tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9670549004579348472024-03-05T17:21:20.198-08:00Georgia RectorsDebra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-66448383007348136902010-08-17T18:19:00.001-07:002010-08-19T17:53:05.131-07:00Long Time No Blog<div>Where has the summer gone? My last blog post was June. That was ages ago and I didn't expect to go this long without blogging.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>Doughboy and I just returned from a week-long cruise to Alaska's inside passage - Juneau, Skagway, Tracey Ar, Fjord, and Victoria BC. We spent my birthday weekend in Seattle. More on this in another blog post.<div><br /></div><div>For now, I want to report that our remodel project - inside and out - is completed. We are very pleased with the result and look forward to years of enjoyment. Photos below are of the finished deck and back yard.</div></div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYKHQdSTBkhsjgxipl_X1l3gyvelbsBPtsOdyEYNsU0F6KpYdLPTyXGomNF7XEJFcZbqEzDeWx2UFbBxXWjAwM9iwZFvcpdhDCpXetMbmwhzevD_qP0TI_tt3ja9rJZUKJ17iDwofs60/s1600/DSC_0090-deck-g-web.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYKHQdSTBkhsjgxipl_X1l3gyvelbsBPtsOdyEYNsU0F6KpYdLPTyXGomNF7XEJFcZbqEzDeWx2UFbBxXWjAwM9iwZFvcpdhDCpXetMbmwhzevD_qP0TI_tt3ja9rJZUKJ17iDwofs60/s400/DSC_0090-deck-g-web.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507285477145011890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">View of the pool, pool house, and pergola</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c4jJA-PuO_jLlIyqdZ1jxOFTx77UJ4j4BAq6fiJaegagTs69Bh0PpO8NIz_QsdeTPGjyLPKZz8Uio_P3JOP7_TBiskAHuO-wxOxFWVd0uIrK7wzTFvBLkzxdHD3IE88AW203-0qZk1A/s1600/DSC_0091-deck-f-web.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8c4jJA-PuO_jLlIyqdZ1jxOFTx77UJ4j4BAq6fiJaegagTs69Bh0PpO8NIz_QsdeTPGjyLPKZz8Uio_P3JOP7_TBiskAHuO-wxOxFWVd0uIrK7wzTFvBLkzxdHD3IE88AW203-0qZk1A/s400/DSC_0091-deck-f-web.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507284580537562802" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">View of gazebo/salt water spa</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVYaEL2doO_9pTZkXqWRFDUtNArgLNgJhQs2bDyr6oGiLzlFm9uE0DGboLZrd_1FddNaT9YXszWY50DJCrxbweWIKYAqCJYgCWgIr96NJ5Pzaff5hcuLrZHTy1pp6krRWEq-tJlDkIU0/s1600/DSC_5784-deck-e-web.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPVYaEL2doO_9pTZkXqWRFDUtNArgLNgJhQs2bDyr6oGiLzlFm9uE0DGboLZrd_1FddNaT9YXszWY50DJCrxbweWIKYAqCJYgCWgIr96NJ5Pzaff5hcuLrZHTy1pp6krRWEq-tJlDkIU0/s400/DSC_5784-deck-e-web.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507284536782436930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBfUv3yj7IPDWIXme0_RNpUC4DC6b7ayiEEuFk2clKS-vtg4yRUqRXCFLjXcEb2ItEHLgy5n2PnptiF79veIpOWPAYv6iLyHCHDaV87_ouFJWu2qEpffXS3oYpj1P_2Axo1tEMV_q3Xo/s1600/DSC_5788-deck-d-web.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBfUv3yj7IPDWIXme0_RNpUC4DC6b7ayiEEuFk2clKS-vtg4yRUqRXCFLjXcEb2ItEHLgy5n2PnptiF79veIpOWPAYv6iLyHCHDaV87_ouFJWu2qEpffXS3oYpj1P_2Axo1tEMV_q3Xo/s400/DSC_5788-deck-d-web.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507284481020466594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41nlNWV3XHypK3ypsWW_hiq5S5tpnfAePhl4X1B6SIqOXrH7KPxuuZ2HpuWDnj2HjkWAtxWyBaDvOGyzTWhFtuORpB8BmyLgFxvAdBo6zBjc00DdNfADbngkMfccbUxow5Em9Q7wBb6w/s1600/DSC_5788-deck-c-web.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41nlNWV3XHypK3ypsWW_hiq5S5tpnfAePhl4X1B6SIqOXrH7KPxuuZ2HpuWDnj2HjkWAtxWyBaDvOGyzTWhFtuORpB8BmyLgFxvAdBo6zBjc00DdNfADbngkMfccbUxow5Em9Q7wBb6w/s400/DSC_5788-deck-c-web.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507283767646799090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5JzxwBcYqbIbJL6Wo1A0swd8kWXmaSJYtHJbymJ5J-qPCX0UEZTKhqFlG7YxsVxkqMlvtOmJFJMw_GmOBB9JH723m4pAfI_xacm-1sFO9fez1q3IqfUc9ofj4im7vyi5_o6fRdpP52Y/s1600/DSC_5790-deck-b-web.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5JzxwBcYqbIbJL6Wo1A0swd8kWXmaSJYtHJbymJ5J-qPCX0UEZTKhqFlG7YxsVxkqMlvtOmJFJMw_GmOBB9JH723m4pAfI_xacm-1sFO9fez1q3IqfUc9ofj4im7vyi5_o6fRdpP52Y/s400/DSC_5790-deck-b-web.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507283730580396706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Hmmmm...the deck is a little bare and in need of furniture. Don't you agree?</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcfkgH3xAmU_YAuDciB8PBGGNpkZ6LICDEtnxLNBdKRrwjReDlmX8S1NbTp_8JnB1_6xK-631ERNyd3brJM7grjWPPHjmhgCYmgL5Vr4tuAyrL_7OsHRNAnknCWOZu360U79ZkpN7NVk/s1600/DSC_5781-deck-a-web.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcfkgH3xAmU_YAuDciB8PBGGNpkZ6LICDEtnxLNBdKRrwjReDlmX8S1NbTp_8JnB1_6xK-631ERNyd3brJM7grjWPPHjmhgCYmgL5Vr4tuAyrL_7OsHRNAnknCWOZu360U79ZkpN7NVk/s400/DSC_5781-deck-a-web.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507283690963655122" /></a><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-14690220100947148882010-06-01T18:08:00.001-07:002010-06-02T06:43:03.993-07:00Pete's Dog HouseAs the remodel project progressed Pete and I were tasked with creating a name for his pub. Focus of the pub name was centered around dogs or wolves. Several names were tossed around -- some clever, others funny, and a few were hilarious but far from G-rated. Our friend and decorator, Denise, came up with <i>Pete's Doghouse</i>. Of all the contenders, it fit the best. <div><br /></div><div>Thanks much to the wonderfully talented Mike Shepard for an original piece of art that will grace our wall for years to come. He captured the sweet face of our Westie, Kadybug perfectly!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sjRnML0AyuVoijMvHUMCnJFxpXG_Px8bjoRQXhx4bQ1uhrI4QUfGpPHzyPuWIEStxL_fMSNEEI2HQgQ3o-uH-Q_WwizN6YOgcpjTCdiT-QiheBQ_6uaOTt4paKpI5gnUh7APFFR4_fY/s1600/Dog-House-web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477979180163480930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 374px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sjRnML0AyuVoijMvHUMCnJFxpXG_Px8bjoRQXhx4bQ1uhrI4QUfGpPHzyPuWIEStxL_fMSNEEI2HQgQ3o-uH-Q_WwizN6YOgcpjTCdiT-QiheBQ_6uaOTt4paKpI5gnUh7APFFR4_fY/s400/Dog-House-web.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit567XZsW0Ddj-UnWT2srbvCaEvBh8n26Tq_TxGTQlyO4VIcCn7CiYKb9FmyHORNMZuoTTJ4I2XzJWp-XgofbPLqRm9cJjoqY4uUgI-3n7IU2j_nd4HRJzrv2YDQSak_E2Jie9EWmPRjE/s1600/Kadybug-web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477979558349918834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit567XZsW0Ddj-UnWT2srbvCaEvBh8n26Tq_TxGTQlyO4VIcCn7CiYKb9FmyHORNMZuoTTJ4I2XzJWp-XgofbPLqRm9cJjoqY4uUgI-3n7IU2j_nd4HRJzrv2YDQSak_E2Jie9EWmPRjE/s400/Kadybug-web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0drvNyv4iw6_qrRNievJHR9CVa5EZX4APvf_nfap6xvZ6ucWDN4dFkH_mH5PssI84FqTqhywISNsgef3N7bIE3aLSwNHv0QPHoeAhKPxM_0IATxHqXXUK16SQlWfA5kgJjzo8EMXORzQ/s1600/Dog-House2web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477981211262867666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0drvNyv4iw6_qrRNievJHR9CVa5EZX4APvf_nfap6xvZ6ucWDN4dFkH_mH5PssI84FqTqhywISNsgef3N7bIE3aLSwNHv0QPHoeAhKPxM_0IATxHqXXUK16SQlWfA5kgJjzo8EMXORzQ/s400/Dog-House2web.jpg" border="0" /></a>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-69552228854180802942010-04-22T14:07:00.000-07:002010-04-22T15:08:33.765-07:00Ch-ch-ch-changesDoughboy's pub was scheduled for installation tomorrow. I called Classic Bars early this morning to confirm the appointment and was informed that installation was actually occurring today; not tomorrow. Yikes! I quickly planned a half vacation day and raced home. Bob and his crew arrived shortly after 12 noon and the pub was carefully rolled down the hill from the driveway to terrace level piece by piece. The once empty corner had begun to take on new life.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ax8Hzp2cNsgTfE-8mq0_L_ftpj_nrFIYl5BrEEOMs3r8WWbkT4f6sKkZXGaLM5CXxTCNLOTSrC3kk_TaBtSErzPSQ295lwQjVff3Jg71nO-RMQhT1of9lhwtfeo9WxTx4XMs0iHolV8/s1600/Day-1-install-c-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ax8Hzp2cNsgTfE-8mq0_L_ftpj_nrFIYl5BrEEOMs3r8WWbkT4f6sKkZXGaLM5CXxTCNLOTSrC3kk_TaBtSErzPSQ295lwQjVff3Jg71nO-RMQhT1of9lhwtfeo9WxTx4XMs0iHolV8/s400/Day-1-install-c-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463073510511696226" /></a><br />After the base unit was put in place, the side pieces began to take shape.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mnpSvpo7zC0381Xy2u1S04lyU3j53U-vHEo_9bfDn0bGQ1P4r9RdVrIl3rqvjbPUew4djEa_DSmyGxNxCE9pRh098oiiTctX3DT1c6Zy4fNIfCJ8HtCHAKQ6fAPNeRREFTTlwR8iK_s/s1600/Day-1-install-d-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 326px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mnpSvpo7zC0381Xy2u1S04lyU3j53U-vHEo_9bfDn0bGQ1P4r9RdVrIl3rqvjbPUew4djEa_DSmyGxNxCE9pRh098oiiTctX3DT1c6Zy4fNIfCJ8HtCHAKQ6fAPNeRREFTTlwR8iK_s/s400/Day-1-install-d-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463074213430812402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqMClfpRkjHefPt4_4oGzkX9Zx1nqzLjS7bmPLBi4R_XEkOEvB8FnhrPosqUW9k1Ncvfd970-IQ8Q_mdHDnXfpBu4KP7ptDGbn3Umbjft-qV7uRtFKgzsVs10CWl61c4sd87wFZxsC5w/s1600/Day-1-install-a-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqMClfpRkjHefPt4_4oGzkX9Zx1nqzLjS7bmPLBi4R_XEkOEvB8FnhrPosqUW9k1Ncvfd970-IQ8Q_mdHDnXfpBu4KP7ptDGbn3Umbjft-qV7uRtFKgzsVs10CWl61c4sd87wFZxsC5w/s400/Day-1-install-a-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463074513812620258" /></a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXuhiQXzT0xP3acrMiOcWUmEKqh-QwGyuymkPAFYewXNgtlARnAC32NiIa091-QfTiGjq5Wx0OiBCk5ZZuBSNN8hSH-M5QPIZTy56t3puxDORbaj7H_xXwe0wdn54CqpdEaaL8P8xbKg/s1600/Day-1-install-b-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXuhiQXzT0xP3acrMiOcWUmEKqh-QwGyuymkPAFYewXNgtlARnAC32NiIa091-QfTiGjq5Wx0OiBCk5ZZuBSNN8hSH-M5QPIZTy56t3puxDORbaj7H_xXwe0wdn54CqpdEaaL8P8xbKg/s400/Day-1-install-b-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463074871021759666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCldmUmJYYsrhhsDRNZ3dq48Kqz4EiyLC0IxCrTpYlwDETFV2p_hGKLYUy4CDRZFiCLi-09ndrMUrHcKlA8E-hCLuVnsNmULfpOdLtHAeKmevYbxiLWVZLagUOBNgrRyJtb_rglP9z8Y/s1600/Day-1-install-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCldmUmJYYsrhhsDRNZ3dq48Kqz4EiyLC0IxCrTpYlwDETFV2p_hGKLYUy4CDRZFiCLi-09ndrMUrHcKlA8E-hCLuVnsNmULfpOdLtHAeKmevYbxiLWVZLagUOBNgrRyJtb_rglP9z8Y/s400/Day-1-install-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463074875855712482" /></a><br />Time flew quickly with only part of the installation complete. Bob and his crew will return tomorrow to finish the pub ceiling; just in time for Doughboy to return home for the weekend. Surprise!Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-67786739781032079442010-04-21T16:43:00.001-07:002010-04-22T05:20:19.558-07:00After The RainDay 1 of the deck remodeling project was complete removal of the old wooden deck. Day 2 was a day of rain, which our parched lawn desperately needed; crews were absent and progress was stalled until fair weather returned. Day 3 was sunny and beautiful with progress on the main structure. The floor structure was started and white posts have been positioned in place. <div><br /></div><div>It's fun to watch the progress although we're only three days into the project. The project has an estimated mid-June targeted completion date. The entire deck will be maintenance free, comprised primarily of Azek - a vinyl product that resists moisture, mildew, fading, and scratches. Better yet, it requires NO maintenance. Woo hoo!</div><div><br /></div><div>When it's finished the deck will span the entire length of the house. The main deck will tie into the screen porch, a gazebo will house the Hot Springs salt-water spa, and the under-deck will be water-tight and ready for enclosing at a much later date. It makes sense that we empty-nesters need more living space, right? Yes, it's a bit excessive but our expanding numbers of grandchildren require more room to play :) And you know it's all about the granchildren.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNrLvT0x8nEEjdodT-yoZVjoFIavAm1GIZ3uPnvDBdhBiYo_rPU6191jZMBgGTkLsBMkQ5G3EsV-niCs5BJpQ0vKU4qSjLl3xwBoMIytKy0bS9DDbsp58bfJguw4wXlcSmiFLXSAjnS4/s1600/Day-3-web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462743440752492434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNrLvT0x8nEEjdodT-yoZVjoFIavAm1GIZ3uPnvDBdhBiYo_rPU6191jZMBgGTkLsBMkQ5G3EsV-niCs5BJpQ0vKU4qSjLl3xwBoMIytKy0bS9DDbsp58bfJguw4wXlcSmiFLXSAjnS4/s400/Day-3-web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBZ1h6tRdNBQ9iJJ6ghlNqesiKAulU0JA5EAVhbHS8_qXhB4vNg96gqsgETZ37kDETjhXudJhek7fj8EMsrv0NL8nxOqkuFDxKc4Bra3xHqxikw6hGSlxoI-1UKLXN2caqPSmijdeqEA/s1600/Day-3-view-from-keeping-rm-.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462743436201953234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBZ1h6tRdNBQ9iJJ6ghlNqesiKAulU0JA5EAVhbHS8_qXhB4vNg96gqsgETZ37kDETjhXudJhek7fj8EMsrv0NL8nxOqkuFDxKc4Bra3xHqxikw6hGSlxoI-1UKLXN2caqPSmijdeqEA/s400/Day-3-view-from-keeping-rm-.jpg" border="0" /></a>The view above is from the keeping room off the kitchen. The doors are kept bolted to ensure safety for the pups. Check back often to watch the progress!<br /></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-64047350738269643282010-04-19T15:49:00.000-07:002010-04-20T05:14:01.607-07:00Watch Your StepOur massive remodeling project began small. Doughboy wanted a pub bar. Period. Like most of <strike>our</strike> my ideas, this project has evolved into something much grander than a pub bar and is waaaay over budget. 50% more, to be precise. To quote Bob (our pub contractor), "It's only money". He said this each time he increased the size of Doughboy's pub. His words took on new meaning as our project also increased in proportion. This, of course, has negatively impacted the <strike>non-existent</strike> little amount of hair Doughboy has left on his head.<br /><br />With the interior project well underway, we moved to the exterior project. Our existing deck was removed today and construction on the new expanded deck will begin Wednesday.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTPAH9mYyTYx5CgsqjaqBBW7-qxvZzPjXbyIyPj-Us9Xk2j3P7uE-exNIDHenslbIpVN3c4hC0SXxzUoY9JOvfB0dZfmncACIHPERX-Zm7IXYgg4fsiKhEduPhjqERmExj3mFpAz9dvs/s1600/Deck-before=web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461993907795911026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTPAH9mYyTYx5CgsqjaqBBW7-qxvZzPjXbyIyPj-Us9Xk2j3P7uE-exNIDHenslbIpVN3c4hC0SXxzUoY9JOvfB0dZfmncACIHPERX-Zm7IXYgg4fsiKhEduPhjqERmExj3mFpAz9dvs/s400/Deck-before=web.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Out with the old...and in with the new. The targeted completion date is mid-June. If weather continues to hold, it may be sooner.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MGi2cqSGZYptBWp9Z1NHvuQ9RezYmMuY_souTYL16Aj9ngG2Pe7NEWFS1706Fh0i91pt1SHK_XB5fZ-0EUEgzGhDMJ9coLNuE-mTmBshcQueTzt37EKollo9kEfobrfa22psJ1YqM3M/s1600/Deck-after=web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461993904256794882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MGi2cqSGZYptBWp9Z1NHvuQ9RezYmMuY_souTYL16Aj9ngG2Pe7NEWFS1706Fh0i91pt1SHK_XB5fZ-0EUEgzGhDMJ9coLNuE-mTmBshcQueTzt37EKollo9kEfobrfa22psJ1YqM3M/s400/Deck-after=web.jpg" border="0" /></a>The hardest part is getting our canine children used to going outside through another <strike>inconvient</strike> door. They're used to having the door open to the deck and wandering in/out to their heart's content. Sorry, pups.Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-54705556321990070712010-04-10T10:22:00.000-07:002010-04-10T11:21:06.729-07:00Pete's PubAfter another lull period, the terrace level remodel has progressed quickly in the past week. Drywall and plumbing are completed, electrical is in progress, and the tile floor for the pub is being installed Monday.<br /><br />We drove to <a href="http://www.classicbars.net/">Classic Bars</a> in Smyrna today to see Pete's pub and deliver the bar sink. Bob, the owner of Classic Bars, was only too happy to show us the detail and workmanship of our pub. Constructed entirely of solid mahogany and mahogany veneers, there are numerous angles that will fit snugly against the tray ceiling that functions as a concealer for HVAC ducts. The intricate detail of egg and dart moulding is around the inside ceiling and along the bonet; mirrors and glass shelves will be inset within each arched opening when the pub is delivered to our home and installed. The brass foot rail has been attached, and custom bar appliances (two beverage centers, wine cooler, double-drawer dish washer, and ice maker) are at the ready to make the pub fully functional.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPRT9N1RgCaCecGoT-m_7vsHA4nB039O6XY08QIAlZN0PZKy6w9RHhMEQ9OdNiy0AInAldpwS9FHI8N_sKexbOLJawWcVz5uxVWeUTTe7PM8UPiE_wprNp58q83oxhliv68MQ8iVpXlg/s1600/DSC_9961-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPRT9N1RgCaCecGoT-m_7vsHA4nB039O6XY08QIAlZN0PZKy6w9RHhMEQ9OdNiy0AInAldpwS9FHI8N_sKexbOLJawWcVz5uxVWeUTTe7PM8UPiE_wprNp58q83oxhliv68MQ8iVpXlg/s400/DSC_9961-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458565458757808658" /><br /></a><div>Monday the bar will be disassembled and taken into another shop room for the finishing stage: hand-rubbed stain, and multiple sandings and applications of a satin clear coat finish. The pub will be delivered to our home and reassembled in two weeks. At that time appliances will be set in place and plumbing/electrical connected.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPRT9N1RgCaCecGoT-m_7vsHA4nB039O6XY08QIAlZN0PZKy6w9RHhMEQ9OdNiy0AInAldpwS9FHI8N_sKexbOLJawWcVz5uxVWeUTTe7PM8UPiE_wprNp58q83oxhliv68MQ8iVpXlg/s1600/DSC_9961-web.jpg"><br /></a></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKbvfRLL6bLX9nFSFEzdstyGSiFJauFqf-tTwNAqMgrlZxqTZGz6NrZnM_hWFa98ApB5ELYJmmwp1rHeK4h9P7QqAhFpJw1JKt8mttQZ4JHEee3AYP-BE61zm2A8ghiH5B59Jvhkil1k/s1600/DSC_9958-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKbvfRLL6bLX9nFSFEzdstyGSiFJauFqf-tTwNAqMgrlZxqTZGz6NrZnM_hWFa98ApB5ELYJmmwp1rHeK4h9P7QqAhFpJw1JKt8mttQZ4JHEee3AYP-BE61zm2A8ghiH5B59Jvhkil1k/s400/DSC_9958-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458565452715133330" /><br /></a></div><div>Then it's time to fire up blender, sit back, and enjoy a refreshing margarita at our new pub. </div><div><br /></div></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-48546441840698478772010-03-31T13:54:00.001-07:002010-03-31T14:06:55.118-07:00Long Awaited ProgressSeveral weeks passed with little or no progress on the remodel. Work on the remodel has picked up this week and progress is evident. The electrical work, plumbing, and framing is nearly completed. According to the contractor, drywall will be installed tomorrow and we will see significant progress in the next couple days. Pete's Pub will be finished within a week, as well as the 19 foot built-in wall unit. Floor tile and granite was ordered today and wallpaper has begun to show up on our doorstep. At last!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn44StKX8kCVkpHhh5olF-w1oLpqLeJ_7jvY-j9gWcO1CbsSlm7xZtmvbr7vw_oNC6xUq8N5_2-jjGpPosghRh8sSuEZlieP5A1vCaUIgMF2QLtQlpTxmFIc-LvLthnIIflgkay_3o8kU/s1600/033110B-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn44StKX8kCVkpHhh5olF-w1oLpqLeJ_7jvY-j9gWcO1CbsSlm7xZtmvbr7vw_oNC6xUq8N5_2-jjGpPosghRh8sSuEZlieP5A1vCaUIgMF2QLtQlpTxmFIc-LvLthnIIflgkay_3o8kU/s400/033110B-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454906974310994754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bWhZ5aV94c5DPuQpXqTtc-mhXJg6eeul43CsL-dzWoPvqL9-GM0hmR70R4QRXBi9d36_Y88dMu9mLXA065JlFlNcbraQIYZZwSYXVW2af3szSsQcORHIN_VnTl1UiWYojpCB6yHLZtA/s1600/033110-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bWhZ5aV94c5DPuQpXqTtc-mhXJg6eeul43CsL-dzWoPvqL9-GM0hmR70R4QRXBi9d36_Y88dMu9mLXA065JlFlNcbraQIYZZwSYXVW2af3szSsQcORHIN_VnTl1UiWYojpCB6yHLZtA/s400/033110-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454906962201897042" /></a>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-84963935977985342292010-03-28T08:15:00.000-07:002010-03-28T08:42:33.035-07:00The PromiseFor a short time, Ayden's behavior was untypical of the sweet boy I know and love. He was getting into trouble at school and went through some struggles in making good choices. Thankfully, it was short lived and he is once again my sweet little Ayden.