tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-519598988426322242024-02-02T01:53:27.933-05:00On High OccasionsA blog of storybook comforts for home, garden and spiritAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-87752251722183841032013-09-15T21:48:00.000-04:002013-09-16T12:08:13.669-04:00DAYTRIPPER: A Quick Jaunt to Asheville – Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I've been bad, so very bad. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Has anyone else noticed that today is September 12th and that the last time I posted was July 21st??? </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>So much has happened in this last 8 weeks: blueberry picking and the
resulting blueberry pie and muffins, Watermelon Tomato Gazpacho from our garden, a
going away party for Sarah, a 2-week, strict gluten/sugar free cleanse and the resulting mood swings and forced creativity in the cucina,
among other things. I'll tell you about these in due time, but first I
wanted to share with you my most recent trip to Asheville (while it is
still in focus)!!! </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I'll forego any mis-placed desire to self shame and just pick up where I am now... </i></blockquote>
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<b>ASHEVILLE, NC.</b> ––<br />
<span class="kno-a-v"><i><span class="kno-a-v">Buncombe County, North Carolina </span> </i></span><br />
<span class="kno-a-v">35.5800° N, 82.5558° W</span><br />
The Paris of the South, a.k.a. Beer City, U.S.A<br />
Motto:<i> "Any way you like it."</i><br />
<br />
Folks, this was a dream in the making. I can't tell you how long I've been wanting to visit Asheville. Friends have been telling me for years that I would love it down there; turns out, they weren't wrong!<br />
Now, let me preface this post (a second time) by saying that this trip was more a day-trip than vacation; we were gone less than 36 hours and our feet touched North Carolina soil for a mere 21 hours, including beauty sleep. Crazy, I know, but let me explain...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(L) Bluegrass busking outside the Old Woolworth's, (R) Detail of the art deco S&B Cafeteria building downtown</i></td></tr>
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My friend, Emily, was heading down for work. To be more exact, she was traveling for a mandatory two-hour meeting on Tuesday (leaving Monday afternoon and returning Tuesday evening), and I just happened to, well, invite myself along, you know, as a car buddy, just to keep her from falling asleep on the long, six-hour trek. (No shame, here.) But really, I just wanted to go to Asheville!!! Triple bonus that it was with a great friend AND it was expense paid.<br />
<br />
Stunned by the offer––not because she was disgusted by my outrageous nerve to include myself in her itinerary, but because she was not used to having psuedo-unemployed friends who could drop everything at a moment's notice and take a wild trip like this––she agreed to my request.<br />
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Kudos to my free-wheeling, free-lance lifestyle for keeping me open and
for my intuition and desire for allowing this deviant behavior, because
this trip was just what I needed to refresh!<br />
<br />
Nothing like a little day
trip or mini-adventure to wake up your senses, open you to new
things and refuel your desire for life!<br />
<br />
We had dinner once we got into Asheville (at the famed <a href="https://tupelohoneycafe.com/" target="_blank">Tupelo Honey Cafe</a>, no less), checked into The Marriott's Renaissance Hotel, slept like rocks, and then awoke early to take in the foggy mountain air on our walk to breakfast at <a href="http://earlygirleatery.com/" target="_blank">The Early Girl Eatery</a> on Wall Street. Two foodie home runs in a row!<br />
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I simply devoured my gluten-free Early Girl Benny (poached eggs and spinach over fried grit cakes, topped with avocado slices and house-made salsa). I usually prefer hollandaise on poached eggs, but this was absolutely delish! I love how gluten-free friendly Asheville is; there are either alternatives everywhere you go, or full-menu devotion. After buying Ron some <a href="http://firefromthemountain.com/" target="_blank">local hot sauce</a>, we headed back to the hotel to check out.<br />
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<i>Next up: </i>Part 2 <i>–– </i>The historic Grove Park Inn, shopping and blissful wandering.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0Asheville, NC, USA35.5950581 -82.55148689999998635.181594100000005 -83.196933899999991 36.0085221 -81.906039899999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-44877762669201091822013-09-15T21:39:00.000-04:002014-06-17T14:28:12.487-04:00DAYTRIPPER: A Quick Jaunt to Asheville – Part 2<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9exFzPkufrK-bjEsu4GW9N3mgCsG05C1bNH06jjhuXKi2FSvIzDn2AijEuARl-DAjIyezkWK6q9GCSBHkDU5744hW9WyVJ8-Q17Rkovs6z_NhCZa1elKKCU6bB8I_EQMxnMk-u_taqKM/s640/GPI.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
So last time I left off at us checking out of The Renaissance...We are down in Asheville, North Carolina, remember?<br />
<br />
Emily agreed to take me out to <a href="http://www.groveparkinn.com/" target="_blank">The Grove Park Inn</a><u>,</u>
to show me the renovations her and her team at the architectural firm
3North completed last year. What a beautiful, historic inn; it is
definitely worth a look! I could definitely imagine myself in fall
watching the sunset over the mountains from the back veranda, or in
winter rocking fire-side in the Great Hall with a steaming cup in hand.<br />
<br />
The
interior renovations are gorgeous. I cannot image what it looked like
before the new carpets, fixtures, furniture, lighting and columns were
designed and installed. It has a fresh, modern air without being stale
and while still maintaining it's historic vibe. The earthy elements of
the natural rock walls and craftsman wood details give the high-ceiling
lobby an inviting lodgey feel, which is just what this mountain-girl
likes to see. I only wish that it was a little cooler outside so the
fires would have been lit, how utterly dreamy and cozy that would have
been!<br />
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We
took an unsactioned tour of the grounds and interiors, even getting a
lucky glance inside one of the rooms on the third floor. (Mikhail
Baryshnikov slept there in 1984, just so ya know.)<br />
<br />
The
Grove Park Inn also has a spa, several restaurants, and cute and kitschy
shops on sight including a women's apparel store called CLOTH and a
sweets shop called THE PINK PIG, both of which Emily's team helped
create.<br />
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Let's
just say it was a whirlwind trip, a quick–too quick, if you ask
me–glimpse into life in this gorgeous mountain city. Asheville deserves
better than 36 measly hours and 2.5 meals. Upon departure, I sent her a
prayer of love and respect and a promise to return soon. (I'm already
planning our itinerary.)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0Asheville, NC, USA35.5950581 -82.55148689999998635.181594100000005 -83.196933899999991 36.0085221 -81.906039899999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-19709306755435542322013-07-21T14:17:00.000-04:002013-07-21T14:19:07.679-04:00It Is Good To Be Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>WHEW! </i></span></div>
<br />
What a whirlwind 2 months it has been. Filming finished over a week ago for <a href="http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com/2013/06/25/first-look-oswalds-in-killing-kennedy/" target="_blank">"Killing Kennedy,"</a> and I am just now beginning to feel like myself again. I do apologize for the delay in posting since, but learning to reassimilate into normal life takes some getting used to. And by normal life I mean waking up at a decent hour (7:30 a.m. instead of 4:30 a.m.), enjoying breakfast at home with my beloved, having the time to shower once in a while. There hasn't been a free moment to pet the cat, let alone pick up a camera and document this gorgeous summer as it slips by.<br />
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Not working 16+ hours-a-day, 5 days-a-week has also left me no doubt exhausted, and today is the first day that I haven't felt an uncontrollable urge to nap by 11 a.m. Weary-legged and dreary-eyed, I find myself horizontal on the couch, watching period dramas on Netflix more often than I'd like to admit, but if you have never worked grueling hours on your feet all day, in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, then you just wouldn't know what it is like...<i>So no judging, okay?</i><br />
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The truth is that I have been pretty bombarded with general house and health upkeep since we wrapped on the 12th. When I'm not napping or, errr, couch-sitting, my days are filled with chores like cleaning my way through the 2 months of dirty laundry acquired during my work stint, or treating the house as organically as possible for fleas since I neglected my indoor/outdoor cat and missed multiple Revolution applications. Then there is the garden, which is brimming with cucumbers and ready-to-ripen tomatoes, and, in this heat, they need to be watered twice a day to ensure maximum efficiency. ( I sure seem to be making a lot of excuses, don't I?) I have neglected my house, my health, my cat, my lover and our relationship on this film, despite my best efforts, and getting all those houses in order is my priority <i>numero uno.</i><br />
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Don't get me wrong, I'm thoroughly enjoying re-assimilating into my awesome life, I just don't necessarily have the additional energy to document and edit them for your enjoyment...not until now anyhow. I've relished this time keeping house, hanging laundry out-of-doors and slow mornings and bountiful brunches with Ron. I've had several successful thrift store shopping adventures and eaten some <i>delicioso</i> foods including homemade pesto pasta, peach and blackberry cobbler, and tons, <i>tons,</i> of caprese.<br />
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<i>Ah, Life... It is good to be back.</i><br />
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<br />
"Killing Kennedy," a National Geographic special capturing the unforgettable Kennedy and Oswald assassinations, will premiere in November. I was fortunate enough to work with an extraordinary cast and crew–including several friends, the gorgeous Ginnifer Goodwin, the sweet-as-apple-pie Will Rothhaar and the talented Amy Andrews Harrell, who was just nominated for an Emmy for her Costume Design on Killing Lincoln! (Congrats Amy!!!!)<br />
<br />
Look out for my name in the credits (<i>hehe</i>). It is sure to be a gorgeous period piece and I am looking forward to seeing it all come together on screen!<br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com/2013/06/25/first-look-oswalds-in-killing-kennedy/" target="_blank">"Killing Kennedy" </a>Photos by Kent Eanes, National Geographic Channels. From Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Ginnifer Goodwin as Jackie, Rob Lowe as Kennedy, Will Rothhaar as Oswald, and Michelle Trachtenberg as Marina Oswald.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-41584707455169529912013-05-18T14:41:00.000-04:002013-05-18T17:02:16.361-04:00Hiatus Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpylZV-Mjhiz6sRAiKjWE9T_84eDH1AiWdpIAg4ainrdJY9LKYuPtBx8ro00Gm0qoLITwKxlz1_pS8cqqHtmTeS8mqf_nGJKJ3gy8JRfIqa0pL6HHRYI8T_H7X8TAqlqECUjG-z-yhOk/s1600/P1016035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpylZV-Mjhiz6sRAiKjWE9T_84eDH1AiWdpIAg4ainrdJY9LKYuPtBx8ro00Gm0qoLITwKxlz1_pS8cqqHtmTeS8mqf_nGJKJ3gy8JRfIqa0pL6HHRYI8T_H7X8TAqlqECUjG-z-yhOk/s640/P1016035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i><span class="sqq">“Yes,
I will give to those who give of themselves, untold Joy and Bliss; and
what is more, I will lead them by the hand along those petal strewn paths of Eternal Joy.”</span> </i></b><br />
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<i>~Sri Sathya Sai Baba</i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
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I am somewhat ashamed to admit that I have severely fallen behind on my 2-3 posts a week goal here at oHo. Professional and popular bloggers will tell you the importance of sticking to your blog schedule when you first start out to build discipline and storyline, etc. It can be rough at first, with the inevitable doubts that arise. <i>Does anyone even read this anyways? What is the point? </i><br />
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My absence here has less to do with those doubts and more to do with the slow takeover of my normal life. There have been doubts, yes, but there has also been part time jobs responsibilities, relationship crises, healing, and a TON of garden work. You cannot expect to have summer vegetables without back-breaking labor in spring, nor life without some stumbling blocks.<br />
