tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35988248229188739182024-02-20T08:02:59.910-04:00Dinner For TwoBeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.comBlogger450125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-29825226133829222092017-06-15T08:11:00.002-03:002017-06-15T08:11:26.394-03:00Happy 65! Peter<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">To my dear husband of 30 years.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY, happy birthday</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and many, many more!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">heart:clippartpanda.com</span><br />
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-72280502338410848172016-12-01T20:42:00.000-04:002016-12-01T20:42:01.338-04:00Dine on a DimeThe first December storm was passing through. Surrounded by the "warm" waters of the Bay of Fundy we were lucky. It did not come down in the form of snow as further inland, but as a healthy amount of rain. The more unfortunate got up to 30 cm (1') wet white stuff within the last two days!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDpELj8Nd0k/WEC81KW9iYI/AAAAAAAAH30/PK284dLoPoMaeMoi0lOr7mEB7gxn0SX3wCLcB/s1600/DSC_0680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDpELj8Nd0k/WEC81KW9iYI/AAAAAAAAH30/PK284dLoPoMaeMoi0lOr7mEB7gxn0SX3wCLcB/s640/DSC_0680.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the storm, view from the living room</td></tr>
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This kind of gloomy fall weather demands comfort food.<br />
Therefore we decided for something easy. Our choice fell on "latkes" or "potato pancakes" or "Reibekuchen" as it is familiar to us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potato pancake with apple sauce</td></tr>
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Hubby was in the mood to do the work and he did a great job.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The orange bits are shredded carrots</td></tr>
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A heap of crisp baked latkes arrived on the table nicely arranged on a platter, but you are lucky to get these few glimps only, because we were so greedy that most of them were already gone before I thought of grabbing the camera.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAvhXLbzSRQ/WEC8-2gDgFI/AAAAAAAAH34/h1PjNEFtz3AXWdoI7kjcALa8deJdAnOuQCLcB/s1600/DSC_0698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAvhXLbzSRQ/WEC8-2gDgFI/AAAAAAAAH34/h1PjNEFtz3AXWdoI7kjcALa8deJdAnOuQCLcB/s640/DSC_0698.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mmmh, sooo good!</td></tr>
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We like our Reibekuchen with home made apple sauce.<br />
<br />
He announced his home made dinner as "dine on a dime" because it is NOT very expensive. Really.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Sorry, nothing left behind.</span></b><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
3 potatoes, shredded<br />
1 carrot, shredded<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 cup of flour<br />
salt, pepper to taste<br />
vegetable oil<br />
apple sauce<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Heat oil in a pan. Form small, flat cakes and fry them until golden brown from both sides.<br />
Serve with apple sauce.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-40949911659989276402016-10-03T21:51:00.003-03:002016-10-03T21:53:46.214-03:00A garden full of surprisesMy effords in the spring bore fruit, but not necessarily what I expected.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wF1dxKRCyiM/V_L88AzDkbI/AAAAAAAAHz8/YJiXBM43wUg4yhpnXXopm75IqDQX1UhYwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wF1dxKRCyiM/V_L88AzDkbI/AAAAAAAAHz8/YJiXBM43wUg4yhpnXXopm75IqDQX1UhYwCLcB/s640/DSC_0107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This year there were a few surprises.<br />
Carrots never grew. One always reads that carrots are easy to grow. I have grown them for the last three years.<br />
Not this time. Nope, they didn't germinate. I bought several new seed packets. Nothing. Weird.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHF6myiOwUI/V_L2J088YlI/AAAAAAAAHzA/BUDISsT10tENol8ZNeu1NCSpjHohf8P6QCLcB/s1600/DSC_0433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dHF6myiOwUI/V_L2J088YlI/AAAAAAAAHzA/BUDISsT10tENol8ZNeu1NCSpjHohf8P6QCLcB/s640/DSC_0433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spinach and peas but no carrots.</div>
But there were other crops I have never seen before.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJQrcTmc9p8/V_L2TmR_meI/AAAAAAAAHzE/fKb6grdJ8fcCQ_lPtiWgf-xDik3WrC1TgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJQrcTmc9p8/V_L2TmR_meI/AAAAAAAAHzE/fKb6grdJ8fcCQ_lPtiWgf-xDik3WrC1TgCLcB/s640/DSC_0920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There was that cucumber seed that turned out into something like a cucumber-melon. Started out like a small pickled cucumber and then grew round and yellow. What the h...? We tasted them - they tast like cucumber.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgQaZWyN-P0/V_L2hrIw8KI/AAAAAAAAHzI/pOJfytUYB74hiGmvuKeHTEwhaKnGQyl7wCLcB/s1600/DSC_0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WgQaZWyN-P0/V_L2hrIw8KI/AAAAAAAAHzI/pOJfytUYB74hiGmvuKeHTEwhaKnGQyl7wCLcB/s640/DSC_0931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The other thing is this. I thought it was an acorn squash but it turned out my neighbour knew better.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dc5vRgn1WPU/V_L3m6jrafI/AAAAAAAAHzk/ukErkBJQ0Hc2CU-rfjhmhFi_wCn5z7TWgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dc5vRgn1WPU/V_L3m6jrafI/AAAAAAAAHzk/ukErkBJQ0Hc2CU-rfjhmhFi_wCn5z7TWgCLcB/s640/DSC_0931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It is a "petit gris de rennes melon", a very old heirloom melon with origin in France. One of the most expensive melons on the gourmet food marked.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCGmL1R1Tv8/V_L2qKRdrcI/AAAAAAAAHzM/Z9XqXaLDHw4C0grgwwjGPu5P-oDsfRsowCLcB/s1600/DSC_0932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCGmL1R1Tv8/V_L2qKRdrcI/AAAAAAAAHzM/Z9XqXaLDHw4C0grgwwjGPu5P-oDsfRsowCLcB/s640/DSC_0932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
They were delicious, very sweet and full of flavour. MMMMh.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8P0VRG2bvTE/V_L21fI3i5I/AAAAAAAAHzU/ozP2IFyqBrY1j5kUFSFIz_idFU4gtJERwCLcB/s1600/DSC_0860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8P0VRG2bvTE/V_L21fI3i5I/AAAAAAAAHzU/ozP2IFyqBrY1j5kUFSFIz_idFU4gtJERwCLcB/s640/DSC_0860.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
What I thought was pumpkin seeds turned out to be zuccini! Under the big leaves I found these three.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmZ0cgkwkB8/V_L2-n2wLkI/AAAAAAAAHzY/gZQ2giAsF943AKWqeMz9_gHZLmz7UzrXgCLcB/s1600/DSC_0986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmZ0cgkwkB8/V_L2-n2wLkI/AAAAAAAAHzY/gZQ2giAsF943AKWqeMz9_gHZLmz7UzrXgCLcB/s640/DSC_0986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
and a month later another pair - even bigger. And more "cucumber-melons". The biggest zuccini is 2.2kg (4.8pound). Amazing.<br />
<br />
A rare guest at my house was sitting in the apple tree.<br />
A cardinal. He was gone in a blink of the eye.<br />
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<br />
Welcome to <a href="http://www.patsyischillin.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">PatsyIrene</a>. Thanks for joining my blog. I read in your blog that you froze your apples? I have never done that and definitely will try it this fall because I have not enough time right now to make apple sauce at the moment.<br />
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<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-77024488662215332962016-03-25T17:44:00.001-03:002016-05-09T19:56:48.980-03:00Egg Dye Time<div style="text-align: center;">
Easter time is egg dye time. There are hundreds of suggestions online about how to colour boiled eggs. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I read a few and got the impression that some of the authors don't even know what they did. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vxH8l3Ujhs/VvWZGgGt02I/AAAAAAAAHrI/gcc08Nff6Dwzk9k8_0ECRitMacKPFgbuw/s1600/DSC_1297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vxH8l3Ujhs/VvWZGgGt02I/AAAAAAAAHrI/gcc08Nff6Dwzk9k8_0ECRitMacKPFgbuw/s640/DSC_1297.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The easiest, of course, is to buy food colours and dip the eggs into the solution. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I wanted to do it "the natural way". </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mom would dye the eggs orange with onion peelings. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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What about other hues - like </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
green, blue, yellow, red? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After searching the net I dived into my fridge. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What would I come up with?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
White onions, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Red cabbage, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frozen Blueberries, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frozen Spinach. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For yellow, I choose Tumeric (1 Tablespoon).</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kad4NPkDGsU/VvWWwp1i00I/AAAAAAAAHq0/EB1wmY6e6CsEx-zsZ_BXClK0n56ou_yQQ/s1600/DSC_1301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kad4NPkDGsU/VvWWwp1i00I/AAAAAAAAHq0/EB1wmY6e6CsEx-zsZ_BXClK0n56ou_yQQ/s640/DSC_1301.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jars with Tumeric-, onion-, red cabbage dyes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I chopped (only the outer layer) leafs of a red cabbage. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used the brown, papery layers of the onion, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
crushed blueberries </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and spinach. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each batch was boiled with 2 cups of water and simmered for about 30 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Except for the onions dye, I added 2 Tablespoon of white vinegar to the concoctions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Other recipes suggested washing the boiled eggs with vinegar, I have to try that next time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or the addition of baking soda, the usage of Hibiscus tea. That will be future experiments as well.)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some raw eggs were boiled for 10 min in the dye. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Others were hard-boiled up front and then </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
submerged in jars containing the warm solution. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those eggs stayed refrigerated overnight in the dye. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some eggs were dyed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
keeping the leafs/berries in the solution, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
others after the fluid was filtered through a coffee filter.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am pleased with a pretty good array of colours. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti507s5PPHc/VvWXE0ZLjTI/AAAAAAAAHq4/3KivadnP62EAYRhmMSkv27Rt29ZtpqfUg/s1600/Easter_eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ti507s5PPHc/VvWXE0ZLjTI/AAAAAAAAHq4/3KivadnP62EAYRhmMSkv27Rt29ZtpqfUg/s640/Easter_eggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Results</b> :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used mostly white eggs, but tried a few brown ones too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The longer the egg stays in the dye, the more intense the colours. (30 min - 16 hours)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fresh veggies/fruit give the best result.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frozen blueberries and frozen spinach did not do well. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It resulted in dark, dull grey blue and brownish tints. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not the bright purple or pale green I had anticipated.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A bath in Tumeric turned out into a pleasing, bright yellow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brown onion peelings: light orange to deep orange/brown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Red cabbage: light blue to turquoise</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frozen blueberries: dull purple </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frozen spinach: dull, brownish green</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mixed:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First yellow submerged in cabbage dye: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