<br /><br />As an incentive for continuing his good behavior, Ayden was promised a sleepover with us if he achieved ten consecutive days of green stickers at school. A promise is a promise, and this weekend Ayden was rewarded with a sleepover. Sleepovers with us means lots of fun and special one-on-one attention. The fun began with an outing to the movie theater to see the animated feature "How To Train A Dragon". It was much better than I expected and is a movie that even adults would enjoy. I recommend that you see it, especially if you have children or grandchildren. It was Ayden's first 3-D movie adventure. He was riveted to the movie the entire time. After the movie, Ayden was allowed to pick a restaurant for dinner. He chose Chili's, would coincidentally is one of our favorite places. The night ended all too quickly and Ayden fell asleep watching "Horton Hears A Who".<br /><br />After a breakfast of pancakes and warm maple syrup, Ayden took a bath. He LOVES the garden tub in our bedroom, and especially likes to play in the mounds of bubbles generated by the jacuzzi's jets. I left him alone to play for a few minutes and was quickly summoned to the bathroom by Ayden yelling, "Mimi! Come here!" <div><br /></div><div>It was hard to find Ayden in all the bubbles :) Note to self...add less bath bubbles next time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3imjIIPz6zmAf2DSEYrmiKFP8Quh8L5XKw4D2UF7RpP1zF0N2R9hb3MkhKGtkZNt5l2n9siLPudZTv3IlJOcHUYp8MrJwRJGQxlSOzXsSgVszKl9RI1WpLASSt1Lzfw8qjdz_CvXgdI/s1600/Web2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3imjIIPz6zmAf2DSEYrmiKFP8Quh8L5XKw4D2UF7RpP1zF0N2R9hb3MkhKGtkZNt5l2n9siLPudZTv3IlJOcHUYp8MrJwRJGQxlSOzXsSgVszKl9RI1WpLASSt1Lzfw8qjdz_CvXgdI/s400/Web2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453706579298681122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iuoUIh84sBgsbIUdDZxS-VBhI0eks1ltI9fG3G2sufEaSX6_oTM9vofScVzXpNyr4DbHbAGJxBi0EPBzFAiHalTGBAFdtRRwJzTMJxznDwsKK6kFhZQ3g4QegwGQfTkXHCGOXEtZksw/s1600/Web1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iuoUIh84sBgsbIUdDZxS-VBhI0eks1ltI9fG3G2sufEaSX6_oTM9vofScVzXpNyr4DbHbAGJxBi0EPBzFAiHalTGBAFdtRRwJzTMJxznDwsKK6kFhZQ3g4QegwGQfTkXHCGOXEtZksw/s400/Web1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453706577342013842" /></a><br />Our two grandsons enjoy sleepovers, but Ayden is getting too big to be content playing with toys. He is really into the Nintendo DS we gave him for Christmas so I thought it would be fun to buy a Wii. After Ayden's bath, he and Bumpa setup the new Wii I bought last week. Even as I type I can hear them having fun yelling and screaming upstairs. That ought to keep them occupied long enough for me to get my kitchen cleaned. It's the perfect form of entertainment for a rainy Sunday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdazlYR0agzLrq4cEgDRfoQp_8AITXC0ElalcB82gyA8ezFuKh-wsm1ib44gIpN0u4szyNvI7IOKI_3C9PRkI2errZs496WomdDzDmbiG0MZXa5GgCVssb6tcl16rnxBoKIYPpIb2XXZI/s1600/Web5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdazlYR0agzLrq4cEgDRfoQp_8AITXC0ElalcB82gyA8ezFuKh-wsm1ib44gIpN0u4szyNvI7IOKI_3C9PRkI2errZs496WomdDzDmbiG0MZXa5GgCVssb6tcl16rnxBoKIYPpIb2XXZI/s400/Web5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453708690731040914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp80-HJQWIN_XYfnNwvIbnEO4YEfd0TgJUgc0XqtxA38SFSdgThl8kREoV1t9WC9TQDEbrKz1_uSGpLGdWdjqQJDGJIdl07oYoc6EDkthDEZE4YCPMiZ5O7AcdY-5wTrlZ_NmJfHVbDiY/s1600/Web4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp80-HJQWIN_XYfnNwvIbnEO4YEfd0TgJUgc0XqtxA38SFSdgThl8kREoV1t9WC9TQDEbrKz1_uSGpLGdWdjqQJDGJIdl07oYoc6EDkthDEZE4YCPMiZ5O7AcdY-5wTrlZ_NmJfHVbDiY/s400/Web4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453708682748378546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyeVDBN257OV-9cAR-o6RMz3L5elOGotLVSwzk94mDYDNcCCbxqeED_eGZI9UvSR5J1IqnQ6c1pJidtqPvjdtt2DI0khUqUOdzRkCTbF-0lbFvJ9wzvGWlfsVaMXTJ-KPOy6TtMyuons/s1600/Web3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyeVDBN257OV-9cAR-o6RMz3L5elOGotLVSwzk94mDYDNcCCbxqeED_eGZI9UvSR5J1IqnQ6c1pJidtqPvjdtt2DI0khUqUOdzRkCTbF-0lbFvJ9wzvGWlfsVaMXTJ-KPOy6TtMyuons/s400/Web3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453708677074898290" /></a><br />Keep getting green stickers, Ayden. We love your sleepovers with us!<br /></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-86272003161948430562010-03-09T16:29:00.000-08:002010-03-10T03:03:35.218-08:00Fit For A PrincessAlmost eight months ago we began laying plans for decorating Ava's bedroom. The three people that read my blog know quite well that Ava is our one-year-old grand-daughter. Decorating the upstairs bedrooms has been such fun - making plans, selecting fabrics and paint colors, and putting final touches - all of which reflect the unique personalities of the kids.<br /><br />Ava's room is an explosion of pink, lime green, and all things girlie. After two boys I was ready to decorate for a little girl. It couldn't have been accomplished without an incredible team of talented professionals: Denise Timmins (designer/decorator), Susie Spencer (seamstress), Mike Shepard (faux painter), Carl Dann (painter), Wayne Nored (built-in bookcase), AAA Upholstery (chair), and many more. <div><br /></div><div>With the decorating nearly complete, here are a few sneak peeks...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH-qIO3P8k6uOk18iK1X3H2y640Aywek6ClLwa_N3BGTqbJXN2Hup0_-DImhu8TCbDg2r9SNJrQLQEssIQcYbjSNakL9oFFpYr94lQz84HlvkbTaNl8keL5Zf3CMEzMunfzxwqX2Nqxs/s1600-h/DSC_9926-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLH-qIO3P8k6uOk18iK1X3H2y640Aywek6ClLwa_N3BGTqbJXN2Hup0_-DImhu8TCbDg2r9SNJrQLQEssIQcYbjSNakL9oFFpYr94lQz84HlvkbTaNl8keL5Zf3CMEzMunfzxwqX2Nqxs/s400/DSC_9926-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446800251779894930" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Looking into the bathroom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcwZGBJD8kovcpMfMMXgLyTFaoabiUTugvUwstTc-ExCNsMAJPVRa2SoaaWHJ6xLyrLRGDO2e8KNYIcphh-EoZnBgkZ6jocSRI9gPAhHF_aYAuayVUpO-QEynuKlJms57AIMejlHoTFE/s1600-h/DSC_9927-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcwZGBJD8kovcpMfMMXgLyTFaoabiUTugvUwstTc-ExCNsMAJPVRa2SoaaWHJ6xLyrLRGDO2e8KNYIcphh-EoZnBgkZ6jocSRI9gPAhHF_aYAuayVUpO-QEynuKlJms57AIMejlHoTFE/s400/DSC_9927-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799872940621762" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Inside the bathroom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHh8FN4BVmQORISxEdcP5BLrEd1WHDSFYVEIdP90r-PHqNaAt0froklG6uJDrP-wX__0Lt1wG3vvGY1yY1gv6g6n6MLbT2cBhG_QF7LKcCTIoY5EZ1GvDyWWO8LNdt7KfYAJsEBW2CyM/s1600-h/DSC_9929-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHh8FN4BVmQORISxEdcP5BLrEd1WHDSFYVEIdP90r-PHqNaAt0froklG6uJDrP-wX__0Lt1wG3vvGY1yY1gv6g6n6MLbT2cBhG_QF7LKcCTIoY5EZ1GvDyWWO8LNdt7KfYAJsEBW2CyM/s400/DSC_9929-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799864668859282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">View from the bathroom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3ot96fnDl7GuUfWL8upljVbcrcuIzovTi-UDsTzGARXvkgNWD0m04oEZh78xOGHFhXRuw1Nr2dQkqnmJFiDNwbrC54VjmplvBJArjz_okeQXpEplBBeQSz_Sl02SQBtHCqfc4utr0HQ/s1600-h/DSC_9931-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3ot96fnDl7GuUfWL8upljVbcrcuIzovTi-UDsTzGARXvkgNWD0m04oEZh78xOGHFhXRuw1Nr2dQkqnmJFiDNwbrC54VjmplvBJArjz_okeQXpEplBBeQSz_Sl02SQBtHCqfc4utr0HQ/s400/DSC_9931-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799861227458610" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Cozy chair for curling up with a good book</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67ndAqcbHR26nO7yz1Hh85__Q4Jt_yD5ctfffznuCDZluCv5OVvQgdf-ZZX0ixNOHJFUO_zIWp0HJhBkiFN6-kZG8oSZojq6SqWvo9uZVF1xpQ3adKaVhYVoRGDyyom8gRbUsU8Yg4AQ/s1600-h/DSC_9932-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67ndAqcbHR26nO7yz1Hh85__Q4Jt_yD5ctfffznuCDZluCv5OVvQgdf-ZZX0ixNOHJFUO_zIWp0HJhBkiFN6-kZG8oSZojq6SqWvo9uZVF1xpQ3adKaVhYVoRGDyyom8gRbUsU8Yg4AQ/s400/DSC_9932-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799857642100786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNacVsywB5hA0WjW3qL4gfK6vMyGra0PXrCb2EtrL7kpnfwOcqYox_pGUqOqaNfLaWT1IH9qryhnqbtoCGG2bgERjBtBb5nBHfD8Z-DfRtmsoSJjJWzE56nHvXshZfreiVHsChlHT8KE/s1600-h/DSC_9933-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNacVsywB5hA0WjW3qL4gfK6vMyGra0PXrCb2EtrL7kpnfwOcqYox_pGUqOqaNfLaWT1IH9qryhnqbtoCGG2bgERjBtBb5nBHfD8Z-DfRtmsoSJjJWzE56nHvXshZfreiVHsChlHT8KE/s400/DSC_9933-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799846407995266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Every princess needs a vanity for