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We've put in several gardens here at the house including a trellised front-yard bed, lush container gardens and a spontaneous alley garden that Ron has nicknamed "the ghetto garden" plus we've installed a full-fledged, fenced-in vegetable patch over at a friend's, There have been so many great moments and highlights from the past several weeks that I just wasn't able to share with you all: al fresco dining, potting benches, drying herbs on our new herb rack, peonies in bloom, taco night, cupcakes and a strawberry pie surprise from my neighbor (Thanks Lyric!), thrift store treasures and the soon-to-be launching of my vintage etsy shop, <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFickleFern" target="_blank">The Fickle Fern.</a></b><br />
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Now, I am about to begin a two month job working as Costume Supervisor on National Geographic's Killing Kennedy. I am excited to be jumping back in to the film business and working with my friends again, but I have a feeling, from experience, that there won't be as much time for blogging. I will if I can, but chances are, by the time I am back, summer will be in full swing and I'll be super excited to document riverside picnics, grilling parties and tomato harvests.<br />
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See you all in July!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-17393606584306209592013-05-08T11:11:00.002-04:002013-05-08T11:11:43.959-04:00An Accidental Cinco de Mayo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You can probably tell by the lack of recent posts here that I've been pretty busy elsewhere. So busy, in fact, that I almost let a holiday slip by uncelebrated. And this on a blog whose theme is about highlighting the causes for celebration; a possible catastrophe! Okay, just kidding. I guess if you set out to make each day a high occasion, then it wouldn't be so bad missing a holiday here or there. Nonetheless, Cinco de Mayo almost came and went.<br />
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That morning I invited two friends over for cocktails and munchies, unaware of the actual date. I had an unopened bottle of Trader Joe's Bloody Mary mix in the back of my fridge just crying to be cracked and shared. Noel and I had been trying to reconnect over the last two weeks to no avail, but this time things clicked into place.<br />
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Noel is co-owner of a local pickling company, <a href="http://www.pickledsilly.com/" target="_blank"><b>Pickled Silly.</b> </a><i>(Check 'em out; I styled and photographed the main image on their website!)</i> Her and her business partner, Sandra, make a delicious array of fresh and crispy pickles, but it was their spicy okra that took special place at the table today; the brine was our mixer and the okra, the garnish. With over 20 years of restaurant and bar experience, my beloved Ron
was our bartender of choice. He cracked pepper, sprinkled smoked salt and
stirred the spirits with professional mystique, all while carrying on a
conversation about the common lawn weed, oxalis. Our Bloody Mary's were made with gin instead of vodka; a pleasant change from the traditional spirit of choice.<br />
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I'm a lightweight, and while I sipped on my one, perfectly concocted cocktail all afternoon, my three compatriots knocked back their Mary's with vigor. We drank and chatted on the back deck until late in the afternoon, gnoshing on homemade pickles and honey roasted peanuts. It was an incredibly pleasant, laid back day. Glancing at the calendar in the evening and realizing it was the fifth of May just made the impromptu gathering that much more serendipitous.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-27484299815394008242013-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:002013-05-06T08:00:08.752-04:00Happy Montage Monday: Backyard Haven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really love Spring, guys. It is undoubtedly my favorite season. Myriad flowers bloom everywhere. Brand new leaves pop seemingly out of nowhere on twigs and branches painting a canopy of green overhead. On certain days we get a fleeting glimpse of Summer when the weather is warm enough for sandals and hammock lounging. I press open a good book or glossy magazine and could sit for hours, bathing in the first hot sun of the year. <br /><br />My backyard is a haven in Spring: rustic, wild and pure. There is almost no grass here; medicinals and weeds naturally populate the yard. I am beginning to like the un-manicured feel of this rental property. Vinca vines with blooming periwinkle hold hands with english ivy and virginia creeper (and also happen to be one of Nabby's favorite nap spots). The grape vine on the fence sends out its green tentacles and the first buds appear on the hydrangea and gardenia. There aren't any mosquitoes around the water barrel yet, and the local birds flit about searching for nest material or baby birdie food, making quite a racket each sunrise and sunset.<br />
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This photo montage is a snapshot of my dearly beloved backyard haven. May it inspire a relaxing day out-of-doors.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-78701258442632957532013-05-01T08:30:00.000-04:002013-05-01T08:30:03.567-04:00Let's Be Neighbors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know Saturday, April 27th was National Neighbor Day? <i>I didn't.</i><br />
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A chance encounter surfing the web brought this to my attention, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to thank my awesome neighbors for being, well, awesome, and the best excuse to bake something sweet.<br />
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Ron took over in the kitchen, making the scrumptious cinnamon swirl buns that were such a hit at Easter. I purchased pretty pink packaging materials and set about writing notes to each neighbor.<br />
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The card read something like...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Happy National Neighbor Day!<br />
Ron and I are just tickled pink to have you as our neighbor." </blockquote>
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I delivered them one-by-one. My upstairs neighbor gave us a cool Jamaican CD in return, and my next-door neighbor, Lyric, took these great portraits of her two young girls biting into the goods. Aren't they precious?<br />
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Lyric is a fantastic portrait photographer with a knack for capturing the natural warmth and charm of children, infants and families. Check out more of her work at <a href="http://lyrichasslerphotography.com/" target="_blank">LyricHasslerPhotography.com.</a><br />
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I think I might have been under the misguided impression that this was one of those informal national holidays, like <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/eraser-rubber-eraser-day" target="_blank"><b>National Rubber Eraser Day</b></a> (April 15) or <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/blahblahday.htm" target="_blank"><b>Blah, Blah, Blah Day</b></a> (April 17). (No seriously, those are, in fact, National observance days in the month of April.) Turns out this Neighbor Day was a community-building, grassroots event partly inspired by the Boston Marathon events. (<a href="http://www.good.is/posts/host-a-neighborday-celebration-on-april-27" target="_blank"><b>Here is the link</b> </a>to find out more).<br />
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The 27th of April actually shares holiday coverage with <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/other/baberuthday.htm" target="_blank">Babe Ruth</a>, <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/primeribday.htm" target="_blank">Prime Rib</a> and something called <a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/April/tellastoryday.htm" target="_blank">'Tell A Story Day'.</a> There might not be any more room to make this an honest-to-America holiday called National Neighbor Day. Only time will tell. Note: this should NOT to be confused with <b><a href="http://neighborhoodday.org/" target="_blank">National Neighborhood Day</a></b> on the third Sunday in September.<br />
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My head is spinning. I fully recommend you read the full list of bizarre National Days<a href="http://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/" target="_blank"> here.</a><br />
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Okay, so I inadvertently lied on the card. Big whoop. I also didn't get a chance to don my apron, as Ron did the baking, but I did have the pleasure of visiting each of my immediate neighbors to see their faces light up and enjoyed some pleasant chit-chat. <br />
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Plus, we've got leftovers! Win. Win. Win.<br />
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This was such a success, and I felt so good afterwards that I have half-a-mind to play around with that-there list of wacky holidays and come up with random acts of kindness for each month out of the year! Whose with me?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-91873423736827342262013-04-29T08:30:00.000-04:002013-04-29T08:30:01.986-04:00Happy Montage Monday | The Earth, The Sea and The Sky.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN5Gkrwhbwdo_C4YSXfk1-n4B831ds-xiu0dxABPMMUmwp54LLoyHmG5iRQUTkH3wgjEgDZskfcH7EE0V-o1_Bv5VpXCICeKuffyhF0IWu96lcEcYtFpM4nVzOztTuQPozm7yPJkDtfA/s1600/earth-sea-sky+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="860" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN5Gkrwhbwdo_C4YSXfk1-n4B831ds-xiu0dxABPMMUmwp54LLoyHmG5iRQUTkH3wgjEgDZskfcH7EE0V-o1_Bv5VpXCICeKuffyhF0IWu96lcEcYtFpM4nVzOztTuQPozm7yPJkDtfA/s640/earth-sea-sky+montage.jpg" width="648" /></a></div>
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I hope you all had a swell weekend!<br />
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The weather was great here in central Virginia despite a little drizzle Sunday afternoon. I spent as much time as possible outdoors, either sitting on my back deck (<i>meditating, sipping tea, eating lunch and, I'll admit, being on the computer waaaay too long</i>) or walking my garden and Maymont's Herbs Galore.<br />
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Being in touch with the elements has left me feeling quite grounded and secure as I start off the week. This montage I entitled "The Earth, The Sea and The Sky;" it is inspired by nature's balmy, relaxing effects. The photos were taken at various times, and in various locals, over the past 9 years. Some were taken on film, hence the grainy, low res nature of a few shots.<br />
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May it be the salve to your work-week stress and find you amidst your paper piles and to-do lists happily day-dreaming.<br />
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Happy Monday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-41579747500332358802013-04-25T15:45:00.000-04:002013-04-25T17:34:00.442-04:00Be Good to Mama | Mother's Day Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Up until my mid-20's everything I knew about gardening I learned from my mother (pictured above snorkeling in the Bahamas). She's no expert by any means, but she did teach me how to correctly plant store-bought impatiens, and tomatoes and that knowledge will get you pretty far.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1-oqDleUh9t3pQD2h5LePiMP85GL3Gfl5n_G2eL3JPuVv1zWnJEZS1l3P8SDG7Yc8Gvzzjk6VQcbNdwqxJSpEZHeRodL1jjEbAbWLJqBP1O9sFYl4buL1GMmpPHTaPQy72-Q2sAkuxc/s1600/P1015585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1-oqDleUh9t3pQD2h5LePiMP85GL3Gfl5n_G2eL3JPuVv1zWnJEZS1l3P8SDG7Yc8Gvzzjk6VQcbNdwqxJSpEZHeRodL1jjEbAbWLJqBP1O9sFYl4buL1GMmpPHTaPQy72-Q2sAkuxc/s640/P1015585.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mother catching a snooze.</td></tr>
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You don't just plop them in the ground. Oh, no. You carefully remove
them from their containers by turning them upside down and tapping the
perimeter and bottom of the pot until it is jostled loose, making sure
not to "tug" on the stem. You massage the roots and then place them in a
hole twice the root-ball size with a 1:1 mix of garden soil/compost and
the dirt that's already there, plus a pinch of fertilizer. The roots
should be fully sub-merged and level with the rest of the garden. The
plants get watered immediately and the dirt gently compressed around the
plant, as you would tuck in a toddler.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, fishing in Grandpa Dursch's canal.</td></tr>
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Gardening requires a gentle touch, finesse and patience. From the first time helping her in the backyard plant annual flowers along the woodland border, I was hooked.<br />
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Eventually my love for gardening, landscaping and the outdoors led me to help found an urban garden collective, sow my home-grown vegetables from seeds, and experiment with all kinds of growth habitats and plant species from shade container gardening (I love my ferns), to raised bed vegetable patches. I've never owned a home or cultivated my own land, but I've always had an outdoor garden and sitting area of some sort wherever I've plopped my bags. <br />
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I think our love of plants and pretty-manicured gardens is genetic; my great grandfather, Frank Dursch, was a landscaper and gardener who maintained the
