tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90125809597952303252024-02-06T18:25:24.260-08:00Take a BreathLindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-72388266448322324122011-10-16T16:31:00.000-07:002011-10-16T16:31:06.898-07:00New Blog<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are invited to visit my new blog here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://starrsspeak.blogspot.com/">http://starrsspeak.blogspot.com/</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-67788322967509195222011-05-21T20:07:00.000-07:002011-05-21T20:21:41.041-07:00Quite Tasty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDz8gl07T6mIYH1iQ67Zo1n6Zo56bWUOFWB9Nxxf0EPDFTH-52D_H-v1BHL_c25AqE044q6T65E8Y7F4DHThacwX7WAyKGdaArJQXkOMDRgqpUBS_SBdAJu9V4Q2FUpCekVt_yJBBFfM/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDz8gl07T6mIYH1iQ67Zo1n6Zo56bWUOFWB9Nxxf0EPDFTH-52D_H-v1BHL_c25AqE044q6T65E8Y7F4DHThacwX7WAyKGdaArJQXkOMDRgqpUBS_SBdAJu9V4Q2FUpCekVt_yJBBFfM/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I must say that I am quite proud of myself tonight. It is not unusual for me to make up recipes, but this one is probably the absolute BEST.<br />
The basis of this recipe is from leftovers of <a href="http://www.aidells.com/product/116">Aidells Spicy Mango Jalepeno Chicken Sausages</a> (these are sweet and hot and Oh, so good). I broiled a package of them for dinner last night and we had some left over. Originally I was considering making pizza with them, but after a package of dry Tortellini noodles from Trader Joe's my creative wheels started turning.<br />
This soup turned out SO good that I wrote out a recipe, and want to share it with you all.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Mexican Tortellini Soup</b><br />
<br />
<br />
1 c dried tortellini<br />
1 med. Onion, chopped<br />
3 garlic cloves, chopped<br />
1 lg. green pepper, chopped<br />
4 Aidells Spicy Mango Jalepeno Chicken Sausages, grilled and sliced <br />
1 heaping tablespoon of chicken bouillon paste<br />
1 15oz can diced tomatoes<br />
1 can water<br />
1 can black beans<br />
1 ¼ cup frozen corn<br />
2 teaspoons chili powder<br />
1 teaspoon oregano<br />
¾ teaspoon kosher salt<br />
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper<br />
Grated Cheddar/Jack cheese<br />
<br />
<br />
Cook tortellini according to directions on the package, drain, and set aside. (It is really important that you cook the tortellini separately, otherwise it will suck up all of the juices of the soup and you will have a casserole rather than soup.) <br />
Saute onion, garlic, and green pepper until just tender. <br />
Add sliced sausage, cook 2 -3 minutes. <br />
Add bouillon paste with a couple of tablespoons of water and stir to mix.<br />
Add spices, stir to mix.<br />
Add 1 cup of water, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn, stir to mix.<br />
Simmer for ½ hour, or until heated through.<br />
Add tortellini and simmer another 15 min, or until heated through.<br />
Serve with grated cheese on top.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">ENJOY!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NOTE:</b> <i>I have no problem with you sharing this recipe with your friends, please just give credit to where it is due. Thank you for your consideration. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-76722787899617707352011-03-18T21:52:00.000-07:002011-03-19T09:27:52.391-07:00Day Nine of Lent<div style="text-align: center;">Today is Day Nine of my Spiritual Journey through Lent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBLVtrpgopwe2wvYi75mCbuvrQ2POJXIo_75VS9dE2ch-SFIOI4qUxIY8UJJ9JDCj27K6vu5Eqvc-grFPs6QGyBIxH8WgUvFGnnl43h-cEToMEgKU2Li3RWf_5UTwaRUNfh1BkVOsLcE/s1600/2445858319_846509c419+-+Sunset+behind+the+tree+-+by+skubmic+-via+Flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBLVtrpgopwe2wvYi75mCbuvrQ2POJXIo_75VS9dE2ch-SFIOI4qUxIY8UJJ9JDCj27K6vu5Eqvc-grFPs6QGyBIxH8WgUvFGnnl43h-cEToMEgKU2Li3RWf_5UTwaRUNfh1BkVOsLcE/s320/2445858319_846509c419+-+Sunset+behind+the+tree+-+by+skubmic+-via+Flickr.jpg" width="240" />,</a></div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_207413655">(via Flickr</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=skubmic&w=all#page=11">)</a> <br />
<br />
A couple of months ago I talked to a friend of mine, Laurie, about Lent.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was not a long conversation, but enough to peak my interest in observing it this year.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My upbringing was Baptist, and as an adult I have attended more Charismatic fellowships, neither of which holds an observance of Lent.<br />