primping</div></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqVwJNoQyDHfzqXBAj9OQEMbopH9efHKlZfzji0t4hLj0uq6UebyLyMOREIvxM9P4iS0b3-AQ0TVqZVT8SqFgFrn9FuR0y_EYTUZPpwKjnfUs3w2YhWwH1z2PjnWv5VOs-uwRVG4CcLo/s1600-h/DSC_9925-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqVwJNoQyDHfzqXBAj9OQEMbopH9efHKlZfzji0t4hLj0uq6UebyLyMOREIvxM9P4iS0b3-AQ0TVqZVT8SqFgFrn9FuR0y_EYTUZPpwKjnfUs3w2YhWwH1z2PjnWv5VOs-uwRVG4CcLo/s400/DSC_9925-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799289590944610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68yJ9Z8SKnycf-pk-TL2zk7HnM6HUm81Sg00vPolGmVhxbU3r1HeVcghGqPGB7tEXR4RVaTv9fbZiyYweFj4Bkj2J9oAiPjgBUn0ieCKiM0qzxQye-XMbrwBR1jp1RalDRGWgX-gKPZU/s1600-h/DSC_9924-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68yJ9Z8SKnycf-pk-TL2zk7HnM6HUm81Sg00vPolGmVhxbU3r1HeVcghGqPGB7tEXR4RVaTv9fbZiyYweFj4Bkj2J9oAiPjgBUn0ieCKiM0qzxQye-XMbrwBR1jp1RalDRGWgX-gKPZU/s400/DSC_9924-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799283915471826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj736RYTgnf5OxuE0yZZQHd9f3jNYNGVYhgzZTP6SpAnpyipZEQXPzoz7WNXNtNWR6aGbA14aKzWJ5D8LR85KnXs34lAua0PmtJqc9E_HFad7fWeZqHJGAH9ZP4ZYTZdVeKHLbWLNzWshM/s1600-h/DSC_9923-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj736RYTgnf5OxuE0yZZQHd9f3jNYNGVYhgzZTP6SpAnpyipZEQXPzoz7WNXNtNWR6aGbA14aKzWJ5D8LR85KnXs34lAua0PmtJqc9E_HFad7fWeZqHJGAH9ZP4ZYTZdVeKHLbWLNzWshM/s400/DSC_9923-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799281110350978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH996jV39aV_VUtT8FCMt29Lix2tyGyKdbMFEDzCuWpxXsF6ol-szXtt2hCBlubavgCMPuHnckh2SaCY1qT1LCEt1yIpfJ5np2iWqPJqgM366ZBhqSroSRxnlPL5UXq37dOEHv0CYUQA/s1600-h/DSC_9922-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtH996jV39aV_VUtT8FCMt29Lix2tyGyKdbMFEDzCuWpxXsF6ol-szXtt2hCBlubavgCMPuHnckh2SaCY1qT1LCEt1yIpfJ5np2iWqPJqgM366ZBhqSroSRxnlPL5UXq37dOEHv0CYUQA/s400/DSC_9922-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799273468418898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5QQBFc-Il5eZoN_FyZh5uwnxhdlgoRs1RAkg_yWuVrG1Fk8FHIYiUFZpKJMMZgCr7ZI-cyfewH2Dnb1rjC6GN7AK19Nczjl4TEs0eCzNCN4811bVPKHTE5FH7bdIbb_Xf9iIqMBVsRc/s1600-h/DSC_9921-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5QQBFc-Il5eZoN_FyZh5uwnxhdlgoRs1RAkg_yWuVrG1Fk8FHIYiUFZpKJMMZgCr7ZI-cyfewH2Dnb1rjC6GN7AK19Nczjl4TEs0eCzNCN4811bVPKHTE5FH7bdIbb_Xf9iIqMBVsRc/s400/DSC_9921-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799266806407522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfqnBeEWCO6XpJsC5UFsCaXbGPLI2Hixns74dgJkKhMz7S8VhpXAtrAQzAq4hu1ltN72rPn5zNrSxHNN7iSIoTrS9t9rfrdS6HfRmrRTj-OYlGVF5rAJ0kiLryHXZsnzJlqU6e5yD03Y/s1600-h/DSC_9920-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfqnBeEWCO6XpJsC5UFsCaXbGPLI2Hixns74dgJkKhMz7S8VhpXAtrAQzAq4hu1ltN72rPn5zNrSxHNN7iSIoTrS9t9rfrdS6HfRmrRTj-OYlGVF5rAJ0kiLryHXZsnzJlqU6e5yD03Y/s400/DSC_9920-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446798933328724962" /></a>I hope as Ava grows she comes to realize how very loved she is. Although her heart and home is with Mom, Dad and her brothers, Ava always has a special place to call her own when she comes to visit her Mimi and Bumpa :)</div><div><br /></div></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-72219218391242528562010-03-07T05:06:00.000-08:002010-03-07T18:01:18.991-08:00Construction BeginsAs I mentioned in an earlier post, Doughboy and I have made plans to remodel the terrace level (a/k/a basement) of our home. I think it is called a terrace level because the entire back of the house is open to the yard and, well, terrace. <div><br /></div><div>Contractors have been coordinated and designs are well under way (our minds are constantly changing on a few points). Already the support wall between the pub room and lower garage had been removed and soffits opened. This was necessary for the HVAC contractor to see what was in store and to determine if the soffit could be raised. Saturday February 27 was a day when the pub contractor, electrician, plumber, carpenter, and general contractor all met. Coordination is crucial and timing is paramount.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_8gdIsLY1Oxu3hD2KucwESJFLf4EUu7kOjvOa2yjmPdNrb6RgOm8lCW51uHc7gxLtrepOjy9LM_bxAEfC94PdkQ1MOrqi7SpFc_96QumKR4TFQnZ1lb9dXwJ7fgTgCKx8GnGDydAYTw/s1600-h/022710C-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_8gdIsLY1Oxu3hD2KucwESJFLf4EUu7kOjvOa2yjmPdNrb6RgOm8lCW51uHc7gxLtrepOjy9LM_bxAEfC94PdkQ1MOrqi7SpFc_96QumKR4TFQnZ1lb9dXwJ7fgTgCKx8GnGDydAYTw/s400/022710C-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445881926247322786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAIAXOcxbd0pKSPendZZ0JFfQe_0QsZo5zIm8wHeJRKZTS5i1zdQsbumkwsIyUl5E0g47Bjmcym3ZUqQoMHxrNvescC3RYKI8M7HADEc2rOj0mnqjAFuKPtoGCCF8eBYGapVePVIUNXk/s1600-h/022710B-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAIAXOcxbd0pKSPendZZ0JFfQe_0QsZo5zIm8wHeJRKZTS5i1zdQsbumkwsIyUl5E0g47Bjmcym3ZUqQoMHxrNvescC3RYKI8M7HADEc2rOj0mnqjAFuKPtoGCCF8eBYGapVePVIUNXk/s400/022710B-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445881924761956610" /></a>Doughboy rests elbows on his imaginary pub. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJvGqFPhvTMaCnkTqdDcuGgc8f7CAjGDyM-crA6sgeuZZN3DxB3qTVHSP9kMaaTJfH2sBsqMHNOWZeTPihwucVQGBolgBOQghPdH342QkOv8Pfpr1p58xvtkIfIXwvlrH_2KOskNLhXA/s1600-h/022710A-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJvGqFPhvTMaCnkTqdDcuGgc8f7CAjGDyM-crA6sgeuZZN3DxB3qTVHSP9kMaaTJfH2sBsqMHNOWZeTPihwucVQGBolgBOQghPdH342QkOv8Pfpr1p58xvtkIfIXwvlrH_2KOskNLhXA/s400/022710A-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445881918722731634" /></a><br />Four days later heat in the main area of the house was turned off so that new duct work could be installed. Opening an odd angle to make room for the built-in cabinet meant moving the furnace. Temps dropped into the teens; temps in the kitchen and main areas of the house were a chilly 56 degrees. The pups and I cozied together in the master bedroom that, thankfully, was warm due to being connected to its own heat system.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP-bEYVajv5WuhcwIlFIGLwrtn4ebwbx6N0gd7ZLXN1vWAWztcdbxCb9EukBMe8Tit1oxejOS-Kr1MQyZlwCJkyhPHAsjwATUYikb9HNeL5xdDTDvAH2mPcoq2t1J8yOHsY9uNpT5HeM/s1600-h/030310B-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP-bEYVajv5WuhcwIlFIGLwrtn4ebwbx6N0gd7ZLXN1vWAWztcdbxCb9EukBMe8Tit1oxejOS-Kr1MQyZlwCJkyhPHAsjwATUYikb9HNeL5xdDTDvAH2mPcoq2t1J8yOHsY9uNpT5HeM/s400/030310B-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445881944833494546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyA-NsryaNkNMlCB-EoH5DgUEgH-5phg_5gySziYZyLHIztw2i1S6-c0WYNkAw8Y015-6tGBtJ0MNzpNk9A9OQHI7FaFptxxFmsCERXh5L0baSMbdS1L_kc2_DnJxhoQgDuq5Pbju2tk/s1600-h/030310A-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyA-NsryaNkNMlCB-EoH5DgUEgH-5phg_5gySziYZyLHIztw2i1S6-c0WYNkAw8Y015-6tGBtJ0MNzpNk9A9OQHI7FaFptxxFmsCERXh5L0baSMbdS1L_kc2_DnJxhoQgDuq5Pbju2tk/s400/030310A-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445881936571541490" /></a><br /></div><div>Stay tuned as our construction project continues...</div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-4888918076420137892010-02-21T05:06:00.000-08:002010-02-21T05:32:00.566-08:00WordleWhat a difference a week makes! Last Sunday we were recovering from a snow storm; today the forecast has temps escalating to near 70 degrees. Woo hoo!<div><br /></div><div>Doughboy is still asleep; therefore, I am looking for ways to quietly amuse myself. I like to take opportunities like this to check in with my favorite blog friends and see what they're doing. While visiting <a href="http://chroniclesofacountrygirl.blogspot.com/"><i>Kate </i></a>I read her blog post about <a href="http://www.wordle.net/"><i>Wordle</i></a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can create your own word art using favorite words, or you can link to your blog as I did and let Wordle create a work of art derived from words commonly found in your blog. This is too much fun (I am easily amused). You can take it further by randomizing your word art to let Wordle change the layout, colors, etc. like my example below.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtuBTcJssNY9wxMpMWofhYp5iQsmDlohLRXXjSb59E0ipkLyg3dhjwaEFfe08pdQn3IQkHaZA6M-etzM3C3pV3HFeDn9c01M1mR0fj1lGXyqDcaF6vQqDdXsoHfe7wBclPGvej57v7lU/s1600-h/Wordle_edited-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtuBTcJssNY9wxMpMWofhYp5iQsmDlohLRXXjSb59E0ipkLyg3dhjwaEFfe08pdQn3IQkHaZA6M-etzM3C3pV3HFeDn9c01M1mR0fj1lGXyqDcaF6vQqDdXsoHfe7wBclPGvej57v7lU/s400/Wordle_edited-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440685092183240130" /></a>Wordle creates Applets; therefore, if you want to display your Wordle art in your blog as I did, you will need to save it as an acceptable photo type. The first step is to take a screen print; next, copy/paste into your photo editing software, then crop. I saved my image as JPEG using PSE 7.0.<div><br /></div><div>However you spend your day I hope it is enjoyable! </div><div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-9087741587591744492010-02-14T14:42:00.000-08:002010-02-15T15:23:15.136-08:00How to Beat the Winter DoldrumsToday's temps were in the mid 50's making the fresh snow that fell Friday a mere memory. More snow is predicted for tomorrow, but that is likely to be short lived too. If you don't like the weather in Georgia, wait a day.<div><br /></div><div>In spite of the somewhat balmy temps today, I have the winter blues. To keep my spirits until spring arrives, I plan vacations. In fact, I <i>live </i>for vacations. Doughboy and I had a fun-filled vacation schedule in 2009. It began with a Caribbean cruise in January, followed by a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands over Thanksgiving, and a week at Disneyworld for Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>You may be surprised to know that our vacations are planned for the next two years. It's what keeps me going. We are excited to return to the BVI's for another sailing vacation in spring 2011. It is such fun setting our own schedule and charting a course to any number of islands. We are excited have our daughter and son-in-law join us, thereby giving them a break from their three lively children. Our SIL has never been out of the United States. He is in for a real treat! </div><div><br /></div><div>This will be our 4th sailing vacation with the Moorings; a charter company with bases world-wide. With another couple on board, we decided to charter a larger sailboat - a 43.3 monohull (click <a href="http://www.moorings.com/charter-fleet/moorings-433">here </a>for photos). </div><div><br /></div><div>The BVI's offer a large variety of destinations within line-of-site sailing. Most islands may be reached within a single day sail, making island hopping fun and relaxing. Speaking of relaxing, who wouldn't feel the tension float away with views like this...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcDoCpIgJJJwtdmqW4mifJPIJ7aY4e7UD13wO76_fchbb6K_jwV2TF6Q27ml42mCxPPvrpPy7E6ArYxovUTyhTZQ4aRhpSYPitLv1e0A22Jw9jSD5lucXQYiV7uEtkmlVbJSelkcsB2s/s1600-h/Day-5-Marina-Cay-WEB.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcDoCpIgJJJwtdmqW4mifJPIJ7aY4e7UD13wO76_fchbb6K_jwV2TF6Q27ml42mCxPPvrpPy7E6ArYxovUTyhTZQ4aRhpSYPitLv1e0A22Jw9jSD5lucXQYiV7uEtkmlVbJSelkcsB2s/s400/Day-5-Marina-Cay-WEB.