Dupont's estate in New England. I never met him, but I did get a chance to visit his lovely estate in Pennsylvania (that our family unfortunately sold) complete
with a full English rose garden, a hand-diverted canal stream with waterfalls,
and canoe dock.<br />
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In honor of my humble beginnings in horticulture, I pay homage to my
mother each year by treating her to a garden-themed Mother's Day. It is something special we share, and my little way of showing her how much she means to me.<br />
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A few years back I bought tickets to the 2nd Annual Mother's Day garden tour. Last year we enjoyed Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's spring plant sale and walked the grounds. This year, albeit early, I took her to Fredericksburg for Historic Home + Garden Week. Over the course of the day, we visited 5 historic sites including Belmont, Snowden, Chatham and Kenmore Plantation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkhsmyoaxlJRnElfIyk_Gef0srK3200nr4-vPOGFa8jTF-8mB4u2ckH8Z52MPGqXU0RbPBoEhgWmKIh1gt5g04cML3jp_Mmegbwi-ez6MYKnTSQP1OWNf0QB91eYh3Ab79gB3xyPQD3E/s1600/FRED4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkhsmyoaxlJRnElfIyk_Gef0srK3200nr4-vPOGFa8jTF-8mB4u2ckH8Z52MPGqXU0RbPBoEhgWmKIh1gt5g04cML3jp_Mmegbwi-ez6MYKnTSQP1OWNf0QB91eYh3Ab79gB3xyPQD3E/s640/FRED4.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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The first part of the day was overcast and chilly, but by 2 P.M. the clouds parted to reveal a brilliant blue sky and bright sun. We had so much fun walking the grounds and peeking into the past through guided tours. Living vicariously through others is priceless, and while only one of the properties we visited still remained a private home, it was a thrill to the imagination to picture life on one of these estates; definitely worth the $30 price tag! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAxcSfbT0NF36WNdx6uM6xKm9d2MLbvzzOGj0OXIqZYEf3zpi9ELzrgH-I50liO4BT9XsjRykGOuJ6u58eXibNd-icTNBxd_-Qkjq7YxYUNo7R4rh07b63dnfehCNicgHGt_vAd96D2Y/s1600/FRED3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAxcSfbT0NF36WNdx6uM6xKm9d2MLbvzzOGj0OXIqZYEf3zpi9ELzrgH-I50liO4BT9XsjRykGOuJ6u58eXibNd-icTNBxd_-Qkjq7YxYUNo7R4rh07b63dnfehCNicgHGt_vAd96D2Y/s640/FRED3.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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Whether it is a delivered flower arrangement with a special note, Sunday
brunch or handmade slippers, make sure you be good to your mama this
year, and show her just how much you appreciate her. After all, we wouldn't be here without 'em.<br />
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Mother's Day is May 12th; do you have your gift procured, your plans figured out?<br />
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If you have the time and want to bypass the pre-arranged florals this year, plan something fun and unique! How about packing a stellar picnic and heading to Maymont (*Their annual Abbey Mother's Day Tea is already full) or <b><a href="http://www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com/mothers-day-lunch-or-afternoon-tea/" target="_blank">lunch and a container gardening class</a></b> at <a href="http://www.lavenderfieldsfarm.com/" target="_blank">Lavender Field Farms</a>? Splurge on<a href="http://www.jeffersonhotel.com/richmond-fine-dining/sunday-champagne-brunch/" target="_blank"> <b>champagne brunch at The Jefferson</b></a>, or if you're short on dough, head to <b><a href="http://www.agecrofthall.org/newsletter/content/view/58/27/" target="_blank">Agecroft Hall on May 12th for free admission and evening concert by the Richmond Concert Band.</a></b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-83787121162803701732013-04-23T09:00:00.000-04:002013-04-23T09:00:08.837-04:00Playlist | Songs for Driving Down an Old Country Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is the perfect season for packing a picnic and heading into the great unknown.<br />
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Even better if you can take a quick jaunt to the countryside and relish in expansive views amid frolicking wildlife. <br />
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When you're a good distance from city-life and civilization, pick a road to turn down. Any road that screams at you in perfect quaint beauty will do, one with a rundown gas station on the corner perhaps, or a narrow winding dirt one lined with wild buttercups and thistle. Just take a chance and prepare for surprises at every turn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7cwkbE1mCdVk7YlJ3vFOVy8q4MbQfzijsgDhp7RzrnD7HHDwVFZ1AufXIpeBjU2ogCS1bPu0zfkNj3gncRCgw5jbMOwm07LOgByyjCXfkCkQrb8xTTCN7i0XFzT7YcuCqhl-k5Do9vg/s1600/driving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7cwkbE1mCdVk7YlJ3vFOVy8q4MbQfzijsgDhp7RzrnD7HHDwVFZ1AufXIpeBjU2ogCS1bPu0zfkNj3gncRCgw5jbMOwm07LOgByyjCXfkCkQrb8xTTCN7i0XFzT7YcuCqhl-k5Do9vg/s640/driving.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG-vlT_xdrQ5m_yUJXV0252Pz4jDkRc52MZDyTAvo1TYX91_3dNHZMp1LswUU6o_gczddFBzg_6doYXqhV9ZoF73KwsSM3SnmDiUQ-v5CCgE7RJQiHhTvmGNB0gRxOX5M3S3Y0dHees4/s1600/P1015315.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG-vlT_xdrQ5m_yUJXV0252Pz4jDkRc52MZDyTAvo1TYX91_3dNHZMp1LswUU6o_gczddFBzg_6doYXqhV9ZoF73KwsSM3SnmDiUQ-v5CCgE7RJQiHhTvmGNB0gRxOX5M3S3Y0dHees4/s640/P1015315.JPG" width="640" /></a>This past Sunday, Ron and I did just that up in Nellysford, Virgina. The fist part of our country day-trip was prescribed by Virgina Garden Club's Historic Garden Week. After 4 hours of hiking the magnificent grounds of two woodland wonder-homes (<a href="http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/tour-virginias-estates-road-trip-00417000081870/" target="_blank">Solliden</a> + Knollwood), we picnic-ed on homemade sandwiches and <a href="http://www.pickledsilly.com/" target="_blank">Pickled Silly's</a> Carrots (Check out their site; I did the cover photo styling and photography!) under a nearby Dogwood, then stopped off at <a href="http://www.dbbrewingcompany.com/" target="_blank">Devils Backbone Brewery</a> for celebratory libations and queso-smothered nachos (I just can't resist cheese!).<br />
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Ron obliged me on the journey back home–and we delighted our more adventurous sides–by turning down an unmarked country lane. I spotted a deer, a woodchuck, a red squirrel, plenty of horses, pigs and cattle and a kity-kat that raced us a ways. The sun was beginning its descent and the mountains shone with a golden hue. I just wish I had this mix playing during the drive, then it would have been truly magical!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Pzo9bKV0lQmQtnLycE_us3E-gbQZTy9GbSSim3A3VaSk1Y-_npoQCjUQC-MxrDcG9jPWYaj9ywlMLB7Lrq6sf77VknCnq7Z4NlS_q-m0WMcO8I-JBPJsTWJQjDhtVRQFT47IDcrpoWg/s1600/country+lane1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Pzo9bKV0lQmQtnLycE_us3E-gbQZTy9GbSSim3A3VaSk1Y-_npoQCjUQC-MxrDcG9jPWYaj9ywlMLB7Lrq6sf77VknCnq7Z4NlS_q-m0WMcO8I-JBPJsTWJQjDhtVRQFT47IDcrpoWg/s640/country+lane1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlB8olI__nrMtluMkFUma8NwJ3DpkGC-UeRoMoJrDgJvas3ifrrU87oQM6A9WsDo9HAAOsVafUrauGec98KTUxasWbqj-gKQ1RzbKx0IRAII5hAbZv7MuQCf28yMGbNVEqg55c-WK6PA/s1600/P1015296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlB8olI__nrMtluMkFUma8NwJ3DpkGC-UeRoMoJrDgJvas3ifrrU87oQM6A9WsDo9HAAOsVafUrauGec98KTUxasWbqj-gKQ1RzbKx0IRAII5hAbZv7MuQCf28yMGbNVEqg55c-WK6PA/s640/P1015296.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The Sunday drive inspired the completion of this playlist, and I share it with you lovingly, hoping at least you can enjoy the idyllic serenity of some country lane near you with it softly serenading the way. Some songs will fit the ambience of vast stretches of blue sky and green grass, others are meant for fast and furious curves through the holler.<br />
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Note: there will be banjoes, and whistling; it wouldn't be a true country mix without 'em.<br />
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Be Happy; Drive On!<br />
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You can also listen on <a href="http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Songs+For+A+Drive+Down+An+Old+Country+Road/85431470" target="_blank">Grooveshark. </a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-70793969349778023942013-04-22T08:30:00.000-04:002013-04-22T08:30:42.741-04:00Introducing...Montage Mondays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RBfgamXsFCo8lMlmquyEb26vEFv6xNnBu-78dyO_DXPKUjwyDnfuurBJWdG0BuFti7Tw1rpdO-ulS_Nx4yMbC2nOmh387ZA2lYcWz0iWw4oGJ1av3czA7KYD5ZKAY9LLC5OeIf8-64c/s1600/cherry+blossom+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3RBfgamXsFCo8lMlmquyEb26vEFv6xNnBu-78dyO_DXPKUjwyDnfuurBJWdG0BuFti7Tw1rpdO-ulS_Nx4yMbC2nOmh387ZA2lYcWz0iWw4oGJ1av3czA7KYD5ZKAY9LLC5OeIf8-64c/s640/cherry+blossom+montage.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="color: #666666;"><i>Monday, monday, can't trust that day<br />Monday, monday, sometimes it just turns out that way<br />Oh monday mornin you gave me no warnin of what was to be<br />Oh monday, monday, how could you leave and not take me<br /><br />Every other day (every other day), every other day<br />Every other day of the week is fine, yeah<br />But whenever monday comes, but whenever monday comes<br />A-you can find me cryin all of the time</i> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">~ Monday, Monday Lyrics, <i>Mama & the Papas </i></span></blockquote>
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From what i've gathered in my 30+ years of existence, no one really likes Mondays. Not if you have any semblance of a status quo life when there are only 2 days out of the week to look forward to. I'm talking about the weekend, and Monday signifies the veritable end of this weekly respite. The alarm clock rings and reality sets in: 5 more days till you can enjoy yourself again, drink wine past 8 p.m. or eat pancakes. <br />
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While I am not currently living any status quo work life (my hours are flexible and off-kilter, just the way I like it!), in hopes of bringing more sunshine to this dreary day (metaphorically) for the rest of you, I am instituting Montage Mondays here on oHo when I share a photo montage of simple shots to remind you of the little lovely things that make life grand.<br />
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I'll further help to brighten your day by posting the montage over on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnHighOccasions" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, so they will automatically show up in your news feed Monday mornings. If you haven't already, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnHighOccasions" target="_blank">head over to my Facebook page now and like it.</a><br />
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Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-2292096861910952802013-04-20T13:52:00.000-04:002013-04-20T13:52:49.978-04:00BLOG UPDATE: oHo's on Facebook!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6M1VTfLbh2q5KAy3xGb1Rz2D9c_Wyk0fWSVZX9kMd0t__0AsE_NwdHnaI9J5sVPqzyAe27jnvQZneqg1r6NLg50-PFXIsoflwLeZc9qHrB4dSUPI_AygSNxJvvNrVO7FoRqNlQVQcq4/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe6M1VTfLbh2q5KAy3xGb1Rz2D9c_Wyk0fWSVZX9kMd0t__0AsE_NwdHnaI9J5sVPqzyAe27jnvQZneqg1r6NLg50-PFXIsoflwLeZc9qHrB4dSUPI_AygSNxJvvNrVO7FoRqNlQVQcq4/s640/Picture+4.png" width="640" /></a> <br />
Thanks to a friend's recommendation, I created an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnHighOccasions" target="_blank">On High Occasions Facebook page</a>, where I'll be linking my blog posts and sharing treasured bits that don't quite fit into a full-length blog post. There is also a nifty <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnHighOccasions/app_305927716147259" target="_blank">Pinterest link</a> where you can peruse my inspirational home, garden and spirit pins without leaving Facebook; there you'll find my hopes + dreams in bite-size images that I've been collecting since Pinterest was born. Try not to swoon.<br />
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You'll still have to click over to the blog to read full posts, but you definitely want to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OnHighOccasions" target="_blank"><b>like my Facebook page</b></a> and add it to your news feed or interest lists, because I'll be working on inspiring you daily, and if I can get it together, there might be some giveaways for Facebook fans!<br />