greenish yellow or yellow brown marbled</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First blue submerged in onion dye: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
marbled, orange brown</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First blueberries then onion: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
dark brown, olive hue</div>
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First cabbage then blueberries: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
greyish blue</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blown-out eggs will just float on top of the dye. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pushed them manually under water </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until the air inside had completely bobbled out. </div>
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After that the egg stayed submerged.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did not tried to dye raw eggs, and blow them afterwards.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It might be a different way of getting eggs </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for decoration purposes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A project for another day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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All in all - it was fun!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Happy Easter!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Update: March, 28<br />
Washing the eggs with vinegar did not change the dyeing one bit.<br />
Both, the vinegar rinsed egg and the unwashed one looked exactly the same after the dyeing process.<br />
Having used strawberry pie-filling on a cake my husband was about to toss the can in the garbage when I stopped him.<br />
Rinsing out the can with a little water resulted in a nice red dye.<br />
It is artificial food colouring, I guess.<br />
But it made a good substitute for pink/red colour.<br />
Raw eggs, submerged over night turned out<br />
nice pink with an orange tint.<br />
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______________________________</div>
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<b>Auntie's translation</b></div>
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Osterzeit ist die Zeit zum Eierfärben. Dieses Mal habe ich keine Farben gekauft sonder mich auf natürliche Farben verlassen. Für die blau/türkis Farbe wurde Rotkohl verwendet. Orange ergab ein Bad in gekochten Zwiebelschalen und das helle Gelb kommt von Tumeric (Gelbwurzel). Einige Mischungen ergaben Tiefbraun, Blaugrau oder Olivebraun. Der Versuch die Eier mit Spinat grün zu färben ist mir nicht gelungen. Ich glaube man sollte dafür besser ganz frischen Spinat nehmen. Für eine rosa/rote Färbung hätte ich Hibiskustee haben müssen. </div>
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Das will ich ein anderes Mal ausprobieren. </div>
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Es hat aber viel Spaß gemacht. </div>
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Frohe Ostern!</div>
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<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-6227311628119525272016-03-19T20:27:00.000-03:002016-03-19T20:27:06.001-03:00March Apple Talk<div style="text-align: center;">
I just want to let you know how it went with our apples we harvested in late November / early December. </div>
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As I told you earlier, the majority was stored in a cool attic room. </div>
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During the coldest months the temperatures in the room </div>
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went down to just above the freezing mark.</div>
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The fruit were checked regularly and bad ones discarded. </div>
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Some of the apples were stored on a flattened card board </div>
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(to the right in the photo below). </div>
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Several month later these show a wrinkled skin, </div>
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but there is nothing wrong with these apples. </div>
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Their flavour is still great.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wH4ix8gdjn0/Vu3RheIpJrI/AAAAAAAAHqM/d3GSWpnKx2Mw6m0PRQt9_7VKHc0IbOPCQ/s1600/DSC_1041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wH4ix8gdjn0/Vu3RheIpJrI/AAAAAAAAHqM/d3GSWpnKx2Mw6m0PRQt9_7VKHc0IbOPCQ/s640/DSC_1041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Others were stored in a open plastic bag </div>
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under the rafters in the basement. </div>
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Those kept their smooth skinned appearance,</div>
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and I am sure they will keep a few more weeks. </div>
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(The plastic bag prevented evaporation, I guess.) </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDV-yyjlvVE/Vu3S_fugIsI/AAAAAAAAHqY/kwSm4AmBIkgrwAjacnSZ-qxy6-gPjePTw/s1600/DSC_1042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDV-yyjlvVE/Vu3S_fugIsI/AAAAAAAAHqY/kwSm4AmBIkgrwAjacnSZ-qxy6-gPjePTw/s640/DSC_1042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look at the insides, flawless, like freshly picked of the tree. </div>
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Amazing and I am so pleased </div>
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with the outcome of my experiment!</div>
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It shows that the old fashioned apples are not bad at all.</div>
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I don't need all these "newfangled" GMO apples that can be</div>
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stored for ages without loosing their shine. </div>
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My apples don't need any treatment </div>
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and still keep their freshness for many month. </div>
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These old apples provided us with fresh fruit </div>
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all winter long. I bet they also contain </div>
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more nutrients than their modern cousins.</div>
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That day, I decided to cook up some of the wrinkled ones </div>
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and bake a </div>
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German Apple pie with a "Streusel" topping. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0aQ7cb6Pnc/Vu3VWXktWII/AAAAAAAAHqk/wRUrPCVwc_0fTo-KaHJBKsImWh7LchkeQ/s1600/DSC_1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R0aQ7cb6Pnc/Vu3VWXktWII/AAAAAAAAHqk/wRUrPCVwc_0fTo-KaHJBKsImWh7LchkeQ/s640/DSC_1044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You will ask why it looks blue-black?</div>
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The answer is: </div>
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I didn't cook enough apples and </div>
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filled up the void with a handful of frozen blueberries.</div>
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DELICIOUS!</div>
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Apple-Blueberry Streusel Pie.</div>
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*</div>
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Today, a week later, I baked the second one. </div>
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The first one didn't last long.</div>
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____________________________________________</div>
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<b>Auntie's Translation</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Die Äpfel, die wir Ende November/ Anfang Dezember geerntet hatten haben sich wunderbar gehalten.</div>
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Einige sind etwas runzlig geworden, andere, die in einer Plastiktüte untergebracht waren, sind noch ganz glatt.</div>
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Doch die Schnittfläche ist ganz frisch, </div>
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und am Geschmack ist auch nichts auszusetzen. </div>
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Da sieht man daß man nicht unbedingt diese modernen Äpfel kaufen muß. Die alten Apfelsorten lassen sich problemlos überwintern. </div>
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Wir haben den ganzen Winter frische Äpfel gegessen, und ich</div>
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bin überzeugt daß unsere Äpfel gehaltvoller sind.</div>
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Von einem Teil der runzligen Äpfel habe ich letzte Woche einen </div>
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Apfelstreusel gebacken. Da ich nicht genügend Äpfel gekocht </div>
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hatte habe ich kurzerhand eine Tasse gefrorener </div>
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Blaubeeren dazu mischen.</div>
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Die Kombination war ganz hervorragend!</div>
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Heute habe ich schon den zweiten Kuchen gebacken.</div>
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Diese Mischung werde ich mir merken.</div>
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<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-58442480148933206812016-01-22T17:18:00.003-04:002016-01-22T17:18:31.445-04:00January Apple Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Campobello Island you will find literally thousands of apple trees. These trees are remnants from a time when people still planted their own orchards.<br />
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Over the years various critters have been spreading the apple seeds around.<br />
That way, it is hard to say whether our trees are planted or self-sown apple trees.<br />
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So far, we have found about 5 different sorts of apples on our property.<br />
It is not easy to find out what kind of apples that might be, but I am pretty much convinced that they are all heirloom apples, and all are grown without any use of pesticides.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwvfSiTK9Jo/VqJtWahi8PI/AAAAAAAAHks/Kya8F9RMifs/s1600/DSC_0520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwvfSiTK9Jo/VqJtWahi8PI/AAAAAAAAHks/Kya8F9RMifs/s640/DSC_0520.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The one to the right is a good cooking apple and stores very well. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The one to the left, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">showed "ridges" like a bell pepper. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The one in the middle turned out to be a desert apple only.</span></div>
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Some apples ripen in late August, some in September. Some carry fruit every year, others only every other year (biannual).<br />
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You will find trees that keep their apples until the middle of December!<br />
Even after a few frosty nights they were still good to eat and tasted delicious.<br />
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We harvested most of these late apples on the November 22/2015.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTnNGbcGkA4/VqJuy3iDqzI/AAAAAAAAHk0/pKl-0HtIk7U/s1600/DSC_0617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GTnNGbcGkA4/VqJuy3iDqzI/AAAAAAAAHk0/pKl-0HtIk7U/s640/DSC_0617.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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One type of apples: January 22, 2016. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The longer these apples </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">are stored, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">more pronounced the "ridges" are.</span></div>
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According to a description about late apples they should be very good storage apples. Truth is, they are. </div>
We have used these apples since I put them down in a cold room, and<br />
two month later they still taste sweet, fruity and have a mild acidity. Their skin has become more and more waxy, though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ5qfb_7GQc/VqJzuzAvZ7I/AAAAAAAAHlA/QTmY8dnolBk/s1600/DSC_0618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJ5qfb_7GQc/VqJzuzAvZ7I/AAAAAAAAHlA/QTmY8dnolBk/s640/DSC_0618.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old fashioned apples</td></tr>
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How long will my stored apples last. Until February?<br />
Maybe even until March? The tart ones I will make into applesauce.<br />
But we cannot eat them all in time before they will start to rot.<br />