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438613935786557394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyzkLTdgS04-WdRU7Rgbqe1kBH2caZEmK5uwrlxyY86UvdeOEoJTzwk0cv1i5rvBq8qURuZ3IM9MCWFviiIT6-mqn796DH5yuHc11Sjj1I4SSR3fxW12wtqB_fuus4VymNFrVoqu-zvw/s1600-h/Day-5-making-way-to-Marina-.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyzkLTdgS04-WdRU7Rgbqe1kBH2caZEmK5uwrlxyY86UvdeOEoJTzwk0cv1i5rvBq8qURuZ3IM9MCWFviiIT6-mqn796DH5yuHc11Sjj1I4SSR3fxW12wtqB_fuus4VymNFrVoqu-zvw/s400/Day-5-making-way-to-Marina-.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438613929743410386" /></a>Kids? What kids??</div><div><br /></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-45698701276388193642010-02-13T15:12:00.000-08:002010-02-14T09:35:10.246-08:00Good Things Come to Those Who WaitAlmost 2 years and 8 months ago we made an offer to purchase our existing home and put our previous home up for sale. Never in our wildest imagination did we anticipate the sudden decline in the housing market nor did we believe our beautiful home of 8 years would prove such a challenge to sell. The housing market, particularly in Georgia, came to a screeching halt. Foreclosures escalated with each passing month and the market became saturated with existing home sales. Sadly, our new community felt the pinch and new homes, selling previously in the high $900's, began selling for less than half their original list price. <div><br /></div><div>Our lovely home was shown to prospective buyers sporadically during the first year on the market. We received one low-ball offer in early fall 2009, then prospects dried up altogether afterward. Just when we had almost given up, an offer came through - a serious offer. But there was one snag after another, 8 contract extensions in all, before the closing occurred. </div><div><br /></div><div>Doughboy was hoping for a closing in time for his birthday. However, his birthday came and went without a closing date. Two weeks ago the long journey of carrying double mortgages, double utilities, and double maintenance came to an end. At long last! Hooray!</div><div><br /></div><div>With a nice check in the bank we may now proceed with plans to finish the terrace level. There are plans to build a pub and wall unit that will showcase Doughboy's magnificent antique slot machine collection. We've already contracted with Classic Bars of Atlanta. Click on the link <a href="http://www.classicbars.net/">here </a>to see a photo of how our pub will look; it is the bar and details you see on their home page. </div><div><br /></div><div>Other plans include removing our existing deck (poorly constructed and a safety hazard) and replacing it with a multi-level, low-maintenance composite deck. A lower deck level will house a salt system Hot Springs spa that was purchased two weeks ago. All I can say is I hope our children aren't counting on an inheritance after our demise. We intend to have fun while we're still able to enjoy life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mean while, decorating the boys' bedroom (started over a year ago) and Ava's bedroom (started last August) is nearing an end. The boys' room is a western theme complete with faux cowhide bean bag chairs, 60" flat screen TV, and rustic bunk beds. Ava's room is an explosion of pink and lime green; a canopy hangs above a king-sized bed, a Pottery Barn vanity sits in one corner, and a large over-stuffed chair rounds out the opposite corner. Yes, our grandchildren are quite spoiled and we love their weekend sleepovers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Join us on our decorating journey and stay tuned for photos as our plans unfold. </div><div><br /></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-69566833567153387362010-02-13T08:08:00.000-08:002010-02-13T08:23:52.303-08:00By Dawn's Early LightDoughboy's flight arrived late into Atlanta due to our weather, but all that mattered is he was home safe and sound. As typical on Friday evenings, we like to dine at one of our favorite local restaurants (usually The Downtown Grille) but every one had closed early. We eventually found an open restaurant that had only 4 tables full; very untypical for Outback which has lines of waiting people out the door on any given evening. The food was great and the service even better. <div><br /></div><div>I was anxious to wake this morning and see the snow. The pups woke me for the second time around 6:15am. With camera in hand, I waited until the first signs of dawn. What I saw was spectacular beauty all around. There is nothing like fresh fallen snow to make the world around you look clean and bright. </div><div><br /></div>The photo below is of our back yard, looking at the pool and pool house from our deck. It was so strangely quiet. As much as I long for hot summer days and the sound of our grandchildren playing in the pool, the wintry quiet is peaceful.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k-wTDtgrqEIetsMFBwSeHlUqejXJskoij_Xspyd3e29MyUfKPRLVESRFozU7UUhPvhKsyHiR1JsRLsmXxw-McwHQh8Q5qtQWGVeFiuB8PgRqyExYclM0QZy9g848cXomrnDjFOq20ug/s1600-h/DSC_9873-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k-wTDtgrqEIetsMFBwSeHlUqejXJskoij_Xspyd3e29MyUfKPRLVESRFozU7UUhPvhKsyHiR1JsRLsmXxw-McwHQh8Q5qtQWGVeFiuB8PgRqyExYclM0QZy9g848cXomrnDjFOq20ug/s400/DSC_9873-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437763130491542258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptn5zku7ToUZRmvDRtoe0o0CyLk-ku_R3ShvTuHxqhNxy0f_ilP2Ttmj8hlnrD1o8vQflBAyMXYlX6yaLN9Q2DziAHMedoBIP6eDH3jsfWUx9okRCOhCIdwer_SuE2X4_-YtX0ceJrhY/s1600-h/DSC_9885-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptn5zku7ToUZRmvDRtoe0o0CyLk-ku_R3ShvTuHxqhNxy0f_ilP2Ttmj8hlnrD1o8vQflBAyMXYlX6yaLN9Q2DziAHMedoBIP6eDH3jsfWUx9okRCOhCIdwer_SuE2X4_-YtX0ceJrhY/s400/DSC_9885-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437763126208159698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs2s9o9YVEybpzqfvltTwX05E7RwxedRdARw2mMvN372fhb0-X8ZEiyZGNeFHvvUBq0fFAJbDDAY54052LAFgagrRjZoKoMCj6XemTz6Kfl4bYPtTn9B9pfpwhkAXIS8vvnrm6_UoP0I/s1600-h/DSC_9888-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBs2s9o9YVEybpzqfvltTwX05E7RwxedRdARw2mMvN372fhb0-X8ZEiyZGNeFHvvUBq0fFAJbDDAY54052LAFgagrRjZoKoMCj6XemTz6Kfl4bYPtTn9B9pfpwhkAXIS8vvnrm6_UoP0I/s400/DSC_9888-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437763120189337682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUHqH_I46UBWw9MgSSwbs5YTjRiLximaI6X-HMllZECu5XHjfD5Zm5Z16xDIEG2Ij7iVElPQc8XJRYE2ElST9nfcJwd55frMbRg9BnrMYjPzJQbvJaLQ1FOsqamYSk5-r6O2xsbRDGnI/s1600-h/DSC_9892-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUHqH_I46UBWw9MgSSwbs5YTjRiLximaI6X-HMllZECu5XHjfD5Zm5Z16xDIEG2Ij7iVElPQc8XJRYE2ElST9nfcJwd55frMbRg9BnrMYjPzJQbvJaLQ1FOsqamYSk5-r6O2xsbRDGnI/s400/DSC_9892-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437763113217872034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56my3keTM4jW3_bS61F3gr62hRCCKnVdCaSWqwNN-rVHQ4KTurt-hjv3tW_2BoVxpZh_Lvw5lXb-nHUkVtxrlSiBV_G49Cou9JGZ_Zskb3TCXnPDvk-GjEhk6RNrBW19XPdUemX_DmH4/s1600-h/DSC_9898-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56my3keTM4jW3_bS61F3gr62hRCCKnVdCaSWqwNN-rVHQ4KTurt-hjv3tW_2BoVxpZh_Lvw5lXb-nHUkVtxrlSiBV_G49Cou9JGZ_Zskb3TCXnPDvk-GjEhk6RNrBW19XPdUemX_DmH4/s400/DSC_9898-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437763106108271074" /></a><br /></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-62134811514265625632010-02-12T15:30:00.000-08:002010-02-12T15:44:10.849-08:00Winter WonderlandSnow in the deep south? It doesn't happen often, but when it does it's <i>magical</i>! <div><br /></div><div>I spent the better part of my life living in the upper Midwestern states of Wisconsin and Illinois. I'm quite accustomed to winter weather but the rarity of a Georgia snow storm is incomparable. It is nothing short of <i>gorgeous</i>!</div><div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HTx_YOCprTNhnMjDY2AOMtF6r5_lIknGhFkgS_EsGcdQrxce-W78i1f_a5RF5oCVLZQ3I6ysUPK8GO_aDEj94RUm25t4RlwdtW928ZEwbMVV101A30qYLlt1KvsHJDY7U0W23mK5-AA/s1600-h/DSC_9865-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HTx_YOCprTNhnMjDY2AOMtF6r5_lIknGhFkgS_EsGcdQrxce-W78i1f_a5RF5oCVLZQ3I6ysUPK8GO_aDEj94RUm25t4RlwdtW928ZEwbMVV101A30qYLlt1KvsHJDY7U0W23mK5-AA/s400/DSC_9865-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437505338650700322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfupfKR32Id528giap2thnxI6QzO-b1ORNbb9V4nUD_nQNppJywAK9uOCv1libVRQYaU53XZ4oH_R5HiPPAtbJA0F_6EpqwzpC3xT8i82xpxKhyphenhyphenAn4UpFAxU-9FnNh0jfbf_uHS1r8pew/s1600-h/DSC_9860-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfupfKR32Id528giap2thnxI6QzO-b1ORNbb9V4nUD_nQNppJywAK9uOCv1libVRQYaU53XZ4oH_R5HiPPAtbJA0F_6EpqwzpC3xT8i82xpxKhyphenhyphenAn4UpFAxU-9FnNh0jfbf_uHS1r8pew/s400/DSC_9860-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437505328242274850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqKvqFuEuF7RdXGqGQLRe8bTMX11_v4ajCgSwDBa7EQvnjL0RseRV6QpMcPQfTe76zgr2PWDKy4-Qe6lacGFwi6DL6iFNkm728njPQzhiu8xBzmbcqoJBD9HhgOgUhr4xTIVNkCwUYQ8/s1600-h/DSC_9858-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhqKvqFuEuF7RdXGqGQLRe8bTMX11_v4ajCgSwDBa7EQvnjL0RseRV6QpMcPQfTe76zgr2PWDKy4-Qe6lacGFwi6DL6iFNkm728njPQzhiu8xBzmbcqoJBD9HhgOgUhr4xTIVNkCwUYQ8/s400/DSC_9858-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437505325846499426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiZkjgj7xh_lIIQSwhHLcBo6NQcOc9qnT89W1-rfoHErhy_7AshyphenhyphenpTZpfZRHSmp0cf4bqbUBEMdoaBKc1LodSZ0lThqoK6OZsm7epM3J4BQa9lUAZ_GtiKVrYwtRvllkgOfRVBEuyRlk/s1600-h/DSC_9854-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiZkjgj7xh_lIIQSwhHLcBo6NQcOc9qnT89W1-rfoHErhy_7AshyphenhyphenpTZpfZRHSmp0cf4bqbUBEMdoaBKc1LodSZ0lThqoK6OZsm7epM3J4BQa9lUAZ_GtiKVrYwtRvllkgOfRVBEuyRlk/s400/DSC_9854-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437505320637845362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxZJ6eCCtbZtAMDabIhL6TisWHSaPliZvjR09WT8Z8L9it8hhz-6AwIUFbFOn5-sOZw76kRREZSBvpu1bMC9EqJWEz9VEo2ilrMaQcX_k-a6Vcp0KrCm4WbAaj5IF3H4nboaJoCZXucs/s1600-h/DSC_9846-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxZJ6eCCtbZtAMDabIhL6TisWHSaPliZvjR09WT8Z8L9it8hhz-6AwIUFbFOn5-sOZw76kRREZSBvpu1bMC9EqJWEz9VEo2ilrMaQcX_k-a6Vcp0KrCm4WbAaj5IF3H4nboaJoCZXucs/s400/DSC_9846-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437505312007169746" /></a>There's nothing like cold temps and snow to make you head for the cozy indoors. Hmmm...perfect timing for a long winter's nap. Zzzzzzzzzz...