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Thanks for liking oHo in advance.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-89988727636785998782013-04-19T16:43:00.000-04:002013-04-19T16:43:08.570-04:00DIY Burlap Tomato Planter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sGeW0bI_PRu5F4NDVBnWcUtrIDEvGGNuhnOgdgeCF96kixHytcmjSbPte0qC5sRKRl1j6bcqboClXXdjWYl4lLCxxV-_2HAyWXu-hjs32K1ZHFZfEhQzReWHIQaXOsCtJ77f37WldgE/s1600/Burlap+Tomato+Planter+Intro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sGeW0bI_PRu5F4NDVBnWcUtrIDEvGGNuhnOgdgeCF96kixHytcmjSbPte0qC5sRKRl1j6bcqboClXXdjWYl4lLCxxV-_2HAyWXu-hjs32K1ZHFZfEhQzReWHIQaXOsCtJ77f37WldgE/s640/Burlap+Tomato+Planter+Intro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's tomato-planting time here in central Virginia! I promise you, there is absolutely nothing better than biting into a ripe-from-the-vine tomato still warm from the sun that you grew yourself. And once you are heavily-laden with summer's bounty, there are all those homemade recipes to try, like <a href="http://www.thecomfortofcooking.com/2013/04/restaurant-style-salsa.html" target="_blank">Restaurant Style Salsa</a>, <a href="http://www.lemonsforlulu.com/2013/03/29/strawberry-tomato-bruschetta/" target="_blank">Strawberry Tomato Bruschetta</a>, <a href="http://www.nuggetmarket.com/recipes.php?id=179" target="_blank">Heirloom Caprese with Balsamic Syrup</a>, and <a href="http://onhighoccasions.blogspot.com/2013/02/spicy-homemade-marinara.html" target="_blank">Spicy Marinara</a>... And what about those Doris Day dreams of canning your own <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/ketchup/" target="_blank">Ketchup</a>? It is time to get started! <br />
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Luckily, if you've enough sun (6-8 hours+) anywhere in your yard, you can grow tomatoes yourself. Short on space? Does the idea of tilling the yard make your back ache just thinking about it? Well, I've got your solution: grow your tomatoes in 5 gallon buckets!<br />
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When I was a child, my mother grew her tomatoes in large terracotta pots lining the deck, interspersed between pots of marigolds and geraniums. She was most fond of Beefsteak tomatoes–because one thick slice perfectly covered her homemade burgers–but I don't think they produced well in the pots, so she eventually gave up.<br />
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Nowadays, however, there are a gazillion heirloom and hybrid varietals that are perfectly suited for container gardening, like <a href="http://www.ivyclad.com/2013/03/lets-talk-tomatoes-especially-jet-star.html" target="_blank">Jet Star</a>, <a href="http://bonnieplants.com/products/vegetables/tomato-varieties/all-tomatoes/patio-tomato" target="_blank">Patio Hybrid</a> and <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/bush-beefsteak-heirloom-tomato-plant-C16002" target="_blank">Bush Beefsteak</a>, just to name a few. For your best harvest potential, look for determinate or "bush" varieties; they grow to a certain size/height so are much easier to "contain." <a href="http://www.heirloomtomatoplants.com/Heirloom_tomatoes-ah.htm" target="_blank">Here </a>is a helpful heirloom list I came across.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eRlDSp6dv8630ulcMf8keBLCjKpCT3uhtxbIAWjNu4WsiWlRLpQGJ0HNhpkUJBArtigu7WHWyRLeebGn6zH_urwd0ILk21zMNnEzOpmIJpX4hta2dMy_pN8QiVmYUzTFN9TaYu73-rc/s1600/P1014855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="840" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eRlDSp6dv8630ulcMf8keBLCjKpCT3uhtxbIAWjNu4WsiWlRLpQGJ0HNhpkUJBArtigu7WHWyRLeebGn6zH_urwd0ILk21zMNnEzOpmIJpX4hta2dMy_pN8QiVmYUzTFN9TaYu73-rc/s640/P1014855.JPG" width="626" /></a></div>
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Our yard is mostly shade, but our upstairs neighbor has generously donated portions of his deck for the cause (for a percentage of the harvest, of course). Because it wouldn't be like me to have unsightly 5 gallon pickle buckets ruining his second-story view, I'm dressing up the make-shift pots in up-cycled coffee bags and jute rope. I think they are rather beautiful, in a rustic, shabby sort-of-way.<br />
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I got the idea from an image I pinned on Pinterest, and followed the chain back to the<a href="http://purplearea.blogspot.com/2010/06/tradgardsrundan-gyllings-tradgard-i.html" target="_blank"> source</a>(?), a Scandinavian design inspiration blog called <a href="http://purplearea.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">"Purple Area."</a> (Thank heaven for Pinterest!) I was inspired to give this look a try considering I had all the materials already on hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiOxgWbbUx2XwSHt279lL_KAVchE0nK8hetqu7aVaC4vvexpt3abblNm6x-Y4Joh4aWfba3UF3vTjvmJqcbB0sG7rytKytBosTLx-JRdDku5aygyLVpUg9z1UDVW1N-6B3hhXQPVi5rs/s1600/burlap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiOxgWbbUx2XwSHt279lL_KAVchE0nK8hetqu7aVaC4vvexpt3abblNm6x-Y4Joh4aWfba3UF3vTjvmJqcbB0sG7rytKytBosTLx-JRdDku5aygyLVpUg9z1UDVW1N-6B3hhXQPVi5rs/s640/burlap2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ron used his connections in the local food industry to score some old pickle buckets, but you could also purchase them new at your local hardware store for about $4 each (Make sure you get a light-colored, food-grade plastic; black buckets will cook the roots); still way cheaper than terracotta, and lighter and easier to move. I also had tons of burlap coffee bean bags left over from my Ernst & Thistle days and the rope from experiments in coiled rope basket-weaving. You could purchase coffee bags online or ask a local roaster if they could part with a few. Some roasters throw the bags out because they don't want to deal with the re-sell, but many eco-conscious ones already have a network of local crafters they sell to or even give out free. Check around in your area.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><u>What you'll need</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Food-grade 5-gallon buckets</li>
<li>Used coffee bean bag, one for each bucket</li>
<li>Jute rope</li>
<li>Scissors </li>
<li>Drill</li>
<li>3/8" drill bit </li>
<li>18 quarts organic potting soil per bucket (NOT garden soil)</li>
<li>Tomato plants</li>
<li>Broken pot bits or newspaper to line bucket</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNB2iaUmOIjc47SR8CKnV80dD4mEN3N7J76bMNQCrSZ0TG_3HJ7t5qbMiwMkLpiLUM8I9AGXgK_Y92Y5jbdtYHLcoN8dD9G-DDHy8zcKEgMtGFfaw9mFh-AVBndLRWu_Hfkqw0IDu748/s1600/burlap.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNB2iaUmOIjc47SR8CKnV80dD4mEN3N7J76bMNQCrSZ0TG_3HJ7t5qbMiwMkLpiLUM8I9AGXgK_Y92Y5jbdtYHLcoN8dD9G-DDHy8zcKEgMtGFfaw9mFh-AVBndLRWu_Hfkqw0IDu748/s640/burlap.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I cleaned each bucket (mmm...pickle juice), drilled several holes in the bottom for water drainage and then plopped each bucket inside a coffee bag. (Don't worry, the back is supposed to be way wider and taller than the bucket; this is a no-fuss, no sew solution.) I then folded the coffee back down until about 6 inches was left hanging over the top of the bucket rim. At this point, I turned the bucket over on it's side and synched it to bottom and one side of the bag, folding the excess burlap over and around the perimeter of the bucket. Turn it right side up, keeping the excess burlap tight against the side of the bucket and carefully fold down the remaining 6 inches, which will hold the excess fabric in place. (The third photo above shows the back of the bucket, once these steps are completed.)<br />
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Last thing to do is tie a nice chunk of jute rope around the top of the bucket and line the bottom with newspaper or use broken pot pieces to lightly cover each drainage hole. Fill with organic potting soil and plant your tomato. Position your buckets in a full sun area and water regularly, fertilizing every 1-2 weeks. In no time you'll have a bevy of lush fruit to slice, dice, chop and chomp.<br />
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[ I'll share pictures of my planted tomatoes in position once my foot heals and I can finally carry them up the deck stairs! ]<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-7269588145396673942013-04-17T11:24:00.001-04:002013-04-18T10:29:25.787-04:00Transforming Straw Into Gold, Part 2.<br />
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I was still concerned about our plans to sight-see the following day.
The stark reality of me NOT being able to walk Georgetown amid
blossoming cherry trees as I had been envisioning was quickly setting
in. No random stopping into cute shops or grabbing a quick bite in a
street-side cafe. And taking in a museum or two on the Mall was out of
the question.<br />
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We were in-fact late to the party anyways, as the Yoshino cherry trees along the tidal basin were already past prime; the bright pink blossoms that have folks from all over flocking to Washington had given way to green leaves, and the petals still clinging to branches were dry and shriveled without any luster of their former glory.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The "spent" cheery trees around the lake.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'll admit, there were parts of me that wanted to throw in the towel, screw the $300 I spent on the room, and just drive home. After all, the trip could not be what I envisioned because I couldn't even walk! I was also in pain. At times it was a stubborn throbbing pain and at others an intense sharp pang like when a deep wound is exposed to oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. At some point during the night I burst out (quite out of character), "Get me some codeine!"<br />
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However, in the morning after our complimentary breakfast of local
bagels, fresh fruit, and orange juice, I felt more optimistic. <br />
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I took tea in the sitting room while Ron finished packing upstairs. Using the down-time to peruse the inn's wonderful selection of magazines, I came across a special issue of Conde Nast Traveler with a <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/grand-tour-of-asia" target="_blank">"Grand Tour of Asia"</a> spread featuring a day-to-day guide of 12 countries including India, Cambodia and Bali. For the next half-hour, I proceeded to have one of the best experiences of "mind-traveling" ever, captivated by gorgeous vistas, tranquil scenes and styled photos of exotic food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GE9ZJtRk-JO_yBxYVSwTSoMphpwUAPbqFfC9QmauQ4xazil0xkgTlCCuiP3dDA9qEs6wJzm8uI9X8kTqAtdaWdCLKX0HygwTcTut5cZvTc62DdPSw0pM4Lwongd0LpGg5_jW06btBO4/s640/cn_image_2.size.nepal-peak-higher-than-19000-640.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/grand-tour-of-asia/nepal" target="_blank">Source: Conde Nast Traveler</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/grand-tour-of-asia/bali" target="_blank">Source: Conde Nast Traveler</a></td></tr>
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I couldn't walk and I sure couldn't afford a lavish 45-day trip through South Asia, but I wasn't going to let that stop my imagination! One day we'll all be able to astral travel anyways, and go anywhere in the world, and probably any time in history, by mere projection. Let's just say I was practicing.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/grand-tour-of-asia/india" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA6TuXJScIxLxoeMSOLobVHAxrInJUloViKtUKmXNbM3LMsiI6vemYge0Dk2IEdeArAwAPcO3O3luIZsXWt55XTR6gAV5HJd4qWQATsX2LDAGZQ13t0fHEPAb5VE38tscEXa1kM3fcNHw/s640/item2.size.samode-haveli-jaipur-india-640.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/grand-tour-of-asia/india" target="_blank">Source: Conde Nast Traveler</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Shortly afterward, Ron and I began our "real" sight-seeing by car. I got to enjoy being chauffeured around, traversing large areas of town quickly and bypassing congested sidewalks! Sure, photo-taking was a challenge. Many came out blurry. But then there was the unexpected shot (below) of the Jefferson Memorial perfectly nestled between cherry trees that I captured from the turnpike going 40 mph. One second before and one second after the shot would have been just trees.<br />
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We still desired to see some cherry blossoms up close and personal, so we headed to a less-touristy destination that was known to have trees that bloomed later – a cute residential area called Foxhall Village. Exact addresses and names of blooming streets are kept in relative secret so as not so disturb the pleasant and serene ambiance of this quaint part of town (sorry folks).<br />
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As Ron drove around searching for splashes of pink above car roofs to determine where to turn, I people-watched and gazed at the adorable bungalows with manicured gardens and imagined us living there.<br />
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And then BAM! He found a street, short and sweet, canopied by thousands of pink puffs. Ron was very accommodating and circled around 3 or 4 times so I could grab some choice shots through the passenger-side window of the splendor! <br />
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After getting mildly lost, unable to locate the correct road to Anacostia Park, we ended our trip in Old Town, Alexandria. We hobbled into a cute cheese shop off King Street for soda (and a 1/2 pound of cheese for dinner!) before enjoying a picnic of day-old pizza on the river.<br />
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Following my intuition once again, we visited the <a href="http://alexandriava.gov/Apothecary" target="_blank">Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum</a> (A small sign jutting out on the corner of King and Fairfax caught my eye).<br />
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Gathering up the courage and biting my lip through searing pain, I was able to participate in an hour-long tour and history lesson amid pristine labeled bottles – some with their original contents – and unusual artifacts of this bygone industry.<br />
