tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9256736167414345462024-03-28T09:14:33.920-07:00 Writing Straight from the HeartSlices of life, both written and photographed.Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.comBlogger4038125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-82818996861889599522024-03-28T06:43:00.000-07:002024-03-28T06:43:21.468-07:00Getting Ready for Easter...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo562j2hyphenhyphenJoYVj8P1J0xkTcpexz_dUjq6s1nNsJDr0I70O_8MSfth_OtAghvTmSJRZefnvQlhXjMLMf3Z-tvwwDMIpXK_x2nJeTJMXJB2DS9Bao8PxUBuE3S9bEhKFDFQz1Xjrs7P0O4bTfQ_F-QpfwvNvI4gmFvSERD8nNwDpxYhbVv_aPVEEaZA9P-E/s3389/20240302_112643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3389" data-original-width="2728" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo562j2hyphenhyphenJoYVj8P1J0xkTcpexz_dUjq6s1nNsJDr0I70O_8MSfth_OtAghvTmSJRZefnvQlhXjMLMf3Z-tvwwDMIpXK_x2nJeTJMXJB2DS9Bao8PxUBuE3S9bEhKFDFQz1Xjrs7P0O4bTfQ_F-QpfwvNvI4gmFvSERD8nNwDpxYhbVv_aPVEEaZA9P-E/w516-h640/20240302_112643.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>(This little bunny lives in the medicine cabinet year-round but comes out for Easter, residing on the kitchen knack knack rack.)<p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Easter Sunday is just a few days away.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is Holy Week in the Christian preparation for Easter. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8XqKoT4iHd-0Kyo59BeKu48ZlQIZLq8wSFdzKb_drHls-K4-d1STQ5yZ2xJxinknzJ-178CMNvpYen5frm62lGL03SgbLtGbCiI5E4iZ4g-3ykCOGExz79MbB5oeGgSRJ6mS0LRGiiF8puhLEyQEupBMoSTuqSaNDs5jlub88Cs_l5fvkOtm-Zv1vJ0/s4096/20240302_112403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2304" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl8XqKoT4iHd-0Kyo59BeKu48ZlQIZLq8wSFdzKb_drHls-K4-d1STQ5yZ2xJxinknzJ-178CMNvpYen5frm62lGL03SgbLtGbCiI5E4iZ4g-3ykCOGExz79MbB5oeGgSRJ6mS0LRGiiF8puhLEyQEupBMoSTuqSaNDs5jlub88Cs_l5fvkOtm-Zv1vJ0/w225-h400/20240302_112403.jpg" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">It's a kind of sad week when thinking about the agonizing passion of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, it ends in His rising from the dead after three days which is celebrated on Easter Sunday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's always a busy week, too. In the past, there was a lot of decorating. That's been very reduced in the past couple of transition years, since my beloved husband died.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There is still some grocery shopping, cooking, and baking to be done, all of which make it a busy week.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are also church services to attend. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As challenging as life, itself, can be, it's still good to be alive, right?</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT CELEBRATING HOLIDAYS AS YOU GET OLDER?</span></b></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-36079274213387613572024-03-26T06:50:00.000-07:002024-03-26T06:50:39.013-07:00A New Salad<p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVYJKV9s6BNVB52pCw3MmiVXUBhnetutrbM0CR95ynW7c2X5nVUt4CosLjMrCEDj6hdjIErsYAlYiThj0iv_1OJR4Mn13KQvceZQ7Hz2vAH5b-Aiv6ELCfNINARc3feTDLZH9oaDkWh52DMYf5C4YfCECxhmmZN9mSJktuAPNYF4i5NLHkUzSNVnYNkw/s4128/20240325_182753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVYJKV9s6BNVB52pCw3MmiVXUBhnetutrbM0CR95ynW7c2X5nVUt4CosLjMrCEDj6hdjIErsYAlYiThj0iv_1OJR4Mn13KQvceZQ7Hz2vAH5b-Aiv6ELCfNINARc3feTDLZH9oaDkWh52DMYf5C4YfCECxhmmZN9mSJktuAPNYF4i5NLHkUzSNVnYNkw/w640-h480/20240325_182753.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">In an ongoing effort to eat healthier, I tried my hand at making a new recipe that I came across for a salad.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The most challenging part of making it was roasting red peppers. The oven got super hot.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once the peppers were placed under the broiler and turned black, they had to be cooled. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSRfT478XgEDLyCykmMZWJDIDo87O_onOt-85iVi6HEnTsDlkqUpnvfj2rG5MPrq8PpVGrbRGJrpxXDSuna3x1gMv9RwhjnkO_KyFb0d4SH6UOGqRH8d9XUcK-9971GjoMm8eQ5yzZPHDR9k9BXMdUqbXmx_k1-9J3hw-E83MK8obGDYQURANrrhtAUA/s4128/20240325_182737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSRfT478XgEDLyCykmMZWJDIDo87O_onOt-85iVi6HEnTsDlkqUpnvfj2rG5MPrq8PpVGrbRGJrpxXDSuna3x1gMv9RwhjnkO_KyFb0d4SH6UOGqRH8d9XUcK-9971GjoMm8eQ5yzZPHDR9k9BXMdUqbXmx_k1-9J3hw-E83MK8obGDYQURANrrhtAUA/s320/20240325_182737.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Once cooled, the black skins had to be peeled and the sloppy seeds inside the peppers had to be cleaned out and discarded.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The resulting sweet meat of the red peppers went into the refrigerator in a topped glass container.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When it came time to make the salad at last, some of the roasted peppers were placed on a plate.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Next came fresh feta cheese and then sliced olives stuffed with pimientos.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The salad tasted quite delicious.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Jarred roasted red peppers could have been used because they are available in supermarkets.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, freshly roasted ones are much more delicious.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you like roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and olives, this salad will make you happy!</span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-62805509681208560122024-03-24T07:39:00.000-07:002024-03-24T07:39:00.959-07:00Palm Sunday<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0CfjZFHkIrzuT40eGvpcmdut77ZWBG4TCoj9nngJCUfCbVfd0omJw2Wstm7-9la1Ru2vJhtqPu-J_nPR_2Ngyj5x1LQraXTHKmmvM0yNAln3T7Opbf4rxsjLtO5XFmlY0mZJBlZu5UmNdFMZECX3WSdLV-b32_V3Yz7TflQsI2-MJp-lIL4P8c8TJ-o/s3854/20240324_101726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3854" data-original-width="2890" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0CfjZFHkIrzuT40eGvpcmdut77ZWBG4TCoj9nngJCUfCbVfd0omJw2Wstm7-9la1Ru2vJhtqPu-J_nPR_2Ngyj5x1LQraXTHKmmvM0yNAln3T7Opbf4rxsjLtO5XFmlY0mZJBlZu5UmNdFMZECX3WSdLV-b32_V3Yz7TflQsI2-MJp-lIL4P8c8TJ-o/w480-h640/20240324_101726.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Today Christians around the world celebrate Palm Sunday.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Long palms are given away at church services. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My late husband always made little crosses out of them for our kids on this blessed day.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ritzqm03m7Rh0zaC8pPeGSmVmzEPeSfsJRh62FUkam-jw6hN6neL40SQE0FDVzzDf8xNt-zwscLfYfFmjNMqsyICMcIWOR5hyphenhyphenSz3jZioHwnn1_RLnmpWw_LV0ZbrGubJ8GiGZjuQ8GwEurwpbZBmz_kdyVN4-J8Jx2zxSvvzaBHq51suMtChpnqmkfg/s4128/20240324_101556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ritzqm03m7Rh0zaC8pPeGSmVmzEPeSfsJRh62FUkam-jw6hN6neL40SQE0FDVzzDf8xNt-zwscLfYfFmjNMqsyICMcIWOR5hyphenhyphenSz3jZioHwnn1_RLnmpWw_LV0ZbrGubJ8GiGZjuQ8GwEurwpbZBmz_kdyVN4-J8Jx2zxSvvzaBHq51suMtChpnqmkfg/s320/20240324_101556.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Now, my daughter makes them for her children.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have one right on my bedroom dresser.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is one week before Easter.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The week ahead, for Christians, is one of reliving the sorrow of Christ's suffering and dying on the cross.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Joy will be restored on Easter Sunday in recognition of Christ's rising from the dead.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">By his act of sacrifice, He gave hope for our world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">May all of you, whether Christian or not, have a peaceful love-filled day today.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-80020571112574312462024-03-23T15:04:00.000-07:002024-03-23T18:35:21.424-07:00A Little Extra<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbvskaWFv6Ghhb-Vcv6xcdgPs5Tlz3GtfbpynKPo1nx98mLAUAsf74NsxjcM1v9_y02SEHHZRd6366QnUOmAcuQHs8siv6NUwu07RUhCu_0lFCEl0-2E8n_FdWzJCdauqQuXPi8qACuQUwIBhAiXrwEeK4eKgcEs-FYWE7voo0dvlg0z1o8U4rPZ1xp0/s3863/20240323_160638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3863" data-original-width="2897" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbvskaWFv6Ghhb-Vcv6xcdgPs5Tlz3GtfbpynKPo1nx98mLAUAsf74NsxjcM1v9_y02SEHHZRd6366QnUOmAcuQHs8siv6NUwu07RUhCu_0lFCEl0-2E8n_FdWzJCdauqQuXPi8qACuQUwIBhAiXrwEeK4eKgcEs-FYWE7voo0dvlg0z1o8U4rPZ1xp0/w480-h640/20240323_160638.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes in decorating, as in life, itself, something might need a little extra addition to make it better.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Such is the case with the apartment front door Easter wreath.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8h5aC6TqHTW2J5UnOxCPAlCOYK4LclSe5GVS1Rb76lhimYBLCA1osIAAqZIcY_1yIqPLbgttERtcPdQdVbIVmH2gkhnWMRaTZ37EuoNR6LwYe54o7ESCi600h3Sa9TZlaGsqVkn6y66waUsTtKKYZmW5uDDspfa_xsgovPWrnx00BhlIUd1dy2rS5M4/s4128/20240323_160632.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8h5aC6TqHTW2J5UnOxCPAlCOYK4LclSe5GVS1Rb76lhimYBLCA1osIAAqZIcY_1yIqPLbgttERtcPdQdVbIVmH2gkhnWMRaTZ37EuoNR6LwYe54o7ESCi600h3Sa9TZlaGsqVkn6y66waUsTtKKYZmW5uDDspfa_xsgovPWrnx00BhlIUd1dy2rS5M4/s320/20240323_160632.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The wee bunnies with fluffy white cotton tails are totally adorable but the wreath, itself, looked bare against the stark white door.