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EYTvzOpaDqES1cMj6HSSW4vIqxIeYqhMZKld0FBLt178bGgvDsCkFkq6PIpAC46xzCQrfWEAXgD19eayX-MhGhSm42C0noro6h79u5d-QeJGbkVBoRENfCwW0ceRN3605ME5o8RxSes/s1600-h/DSC_9832-we.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EYTvzOpaDqES1cMj6HSSW4vIqxIeYqhMZKld0FBLt178bGgvDsCkFkq6PIpAC46xzCQrfWEAXgD19eayX-MhGhSm42C0noro6h79u5d-QeJGbkVBoRENfCwW0ceRN3605ME5o8RxSes/s400/DSC_9832-we.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437506154393318306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfXxJh-nW4xE9ChTKiDpCAqYezXbH1AsKrEqa6cMLu7vm1EPrjCJ0rH-gUYB7b3srfgdLKZcaI8Fe2FDpD2g5XuHAeOPK9pJ05nVNxsClEZ9ieGqJ551KoV_43tSM_BtJ9HQdjsjcHS0/s1600-h/DSC_9833-web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfXxJh-nW4xE9ChTKiDpCAqYezXbH1AsKrEqa6cMLu7vm1EPrjCJ0rH-gUYB7b3srfgdLKZcaI8Fe2FDpD2g5XuHAeOPK9pJ05nVNxsClEZ9ieGqJ551KoV_43tSM_BtJ9HQdjsjcHS0/s400/DSC_9833-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437506149172369810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxxn2xIu-Nq7xSBJn3Dm2kNckE2bqOg1HruXlUd4YW0WNDMJTPvKuBYlaQRnZCDWcNiQ6oZTW1YknrljhNub-fUowWmqch-xrQZcSxdZMSP7CmTptXdxc2AeAIWlGObGIJnn3C_IVu_U/s1600-h/DSC_9824-web.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxxn2xIu-Nq7xSBJn3Dm2kNckE2bqOg1HruXlUd4YW0WNDMJTPvKuBYlaQRnZCDWcNiQ6oZTW1YknrljhNub-fUowWmqch-xrQZcSxdZMSP7CmTptXdxc2AeAIWlGObGIJnn3C_IVu_U/s400/DSC_9824-web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437506139936947906" /></a></div></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-2956121131154031512010-02-08T16:24:00.000-08:002010-02-08T17:30:28.070-08:00Where Are Your Manners?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span class="huge" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i>Being considerate of others will take your children further in life than any college degree.</i></span><i> </i><span class="bodybold" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold; ">Marian Wright Edelma</span></span></div><div><br /></div>What happened to the art of being considerate to other people? I think I'm fairly tolerant but lately my patience has worn thin. If you're reading this, I should warn you that you may be offended by my opinions. But it's my blog. I don't write to please every one.<div><br /></div><div>People have become quite rude. Gone are the days when writing a <i>thank you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">note was not only appreciated, but expected. The simple gesture of holding open the door for so</span></i>me one has gone the way of the dinosaur - extinct. Saying <i>thank you</i> and <i>please</i> is almost non-existent. Manners and etiquette? Gone with the wind.</div><div><br /></div><div>My grandmother taught me many valuable lessons but the one that stays with me every day is, <i>What goes around comes around</i>. From an early age she preached about values and making good choices. She was a wise woman and I respected her opinion more than anyone else. She passed away a few years ago at the age of 102 but I still hear her ask, "Did you remember to send your mother a birthday card?"</div><div><br /></div><div>When someone cut in front of me at the grocery store - in the line that has a sign "15 items or less - with a cart that held at least 50 items, I didn't say anything. Why? Because it wasn't important enough to make an asshole of myself. I calmly stood in line and waited my turn. Yes, I was seething inside but I didn't want to be the jerk. I left that up to the inconsiderate woman ahead of me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whether or not you want my advice, here are a few words of wisdom (in no particular order)...</div><div><ul><li>If you receive a gift, acknowledge the giver. Don't leave the giver guessing "Did you receive it? Did it get lost in the mail?" Send a thank you note in the mail; the post office will appreciate your business.</li><li>Merging in traffic is like the teeth in a zipper. Take turns. It's not worth causing an accident (or road rage) by cutting everyone off to be first in line.</li><li>When going to the movie theater, be considerate by not talking, answering your cell phone or crunching on popcorn with your mouth open. But most importantly please, please keep your kid from kicking the back of my seat.</li><li>Do you like to be remembered on your birthday? I don't have the best relationship with my mother, but I never fail to send a card for Mother's Day, her birthday, and Christmas. The emphasis is on "send a card" as in send via the U.S. Postal Service; not e-mail.</li><li>Do not litter! I can't say enough about this so I'll stop while I'm ahead.</li><li>When driving on the expressway and you come to a complete stop, there is a reason. Usually that reason is a serious accident that requires emergency vehicles. Do not drive in the emergency lane in an effort to get two car lengths ahead. Keeping emergency lanes clear could make the difference between life and death. </li></ul><div>I could keep going but I think you get the point. If you don't, there is no hope for you. If you have your own words of wisdom <i>please </i>feel free to leave a comment. <i>Thank you!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-79917812174756973662010-01-01T14:02:00.000-08:002010-01-01T14:22:23.866-08:00Happy New Year!Do you remember 1999 and the hype about Y2K? Fast forward ten years to 2010. The past decade has flown by in a blur...it's true that the older you get, the faster the years fly by. <div><br /></div><div>Much has happened in our lives since moving to Georgia ten years ago. As for me, I couldn't be happier. I am blissfully married to a man I have adored for nearly 21 years; we are settled in our new home of 2-1/2 years; my daughter and her family moved from Wisconsin and live within a 10-minute drive; we are both gainfully employed in a troubled economy; and I am blessed with amazing friends. We are DINKS (dual-income-no-kids) and DILDOS (dual-income-little-dog-owners). </div><div><br /></div><div>2010 heralded the arrival of our ninth grandchild - Aldis Mariette - born around 7am New Year's Day. She is the second child for Chad (Doughboy's son) and Sarah. </div><div><br /></div><div>And life goes on...</div><div><br /></div><div>CONGRATULATIONS CHAD, SARAH AND MILO!</div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. I am the excited winner of an amazing photographic print from Kate at Chronicles of a Country Girl. I have followed Kate's blog for about 1-1/2 years and won the print by leaving a comment on her blog about our New Year's plans. If you haven't visited Kate's blog, please click the blog link on my blog roll - you will be hooked! Thanks MUCH, Kate! Blessings and happy New Year to you :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-51765195487176649842009-12-26T16:00:00.000-08:002009-12-27T09:38:03.887-08:00An Uncommon ChristmasWhen I think of Christmas, memories of familial traditions come to mind. Christmas Eve church service by candlelight, the tree adorned with bright lights, chubby toddler hands tugging at colorfully wrapped gifts, tantalizing scents of cinnamon and pine, the inviting glow of a fireplace, carefully prepared dinner buffet with traditional favorites, and sounds of holiday carols playing softly in the background of excited voices.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVXrYnWeOcOyMLdGrc-zCRmneuTT_LYA1PgTC6Xhync5UF0UEjgO2WU_pBVyYW7KSc_V61jwu4R0qsnYCRKTEMTGumxn5QNNiQL_70Yb9O3Fz6iCV_wpwFFNc_aqBvAUC1YB-f9y_cfY/s1600-h/Ava3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419707607603108274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVXrYnWeOcOyMLdGrc-zCRmneuTT_LYA1PgTC6Xhync5UF0UEjgO2WU_pBVyYW7KSc_V61jwu4R0qsnYCRKTEMTGumxn5QNNiQL_70Yb9O3Fz6iCV_wpwFFNc_aqBvAUC1YB-f9y_cfY/s400/Ava3.jpg" /></a><br />This year, however, was entirely different. Instead of a fireplace, our grandchildren - Ayden, Jameson, Ava - were splashing around in a swimming pool, followed by a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Whoa there, Sparky... I'm getting ahead of myself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqx-Y9omnOG_YurxcmsYiPOM_ty5cglueFvybsmLVVMvU3oJyKz7zmr8EuQ9BqB5T_Vu1NzdF2nkB39q3ZwAynGVp-FCct09Bx93OhLWC1xfwu-f6AgPcSUkPnAiUNzpCHirhnRjbh4A/s1600-h/Ava2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419707529982707842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqx-Y9omnOG_YurxcmsYiPOM_ty5cglueFvybsmLVVMvU3oJyKz7zmr8EuQ9BqB5T_Vu1NzdF2nkB39q3ZwAynGVp-FCct09Bx93OhLWC1xfwu-f6AgPcSUkPnAiUNzpCHirhnRjbh4A/s400/Ava2.jpg" /></a><br />Doughboy and I, along with Jamie, Jason and the kids spent Christmas week in Florida. We rented a lovely 4 bedroom house (that had a heated swimming pool) close to Disneyworld and visited 6 theme parks in as many days. Day 1 was Universal Studios; Universal's Islands of Adventure on Day 2; Disney's Animal Kingdom on Day 3; Disney's Magic Kingdom on Day 4; Disney's EPCOT on Christmas Eve; Disney's Hollywood Studios Christmas Day. Phew!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMmUb8_MHGL5wRQnQT7M7cAr0fNdV4-GY-x0VlUG595oJV3Kvtveh931M-n_hzSK-ZF36ATlqvodv9sKnsDiaiAVLUupL0YlkwI9f-XJkE8CGNbSshJySM8WJW5Ao3T3gc3AwgDmjoz4/s1600-h/Ava.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419707448957391186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMmUb8_MHGL5wRQnQT7M7cAr0fNdV4-GY-x0VlUG595oJV3Kvtveh931M-n_hzSK-ZF36ATlqvodv9sKnsDiaiAVLUupL0YlkwI9f-XJkE8CGNbSshJySM8WJW5Ao3T3gc3AwgDmjoz4/s400/Ava.jpg" /></a><br />Thanks to a letter Ayden wrote to Santa, gifts were delivered to our Florida vacation home for opening on Christmas morning. With the exception of warm rain showers early Christmas day, we were blessed with perfect weather with each day's temps on the rise. By mid week we had shed our jackets in favor of short-sleeved shirts. Yes, we experienced a tantrum or two, and the kids were worn out by dusk each evening, but our family enjoyed a fun-filled unconventional Christmas holiday. <div><br /></div><div>Come to think of it, it wasn't that unconventional. After all, Christmas isn't about a tree, fireplace, food, decorations, or gifts. It's about being together...