And that would be such a waste!<br />
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Therefore I decided to try and make dried apple rings.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2aN1TA3b6BA/VqJz4yzsvNI/AAAAAAAAHlI/6nftfT3dI0o/s1600/DSC_0625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2aN1TA3b6BA/VqJz4yzsvNI/AAAAAAAAHlI/6nftfT3dI0o/s640/DSC_0625.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">The "apple peeler-corer-slicer-machine"</td></tr>
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A while ago we acquired an apple peeler that also slices and removes the core. Neat!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amRj29g2KEg/VqJ0K1viijI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/04wLUi1xj0E/s1600/DSC_0629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amRj29g2KEg/VqJ0K1viijI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/04wLUi1xj0E/s640/DSC_0629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I used the best looking apples, washed them,<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K14JlVO79Ow/VqJ0Mfd_XDI/AAAAAAAAHlY/NoZ4JJJwEnc/s1600/DSC_0631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K14JlVO79Ow/VqJ0Mfd_XDI/AAAAAAAAHlY/NoZ4JJJwEnc/s640/DSC_0631.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
cut them into rings with the machine and layered them<br />
on a cookie sheet. I left the peel on for added fibre. I also could have bathed them in lemon juice/water to avoid oxidation, but I didn't have lemon at hand. I former times not all house wives hat access to lemons either.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NW4pQZxxI_0/VqJ0l26Zd8I/AAAAAAAAHlg/Ck4fReeKxxQ/s1600/DSC_0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NW4pQZxxI_0/VqJ0l26Zd8I/AAAAAAAAHlg/Ck4fReeKxxQ/s640/DSC_0632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
After 6 hours by 170°F (76 °C) the rings were done. (That is the lowest setting on my oven.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNhv06JoZ-g/VqJ0mBlAn3I/AAAAAAAAHlk/XmDL9P4d7UA/s1600/DSC_0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNhv06JoZ-g/VqJ0mBlAn3I/AAAAAAAAHlk/XmDL9P4d7UA/s640/DSC_0633.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The slices were left in the oven over night to cool down completely<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-roqgexjOhrE/VqJ1klYCbGI/AAAAAAAAHl0/IpUFZuTDfA4/s1600/DSC_0615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-roqgexjOhrE/VqJ1klYCbGI/AAAAAAAAHl0/IpUFZuTDfA4/s640/DSC_0615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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before I filled them into mason jars. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1Fi8H9y3u0/VqKPW4EgxzI/AAAAAAAAHmE/zxL3u4eGuTU/s1600/DSC_0612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D1Fi8H9y3u0/VqKPW4EgxzI/AAAAAAAAHmE/zxL3u4eGuTU/s640/DSC_0612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A tablespoon of dry rice added to each jar will keep any future moisture out. Now the apples can be refrigerated for several more month. I doubt they will last that long.<br />
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Making dried apple rings is definitely something I will do again! Next time I also will try the lemon-washed-and-sprinkled-with-cinnamon way of treating the apple slices.<br />
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These apple rings turned out delicious! </div>
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So long!</div>
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P.S.<br />
I you liked this, check out my postings about <a href="http://gosidewalk.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">"non cooking"</a> related stuff.<br />
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<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-79091886831800566432015-12-06T16:31:00.000-04:002015-12-06T16:31:27.309-04:00Utilize a Halloween Pumpkin<div style="text-align: center;">
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I disagree with others who tell you </div>
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Halloween pumpkins </div>
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are usable for decorative purposes only. </div>
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Why waste it after season changes? </div>
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Even these pumpkins are good food. </div>
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Today I cooked my Halloween pumpkin.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vo119OhXSoU/Vl-JqLo3muI/AAAAAAAAHdU/EOGmgi6-Avw/s1600/DSC_0618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vo119OhXSoU/Vl-JqLo3muI/AAAAAAAAHdU/EOGmgi6-Avw/s400/DSC_0618.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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I opened it up, took the seeds and gunk out. </div>
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It didn't take long using an ice cream scoop.</div>
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The seeds were cleaned, seasoned<br />
with Salt, Marjoram </div>
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and a drizzle of olive oil. </div>
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Baked crisp on 400°F (200°C) for about 15 min.<br />
or until golden. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMSgtlMJUGQ/Vl-ZqDA1KMI/AAAAAAAAHeg/01JsFRxS7eo/s1600/DSC_0625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aMSgtlMJUGQ/Vl-ZqDA1KMI/AAAAAAAAHeg/01JsFRxS7eo/s400/DSC_0625.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The two halves of the pumpkin were baked in the oven for an<br />
1.5 hours on 350°F (175°C).<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhVt_Lt0G8Q/Vl-Z7dFmiMI/AAAAAAAAHek/NT0ee0y-g2o/s1600/DSC_0627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BhVt_Lt0G8Q/Vl-Z7dFmiMI/AAAAAAAAHek/NT0ee0y-g2o/s400/DSC_0627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The soft flesh came off the skin easily. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In a big bowl I mashed the cooked pumpkin </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
using a stave mixer and divided the amount. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One part for pumpkin butter and another </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for vegetable stews/ soups.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Srpneq-ToXM/Vl-YAhrZNSI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/nlS2zlACZFE/s1600/DSC_0628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Srpneq-ToXM/Vl-YAhrZNSI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/nlS2zlACZFE/s400/DSC_0628.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pumpkin butter was seasoned with brown sugar, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clover.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Filled into clean mason jars they will stay in the fridge </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for a few weeks time without spoiling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The recipe I followed for pumpkin butter can be found <a href="http://localfoods.about.com/od/wintersquashpumpkin/r/Pumpkin-Butter.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The recipe for roasted pumpkin can be found <a href="http://localfoods.about.com/od/wintersquashpumpkin/tp/How-To-Roast-Pumpkin.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<br />
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-78530405484369664402015-11-19T20:39:00.003-04:002015-11-19T20:39:42.395-04:00Peanut Butter Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my favourite recipe because can be done within a short time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I alternate it once in a while.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I add raisins or chocolate chips.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, I used part butter and part melted coconut oil. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also added 1/4 cup of coconut flakes to the batter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The cookies turned out crisper on the outside</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and still a little soft inside. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Very good. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On some of the cookies I placed a chocolate chip</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before they went into the oven. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you only have chocolate kisses available, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
place them on top of the warm cookie </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after they come out of the oven. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kisses would melt during the baking process.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBl9v_MxnqE/Vk5kmulASRI/AAAAAAAAHYo/1sbVREsX1U0/s1600/DSC_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qBl9v_MxnqE/Vk5kmulASRI/AAAAAAAAHYo/1sbVREsX1U0/s400/DSC_0510.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Recipe:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 c butter (1 stick)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 c peanut butter </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I prefer the crunchy version, ca 3 tblsp)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 c sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 c brown sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 egg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/2 tsp vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1 1/4 c all purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3/4 tsp baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1/4 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>How to:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Preheat oven to 350 °F , (180 °C)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mix all soft ingredients in another bowl</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and beat the batter for ca 30 sec.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add the flour mix and fold it in until all is combined well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drop a teaspoon (I prefer 1/2 teaspoon = bite size) of the batter </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on an cookie sheet lined with non greased parchment paper.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bake 8 - 10 min until edges are slightly brown.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkYeT7G1--A/Vk5plKN75bI/AAAAAAAAHY4/QJe5gN4Ichk/s1600/DSC_0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkYeT7G1--A/Vk5plKN75bI/AAAAAAAAHY4/QJe5gN4Ichk/s400/DSC_0515.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hubby was quick to test the goodies!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There they go...... mmmh!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZYwstvw_xA/Vk5pwpHa9CI/AAAAAAAAHZA/QcPz81xjMho/s1600/DSC_0512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZYwstvw_xA/Vk5pwpHa9CI/AAAAAAAAHZA/QcPz81xjMho/s320/DSC_0512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-29167742101426768882015-02-01T15:04:00.004-04:002015-02-01T15:04:38.648-04:00Coyote and Hare<div style="text-align: center;">
For you who has not realized that I started a new blog </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for my "not food" related stories </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
try the Link to get to my new posting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gosidewalk.blogspot.ca/2015/02/coyote-and-hare.html" target="_blank">Coyote and Hare</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you there!</div>
Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-10259210057402694002015-01-25T21:00:00.000-04:002015-01-25T21:04:50.888-04:00Lemon Loaf<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This morning when I checked in on FB I discovered </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diania had shared David Larson's Lemon Loaf. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since my banana bread was down to it's last piece </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I gave it a try.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I needed something for a treat for after my </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gosidewalk.blogspot.ca/2015/01/doggie-walk-and-lemon-cake.html" target="_blank">Sunday afternoon walk</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jEY14DwH8w/VMWKGGGIj2I/AAAAAAAAHCI/zqaGbc9vqYk/s1600/screen-capture-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jEY14DwH8w/VMWKGGGIj2I/AAAAAAAAHCI/zqaGbc9vqYk/s1600/screen-capture-2.png" height="320" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a Top Secret recipe version of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Starbucks Lemon loaf, David wrote.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could know because I never go there but I </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will share the recipe with you here.</div>
<br />
Starbucks Lemon Loaf<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 1/2 cup(s) FLOUR<br />