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"A bow," I thought. "The bunny wreath needs a bow."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So my artist sister made a pretty bow with lavender ribbon.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While she lent a glue gun to attach it, I made an executive decision not to hot glue on the bow but to use small safety pins instead to attach it.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTKnhZ9IYFir8J-Vh5KqHGPWn8Mz0xN4d8aVWAg8KuwnVI-mgmtaNfqxW5W4iZxZ1tMckJBnLFFMVs7p7i3gpqaTkOYOLEvKDgIeNajBSVGCFnw_q1IdY9r1g6sum_eCMHbiBhuEw6eKxH2lzVnTdYaOGrXhHVx2lMpGepspMowW6KQwr6M7siskGA30/s3804/20240323_160612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3804" data-original-width="2853" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTKnhZ9IYFir8J-Vh5KqHGPWn8Mz0xN4d8aVWAg8KuwnVI-mgmtaNfqxW5W4iZxZ1tMckJBnLFFMVs7p7i3gpqaTkOYOLEvKDgIeNajBSVGCFnw_q1IdY9r1g6sum_eCMHbiBhuEw6eKxH2lzVnTdYaOGrXhHVx2lMpGepspMowW6KQwr6M7siskGA30/w480-h640/20240323_160612.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Perfect! I lovc it and hope the bunnies do, too.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The new bow brings a bit of cheer on a miserable, dreary, icy rain day. </span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-10455751638821096972024-03-22T06:39:00.000-07:002024-03-22T06:39:02.707-07:00Happy Spring????<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lRV6LBpZC24xe_Ck-Z992nANprlNci5HAdiY6mp7_jwXKUwUCqk_G5PKkisBih05PlBCqZ3sTmiZTDk6LN3trhwy16wWCbAT62SrLVa_bqvteZS0I3Txx9RdBtMhtf4N4o2fWsaXLWtFkKe_AzZpJZCUr6T1we3rCRQAuO5aykmD2qFzOJM42cCi7M8/s4128/20240320_181351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lRV6LBpZC24xe_Ck-Z992nANprlNci5HAdiY6mp7_jwXKUwUCqk_G5PKkisBih05PlBCqZ3sTmiZTDk6LN3trhwy16wWCbAT62SrLVa_bqvteZS0I3Txx9RdBtMhtf4N4o2fWsaXLWtFkKe_AzZpJZCUr6T1we3rCRQAuO5aykmD2qFzOJM42cCi7M8/w480-h640/20240320_181351.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A deep cold front plus overnight snow showers welcomed the first day of spring.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">About the only thing to spring was the wintry weather. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie7OGVzvPmcwq2tbqegH2x9Ahg7M4LhbEk39RXc-ydeT_YP8UgNjzZrKgHfozEt132YM7B90SdQ0zbHYAhcGPl4_hye74L28yMKGKtmAGjisHn1oibjjjVbO6gqv8dSGNusKkcE5gmVT-ew0VHwmIfA6xKeKgCs2UVJNBsqFypmGkQRuIQF3DAoC7OsE/s4128/20240320_181243.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjie7OGVzvPmcwq2tbqegH2x9Ahg7M4LhbEk39RXc-ydeT_YP8UgNjzZrKgHfozEt132YM7B90SdQ0zbHYAhcGPl4_hye74L28yMKGKtmAGjisHn1oibjjjVbO6gqv8dSGNusKkcE5gmVT-ew0VHwmIfA6xKeKgCs2UVJNBsqFypmGkQRuIQF3DAoC7OsE/w480-h640/20240320_181243.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOc6zTRDd9vICKSxsLxI4P1PdrGNd2ekvAchDL2qM4nU7wRnjKDHCHl5OcqpDOh51hNUiI0q7ctBiEYAse01KU_zLKCe2ovd_0yuaAwUv_o-Z5NKY-6yzE4lOPwCQFUBmEVYD6VttkpeVbk88HFqc6WpTCGplrg1RiaUxeTQIoDTRLPwC1yIvfjzLvATs/s1872/20240320_181257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1872" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOc6zTRDd9vICKSxsLxI4P1PdrGNd2ekvAchDL2qM4nU7wRnjKDHCHl5OcqpDOh51hNUiI0q7ctBiEYAse01KU_zLKCe2ovd_0yuaAwUv_o-Z5NKY-6yzE4lOPwCQFUBmEVYD6VttkpeVbk88HFqc6WpTCGplrg1RiaUxeTQIoDTRLPwC1yIvfjzLvATs/w410-h640/20240320_181257.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">One could almost hear a collective sigh from winter weary residents.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Native New Englanders, however, know the chilly weather is March's goodbye to winter. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There may even be a few more snow storms in the coming weeks but they won't last. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xNXRFSHbL7wxG2qCupJT4sRvcRZiNfridMgcDem_cmFAScnD4M6geiQm5xPzS-kdF_0mPwDczTZJm4VMldKrWFJI-c9FxkZErmJyFSiWWmzK2JaXMmQBSiK1qv5dGHrgR4YdNzMzjV52NA8LUid0M1bCD4f-PaM2q8-mJh-SBlCV84Dz_V59KkoZsuk/s4128/20240320_181338.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xNXRFSHbL7wxG2qCupJT4sRvcRZiNfridMgcDem_cmFAScnD4M6geiQm5xPzS-kdF_0mPwDczTZJm4VMldKrWFJI-c9FxkZErmJyFSiWWmzK2JaXMmQBSiK1qv5dGHrgR4YdNzMzjV52NA8LUid0M1bCD4f-PaM2q8-mJh-SBlCV84Dz_V59KkoZsuk/s320/20240320_181338.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes during childhood years snow came on Easter!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That made it quite difficult to walk in our new shoes and Sunday outfits.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But it won't last long. Spring really will settle in and shove winter out until next November when it starts all over again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Actually, the spring snowstorm's aftermath looked kind of pretty!</span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-68676433794227579722024-03-20T10:22:00.000-07:002024-03-20T10:22:54.773-07:00Dainty Daffodils and Colorful, PerkyTulips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJPALovNfO6v7Z_UrFaOjfdBUZ8FZ2ePcRhA3et7VvqNzcR5Gob4pwVNdszIFLp2kCLX0Aj7UC5v4VmebHeaYHZM9_elVhgeowb7qBY8e2totwdW_XEgOZXkOnO5wI_ePHP8romvULNekgPZHs36L0gU0I2mEXhKiDr10AGMmjsxI4Y0nVOWmzI541EM/s3155/20240320_122621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3155" data-original-width="2746" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJPALovNfO6v7Z_UrFaOjfdBUZ8FZ2ePcRhA3et7VvqNzcR5Gob4pwVNdszIFLp2kCLX0Aj7UC5v4VmebHeaYHZM9_elVhgeowb7qBY8e2totwdW_XEgOZXkOnO5wI_ePHP8romvULNekgPZHs36L0gU0I2mEXhKiDr10AGMmjsxI4Y0nVOWmzI541EM/w558-h640/20240320_122621.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">Few things can compare to flowers for bringing cheer to one's living space.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Whether the blooms are living or have been fashioned from man-made materials, flowers are a perfect way to enhance decorating.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVfZjl-B02WX7k5rxwveg_kzGkAuYMiLKPw2dmC-tMKSyCp3bTRUkpyfp-tzoDz5khqF6HuRU2kywMdqjpFAtHEekV6SKPfXR0LfXn2MYGYyyWigkVLIimaBsauKhUsjoxHXt8E05EFRExCR2KUPHMhHyFzi9mAHmUoNsOjFKkV2Swpo41XYDP-J988A/s4128/20240320_122549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVfZjl-B02WX7k5rxwveg_kzGkAuYMiLKPw2dmC-tMKSyCp3bTRUkpyfp-tzoDz5khqF6HuRU2kywMdqjpFAtHEekV6SKPfXR0LfXn2MYGYyyWigkVLIimaBsauKhUsjoxHXt8E05EFRExCR2KUPHMhHyFzi9mAHmUoNsOjFKkV2Swpo41XYDP-J988A/s320/20240320_122549.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> Dainty yellow daffodils came as a hostess gift for a St. Patty's Day luncheon.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They are in a vase on the kitchen counter and automatically elicit smiles when glanced. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They are so pretty. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Perky tulips in different colors, in a crystal vase, now brighten a bathroom counter. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They sit on an intricate pink doily.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Modern decorators might suggest all old-fashioned "grandma" doilies are outdated and should be tossed forever. To that suggestion, I say, "No way."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9E3vMoh83skbD_8FSwmBg4X95hfU4hckOP0v5YjVameFfPBGi-UVkcPPwx61Ey8RVPwRrmKGzwVWTlM5HhZWt8VqqyRTgM3lHdv9wwMdZyrjuyLIyvul5OHkD__kMi3YKJBkDC3m4hIgby8E0331PIq6cksPAMBaf9TQKJdT-7LhUf4xoXdsHhdMUSo/s3801/20240320_122818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3801" data-original-width="2606" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9E3vMoh83skbD_8FSwmBg4X95hfU4hckOP0v5YjVameFfPBGi-UVkcPPwx61Ey8RVPwRrmKGzwVWTlM5HhZWt8VqqyRTgM3lHdv9wwMdZyrjuyLIyvul5OHkD__kMi3YKJBkDC3m4hIgby8E0331PIq6cksPAMBaf9TQKJdT-7LhUf4xoXdsHhdMUSo/w438-h640/20240320_122818.jpg" width="438" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BVACYWqGrvxB4JTxFO0pd908Gdz-YH2ZV_3kcKTVy4Q0zeJpfTGGtvLFMmJXSyQ4AFsp4phbpKHLAvY-FN6O6gnpc7TZpOfENgmxaBISD5-PT4J29JVwPCtm4R0NWPhazw5qPLzjEc-PHCUQOi7Hz-7PUtGd-ttTgtXyR3EV2z2FIGgEVJhwugAfTDM/s3464/20240319_234443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3464" data-original-width="1959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BVACYWqGrvxB4JTxFO0pd908Gdz-YH2ZV_3kcKTVy4Q0zeJpfTGGtvLFMmJXSyQ4AFsp4phbpKHLAvY-FN6O6gnpc7TZpOfENgmxaBISD5-PT4J29JVwPCtm4R0NWPhazw5qPLzjEc-PHCUQOi7Hz-7PUtGd-ttTgtXyR3EV2z2FIGgEVJhwugAfTDM/w362-h640/20240319_234443.jpg" width="362" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If a doily is considered old-fashioned in decorating, one might say, "Who cares?" </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'm happy to use doilies in decorating as a personal preference.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">If you want a suggestion for self-care, consider buying yourself a bouquet of flowers. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">You will never regret it!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WHAT KIND OF FLOWERS DO YOU LIKE TO DECORATE WITH?</b><br /></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-66526940481138926022024-03-19T10:04:00.000-07:002024-03-19T10:04:51.833-07:00Bunny Wreath<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLCqn798z7Lyu4P0DN1XiiDkSOzmdDx_vRT3vArrfvABKlUJ4NqebPEJ6LGghSh8rOXLwJj1X96OWW9H_cb6uPvxeTM6iAHYQXlF7-aOhCXhQclAwV7gLJwo1sFWd75d2UWj1dv2KbaRgv54OzOTeRpWIZyXUpEMERWTeSU4K33q1hlNNzIV6TUZ6IVI/s2975/20240314_172042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2697" data-original-width="2975" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLCqn798z7Lyu4P0DN1XiiDkSOzmdDx_vRT3vArrfvABKlUJ4NqebPEJ6LGghSh8rOXLwJj1X96OWW9H_cb6uPvxeTM6iAHYQXlF7-aOhCXhQclAwV7gLJwo1sFWd75d2UWj1dv2KbaRgv54OzOTeRpWIZyXUpEMERWTeSU4K33q1hlNNzIV6TUZ6IVI/w640-h580/20240314_172042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Easter is around the corner. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOSpp7KO8Z9vaoWBaKmnm0u4v1SKtYky8ZfcWjlo-Qta2zS1Ep_4ZChZ3lvrK0TWWQXF4P1aDKQ9Nqah6RQ2jNYGTjtUCnNMSiYfivN9g2iWmYXU8EO-kfPUGr46OF_g2v5HX4wChXvo4GHMpKBjI1EJmifWI5NukYhs5LqhfwkzXUiwcb6p1VMDT3cI/s4128/20240314_172046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOSpp7KO8Z9vaoWBaKmnm0u4v1SKtYky8ZfcWjlo-Qta2zS1Ep_4ZChZ3lvrK0TWWQXF4P1aDKQ9Nqah6RQ2jNYGTjtUCnNMSiYfivN9g2iWmYXU8EO-kfPUGr46OF_g2v5HX4wChXvo4GHMpKBjI1EJmifWI5NukYhs5LqhfwkzXUiwcb6p1VMDT3cI/w640-h480/20240314_172046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRReM2Lf7hsE0Lp1fn2O6ohyXEPyNWwPz74nZZqS19nHy698NDReJmqaHwiTHoc0xt6cwZFp9wOneQZ-rM0hVz8uKn5CZq3ToU0ikv6Q240vRPWYapb_VDODoLPbAXCu4rUVnpqsGdZhLoST_kkABkWLNm1VVzKvFIfOk2F4F5dx7X2vU9LB72YgRlbF0/s4128/20240314_172049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRReM2Lf7hsE0Lp1fn2O6ohyXEPyNWwPz74nZZqS19nHy698NDReJmqaHwiTHoc0xt6cwZFp9wOneQZ-rM0hVz8uKn5CZq3ToU0ikv6Q240vRPWYapb_VDODoLPbAXCu4rUVnpqsGdZhLoST_kkABkWLNm1VVzKvFIfOk2F4F5dx7X2vU9LB72YgRlbF0/w640-h480/20240314_172049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">During this holy season, I have always loved to decorate in anticipation of Easer.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, all of the Easter season decor is still in storage, since the apartment where I currently live has almost no storage. </span></p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, this season, making do is the order of the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Luckily, last year's bunny wreath, which I fell in love with at first sight, is available and now hanging on the apartment entrance door.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OdQdOgjFHv2D6JTFGnwvTZKNpNCyQ95MH6IMw2P8RQC8dZ8TD8aeNhykpiDF9_m31TndKWViloxwnwgeh7Tptndlcigd2q-pkF-ZppRjg6mHnuvcWR-2l8ZowjNn7Df80bNTb1n8_EXz0mEdOQBMBYe8OipksWeq1UwlK5N8N6GOpg-0RYgcVm0nfs8/s4128/20240314_172026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OdQdOgjFHv2D6JTFGnwvTZKNpNCyQ95MH6IMw2P8RQC8dZ8TD8aeNhykpiDF9_m31TndKWViloxwnwgeh7Tptndlcigd2q-pkF-ZppRjg6mHnuvcWR-2l8ZowjNn7Df80bNTb1n8_EXz0mEdOQBMBYe8OipksWeq1UwlK5N8N6GOpg-0RYgcVm0nfs8/w480-h640/20240314_172026.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><p>It could use a nice pink bow with long tails but, otherwise, it makes me happy to see it when driving in front of the apartment.</p><p>One of my grandsons makes me chuckle all the time. </p><p>He pointed out that none of the wreath bunnies has a face.</p><p>"That's because they are on their tummies," I told him.</p><p>He quickly added that has no relevance to the faceless bunnies on the wreath because, "I looked underneath." They are faceless.</p><p>Talk about the wisdom of kids! </p></span><p></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-42954281296143501332024-03-17T06:32:00.000-07:002024-03-17T06:32:02.190-07:00Happy St. Patty's Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLujiFF5ELHFyonYXIgLDEV-fVwuYvIzgvLc87s9qdC5iPmuVFY0PTmQG7plSSDfomEwibSPnOIOSCsPglwA7JsZQhTuaK7AMpTPqlGzUxeLg0H6wGY2BpOLvQd9zV8pT-jjmWaeIJUtRiFiSAxuINllTrMz6IPUtDY5f6Fs0UHLsTusX0ECbq7acp-I/s4128/20240314_195235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLujiFF5ELHFyonYXIgLDEV-fVwuYvIzgvLc87s9qdC5iPmuVFY0PTmQG7plSSDfomEwibSPnOIOSCsPglwA7JsZQhTuaK7AMpTPqlGzUxeLg0H6wGY2BpOLvQd9zV8pT-jjmWaeIJUtRiFiSAxuINllTrMz6IPUtDY5f6Fs0UHLsTusX0ECbq7acp-I/w640-h480/20240314_195235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Top of the mornin' to you (as well as the afternoon and night). </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSQ_lGgxYzotU9OIY0C2v1Wu0qfnXr47uTjgdGNiM3LZK92JjuoBLqRWD_4ig6lyg8gyTeXMlY4JxxFItSatZZE5rVgLDVku882-bh_I1xihE0Y6B12xD-1CkGG0w9CfukV6gwpO2Z_Cqi4v_Ogfil74-Cnig8RMoezTh0muRm3x4cLYPv2Tu_DR883w/s3717/20240314_195318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3717" data-original-width="2788" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSQ_lGgxYzotU9OIY0C2v1Wu0qfnXr47uTjgdGNiM3LZK92JjuoBLqRWD_4ig6lyg8gyTeXMlY4JxxFItSatZZE5rVgLDVku882-bh_I1xihE0Y6B12xD-1CkGG0w9CfukV6gwpO2Z_Cqi4v_Ogfil74-Cnig8RMoezTh0muRm3x4cLYPv2Tu_DR883w/w240-h320/20240314_195318.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Today many people celebrate St. Patrick's Day.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">St. Patrick has won a place in many hearts throughout the world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Most Irish men and women love to remember him and celebrate on this special holiday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Because there is nary a drop of Irish blood in my family of origin, the only way we ever celebrated was by wearing something green on this day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, I have known and love many people with Irish roots so I like to celebrate them!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This year, for the first time in my life, I am serving an Irish lunch----corned beef, boiled cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. (Hope it all comes out well.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, to everyone, whether Irish or not, have a WONDERFUL day!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DI8URHyKblGvnfEeB-7Z3v_TRPcgsmytw35bYKJ4Y_JRRkvH-FZwPncur7VdEGVyCEhPEvye8OfOQZRu3e5dHh6XMnMbXiKtacKTAdEsqVzn6UTx1aJ7n07zNcv38coPl6F4rvhOc2m1bMUjbHY5-8BF7fcVJVDhyphenhypheneft0IWSR7iRg6zcfYKRAlXEot0/s4128/20240314_195233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DI8URHyKblGvnfEeB-7Z3v_TRPcgsmytw35bYKJ4Y_JRRkvH-FZwPncur7VdEGVyCEhPEvye8OfOQZRu3e5dHh6XMnMbXiKtacKTAdEsqVzn6UTx1aJ7n07zNcv38coPl6F4rvhOc2m1bMUjbHY5-8BF7fcVJVDhyphenhypheneft0IWSR7iRg6zcfYKRAlXEot0/s320/20240314_195233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-90810670357262249802024-03-15T18:55:00.000-07:002024-03-15T18:55:41.106-07:00Supermarket Bag Art Form<p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrYYd_Hdp0Q3zlcYyHzbgGwPpy0P5wXhqnWeBKeCyWzIqv-We_ZZjIbUWXquWI5VsEo4Z5DGf8Y2w5aF4ZpiaYF-ou1z_h_rxpynSO30eGY_EM7rXu5arhtX4EywXqUxVWHP5cKeEtbHrXSxlmaBKZg7UBziA-tQJ7cN9Omthvd_JEDuiYWkLmmI9Wec/s4128/20240311_181947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrYYd_Hdp0Q3zlcYyHzbgGwPpy0P5wXhqnWeBKeCyWzIqv-We_ZZjIbUWXquWI5VsEo4Z5DGf8Y2w5aF4ZpiaYF-ou1z_h_rxpynSO30eGY_EM7rXu5arhtX4EywXqUxVWHP5cKeEtbHrXSxlmaBKZg7UBziA-tQJ7cN9Omthvd_JEDuiYWkLmmI9Wec/w480-h640/20240311_181947.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Supermarket bags around here multiply like bunny rabbits.</span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The brightest colored ones are the ones I like the best. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They are cheerful as well as useful.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Keeping track of them is an ongoing challenge.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, in a flash of insight, several of them got stuffed into an antique beehive basket and they look really pretty.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So now each bag has a new home as soon as it's emptied.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They look much nicer and more artsy in the basket than running rampant around the apartment.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HOW DO YOU STORE SUPERMARKET BAGS?</b></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-6196402966993698072024-03-15T06:57:00.000-07:002024-03-15T06:57:46.405-07:00So Darned Cute!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-5RGxttlZTCgU0bp2LXxWu4UG1doZ1JyHjVrrrjzX_6tmnI2YmDuBMsGiqCvsENquGNp_Q8pv2ZNLwO4usgFFKrS4haAoBotWHwlvm7hHEQ54VrTveI-QxlyUTeOprq5xWY4u3bVPRAbMH0NIvi1Oo2F0Fy8nBp0H6GrQyL8AYE8tfFNavZsZ-UL2aM/s4128/20240311_181809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-5RGxttlZTCgU0bp2LXxWu4UG1doZ1JyHjVrrrjzX_6tmnI2YmDuBMsGiqCvsENquGNp_Q8pv2ZNLwO4usgFFKrS4haAoBotWHwlvm7hHEQ54VrTveI-QxlyUTeOprq5xWY4u3bVPRAbMH0NIvi1Oo2F0Fy8nBp0H6GrQyL8AYE8tfFNavZsZ-UL2aM/w300-h400/20240311_181809.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><p>Sometimes a spontaneous purchase is worth it.</p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Such was the case during a recent trip to the supermarket.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI3ZL5skZSLxx60GcwgOh6sr4R4fUEUKRe2meQoQxEVML2Vj8II05et2brglstLlqaZ41shiFAzvZ_YL4d2AoIpKKuuahXWkFC-TuJtXVG49PyJPXnpbCAdVRiL5NJxNChnLpXo3n3dS_cGAWBwoqw2VlaCbqPTnCvq1jInQPNEx1s023B7sTh65cGZU/s4128/20240311_181915.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI3ZL5skZSLxx60GcwgOh6sr4R4fUEUKRe2meQoQxEVML2Vj8II05et2brglstLlqaZ41shiFAzvZ_YL4d2AoIpKKuuahXWkFC-TuJtXVG49PyJPXnpbCAdVRiL5NJxNChnLpXo3n3dS_cGAWBwoqw2VlaCbqPTnCvq1jInQPNEx1s023B7sTh65cGZU/s320/20240311_181915.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">An Easter display caught peoples' attention on the way in.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Before my cart could clear the display, packages of Easter napkins garnered my attention. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The sweetest little bunbun in my favorite color---pink---begged me to buy a package of napkins with her image on them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The image of the little bunbun almost guarantees smiles.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes spontaneous decisions are the best of all. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Guess what? The very first Easter card came in the mail this week!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Many thanks to the senders.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGb8tVp8enLWPhGzvf7qWD2iDw6VXXOk-2Lhccf2GYzwzSlQ_Jclwuhahfx-_Z5qtJPqd36U0kebzd29kELEMYE5rzA6FIiLqh8Wr22JJZpE8jOvhwnWIVLFnuuUC_rrjy-7OGy-mOIacUjP6vCLPEL0mm-s_bmSKPSLz2FBgVT8nhi9Y7TKSNZmBSj5A/s4128/20240311_182255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGb8tVp8enLWPhGzvf7qWD2iDw6VXXOk-2Lhccf2GYzwzSlQ_Jclwuhahfx-_Z5qtJPqd36U0kebzd29kELEMYE5rzA6FIiLqh8Wr22JJZpE8jOvhwnWIVLFnuuUC_rrjy-7OGy-mOIacUjP6vCLPEL0mm-s_bmSKPSLz2FBgVT8nhi9Y7TKSNZmBSj5A/w300-h400/20240311_182255.