My intention was to subject my whole being to "sacrifice" and "prayer", including praying intently for something very specific; however, in this process I have learned there is more....so much more.<br />
<br />
The Holy Spirit has caused my heart to reflect much deeper on just "who" is this God that I call Heavenly Father; and "who" is this man named Jesus whom I say is my "friend".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwQ62LHmZG1Xpps7eBbgQJhRV2wkqaoNb4Y6v8_KQQB0UerDwv8dy7Y3aDsJZrm4m1gAsetjbXNayTg-iFmBjEkusghOC2r7zzJa_jI44Yjfg5LbFekFZQlFMJaTnvepssEJZb1vL9CM/s1600/2405868605_b7d115cd5d+-+take+a+seat+-+by+chris+kenny+-+via+Flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwQ62LHmZG1Xpps7eBbgQJhRV2wkqaoNb4Y6v8_KQQB0UerDwv8dy7Y3aDsJZrm4m1gAsetjbXNayTg-iFmBjEkusghOC2r7zzJa_jI44Yjfg5LbFekFZQlFMJaTnvepssEJZb1vL9CM/s320/2405868605_b7d115cd5d+-+take+a+seat+-+by+chris+kenny+-+via+Flickr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris_kenny/2405868605/"> (via Flickr)</a><br />
<br />
My chosen "sacrifice" for Lent has been sugar, as in the form of "dessert"....God knows how much I love my sweets!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ4YnUmrDw_eq2Iu_kH7zasjmqoKHlhiiqMcHlly0W5n6FT8iTHzn6_wGbkPEqVVYHTjjTVV2I0IdYK8ASylXQfGi4tFp8iVGfEuTkuc04ZyGJkBwCAZJTUGtxldCDgMTrAkVVgWI5U8/s1600/5391457044_5d634ac0da_z+-+Dark+Chocolate+Mousse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJ4YnUmrDw_eq2Iu_kH7zasjmqoKHlhiiqMcHlly0W5n6FT8iTHzn6_wGbkPEqVVYHTjjTVV2I0IdYK8ASylXQfGi4tFp8iVGfEuTkuc04ZyGJkBwCAZJTUGtxldCDgMTrAkVVgWI5U8/s320/5391457044_5d634ac0da_z+-+Dark+Chocolate+Mousse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/?p=3175">(via Flickr)</a><br />
<br />
As my lust for "sugar" rears its head, rather than groan and moan about being "deprived", I have found myself remembering the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus went through, and mine pales in comparison.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegHmDlWF9PU2fKo_mgGC9J17aVhii4JC463YXTeTAmYdnui_9QrAgcEjLEYDDKnvlCDm9gT6PNhomFOP7otFO3bz5MiUbScRS9-TX0RhpB7yDKKanW5cvbDx4ATBC1HzteMQtnLaJXTE/s1600/Passion+of+the+Chirst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiegHmDlWF9PU2fKo_mgGC9J17aVhii4JC463YXTeTAmYdnui_9QrAgcEjLEYDDKnvlCDm9gT6PNhomFOP7otFO3bz5MiUbScRS9-TX0RhpB7yDKKanW5cvbDx4ATBC1HzteMQtnLaJXTE/s320/Passion+of+the+Chirst.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24BWO9qDs6ITfmNLcFj3H8P1IzXccR_gGmLizT6I2HmHQOqUpaAdI7V5LOzoMgli4fAf5ucNyhFRN6RVYogi0WGrOeMUy2nWQjRXi2OcsUS-7TZQEOtyipUpAwT1FlSMHtSTa6u36ntk/s1600/passion-of-the-christ-cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24BWO9qDs6ITfmNLcFj3H8P1IzXccR_gGmLizT6I2HmHQOqUpaAdI7V5LOzoMgli4fAf5ucNyhFRN6RVYogi0WGrOeMUy2nWQjRXi2OcsUS-7TZQEOtyipUpAwT1FlSMHtSTa6u36ntk/s1600/passion-of-the-christ-cross.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I mean, really, Jesus was spit on, whipped and beaten until there was no more flesh, a crown of thorns was shoved on his head, and he was forced to carry the very cross on which later he would hang.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNMmN0PLNHBId_zL_oQrPQjMYVQBmOOChfmofFlYOeiYSJyWkdMQUztOVeQEJmBaCyKcWJMSCijK6kltaOw-Y3AkgDPqarV9cwbhHn060_E4p586LlTvTlKEuYZNO36jo1ZuBGTr4rOM/s1600/jesus-crucifixion-on-ground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNMmN0PLNHBId_zL_oQrPQjMYVQBmOOChfmofFlYOeiYSJyWkdMQUztOVeQEJmBaCyKcWJMSCijK6kltaOw-Y3AkgDPqarV9cwbhHn060_E4p586LlTvTlKEuYZNO36jo1ZuBGTr4rOM/s320/jesus-crucifixion-on-ground.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCA-7jAFuB04EZLrAi4595wAIb4DorQ2ZUc8gaRtHiM8nu4vPZvh0cA4e9sZ5ehkHAHf69jUCMFMnzEn-2-bH3-06cQaciK8MTeVsOULHT4Pmzq8-JhrLVq5q8vbGJH3gD4T8dB8zXlU/s1600/christ+on+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCA-7jAFuB04EZLrAi4595wAIb4DorQ2ZUc8gaRtHiM8nu4vPZvh0cA4e9sZ5ehkHAHf69jUCMFMnzEn-2-bH3-06cQaciK8MTeVsOULHT4Pmzq8-JhrLVq5q8vbGJH3gD4T8dB8zXlU/s320/christ+on+cross.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Later, on top of a hill called Golgatha, he was laid on that cross, with arms outstretched nails (which were more like spikes) were driven into the palm of his hands, and the top of his feet. If all that wasn't enough, that cross was raised up and dropped into the ground to stand, with Jesus hanging there. After several hours with barely a breath left in him "Jesus called out with a loud voice, '<span class="woj">Father, into your hands I commit my spirit'<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-25982e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]"><span style="font-size: x-small;">[</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">e] </span></sup></span>When he had said this, he breathed his last." (Luke 23:46 New International Version)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