1/2 teaspoon(s) BAKING SODA<br />
1/2 teaspoon(s) BAKING POWDER<br />
1/2 teaspoon(s) SALT<br />
3 EGGS<br />
1 cup(s) SUGAR<br />
2 tablespoon(s) BUTTER; Softened.<br />
1 teaspoon(s) VANILLA<br />
1 teaspoon(s) LEMON EXTRACT<br />
1/3 cup(s) LEMON JUICE<br />
1/2 cup(s) OIL (recommend coconut oil)<br />
<br />
LEMON ICING<br />
1 cup(s) POWDERED SUGAR; Plus 1 Tablespoon.<br />
2 tablespoon(s) WHOLE MILK; I Used 2%.<br />
1/2 teaspoon(s) LEMON EXTRACT<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a bowl.<br />
Use a mixer to blend together the eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon extract and lemon juice in a medium bowl.<br />
Pour wet ingredient into the dry ingredients and blend until smooth.<br />
Add oil and mix well.<br />
Pour batter into a well greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.<br />
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick stuck into center of the cake comes out clean.<br />
Make the lemon icing by combining all the icing ingredients in a small bowl with an electric mixer on low speed.<br />
When the loaf is cool, remove it from pan and frost the top with the icing.<br />
Let the icing set up before slicing....'<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mixed it in a little different way, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
didn't have all the ingredients either </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and use a bigger pan, hence the different shape, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it turned out very tasty. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxeDGgV6p90/VMWLqyHNLoI/AAAAAAAAHCU/Fqlua7adMX4/s1600/20150125_150722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxeDGgV6p90/VMWLqyHNLoI/AAAAAAAAHCU/Fqlua7adMX4/s1600/20150125_150722.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-78927019051770945202015-01-16T18:46:00.000-04:002015-01-16T18:46:01.676-04:00A Change is in the making.<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Readers and Followers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have decided to continue my postings under a new blog address.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCUWJ9lSjmE/VLmRP4d9hmI/AAAAAAAAG5M/0yBjKRJFtgc/s1600/screen-capture-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCUWJ9lSjmE/VLmRP4d9hmI/AAAAAAAAG5M/0yBjKRJFtgc/s1600/screen-capture-2.png" height="121" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The reason</b>:</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<b>Dinner for two</b>" was misleading people </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to think that it might be a food blog only. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is true, as it started out as one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
"Dinner For Two" changed from food related postings </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to postings about this and that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Confusing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a result, changes are unavoidable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Therefore: both topics will from now on </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
be divided.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will continue <b>here</b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1jxOWnroP0/VLmPevxtQBI/AAAAAAAAG44/FrQPjSbgIwk/s1600/DSC_0136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1jxOWnroP0/VLmPevxtQBI/AAAAAAAAG44/FrQPjSbgIwk/s1600/DSC_0136.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I have something to write <b>about food</b>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will continue my postings about<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>everything else </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>on a different page. </b></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpC9HvaE61A/VLmPxD9wvPI/AAAAAAAAG5A/TbjP8mZh6Tw/s1600/frosted_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JpC9HvaE61A/VLmPxD9wvPI/AAAAAAAAG5A/TbjP8mZh6Tw/s1600/frosted_2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check it out!<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The new page is called:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gosidewalk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>SIDEWALK</i> and can be found here.</b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or at the top under "pages"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feel free to follow me on <a href="http://gosidewalk.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>SIDEWALK</i></b></a>, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and make sure to register your email under the new page.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See you there!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJzjfzWgOQI/VLmNpKkscYI/AAAAAAAAG4s/xF0-OW9owOo/s1600/sidewalk_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AJzjfzWgOQI/VLmNpKkscYI/AAAAAAAAG4s/xF0-OW9owOo/s1600/sidewalk_1.jpg" height="276" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-86068948703181573462015-01-15T17:11:00.005-04:002015-01-15T17:12:06.585-04:00It started out like this...<div style="text-align: center;">
I wasn't supposed to write about birds again.<br />
It started out like this:<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was about to go through some photos that I shot the other day, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and selecting what I could use for a fresh posting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfVTvjH1J84/VLgpSEu20KI/AAAAAAAAG08/ecKplnRb60I/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfVTvjH1J84/VLgpSEu20KI/AAAAAAAAG08/ecKplnRb60I/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Towards the East, a gorgeous sunrise </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
in shades of orange and yellow.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5oXCaMxPDg/VLgKsrO-DnI/AAAAAAAAGy0/0zobBUXBLZU/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5oXCaMxPDg/VLgKsrO-DnI/AAAAAAAAGy0/0zobBUXBLZU/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Towards the West, a gazebo in the early morning light.<br />
Al lavender and pink.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpM92C-38PY/VLgK-ntnFOI/AAAAAAAAGy8/kmZfoeU2B_8/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpM92C-38PY/VLgK-ntnFOI/AAAAAAAAGy8/kmZfoeU2B_8/s1600/DSC_0006.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or, this bicycle leaning against a tree.<br />
<br />
Abandoned, in the grip of winter. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Waiting for spring and summer to come.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sitting in front of my laptop, I had just started out on this posting,<br />
when I suddenly,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
out of the corner of my eye,<br />
something in motion!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here we go again - BIRDS!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Weren't these elusive chickens just<br />
walking by, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
RIGHT UNDER MY NOSE ?!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Up I jumped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arghhh - where is that camera?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Change lenses ..... Hurry up!<br />
Be quick!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Though I was hampered with a dirty window,<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This time I got a closer view at them, compared to <a href="http://dinner-fourtwo.blogspot.ca/2015/01/grouse-or-what.html" target="_blank">last time</a>. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifO-eq-nFdM/VLgMD8Sz4mI/AAAAAAAAGzE/LEkl_sC5L6U/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifO-eq-nFdM/VLgMD8Sz4mI/AAAAAAAAGzE/LEkl_sC5L6U/s1600/DSC_0004.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The birds did NOT wait for me to get ready. <br />
They had moved on to the next group of trees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnM3iT3NXNw/VLgMPBNxV5I/AAAAAAAAGzM/1TG5cCaocVg/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hnM3iT3NXNw/VLgMPBNxV5I/AAAAAAAAGzM/1TG5cCaocVg/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They must be grouse. "Sharp tailed grouse", because<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
they show a white/grey underbelly and </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
(not barred as with prairie chickens). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But it's just me guessing.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YS-W8uJVvho/VLgN6frl3NI/AAAAAAAAGzY/fhKmIBnjJh4/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YS-W8uJVvho/VLgN6frl3NI/AAAAAAAAGzY/fhKmIBnjJh4/s1600/DSC_0009.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Amazing how perfect their grey, brown and rusty colouring </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
blends in with the bark of the tree!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Well, that's the way it ended. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
As I said the other day:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Easily distracted!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-32195333293321335412015-01-10T15:45:00.000-04:002015-01-10T15:45:00.432-04:00Contemplating drops of water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What does one do when one has a day off?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is cold outside and you are bound to stay inside? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clean, cook, read, or what?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gaze out the window.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VR7UVqSSwlI/VLF1QHKd_ZI/AAAAAAAAGxA/ITOEy751V8Y/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VR7UVqSSwlI/VLF1QHKd_ZI/AAAAAAAAGxA/ITOEy751V8Y/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watch the water droplets </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
make their way down the window pane.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is actually interesting</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you look closer, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tA6vlWKa7A/VLF1ZPo63xI/AAAAAAAAGxI/eOaNZjAT3ok/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tA6vlWKa7A/VLF1ZPo63xI/AAAAAAAAGxI/eOaNZjAT3ok/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
turn it upside down, </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
you will see that the droplets are</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NoQBCHthus/VLF1fVOtX7I/AAAAAAAAGxQ/feiESqYbUBY/s1600/DSC_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NoQBCHthus/VLF1fVOtX7I/AAAAAAAAGxQ/feiESqYbUBY/s1600/DSC_0022.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> reflecing the outside: blue sky,snow, trees.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_wEU4ls3Lc/VLF5xFvWBOI/AAAAAAAAGyY/HOdDCDAFJIw/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K_wEU4ls3Lc/VLF5xFvWBOI/AAAAAAAAGyY/HOdDCDAFJIw/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">they are chasing each other,</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnrMlxTPtfY/VLF2DklY36I/AAAAAAAAGxc/AoanmbvhWzE/s1600/DSC_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnrMlxTPtfY/VLF2DklY36I/AAAAAAAAGxc/AoanmbvhWzE/s1600/DSC_0029.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> melting into another <br />on their way down the glass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnhdA-NRwvA/VLF2EH1qf-I/AAAAAAAAGxg/KA0cWySp_Os/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnhdA-NRwvA/VLF2EH1qf-I/AAAAAAAAGxg/KA0cWySp_Os/s1600/DSC_0030.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Clear like diamonds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0_NKJPaXIc/VLF2DlIY7eI/AAAAAAAAGxY/Jxzxp4Vl-JA/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0_NKJPaXIc/VLF2DlIY7eI/AAAAAAAAGxY/Jxzxp4Vl-JA/s1600/DSC_0025.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time ticked away</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I realized something else!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sun set has moved towards the north!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZsi7uuWs6k/VLF4XcTD_CI/AAAAAAAAGyM/lYiBy1l1DAQ/s1600/DSC_0064_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZsi7uuWs6k/VLF4XcTD_CI/AAAAAAAAGyM/lYiBy1l1DAQ/s1600/DSC_0064_2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used to set right behind that 5-wheel,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now it is to the right of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EuYg-gzKcIo/VLF3asvhCzI/AAAAAAAAGyE/CN1mUxnJfwY/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EuYg-gzKcIo/VLF3asvhCzI/AAAAAAAAGyE/CN1mUxnJfwY/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 10<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are definitely going towards SPING! YEEAAA!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Molly thought that all was: <br />a case of ZZZZZZZ.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elwoGjHvDLI/VLF3FEE8qSI/AAAAAAAAGx0/5g0uphrQbOA/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-elwoGjHvDLI/VLF3FEE8qSI/AAAAAAAAGx0/5g0uphrQbOA/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My guess is: You probably think the same.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had this "problem" already as a child, in school.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nature would capture my attention and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