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><p>Spring is definitely on its way and that special holiday, as well.</p></span><p></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-80533126540180161752024-03-13T08:49:00.000-07:002024-03-13T08:49:07.792-07:00Privacy Plant...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZH_0o_J4V0SeohIzL4K6IYdzyYRkfsQBkzgDxazlDFagqeOgSE3Hv402hT_UDx-da3mCK0zrtlNUeAJ-Mnvci1fOnWNREpDCm0MsZVbMWsFUpKu-XiDo3XX6FkjaxP5SztmKL8CFUXVpRNIXAVjscknw0Gfgg-MoI2R9DHu-h12COTJJ5PF-11c5VxI/s3747/20240311_180711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3747" data-original-width="2810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZH_0o_J4V0SeohIzL4K6IYdzyYRkfsQBkzgDxazlDFagqeOgSE3Hv402hT_UDx-da3mCK0zrtlNUeAJ-Mnvci1fOnWNREpDCm0MsZVbMWsFUpKu-XiDo3XX6FkjaxP5SztmKL8CFUXVpRNIXAVjscknw0Gfgg-MoI2R9DHu-h12COTJJ5PF-11c5VxI/w480-h640/20240311_180711.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some people absolutely hate artificial plants but not me. I love them.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some of them look so real that one cannot tell them apart from living plants.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When moving to an apartment after living for decades in houses is a huge transition.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's nice to keep the front door open for extra sunshine when it's not too cold but the thought of people walking by being able to look inside the glass door is unnerving.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So, a really lovely leafy green "tree" has come in handy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It just has to be positioned in front of the door and blocks the view inside. Perfect!</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">WHAT'S YOUR OPINION OF ARTIFICIAL PLANTS?</span></b></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-49351115748226498952024-03-11T19:47:00.000-07:002024-03-11T19:54:53.566-07:00Making Do in Decorating<p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAaInzfc0wYOSfvFZlUszIoi7_eCqXzAKf8yQJoigFznJGE5GP6213AXXmwF7McwY2urvqKXajOJ9bCaFqgymsvcfckop8U4w1AvIFB_sXKK1mtG2XXJdMYVJ84wFL8h7uY6zEbgwtHaaIeYmeI1X-gzquX2HNU8xX5dXLQTRDmzuS8JLax4u-uD8JTs/s3615/20240311_180213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2711" data-original-width="3615" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAaInzfc0wYOSfvFZlUszIoi7_eCqXzAKf8yQJoigFznJGE5GP6213AXXmwF7McwY2urvqKXajOJ9bCaFqgymsvcfckop8U4w1AvIFB_sXKK1mtG2XXJdMYVJ84wFL8h7uY6zEbgwtHaaIeYmeI1X-gzquX2HNU8xX5dXLQTRDmzuS8JLax4u-uD8JTs/w640-h480/20240311_180213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The best part of decorating our own spaces is that we can pick out things we really love and be creative.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">No one is going to judge our decisions or tell us we are crazy for liking something. (Well, maybe they will, but if they do, who cares? It's our living space and we can do what whatever we want, right?)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLye_TjCr6qG6OS1laEmCPhIx53A_TB68lZPYPLht4_96fWts71EqCYSEOSfazmd605cnnVJ5YPTZOzO85DaOhspEOqmcsSlANINrmnkE0lNCsX3NRRUzqPNnIJ11I6LUsMtoXdDfJp2BgNB1VLCTH0kgkGtmgw5GIlblR6JGGiwstxSPxKv34qsWIgE/s4128/20240311_180653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLye_TjCr6qG6OS1laEmCPhIx53A_TB68lZPYPLht4_96fWts71EqCYSEOSfazmd605cnnVJ5YPTZOzO85DaOhspEOqmcsSlANINrmnkE0lNCsX3NRRUzqPNnIJ11I6LUsMtoXdDfJp2BgNB1VLCTH0kgkGtmgw5GIlblR6JGGiwstxSPxKv34qsWIgE/w400-h300/20240311_180653.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjDZ09hoHecbE3l2JEekyIFWrQ_XUNZ5XysDBXk_BYDXTY3XH7_hkbPfi8oTZ_RUZEEc7twjBq8Ejrqti6A2tfikmXHwUFghps1DtB3wUTPbieq6PUGjB3aumw6U7r0-1TJOQcREIBCspB4ZLJKm-KrklZGaCcYRmPfQivykvnsQalC2vqZOSO6lGPoA/s3469/20240311_180745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2602" data-original-width="3469" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjDZ09hoHecbE3l2JEekyIFWrQ_XUNZ5XysDBXk_BYDXTY3XH7_hkbPfi8oTZ_RUZEEc7twjBq8Ejrqti6A2tfikmXHwUFghps1DtB3wUTPbieq6PUGjB3aumw6U7r0-1TJOQcREIBCspB4ZLJKm-KrklZGaCcYRmPfQivykvnsQalC2vqZOSO6lGPoA/w640-h480/20240311_180745.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Late afternoon sunshine flooding into a living space is to be cherished.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is that time of day when everything gets bathed in deep golden light.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPwsxhOa5eE702wn0kQCwPp-TpOVh3fsxd-qhdwaAIiWzX1qwAfGgqCKhzDZyZmrVi6CeNQppmeIDCARsyuqETJh9k0aujBHBShrsBfBfrlRQ0cLe4qlHCXP-CKrNVt6hcc15TIcE6OkhpMhJcz10TDrOizcH6lnn1HTZTJtOF3sQhGn4FbmUGfo_5hY/s3435/20240311_180508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3435" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPwsxhOa5eE702wn0kQCwPp-TpOVh3fsxd-qhdwaAIiWzX1qwAfGgqCKhzDZyZmrVi6CeNQppmeIDCARsyuqETJh9k0aujBHBShrsBfBfrlRQ0cLe4qlHCXP-CKrNVt6hcc15TIcE6OkhpMhJcz10TDrOizcH6lnn1HTZTJtOF3sQhGn4FbmUGfo_5hY/w576-h640/20240311_180508.jpg" width="576" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The very small table in the apartment needs a tablecloth.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Regular tablecloths are too big since the table is really quite petite.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So off to Goodwill it is and what a lucky trip it turns out to be.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> A rather delicate and beautiful lacy curtain panel does the trick. Perfect!</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When the sun floods in on it, it's even prettier. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The bunny plaque sparkles with glittery letters but they don't show up in photos.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-vxR6pKrGok3Dx2eGDdDzGmWT15uQ1vWUPJoT3V7mKW0uhXBKegPUzbq5aJRXlvBVXJkiY5Yyi_Qe_KYRmPCCwGVqwWS1rQ76qdS7y68YYqFCNqTdgyJcxMT-JToX9BJ-xUD9lKZYwUCAwdRiz4VH3w_c2HqWti5lnQhtGT_U8kbfNhmQ11DX2c4ovg/s3244/20240311_181755.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3092" data-original-width="3244" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-vxR6pKrGok3Dx2eGDdDzGmWT15uQ1vWUPJoT3V7mKW0uhXBKegPUzbq5aJRXlvBVXJkiY5Yyi_Qe_KYRmPCCwGVqwWS1rQ76qdS7y68YYqFCNqTdgyJcxMT-JToX9BJ-xUD9lKZYwUCAwdRiz4VH3w_c2HqWti5lnQhtGT_U8kbfNhmQ11DX2c4ovg/s320/20240311_181755.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>WHAT WAS THE LAST "Making Do" PROJECT YOU DID IN YOUR OWN SPACE?</b></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-28036709552923257532024-03-11T06:58:00.000-07:002024-03-11T06:58:11.165-07:00The Blessed Mother in Miniature<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbPvFrybyZ25f8zrqdH7n7hSx6VGOWWs_xBfL6nIdRS_8z4QEe1r43ZJO1H1corSJ3tRGJYiq0CRS1lPAP9doQ4igS41ZpK-kNyYewSRr-UEDb3Y7NTC90iqp9J2iRWIjko2RNEb5XuCTuxF2jJmkHgXxsOmKDSaGMLtbtNgsy05nAJ0aZQOvvwu2uVI/s3837/20240310_105145~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3837" data-original-width="2877" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbPvFrybyZ25f8zrqdH7n7hSx6VGOWWs_xBfL6nIdRS_8z4QEe1r43ZJO1H1corSJ3tRGJYiq0CRS1lPAP9doQ4igS41ZpK-kNyYewSRr-UEDb3Y7NTC90iqp9J2iRWIjko2RNEb5XuCTuxF2jJmkHgXxsOmKDSaGMLtbtNgsy05nAJ0aZQOvvwu2uVI/w480-h640/20240310_105145~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br />A very few decor items remain in one's possession for many decades of life.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The little "grotto" shown in this post is one of them for me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My late husband and I purchased the item more than four decades ago. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sadly, I cannot remember which Central American country we bought it in. Perhaps when I go through old diaries before I die, that lost tidbit will be restored.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The wooden piece has two small doors that open up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEWREnRiKDp6laLAF4I2qpEmJAHdxRhQnu0uPBXUQWP7SWJOaXJOXCnfoEv-MLot5RJm3KK6-zdwCQtbS_ZcLR51j9nsyRPj8g0avN-G5dqq5HswrTwk64A5K0m_VKPNHOdCwNQ6xfHFddI0J_MIWNq_TIB75xzEjOPyQ0TvOZF2_dssfVZqZY3iOH7w/s3720/20240310_105211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3720" data-original-width="2790" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEWREnRiKDp6laLAF4I2qpEmJAHdxRhQnu0uPBXUQWP7SWJOaXJOXCnfoEv-MLot5RJm3KK6-zdwCQtbS_ZcLR51j9nsyRPj8g0avN-G5dqq5HswrTwk64A5K0m_VKPNHOdCwNQ6xfHFddI0J_MIWNq_TIB75xzEjOPyQ0TvOZF2_dssfVZqZY3iOH7w/w480-h640/20240310_105211.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> Inside, a teeny tiny Lady of Guadalupe statue, about an inch and a half tall, has been placed. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of my grandsons stood her on a small mound of clay because she kept falling out! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCf86Ua8Aa0dCCIyAT7n4nezDG_0yBdFdJPo0Yl4h0ZafJtKDH9jce7tfUYd79jf7lYFHqieDn1DGlyVvkEiT0OmDgwcvEaZ40WSVy9y8BCuT5mjmzF2e7zk_9Zl_F1bgmeKfGrDKGAmvIuPXYQVjutA7DGYDOBVVYwQiQosJD4OO-taC7lg_htHUamM/s2952/20240310_105245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="2952" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCf86Ua8Aa0dCCIyAT7n4nezDG_0yBdFdJPo0Yl4h0ZafJtKDH9jce7tfUYd79jf7lYFHqieDn1DGlyVvkEiT0OmDgwcvEaZ40WSVy9y8BCuT5mjmzF2e7zk_9Zl_F1bgmeKfGrDKGAmvIuPXYQVjutA7DGYDOBVVYwQiQosJD4OO-taC7lg_htHUamM/w640-h608/20240310_105245.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> The grotto certainly needs a paint job but it's still adorable.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love the little grotto with Mary and, like myself, I'm glad she has lasted all these years. <br /></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-62769124538538974492024-03-08T06:21:00.000-08:002024-03-08T06:21:51.316-08:00From Yard to Estate Sales...