tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40841821949423185172024-03-13T06:05:50.148-06:00Kate Renvall DesignsKate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-41081140403371709432014-06-08T11:42:00.000-06:002014-06-08T12:20:42.118-06:00Nature, lovely nature<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's usually early June when we take the top and doors off the Jeep and take it for a leisurely drive in the mountain valleys around us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The thrill is always the same: snow has made way to budding flowers and fields of timid green. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Worth the wait through the long winter months! </span><br />
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Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-55986326471272232952014-03-06T13:29:00.000-07:002014-03-06T13:29:54.388-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Four of my favorite people </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">live in this gorgeous home they built with their own hands. I love to visit them and I always come away with renewed energy and serenity -and a resolve to do something about my interior design. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The details speak for themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The entrance hall.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCIrhnC392c/UxjO-0x-DDI/AAAAAAAA9mQ/Vy27YnQAFOw/s1600/the+front+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dCIrhnC392c/UxjO-0x-DDI/AAAAAAAA9mQ/Vy27YnQAFOw/s1600/the+front+hall.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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photo by mia k</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The dining room echoes the entrance, one floor up.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayQlcFEVv44/UxjPE5pjn3I/AAAAAAAA9mY/axUrmkXSohU/s1600/dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ayQlcFEVv44/UxjPE5pjn3I/AAAAAAAA9mY/axUrmkXSohU/s1600/dining+room.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
photo by mia k<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lY2Xnw3APo/UxjPGldjiOI/AAAAAAAA9mg/CtAycmCbrAk/s1600/the+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lY2Xnw3APo/UxjPGldjiOI/AAAAAAAA9mg/CtAycmCbrAk/s1600/the+fireplace.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnJBbBRQk_Y/UxjQVRWyzYI/AAAAAAAA9nE/xHpfBqYd3lI/s1600/kirjat+ja+lamppu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rnJBbBRQk_Y/UxjQVRWyzYI/AAAAAAAA9nE/xHpfBqYd3lI/s1600/kirjat+ja+lamppu.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKOQheVXjjc/UxjQW8DyWgI/AAAAAAAA9nM/7X-OnWqf4q8/s1600/kynttelikko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aKOQheVXjjc/UxjQW8DyWgI/AAAAAAAA9nM/7X-OnWqf4q8/s1600/kynttelikko.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7F_lrilrHw0/UxjQYYko8jI/AAAAAAAA9nU/Za-1wClk5cU/s1600/hearts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7F_lrilrHw0/UxjQYYko8jI/AAAAAAAA9nU/Za-1wClk5cU/s1600/hearts.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nf3U_CQ8_A4/UxjQZ8jSwWI/AAAAAAAA9nc/XO8n-JgM4Gk/s1600/lanterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nf3U_CQ8_A4/UxjQZ8jSwWI/AAAAAAAA9nc/XO8n-JgM4Gk/s1600/lanterns.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">View from a bedroom</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYgMMb6wejE/UxjRd8FQPYI/AAAAAAAA9n8/mh2t3CKIqCU/s1600/kallio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYgMMb6wejE/UxjRd8FQPYI/AAAAAAAA9n8/mh2t3CKIqCU/s1600/kallio.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A nearby lake</span></div>
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See what I mean? :) Energy and serenity.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-46782681587451414652013-11-12T10:11:00.000-07:002013-11-12T10:12:20.375-07:00a brand-new fall of remembering<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How is your autumn going, so far? Mine's on the brink of (swiftly) changing into winter, and I wonder how we got here from spring !</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After living outside of my blog world the entire summer, I have so much to share it's overwhelming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll sort it all out, but here's a little peek into a charming historical site we walked through one lovely August afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #741b47;">LEINEPERIN RUUKKI</span> (Leineperi Ironworks) </span>is<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>in the<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>province<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>of Satakunta on the west coast of Finland.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>This country pearl quietly shares its story with anyone willing to take the time to look. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The village was established in 1771 on the banks of Katokoski. Today 250 people call it home. Leineperi hosts Craft & Antique Fairs by the artisans who work in their shops on the grounds. Visitors are free to roam and explore the old ways of the old days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The old mill.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiu0ejBtLUQ/Ukxjj6-l-YI/AAAAAAAA8GI/OQA0EZj_Pt8/s1600/puron+vartta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hiu0ejBtLUQ/Ukxjj6-l-YI/AAAAAAAA8GI/OQA0EZj_Pt8/s640/puron+vartta.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Blacksmith's. It was dark in there, so we thought it best to quickly pass through... We did glimpse nails, horse shoes, and various iron tools all over the place. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dy5JsgO2TD4/Umrcy8s5KlI/AAAAAAAA8G4/Rm5WTPtxxus/s1600/sepan+verstaan+ovella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dy5JsgO2TD4/Umrcy8s5KlI/AAAAAAAA8G4/Rm5WTPtxxus/s640/sepan+verstaan+ovella.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Interesting use of stone and brick on the outside of the building. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBvMYlu8_Ok/Umrc1YQq0lI/AAAAAAAA8HA/VnNEPmG4jJs/s1600/sepan+verstaan+ikkunat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBvMYlu8_Ok/Umrc1YQq0lI/AAAAAAAA8HA/VnNEPmG4jJs/s640/sepan+verstaan+ikkunat.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBOgPzd3qdY/Umrc6cK_IgI/AAAAAAAA8HI/SkIs_j7K_M0/s1600/sepan+verstaan+seinakivia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBOgPzd3qdY/Umrc6cK_IgI/AAAAAAAA8HI/SkIs_j7K_M0/s640/sepan+verstaan+seinakivia.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sMRzSwmREg/Umrc9fziJdI/AAAAAAAA8HQ/wEWDjKvRg9I/s1600/sepan+verstaan+paadyssa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sMRzSwmREg/Umrc9fziJdI/AAAAAAAA8HQ/wEWDjKvRg9I/s640/sepan+verstaan+paadyssa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lots of storage behind these doors. I'm guessing in the olden days this was used for, well, storage.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TH0m_c37u1Q/UmrdXwv5T9I/AAAAAAAA8HY/ROVdUyrBnds/s1600/aitanovet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TH0m_c37u1Q/UmrdXwv5T9I/AAAAAAAA8HY/ROVdUyrBnds/s640/aitanovet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A museum for Kaarlo Kangasniemi, a Finnish weightlifter and Olympic Gold medalist, who was born here in Leineperi.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnwUrrbonNk/UmrdYVi9ByI/AAAAAAAA8Hc/EnRxwJW04hg/s1600/Kaarlo+Kangasniemen+museo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pnwUrrbonNk/UmrdYVi9ByI/AAAAAAAA8Hc/EnRxwJW04hg/s640/Kaarlo+Kangasniemen+museo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The mill.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3lc52yw4fY/UmrdlkuFgYI/AAAAAAAA8Ho/szJO7HyVOuM/s1600/myllyrakennus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V3lc52yw4fY/UmrdlkuFgYI/AAAAAAAA8Ho/szJO7HyVOuM/s640/myllyrakennus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stoneground flour in the making.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-64oJKsL6w/Umrdm1Sh-II/AAAAAAAA8Hw/-M3qoxOJWS4/s1600/myllynkivet+ehka+parempi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-64oJKsL6w/Umrdm1Sh-II/AAAAAAAA8Hw/-M3qoxOJWS4/s640/myllynkivet+ehka+parempi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The old school was built in 1888 and it's still in use!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6mjepD8lzo/Umrdz7cwV0I/AAAAAAAA8IA/tU_iO8pdn9k/s1600/maalaiskoulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6mjepD8lzo/Umrdz7cwV0I/AAAAAAAA8IA/tU_iO8pdn9k/s640/maalaiskoulu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UDDaZq5J0KA/Umrd0KsGCEI/AAAAAAAA8IE/DRWOikOZxm0/s1600/maalaiskoulu+lahikuva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UDDaZq5J0KA/Umrd0KsGCEI/AAAAAAAA8IE/DRWOikOZxm0/s400/maalaiskoulu+lahikuva.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This organ rules the small entrance hall. It brings back memories; my first-grade classroom had one just like it! (I couldn't resist taking the photo, even if I had to do it through the window between the blue doors.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We enjoyed tea and fresh sweet rolls in this seeped-in-tradition cafe, <span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Savipakari </span>("Clay<span style="color: #660000;"> </span>Baker)<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">, </span>established as a bakery in 1860.<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"> </span>They serve lunch and "tea-time"snacks through the summer months (and during winter by reservation). <span style="color: #660000;"> </span>The rye-flour that's ground in the mill gets made into hearty bread rounds and served here!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVKh4kY7hzM/Umrd57Nk_EI/AAAAAAAA8IY/0pZB-MGfnvQ/s1600/kahvio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVKh4kY7hzM/Umrd57Nk_EI/AAAAAAAA8IY/0pZB-MGfnvQ/s640/kahvio.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-553808810973460862013-05-01T20:36:00.001-06:002013-05-01T20:36:23.528-06:00Spring at last?<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">April [snow]showers, May flowers, and a bright look at spring!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The sunny days in April always seem to trick me into thinking that spring is right there, around the corner -and for some lucky ducks it is- but then a chilly wind whips around or the dawn reveals yet another snow blanket on the back deck. Like this morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So you can imagine my delight when the sun pitched in and the deck was summery and shimmery by afternoon. I basked in the promise of spring; maybe this time the warm days will linger until summer takes over and turns them into heat. Fingers crossed. I'm dressing in pastels to will spring here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Hauskaa Vappua! Happy May Day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Our red currant bush made it through the winter and is already boasting tender leaf buds</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1x6n4N0acQ/UYHF7GW7RbI/AAAAAAAA8Ec/ZfBxTfZbGdU/s1600/kevatpuska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1x6n4N0acQ/UYHF7GW7RbI/AAAAAAAA8Ec/ZfBxTfZbGdU/s640/kevatpuska.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">along with the aspen.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In their sheltered corners these tiny flower babies </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">and a daring dandelion </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">share my enthusiasm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm starting to spot bicycles and baby prams and kites. Sure signs of spring around here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When do <i>you</i> have spring? What are your favorite signs for it?</span></div>