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I was in heaven!<br />
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To think that I could have missed this experience had I begrudgingly
boycotted the trip just because it wasn't what I had originally wanted! I
was learning to be flexible, open and – dare I say it – spontaneous!<br />
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Ron and I had a blast recognizing herbal and medicinal
flower names and remembering their uses. And there were tons we had
never heard of (Ie. Soluble Laundry Blue?). I was having a
fit over the beauty of the hand-written labels, the vintage typography
design and the layers and textures of weathered wood, glass and paper.<br />
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As I shared before, there was a point on this trip – somewhere between the embedded glass
incident and the painkiller confession – that I wanted to just drive
straight home, snuggle up in my PJs under my comforter and have Ron wait
on me hand and foot. Had I given in to that frustrated inner child,
there would have been no strain-less
bliss of the astral traveling, no compassionate chauffeured
sight-seeing or that
wonderful <i>Fromagerie</i> in Old Town, Alexandria! We might
never have learned what Dragon's Blood really is and that the
abbreviated "Tr" and "FE" on apothecary labels stand for tincture and
flower extract respectively. <br />
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It was a minor personal triumph that I succeeded in making the best out of "bad" situation, that I maintained my cool and was open to having a good time in ways outside my initial understanding. And as I lay on the couch with my foot elevated typing this, my cat curled and purring on the rug below, I can look back and say that I had a great time on my trip, despite the temporary disablement and pain. After all, happiness is how you respond to Plan B; you can't control every single event in your life, but you CAN control your response to everything.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-26851064290228074882013-04-16T19:51:00.000-04:002013-04-17T13:41:43.324-04:00Highlighting the Positives, Part 1.On Sunday, Ron and I drove up to DC to accomplish a three-fold mission: Visit with the Stradone side of his family, catch the tail-end of the cherry blossoms, and enjoy some sort of a well-deserved romantic getaway.<br />
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Missions #2 and #3 were almost thwarted by a nasty piece of glass that lodged itself, quite deeply, in my left foot this very night. Had I not been one of those "make the best out of everything" kinda girls, the whole trip could have been ruined. We'll start at the beginning, and I'll share my mastery of highlighting the positives <a href="http://onhighoccasions.blogspot.com/2013/04/highlighting-positives-part-1.html" target="_blank">(Part 1)</a> and how to turn any "bad" thing into a good thing <a href="http://onhighoccasions.blogspot.com/2013/04/transforming-straw-into-gold-part-2.html" target="_blank">(Part 2)</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSD6p-LSaGvTMmgl-1XIktaKwlJ74vxHJ7xorUoC8iUOuhSvNHJMSF37c8mhUkUcJAfrEVvjQ9Hoq5vlB_4LMsUC82vzov6OR_4zkTGH-t6Ka1ID-x_EKXZr8Jw73mNQ4pzMsbgbJIoY/s1600/P1014654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSD6p-LSaGvTMmgl-1XIktaKwlJ74vxHJ7xorUoC8iUOuhSvNHJMSF37c8mhUkUcJAfrEVvjQ9Hoq5vlB_4LMsUC82vzov6OR_4zkTGH-t6Ka1ID-x_EKXZr8Jw73mNQ4pzMsbgbJIoY/s640/P1014654.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
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<a name='more'></a>Around 2:30 we checked into the lovely <a href="http://www.dupontatthecircle.com/" target="_blank">Dupont at the Circle Bed & Breakfast</a>, an Inn in the heart of the District
with a clean and sophisticated historic vibe. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Can't get any more romantic than naked cherubs making out, now can you?</i></td></tr>
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We admired Lola's Room, our
home-away-from-home for the night, threw our bags down and hopped on
the Red Line Metro headed for Wheaton, MD.<br />
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Forty minutes later, Ron's father picked us up in his luxury rental. On the way home the boys stopped for beer, while I took the opportunity to run into the bustling French Pastry shop next door that caught my eye. I was overwhelmed by the vast array of sweet confections and confused by the Spanish labels (Wasn't this a French bakery?). After asking the customer ahead of me for recommendations, and struggling through broken English, I settled on Palmiers (3 for $1), an Empanada de Manzana ( a puff pastry filled with an apple filling) and a fat bread roll topped with sugar whose name escapes me. (<i>Diet be dammed;</i> <i>I'm on vacation!</i>)<br />
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Three dollars and nine cents later I was happily toting my finds back to the car. The first highlight of our mini-vacay! Ron and I chomped on the goodies over the rest of our trip, and I learned that following your intuition leads to a sweet reward.<br />
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The second highlight of our trip was thanks to my newest best friend, Julia, Ron's younger cousin. At some point Ron decided to make Julia a fancy drink, with all the flash and pomp of a real, honest-to-good cocktail, minus the alcohol. I'm not sure from whence the inspiration came, but suddenly Julia was propped up at the basement bar with googly eyes fixated while he gathered, stirred and shook his concoction into being.<br />
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<img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NDPFMcMVja9F2LT5ZUXfZ4jGYhF27y_5uWnFF_GBj3IsRoqBzyeD8_8qcjF4g00wzT-Td0cUfO5hmnKATlYx-uAbu11b1iLbIeQFMvhMfejo8SBWokE2LTBE8URDX1aYDumSb5jKTcg/s640/P1014688.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Julia smiled, "I've never had a man make me a real drink before!" </blockquote>
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(<i>Had we unwittingly created a future bartender groupie? </i>It didn't matter; the scene was just too precious for passing up. After all, Ron and I fell in love while he was bar-tending at a hip Bistro in town. It wouldn't be <i>that </i>bad.)</blockquote>
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"What are you making?," I inquired, with visions and mouth-watering expectations of Shirley Temples in my head...</blockquote>
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Scouring the kitchen fridge and the basement stockroom for ingredients, he laughed, "I don't know, but it's gonna taste AWESOME!" Ron was limited (or better yet inspired) by what was on hand. </blockquote>
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Reassured by Ron's enthusiasm, I asked Julia if she had ever tasted awesome before. </blockquote>
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"No," she announced with mounting excitement, "but I can't wait to try it!"</blockquote>
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And it was thus that "The Awesome" was born. A spritzy, sweet medley of raspberry jam, orange juice, and lemon soda topped with a dollop of whipped cream and garnished with fresh orange zest.<br />
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From how fast Julia knocked it back I could surmise it was a success. <br />
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And this, folks, is when, coming back downstairs after having helped Ron return the ingredients to the kitchen, my foot came into contact with a stray and very sharp piece of curved glass, a broken piece of beer bottle hidden in shag. Promptly, I ordered The Awesome for myself...plus lots of gin!<br />
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Actually, that came after the excruciating pain and Ron extricating the glass, followed by a river of blood (don't worry, I was in too much pain to take pictures.). But then I got to enjoy the pleasant scene of watching Ron hustle around the house acquiring the necessary first aid implements and feeling very well taken care of and loved. Highlight #3. There is just nothing like being looked after when you are thrust into temporary illness or disablement.<br />
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Many times we women are the caretakers, and it isn't until we are unwittingly knocked down with the flu or a debilitating migraine (or chained to a chair) that we submit to being taken care of ourselves. It can be challenging to learn how to receive when we give so much, but it sure feels good when we can let go. Over the past year I've been learning how to do just this, and I am thrilled to say that my man is an excellent nurturer! He's all "let me carry that for you" and "here, drink this" and "enjoy this nice Epsom salt bath with my homemade essential oil blend." How very dreamy. No wonder Julia whispered to me later that night, "You guys make a cute couple; you should never break up."<br />
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<i>Done.</i><br />
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And so ended our first day on this two-day, one-night getaway. I was a little worse for wear and unable to walk unassisted, but it was a good day nonetheless. After all, we still had a paper bag full of sweet, delicious pastries and an unopened bottle of wine waiting for us back in Dupont. Not to mention that fact that I had a new best friend in the form of a spirited seven-year-old.<br />
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Highlighting the positives, or taking stock of all the good things instead of harping over the negatives is a great way to feel good despite external circumstances. Tomorrow I'll share Day 2 and how I rose above my pain and disappointment of our thwarted plans of sight-seeing by foot.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-28784379668795005012013-04-12T15:41:00.000-04:002013-04-17T11:43:00.679-04:00Songs for Spring, a Playlist.In honor of my favorite season, I've compiled a medley of melodious ditties here for your enjoyment. I just couldn't help myself.<br />
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So grab your shovel and don your sandals and sunglasses and head outdoors to enjoy the beauty and bounty of Mother Nature. Listen while sitting in the sunshine or enjoy a cook-out with friends while it softly plays in the background. Melodies that birdsong blends well with. Songs to soothe and invigorate. Sounds to watch seed puffs float by to.<br />
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Stream it here or head to <a href="http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Songs+For+Spring/85294254" target="_blank">my Grooveshark page. </a><br />
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Okay, enough already...just take a listen:<br />
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="400" id="gsPlaylist8529425435" name="gsPlaylist8529425435" width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/widget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&playlistID=85294254&p=0&bbg=6df2dc&bth=6df2dc&pfg=6df2dc&lfg=6df2dc&bt=ffffff&pbg=ffffff&pfgh=ffffff&si=ffffff&lbg=ffffff&lfgh=ffffff&sb=ffffff&bfg=bf964f&pbgh=bf964f&lbgh=bf964f&sbh=bf964f" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/widget.swf" width="400" height="400"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&playlistID=85294254&p=0&bbg=6df2dc&bth=6df2dc&pfg=6df2dc&lfg=6df2dc&bt=ffffff&pbg=ffffff&pfgh=ffffff&si=ffffff&lbg=ffffff&lfgh=ffffff&sb=ffffff&bfg=bf964f&pbgh=bf964f&lbgh=bf964f&sbh=bf964f" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/playlist?q=Songs%20for%20Spring%20Karen%20Wolfe" title="Songs for Spring by Karen Wolfe on Grooveshark">Songs for Spring by Karen Wolfe on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-79016254575016901302013-04-12T12:15:00.000-04:002013-04-12T12:21:39.965-04:00April Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is in high form this year!<br />
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Despite a few unseasonably warm days, it looks like we are going to have a real, official and full season of Spring. Everything is late blooming but seems to be putting on more of a show than in years previous.<br />
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I like to take strolls through my neighborhood to admire gardens alive with color. On my block there are a profusion of plants putting forth their best effort to lure potential pollinators. Saucer magnolias' fuschia blooms, yellow forsythia sprays, creeping carpets of phlox, aromatic cherry blossoms and the varied green hues of brand new buds bursting towards the sun all pop against the tawny earth and dilapidated fences in afternoon sun. It's no wonder Spring is my favorite season.<br />
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Below are my favorite shots from this past week. Enjoy! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-17675716232738234402013-04-03T16:18:00.000-04:002013-04-03T16:18:09.234-04:00DIY Bamboo Curtain Rods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since we are running headlong into seasons of warmer weather, I am going to be turning my attention from the inside of my home to the outside where I can play in the sun, breeze and dirt!<br />