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUTC_hO6d86IWVSSWcN8xMtYcgXgkO15F4c1WGdQ_2FugEGLmnzOc9WItpBOTUNYXO5r-holFLsJD8y3U5RSggH6BS46eY1u31Q1ySx6ywfzWgohr6dN6HMMBxJeR404RK6a6gqREB4sROcaCEKx309UhoT1ZEcMQl4cUTh0EjzrF9Ac-_o_tMM436cU/s4057/20240307_220330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4057" data-original-width="2519" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUTC_hO6d86IWVSSWcN8xMtYcgXgkO15F4c1WGdQ_2FugEGLmnzOc9WItpBOTUNYXO5r-holFLsJD8y3U5RSggH6BS46eY1u31Q1ySx6ywfzWgohr6dN6HMMBxJeR404RK6a6gqREB4sROcaCEKx309UhoT1ZEcMQl4cUTh0EjzrF9Ac-_o_tMM436cU/w398-h640/20240307_220330.jpg" width="398" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For many people, yard sales are a highlight of every summer and fall.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJCKQEdSa4ighewRceTwKccMjwGfIhG4YEwe_m0pxw_TaYPRONfyl5TCmO39WMuOX4iKuVZvwddnsC3zuVb4RXi5UZa7aXk6xHgGCDZFF4RG5u7-bHbvsBmDqPWJLHcXHcwP2yDKUNydFeLWgGe32aptFVVlWv836I_CDp7rlvjqzh4QWQ9BWL0bfLqM/s4031/20240307_220403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4031" data-original-width="2489" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJCKQEdSa4ighewRceTwKccMjwGfIhG4YEwe_m0pxw_TaYPRONfyl5TCmO39WMuOX4iKuVZvwddnsC3zuVb4RXi5UZa7aXk6xHgGCDZFF4RG5u7-bHbvsBmDqPWJLHcXHcwP2yDKUNydFeLWgGe32aptFVVlWv836I_CDp7rlvjqzh4QWQ9BWL0bfLqM/s320/20240307_220403.jpg" width="198" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">As years go by, however, it has became clear that while yard sales are still fun to go to, better quality items can be found at estate sales.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The crystal lamp shown in this post is from an estate sale.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love anything made of crystal as well as lamps in all kinds of styles. Both give a touch of elegance to a room.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Very expensive items, like the lamp in this post, can often be purchased at bargain prices. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">With everything costing more these days, it's great to go to estate sales and come home with quality items without spending a bundle </span><span style="font-size: large;">of money.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2ZPTA-c1pHOv6fAkT5KWS3-pUcpsNefCbJ-xftrKBvjSma1LLnywf_V9pU-oslivYxQ3EF_fUrIYYaMM9l5yGe_n0OVRU7k1Bed8s2V6vnk-0zpMKKa8F-GRxK0pnUNT_645peAdnLagt3SZHN67lkeYpnXPuKFQ9SJmGIwfLwYXGGxLJiFJyUFEEGA/s4128/20240307_220335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2ZPTA-c1pHOv6fAkT5KWS3-pUcpsNefCbJ-xftrKBvjSma1LLnywf_V9pU-oslivYxQ3EF_fUrIYYaMM9l5yGe_n0OVRU7k1Bed8s2V6vnk-0zpMKKa8F-GRxK0pnUNT_645peAdnLagt3SZHN67lkeYpnXPuKFQ9SJmGIwfLwYXGGxLJiFJyUFEEGA/w480-h640/20240307_220335.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Looking forward to estate sales that will be advertised sooner than later is one way to make winter go by a little faster. </span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DO YOU ENJOY ESTATE AND YARD SALE SHOPPING?</span></b></p><p><br /></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-57529159328280146342024-03-07T07:29:00.000-08:002024-03-07T07:29:32.792-08:00How Sweet It Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKvVCsIbBIHIro7SNbizqSrtxcHa8IIlkrvAiNrHNMcNMKXeEkIC6oYLftB7vNkRNioV99BE0vLQjs24fvrYTDN05j54kmQdyzGjKvRAEEvjdWRGDwnSTZ_uC9HEic70kAehDM6lrEhmc27mfYS1IgcEivBYJc2IO4QrWvCu7o-acqQR45rBEGMrixI8/s4128/20240305_144121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKvVCsIbBIHIro7SNbizqSrtxcHa8IIlkrvAiNrHNMcNMKXeEkIC6oYLftB7vNkRNioV99BE0vLQjs24fvrYTDN05j54kmQdyzGjKvRAEEvjdWRGDwnSTZ_uC9HEic70kAehDM6lrEhmc27mfYS1IgcEivBYJc2IO4QrWvCu7o-acqQR45rBEGMrixI8/w480-h640/20240305_144121.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: large;">Hello darling blog peeps.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Guess what time of year it is for some New Englanders?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's maple syrup time!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yup. One can spot buckets as well as long tubes that go from tree to tree into the woods.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw99_ikeOO8NVoUFOWgtwFjhRm5U7bm_kttra4XNZ_wwGrSOG5KqFl6BxaxtpUqV95ZZdELtJFPrKKPiEecZuEM0OisKp1UvbDnEiSGMEru1jo6UyjvNPWdlHqG6S1Vecb8n16-mCaa2VVLcRkdWw2ngh8HaWawSbC5d1Gcc_z-RpbDitsuxqQmzOZ3W8/s3058/20240305_144302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2194" data-original-width="3058" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw99_ikeOO8NVoUFOWgtwFjhRm5U7bm_kttra4XNZ_wwGrSOG5KqFl6BxaxtpUqV95ZZdELtJFPrKKPiEecZuEM0OisKp1UvbDnEiSGMEru1jo6UyjvNPWdlHqG6S1Vecb8n16-mCaa2VVLcRkdWw2ngh8HaWawSbC5d1Gcc_z-RpbDitsuxqQmzOZ3W8/w640-h460/20240305_144302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">All the luscious sap is being collected, then boiled down to that delectable liquid...maple syrup.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0RupBIKNI7gO2e9d_-0Jmrc0ctcaDcXdGte1Lv-_wENjtW5aSzx3zGlswPMRU_mDeqQpvRpA1lj-ChGBttp9rECYBa8NaCW5nu-RW1_aaZujaSXVkYsnkqKrKVDnL7KW8NiSeuGwTruHeb-YWpUzGbxY28dwCDmd6SreFuFydWCTvJ3QSufdikjKcHo/s3278/20240305_144133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3278" data-original-width="2843" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0RupBIKNI7gO2e9d_-0Jmrc0ctcaDcXdGte1Lv-_wENjtW5aSzx3zGlswPMRU_mDeqQpvRpA1lj-ChGBttp9rECYBa8NaCW5nu-RW1_aaZujaSXVkYsnkqKrKVDnL7KW8NiSeuGwTruHeb-YWpUzGbxY28dwCDmd6SreFuFydWCTvJ3QSufdikjKcHo/s320/20240305_144133.jpg" width="278" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't it make you want to cook up a batch of yummy pancakes and cover them in real syrup?</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once you taste the real thing, store bought fake syrup in a bottle will never again be on your shopping list.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Photos in today's post were taken at a sugar house in Western Massachusetts.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DO YOU LOVE MAPLE SYRUP?</span></b></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-61596021977385655462024-03-04T17:26:00.000-08:002024-03-04T17:26:01.985-08:00Mirror, Mirror, On The Wall...<p> </p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErB4FrjSymL2qeruu_g9XkyMYEhPmmvU2_itLRBKEkHCh-9_rIeyncnViEQULetXe9Nmwwwpt3J3ekwxQvucp-ZqbAs6jf1M4xTFFgo1gok8Ms3TadDH7ddyetbxTE3F6Jyjo-RFL9mZjiO4igrrQvvEyIwOfZbJPmhOeRGwa6FqxrCtDorOLuxvTa0E/s4128/20240304_193651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErB4FrjSymL2qeruu_g9XkyMYEhPmmvU2_itLRBKEkHCh-9_rIeyncnViEQULetXe9Nmwwwpt3J3ekwxQvucp-ZqbAs6jf1M4xTFFgo1gok8Ms3TadDH7ddyetbxTE3F6Jyjo-RFL9mZjiO4igrrQvvEyIwOfZbJPmhOeRGwa6FqxrCtDorOLuxvTa0E/w640-h480/20240304_193651.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Mirrors can be huge assets in decorating.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They bring in light and that's a very important job when a person lives in an apartment that doesn't get much sunshine.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mirrors come in all different styles and sizes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This one showed up on an online selling site. It cost only $15 and it's very cute.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0BA2afBD4-NEU-aDu3QJHa5ackXrUqxadmd-lGLKdVqVWxH47HI3HLWW2nZXykZ8bTZZZ5iDwrG-D_tqobNiRhyphenhyphenx_brijTOzpKOMGOJ5QPRf3JAjHUsGVhPcn8JnGnqTH3yrCpY0hWp49jG7kELIh09pGtsxS68FYCZH4ttz4j16AmEPInktwJudZYg/s3091/20240304_193343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3091" data-original-width="2247" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0BA2afBD4-NEU-aDu3QJHa5ackXrUqxadmd-lGLKdVqVWxH47HI3HLWW2nZXykZ8bTZZZ5iDwrG-D_tqobNiRhyphenhyphenx_brijTOzpKOMGOJ5QPRf3JAjHUsGVhPcn8JnGnqTH3yrCpY0hWp49jG7kELIh09pGtsxS68FYCZH4ttz4j16AmEPInktwJudZYg/w466-h640/20240304_193343.jpg" width="466" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The lovely oval mirror shown at the top of this post was given to me by a dear friend many years ago. It hangs in the bedroom.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This three way mirror came from a Goodwill Store in Vermont, right over the Massachusetts border. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWWjLW_VANEgP_uDXzZkuMOSbH3qbtmF-8RmuGn3MjyhZIoCbhp2bfN7PvFojBt3-Zj1J9MsCz4xQKSk82jFUmf7DcSV3Hzz8n5KvWlI5BaEnFDcNkAgOTOqcQmU_eSaVqCon0pF99ETSIR0g06TPM9yvov_Sl5ZEK4eQJxEOoCN5dFXvWH21qdzMXSo/s3522/20240304_193623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2979" data-original-width="3522" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWWjLW_VANEgP_uDXzZkuMOSbH3qbtmF-8RmuGn3MjyhZIoCbhp2bfN7PvFojBt3-Zj1J9MsCz4xQKSk82jFUmf7DcSV3Hzz8n5KvWlI5BaEnFDcNkAgOTOqcQmU_eSaVqCon0pF99ETSIR0g06TPM9yvov_Sl5ZEK4eQJxEOoCN5dFXvWH21qdzMXSo/w640-h542/20240304_193623.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Love the light being reflected three times.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A dresser mirror is a nice shape and is quite large.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vnbYiYjDhs-HxEY8HpwssXDhyphenhyphenDoa2YWddPyR2ZsphG23ttaAI3HuVoVd7iXu7MCpLDfeLh5mJTS0MfLikoWpUywjvdapX1mENtOGyhN4QDANZWRVVZjzzi0vhZfpWHUw_pevQs4Y6VxomS7EpsDpQQgldGv1_rpmz-j0k1khPSJEcSceupM8wseNe_o/s4128/20240304_193606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vnbYiYjDhs-HxEY8HpwssXDhyphenhyphenDoa2YWddPyR2ZsphG23ttaAI3HuVoVd7iXu7MCpLDfeLh5mJTS0MfLikoWpUywjvdapX1mENtOGyhN4QDANZWRVVZjzzi0vhZfpWHUw_pevQs4Y6VxomS7EpsDpQQgldGv1_rpmz-j0k1khPSJEcSceupM8wseNe_o/w640-h480/20240304_193606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;">This living room mirror shares a space with a flat screen tv. It is a Rococo mirror, purchased for $30 at an estate sale.