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Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-84715695671742105092013-03-23T14:07:00.000-06:002013-03-23T14:09:24.833-06:00JAMBA from Kenya!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1wxDakCxOQ/UU3cE8ptkgI/AAAAAAAA4Q0/zkVMUH5rmbI/s1600/East+Africa+Map+hieno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K1wxDakCxOQ/UU3cE8ptkgI/AAAAAAAA4Q0/zkVMUH5rmbI/s400/East+Africa+Map+hieno.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
map image from google.com (edited by me in Picasa)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Meru, Kenya </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My friend Monica got a chance to volunteer for a trip to Kenya with a group of speech therapists to test children's hearing and train teachers at a School for the Deaf.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She shared some of her photos and told me about her trip. THANKS, MONICA!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGWwQ7smC-s/UU3RvpH9g7I/AAAAAAAA4OM/_hYSr4J88tA/s1600/Hearing+Testing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGWwQ7smC-s/UU3RvpH9g7I/AAAAAAAA4OM/_hYSr4J88tA/s400/Hearing+Testing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9loOJMXaci0/UU3RxJ_EdoI/AAAAAAAA4OU/JIxQXOA7Zjk/s1600/Hearing+testing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9loOJMXaci0/UU3RxJ_EdoI/AAAAAAAA4OU/JIxQXOA7Zjk/s400/Hearing+testing+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hearing test</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuzdWPu3eCM/UU3SDytyyWI/AAAAAAAA4OY/5jNtpvaHujM/s1600/speechteacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NuzdWPu3eCM/UU3SDytyyWI/AAAAAAAA4OY/5jNtpvaHujM/s320/speechteacher.jpg" width="244" /></a> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Painting the school</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The town of Meru is about a three-hour bus ride northeast from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. The roads were ok, but the driving was scary, she told me, with oncoming traffic narrowly escaping as the bus driver charged on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Children always ready for a photo op :-)</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TJmY4wiP_Q/UU3SE_OGyPI/AAAAAAAA4Og/TuczB2uzQjA/s1600/school+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TJmY4wiP_Q/UU3SE_OGyPI/AAAAAAAA4Og/TuczB2uzQjA/s400/school+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Open air market</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHfAW8onfks/UU3SJMBvj8I/AAAAAAAA4Oo/F9KuPWHG_u0/s1600/Open+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHfAW8onfks/UU3SJMBvj8I/AAAAAAAA4Oo/F9KuPWHG_u0/s640/Open+market.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I asked what struck her the most about the area, she said it was the beautiful scenery in great contrast to people living in shacks. There were homeless children ("glue kids" they were called) wandering around with glassed-over eyes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They met a lady who would walk six miles to get water and then walk six miles back!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The people were very friendly and put on dance performances in their visitors' honor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monica went on a two-day <span style="font-size: large;">safari </span>to a Wild Animal Refuge and got to pet a tame rhino!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PCx1WaIln6Y/UU3GjAee6BI/AAAAAAAA4NA/J8IReIC9D5k/s1600/wild+animal+refuge+-tame+rhino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PCx1WaIln6Y/UU3GjAee6BI/AAAAAAAA4NA/J8IReIC9D5k/s640/wild+animal+refuge+-tame+rhino.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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No <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">big wild life ventured into the populated areas, but this little lizard seemed to feel at home with people!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9cz7Fm4c04/UU3TlOiuM8I/AAAAAAAA4Pc/Oz2sHpXpYRM/s1600/Lizzard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9cz7Fm4c04/UU3TlOiuM8I/AAAAAAAA4Pc/Oz2sHpXpYRM/s640/Lizzard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A local way of "carpooling"</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o48dz8jOZQE/UU3Gb40Vi_I/AAAAAAAA4M4/76O3t6Pf7Xk/s1600/carpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o48dz8jOZQE/UU3Gb40Vi_I/AAAAAAAA4M4/76O3t6Pf7Xk/s400/carpool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The meals consisted mostly of rice or banana potatoes (just what the name implies: banana-shaped potatoes) with broth and meat to go over it, and cooked carrots.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lots of fresh fruit, especially bananas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monica's favorites: Wheatabix, chapatis, madas, and samosas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Talking with Monica about her Kenya trip has put East Africa high on my wanderlust list!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">P.S.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a picture of <i>chapati, </i>a flatbread that is used as both bread and "utensils" -you break off a piece and wipe your plate clean.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbJmuEauZB4/UU3TmmwnWXI/AAAAAAAA4Pk/K4WTG8yArMQ/s1600/chapati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vbJmuEauZB4/UU3TmmwnWXI/AAAAAAAA4Pk/K4WTG8yArMQ/s400/chapati.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Samosas</i> are savory pastries filled with potatoes and other vegetables and ground meat.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg5wLIi-30I/UU3TnnzW2rI/AAAAAAAA4Ps/lCVID3MEh2U/s1600/samosas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg5wLIi-30I/UU3TnnzW2rI/AAAAAAAA4Ps/lCVID3MEh2U/s400/samosas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