To believe what I have written in this last paragraph, you must believe that the bible is true. I do, with all of my heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSwk390A_AmHeI5L3Y-amEjld3WLaJArhmepklJkBqGJWtzxAa6zRYEgaPe2jtFARbrGIiliEt45r1eq-WqAt3ZwQNFeuttKYXXJV4BOmYNqk3ReCWfD57ch_IZ6U8-IoF2Nz_Sm24hc/s1600/Rick+-+Dosewallips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSwk390A_AmHeI5L3Y-amEjld3WLaJArhmepklJkBqGJWtzxAa6zRYEgaPe2jtFARbrGIiliEt45r1eq-WqAt3ZwQNFeuttKYXXJV4BOmYNqk3ReCWfD57ch_IZ6U8-IoF2Nz_Sm24hc/s320/Rick+-+Dosewallips.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
I am looking forward to these next several weeks leading up to Easter and this spiritual journey called Lent.<br />
As I do, I will write to you, my friends, and share what good things the Lord has done.<br />
<br />
Blessings to you.</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-69762078543655369252011-03-10T21:47:00.000-08:002011-03-10T21:49:32.439-08:00March Ten-on-Ten<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ddiRIb-cVHS6zJPcOS911WGrNFUi6vgPPMLcOA300GZAM5dh9C-xWcQmu9Een97ksFUKG8tu3fEH1eYGMPFpwn7L7P-2ta8_4IA54fZh3l-xGXSQMvddxGgrN5Kox-JNo4hAe7a7t78/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ddiRIb-cVHS6zJPcOS911WGrNFUi6vgPPMLcOA300GZAM5dh9C-xWcQmu9Een97ksFUKG8tu3fEH1eYGMPFpwn7L7P-2ta8_4IA54fZh3l-xGXSQMvddxGgrN5Kox-JNo4hAe7a7t78/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevhr1Fh56VYACw83BtLi6-5zsLxUD-F8K8yDYzs1hJMkrzqA9QnuwcebFL4WpGglj_dANiPOQGglnAuadGQWGeBCKbLeKPx4n1RAI2KNJmh_ErX1FppyBmPxhCgLh9maflpFanYROHl8/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevhr1Fh56VYACw83BtLi6-5zsLxUD-F8K8yDYzs1hJMkrzqA9QnuwcebFL4WpGglj_dANiPOQGglnAuadGQWGeBCKbLeKPx4n1RAI2KNJmh_ErX1FppyBmPxhCgLh9maflpFanYROHl8/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhJHdLR00vfSx-l2G8-HUsF1zPtxZCwmJ9sYCYtTQM9IRDgXrV2DfXYTDmmr8HfnFXXwmU-GrEevu_U5fpOapswPIrclnif1fkEAaRIedFdpq5ntjCJCX-iDZzfpLX2JLs2nnG_q7Kfs/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhJHdLR00vfSx-l2G8-HUsF1zPtxZCwmJ9sYCYtTQM9IRDgXrV2DfXYTDmmr8HfnFXXwmU-GrEevu_U5fpOapswPIrclnif1fkEAaRIedFdpq5ntjCJCX-iDZzfpLX2JLs2nnG_q7Kfs/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjGdhDNgDiYkXeLv-9B0XvngukgRr996fCotN_tOEqZ31_JLoHJBJzO3E8lBAPZ0aI18QJSA1BIYWfN-uRPwHlk3JZRpfGPcx8B9nBkemHG-UgriyZMtKj0_dQ9OKJ4PSsjQYK7p0vrc/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjGdhDNgDiYkXeLv-9B0XvngukgRr996fCotN_tOEqZ31_JLoHJBJzO3E8lBAPZ0aI18QJSA1BIYWfN-uRPwHlk3JZRpfGPcx8B9nBkemHG-UgriyZMtKj0_dQ9OKJ4PSsjQYK7p0vrc/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBQAQLYYDg2B1SeEP7jH1YWpVfjTZM8lgVI9Ku6Efadx21ml0QrzfwOvE7PlvkbEr_qmPolBWtHIL9P7TI_Z0ZJZjxKZxUkQ_VNpCHMy160l1VBorCH-9jKQTQYYjchaqa662AQ5RN7A/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBQAQLYYDg2B1SeEP7jH1YWpVfjTZM8lgVI9Ku6Efadx21ml0QrzfwOvE7PlvkbEr_qmPolBWtHIL9P7TI_Z0ZJZjxKZxUkQ_VNpCHMy160l1VBorCH-9jKQTQYYjchaqa662AQ5RN7A/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV8Hq8qtojiNBK_irE6bjVWTK8d_NJMW_gdsrtIUuC_Q5CP5XAvltV4fOeq9CypDMqDjJfL7Jb8cn2osgx-RPjLhZ2eeltLvDK1lDAxQGNxhG8vPmiw-wHFiKtO-SNIYIKydU-cTMUbc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV8Hq8qtojiNBK_irE6bjVWTK8d_NJMW_gdsrtIUuC_Q5CP5XAvltV4fOeq9CypDMqDjJfL7Jb8cn2osgx-RPjLhZ2eeltLvDK1lDAxQGNxhG8vPmiw-wHFiKtO-SNIYIKydU-cTMUbc/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZaBW2cZEsLd3c58F6xP7FZ3CwLbrt2vlo1J905-40uYAj8_9uxgDaSfNzkm4xTyHg77ucBe24pWIKTBEu-69EOjFQUh68tMJCBINyL2RsEO_TkZF8Dtn21a6WYSUc3WVPJPzQxNQSgs/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZaBW2cZEsLd3c58F6xP7FZ3CwLbrt2vlo1J905-40uYAj8_9uxgDaSfNzkm4xTyHg77ucBe24pWIKTBEu-69EOjFQUh68tMJCBINyL2RsEO_TkZF8Dtn21a6WYSUc3WVPJPzQxNQSgs/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtYrzyQQQQO2HzztwazbHiMmByuh8YXStf0RS4MMI-xH-cAZhm1_ord80LxduI2fuJ9HuIKF_5KEt7r2CedhBMb6U2zbTzEtAbuZLzzt8AOb0dioOG1UiZF1oPgjROD7cmMycKB955M8/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtYrzyQQQQO2HzztwazbHiMmByuh8YXStf0RS4MMI-xH-cAZhm1_ord80LxduI2fuJ9HuIKF_5KEt7r2CedhBMb6U2zbTzEtAbuZLzzt8AOb0dioOG1UiZF1oPgjROD7cmMycKB955M8/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJQ8GcqF5hBXI5yFkd1E95yuGz_uKXiT3eL8ohimDBkzlkNBl0b-O_iR4kE-o5GLV-5ZYJfuzMYx_o9KN1h3uNfz-xzMTcfSt2gVU6JeHZGd3UDzE9GlO_kXgb6lsIufU0Xa0Mmvskhk/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJQ8GcqF5hBXI5yFkd1E95yuGz_uKXiT3eL8ohimDBkzlkNBl0b-O_iR4kE-o5GLV-5ZYJfuzMYx_o9KN1h3uNfz-xzMTcfSt2gVU6JeHZGd3UDzE9GlO_kXgb6lsIufU0Xa0Mmvskhk/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsKWjY1CW-FncQEANyKKDAuvjDgbA8lw_KO7rmp8dC044zoaFyelG43tSzECnWSv2nDvjMiuo89fOWrK_gZX_ADVs8v8RZO6m_8F8bnP7zsl_zk4PM3kOvomkUwCAxGOn7sMJeAhVtnQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsKWjY1CW-FncQEANyKKDAuvjDgbA8lw_KO7rmp8dC044zoaFyelG43tSzECnWSv2nDvjMiuo89fOWrK_gZX_ADVs8v8RZO6m_8F8bnP7zsl_zk4PM3kOvomkUwCAxGOn7sMJeAhVtnQ/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 - Air Cast</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 - My Chauffer - Sweet Hubby</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 - Lunchtime</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 - My coworker and friend: Laurie</div><div style="text-align: center;">5 - A surprise gift from Laurie ( I have really been wanting to order this book) - thank you Laurie SO MUCH!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">6 - Knitting during lunchbreak</div><div style="text-align: center;">7 - Christian Alexander (he is 20 months today)</div><div style="text-align: center;">8 - Another :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">9 - Tonight's dinner: Apples, orange, and banana with a bit of Cinnamon (hubby home late tonight)</div><div style="text-align: center;">10 - Buck looks like he's watching TV - hmm..maybe he was!</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-25412355221635919442011-03-06T21:16:00.000-08:002011-03-06T21:16:38.000-08:00ANOTHER PROJECT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTw4v_aRQCbf2my4ZkOON0aFkHIG1j1v2SerV0ltxf5Iw9nd-K92hAp9AlR_MthwH_EjkBUY-57_KXBO0UPfwfuKFuMcLR-Tdsxs10X3nMaQIQmVyR4mqDOmK8LJZGrTpQfzWy2Gu904/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTw4v_aRQCbf2my4ZkOON0aFkHIG1j1v2SerV0ltxf5Iw9nd-K92hAp9AlR_MthwH_EjkBUY-57_KXBO0UPfwfuKFuMcLR-Tdsxs10X3nMaQIQmVyR4mqDOmK8LJZGrTpQfzWy2Gu904/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We started another project yesterday. As most homeowners of older homes already know, there is ALWAYS something to do. I have said in previous posts, probably on my old blog, that this house had been a rental before we bought it. We have been so grateful for this place and have taken our time to decided what is really necessary to be done and what can wait, or perhaps not be done at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6WS_NU2ZOwYrsgsPvuZC0ci7j7oi0TqwPbXUeIRO5nrsRZ47lqctt38uAwGkZE3ePBA_WtKyMToTLOx9IKvoCkEJOuT6m_BiG5CFPAc1Z7dnz7h1zd9mN3y-sgLFT867r8wfFzzqPUc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6WS_NU2ZOwYrsgsPvuZC0ci7j7oi0TqwPbXUeIRO5nrsRZ47lqctt38uAwGkZE3ePBA_WtKyMToTLOx9IKvoCkEJOuT6m_BiG5CFPAc1Z7dnz7h1zd9mN3y-sgLFT867r8wfFzzqPUc/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With all that said, we have been putting up with this horrible light blue carpeting for quite awhile now. We've tried cleaning it a few times, but each time spots that had not been there before were there when things dried. That was frustrating to say the least, and just plain NASTY! We have been talking for a couple of years about eventually putting wood laminate flooring throughout the house. We had been thinking that our next project would be replacing the windows since the current ones are not energy efficient at all. That idea went out the window, ha, no pun intended, when we ripped up the carpet in the dining room yesterday and finished pulling up the tack strips today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5uB4D2zWpys9F866Jq0joVmuefMvfQCLbwCIx2o4XiWDi7-rqU0jDX4nv5sGV6yt_g6LCcFUXAwfV5DaxcK6xCDAgNfRlYPwAjAESbEkeYWHvc4VKtDszaa0cJz6mkKcGF2m2Q7gFH8/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5uB4D2zWpys9F866Jq0joVmuefMvfQCLbwCIx2o4XiWDi7-rqU0jDX4nv5sGV6yt_g6LCcFUXAwfV5DaxcK6xCDAgNfRlYPwAjAESbEkeYWHvc4VKtDszaa0cJz6mkKcGF2m2Q7gFH8/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Did I tell you that Rick and I work so great together? He is the best teacher too. Before working for Weyerhaeuser he worked for a remodeling company in Tacoma. This is his real passion, but as with any construction type work, jobs can be hit and miss. It has been such a joy for him to work on our place, and he has taught me quite a few things along the