keep me from the paying attention.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That got me some remarks like:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Beatrix is easily distracted, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she is watching the clouds!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNUlt4E9IVE/VLF-ahXrH6I/AAAAAAAAGyk/-wHhPmnIR48/s1600/DSC_0499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNUlt4E9IVE/VLF-ahXrH6I/AAAAAAAAGyk/-wHhPmnIR48/s1600/DSC_0499.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe it was the teacher's fault?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Didn't make the lesson captive enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OR?</div>
Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-8771133930783051992015-01-09T16:35:00.000-04:002015-01-09T16:35:11.231-04:00Grouse or what?<div style="text-align: center;">
I have seen the signs in the snow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8iiHmkhd_k/VLA3YTqfv-I/AAAAAAAAGuw/2HT7Ja1sdfU/s1600/20150109_113538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8iiHmkhd_k/VLA3YTqfv-I/AAAAAAAAGuw/2HT7Ja1sdfU/s1600/20150109_113538.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Small foot prints or wing marks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNXDEC4n80c/VLA3fZpB0kI/AAAAAAAAGu4/9662FlvphxY/s1600/20150109_114152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNXDEC4n80c/VLA3fZpB0kI/AAAAAAAAGu4/9662FlvphxY/s1600/20150109_114152.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQGihPMPnx0/VLA3fqcv1UI/AAAAAAAAGu8/xnGc5TcXyzQ/s1600/20150109_114200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQGihPMPnx0/VLA3fqcv1UI/AAAAAAAAGu8/xnGc5TcXyzQ/s1600/20150109_114200.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They seem to walk all around the campground</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fak_lZf_GR4/VLA3qCQ3f-I/AAAAAAAAGvI/TRSDs1gUyaY/s1600/20150109_114205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fak_lZf_GR4/VLA3qCQ3f-I/AAAAAAAAGvI/TRSDs1gUyaY/s1600/20150109_114205.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and forage around the shrubs and trees where</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
the snow cover is thinner and seeds/berries are </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
to be found.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9ayFF4bi5Y/VLA3ydE_KSI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/5Mof5_rpUGg/s1600/20150109_114101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9ayFF4bi5Y/VLA3ydE_KSI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/5Mof5_rpUGg/s1600/20150109_114101.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of these days I scared a whole bunch </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of them out of their hiding place from under a dwarf pine, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I approached the bathrooms early in the morning. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frrrrrrr, frrrrrr sounded their wings when they took off.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guessed that it must be some kind of chickens.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, when I walked Molly, I suddenly saw them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A flock of chicken like birds on the ground </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about 40 m (43 yards) away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avK39OpyY4k/VLA4iwrdDeI/AAAAAAAAGvY/ioVJu-UHT5o/s1600/20150109_113318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-avK39OpyY4k/VLA4iwrdDeI/AAAAAAAAGvY/ioVJu-UHT5o/s1600/20150109_113318.jpg" height="188" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course, no real camera handy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, I remembered my cellphone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OjeUF_U-Lv8/VLA4ne8VShI/AAAAAAAAGvg/QU8GTSdO5Rw/s1600/20150109_113402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OjeUF_U-Lv8/VLA4ne8VShI/AAAAAAAAGvg/QU8GTSdO5Rw/s1600/20150109_113402.jpg" height="224" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I got some photos of them, but the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
built-in camera is just a joke for long distance shoots.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess they were some kind of prairie grouse.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6JJd75qCC0/VLA4vjx308I/AAAAAAAAGvo/vPgonNSeqsI/s1600/20150109_113409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6JJd75qCC0/VLA4vjx308I/AAAAAAAAGvo/vPgonNSeqsI/s1600/20150109_113409.jpg" height="272" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They took off before I could get a closer look. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would have run too, because that approaching "monster" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
looked pretty scary! Laugh!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNv4p6Eldos/VLA49kNqtqI/AAAAAAAAGvw/J0s_DyU30es/s1600/20150109_114522_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNv4p6Eldos/VLA49kNqtqI/AAAAAAAAGvw/J0s_DyU30es/s1600/20150109_114522_2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">-18 C (WC -34C )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-11430805322254407912015-01-04T14:22:00.003-04:002015-01-04T14:22:57.519-04:00For BETTER and for WORSE<div style="text-align: center;">
NO, I did <b>NOT</b> freeze during the night. That's the good news.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bad news is: I did not sleep much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a while it actually got a tad to warm, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I struggled with the covers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That made me wake up and realize that something was wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A clicking noise, another clicking noise...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
UGH! At 11:30 PM (23:30 h) the furnace quit to work! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My first thought was that the propane may have frozen solid. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Horror.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got up, dressed quickly, put my head light on </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and ventured outside, into the glittering, starry, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
bitterly cold night, to investigate.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSpHpj7Rph4/VKl5ZiVPqqI/AAAAAAAAGng/hqH8Lmzypnc/s1600/DSC_0045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSpHpj7Rph4/VKl5ZiVPqqI/AAAAAAAAGng/hqH8Lmzypnc/s1600/DSC_0045.jpg" height="374" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No, the propane was not frozen, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but both bottles (20/30pounder) were <b>EMPTY.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I yanked two full ones up and connected them; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a not so easy thing to do, because the lines </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were nearly frozen to sticks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Safely inside again I started the oven - </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
flames were burning there. GOOD!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Now the furnace. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
It clicked and clicked and clicked. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
FINALLY the pilot flame ignited, </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
and soon warm air streamed again into the living area. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Good. GOOD.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Back to bed, back to sleep.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Not so easy. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
I was constantly listening:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Was the furnace still running? </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ah6NlKMXCfA/VKl5t8qPSqI/AAAAAAAAGno/hHvMPGpnU4A/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ah6NlKMXCfA/VKl5t8qPSqI/AAAAAAAAGno/hHvMPGpnU4A/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
When Peter left for work at 5 AM I thought: </div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
NOW I could snooze, but no, </div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Molly started to whine. UGH! </div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
A sure sign that she has to go out for business. </div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Up again, and letting her out the door. </div>
<div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Alone.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiAdaZKwLZA/VKl6AyTyixI/AAAAAAAAGnw/GvHN8uwx3xo/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiAdaZKwLZA/VKl6AyTyixI/AAAAAAAAGnw/GvHN8uwx3xo/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This time I stayed inside. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There would be nobody out there anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a few minutes she was back at the door, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I back in bed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NOW I finally fell asleep !!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the adventure was not over yet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I got up, I checked around. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No ice on the walls, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but: in the corners, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along the window's aluminum frames.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcJmZV6PR-0/VKl6NZBvk-I/AAAAAAAAGn4/zhjTngRjer0/s1600/Ice_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcJmZV6PR-0/VKl6NZBvk-I/AAAAAAAAGn4/zhjTngRjer0/s1600/Ice_1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice in the corner behind the chair<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>WORSE</b>, <b>the temperatures inside </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>had not risen above 10C (50 F)! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even with the furnace blasting warm air at full tilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ57mkA1yk0/VKl7hoV847I/AAAAAAAAGoU/MDfUzI3lw14/s1600/DSC_0066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EZ57mkA1yk0/VKl7hoV847I/AAAAAAAAGoU/MDfUzI3lw14/s1600/DSC_0066.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The reason: outside temps still -28 C (-18F) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>with windchill of -42C (-43.6F).</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">But relief is in sight!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
The TV NEWS showed that: by the end of the week </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
we will be back to "normal" temperatures of -2C (28F) </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