photo from wikipedia<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I looked up a recipe from food.com -I want to try these!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Note: This recipe suggests deep frying, but in the interest of health, I'm going to try a <b>baked version </b>and mix in <b>whole wheat</b> flour. I'm also adding<b> peas </b>into the filling, as I noticed it was mentioned in a lot of the recipes I looked at. You can add cooked ground meat into the filling as well.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Samosas</b> </span>(makes 20)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Ingredients</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Pastry:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat, half white)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 Tbsp vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">water</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Filling:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 large potatoes, boiled and chopped<br style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" />1 onion, chopped<br style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">2 green chilis, very finely chopped</span></span><br style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">3 Tbsp oil</span></span><br style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">1/2 tsp ginger, grated</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tsp garlic, crushed</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">coriander seeds</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">1 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">juice of half lemon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tsp turmeric</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">1/2 tsp garam masala*</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 tsp red chili powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(peas, cooked ground meat)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Directions</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">1. Mix together flour, oil, and salt</span></span><br style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">2. Add a little water until mixture becomes crumbly </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">3.Keep adding water, kneading the mixture till it becomes a soft pliable dough.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Cover with a moist cloth and set aside for 20 minutes.<br style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; line-height: 22px; outline: none;" /><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">5. Beat dough on a work surface and knead again.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Cover and set aside.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Filling</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Heat 3 Tbsp oil</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Add ginger, garlic, green chilis, and a few coriander seeds</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Stir fry for 1 minute, add onions and saute till light brown.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Add cilantro (fresh coriander), lemon juice, turmeric, red chili, salt, garam masala* (or ground cumin)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Stir fry for 2 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Add potatoes and stir fry for 2 minutes.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Set aside and allow to cool.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">(Add cooked ground meat)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Divide dough into 10 equal portions.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Use a rolling pin, roll a piece of dough into a 5" oval.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Cut into 2 halves.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Run a moist finger along the diameter.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Roll around finger to make a cone.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Place a tablespoon of the filling into the cone.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Seal the third side using a moist finger.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Deep fry the samosas on low to medium heat until light brown.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 22px;">*</span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">garam masala, </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 22px;">an Indian spice mix, can be omitted and replaced with a dash of </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"> ground cumin </b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #e6e1c1; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-73279163115302794682013-03-04T10:18:00.000-07:002013-03-04T10:18:52.999-07:00Navy Pier, Chicago<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">An afternoon at the Pier! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A photo fest by Mia K</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the shores of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier started in 1916 as a commercial pier and a public gathering place for picnics, with a dance hall, a playground, and an auditorium (complete with a radio station).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From 1941 to 1946 the grounds were used as a Navy Training Center.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The University of Illinois had its facilities there 1946-65.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since then, the Pier has resumed a recreational function -conveniently close to downtown. Available from the dock are sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and a taxi service; fireworks light up the sky Wednesdays and Saturdays on summer nights and Saturdays in the fall. There are festivals for Halloween and Christmas, and</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> fairs throughout the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All ages can enjoy the Children's Museum, IMAX theater, and the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">at the entrance to Navy Pier Park</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDvZT8sQz4s/UTI5FTKTBqI/AAAAAAAAs-c/YpgSBw3MGmU/s1600/navy+pier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDvZT8sQz4s/UTI5FTKTBqI/AAAAAAAAs-c/YpgSBw3MGmU/s400/navy+pier.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">anchor from naval vessel USS Chicago</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1SSZ3872u4E/UTTTidnQNbI/AAAAAAAAuB4/A6yKfVHgElU/s1600/anchor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1SSZ3872u4E/UTTTidnQNbI/AAAAAAAAuB4/A6yKfVHgElU/s400/anchor.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ygo8n0Yq7YE/UTI5IEV3mJI/AAAAAAAAs-k/Hyv8tibxtDo/s1600/pilvenpiirtajat+ja+kuumailmapallo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ygo8n0Yq7YE/UTI5IEV3mJI/AAAAAAAAs-k/Hyv8tibxtDo/s400/pilvenpiirtajat+ja+kuumailmapallo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">up, up...</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRI69eocOgc/UTI47fw-HHI/AAAAAAAAs-I/bAIN4KEjpJE/s1600/hot+air+balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRI69eocOgc/UTI47fw-HHI/AAAAAAAAs-I/bAIN4KEjpJE/s400/hot+air+balloon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> and away!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlNH84SafD4/UTI49zkELAI/AAAAAAAAs-U/y1RvEJMmWDI/s1600/navy+pier+hot+air+balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlNH84SafD4/UTI49zkELAI/AAAAAAAAs-U/y1RvEJMmWDI/s400/navy+pier+hot+air+balloon.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">sailor boy with brother and dad</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuoXgYoOUhU/UTI7IDL831I/AAAAAAAAs-o/mbtg-_a9Erw/s1600/isa+ja+pojat+toinen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuoXgYoOUhU/UTI7IDL831I/AAAAAAAAs-o/mbtg-_a9Erw/s400/isa+ja+pojat+toinen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-tempting, no?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIzZz1BIRYo/UTI7r-jRWVI/AAAAAAAAs-w/ojQEh6DTqAQ/s1600/pirate+ship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIzZz1BIRYo/UTI7r-jRWVI/AAAAAAAAs-w/ojQEh6DTqAQ/s400/pirate+ship.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDu_T0dqZzk/UTI7zZM9DeI/AAAAAAAAs-4/eRq3md2UFKw/s1600/navy+pier+hot+dog+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDu_T0dqZzk/UTI7zZM9DeI/AAAAAAAAs-4/eRq3md2UFKw/s400/navy+pier+hot+dog+stand.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">swings surrounded by a "pond" with row boats</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqbjBdp0F9Q/UTTS-SYP-WI/AAAAAAAAuBw/CfYh0hQrqdM/s1600/navy+pier+swings+with+pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqbjBdp0F9Q/UTTS-SYP-WI/AAAAAAAAuBw/CfYh0hQrqdM/s400/navy+pier+swings+with+pond.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMjkJmc0SpY/UTI7_lYyyAI/AAAAAAAAs_I/S1Nve-aiE70/s1600/swings+in+motion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMjkJmc0SpY/UTI7_lYyyAI/AAAAAAAAs_I/S1Nve-aiE70/s640/swings+in+motion.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">no pier is complete without a Ferris wheel!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmyXO6r06N4/UTI44nUoLyI/AAAAAAAAs-E/g2j9MtVWrIQ/s1600/navy+pier+sign+and+ferris+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmyXO6r06N4/UTI44nUoLyI/AAAAAAAAs-E/g2j9MtVWrIQ/s400/navy+pier+sign+and+ferris+wheel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nM16UmP90hk/UTI8t6GCaDI/AAAAAAAAs_k/NkWx6RbLJrQ/s1600/ferris+wheel+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nM16UmP90hk/UTI8t6GCaDI/AAAAAAAAs_k/NkWx6RbLJrQ/s400/ferris+wheel+3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdqD8bp_-7c/UTI8sSjp76I/AAAAAAAAs_c/1JDkx6cj-oc/s1600/ferris+wheel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdqD8bp_-7c/UTI8sSjp76I/AAAAAAAAs_c/1JDkx6cj-oc/s640/ferris+wheel+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">skyline view from 150 ft (46m)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUPkdvubsiQ/UTI9eJQ80eI/AAAAAAAAs_0/mjaw6BsX8rw/s1600/navy+pier+park+from+ferris+wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUPkdvubsiQ/UTI9eJQ80eI/AAAAAAAAs_0/mjaw6BsX8rw/s400/navy+pier+park+from+ferris+wheel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zO4hG2oby8/UTI9a3o-33I/AAAAAAAAs_s/1lpnPaaNIpM/s1600/navy+pier+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zO4hG2oby8/UTI9a3o-33I/AAAAAAAAs_s/1lpnPaaNIpM/s400/navy+pier+park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">winding down </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXTca-Q0Mms/UTI-HkuHI9I/AAAAAAAAtAU/loCz9hBJmKU/s1600/navy+pier+shore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXTca-Q0Mms/UTI-HkuHI9I/AAAAAAAAtAU/loCz9hBJmKU/s400/navy+pier+shore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6OKK1_iWmQ/UTI-Mp0xIMI/AAAAAAAAtAc/wIkujKom4Fs/s1600/navy+pier+lighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m6OKK1_iWmQ/UTI-Mp0xIMI/AAAAAAAAtAc/wIkujKom4Fs/s400/navy+pier+lighthouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zmnATbSLr9c/UTTUPBxQCgI/AAAAAAAAuCA/aarQEkLFFbY/s1600/navy+pier+majakka+suorassa+toinen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zmnATbSLr9c/UTTUPBxQCgI/AAAAAAAAuCA/aarQEkLFFbY/s400/navy+pier+majakka+suorassa+toinen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggxh7Bo2jis/UTOBSmJIkBI/AAAAAAAAtgI/rgLU7Xi-sv8/s1600/purjelaiva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggxh7Bo2jis/UTOBSmJIkBI/AAAAAAAAtgI/rgLU7Xi-sv8/s640/purjelaiva.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">... into the evening at Navy Pier</span></div>
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Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-30685820871700366242013-03-02T12:56:00.001-07:002013-03-02T12:56:53.082-07:00Go away, winter blues<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring is lurking around the corner, I <i>know</i> it is, and to get me through the last bit of "still-winter" I'm busying myself with designing new items for my etsy shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Posting about my grandparents' trip to Russia reminded me how as a child I would watch in fascination Russian folk dancers swooshing their brilliant costumes on stage. So I painted a pillow cover mimicking the vivid hues.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOEVUcwVybM/UTJQDLgj7lI/AAAAAAAAtDg/ueWOZq5bOiU/s1600/bright+colors+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOEVUcwVybM/UTJQDLgj7lI/AAAAAAAAtDg/ueWOZq5bOiU/s320/bright+colors+detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been reminiscing about my time in Paris with these .</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G13Qdv2M560/UTJQjocGQQI/AAAAAAAAtEY/SVGQvZTN078/s1600/Paris+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G13Qdv2M560/UTJQjocGQQI/AAAAAAAAtEY/SVGQvZTN078/s320/Paris+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIycgjsiPqU/UTJQKqH0U0I/AAAAAAAAtDw/R0yTsDKT00Y/s1600/french+text+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIycgjsiPqU/UTJQKqH0U0I/AAAAAAAAtDw/R0yTsDKT00Y/s320/french+text+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6Bc3kbjaVQ/UTJQfeYyByI/AAAAAAAAtEQ/NRmL8nTsnGw/s1600/Paris+black+edesta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6Bc3kbjaVQ/UTJQfeYyByI/AAAAAAAAtEQ/NRmL8nTsnGw/s320/Paris+black+edesta.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Getting ready for Saint Patrick's Day :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And this one's just cheery!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbrckix_px4/UTJQqOGOkPI/AAAAAAAAtEo/uBa34PZ6igA/s1600/Tytto+ja+leija+edesta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbrckix_px4/UTJQqOGOkPI/AAAAAAAAtEo/uBa34PZ6igA/s320/Tytto+ja+leija+edesta.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">YAY for warm memories and vivid colors to chase away the blues!</span><br />
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Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-83578434687158720352013-02-27T11:08:00.000-07:002013-03-02T12:57:06.187-07:00Time Travel: Saint Petersburg, Russia<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I own just a handful of photos of my grandparents' travels -and they made countless trips. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are a few clips of their trip to <b>Saint Petersburg </b>(<i>Leningrad</i>, at the time).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They (and some relatives) took a bus tour from Helsinki -the ride was about six hours long.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eWYR_RY3K0/US42oten0II/AAAAAAAArZM/6Lu8kwzkciA/s1600/mummon+ja+pappan+reissuja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6eWYR_RY3K0/US42oten0II/AAAAAAAArZM/6Lu8kwzkciA/s400/mummon+ja+pappan+reissuja.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Many of the buildings survived war times and still stand today. I'm fascinated by the rich architecture.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBKOLlTfhVI/US42sFGDZ_I/AAAAAAAArZU/N5LAzb-IiKs/s1600/mummon+ja+pappan+reissuja+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CBKOLlTfhVI/US42sFGDZ_I/AAAAAAAArZU/N5LAzb-IiKs/s400/mummon+ja+pappan+reissuja+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Did you notice they wore suits and dresses for the trip?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The <i>Peterhof Fountains</i> (The Grand Cascade)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITZaGoz8OK0/US42tOYl2gI/AAAAAAAArZc/UfP3KE3RX6c/s1600/mummon+ja+pappan+reissuja+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ITZaGoz8OK0/US42tOYl2gI/AAAAAAAArZc/UfP3KE3RX6c/s400/mummon+ja+pappan+reissuja+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">St. Petersburg's nickname <i>The Venice of the North </i>has stuck for a reason.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITcvP2_9yi0/US432tyXkPI/AAAAAAAArZ8/wt9OPTG53To/s1600/introduction-to-our-virtual-tour+St+Petersburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ITcvP2_9yi0/US432tyXkPI/AAAAAAAArZ8/wt9OPTG53To/s400/introduction-to-our-virtual-tour+St+Petersburg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">photo by St.Petersburg.com</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rivers and canals meander through the city. A staggering 700+ squares fit in. For relaxing and taking in the outdoors you can choose from over 200 parks and gardens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tree-lined streets add to the charm of this grand city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember as a child being impressed with the voices of the show choirs from Russia (The Soviet Union).