain drugs and you could still see the waves of pain move through her. Can I just say, I HATE CANCER.<br /><br />I cried for two days before hand and for days and weeks after wards. I still miss her desperately. I can't bring myself to change the picture on my phone and i-pod. So I see her every time I pick those up.<br /><br />Now we have Lexie - who, is quickly stealing our hearts. Although she has become DH's dog. He was out of town last week and she was NOT happy that he didn't come home at night. She would look out the window and whine and pine for him. I'll share the story of how she came to live with us in a future post. The picture below is her on Christmas night, laying on DH's knee. She was tuckered out from all the nephews and people that had come by to visit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3tc2-tFQb4z4ID9MX63LEbY9ncvjCbhD4wrrQx3R7HsSrI27AgubWfHVZ-mAFKbyL01IrVnGPZCDKMgAvFaiPsKG07E6zYS6VG-UQbUR8TD9MP34qGP4RFfNdoJZyIl8HVfL/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3tc2-tFQb4z4ID9MX63LEbY9ncvjCbhD4wrrQx3R7HsSrI27AgubWfHVZ-mAFKbyL01IrVnGPZCDKMgAvFaiPsKG07E6zYS6VG-UQbUR8TD9MP34qGP4RFfNdoJZyIl8HVfL/s320/DSC_0270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575921713040327538" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><br /><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div></div>Suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02905184877683143958noreply@blogger.com2