way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29riRGU6uOk622xa0Lnq_76PgzQYqBBhubIchNuZaXruL7cARpXMxnV02ZFsghD7m9-gfGJKk1LQ5E8IEENnzw0a8TE602ecOXlIq5oPoBSZu_HVlUyHW-2Xas5coZhgedV7SGxXCR_s/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29riRGU6uOk622xa0Lnq_76PgzQYqBBhubIchNuZaXruL7cARpXMxnV02ZFsghD7m9-gfGJKk1LQ5E8IEENnzw0a8TE602ecOXlIq5oPoBSZu_HVlUyHW-2Xas5coZhgedV7SGxXCR_s/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF2IIxx-ZEbXDV44KzTjJulFU8nuK-EzVUe0FPgFWjBADEfUVKu236K4HqDSez3Deg7YKhrFNSzIcfjJJPd6CpfDfWm25FXYJTX6yP30IIFUIzcOv_482hl5qK1Wyab9FM-DZGPsW98c/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF2IIxx-ZEbXDV44KzTjJulFU8nuK-EzVUe0FPgFWjBADEfUVKu236K4HqDSez3Deg7YKhrFNSzIcfjJJPd6CpfDfWm25FXYJTX6yP30IIFUIzcOv_482hl5qK1Wyab9FM-DZGPsW98c/s320/005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b-wpGdxtrbP-P-iDkwc8GpNR3z4S7zz5ODi_aqQAVumPmjAyXcZqFCuwFoGVEkzwrHOVtOFC9XGW3kIsHdxHFskmrMRPv7573vWQ3ejfOV8jEsMzJo3RFr7pL5FNErTPWRqVdLhkcQc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0b-wpGdxtrbP-P-iDkwc8GpNR3z4S7zz5ODi_aqQAVumPmjAyXcZqFCuwFoGVEkzwrHOVtOFC9XGW3kIsHdxHFskmrMRPv7573vWQ3ejfOV8jEsMzJo3RFr7pL5FNErTPWRqVdLhkcQc/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For now we put down an area rug we had in storage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTn9-E_969eGxH-lBPsNAmBWoeK0HHewweyDY6cb6eJctkoyVJmrho3vjYSf42LpdWvc1kl_f0_Jid36s4odDo3WvXsucTnICLaIfzLTPNJqAaz4De4DuHM4aaG9qMmqt9lYLaL38JtoA/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTn9-E_969eGxH-lBPsNAmBWoeK0HHewweyDY6cb6eJctkoyVJmrho3vjYSf42LpdWvc1kl_f0_Jid36s4odDo3WvXsucTnICLaIfzLTPNJqAaz4De4DuHM4aaG9qMmqt9lYLaL38JtoA/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPrzhgp4XQ7HZcjLI41nFXHqfPkzYRrOskVJfcmwkMIBd5rqXoDur7cEMCCg8duh_5gIqUBHI3RSK4ppltDMF2Uwx0svOL7nNYw7oKb-pAzgVBFiioiCMj2aNnENvoIW8V-qLwrV_8Vk/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPrzhgp4XQ7HZcjLI41nFXHqfPkzYRrOskVJfcmwkMIBd5rqXoDur7cEMCCg8duh_5gIqUBHI3RSK4ppltDMF2Uwx0svOL7nNYw7oKb-pAzgVBFiioiCMj2aNnENvoIW8V-qLwrV_8Vk/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlmnVhvvhZjDHhpU-zxjjyt0n72JXuBA5H_5G0cH-0hYz4b8v69Z7xRTymB5L9Ax7OgEpHKwD6kOP1IElJZPQXmiK8xmsScKKGhs0dZsKC6ZTtKiD_I1pdtmenPQhg9Lxgye5D57g224g/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> This project is going to take awhile since we don't use credit cards. What that means is we will buy necessary supplies each payday. The cool thing is that when the project is done, it is done - no payments!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will be sure to post updates on this project, and more..... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-71183648790846169152011-02-28T08:36:00.000-08:002011-02-28T08:36:00.181-08:00LAST WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY : Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iavlCN90u1P1LDP16RrXa4rn-rxmNkE1Tr-QPTQAEMr2EPdngW9mF_vwPv7_iQwH7dPhBIYbggVgWNaPaXb-6OPLuKnPO7n0cLU7bwyzResAzKxAjzcy3HxPJ6R_HMgSbwqri62Yuzo/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_iavlCN90u1P1LDP16RrXa4rn-rxmNkE1Tr-QPTQAEMr2EPdngW9mF_vwPv7_iQwH7dPhBIYbggVgWNaPaXb-6OPLuKnPO7n0cLU7bwyzResAzKxAjzcy3HxPJ6R_HMgSbwqri62Yuzo/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian is so serious..</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Today we got the pleasure of having Christian, Caleb's son, spend a few hours with us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">His mommy, Jamie, dropped him off around 9:30, visited briefly, and headed off to work. This was the first time he has stayed with us alone and I think Jamie was a tiny bit anxious as to how he would do...I assured her that he would be fine, as we watched him with our dogs. I was pleased that he didn't even cry when she left.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a nice time together. As you can see in the pictures above and below he loved the iTouch - he thought it was a phone like his daddy's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCOvftGW6FgzXTQ0iIukUU0fWUh8iWS0XKbAC_6UFE14jStrr8Ul99Vv4tyuRACuOOev8cNy7aayh_2TjkSK1cnAvmyA4_HWtiARvpOL0nbVTNR6WFlj24xJXiDTZvazX22nTsy67qc4/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCOvftGW6FgzXTQ0iIukUU0fWUh8iWS0XKbAC_6UFE14jStrr8Ul99Vv4tyuRACuOOev8cNy7aayh_2TjkSK1cnAvmyA4_HWtiARvpOL0nbVTNR6WFlj24xJXiDTZvazX22nTsy67qc4/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few more pics of our time together, he is such a sweetie! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4TlFZOsGGBsCLKiVDgQk6bWo1XnPyzt4tIR7a1xJUWP3JgvvrRoSInr8-fE0q4RtLWSaT7Pn2ugqMDubucf2mBJXP6fQMrOAfzYhC1dWemDOFhARyRH2G2QrZg-7lkp6mEmvn7E9rWI/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4TlFZOsGGBsCLKiVDgQk6bWo1XnPyzt4tIR7a1xJUWP3JgvvrRoSInr8-fE0q4RtLWSaT7Pn2ugqMDubucf2mBJXP6fQMrOAfzYhC1dWemDOFhARyRH2G2QrZg-7lkp6mEmvn7E9rWI/s320/025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX0oNkB6XJk1CW_OlaISPrnzj2hKz7jO6L3IxtA4IlX23cfeROdxSUy6UFu_KfYtoP_2F4J6l24zlh5nWzUAxOzqMYu9UdF1GX4dLaAy4edbzjNZUhwpT5o2t8RrM6VKQmS5YisLpciU/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxX0oNkB6XJk1CW_OlaISPrnzj2hKz7jO6L3IxtA4IlX23cfeROdxSUy6UFu_KfYtoP_2F4J6l24zlh5nWzUAxOzqMYu9UdF1GX4dLaAy4edbzjNZUhwpT5o2t8RrM6VKQmS5YisLpciU/s320/027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9ZlgrUNg_V3JD4IgCcyAt1j30NWNpkGwI0g1LTkbf2jxFdk5iDomzN103ckecSeS1TXn3pHVDfVz70amrL_Gc1Lc5GsPVfHzqJbluiTfWaXek6n1SWVprZ7-Axj9Q9ZcVHYXCypuXr4/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9ZlgrUNg_V3JD4IgCcyAt1j30NWNpkGwI0g1LTkbf2jxFdk5iDomzN103ckecSeS1TXn3pHVDfVz70amrL_Gc1Lc5GsPVfHzqJbluiTfWaXek6n1SWVprZ7-Axj9Q9ZcVHYXCypuXr4/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwPJksm0sm_6Bazfgmm6qLlHmo9H_fpT8Tv4ZU1ozcz1rvH4sbG7ganoZr0ifhMe6Q3sPGeJbPmy3Gw6mXm_1BU9u46Bh9WPCC8Bsz-HLY7CuJImR33vSbw5yGxfiYcto02TMf5r54Eo/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglwPJksm0sm_6Bazfgmm6qLlHmo9H_fpT8Tv4ZU1ozcz1rvH4sbG7ganoZr0ifhMe6Q3sPGeJbPmy3Gw6mXm_1BU9u46Bh9WPCC8Bsz-HLY7CuJImR33vSbw5yGxfiYcto02TMf5r54Eo/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Buck's size didn't even bother Christian in the slightest!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Caleb, and Jamie, for the privilege of this time with your precious son.</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-21852619091814432472011-02-27T20:36:00.000-08:002011-02-27T20:36:11.375-08:00LAST WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY : Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxE1dPLwiciiahYbuxhpg3QZD2MpLJea3Y6lJqmD5L5kPUrs5vJM_OmaEBi-LAYGK-OZj1c0dkd-t2PYJkSwXJpX2-zhqpt0DQx7sT8hj5ybNt2145OKo9Wh9b5OurO6Kt-Wjvqfpwf4/s1600/Port+Gamble.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxE1dPLwiciiahYbuxhpg3QZD2MpLJea3Y6lJqmD5L5kPUrs5vJM_OmaEBi-LAYGK-OZj1c0dkd-t2PYJkSwXJpX2-zhqpt0DQx7sT8hj5ybNt2145OKo9Wh9b5OurO6Kt-Wjvqfpwf4/s320/Port+Gamble.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Port Gamble</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you are a Face Book Friend then you already know that Rick and I took a day trip to Port Townsend yesterday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our 9th wedding anniversary was this past Wednesday, February 23rd. Since we both had to work, and different shifts from each other, we set aside yesterday to celebrate. It was Rick's idea to go to Port Townsend, and his idea to head up I-5 to Edmonds and take the ferry over to the Penninsula.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His family settled in Georgia when he was around 11 years old, before then they traveled since his dad was in the military. Needless to say, ferry boat rides are still a novelty to him....it is really rather endearing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We stopped in Port Gamble and I fell in love....with this quaint little town (already in love with the hubby). It is just so clean. We didn't go into all the shops since we were headed to PT, but are definitely looking forward to visiting again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Onward to Port Townsend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> First stop, McDonalds for a quick bite. Now I must say, it was already a very cold day, but somehow I don't think that they got the memo to turn up the heat. It was almost as cold inside as it was outside, so we ate in our car....TOASTY WARM! </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <br />
Snack done, into town we go......</div><div style="text-align: center;">After circling the town once, we found a parking spot in front of "The Green Eyeshade" a lovely little "kitchen" store. I came away with a couple of "finds"....like a cookbook called "Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey", and YES it looks as wonderful as it sounds, AND it was 40% off! I cannot wait to put a few of the recipes to the test.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Out into the cold again....that wind was pretty "nasty"....and it didn't help that we were walking into a headwind......thank God for so many cool stores to duck into!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rick was such a sweetie by being so willing to go into my idea of "fun" shops, such as "Diva Yarn and Trim". I have never seen such unique trims. I wanted SO bad to buy some, but honestly didn't know what I would use it for, so I resisted the urge and told myself I'd wait for another visit. I wasn't as impressed about the "yarn" part of the store, perhaps because it wasn't even close to being as cool as "The Artful Ewe" in Port Gamble, now that is a place for all knitters to visit!