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV69k32VeEhPb-VcH1VaEBwMOi3xantXwarPUsQF9MyzDzjjUGkRyE4CQp23pG-XMUnhXDOp-SOfZeHM3EFw3SSAZkLAADUp85O9hqFdLzLxeOZ1iJYVk7TzwI7s9ZuaZpK8aCEWiCrx0/s1600-h/Ava5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419906979376710610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV69k32VeEhPb-VcH1VaEBwMOi3xantXwarPUsQF9MyzDzjjUGkRyE4CQp23pG-XMUnhXDOp-SOfZeHM3EFw3SSAZkLAADUp85O9hqFdLzLxeOZ1iJYVk7TzwI7s9ZuaZpK8aCEWiCrx0/s400/Ava5.jpg" /></a><br />Wherever you were, I hope your Christmas holiday was magical! </div>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-45298638731055622322009-10-28T14:17:00.000-07:002009-10-28T15:13:02.328-07:00So LuckyI've already discussed my obsession with scrapbooking. Obsession is putting it mildly, but that's not the purpose of my post. I am lucky because Doughboy is always willing to support my obsession. I can't ask for anything more.<br /><br />I decided to empty four drawers where I store my large ribbon assortment and find a better form of storage. After searching the internet, I discovered a seller on ebay that hand crafts wood ribbon storage. The units were small and pricey and I knew Doughboy could make something better. I showed him a photo of the ebay unit, and here is my new ribbon storage. Yes, I know I am lucky. Thanks sweetheart!!!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397767078407028130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm0uH9aewLWRtBNjAbptPG0OmL8OvfpvExb4bn9aKC-FCitaX3nMm2bT89UUJUVaj9Xatmd7ZxI2BqknZeBP2FUpaZTo9q76XBSqaRZ-Uh4Q60LF8pLJ3OU3RZj41MwhkBPSQ5RN2OhQ/s400/ribbon+storage.jpg" border="0" /><br />Hmmmm...with my new ribbon storage unit I now have the luxury of four empty drawers. I wonder how long they'll stay empty? It sounds like an excuse to go shopping for more supplies ;)<br /><br />Click on the photo below for a slide show of additional scrap room views.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622684421530%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622684421530%2F&set_id=72157622684421530&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622684421530%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622684421530%2F&set_id=72157622684421530&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-14104703264999476502009-10-13T16:40:00.000-07:002009-10-14T05:27:48.136-07:0011 weeks 21 DaysEleven-week-old Teddy has been part of our family for twenty-one days. To most people this wouldn't be much to write about. To us, Teddy has rocked our world :)<br /><br />We enjoy walking along the path on weekends. It's fun for the pups and good for us to get out and enjoy the fresh fall air. Teddy whines for the first several minutes begging to be picked up and carried. Eventually giving up, he falls in step with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kady</span> and the two forge ahead with their nose to the ground taking in all the smells.<br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392236775352996978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUN3aiogXPvZ9N18c2UwetLFN5p7gf3eEcMZqUTUg2dPJM5AdiIcqcJHqJW1v7OGXD4bLNB3bnrIV57sSTWS-ZLzSV0edazkot-VPz4itK8UHcy0AMW3ex-ZwXoTzUqK3Q_COc_RIck8/s400/DSC_8649_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /></div><br />Teddy's favorite part of the walk is stopping to collect leaves, sticks or whatever lies in his path.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392237001455581970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC97ADx07G_qS9-W-rZxZUvKRSR5jpciF_JvHb6H1QbdCId5BlOs5RhIe5aTPKfmlx8we3qOwA6eRIRqxoTpZDDTFOsXz29ec5Zw7XWJbX1B2mO3ZGrCX9_T4l3AHTzAZSA92l3qA-Uk/s400/DSC_8650_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392237108480434258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVSQ8j4maIFM11p6uf7MFn6WLZep5Sug9q_ctzlzXKnISrXLXuslY50I6QWnI6kVtL6bwkDEw5wYQhqocUsi3F_DTnngD1DXfzMxriZlfUhH3-3DKSyALRPNYtDxLdhohgwcGaobvWyw/s400/DSC_8656_edited-1.jpg" border="0" /> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">C'mon</span>, guys...can't you keep up?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392236910734527202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigIkChC4cPGxxkKPQ82hu8ODViuS_uqd2cRPr0TBtCcCPoOeKq1nLsQBsnyZtKabHmx92PPLqeX5uF2sSg2Yye_mzpEHc52P7sk6gNcvJ0LHaARHA37PyNlvlRwtexF1jTHDLG0gTV1PM/s400/DSC_8633_edited-1.jpg" border="0" />If Teddy is very good (which happens most of the time) he is rewarded with a chewy treat.<br /><br />This little ball of fluff means the world to us :)Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-71951549007480164812009-09-27T12:49:00.000-07:002009-09-28T15:05:44.982-07:00Sunday AfternoonAfter yesterday's rain, today was sunny, breezy, and warm - a perfect day for a walk along the path. Teddy didn't like the leash. He cried and refused to walk. We removed the leash and he followed Kady the entire time. Kady has become Teddy's surrogate mother - he adores her and will follow her anywhere. Dianora, our salt 'n pepper Scottie always lags behind choosing instead to walk at HER pace. Never mind everyone else.<br /><br />Teddy came to an abrupt stop and refused to leave the safety of Pete's feet.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386238369162635714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1RQbFcdb_LLmANnQjwHlWMuzFHHkZay92tljzi1l96tmVV4va2Kn614o6UR066y2FKERVh8y2rJ71V36tDAlaOjLF1ASPQH_JAcsXVeZnVBwT8_Azw4Ww-2py-99gDwOiP2k73qXhEQ/s400/DSC_8411.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386238132205984594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFCXDwIl_TH3Vp_IyB8aXFP6aeFtw57OreHKFyR2I0ZysWGlA5LITJGx050Dx-f7WvwmICXPtJAImlYLypRLYVmX3DrZKXKoNgd5fY-g7t6QnX3F7h73k-JC9rhAtfPAXlIn4EUr8Juo/s400/DSC_8397.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386245394239822946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 270px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTcmsHXPdezs7Ytr-EGjX_OLV3wje-DYWTD5V76mcHe4JClA9vn1hBeIwMjMgqfIi0sUyf4t3o_pMLYfwql0u3DVEtEqwCzFdM_FH-C2zhgcEIdQ9UMeKbdUSKnLz0CxYuh1kc6MSK9q4/s400/DSC_8433.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386238714998608754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 322px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW-sHdFkQW9Rg4ivLv71jaUOI_7u_00Wu2JpPGqTJApdHNsZqbvjfAqchQ20IZg1iKXEqv7ICPC9TfNc0ryTKJoQpOEuOsoYdJXL_qLuUipJZ6K72_T_ZttQA1ilOL4AWM_ChHiMvKWI/s400/DSC_8427.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386239339943016642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb9GXUlLYCI0LyKsuYa0InJOTGNRUj2DiqIZ6t3QyGqgFWJLVGn1tlnaZq51RfTQcZZp8IXnyStyOiYnMCq10LfQIMqZ8kyXWzvrCsGffyZG_AA_VMa_2Aors6yHmKMwDKLPtN1f9EbS8/s400/DSC_8495.jpg" border="0" /><br />The long walk proved tiresome for everyone. You know what is said about sleeping dogs...let them lie :)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386240150416764898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 277px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wiZRYwRMRoYfYEaP058uD7Lu8GJAfTCsL6xuL-TftziKQvoBzuwTw6mkRWqDmXRn29fAUjyp7_CIeiAQd748ivL-Kmnzd3HkmLtOl9gO0xg_8yNzAoKIzU-njf6fmvxTNzuPW3CvF9Y/s400/DSC_8496.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p>Look at this adorable face! It rates a 10 on the cuteness scale.</p>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-44940373011406276232009-09-21T15:48:00.000-07:002009-09-22T02:53:54.083-07:00When God Closes A Door, He Opens A WindowAnyone who views a pet as a cherished family member knows the depth of pain that comes from their loss. Leo passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 13th at one month short of his 8th birthday. Pete and I sobbed for days, wondering what could have been done and if we had we done enough. Questions, doubt, aching pain. Leo's death ripped the heart from my chest in ways I never thought possible. He was my constant companion. My shadow. My friend.<br /><br />I awoke Saturday morning to a gray day. As I laid in bed listening to the steady rain, I felt a heaviness in my chest as I remembered Leo. He would have been snuggled under my chin. Pete and I dressed and began our Saturday morning routine - breakfast, taking Kady and Dee to their grooming appointment, and other miscellaneous errands. After a visit to schedule our pool closing, I led Pete next door to Yorkie & Friends. I had never been to this shop, and my goal was not to buy a puppy. I wasn't over losing Leo and didn't know if I would ever be ready for another puppy. Yet, I was curious. The owner explained that all her puppies are either her own or come from local contacts whom she trusts. We looked around at a few cute puppies...but none tugged my heart strings. Perhaps I was expecting too much, too soon.<br /><br />"Do you have any more puppies?" She led us to the back of the small room where I saw a brown ball of fluff. He is a Shorkie - half Shi Tzu, half Yorkie - and the offspring of the owner's own dog. His 8-week old sister was adopted the previous day. I fell in love immediately.<br /><br />I looked at Pete with pleading eyes. He knew we wouldn't be going home alone.<br /><br />He looks like a minature bear...so we named him Teddy.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384056802244437170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilibhUCUdk8-TFRgqlo2SqVCaNTdVx36VaHLhwYHfXGtvwzpXL2Hlyd-ppVxjknHx9sUAQ4WRS1dZGcc5ayIX7RwYVx2IcWREia2joOGczcTuM1WOHW1DqJVJllbyHrt3c78hMYnZrxC0/s400/DSC_8330.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384057859886462546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx_O2mpUdX-6jmORZ4fg0ikH0W4YZY_JfFgpSqXayiZCKAHDed3FfQk7ww1oeAalsfAfh-IQANcDjFapCmdrkHZJymMjtspIJtx2uCTp3Mjv_tyNYYsgzDeUXPbfzryNFa3Gy_naWr_8/s400/DSC_8354.