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6rE9BhRREM_pB_3EQ4sOE3Q6pi4e0nd6xs58E7R4IVOmMDgVw_Bs_2EZH-Wqp94mFGu6bGqPilLJV7VyWGkLbT58FdXUe5sOGo2h_8iynNzgI_DUH3BY_mmlrr1VeUe6Or565mB7G6rgBmR8fKJmqQFGx3XKUdia0KRWJzmvjORhXrkwykvcW_XeVI8/s4128/20240304_193331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6rE9BhRREM_pB_3EQ4sOE3Q6pi4e0nd6xs58E7R4IVOmMDgVw_Bs_2EZH-Wqp94mFGu6bGqPilLJV7VyWGkLbT58FdXUe5sOGo2h_8iynNzgI_DUH3BY_mmlrr1VeUe6Or565mB7G6rgBmR8fKJmqQFGx3XKUdia0KRWJzmvjORhXrkwykvcW_XeVI8/w480-h640/20240304_193331.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last but not least, the very plain bathroom medicine cabinet mirror</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> doesn't make my heart beat faster.</span></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, its inside is great. There's even a mirror on the entire back of the outside mirror's door.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktpKpz0cfikNqRNe_uotZCHC7HmfnL6l8ndHwMoYYSMAE0HxCrqNe1NN6cIGDKyLpUElVSVUeY5QXe0dwB5dGvORvvkI8rwA4iubPURk-qagrMydcI5mtRmyuOw4O-A-t3rmZrUlHPBJFj3LHEozZfIYNg9OxoEHkvM4J9Xj6559G1dRCws-rJmaqPTQ/s4128/20240304_193523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjktpKpz0cfikNqRNe_uotZCHC7HmfnL6l8ndHwMoYYSMAE0HxCrqNe1NN6cIGDKyLpUElVSVUeY5QXe0dwB5dGvORvvkI8rwA4iubPURk-qagrMydcI5mtRmyuOw4O-A-t3rmZrUlHPBJFj3LHEozZfIYNg9OxoEHkvM4J9Xj6559G1dRCws-rJmaqPTQ/w640-h480/20240304_193523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lots of mirrors help open up any home in which they are placed.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Look for them at estate sales and even some yard sales.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MIRROR?</b></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-18477407489060352812024-03-03T08:30:00.000-08:002024-03-03T08:30:37.809-08:00Sunday Smiles<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4LaFzB3Gp_vAGpehuRMmpyP6DoD8JjpQ2v3LkiiU2ZWT0YjcEqYKJLSM9vEeE8gN2jWZ92gPCu4agLVqU7AENtmh8S8I2GWA-8wg65-FKGZy55F7yxAGsQ1tf4BFr7Csh9ED-426oZSk7nx6wu3XDcnfJEbdxVRQZYGjoWeY6QecIrhGfZBG1k2RO9Y/s3389/20240302_112643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3389" data-original-width="2728" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4LaFzB3Gp_vAGpehuRMmpyP6DoD8JjpQ2v3LkiiU2ZWT0YjcEqYKJLSM9vEeE8gN2jWZ92gPCu4agLVqU7AENtmh8S8I2GWA-8wg65-FKGZy55F7yxAGsQ1tf4BFr7Csh9ED-426oZSk7nx6wu3XDcnfJEbdxVRQZYGjoWeY6QecIrhGfZBG1k2RO9Y/w516-h640/20240302_112643.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Smiling is a major way of adding light to an often dark world.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't cost a dime.</span></span></div><p style="font-size: xx-large;"></p><p style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Inevitably, when a person smiles at another, the smiles are exchanged.</span></p><p style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even people who look grumpy or discouraged will often respond with a smile if one is given to them.</span></p><p style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">They smile back.</span></p><p style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finding decor that makes a person smile is worth buying.</span></p><p style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">It can be as insignificant as the little bunbun photographed at the top of this post.</span></p><p style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking at her always causes a smile. That's worth a lot.</span></p><p style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">So today, do your best to spread this wonderful way of contributing to a happier world. Smile!</span></p><p style="font-size: xx-large;"><br style="font-size: medium;" /></p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-7251798404866182492024-02-29T19:59:00.000-08:002024-02-29T20:01:01.852-08:00Touches of Easter<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuQTLDtZ8eQwmnLK1QvXpjb1-vXLQN1mN4ReDJ7e6PShniC5o0X0yIaseMnuIcw0wzet2cuer1tLkdKYcGGWZEGkAXbjwcdvib3uuW2jBqE3LZ-JUJGRELTy24NkFf9wjItGFBIBl09KYKo0YUKD7X7moDF0OOgm_yteE0RSzy6F1ZeQH5EdMhu9oiQs/s3467/20240229_105246-EDIT-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3467" data-original-width="2976" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuQTLDtZ8eQwmnLK1QvXpjb1-vXLQN1mN4ReDJ7e6PShniC5o0X0yIaseMnuIcw0wzet2cuer1tLkdKYcGGWZEGkAXbjwcdvib3uuW2jBqE3LZ-JUJGRELTy24NkFf9wjItGFBIBl09KYKo0YUKD7X7moDF0OOgm_yteE0RSzy6F1ZeQH5EdMhu9oiQs/w550-h640/20240229_105246-EDIT-EDIT.jpg" width="550" /></a>\</div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Easter comes at the end of March.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's fun to put out little touches around the apartment to brighten the days and look forward to the holiday.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7rhrvv8iHPcGhjaxHdvpLABVXbVx0aUSv1IUzbXoLSTpJ3zJX4tZMHBpqoQu0VtssiJEMUqGZolTykmT26VLlmnxlM0GqA7qqN5xVDCZ0LVPlwOg7xiu0735p6uq-f2c5T-Rz_n8FJAnKZsvNPhm_5R0a_icFDC_jfCRUFvK-EImmiC_JSIq5RwtmcE/s4128/20240229_105257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7rhrvv8iHPcGhjaxHdvpLABVXbVx0aUSv1IUzbXoLSTpJ3zJX4tZMHBpqoQu0VtssiJEMUqGZolTykmT26VLlmnxlM0GqA7qqN5xVDCZ0LVPlwOg7xiu0735p6uq-f2c5T-Rz_n8FJAnKZsvNPhm_5R0a_icFDC_jfCRUFvK-EImmiC_JSIq5RwtmcE/w480-h640/20240229_105257.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The different colored tulips are a thrift store find.They are colorful, perky, and will never droop.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb5VBe1tMqkHBgXcMOFQK0SbkVRO-CdXuU2Kee0A3x02SRVj9GH0uVGnEYWRxonzDZ_I3jC9FfWCkbpV8-PYm2_uXg05ugtPHuBjvzwsNrNuhpKGLQJLBkAT8SIv2ozlBIV1ciq6sru5hO5zcIO-oOvnMoUopujAQm_7DDjiXaAAEGuIDGR7U93Z2EFk/s4128/20240229_105302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2171" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxb5VBe1tMqkHBgXcMOFQK0SbkVRO-CdXuU2Kee0A3x02SRVj9GH0uVGnEYWRxonzDZ_I3jC9FfWCkbpV8-PYm2_uXg05ugtPHuBjvzwsNrNuhpKGLQJLBkAT8SIv2ozlBIV1ciq6sru5hO5zcIO-oOvnMoUopujAQm_7DDjiXaAAEGuIDGR7U93Z2EFk/w336-h640/20240229_105302.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Yellow bunny came to live here last year.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She's so adorable with her colorful necklace and pretty pink bow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR MOST POIGNANT CHILDHOOD EASTER MEMORIES?</b></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-72659634435302279442024-02-29T06:30:00.000-08:002024-02-29T06:30:48.414-08:00Roses and Memories<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ThWSGbW7V0ym2o2poAZdV5t6wY8OUxCPFeyoGNlH9rPXFxbveX5MlP-Fqw4fTsal7pKQ853HFN6_Ve0cXC2GrAviBx0RJw-lC5CdO7ADD3PZeOBcWuBOlwIKPDYtEWHEcyCARjlqs8waUlfeSYTXFfBF3epxiqRXNgP2RtLaCILnapuxmS0ltq6B_wM/s4128/20240226_233054.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ThWSGbW7V0ym2o2poAZdV5t6wY8OUxCPFeyoGNlH9rPXFxbveX5MlP-Fqw4fTsal7pKQ853HFN6_Ve0cXC2GrAviBx0RJw-lC5CdO7ADD3PZeOBcWuBOlwIKPDYtEWHEcyCARjlqs8waUlfeSYTXFfBF3epxiqRXNgP2RtLaCILnapuxmS0ltq6B_wM/w480-h640/20240226_233054.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Most flowers bring a touch of loveliness to our lives but roses are extra special.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps one of the reasons for their being special is they don't last a long time, like some other flowers.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So every day they survive, they touch our hearts and we know that in a short time, they will be gone.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some people truly dislike silk flowers but I'm not one of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGfDjeS1pOzw7sNU1RB9w2WDbx2RUrA9nfhvLpvNgqk-i9YeUZQSnrzNy2xyP2bzToXxfjSG180kwC1u6i2uBD-v4i5OZw1DWjp1ILsw4U0XDJ6ZecJYPPb-2uTRYPi2Pc-_Jq-JrCPt5WPgd_iQAaqRGOfGUDE9Bs1jmQVdlioU-cRIWOZbf6WggFNc/s4128/20240226_233049.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGfDjeS1pOzw7sNU1RB9w2WDbx2RUrA9nfhvLpvNgqk-i9YeUZQSnrzNy2xyP2bzToXxfjSG180kwC1u6i2uBD-v4i5OZw1DWjp1ILsw4U0XDJ6ZecJYPPb-2uTRYPi2Pc-_Jq-JrCPt5WPgd_iQAaqRGOfGUDE9Bs1jmQVdlioU-cRIWOZbf6WggFNc/s320/20240226_233049.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> Of course, if there is access to living flowers, I buy them for their fragrance and beauty.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But, in a pinch, it is possible to make do with silk ones. Plus, we know they will not wither and die.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Some are so picturesque, it's impossible to tell they are not living unless one sniffs them for fragrance, and, of course, there is none. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The spring-like, very pastel pink roses in a glass footed vase bring daily happiness.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A very dear high school friend, Patti, gifted me with the exquisite vase. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She died a few years ago and I still miss her all the time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That vase is especially precious to me because it is a gift from Patti.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WHAT IS </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER TO HAVE AROUND YOUR HOUSE?<br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-40794312417697235822024-02-27T07:23:00.000-08:002024-02-27T07:23:43.511-08:00Colorful, Whimsical Kitty Cat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggaRDgkzSJ3ffdwd0_N_V0Oco4VObzo4i_SVB-TO10iUYorH63BKJzEFEei8qgdAVpJ-KR9P_An8HUemOlsHoVOCaZ3NwtzPe3tH5rStiUB7CoxdhJNM_VpPbUq7gqfFqo2Oi4t-q_qIPKYpWT1O0fVGXrKgQTJA7jSYyHG8ZCR7DY_RKVIs8kzHsmSg/s4128/20240225_234349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggaRDgkzSJ3ffdwd0_N_V0Oco4VObzo4i_SVB-TO10iUYorH63BKJzEFEei8qgdAVpJ-KR9P_An8HUemOlsHoVOCaZ3NwtzPe3tH5rStiUB7CoxdhJNM_VpPbUq7gqfFqo2Oi4t-q_qIPKYpWT1O0fVGXrKgQTJA7jSYyHG8ZCR7DY_RKVIs8kzHsmSg/w480-h640/20240225_234349.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Bright colors, zany patterns, smile-making images, and cats all appeal to my heart.