for daytime high temperatures!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-961aHwAfcKU/VKl71FSFG_I/AAAAAAAAGoc/LXl3AnngYmY/s1600/cold_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-961aHwAfcKU/VKl71FSFG_I/AAAAAAAAGoc/LXl3AnngYmY/s1600/cold_2.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All temperatures in Celsius.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That will feel like summer temperatures, compared! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b>Layers</b> is the magic word!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUCrm8EhTRY/VKl8Frk0bvI/AAAAAAAAGok/OcXMSnarbQY/s1600/DSC_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUCrm8EhTRY/VKl8Frk0bvI/AAAAAAAAGok/OcXMSnarbQY/s1600/DSC_0062.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I know how an "Eskimo" might feel like.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brrrr. Greetings from our</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IGLOO!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9Z0VxhnQVs/VKl87CQeWtI/AAAAAAAAGos/vUM_cyr5E-M/s1600/screen-capture-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9Z0VxhnQVs/VKl87CQeWtI/AAAAAAAAGos/vUM_cyr5E-M/s1600/screen-capture-1.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, and our water is frozen too, but that is not a surprise. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I suggested to drain and winterize but hubby had</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his own thoughts about that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For Better and Worse!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They said.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was not knowing what I was getting into....</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-52207142063797174912015-01-03T20:21:00.001-04:002015-01-03T20:23:20.260-04:00This is the coldest day so far. Guess!<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the coldest day we have had so far. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clear skies and wind out of the North.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-22C (-7.6) in the afternoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For night temperatures: see bottom page!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXLHtL5K_nc/VKh5n2HFXpI/AAAAAAAAGmE/GvBW6N83vI8/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXLHtL5K_nc/VKh5n2HFXpI/AAAAAAAAGmE/GvBW6N83vI8/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had the day off and went for a few brief walks with Molly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The snow clouds moved away and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the sunshine was brilliant. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZReawnVn0M/VKh50vEq6rI/AAAAAAAAGmM/Iw-IXBJkPZI/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZReawnVn0M/VKh50vEq6rI/AAAAAAAAGmM/Iw-IXBJkPZI/s1600/DSC_0049.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dewelldesigns.blogspot.ca/#axzz3No875v2x" target="_blank">Barbara</a> commented about Molly not having trouble with ice in her fur.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's right. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Molly has the coat of an arctic animal. Snow repellent. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add on wavy hair straws to keep air trapped for insulation, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and lots of woollen undercoat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That way she keeps herself dry and warm.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PPQ-rAlJbZw/VKh6PR_eynI/AAAAAAAAGmY/v4n_AhUQi1s/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PPQ-rAlJbZw/VKh6PR_eynI/AAAAAAAAGmY/v4n_AhUQi1s/s1600/DSC_0042.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, as long as the snow is so dry and fluffy it doesn't stick to her at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oe6DrsCIm6g/VKh6PMtKWeI/AAAAAAAAGmU/izpUZ9k003E/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oe6DrsCIm6g/VKh6PMtKWeI/AAAAAAAAGmU/izpUZ9k003E/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Walking through wet snow is different. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then there will be a build up of ice clumps between the paw pads. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Molly has her own technique: stopping up, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
lifting the afflicted paw, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
chewing out the ice and walking on.</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1YxSrr9dvU/VKh6kmqOReI/AAAAAAAAGmk/v-UEh41mASw/s1600/20150103_142731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1YxSrr9dvU/VKh6kmqOReI/AAAAAAAAGmk/v-UEh41mASw/s1600/20150103_142731.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She doesn't seem to mind the cold. Always sniffing around for something underneath the snow cover.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What are you waiting for?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-juwq2ArSnYc/VKh5jUBv97I/AAAAAAAAGl8/k9cnqMR1-Zo/s1600/20150103_143010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-juwq2ArSnYc/VKh5jUBv97I/AAAAAAAAGl8/k9cnqMR1-Zo/s1600/20150103_143010.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aww no ......</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LOQA3JTUrY/VKh68eFP_TI/AAAAAAAAGms/smeWEpkDJOw/s1600/20150103_142756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5LOQA3JTUrY/VKh68eFP_TI/AAAAAAAAGms/smeWEpkDJOw/s1600/20150103_142756.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....another "selfie"!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3F0oCngJ6o/VKh9VdpkpII/AAAAAAAAGm4/sAPa00aERFw/s1600/20150103_142256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3F0oCngJ6o/VKh9VdpkpII/AAAAAAAAGm4/sAPa00aERFw/s1600/20150103_142256.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's go on!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij4Pfmvr5Fk/VKh9cierLGI/AAAAAAAAGnA/4nh0r43YSkA/s1600/DSC_0064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij4Pfmvr5Fk/VKh9cierLGI/AAAAAAAAGnA/4nh0r43YSkA/s1600/DSC_0064.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sun is setting. The days are still short.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nAqP8vBAGMo/VKh9jzaQF2I/AAAAAAAAGnI/kF8oGKwdg8I/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nAqP8vBAGMo/VKh9jzaQF2I/AAAAAAAAGnI/kF8oGKwdg8I/s1600/DSC_0065.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ice on the window is building up already.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is +16C (60.2F) inside. The propane furnace doing it's best.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am dressed in layers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFnBe3EVTm4/VKh9oPDnzJI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/_BYkxMknPIQ/s1600/DSC_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFnBe3EVTm4/VKh9oPDnzJI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/_BYkxMknPIQ/s1600/DSC_0056.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back to one of the best gifts we ever got! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Thank you Marie J.!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Can you feel the heat radiating.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
So cozy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
And it will be getting pretty d... cold during the night. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-28C (-18.4F).<b> </b></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
With the windchill down to -41C (-41.8).</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight I'll use an extra quilt, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and a down duvet cover (Thanks to Rogette). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will not be freezing.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-14274197823432455622014-12-30T15:24:00.002-04:002014-12-30T15:24:24.796-04:00Relaxing? Enough is enough!<div style="text-align: center;">
After the Holidays are over and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the New Year is only just around the corner</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there is a lot of time for relaxing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ZZZZ here and zzzz there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlOQxWH4Em4/VKL2ieQgY7I/AAAAAAAAGiQ/VWxBTnxTlJ8/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlOQxWH4Em4/VKL2ieQgY7I/AAAAAAAAGiQ/VWxBTnxTlJ8/s1600/DSC_0035.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And more zzzz</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjDPthokghY/VKL2ZExwlqI/AAAAAAAAGiI/2zUjdb7GyQk/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjDPthokghY/VKL2ZExwlqI/AAAAAAAAGiI/2zUjdb7GyQk/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is contagious too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep-YgMhvpgM/VKL5IjENQ9I/AAAAAAAAGjQ/9W7isEcPuKY/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep-YgMhvpgM/VKL5IjENQ9I/AAAAAAAAGjQ/9W7isEcPuKY/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" height="339" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't you dare wake him up! Or? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally, Molly got enough of it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2AGhrQFYMmA/VKL3CdzcuqI/AAAAAAAAGiY/QoFlcysh1Mc/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2AGhrQFYMmA/VKL3CdzcuqI/AAAAAAAAGiY/QoFlcysh1Mc/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
She picked up a bone (just any item does the trick). </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
That is her sign for:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Let's go for a WALK!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sNUaHG6q5E/VKL3EfLEMyI/AAAAAAAAGig/lfqbKOiZSgA/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sNUaHG6q5E/VKL3EfLEMyI/AAAAAAAAGig/lfqbKOiZSgA/s1600/DSC_0046.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who can resist that face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlcVt2hDEDc/VKL3jGDyf8I/AAAAAAAAGio/Ft2R26sJeTs/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlcVt2hDEDc/VKL3jGDyf8I/AAAAAAAAGio/Ft2R26sJeTs/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Out we went into the freezing, beautiful afternoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The walk was just about an hour long.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then it got too cold for me,</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Qoaoml685Y/VKL3uZ-KqQI/AAAAAAAAGi4/jvc6-gobjb8/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Qoaoml685Y/VKL3uZ-KqQI/AAAAAAAAGi4/jvc6-gobjb8/s1600/DSC_0081.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">though Molly didn't care. She had her fur coat on.</td></tr>
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Back to the warmth and a warm dinner.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYV0sBkYJ_c/VKL4afvOVdI/AAAAAAAAGjA/6Yh6dBk0f6I/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HYV0sBkYJ_c/VKL4afvOVdI/AAAAAAAAGjA/6Yh6dBk0f6I/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Content she went back to the den, in the corner by the bed.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSLpxL0i6tg/VKL4nlXDEeI/AAAAAAAAGjI/z2zFp9or9NQ/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CSLpxL0i6tg/VKL4nlXDEeI/AAAAAAAAGjI/z2zFp9or9NQ/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nighty, nighty!</div>
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zzzzzz</div>
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Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-27942722149711127662014-12-25T18:41:00.003-04:002014-12-25T18:41:49.200-04:00Sugar Beet - what is that?While out shopping for groceries I found some of my German favourites! <div>
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Sugar beet syrup (it is more like:molasses) and plum spread (like: plum butter).</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8hAUzupCQ0/VJyI9AB2-zI/AAAAAAAAGgw/F4yn16jKeBA/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_8hAUzupCQ0/VJyI9AB2-zI/AAAAAAAAGgw/F4yn16jKeBA/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today, I baked some special sweet treats. Cookies with sugar beet syrup. The beet syrup will give a very distinct taste, that I have been </div>
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missing for 30 some years! </div>
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I actually prefer it to cane molasses which taste burned to me.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-omd0SBQx4/VJyKdpGZbrI/AAAAAAAAGhY/cQEP1MjJR8g/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-omd0SBQx4/VJyKdpGZbrI/AAAAAAAAGhY/cQEP1MjJR8g/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar beet molasses cookies</td></tr>
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<b>How do they produce sugar beet syrup?</b></div>
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Every fall huge amounts of sugar beets will be transported to the factories around in Nordhrhein Westphalia. To extract the sugar the beets will be shredded and cooked. The cooking process can be smelled all over the country. It is a very distinct odour that hangs in the air in October and all November. </div>
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As kids we would run along the wagons, where they lined up in the streets towards the factory, and wait for beets to roll of when the tucks took a turn. Then we would share off a piece of the beet and eat it raw. It was sweet. Memories.</div>
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The leftover pulp will be dried and fed as energy food to dairy cows.</div>
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Most of the sugar will be crystallized and bleached into confectioners sugar, similar to cane sugar. Some of the sugary water will be cooked in until it is caramelized, dark brown syrup. Sugar beet syrup. Used as bread spread, onto pancakes, in sauces, for cookies and dark bread.</div>
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I still remember when, in the late 70ies, the farmers discussed the novelty of glucose syrup that was about to flood the marked. There were afraid their sugar production would be out-conquered. True, glucose syrup has replace sugar in many produces. But the beets and their products are still very much present on the food marked in Europe. </div>
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After my opinion sweets taste way better made with beet sugar than glucose syrup. </div>
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<b>Ingredients</b>:</div>
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1 1/2 cup quick oats ( I used old fashioned oats)</div>
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1 1/4 cup almond</div>
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1/3 cup butter</div>