</div><div style="text-align: center;">We poked our noses into a few more places and decided another favorite was the "EarthenWorks Gallery". We fell in love with some of the artwork there....just a tiny bit too expensive for us...another great place to visit though.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We decided to follow Hwy 101 back to Olympia. By this time it was starting to "spit"out snow and when we reached Hoodsport we were in snow and it actually started sticking to the road between there and Shelton....did I say that we really LOVE our Subaru Outback?</div><div style="text-align: center;">We ended our trip with a final stop at Papa Murphy's for a half Cowboy and half Canadian Bacon and Pineapple Pizza.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Home....warm, cozy home....Pizza, beer, "Cops" (Rick's favorite) and a very contented heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Without sounding too sappy, did I tell you that I have the best husband in the whole world? Well, I do!</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-19398236185836804742011-02-23T14:02:00.000-08:002011-02-23T14:02:18.427-08:009 Years of Wedded Bliss<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gB2iDfOWyzTbFxcviOTyMVuMp1GXwSZ-vmFdA-p7sx35Fv-OG3nCT4TkT35gxsZaknHCZk0eajYeOZr1VrsD5LENaXi45fV7qeerHXI9JW3Z_tLzEotcxwNtdpmzQStuhgJlmRi7mdM/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gB2iDfOWyzTbFxcviOTyMVuMp1GXwSZ-vmFdA-p7sx35Fv-OG3nCT4TkT35gxsZaknHCZk0eajYeOZr1VrsD5LENaXi45fV7qeerHXI9JW3Z_tLzEotcxwNtdpmzQStuhgJlmRi7mdM/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Today, February, 23, 2011, marks 9 years of wedded bliss to my husband, Rick.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We met in early March of 2000 in the parking lot of our apartment complex. He lived at the opposite end of the building where my apartment was. We would talk a bit each time we saw each other (this was after I had already been living there for about 8 months) and then one time we just stood there for about 2 hours talking about everything and anything.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
A few weeks later we went walk/jogging together over to St Martin's University and ran the stairs and walk/jogged back to the apartments. Several more times of this were followed by a Lasagna Dinner at my place where we ate and then just sat at the table and talked and talked. Before we knew it the clock said almost midnight and neither of us knew where the time went. A couple weekends later Rick took me on a picnic to Ocean Shores, with Paulie, his dog - now that was a fun trip because Paulie and I shared a seat in Rick's truck. Then came the notes left on each others' doors...sweet love notes. He would stop by my work (Top Foods at that time) on his way to work with an excuse that he was buying a soda or whatever, but we both knew it was to sneak a hello.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now contrary to what I would do now, a few months later he moved into my apartment and we lived together unitl a year and a half later when we were married on Saturday, February 23, 2002 at 11:00 am. We kept things extremely small and simple with just his sister, Renae, and brother in law, Jack, standing up with us. Afterward, we all went down to The Oyster House in downtown Olympia for lunch. We didn't have an honeymoon until April when we spent about 3 days in Cannon Beach at The Harrison Street Inn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Life has been really good together. We have an amazing relationship. His love to me is the closest thing to the love Christ shows us with His "unconditional" love. Rick has never tried to change me, nor I him. We have an understanding to "meet in the middle" when we both disagree on something, or when necessary (which is not very often) we agree to disagree. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am blessed that we "understand" each other SO WELL, at least 99.9% of the time. We let God teach us the other 1% how to grow through our misunderstandings.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, to you Lord Jesus, I give thanks for this wonderful, loving and generous man to be in my life. And to you, my sweet HonBun, I love you and am so incredibly grateful for the sweet love you give me. I look forward to the rest of our lives together. Happy Anniversary, Hon....Love, your LindaLou :)</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-90020583540122882292011-02-15T18:57:00.000-08:002011-02-15T18:57:39.702-08:00Valentine's Day Question: What is Love?