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The dancers' colorful folk dress is still vivid in my mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thinking back to those memories inspired me to paint this pillow.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57Jh9nTOTnc/US45pLVsKkI/AAAAAAAAraE/ann8XmkIPGM/s1600/varikas+kasinmaalattu+tyyny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57Jh9nTOTnc/US45pLVsKkI/AAAAAAAAraE/ann8XmkIPGM/s400/varikas+kasinmaalattu+tyyny.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As kids we got to play with the traditional wooden nestling dolls my grandparents brought back as souvenirs. They were lustrously hand-painted! I loved the tiny baby, barely the size of my pinkie tip, snug in the very center after you carefully opened six or seven layers. In the more intricate sets, even the tiny babe came open! The </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 23.390625px;">Matrjoška dolls </span><span style="line-height: 23.390625px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and p</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ainted eggs gave me the idea for this pillow. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6SBybsp2t4/US5Kg7ol1jI/AAAAAAAArdU/A9bRoIaXriQ/s1600/maatuska+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6SBybsp2t4/US5Kg7ol1jI/AAAAAAAArdU/A9bRoIaXriQ/s400/maatuska+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you have old-time photos of someone's travels? Does it give you a kaleidoscope for linking the past with the present?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-78738331072807127142013-02-23T17:20:00.001-07:002013-02-23T17:21:06.925-07:00Paris revisited<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Paris, ooh-la-la!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I came across a blog post about a young woman who quit her day job and started a business selling hand-written letters. She illustrated them in watercolor, telling about her time in Paris. Brilliant! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzXepv7Psus/USkxxcpdDSI/AAAAAAAApc8/gzkisKGo2xY/s1600/paris+letters+by+janice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzXepv7Psus/USkxxcpdDSI/AAAAAAAApc8/gzkisKGo2xY/s320/paris+letters+by+janice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> You can find her art in her etsy shop <b>JaniceArtShip </b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Reading about her got me remembering <i>my</i> visit to Paris and post cards I sent to my friends and family. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maybe they've held onto some of them (even if mine are not beautifully illustrated letters). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember I made my way from Germany to France by train. Lindau to Strasbourg first, to be exact, and from there to Paris the next morning. On the train I met the nicest lady from Tibet, who lived in a flat in Paris. She invited me to stay with her! While I do not recommend this type of arrangement when you're on the road on your own (!), I was in luck as Tinley turned out to be trustworthy and so, so nice. Out-of-her-way nice, actually. She took me around Paris to see the sights, and gave me tips like only a local could. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I dug up some photos to show you. (Pardon the quality.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had boarded the train in Strasbourg at 6:08 that morning and arrived at<i> Gare du Nord</i>, one of the train hubs in Paris shortly after 9. From there a good connection by M</span><span style="line-height: 23.390625px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">étro to my stop La Chapelle, and a walk to Rue du Faubourg where I would stay with my new-found friend.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oLXf39hHEw/USkz3oLslSI/AAAAAAAApdE/A4uoloHNp6s/s1600/Gare+du+Nord+Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oLXf39hHEw/USkz3oLslSI/AAAAAAAApdE/A4uoloHNp6s/s400/Gare+du+Nord+Paris.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
(photo by wikipedia)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttT9fVKKrFQ/USk1YQmC98I/AAAAAAAApds/mM36DSkoLNo/s1600/Canal+Saint-Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttT9fVKKrFQ/USk1YQmC98I/AAAAAAAApds/mM36DSkoLNo/s400/Canal+Saint-Martin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Canal de Saint Martin <span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo by wikipedia)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I think of Paris I see cafes and bakeries lining the narrow streets. I picture unhurried walks on the Seine and artists in the park. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I remember writing on post cards of our days filled with walks to the bakery, watching in amazement the artists at<i> Montmartre, </i> perusing an open air market, visiting <i>The Sacre </i></span><span style="line-height: 23.390625px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Cœur Basilica, Palais de Chaillot, </i>and <i>Moulin Rouge, </i>a</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23.390625px;">nd gazing at the </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23.390625px;">Eiffel Tower. </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23.390625px;">We took the metro to the <i>Avenue des </i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 23.390625px;"><i>Champs-</i></span><span style="line-height: 23.390625px;"><i>Elysées </i>where cafes, theaters, and luxury shops line the wide street, and examined at close range the <i>Arc de Triomphe.