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We've got our work cut out for us with projects ranging from a new terraced veggie patch out front to installing a slate walkway to designing an outdoor potting area, not to mention the fact that we will be "farming" over in a friend's full-sun yard this summer because of my 'mostly shade' one.<br />
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While the mornings are still a chilly 40˚ and the soil in the new garden bed is resting after last weeks tilling and while the sweet potato slips are sunning in the window yet to be submerged in earth, I have a few indoor tasks left to tackle.<br />
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<b>Indoor Task Area #1: The Living Room</b><br />
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1. Revamp window dressings<br />
2. Lay new area rug + restyle room <br />
3. Make/Purchase new art<br />
4. Hang new art<br />
5. Create wood shelf for radiator<br />
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Let's just take a stab at #1 shall we? That, below, is what my current window dressings look like: ivory scrim fabric draped over a found birch branch, hung via mono-filament.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCJqaWWIqDPOL41ASM0l-x-LetEhHUCI-v05ee0qeDlalKxkHymx93FYm8NK4sHAk9zbuPkWCvzXZkO7ff-zFGCZU590gdocaVH4me9DsT88gATev-eYsiwOOmVKzvjs6lHGyVL3w5B0/s1600/P1014377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCJqaWWIqDPOL41ASM0l-x-LetEhHUCI-v05ee0qeDlalKxkHymx93FYm8NK4sHAk9zbuPkWCvzXZkO7ff-zFGCZU590gdocaVH4me9DsT88gATev-eYsiwOOmVKzvjs6lHGyVL3w5B0/s640/P1014377.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Creative, sure. Inexpensive, you bet (Total cost $0). But this is just not cutting it for me anymore. I actually like the curtain material and the price. I even like the rustic feel of the rod, but I have to get onto a step stool to open or close the curtains. I never hemmed them, so I'm afraid to wash them in fear of shredding them to bits. Naturally they are covered in years of dust! YUCK.</div>
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I am not ashamed at my ill attempt at decorating on a shoestring. I've actually received compliments on the use of found materials in my decor style. In honesty, this was just a quick and super cheap alternative when I moved in five years ago, when I was self-employed and just getting by. But, I'll admit, it is time for my window dressings to grow up! I just don't want to pay an arm and a leg and another arm for good style...And you don't have to!</div>
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A few weeks back I purchased some curtain tie-backs and clips from Tuesday Morning which were priced 66% below retail. This week I found a thick piece of previously foraged and cut bamboo lying around (It seems to grow everywhere around here) and stained it a mix of Bombay Mahogany and black acrylic paint to match (Thanks Lynn!). I hung the tiebacks as the rod supports on one of the windows just to try it out and <i>voila!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7xtiKJkkbocjxKu2FsXoEL8nUGkuBQZ_7PJlO0zKemojVadF7YVnD5sJKtt3XuavfauJ20Mw_G8gJijlFK51crnxHxdeeSEPSB9-dvkO3qvsJTHbb2WMzKNMG4ICpTE84JU2LjtqYMU/s1600/P1014464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7xtiKJkkbocjxKu2FsXoEL8nUGkuBQZ_7PJlO0zKemojVadF7YVnD5sJKtt3XuavfauJ20Mw_G8gJijlFK51crnxHxdeeSEPSB9-dvkO3qvsJTHbb2WMzKNMG4ICpTE84JU2LjtqYMU/s640/P1014464.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think that is a vast improvement, don't you? <i>Total cost?</i> A real bargain at only $25 per window and it rivals any pottery barn look. <b>See detailed breakdown at the end of this post.</b></div>
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(Now for all you interior decorators out there, let me just give a slight disclaimer. I am a renter; I am not allowed to paint or put screws of any kind into the plaster walls. <a href="http://www.opaldesigngroup.com/Blog/Video-Tip-10-How-to-Hang-Curtains-the-Right-Way/" target="_blank">I know how to hang curtains the right way</a>; I'm just limited by 1. my lease and protective landlord, and 2. the height of my step ladder.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0viiE_mF4qiwyVnAVe0ghTRHTWEoONWim8nrtqaShHaHvdlAwTdm4NUB-l8-ULhQm1VXRMK618G1s033ZAJbs5MoH5X0A0FiKCesrifoYxRoHzu3OjT8Sc8zOcckMdTiWFa7AtH4Ggk/s1600/P1014282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0viiE_mF4qiwyVnAVe0ghTRHTWEoONWim8nrtqaShHaHvdlAwTdm4NUB-l8-ULhQm1VXRMK618G1s033ZAJbs5MoH5X0A0FiKCesrifoYxRoHzu3OjT8Sc8zOcckMdTiWFa7AtH4Ggk/s640/P1014282.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The rest of the bamboo is curing and won't be ready for several months (bummer). In the meantime I did, however, wash the curtains and lay out the new rug. This handmade jute beauty I bought from RugsUSA.com for a mere $99 fits much better in the space than my smaller estate-sale oriental. And to my surprise, the curtains did not shred in the laundry machine,
or knot together, but came out much softer with a tighter weave! I'll hem them
eventually...<br />
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Tasks #1 (part 1 of 3) and #2 complete!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtom5JcjpuuT8uz1rw9Rcny1T7YwROPpF8m6Wt0rIGgZKn-8qiqAJCu7vUHpm_QDqmaSJejCJze8aaeHHlI08yzgqlJomfTDqbQMgK8TizcEHKdq24h7QieOxedcfjaWQdgut0ou0izlc/s1600/P1014274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtom5JcjpuuT8uz1rw9Rcny1T7YwROPpF8m6Wt0rIGgZKn-8qiqAJCu7vUHpm_QDqmaSJejCJze8aaeHHlI08yzgqlJomfTDqbQMgK8TizcEHKdq24h7QieOxedcfjaWQdgut0ou0izlc/s640/P1014274.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqUFnAodJrFj_jIVYsIuTBDbMcKkA_AXCk9y-y0iVmloFP4obJbvwj1holmiQENW2l5_viOTWRLW9yUeDmPtrgzHcMDvUZB0dGjoFtaotdvEvcYZLVfeyPBmT8fIjvVMxrRUBwmlUKGI/s1600/P1014287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqUFnAodJrFj_jIVYsIuTBDbMcKkA_AXCk9y-y0iVmloFP4obJbvwj1holmiQENW2l5_viOTWRLW9yUeDmPtrgzHcMDvUZB0dGjoFtaotdvEvcYZLVfeyPBmT8fIjvVMxrRUBwmlUKGI/s640/P1014287.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Total cost breakdown per window (x 3 windows):</b> <br />
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bamboo - <i>free</i><br />
stain, borrowed from neighbor - <i>free</i><br />
paint, on hand - <i>free</i><br />
curtains - <i>free</i><br />
tiebacks - $9.99 for 2 ($30)<br />
clip rings - $14.99 for 14 ($45)<br />
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<b>Total project cost - $75 </b></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFHJUqs361MnB0SUpmEmEvhwK-GebniyJOu5FIox-BM9_TmIIjU4PgIUGHub2ARrourSxo2v_ukFPtOj3Jnkl1PrG33Jfnh9UkBGtoj1lWnDQzuWHYNCZ-yEtwGT2PNnXdLG8E9N7CI8/s1600/Blog+Divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="30" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFHJUqs361MnB0SUpmEmEvhwK-GebniyJOu5FIox-BM9_TmIIjU4PgIUGHub2ARrourSxo2v_ukFPtOj3Jnkl1PrG33Jfnh9UkBGtoj1lWnDQzuWHYNCZ-yEtwGT2PNnXdLG8E9N7CI8/s640/Blog+Divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-29126832112751985742013-04-02T13:52:00.000-04:002013-04-02T13:52:37.153-04:00DIY Strawberry Hanging Basket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI26ikt7YsYPxsskF6cCT839cj52WY_3GE7bzOR2OXMSIf138IPZkJOQT57TyoY_x2QodfL0lBcaMyKBKI1DlRW0V7AuBa7Fq-6hr3xPkKHDIoMh8-mBx8hQhBHBuf8olnQvnnvv9h0M/s1600/Strawberry+hanging+basket+intro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNI26ikt7YsYPxsskF6cCT839cj52WY_3GE7bzOR2OXMSIf138IPZkJOQT57TyoY_x2QodfL0lBcaMyKBKI1DlRW0V7AuBa7Fq-6hr3xPkKHDIoMh8-mBx8hQhBHBuf8olnQvnnvv9h0M/s640/Strawberry+hanging+basket+intro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Frasie.</i><br />
<i>Fragaria.</i><br />
<i>Erdberren.</i><br />
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No matter how it rolls off your tongue, strawberries taste like summer. And right now, the beginning of Spring after any fear of frost, is the time to prepare your patch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKU0N8Ba891m3exPrsIruoLbKaKMrWrw04r-60UhnnfizyWLNgbG19fcH4uwN6e3Y5eBGRBxhZtJ8rojeb60w0Mn3tWy9VW9abVyP5SJR080DKC_hwXWHnCeM3L_WpH4NoRLoWg5h_NQ/s1600/P1014404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKU0N8Ba891m3exPrsIruoLbKaKMrWrw04r-60UhnnfizyWLNgbG19fcH4uwN6e3Y5eBGRBxhZtJ8rojeb60w0Mn3tWy9VW9abVyP5SJR080DKC_hwXWHnCeM3L_WpH4NoRLoWg5h_NQ/s640/P1014404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
This year I am going to grow BIG, LUSCIOUS, SWEET, DELICIOUS strawberries for the first time. I am going to successfully thwart the sneaky squirrels living in the mimosa tree and the industrious birds on the block by growing said berries in a hanging basket. <b>Mark my words: thwarting will be successful!</b> (Even though my neighbors strawberry hanging basket was decimated last year by the very same thieves). I have confidence folks. And confidence, as women everywhere secretly know, will get you everywhere.<br />
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After plenty of web research (<a href="http://gardening.about.com/od/fruitsberriesnuts/a/Strawberries.htm" target="_blank">What is the difference between a June-bearer and an ever-bearer strawberry?</a>) and procuring the necessary materials (15" hanging basket with coconut fiber liner, 15-20 young strawberry plants, organic potting soil, pruners, plastic bags) I got to work on my aerial strawberry patch. I bought three varieties of strawberries from a local nursery: Ozark, Sequoia, and Eversweet. I have both June bearers and ever-bearers so I should have, if all goes according to plan, a crop of red, ripe strawberries from June through August. <br />
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<b>I'll take you through my process step by step:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1. Using your pruners or scissors, make 10-15 small 1/2" or so holes in the basket liner, alternating high and low spots as you move around the basket. We are reserving 5 plants for the top of the basket. <br />
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2. Add soil to the bottom of the basket, up to the first hole.<br />
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3. Cut a small hole in the bottom of a plastic shopping bag.</blockquote>
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4. Add the plant, root-side first, into the bag and thread the roots halfway through the hole. (The green part of the plant should be IN the bag.) Twist the bag carefully while holding the bag to the rootball, until the end of the bag is nice and tight.</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
5. Thread the bag through your pot holes from the inside of the basket out. Tug gently on the bag to get all of the stem and leaves to the exterior then carefully remove the bag. If the hole in the bottom of the bag gets too big, just use another bag.</blockquote>
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6. Repeat with the remaining holes.</blockquote>
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7. Add soil around the root balls, gently pushing soil around and up under the roots. </blockquote>
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8. Add the remaining 5 plants equal-distant apart to the top and fill with more soil. Give them a good dousing with water and hang in full sun!</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
9. Water regularly, especially through the hot summer months as potted plants dry out faster than those in the ground. Every once in a while turn the plant on the hook to maintain even sunshine distribution and <a href="http://wholelifestylenutrition.com/gardening/follow-this-one-tip-in-garden-get-ton-organic-strawberries/" target="_blank">cut off any runners for a more productive plant</a>!</blockquote>
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10. Thank the plants in advance for their strength, vigor and abundance and be positive. In a few months (or even weeks depending on your climate) you'll have your first harvest.</blockquote>
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Now i just need to ask my upstairs neighbor if I can hang this on his deck. He has plenty of sun up there, while I am sequestered in almost full shade. Crossing my fingers that he'll acquiesce with a bribe of a few choice berries from my haul.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-50026380955987598822013-04-01T09:42:00.001-04:002013-04-02T20:56:09.336-04:00Public Radio + Campfires<div style="text-align: left;">
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Today I am grateful for public radio and campfires.<br />
I'll explain; read on...<br />
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I've been tuning in a lot more to public radio since Ron moved in this Winter. One daily routine of his is listening to NPR over his morning tea and crossword puzzle. Sometimes the constant noise and sound in this house drives me up a wall. I need my quiet and solitude to be tranquil, calm and at peace. Especially in the mornings. I like to stare off into space and zone out, or drift into listening to pleasant birdsong, becoming completely present and letting my mind wander or go clear. </div>
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Ron can tune out the radio while he is reading or concentrating, but my brain just doesn't work that way. Depressing, upsetting news broadcasts find me pleading for him to turn it off. That is just <i>not</i> how I want to start my day.<br />