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Gray and brown are not colors of choice in my decorating. Nope. Give me raspberry, lime green, zany purple, perky pink, eye popping yellow, and sizzling red, for starters.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1dOqOiES7gDa1WUOcgMZ3HcKXeRc0EkV_7DS2CU-YEEjtgSF78gnAS-1MdJsWhgNHdUGNXiq1QWeSPNYiKee4AxqyTA8M9p5AjmC6W6DMvEHqXlbqVBf7hIHREnB-cEH8ZSCjObW0ksyuc5C5itqUXmgn8gDIpD6K60BBNtHCzV65RX_oMsrVHqeEJA/s4128/20240225_234358.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1dOqOiES7gDa1WUOcgMZ3HcKXeRc0EkV_7DS2CU-YEEjtgSF78gnAS-1MdJsWhgNHdUGNXiq1QWeSPNYiKee4AxqyTA8M9p5AjmC6W6DMvEHqXlbqVBf7hIHREnB-cEH8ZSCjObW0ksyuc5C5itqUXmgn8gDIpD6K60BBNtHCzV65RX_oMsrVHqeEJA/w480-h640/20240225_234358.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">While perusing a thrift store, a cool cat painting called to me.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now this, I thought, is a cat I can definitely say is kind of magical. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, the kitty painting came home with me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It now makes a colorful addition to a blank bathroom wall.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I love it! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">(p.s. Do you think the white thing between kitty's legs is supposed to be her tail? Like, she's sitting on it?)</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Vyr4H_vqHNFBV8Abp_RnR5T6UrYkVHtqsXRM-w569mwxD76aINUKScntc6hlCHTcEqIUxBI8c-PrixVc9QLncpLesn7T476uUJk6_iUGR3Yvv_3Fi9I9ZHHtMpH5q8DlaJ5xH-HjZpahNKso_uFdK6JoKnGr-g0hIEliKc1kueecOXxEqQWKbkvK0qc/s4128/20240225_234343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Vyr4H_vqHNFBV8Abp_RnR5T6UrYkVHtqsXRM-w569mwxD76aINUKScntc6hlCHTcEqIUxBI8c-PrixVc9QLncpLesn7T476uUJk6_iUGR3Yvv_3Fi9I9ZHHtMpH5q8DlaJ5xH-HjZpahNKso_uFdK6JoKnGr-g0hIEliKc1kueecOXxEqQWKbkvK0qc/w480-h640/20240225_234343.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The two names on the painting are Lucinda Lily-Starr and M. Whalley.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My thanks to both for creating a really darling piece of art.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WHAT KIND OF ART APPEALS TO YOU?</b></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-31942964534224428952024-02-25T08:10:00.000-08:002024-02-25T08:10:53.640-08:00May Your Day Be Blessed<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6D1rZvSEkof_FIL8daTEjzIRKGkKV38-WI8qEODPr3n9P6fDUNBTTnlwi7JbaVfTmwsQJHolumP96cQOi3mSmLNwVOLYAuKmAhgug1X34S41iVOKz-kQhcp_MgudyH63jpog3dKq9bRXqSVIiZ-ce0FbGf54VWmGmn_OsMK7DieW801mRjl2sWWcABZw/s4128/20240109_155604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6D1rZvSEkof_FIL8daTEjzIRKGkKV38-WI8qEODPr3n9P6fDUNBTTnlwi7JbaVfTmwsQJHolumP96cQOi3mSmLNwVOLYAuKmAhgug1X34S41iVOKz-kQhcp_MgudyH63jpog3dKq9bRXqSVIiZ-ce0FbGf54VWmGmn_OsMK7DieW801mRjl2sWWcABZw/w640-h480/20240109_155604.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever you do today, it is hoped you will feel blessed and happy.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't matter if you spend it alone or with others, hopefully, you will make it a peaceful day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One way to do this is to feel gratitude for another day of life and for all the things in it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Many people did not even wake up this morning. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Their time on earth was used up.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One way to guarantee happiness is to do something for someone else, no matter how small! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, may your day be blessed.</span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-34726798165691140292024-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:002024-02-24T06:14:42.695-08:00A New Addition for Easter Time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjgZt_C11INcjSu1sDj2D7G47uSAb2BLvMdsf-xU9jFL-p9oDExG0O5K_XF6e1KZsGJZckxtEAqUIIWhiGEarRwfHAMzPNqzVdE6q6HMV12HklGCpkYO3QuyjQRDJHM9JbHwVmWm7S70SvhrRhNHge1yl8uIwVpVrDn_EbLl1A5ULdLYq-zRDpIkxw9E/s3400/20240221_162953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3400" data-original-width="2654" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjgZt_C11INcjSu1sDj2D7G47uSAb2BLvMdsf-xU9jFL-p9oDExG0O5K_XF6e1KZsGJZckxtEAqUIIWhiGEarRwfHAMzPNqzVdE6q6HMV12HklGCpkYO3QuyjQRDJHM9JbHwVmWm7S70SvhrRhNHge1yl8uIwVpVrDn_EbLl1A5ULdLYq-zRDpIkxw9E/w500-h640/20240221_162953.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Easter will come early this year.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It's actually at the end of March. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJRRhlgM9P8U2HZUDffpcGE6kp6hN9R5_XcFK1mJ5LCsJCIlrLv5kOcNYUYfH_tU3J5Epi-t7SPswG6raoAk51f9jgxNG8g7yWf7GmbSAXM-uFr1wQXukQQXoWQqaWOGnxATFW5Ue3XFJN2o91dhpJXViNbf7QGqI9WLHhzVIw1qZPuDf32z7sl1Asfg/s3122/20240221_162950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3122" data-original-width="2831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJRRhlgM9P8U2HZUDffpcGE6kp6hN9R5_XcFK1mJ5LCsJCIlrLv5kOcNYUYfH_tU3J5Epi-t7SPswG6raoAk51f9jgxNG8g7yWf7GmbSAXM-uFr1wQXukQQXoWQqaWOGnxATFW5Ue3XFJN2o91dhpJXViNbf7QGqI9WLHhzVIw1qZPuDf32z7sl1Asfg/s320/20240221_162950.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">All personal Easter decorations are packed in plastic totes in a rented storage unit.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since it has been impossible to get over there and search, the fate of decorating for Easter this year remains unknown. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, a quick zip into a Dollar Tree turned out to be tempting.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Awwwwwww, who could resist the adorable bunbun shown in this post?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So inexpensive, so adorable, she makes me smile just to look at her. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">She may be flying solo this Easter, too. Anyway, she's ready for the upcoming holiday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WHY DO YOU THINK BUNNIES ARE FEATURED AROUND EASTER TIME?</b></span></p><p> </p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-44606508039546825782024-02-20T08:53:00.000-08:002024-02-20T08:53:31.374-08:00Follow the Message....<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpOIC0sg-nPZV2jTgDCo0-c4hRjwbizPW8ufk4IYaAqD2WPI2klwCinneK8Ce4MqIaEY3kapWp57yOnMyO0NxqZFTrsawl4rnlaaVlttMIViixCIPM1d-k9hCcfaWRnTUppJFUWrXbPLOnhxEH6-G7cyPtO_ThK3vXOM-0Ro49jzdFzQ6meeSvO8iv2U/s2981/20240219_215859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2767" data-original-width="2981" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpOIC0sg-nPZV2jTgDCo0-c4hRjwbizPW8ufk4IYaAqD2WPI2klwCinneK8Ce4MqIaEY3kapWp57yOnMyO0NxqZFTrsawl4rnlaaVlttMIViixCIPM1d-k9hCcfaWRnTUppJFUWrXbPLOnhxEH6-G7cyPtO_ThK3vXOM-0Ro49jzdFzQ6meeSvO8iv2U/w640-h594/20240219_215859.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p> <span style="font-size: large;">It's fun to leave decor with messages all around the house.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In today's post there is a simple square with messages on the sides, top, and bottom.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbiUUm7xgfGg7DAX66cZgDQyq6B26SlbvfA-VO42ddQHXLf9o1PwaByPUysZCTaV5Z8waJS6hTABtLYtswYCBpaw8VptuT2RlHIWLV0Lppm9zYNhry3XW5v4iijOSAX9dZWG7p_Qy7WOeFh-j5bfO1XE_DfdDuCrLxdpPAdnpO2qwYscJAk3_e2MlyO0/s2685/original_e9e8de56-a952-4385-bd57-705b317355e9_20240219_215238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2685" data-original-width="2620" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbiUUm7xgfGg7DAX66cZgDQyq6B26SlbvfA-VO42ddQHXLf9o1PwaByPUysZCTaV5Z8waJS6hTABtLYtswYCBpaw8VptuT2RlHIWLV0Lppm9zYNhry3XW5v4iijOSAX9dZWG7p_Qy7WOeFh-j5bfO1XE_DfdDuCrLxdpPAdnpO2qwYscJAk3_e2MlyO0/w390-h400/original_e9e8de56-a952-4385-bd57-705b317355e9_20240219_215238.jpg" width="390" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgfRCnPv61tEQ1zzxOxFpzH0z8t0eG6Ayreodnl4vhr8BEHnFPU9s3wDmfk8m5KNT3USEt3cHo4zpKzPQkSChWfGWtqHEEvfrf_zay-_PUP5g2Piuf63DO1ChcQOYoI-MpMeKOwtrowYVfGjdeNTY7bJtwfnlnJmJzRfSrVC-7_cvUWg5Z9TP1tyjqGE/s2723/original_5a810637-c996-4724-a599-eaede2aab160_20240219_215216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2653" data-original-width="2723" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgfRCnPv61tEQ1zzxOxFpzH0z8t0eG6Ayreodnl4vhr8BEHnFPU9s3wDmfk8m5KNT3USEt3cHo4zpKzPQkSChWfGWtqHEEvfrf_zay-_PUP5g2Piuf63DO1ChcQOYoI-MpMeKOwtrowYVfGjdeNTY7bJtwfnlnJmJzRfSrVC-7_cvUWg5Z9TP1tyjqGE/w400-h390/original_5a810637-c996-4724-a599-eaede2aab160_20240219_215216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Each day, it's easy to look at one side, read the message, and follow its suggestion in our lives.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It makes a difference in how the day goes, too.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPTiJuUVSseTiX3DlP2kAlA2QUfdpaIisTVKDiJJXDMFnhpFPPimgC8-sBBMI4AfNlDHYvfX8mkOHs95kkNa6WO4cWVG8XQS3Py5GNj6PszVMfJgb6nQPkVRgEO-0QMHVRTrWV8Wr5qh8YjJHyKJea4SwDBPOQWTleoEfhUjwbd_fwQ5r1P_3psY9yuQ/s2983/original_fd0ba4fe-047c-44b0-bced-51258664c49e_20240219_215201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2932" data-original-width="2983" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPTiJuUVSseTiX3DlP2kAlA2QUfdpaIisTVKDiJJXDMFnhpFPPimgC8-sBBMI4AfNlDHYvfX8mkOHs95kkNa6WO4cWVG8XQS3Py5GNj6PszVMfJgb6nQPkVRgEO-0QMHVRTrWV8Wr5qh8YjJHyKJea4SwDBPOQWTleoEfhUjwbd_fwQ5r1P_3psY9yuQ/s320/original_fd0ba4fe-047c-44b0-bced-51258664c49e_20240219_215201.