<div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEhRmaRcW1E_dhzUQ2yXtMS5tr_-EGzVBQ7Q6wTh1YXT6KO0yPbB97rt7bSJoYrEb4MNsQlfqzwbUuuh6Vr_q6yOn6bSjtWY1-yepqcMldA0rXqwG2iuTqhrn-5IdQlRoZsh6xvv_SWmmKY/s1600/tumblr_lg7b3q706B1qf639uo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmaRcW1E_dhzUQ2yXtMS5tr_-EGzVBQ7Q6wTh1YXT6KO0yPbB97rt7bSJoYrEb4MNsQlfqzwbUuuh6Vr_q6yOn6bSjtWY1-yepqcMldA0rXqwG2iuTqhrn-5IdQlRoZsh6xvv_SWmmKY/s400/tumblr_lg7b3q706B1qf639uo1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(via "atouchofpinkxo")</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On a day that is filled with roses and candy does anyone really stop and think, "What is love anyway?"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have a suggestion and it comes from the greatest author about love that there is, He created LOVE after all.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is what God's word says about love:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Love never fails.....</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">....And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 13:1-8a &13 (NIV)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY </span></span></div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-23500918765597842542011-02-08T16:47:00.000-08:002011-02-08T16:47:32.458-08:00CHALLENGES<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W5tbrl6VlXw/TVDJZQSMhqI/AAAAAAAAAK8/PFtirSvbJWg/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_W5tbrl6VlXw/TVDJZQSMhqI/AAAAAAAAAK8/PFtirSvbJWg/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)</i></div><br />
<br />
Two and a half weeks ago I joined Weight Watchers Online....perhaps I should say that I "rejoined" since I have been on this journey before. What makes this time different?<br />
A few months ago my daughter asked me what would I name this year of my life. After mulling this over for a few days I felt impressed to call it "Commitment and Consistency". Obviously taking on something like WW is making a "commitment", but what makes it successful is being consistent....consistent in many things, but for me it is keeping a daily food journal, portion control, and exercising, oh! and no emotional eating....can a woman really do that? <br />
So, the other night I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with the 1# of extra lean ground beef I had thawed out and Wha-la! I came up with this:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Linda's Homemade Spaghetti Sauce</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1# extra lean ground beef, browned</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 small onions, chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">3 fresh garlic cloves, minced</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup grated carrots</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 1/2 cup grated zucchini</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div style="text-align: center;"> 1/2 teaspoon sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning</div><div style="text-align: center;">1-15.5 ounce can diced tomatoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">1-8 ounce can tomato sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 package fresh sliced mushrooms</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Directions:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brown burger, add onion, garlic, carrots, zucchini and saute with burger until just soft. Add seasonings and stir in tomatoes and tomato sauce. Simmer on low for about 40 min, add fresh mushrooms and simmer for another 20 minutes. Serve over pasta (watch your portion!) and Enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup sauce = 3 points</div><br />
My husband, who is not necessarily a veggie lover, LOVED this. Hope you do too.Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9012580959795230325.post-91809223677023355082011-02-06T17:42:00.000-08:002011-02-06T17:42:53.081-08:00Welcome<div style="text-align: center;">Hello you all and welcome to my new blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Take a Breath" is intended to encourage you to STOP, BREATHE, and ENJOY some simple pleasures....</div><div style="text-align: center;">I pray this blog will do this for you. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Please take a moment to introduce yourself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305634292651104621noreply@blogger.com0