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<b>Oh, but i thought you said you were <i>thankful</i> for public radio?</b> Right. To the point then. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyD8kZ2ivOi4lRqw8Bg78RvBcVyt5Fd7wUlM3FZfqkOA3UJtHeeqgbs5MDkdcpdBIaN6DYVWwyY0rCI14mWGxtiU2K_48CHwQkzp1DxT8bj6z60VBc3j8d0rHMOrd1oyjag2p9s8NsPdI/s1600/P1014267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyD8kZ2ivOi4lRqw8Bg78RvBcVyt5Fd7wUlM3FZfqkOA3UJtHeeqgbs5MDkdcpdBIaN6DYVWwyY0rCI14mWGxtiU2K_48CHwQkzp1DxT8bj6z60VBc3j8d0rHMOrd1oyjag2p9s8NsPdI/s640/P1014267.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
Ron typically leaves the car radio tuned to 88.9 (our local public radio station) and I LOVE listening to music or uplifting or educational segments while driving. Yesterday's random drive about town blessed me with a broadcast that introduced me to <a href="http://www.chicgamine.com/" target="_blank"><b>Chic Gamine</b></a><a href="http://www.chicgamine.com/" target="_blank">,</a> a Canadian folk girl-group. Their melodies cover the gamut from Mo-town to a typical sixties singer-songwriter. One of their voices reminds me of Feist. I am sharing my favorite song of theirs (Paper Moon) with you here. The song was written and the harmonies rendered over a campfire. It makes we want to snuggle on a log listening to acoustic guitars and pretty voices under a "softly bright" moon.<br />
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Yes, sometimes silence is golden, but other times dreamy music is just as good, or better. This music sets the stage for a romantic night under the stars. Oh, and a plate of Spring asparagus, roasted over the flames wouldn't hurt either.<br />
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Thank you, public radio! Thank you, Chic Gamine! <br />
And happy listening to you, readers everywhere!</div>
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<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="40" id="gsSong2757315528" name="gsSong2757315528" width="250"><param name="movie" value="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" /><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=27573155&style=metal&p=0" /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://grooveshark.com/songWidget.swf" width="250" height="40"><param name="wmode" value="window" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="flashvars" value="hostname=grooveshark.com&songID=27573155&style=metal&p=0" /><span><a href="http://grooveshark.com/search/song?q=Chic%20Gamine%20Paper%20Moon" title="Paper Moon by Chic Gamine on Grooveshark">Paper Moon by Chic Gamine on Grooveshark</a></span></object></object><br />
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Listen to the full "All Things Considered" broadcast <a href="http://www.blogger.com/Listen%20to%20the%20full%20%22All%20Things%20Considered%22%20broadcast%20here.http://www.npr.org/2013/03/31/175729088/chic-gamine-the-girl-group-sound-stripped-to-its-bones">here.</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-61582641760752093072013-03-31T17:28:00.000-04:002013-04-02T20:56:54.265-04:00Cinnamon Swirl Buns (with Icing!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Easter Everyone!<br />
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Holidays are natural excuses for dolling up and doling out the big guns, and when I say big guns, I mean plump pies with crimped crusts, cookies that look like they were decorated by a 4-star pastry chef and well, just about any sugary-sweet and perfectly-baked goodie that makes the whole family gasp, "WOW!"<br />
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Ron and I (because that is the extent of our "family") don't have the kind of expendable income for florescent-dyed baskets brimming with sugar-coated marshmallows and chocolate bunnies. I don't think we would go for that even if we did. But we still have a sweet tooth. I wish I had created a more au-natural Easter basket for the two of us filled with fair trade chocolate, fresh fruit, trail mix, shredded paper for the grass and some Cadbury eggs for good measure (<i>There really is something addictive about all that candy we enjoyed as children, isn't there?), </i>but I let the busy week get the better of me and instead of waking up to sucrose, fructose and glucose, we woke up to a barren kitchen bereft of bunny trails and all of the above. In fact, I didn't even dye eggs with onion peels like last year (see below). <i>Shame on me!</i><br />
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Our Stradone family brunch wasn't until 1 p.m. We were up at 8:15. Five hours is just a bit too long to be without sustenance for us; low blood sugar sure makes us grumpy. So to counteract the potential for a sucrose dive or mid-day migraines (or more likely a bickering fight), Ron pulled out his go-to baking cookbook for ideas and inspiration, the <u>Home Bakebook of Natural Breads & Goodies</u> (circa 1972). And so the spontaneous Easter Cinnamon Swirl Bun was born. They are super light and fluffy, sweet and sticky. You'll want to hang by the kitchen for the oh-so-sweet smell, too.<br />
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<u><b>Ingredients</b></u> <i>(yields 15 buns)</i><br />
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<b>Basic Roll Recipe </b><br />
<ul>
<li>1 Tablespoon dry yeast</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups warm water</li>
<li>3 Tablespoons raw sugar</li>
<li>1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>2 Tablespoons butter</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>2 cups whole wheat flour</li>
<li>2 cups white flour</li>
</ul>
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<b>Cinnamon Bun Extras</b><br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 Cup of butter, melted, divided in half</li>
<li>1/2 Cup raw sugar</li>
<li>1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon </li>
</ul>
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<b>Icing</b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 Cups of powdered sugar, sifted</li>
<li>2 Tablespoons of butter, melted</li>
<li>1 Teaspoon of vanilla extract</li>
<li>2-4 Tablespoons of heavy cream (you can substitute milk or water)</li>
</ul>
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Generously grease a 9"x13" rectangular baking dish. Prepare the roll recipe first. In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the water and let dissolve (about 5 minutes). Stir in sugar, salt, butter and egg. Slowly stir in the flour until the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.<br />
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Dump the dough onto a floured surface and knead until good and elastic, about 5-7 minutes, adding sifted flour to prevent sticking. Make a dough ball and flatten, then roll out to an approximate 9" x 18" rectangle, about 1/4"-1/2" thick. Brush on 1/4 cup of the melted butter. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle atop the butter. Carefully fold in one long edge of the dough towards you and continue to roll until you have one long log. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut off the uneven ends and discard. Make 15 equal-width rolls by making 14 cuts spaced evenly apart. (Each cut should be about 1" apart.)<br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmsfvuczpGje_-wcY1NtOuRUvqTwo6P_nyRoKpj1wfXNvECE2-nWMmLbK43aVj7hoqxNVOdeRKMCX8a1x5ehJ6-J5bJ8r8ati0NX8N_AAu5oZf7odL0uh8wHp3JibJDiF5rnVjmKUJ9o/s640/P1014294.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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Place buns equal-distant apart from each other, spiral side up, in the greased baking dish.<br />
Cover and let rise in a warm location until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 350˚.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbigHyuGatvSOPDG6KMufnTmRoEhBbRobFlBUmltWk2Vaz_68gKjxM0mNCVzyLxf2f5PHwNIu9Tt8xT6krTEaepwaCwynKzU6E_esG2n75HewTZh_FCeieWb77weEkXDYrV2rH_8MDCJk/s1600/P1014317.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbigHyuGatvSOPDG6KMufnTmRoEhBbRobFlBUmltWk2Vaz_68gKjxM0mNCVzyLxf2f5PHwNIu9Tt8xT6krTEaepwaCwynKzU6E_esG2n75HewTZh_FCeieWb77weEkXDYrV2rH_8MDCJk/s640/P1014317.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Meanwhile, prepare the icing (!!!). In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the sugar, butter and vanilla. Slowly whisk in the cream until your desired consistency is reached. (If you want it thicker, add less; thinner, add more.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHruQBVOOKqR0MitMxXCJZuyyyDt5YYpfeUkw-ECvq0nVOfmLx0brZjBuq9N3VUGZAiojg_VKVKvbLkUdjcwO8C7TX0cF2C94b0_Tpo_ReI5oyKPXxAwEmv1CrZ8iMLdjlYEz6pauZLI/s1600/P1014331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHruQBVOOKqR0MitMxXCJZuyyyDt5YYpfeUkw-ECvq0nVOfmLx0brZjBuq9N3VUGZAiojg_VKVKvbLkUdjcwO8C7TX0cF2C94b0_Tpo_ReI5oyKPXxAwEmv1CrZ8iMLdjlYEz6pauZLI/s640/P1014331.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Once buns have doubled in size. Brush on the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter. Pop in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes and then spread on icing.<br />
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Divide and devour!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl56NvdDMV1IEawf6NhpBeDIwlk2NMLYknhhl1oAXrz6dnOpTTmR_IcE2MHovkpxQmPNMdEaR17C8ZkAqTvVJfJBH3ztaQ_neMe0WpOjxwariVqXnkR2ve-1mbIIwH1N6yT8L-6i5BIk/s1600/P1014353.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNl56NvdDMV1IEawf6NhpBeDIwlk2NMLYknhhl1oAXrz6dnOpTTmR_IcE2MHovkpxQmPNMdEaR17C8ZkAqTvVJfJBH3ztaQ_neMe0WpOjxwariVqXnkR2ve-1mbIIwH1N6yT8L-6i5BIk/s640/P1014353.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Why not try something new and break out of the boring (yet oh-so-consistently-yummy) cinnamon bun rut. Next time we're gonna try adding chocolate chips to the cinnamon-sugar swirls. <i>(It would be like a chocolate croissant, only better!</i>) Ron recommended using orange blossom water and orange zest for the icing. You could also add your own mix of nuts, dried fruit or jam to the swirls. Almond slivers and raisins? Pistachios and dates? Go for it! Have fun and enjoy!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-72875312982365888702013-03-28T11:23:00.000-04:002013-07-27T10:21:00.297-04:00To Die For Blueberry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIsCGQnvvsuZ3utQw4Agk0-KIGXwtKJfkd8haUMgNIx6wA_47s2yQegGiNWrzKMcL7qyOyIQg9mDwWCUxDG-fZpNKUn8v0jLE8bTSj3M5FZM6IuverLq1M6Ol1n7H9wL2i8HOBSj_SvU/s1600/blueberry+muffin+intro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIsCGQnvvsuZ3utQw4Agk0-KIGXwtKJfkd8haUMgNIx6wA_47s2yQegGiNWrzKMcL7qyOyIQg9mDwWCUxDG-fZpNKUn8v0jLE8bTSj3M5FZM6IuverLq1M6Ol1n7H9wL2i8HOBSj_SvU/s640/blueberry+muffin+intro.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Okay, it's Spring now, <i>thank God</i>. But wouldn't you know that we here in Richmond, VA would have a freak snow storm with more accumulation than all Winter put together! Followed by an icky, mucky day that saw Ron and I huddled indoors cursing Punxsutawney and clutching cups of Oolong. As per usual we comforted ourselves with food, glorious food. Roasted sweet potatoes with onion and red pepper...a French omelet with tomato and Pecorino Romano...Veggie sausage...Toast...And, of course, blueberry muffins! A true feast fit for (cold) kings.<br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/" target="_blank">Here</a> is my coveted recipe using fresh blueberries via <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/to-die-for-blueberry-muffins/" target="_blank">Allrecipes.com. </a>(I've made then with frozen too, but I highly recommend using fresh; save this recipe and add it to your July blueberry season repertoire.) It is not my creation, but they are just too good not to share, and frankly, there was just nothing that I could improve upon. I've tried several variations of blueberry muffins, but I stopped looking when I found this one. It's my absolute FAVORITE, and I think you'll enjoy them too.<br />
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These are super simple too; you won't need a blender! This recipe makes 8 over-sized muffins filled with gooey blueberries and topped with crunchy, sugar-cinnamon crumbles. This is one instance, and perhaps the only instance, where large muffin tops are a good thing!<br />
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There's just nothing better than biting into a warm, fresh-from-the-oven muffin and slathering on a small pad of butter and watching it melt. Then licking the crumbs off the plate and reaching for seconds... <br />
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I 've always loved blueberry muffins, even as a child. They are by far my all-time favorite simple pleasure made only sweeter by a bit of childhood nostalgia. And make sure to savor the indescribable delicious aroma while they're baking! Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-45695385539576457992013-03-25T12:07:00.004-04:002013-03-25T20:36:38.434-04:00Travel At Home<div style="text-align: left;">
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One of the great things about living in Richmond, VA -- a city built on history (think General Robert E. Lee and the Civil War) in a state which carefully tends its place in grade-school text books for begetting four of the first five presidents (Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe) and harboring the first capital of this nation, Jamestown (just to name a few) -- is the right-outside-your-door opportunities for encounters with the past. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A View of Washington's Monument</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Belle Isle</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>First African Church - 1011 Main St.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m2FQIFgqz8Qtzn-hoOcv-T2coA_G3AaMoTpuz-kh2SOHVuy-x5fmzEeriN0VhkLkMWv-UcRaGE5on1dktkIhOH9I4-Cu6JPK2PGnv2XtJ4F5X1SAdLd9_AXIiMjzOnw_NyZr_uNhsUQ/s1600/index-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3m2FQIFgqz8Qtzn-hoOcv-T2coA_G3AaMoTpuz-kh2SOHVuy-x5fmzEeriN0VhkLkMWv-UcRaGE5on1dktkIhOH9I4-Cu6JPK2PGnv2XtJ4F5X1SAdLd9_AXIiMjzOnw_NyZr_uNhsUQ/s640/index-32.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Confederate Monument - Hollywood Cemetery</i></td></tr>