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384057212939989826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e_UlC9ReLJCuYp6rxSSqB5-RTMObaREdroOLPru-svaJz-vMU6rST_P1VcN7GKDj3VolbzZ8QffJgY4ohRQEB2vWBJzX-327mqIg2zJQSqI1b-uV3kS_CvQGDTgLrjekFxhq75Eo5ZI/s400/DSC_8350.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384059638719361042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KKkxqncI_-CBdIG7Rmh3shCQM2a6xsabHjNhaxtW1cIQMHyB8qMApoEuwwA_6ZgOcrEYw4gUmifHf6KOsojrojJLtmFyb1QYsmx786upfv6oGwd9nsx2RZ2HPh29zWb13qCzPOhjmy0/s400/DSC_8384.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384060251235352098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DwlzpXeX93qT6U1DG0Dq-JRDtcj4vwpbZLiztvDhWydlgIpSx2GmiJd9-LXmuOUzYxb-iBLbpCzV5SkH_MKI8XIXoQhXjlSUk-xNd-5Mbzebb1GjtqVtTont0rY1jj7hTQgSAzNFQHA/s400/DSC_8387.jpg" border="0" />Teddy enjoys watching television with his dad. They discuss football strategy.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384056975625550338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzcoRLNfWFLSHM1oblu2QqYJdSLF2bVAvDl0qMNRXSjQqGYyQni8jXqss0HzK0BiNd3P3jcNRW8-yTAlxV57AD2Kaxg_EhDqH62fNw_nO3zRI_ZH5QBDLfU03PhBWhkDfq7tzrg6w1DK8/s400/DSC_8336.jpg" border="0" /><br />Leo will always hold a specialy place in my heart. But there's plenty of room for Teddy, Kady and Dianora. It is a three dog night once again :)Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-6460398316314316572009-09-13T15:05:00.000-07:002009-09-13T15:22:13.005-07:00Fall Soccer BeginsWith summer winding down, fall soccer is in full swing. Ayden's participation in soccer last spring was to learn the basics and practice drills. This fall puts those skills to use by playing actual games. I was incredibly proud of Ayden at his first game this past Saturday. He was the highest scoring player on his team, making 3 goals. Go Ayden!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381078250656797602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHymk4AruUv9JgMsgYW4Jh_A12D2d7rA9oylW_rxlCRAkr8FXc3Jkv6GJFzGRVFKnSez1pQXLnH5U65Rgj2KvSAWfoJCJVOwnnMwQ4irKNg9zfclFIm5DLkkLlygccKKOFG-dbhiw791k/s400/DSC_8194.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381078408165829058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOacFIvJQUL43sez9c2iF9Ss-p_gGlk1bQr94IcfwKMZO0pP4lgIHMleKS68KZziz8oUn6nwf60LXxYXGb0UhZtJ8mevmntvN63CTe-vMKV8UzxtVnR9rkUS2WA_zqoHmBekjhWbPuEw/s400/DSC_8202.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381078682236793874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdkBHFaWPEg14E7_x49mlaK8I1BIfSWYGAE-pgLWSGH6xjJDQ0yHfjehYxONqcZ-h556y9vdkrTaUX6Zj0kshjcUGptXvPT649L7EKCdHAinTaw6hyphenhyphenC1b5o5Sa6yb3hQGReWKZf38jQ8/s400/DSC_8188.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381078565622734962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 221px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxNGFay_Og75qWCyN0VEE12VEnuNt-CudXwmmqSkzJRD2Eg6eUXW3AEniGbaQpmiOGeSLQsTFsmOgvqhevjRDF9_QYpkNgt-MdepCk7GzEV_3VMqxsrvqdILQ9pqk1OMWJ3XqlXV3yfg/s400/DSC_8204.jpg" border="0" />Ayden gets a high five from his coach after scoring a goal.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381078839976991634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 338px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisM05zJqhV5na2gnFoBCQY3L7C35plWj3xpiiGn79EDLp3GQiLqPGbRFinnt950E4zewAZ6LqFQMkJWlT8xCsHINPveTUOWnfCClrdiyueDYJmOGvQnzMNiedH-3NYtrwm7__6_tVb20k/s400/DSC_8207.jpg" border="0" />Jameson amuses himself with Bumpa. He adores Pete!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381079030471089074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaMWe2_yPcgcxaIveLE78p03YbNLjVmPyrA8yt6fkiOaiAWL9SmaieQ40KctVinphcQE_LxavIt6fLSQk7VYZec-5wnCNc84xwBLP1K1Lxc7zwLnGCGAVHo6IxmxPk36gi2I2l0gEnJv0/s400/DSC_8234.jpg" border="0" />Mimi - stop taking pictures!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381079223219577650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDzz2LK71v1kpmmtzuC-TFu9hFLht6RPmVjUgFxABBAQd8faWDcljdohyphenhyphendsdO-YbL5eP74RPzkA42kinHAmnadKNKuHE4ozCI74RcORM0ibN158ytDCeis1OwHV-n4Qz_wEgoMlMuUOU/s400/DSC_8244.jpg" border="0" />A rare opportunity to catch Jameson sitting still.<br /><br /><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381079439836838674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkH989eFIKUV_9XQF42N7w12psWrL1YFPYLrevlD-ubXC0TdJPVX7w8WP4Ave2ISIvLj2W67ZCpdZy90VCa-z_ixbIPbzJGlZKTDHJi25M0WCyNz-TNhrCbPflgbSdAki3cjphksLaLVw/s400/DSC_8269.jpg" border="0" />Princess Patty Cake Ava. </p><p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><em><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85709/drector01/63f4950ab4e6f36b5101056ba8e011b1.png" /></em></a> </p>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-49167377686460926102009-09-07T18:00:00.000-07:002009-09-07T18:08:58.421-07:00Labor Day and the End of SummerNearly 3 months has passed since I last blogged. Much has happened during that time…some events have been sad, mostly happy, and some have changed our lives in bittersweet ways. You may have wondered why I stopped blogging. The main reason is time, or rather the lack of it. Summer is a busy time of year for us. Days spent outdoors, playing in the pool, family field trips, enjoying life. Another reason is one that no longer seems important. However, nothing in the world is as important to me as family. Blogging about our grandchildren is the highlight of my day. I’ll make no apologies for the relationship I/we have with my daughter and her family. That’s all I’m going to say about that.<br /><br />Labor Day signals the end of summer. Days become shorter, nights are cooler, and kids are back in school. We had no specific plans for the holiday weekend but it exceeded my expectations in the fun factor. Saturday morning started with a family breakfast at Waffle House and a dose of friendly abuse between Pete and our favorite waitress, LD. You know you have “arrived” when your photo is displayed on the WH bulletin board. Yes, we’re weekend regulars and proud of it.<br /><br />We and the entire Payne clan – Jamie, Jason, Ayden, Jameson, Ava – attended Powers Crossroads Arts and Crafts Festival. It has become a Labor Day tradition; however, we probably won’t attend next year. Sadly attendance and crafters have diminished in numbers over recent years. My only purchase was lovely handmade clothing for Ava and suckers for Ayden and Jameson. Click the photo below to view a slideshow of our day at Powers Crossroads Arts and Crafts Festival.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622295367976%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622295367976%2F&set_id=72157622295367976&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622295367976%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622295367976%2F&set_id=72157622295367976&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><br />After meeting the Payne’s for dinner, we enjoyed an impromptu overnight sleepover with the boys. They rode their battery-powered RazR on the cart path followed by a bath and movie. Ayden loves playing games on the computer and he thoroughly enjoyed the one-on-one attention from Bumpa on Sunday morning. Jameson snuck into a corner to hide…and fill his pants. Ewwwww!!! Click the photo below to view a slideshow of the boy's sleepover.<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622295725982%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622295725982%2F&set_id=72157622295725982&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622295725982%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157622295725982%2F&set_id=72157622295725982&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><br />Being too old for naps, Ayden was allowed to come for a swim after church while his siblings stayed with Mommy. We literally wore him out! We babysat the kids in the evening so that Jamie and Jason could enjoy date night at the movies. None of the kids lasted long before going to sleep. Even Ayden didn’t put up much of a fuss when he was helped into bed. I think he was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow, with Jameson soon after.<br /><br />While it was a fairly uneventful weekend, we spent a lot of quality time with the kids. They are such fun to be around and Ayden amazes me with how grown-up he has become. Sometimes naughty, mostly good, always unpredictable – they mean the world to me!Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967054900457934847.post-66166954739188754172009-06-01T17:55:00.000-07:002009-06-01T18:06:26.388-07:00Goodbye Pre-K...Hello Kindergarten!Yesterday was a big day for Ayden. It marked the end of pre-school and the beginning of school for big kids. Woo hoo!<br /><br />I was so proud of our little guy at his graduation ceremony. I loved how his face lit up when he saw me in the crowd...and how he eagerly tucked his little hand in mine. I didn't think I could ever love a child more than my own. But now I know that love increases 100 times when you become a grandparent. I've said it before, but Ayden and I share a very special bond. I hope it never changes.<br /><br />Click the arrow to begin the slide show; once the slide show has begun, click the square in the lower right corner to maximize your screen. At the end of the slide show click ESC to return. Enjoy!<br /><br /><object height="300" width="400"><param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157619116601138%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157619116601138%2F&set_id=72157619116601138&jump_to="><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><br /> <embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157619116601138%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fdrector01%2Fsets%2F72157619116601138%2F&set_id=72157619116601138&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Debra (a/k/a Doris, Mimi)http://www.blogger.com/profile/12703142765614822707noreply@blogger.com5