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RKHmCPIyLJC-5kCjZCmhARAPRwrRGQzxxvfKJ2A_MTvkcOEU3nhMZPxrciR3NFpSvBJoKRLgqKoueINNwFahL4_aEzxpxPqEqK4V8WcxlTR0NJjzL5M87C5Yo3tWIeJNiHLPNy8smLuO8PyTq7CoG-Ghxv-GSGzI3BgaK_8sUSzn3dCV2fmfoK6pyqo/s2811/original_d62449bc-3259-412f-960c-a8c647b4701e_20240219_215137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2811" data-original-width="2702" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9RKHmCPIyLJC-5kCjZCmhARAPRwrRGQzxxvfKJ2A_MTvkcOEU3nhMZPxrciR3NFpSvBJoKRLgqKoueINNwFahL4_aEzxpxPqEqK4V8WcxlTR0NJjzL5M87C5Yo3tWIeJNiHLPNy8smLuO8PyTq7CoG-Ghxv-GSGzI3BgaK_8sUSzn3dCV2fmfoK6pyqo/w616-h640/original_d62449bc-3259-412f-960c-a8c647b4701e_20240219_215137.jpg" width="616" /></a></div> Some of the sayings appeal more than others.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Love are "Life is short. Live it" and "Do more of what makes you happy." How many of us do that faithfully? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo9PQ0cArQdYC9pBEu4Rqodm3NfSg6hz_D7GpQbEt9dUBKbm-DAVktHeqhfmr5a2CXHc892P3Ncey_79zaFBxZUpM3IkPGKjZjHwxNgNBPSrqC2fCnZHh0V9dIbjrQIzmVk6J677ZYyw9eJ8xIZeNSqNKsFSSFGrPSLSg9H8jMvExK0l1sH-ZaAg7K9w/s2760/original_b2bbdf13-91e5-497b-b9cc-39e9bf4cefb1_20240219_215007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="2594" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLo9PQ0cArQdYC9pBEu4Rqodm3NfSg6hz_D7GpQbEt9dUBKbm-DAVktHeqhfmr5a2CXHc892P3Ncey_79zaFBxZUpM3IkPGKjZjHwxNgNBPSrqC2fCnZHh0V9dIbjrQIzmVk6J677ZYyw9eJ8xIZeNSqNKsFSSFGrPSLSg9H8jMvExK0l1sH-ZaAg7K9w/w376-h400/original_b2bbdf13-91e5-497b-b9cc-39e9bf4cefb1_20240219_215007.jpg" width="376" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgET3QwNbYicc5WmqPFj6SCpOEZvon-JQbsE_HVrbqUAm_hPtQPrXP-1i5EVIxOQHKhNI_ICFy4AUDiLZkLwQ7Wmv8_X5RIiF3FW3SoPeZ9dlXMlGPu71sRDedqsXMLvUB6cM_w_uMT9efrpXkPuT_JzhgXh6JNnPOW8ueTWBFPe4Qjo5fsB_CUDOP9e9I/s3091/original_c5690b03-7c31-4bb8-b8d2-0b4cac21ca20_20240219_215119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2801" data-original-width="3091" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgET3QwNbYicc5WmqPFj6SCpOEZvon-JQbsE_HVrbqUAm_hPtQPrXP-1i5EVIxOQHKhNI_ICFy4AUDiLZkLwQ7Wmv8_X5RIiF3FW3SoPeZ9dlXMlGPu71sRDedqsXMLvUB6cM_w_uMT9efrpXkPuT_JzhgXh6JNnPOW8ueTWBFPe4Qjo5fsB_CUDOP9e9I/s320/original_c5690b03-7c31-4bb8-b8d2-0b4cac21ca20_20240219_215119.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> It's easy to become busy trying to make others happy while completely forgetting about ourselves. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We are important, too. Loving ourselves makes it easier to love others.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WHICH SAYING APPEALS TO YOU THE MOST? CAN YOU TELL US AND TELL WHY?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></b><br /></span></p><br />Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-19888708616528888012024-02-16T19:34:00.000-08:002024-02-16T19:34:47.750-08:00Tea for Two, or Three<p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiL78uWzNKFccyq76yu59_DmtfExa_Rv5hrMQv63VyFUMPr95EFbrTJk5vRRd9U6UIPa9lN4g1x43pvuczBKxqTlrYurk9FvuwSXoJU8TkIrpoUE8jVMuLBvdDOR9O-XFp_dPj6yHUJEM76Yzyd_XUd5gIuXDuJqmc1kOR2lRO_dhhSjVU_Tc9GjGg-YU/s4128/20240216_114501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiL78uWzNKFccyq76yu59_DmtfExa_Rv5hrMQv63VyFUMPr95EFbrTJk5vRRd9U6UIPa9lN4g1x43pvuczBKxqTlrYurk9FvuwSXoJU8TkIrpoUE8jVMuLBvdDOR9O-XFp_dPj6yHUJEM76Yzyd_XUd5gIuXDuJqmc1kOR2lRO_dhhSjVU_Tc9GjGg-YU/w640-h480/20240216_114501.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> One way to have fun during cold and gray winter is to occasionally entertain. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There is something extremely pleasing, even therapeutic, about planning a luncheon or dinner for friends and family members.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6rCDk6Mgm_4nIxNOleGJ4ts_r0_Wlh8A-2Ymy9m2kgQP6rpdu3Ishfr9L5o2gC914r99dEj3ju4AK-j7lehDmvzl9itFwenKU4ovQ7azo98B0R6HUnsJar7tr2w1Nxory6PoeHT-PHrm5fYFKWEO89uv97-BTqhUpuIXOWPYJOLzW4yaQztZTvbmH0Q/s4128/20240216_114810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6rCDk6Mgm_4nIxNOleGJ4ts_r0_Wlh8A-2Ymy9m2kgQP6rpdu3Ishfr9L5o2gC914r99dEj3ju4AK-j7lehDmvzl9itFwenKU4ovQ7azo98B0R6HUnsJar7tr2w1Nxory6PoeHT-PHrm5fYFKWEO89uv97-BTqhUpuIXOWPYJOLzW4yaQztZTvbmH0Q/w480-h640/20240216_114810.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> The planning that goes into having a luncheon for guests is a big part of entertaining. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> It's fun to choose what to serve, buy ingredients, and make everything as tasty as possible. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQhcdRHccyNNScPQoK403zHy2rWpHov9Ngq2NdsxeTyF7F9UdQ7FlzMhFBKJRc4HGoWlJEgEaLI_CUA8DBQ50cEeWoL3uLys7qg-5FiI91n9FzpoqnCFoc8ZcI0lB8HBr_ZVlLTNbLa93F4PfBE86d3B20AX-to2vKPSIkCMG7fLibuYGXd0bryyWzM0/s3578/20240216_114518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3578" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQhcdRHccyNNScPQoK403zHy2rWpHov9Ngq2NdsxeTyF7F9UdQ7FlzMhFBKJRc4HGoWlJEgEaLI_CUA8DBQ50cEeWoL3uLys7qg-5FiI91n9FzpoqnCFoc8ZcI0lB8HBr_ZVlLTNbLa93F4PfBE86d3B20AX-to2vKPSIkCMG7fLibuYGXd0bryyWzM0/s320/20240216_114518.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Recently, there was a post Valentine luncheon for a dear sister and cousin.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Shrimp with cocktail sauce, always delicious, came first. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvZNgd_SoyeC-LB2UJhrSmFKWIHuXbs7N_k96XjyxkUkTmt5GMsgSqNd29HGN9CNaVlek1fnyJ3j7VTgHqLyu-sqaX_YFVXepkC0Pcv5tvGUbPuq8KjIDCxhJGiiSxi3_EK1-bfqMwCRrAWy9zjXOcp4R9LaDkGIkjG-TKkvJARp-Bfbq88i4tLIWtro/s4128/20240216_114350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvZNgd_SoyeC-LB2UJhrSmFKWIHuXbs7N_k96XjyxkUkTmt5GMsgSqNd29HGN9CNaVlek1fnyJ3j7VTgHqLyu-sqaX_YFVXepkC0Pcv5tvGUbPuq8KjIDCxhJGiiSxi3_EK1-bfqMwCRrAWy9zjXOcp4R9LaDkGIkjG-TKkvJARp-Bfbq88i4tLIWtro/w300-h400/20240216_114350.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAx-QX-aehBm4AD5xJC0lqOcSaymL9Cv9Kt_k6C1uNPYx6bcoBQ2pSVsVhkvrhLJg9liCf4QSgb6B574N3ODAkv5QvFjkwlQR1eB0Hb2ay5t71lVVZxpGgyeLrKKMIxSKhCOsqkJ8hnSHUykOnTUxkZ8LQkamdL6alL6KM3Yh48obbCrpDLj9AgfYfDQ/s3096/20240216_115703-EDIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="3095" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAx-QX-aehBm4AD5xJC0lqOcSaymL9Cv9Kt_k6C1uNPYx6bcoBQ2pSVsVhkvrhLJg9liCf4QSgb6B574N3ODAkv5QvFjkwlQR1eB0Hb2ay5t71lVVZxpGgyeLrKKMIxSKhCOsqkJ8hnSHUykOnTUxkZ8LQkamdL6alL6KM3Yh48obbCrpDLj9AgfYfDQ/w640-h640/20240216_115703-EDIT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Then there were bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches on sourdough bread. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone drank hot red raspberry tea.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">New York cheesecake and heart-shaped cookies with red jam in the middle served as dessert.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0K88pglhWEhoa0RyxQSknEeUtomf8rqm8_ZeQ-EqB4gADPb3_hM9XGcSFNW4oPjS8G-PjsM6QxT9GTx7yUCaD_I3lcyMr0MfmPQm_nUevlmyr_FffF0dv563-cQAlQZ6yMht7B5LT4_fJSqdAn6ZKJnj10GYJf140wiITmPOJSIPZfXH36YDu3LNKrc/s4128/20240216_114416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0K88pglhWEhoa0RyxQSknEeUtomf8rqm8_ZeQ-EqB4gADPb3_hM9XGcSFNW4oPjS8G-PjsM6QxT9GTx7yUCaD_I3lcyMr0MfmPQm_nUevlmyr_FffF0dv563-cQAlQZ6yMht7B5LT4_fJSqdAn6ZKJnj10GYJf140wiITmPOJSIPZfXH36YDu3LNKrc/w300-h400/20240216_114416.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> Everything looked nice on Old Country Roses dishes and cups. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> That's a totally favorite dish pattern since it's so classic and elegant. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQX8rOjZQI0p9kt_Ay2HrFI4Kom3C8xx3QDomw_JZE6nCIJIqn43-leGFYFfx0uYCW8J53-TOS_CcfRuPYMu5_GT6yBgcFBuxw7IcYfyJwL2HDYX18pqlSWcnziGeA0WxjPUP3_pZgjCDF_8sLexPu6JVog-ZRCM4klhx_XO9AmMZ-qPi2rUIpYk8iew/s4128/20240216_114522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQX8rOjZQI0p9kt_Ay2HrFI4Kom3C8xx3QDomw_JZE6nCIJIqn43-leGFYFfx0uYCW8J53-TOS_CcfRuPYMu5_GT6yBgcFBuxw7IcYfyJwL2HDYX18pqlSWcnziGeA0WxjPUP3_pZgjCDF_8sLexPu6JVog-ZRCM4klhx_XO9AmMZ-qPi2rUIpYk8iew/w640-h480/20240216_114522.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Welcoming guests, making them feel loved and special, is one way to make any day better as well as to spread a little love. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The world needs that.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925673616741434546.post-18428133989672389042024-02-16T14:28:00.000-08:002024-02-16T14:28:24.784-08:00A Gift of Loveliness<p> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1y9DVHCgKVoaYPS9sOCMH7FHr1lJLf7QANsDhgIgINiLLyk8w_P_-qNuZQNMWyQlPPzUlN-mV-hjWMTElOiK0qpD0EG9928QwoMb348TayMWtEZjYkYJdl1oX8ug3_pJJVg43uGrdkyZKj169OFmMG7bvhvQ01dDShL7J6a50S4Bd-pFZ0c6FXMpwAJc/s4128/20240214_213914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1y9DVHCgKVoaYPS9sOCMH7FHr1lJLf7QANsDhgIgINiLLyk8w_P_-qNuZQNMWyQlPPzUlN-mV-hjWMTElOiK0qpD0EG9928QwoMb348TayMWtEZjYkYJdl1oX8ug3_pJJVg43uGrdkyZKj169OFmMG7bvhvQ01dDShL7J6a50S4Bd-pFZ0c6FXMpwAJc/w480-h640/20240214_213914.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Flowers are a perfect present.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They are glorious gifts from Mother Nature.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When one receives a bouquet of flowers, in light as well as dark roses in one's favorite color, it is truly a wonderful feeling.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My daughter brought over a gorgeous bouquet of light as well as dark pink roses nestled among white baby's breath. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That was her Valentine gift to me and it could not have been more beautiful or appreciated.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">They are on the little table where meals are eaten. What a welcome addition!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HOW WAS YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY</b>?<br /></span></p>Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12358462881287190635noreply@blogger.com3