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3/4 <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> cup sugar</div>
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1/2 cup sugar beet syrup</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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<b>Directions:</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucSst1VllSI/VJyKEYAoldI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/9_ZdFzf8dfA/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucSst1VllSI/VJyKEYAoldI/AAAAAAAAGhQ/9_ZdFzf8dfA/s1600/DSC_0037.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Melt butter in a pot and stir in sugar and syrup until all sugar is dissolved.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LiAH4kNt0cA/VJyJYTEZiDI/AAAAAAAAGg4/pUm6wdy5E6k/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LiAH4kNt0cA/VJyJYTEZiDI/AAAAAAAAGg4/pUm6wdy5E6k/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
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Stir in oats, ground almonds and salt. Blend evenly.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezYk0WKvyFw/VJyJid5GZMI/AAAAAAAAGhA/Ge2jTFrtQsU/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezYk0WKvyFw/VJyJid5GZMI/AAAAAAAAGhA/Ge2jTFrtQsU/s1600/DSC_0038.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spread mixture out on a cookie sheet, that is covered with baking paper.</div>
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Bake with 375°F for about 10 minutes. The mixture will we bubbly when it comes out of the oven. Wait until it has cooled down before cutting it into squares or rhombuses.</div>
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The cookies are pretty sweet and will mix good with none-sweetened tea or coffee.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-84196372095683872232014-12-20T14:53:00.000-04:002014-12-20T14:53:06.325-04:00Late December Ramblings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Compared to our recent years this winter will be </div>
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quite a different experience. </div>
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I miss my friends. </div>
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Our get-togethers, pot-lucks and bonfires.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There is not much to do between work shifts in these days. </div>
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No family to visit, no big meal to prepare. </div>
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J.P. will be working during the holidays. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIbxhir1t5c/VJW8TW1TQyI/AAAAAAAAGgg/eVZzOg9qVXM/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oIbxhir1t5c/VJW8TW1TQyI/AAAAAAAAGgg/eVZzOg9qVXM/s1600/DSC_0027.jpg" /></a></div>
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The other day</div>
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I got into a creative mode and crafted...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9wC9SFayxM/VJW6aSNR62I/AAAAAAAAGfs/CEHuNmEiOCI/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9wC9SFayxM/VJW6aSNR62I/AAAAAAAAGfs/CEHuNmEiOCI/s1600/DSC_0003.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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...a few paper snow flakes...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDRm34jE31Q/VJW6asowg4I/AAAAAAAAGf0/_t63uaz74MM/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDRm34jE31Q/VJW6asowg4I/AAAAAAAAGf0/_t63uaz74MM/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" height="489" width="640" /></a></div>
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...to hang up between window pane and bubble wrap.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgw_5ddnQdU/VJW6asA432I/AAAAAAAAGfw/Pmiqi2vsy2k/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dgw_5ddnQdU/VJW6asA432I/AAAAAAAAGfw/Pmiqi2vsy2k/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" height="521" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I waited for the sunrise.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NKSbfUd9UM/VJW6bDUaAoI/AAAAAAAAGf4/EoW4lFRspjM/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NKSbfUd9UM/VJW6bDUaAoI/AAAAAAAAGf4/EoW4lFRspjM/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" height="640" width="609" /></a></div>
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So far the winter has been gentle towards us.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ssvvbk7DvM/VJW7Uiouk3I/AAAAAAAAGgM/SP0Xq-ex32w/s1600/leaf_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ssvvbk7DvM/VJW7Uiouk3I/AAAAAAAAGgM/SP0Xq-ex32w/s1600/leaf_1.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Outside, frozen fog has laced the few fallen leafs.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQiy7hS3GYY/VJW7U2AWElI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/GnDHWw7t2kw/s1600/leaf_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQiy7hS3GYY/VJW7U2AWElI/AAAAAAAAGgQ/GnDHWw7t2kw/s1600/leaf_2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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But there is still January and February to conquered.</div>
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The coldest months of a year </div>
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are still ahead of us.</div>
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<br />
Soon Christmas Days are here again.<br />
The Holidays or X-mas.<br />
Happy Days to you all!<br />
Only the Best for you<br />
in 2015!<br />
And thanks for following my ramblings.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-4832918108469874702014-12-12T20:32:00.001-04:002014-12-13T01:24:47.688-04:00From freezing rain to heat waveThe days are flying and soon we are in the middle of the holidays again. My new work place is about an hour drive away, and last week I encountered freezing rain. That was scary because I was still out driving on the highway on my way home. It started to rain, the road got slick within moments, and the windshield covered up with ice droplets.<br />
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I turned up the heat and crept home, but other drivers were passing by like nothing had happened at all. </div>
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Crazy. </div>
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After the last turnoff I stopped to take this photo </div>
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with my cellphone.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PP7Y7dxpIh8/VIt8GYjbGzI/AAAAAAAAGec/9K2tWz_rqz0/s1600/20141206_205203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PP7Y7dxpIh8/VIt8GYjbGzI/AAAAAAAAGec/9K2tWz_rqz0/s1600/20141206_205203.jpg" height="481" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wherever I turned, all lights around in the area looked like laser beams. That was eerie. </div>
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I guess the ice droplets in the air reflected the light. </div>
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After the freezing rain we got into a "heat wave", and temperatures went up to 9C (48.2F). </div>
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The snow melted like crazy, and everything around the trailer turned into treacherous ice. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hC51qC1cHaw/VIt8g6G_QqI/AAAAAAAAGek/Y09w3jBfiaE/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hC51qC1cHaw/VIt8g6G_QqI/AAAAAAAAGek/Y09w3jBfiaE/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
I used windshield washer fluid by the buckets, and the van looks terrible after a trip on these dirty/salty roads.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htIpanqbang/VIt8g0KkuaI/AAAAAAAAGeo/o_EnsC70YrQ/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-htIpanqbang/VIt8g0KkuaI/AAAAAAAAGeo/o_EnsC70YrQ/s1600/DSC_0005.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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The warm weather has one good side, though - we didn't have to use so much propane or electricity. </div>
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Walking in the sun was a pleasure again. </div>
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The air felt like spring.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USYSNhuO1oQ/VIt9LisBlzI/AAAAAAAAGe0/wB5ycWwtiN4/s1600/20141209_154437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USYSNhuO1oQ/VIt9LisBlzI/AAAAAAAAGe0/wB5ycWwtiN4/s1600/20141209_154437.jpg" height="429" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have arranged our work hours so that Molly will not be left alone more than 4 hour at a time. I mostly work evening shifts. To be on the safe side I arranged for a dog-sitter, who will take Molly for a walk in case we don't make it home in time.</div>
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Yesterday we had an "open house", and there was a lot of activity in the kitchen where I work part time now.</div>
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Our "Chef" created a beautiful centre piece out of vegetables and fruit.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-AR3Y2pyF4/VIt_V9v0AUI/AAAAAAAAGfI/Xw9P6Y2EWdg/s1600/20141211_145115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-AR3Y2pyF4/VIt_V9v0AUI/AAAAAAAAGfI/Xw9P6Y2EWdg/s1600/20141211_145115.jpg" height="481" width="640" /></a></div>
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My contribution was more simple. I had to arrange cookies and chocolate dipped strawberries on trays, help with the hors d'oeuvres and thousand other small things. But it was fun, and the hours went by like seconds.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwUPt7MDpG4/VIt_dW5WBDI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/v9QbcHhuzq8/s1600/20141211_145648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xwUPt7MDpG4/VIt_dW5WBDI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/v9QbcHhuzq8/s1600/20141211_145648.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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We are an international gang here (India, Philippines, Africa, Canada, Ukraine, Germany) and everyone is very nice and polite. There is a lot of laughter around.</div>
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It is a pleasure to work at this place. </div>
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Today is my day of, hubby is on the bus and will not be home until late this evening.</div>
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I enjoyed the quiet, "Blue Hour", </div>
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just after sunset, </div>
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with a cup of cocoa. </div>
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<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-25636497838457573592014-11-30T01:33:00.000-04:002014-12-13T01:25:09.430-04:00Canadian Winter Weather<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thursday we had the first major blizzard and the temperatures have plunged ever since.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zL9Lbg6IOvM/VHqn-ZP9DrI/AAAAAAAAGdA/hWTsMaesj6o/s1600/DSC_0067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zL9Lbg6IOvM/VHqn-ZP9DrI/AAAAAAAAGdA/hWTsMaesj6o/s1600/DSC_0067.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Blowing snow and bad vision caused many accidents on the highways.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5z1g7Wh7dzU/VHqn-VL5OZI/AAAAAAAAGc8/UfSi2qTQbFE/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5z1g7Wh7dzU/VHqn-VL5OZI/AAAAAAAAGc8/UfSi2qTQbFE/s1600/DSC_0072.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTvD1vmqE4g/VHqn-20GCVI/AAAAAAAAGdU/L_ndxBaVxMw/s1600/DSC_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rTvD1vmqE4g/VHqn-20GCVI/AAAAAAAAGdU/L_ndxBaVxMw/s1600/DSC_0075.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Busy traffic in town was not deterred by the icy road conditions.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38oHCOy4exE/VHqn-7pWk8I/AAAAAAAAGdE/KQFEGEfGsqM/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-38oHCOy4exE/VHqn-7pWk8I/AAAAAAAAGdE/KQFEGEfGsqM/s1600/DSC_0078.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Saskatchewan River is now frozen over.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvxgkvVjBEw/VHqoK_1TWHI/AAAAAAAAGdg/NPGxIrZoR-Q/s1600/DSC_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NvxgkvVjBEw/VHqoK_1TWHI/AAAAAAAAGdg/NPGxIrZoR-Q/s1600/DSC_0082.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today on Saturday, the storm has left us blue skies and a bitterly cold. -27 C (-16F) with windchill down to -40 C.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9am5C2AxY2o/VHqoLLqZw2I/AAAAAAAAGdk/bCQkUkEsVac/s1600/DSC_0085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9am5C2AxY2o/VHqoLLqZw2I/AAAAAAAAGdk/bCQkUkEsVac/s1600/DSC_0085.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took a quick walk around the campground.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlWCUhNPrsk/VHqoKlB_X6I/AAAAAAAAGdc/-mEleAWeSkk/s1600/DSC_0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlWCUhNPrsk/VHqoKlB_X6I/AAAAAAAAGdc/-mEleAWeSkk/s1600/DSC_0086.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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One of our neigbours has wrapped his whole rig into foil. One big package.</div>