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Granted, this is the United States we are talking about where the modern history, in terms of colonialization on, is only 400-something years deep. We don't have the same deep-root boasting power of the European continent, by far. Regardless, I love living in Richmond because if affords me the opportunity to dive into the past as far back as 1607 just a stone's throw from my home. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Virginia Colonization" - 1906</i></td></tr>
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I am a proponent of being a tourist, or better yet, a traveler in my own city, taking a weekend to enjoy the unique history of a place, spending a slow morning people-watching in an off-the-beaten-path coffee shop, coursing the shopping promenades and buying locally-made or locally-harvested wares. If the price is right, I'll take in a museum before ending the "trip" at a restaurant I've yet to try. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Tourist's Pocket Map of Virginia - 1835</i></td></tr>
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Though I've been a resident of Richmond for 12 years, I find there is always something new to discover. Traveling in your own city is a less expensive and less daunting alternative to a true "vacation." One with similar mind opening benefits. Even if you've lived your whole life in just one city, chances are you're missing something...whether it's that old antique mall up the road, an eatery that just opened, or the birthplace of a local celeb. Just setting the intention of seeing things differently and being willing to try new things (which is the natural mind-set and expectation of a vacationer) opens you to new things. </div>
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Can't set aside a full weekend, or even a day? Just a few hours exploring your local stomping ground can give you new eyes into your city's past and an expanded appreciation for, well, <i>everything</i>! Walk down a street you've never tread and pop your head into each and every shop along the way or visit a local history museum. A quick google search and you're ready to hit the road. With a little more planning and prep, you could even have yourself a dandy picnic packed for enjoying amidst oaks and flowers of a grand estate garden.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A vintage postcard of The Virginia House</td></tr>
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The images below are from my recent "trip" to <a href="http://www.vahistorical.org/vh/vh_house_main.htm" target="_blank">The Virginia House</a>, the hillside residence of Alexander and Virginia Weddell. <i>(Again, 12 years living here and I, and my travel companion Nisha, had never heard of this place!) </i>The house and gardens recently opened to the public, but by appointment only. Thanks to First Lady McDonnell and their <a href="http://www.historicalhomes.virginia.gov/" target="_blank">Year of The Historic Home</a>, we bypassed the red tape...and the entry fee! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE36vyklcGSJWvMzHdDctym53fxC8R0rs1hzNOti3LRURoSfz_og7YN5UUA2HFIv6DuMXBKJ_fS42vu8JYz-6jLO-EsJXHt4ZWy9HodcBMQSy5bBExa3SMoK0PcNuQlv0ZIiIL-VCjR3U/s1600/P1014107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE36vyklcGSJWvMzHdDctym53fxC8R0rs1hzNOti3LRURoSfz_og7YN5UUA2HFIv6DuMXBKJ_fS42vu8JYz-6jLO-EsJXHt4ZWy9HodcBMQSy5bBExa3SMoK0PcNuQlv0ZIiIL-VCjR3U/s640/P1014107.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Weddell's study and library boasted an impressive collection of books and artifacts.</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kvwyYjUDPfdrYPId02ttfwT8zO5vc9F7AtTAweumex8_vCQpoK4Kueiz6AlKYX0jP3r2Rt97GhEtO8gjzF3FIZg37vPvQVM1p0zrc4PyGTtoDMnnPEbeACYfIE_wWJDGKD_PVIQlc4s/s1600/P1014109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kvwyYjUDPfdrYPId02ttfwT8zO5vc9F7AtTAweumex8_vCQpoK4Kueiz6AlKYX0jP3r2Rt97GhEtO8gjzF3FIZg37vPvQVM1p0zrc4PyGTtoDMnnPEbeACYfIE_wWJDGKD_PVIQlc4s/s640/P1014109.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gorgeous objects d'art filled every spare surface.</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ttWCnsglXxdTJ-Y8ueaQuhcDa6dyvKhsYfWYeRNIE0jDIPE1Orgjc0KODj6-LAuxNIOXg1B-ZiU2aXqdjfDYwIFcHLqQ4hRPouTI9tAN3W-FG_o39mjF8KXW3a27nGPA6PK5CSAHbMI/s1600/P1014112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ttWCnsglXxdTJ-Y8ueaQuhcDa6dyvKhsYfWYeRNIE0jDIPE1Orgjc0KODj6-LAuxNIOXg1B-ZiU2aXqdjfDYwIFcHLqQ4hRPouTI9tAN3W-FG_o39mjF8KXW3a27nGPA6PK5CSAHbMI/s640/P1014112.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRIjNzdqJ4wnKJzoF2YTNU5yy581fOulM9rFYsVLXnloYZa0m2NgjvFw4N2AQEXEJSICeA4UeRsZJQgWl7AuP8uQjtPMnJVhpuDah62iPQTQxAuFK5XgFvfEjBpR4eaVt9-HYUqnxXQw/s1600/P1014117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRIjNzdqJ4wnKJzoF2YTNU5yy581fOulM9rFYsVLXnloYZa0m2NgjvFw4N2AQEXEJSICeA4UeRsZJQgWl7AuP8uQjtPMnJVhpuDah62iPQTQxAuFK5XgFvfEjBpR4eaVt9-HYUqnxXQw/s640/P1014117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Intricately carved wood, dating to the sixteenth century, adorned the walls, staircases, furniture and accessories.</i></td></tr>
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I fell in love with this place: dark wood, but full of light. The hand of the craftsman and artist was everywhere. You could get lost in the details but always find something new at every turn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBtOsKxrtOLqCinqLfw2GRJP6oeYu7_unliF13lJ0V6K5cmAcJurRLpyPbskJdipVqWbf3HD3OnxKx6-wUMCHeWDIH_1dFjixR-ew4nsnXEsqvLUut_NdNojofZeobgssqMJHhUc-H20/s1600/P1014091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBtOsKxrtOLqCinqLfw2GRJP6oeYu7_unliF13lJ0V6K5cmAcJurRLpyPbskJdipVqWbf3HD3OnxKx6-wUMCHeWDIH_1dFjixR-ew4nsnXEsqvLUut_NdNojofZeobgssqMJHhUc-H20/s640/P1014091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPc_ZBq0mNqH7e3w-dKBhfXFl8wUc7yPzD-8C64pq_V9AzRLe9KMo5kJgb-XLKlbbLdECzbbT-2FVXthweNx2YQma7COi4Rdn8KyVPCYJidcnqJRdWIEMPp-Fn0RC36QKZuKLltkYbDM/s1600/P1014102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPc_ZBq0mNqH7e3w-dKBhfXFl8wUc7yPzD-8C64pq_V9AzRLe9KMo5kJgb-XLKlbbLdECzbbT-2FVXthweNx2YQma7COi4Rdn8KyVPCYJidcnqJRdWIEMPp-Fn0RC36QKZuKLltkYbDM/s640/P1014102.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>No English Tudor is complete without lead-paned windows.</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSMTJv5AW5ybB8k8fQFr_SWJ3nV63JG77-aS-mm5ce2aGYYZkHHmm2A_XRPvshl4wtSy3as094GqT9FFo0vVxc_kNn0x92DRI9o49Sks4ELeZmyRrpbwGFfmEyEUPjoRTwu12eGXltcU/s1600/P1014122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSMTJv5AW5ybB8k8fQFr_SWJ3nV63JG77-aS-mm5ce2aGYYZkHHmm2A_XRPvshl4wtSy3as094GqT9FFo0vVxc_kNn0x92DRI9o49Sks4ELeZmyRrpbwGFfmEyEUPjoRTwu12eGXltcU/s640/P1014122.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've got a bunch more pics from the The Virginia House's neighbor, the more widely-known English tudor known as Agecroft Hall, which I'll be posting next week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjSbu-XBddWWLhU9tG-guRtKWHtajinfBLGUijC1masMYvEK652opLdaLPA6cpSIFDPSD2897af3ANFEUfYthY09yzzje1ZDoqYMN2NiVb1fCHwXg8lwh2Lj-kkTfWJp1jbC_QBV1OhI/s1600/Blog+Divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="30" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjSbu-XBddWWLhU9tG-guRtKWHtajinfBLGUijC1masMYvEK652opLdaLPA6cpSIFDPSD2897af3ANFEUfYthY09yzzje1ZDoqYMN2NiVb1fCHwXg8lwh2Lj-kkTfWJp1jbC_QBV1OhI/s640/Blog+Divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-63470376238015064642013-03-20T11:02:00.000-04:002013-04-02T20:59:40.502-04:00Zesty Potato Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8shwojdzsD_IC0YFSXikD_Ltapo7A9dQ1nlCG57KWAIOwqMUfQzsdhL_pUsCR8U6236eEBL9tvjrdihjPEhMrVS9bMMlIef2EVedNNBijfKydRqAIVxt4PzIhwq9j2WDEA_ayM-urM/s1600/P1013909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8shwojdzsD_IC0YFSXikD_Ltapo7A9dQ1nlCG57KWAIOwqMUfQzsdhL_pUsCR8U6236eEBL9tvjrdihjPEhMrVS9bMMlIef2EVedNNBijfKydRqAIVxt4PzIhwq9j2WDEA_ayM-urM/s640/P1013909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Folks, today is the first day of Spring. Do a dance, and then make this fresh and easy potato salad which is the dish I've made for my Spring Equinox Fire Ceremony + Potluck tonight. After all, we are heading into the two quintessential seasons of outdoor parties and tag-along salads be it potato, tuna, egg, three bean or pasta.<br />
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This one is especially great because it offers a nice alternative to those mayo-based varieties, the fresh lemon juice and garlic pack a ton of flavor, and it can be made ahead of time and served warm, cold or room temperature!<br />
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<img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLT4atw30GHeIyX_mDNB76x7dU66AJfUu-5yIPYXt5K_oaEo0QDdkhM4iHhTjEbB6EQ-EfmIfRSJmYQ1bRjdvGMVkr-sjTEks4DiJKMnYNSDQ1cR8QQ6IcSp41xTMc0I9Cgt4jorQbeso/s640/P1013888.JPG" width="640" /><br />
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<a href="https://sites.google.com/site/karendianewolferecipes/zesty-potato-salad?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNcOi_IlXkGRBMgp3c4XGok24VYfBMqgcJmfb-4llTxYbxP2PcrFIlzrF3Ts34G4q6V0obVvIlrcdlhpnS5CNbSq21kMmZ86tLKfLwNe5rR77TUK1ZdY6tYJho2CFDWD4Yar8YsQoLIw/s200/Print+recipe+button.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><u>Ingredients</u></b> <i>(yields 8-12 servings)</i><br />
<ul>
<li>5 lbs. white potatoes (about 12 medium potatoes), cleaned and cubed</li>
<li>3 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped</li>
<li>1/4 of a red onion, minced</li>
<li>2 tablespoons of fresh garlic (3 large cloves), minced</li>
<li>3 tablespoons red wine vinegar</li>
<li>4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil</li>
<li>The juice of two lemons</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>parsley sprigs or green onion or chives to garnish </li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
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Boil potatoes for 10-15 minutes until fork is easily inserted. Drain, and let cool in strainer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, parsley, onion, garlic, and salt and pepper. (You are basically making a vinaigrette.) I taste the concoction and add more olive oil if it is too strong, or more lemon juice if too bland. Then fold in cooled potatoes. Garnish with parsley sprigs, chopped green onion or chives, if desired. <br />
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It really couldn't be easier! And if you happened to boil your potatoes a few minutes too long as I did, no worries. The smudgy potato parts that break off when tossing will add a bit of creaminess!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51959898842632224.post-69577293578163407362013-03-19T14:26:00.002-04:002013-03-19T14:26:34.152-04:00Backyard Vignettes<br />
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJ3TQGgPPo5Yl06cNpKSOkmJg35rFqHP2CTBldb285VGF7iF83bWbr0EOyzh30PXghe-m_ovTU0d9oR9P2axvrskjXdmLzSoGwhvRecvqdICP56q7mwv3ZTlBzWSWvqN6TH2dM4CGd1E/s640/P1013849.JPG" width="640" /> </div>
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Everything outdoors looks better wet. Except maybe cats.<br />
Nabby wants to go in, and is confused by my frolicking in this chilly drizzle.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYW78p8nIOO8XqTAKU8wrMuX5iV-K4cPFd1K_jF527uVN8Nqs0plh-tX8Fo3L7qUo4c4uHedVqOWS_IBJ8GdMmlYs5WHYafe6JafF79FcmIMek_jJpurcGxdiMGkfpXRSIKactS-J0Rg4/s1600/P1013839.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYW78p8nIOO8XqTAKU8wrMuX5iV-K4cPFd1K_jF527uVN8Nqs0plh-tX8Fo3L7qUo4c4uHedVqOWS_IBJ8GdMmlYs5WHYafe6JafF79FcmIMek_jJpurcGxdiMGkfpXRSIKactS-J0Rg4/s640/P1013839.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
So, i take that back. <i>Most</i> everything outside looks better when wet. Wood. Plants. Roads. That's why car commercials rent large sprayers or borrow the town fire
hose to paint the asphalt dark. I prefer to let nature's impulses dress up my backyard in all its colorful glory. And the colors in Spring are especially vibrant and awake. <br />
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I really love days when fog and mist hover till late morning, when the
sky spits on you and the air is wet and heavy. Days when everything is
covered with bulbous droplets that sparkle if the sun should chance an
appearance.<br />
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Days when I can tramp about in my knee-high Hunter boots, in
the mud and puddles, like a young child out for an exploration
adventure. I'm happy I've regained that sense of childhood wonder. </div>
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And I
don't need to go beyond my back gate for vignettes and encounters with
miraculous beauty.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07716244425379471167noreply@blogger.com0Woodland Heights, Richmond, VA37.5374438 -77.52754629999998337.4366893 -77.688907799999981 37.6381983 -77.366184799999985