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Only the door is uncovered. I wonder if that helps against the cold or if it only is good for growing mold inside?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TO2ayTrbUBs/VHqoLFVkoHI/AAAAAAAAGds/pnla-Mcks1w/s1600/DSC_0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TO2ayTrbUBs/VHqoLFVkoHI/AAAAAAAAGds/pnla-Mcks1w/s1600/DSC_0087.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh, and the soft side trailer we showed earlier got a winter coat too. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1X1nKI_wKE/VHqxlPUvEeI/AAAAAAAAGeE/MLQ1heYd_lY/s1600/screen-capture-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V1X1nKI_wKE/VHqxlPUvEeI/AAAAAAAAGeE/MLQ1heYd_lY/s1600/screen-capture-1.png" height="187" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpJN8TfOZ4E/VHqxsLhE_SI/AAAAAAAAGeM/yhvZDlIQ95A/s1600/DSC_0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WpJN8TfOZ4E/VHqxsLhE_SI/AAAAAAAAGeM/yhvZDlIQ95A/s1600/DSC_0082.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
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But I don't want to know what the temperature is inside.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Don't worry, there is hope. </div>
Towards the weekend we will be looking at mild temperatures. Maybe up to -2C (28F) by Saturday next weekend. You have to count your blessings.<br />
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-44139099642437889312014-11-17T14:26:00.003-04:002014-11-17T16:29:54.914-04:00Bubble Wrap Comfort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember, we have put up bubble wrap on the windows for insulation purposes.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KrljFwr_8x8/VGo68gHz6UI/AAAAAAAAGb0/lqvs0ZkQru8/s1600/DSC_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KrljFwr_8x8/VGo68gHz6UI/AAAAAAAAGb0/lqvs0ZkQru8/s1600/DSC_0050.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
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And there is an insulating effect, somewhat. The right sight is NOT frozen, the left side of the window is.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHf3i5J_VZg/VGo68nZ9HxI/AAAAAAAAGb4/i4pi5OUp63U/s1600/DSC_0053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHf3i5J_VZg/VGo68nZ9HxI/AAAAAAAAGb4/i4pi5OUp63U/s1600/DSC_0053.jpg" height="375" width="640" /></a></div>
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It looks like this when the ice on the window pane is gone.</div>
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So far for the science side of this input.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPA12f4SJnU/VGo68-YrkfI/AAAAAAAAGcA/bEjwqfdm9iM/s1600/DSC_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPA12f4SJnU/VGo68-YrkfI/AAAAAAAAGcA/bEjwqfdm9iM/s1600/DSC_0044.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It looks kind of neat when the sun sets in the evening. Funky.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Who was that walking by? An early visit of "Santa?"</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrwHSUxFYbA/VGo79eXgi8I/AAAAAAAAGcM/nBGEviAVQao/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrwHSUxFYbA/VGo79eXgi8I/AAAAAAAAGcM/nBGEviAVQao/s1600/DSC_0043.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe.</div>
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We got some pre-advent cookies for coffee. Yummy.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ue_dugPjc/VGo8VIsWUrI/AAAAAAAAGcU/_ggwPgLlzTo/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ue_dugPjc/VGo8VIsWUrI/AAAAAAAAGcU/_ggwPgLlzTo/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" height="400" width="264" /></a></div>
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The baker and his helper were, not Santa, but:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnN2rcOV1kY/VGo8izq5yzI/AAAAAAAAGcc/bbUpp6EmnC8/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnN2rcOV1kY/VGo8izq5yzI/AAAAAAAAGcc/bbUpp6EmnC8/s1600/DSC_0032.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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Peter and Molly<br />
<br />
and today..<br />
winter food:<br />
there is a duck in the oven!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MeD2oz0259M/VGpakwfIYrI/AAAAAAAAGcs/NH6f6AyRmRA/s1600/DSC_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MeD2oz0259M/VGpakwfIYrI/AAAAAAAAGcs/NH6f6AyRmRA/s1600/DSC_0069.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-90786192591748706602014-11-10T13:08:00.002-04:002014-11-10T13:08:42.452-04:00One night at a time<br />
The first really cold night is over.<br />
The nigh was -17 (wind chill -24)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2TGa8HpoUY/VGDtlYVaa2I/AAAAAAAAGbQ/keBGvgIqe7g/s1600/DSC_0773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g2TGa8HpoUY/VGDtlYVaa2I/AAAAAAAAGbQ/keBGvgIqe7g/s1600/DSC_0773.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View with above freezing temperatures,<br />bubble wrap on the sides.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bubble wrap isn't that bad at all. The only window part that was frozen this morning was the part that was NOT wrapped. Under the wrap it was ice free.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oXs8GacCew/VGDtrCEFCHI/AAAAAAAAGbY/R59bpoZHuDE/s1600/DSC_0786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oXs8GacCew/VGDtrCEFCHI/AAAAAAAAGbY/R59bpoZHuDE/s1600/DSC_0786.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost on the window; the wrapped up parts are ice free.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The floor was "warm" when I checked with my hand.<br />
<br />
The only thing that is uncomfortable it the air coming out of the furnace when it starts again.<br />
Ice cold air - before it gets warmed up. I guess we cannot do anything about that. But when it runs it is cozy warm.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qztYtt5yfM/VGDwCDFsvmI/AAAAAAAAGbk/nmrOr6NseKI/s1600/DSC_0789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9qztYtt5yfM/VGDwCDFsvmI/AAAAAAAAGbk/nmrOr6NseKI/s1600/DSC_0789.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View by -17C (1.4F) and wind-chill -23C (-9.4F)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So the normal will be: long-johns, woollen socks, warm sweaters are the normal. Bundle up in layers it is.<br />
<br />
<br />
Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-89745780244110654572014-11-09T14:09:00.001-04:002014-11-10T00:19:14.693-04:00"Momma" job - doneMy days in Cold Lake are over, for now.<br />
I am back in Edmonton.<br />
Time in Cold Lake flew just by.<br />
The day was filled with preparing supper, shopping for supplies.<br />
The late afternoons were occupied with shuttling the kids,<br />
aged (7, 9, 12, 14), from one sports arrangement to the other.<br />
<br />
Twice I was able to visit friends while the kids were at school and<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMpkKIdtcp8/VF-kXGi202I/AAAAAAAAGZs/UuG2TnLeyeM/s1600/20141105_110411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMpkKIdtcp8/VF-kXGi202I/AAAAAAAAGZs/UuG2TnLeyeM/s1600/20141105_110411.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Judi after her shoulder surgery</div>
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before the youngest girl caught a cold. She had to stay at home, complaining about sore throat, headache, queasiness and a slight fever. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19qi8QMSIZw/VF-mmij-jUI/AAAAAAAAGaI/VMpaUHg9PZ4/s1600/20141107_104220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-19qi8QMSIZw/VF-mmij-jUI/AAAAAAAAGaI/VMpaUHg9PZ4/s1600/20141107_104220.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The oldest girl got a "baby" for the weekend. </div>
<br />
A programmed doll that the temporary "mom" has to take care of. The doll cries or gives other signs of distress. As soon as "mom" reacts the right way the noise stops. Diaper changes and bottle feeding, burping, waking mom up during the night, the whole nine yards.<br />
The project is created to deter girls form getting pregnant too early.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tPPU2lmAgY/VF-mSrn9h6I/AAAAAAAAGaA/uayDrboBLVg/s1600/20141107_204633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8tPPU2lmAgY/VF-mSrn9h6I/AAAAAAAAGaA/uayDrboBLVg/s1600/20141107_204633.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I got my doubts about that because T. said she loved her "baby" and didn't mind the work with it. She would love to have a real one.<br />
So far for the "theory" of it.<br />
<br />
The boys were mostly busy with Soccer and Volleyball training. They didn't want to be photographed.<br />
<br />
I carved up a big Halloween Pumpkin and part of it went into making<br />
pumpkin potato soup. The rest was frozen in portions for later use in muffins and cakes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKkBgle86AU/VF-r19gU7jI/AAAAAAAAGbA/BTl8CeGNNU4/s1600/screen-capture-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mKkBgle86AU/VF-r19gU7jI/AAAAAAAAGbA/BTl8CeGNNU4/s1600/screen-capture-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>
A spaghetti squash that sat on the counter (nobody knew what to<br />
do with it) ended up for supper accompanied a good bolognese sauce.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubv-VIjCozI/VF-rWzDnDcI/AAAAAAAAGa4/5FNcz2JiaQc/s1600/screen-capture-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubv-VIjCozI/VF-rWzDnDcI/AAAAAAAAGa4/5FNcz2JiaQc/s1600/screen-capture-2.png" height="145" width="200" /></a></div>
Yeah, I would say it all was normal for a household with four kids.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4kaSjE95XI/VF-nx0RO8rI/AAAAAAAAGaU/ZBd-h_5Gq08/s1600/20141107_104250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4kaSjE95XI/VF-nx0RO8rI/AAAAAAAAGaU/ZBd-h_5Gq08/s1600/20141107_104250.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Their Wiener dog (Dachshound) pulled her front leg while racing around<br />
a couch. We had to get her to the veterinarian who applied a morphine shot. After that is was "crate time" for the whole week to come. Poor little thing.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bAhDYDuDljw/VF-oLENGKFI/AAAAAAAAGac/Y2YtQvirt8g/s1600/20141107_104157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bAhDYDuDljw/VF-oLENGKFI/AAAAAAAAGac/Y2YtQvirt8g/s1600/20141107_104157.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
Molly stayed calm all week long. There was no problems with her.<br />
<br />
All in all, I enjoyed being a "mom" for a short while.<br />
The kids were relatively easy to handle and they liked the food I produced.<br />
<br />
The ride back to Edmonton was strenuous, though. Slippery, snowy roads and frozen windshield water. :(((<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIVIhBCy8lU/VF-oq3V_RAI/AAAAAAAAGak/6AglZkIUth8/s1600/screen-capture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mIVIhBCy8lU/VF-oq3V_RAI/AAAAAAAAGak/6AglZkIUth8/s1600/screen-capture.png" height="95" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, now I am back in our trailer and have to get back to my "normal".<br />
Outside it is -17 C (1.4 F). Brrrr.<br />
<br />Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598824822918873918.post-59491183828376780382014-11-03T21:23:00.000-04:002014-11-03T21:23:42.605-04:00A Green Pet?<br />
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I wondered what this was for in one of our neighbours "gardens". </div>
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Today I accidently found out when the sun was shining into one</div>
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of the trailer windows in our neighbourhood.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvuUm0VLdz4/VFfApxoGW1I/AAAAAAAAGZU/oB3iY-Q7ImI/s1600/DSC_0781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OvuUm0VLdz4/VFfApxoGW1I/AAAAAAAAGZU/oB3iY-Q7ImI/s1600/DSC_0781.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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First I thought it was a green shawl thrown over the table by the window.</div>
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But, no, it was an <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_iguana" target="_blank">iguana</a> soaking up the sun rays.</div>
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Wow. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLh2H99_9i4/VFfAxk32JzI/AAAAAAAAGZc/kd25Y4Uxr0w/s1600/DSC_0779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HLh2H99_9i4/VFfAxk32JzI/AAAAAAAAGZc/kd25Y4Uxr0w/s1600/DSC_0779.jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pet Iguana in one trailer home </td></tr>
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Now I am wondering if there are snakes in one of these campers around here?</div>
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You never know what kind of pets people own.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Today am off for a few days to Cold Lake, visiting some friends.</div>
Beahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622276138653776267noreply@blogger.com0