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 23.390625px;">We had fun experiencing Paris by Night! We took a look at <i>Centre Georges Pompidou, </i>I bought myself a pair of sandals, and we caught not one, but<i> two </i>Chinese movies!</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 23.390625px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Montmartre </i>with watercolors, portrait sketches, and caricaturists</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxKkO4sx2cA/USk9aDG1-oI/AAAAAAAApfU/1pRSQ7Zo9lw/s1600/Artist+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxKkO4sx2cA/USk9aDG1-oI/AAAAAAAApfU/1pRSQ7Zo9lw/s400/Artist+park.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sacre C<span style="line-height: 23.390625px;">Å“ur B</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">asilica</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jH0lZVCskOM/USk9dR7722I/AAAAAAAApfc/Z3kevDwjtC0/s1600/le+sacre+ceour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jH0lZVCskOM/USk9dR7722I/AAAAAAAApfc/Z3kevDwjtC0/s400/le+sacre+ceour.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCLkIjhv4HY/USk9gLC93tI/AAAAAAAApfk/wuoxgadlBbQ/s1600/rappusilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qCLkIjhv4HY/USk9gLC93tI/AAAAAAAApfk/wuoxgadlBbQ/s400/rappusilla.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIPqIQ0XFCI/USlPKjrD8RI/AAAAAAAApic/Lt1cVXWjcwo/s1600/kitara+rapuilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIPqIQ0XFCI/USlPKjrD8RI/AAAAAAAApic/Lt1cVXWjcwo/s400/kitara+rapuilla.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Music on the steps :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">View over the city from Sacre </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">C</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 23.390625px;">Å“ur</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Ej0pSFf30/USk9jedLKBI/AAAAAAAApfs/xoH-2V9og6o/s1600/nakyma+sacre+coeurilta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Ej0pSFf30/USk9jedLKBI/AAAAAAAApfs/xoH-2V9og6o/s400/nakyma+sacre+coeurilta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Palais de Chaillot, which houses several museum<span style="line-height: 23.390625px;">s</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z90dkUGGy9Y/USlSfzwPnkI/AAAAAAAApjM/0F9yQYinY34/s1600/in+front+of+Palais+de+Chaillot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z90dkUGGy9Y/USlSfzwPnkI/AAAAAAAApjM/0F9yQYinY34/s400/in+front+of+Palais+de+Chaillot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This inscription by French poet Paul </span><span style="line-height: 23.390625px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Valéry is on</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> one of the sides: </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E68cR_NNgmA/USk_uRGCrBI/AAAAAAAApgc/v9Je2XwO9qw/s1600/Inscription+on+Palais+de+Chaillot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E68cR_NNgmA/USk_uRGCrBI/AAAAAAAApgc/v9Je2XwO9qw/s640/Inscription+on+Palais+de+Chaillot.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">"All men create without knowing it, as they breathe, but the artist is aware and engages everything he is, and his beloved pain strengthens him." </span><span style="text-align: left;">(artistic freedom applied on translation) :)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3317E3Lz7DM/USlSc0YudFI/AAAAAAAApjE/AaBylLqZOr4/s1600/Champs+Elysees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3317E3Lz7DM/USlSc0YudFI/AAAAAAAApjE/AaBylLqZOr4/s640/Champs+Elysees.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Paris experience included home-made dinner Tibetan style and relaxing teatime at the end of full days to digest all that we took in of this "City of Lights".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-10329027569924282172013-02-20T11:34:00.000-07:002013-02-20T11:34:27.266-07:00Accomplishments<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's about time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Tempus fugit</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkZVZDUL7b8/USUBSlSDMtI/AAAAAAAAn1w/OHDHFvP1cVE/s1600/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkZVZDUL7b8/USUBSlSDMtI/AAAAAAAAn1w/OHDHFvP1cVE/s640/time.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lately I've been feeling like life is sort of slipping through my fingers. It seems like it's always time for bed once again and at the end of the (busy) day I can't remember what I've done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm a list maker. I need to write things down so that I don't walk around in a frenzy trying to remember what I'm forgetting. I cross things off as I complete tasks and then forget about what I've accomplished. So it's time to take a new approach.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I saw somewhere an idea for a<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>List Jar</b></span> and decided to give it a go. I jot down my list as usual, but then, instead of throwing the list away after crossing off the accomplished things , I write them on pretty slips of paper and put the slips in a jar. I notice everything I do, from menial chores like doing the dishes and laundry to creative ventures like painting pillow covers to being kind like visiting someone lonely. Not all the things I do come from the To Do-list, but if I do it, it goes in the jar. This is a therapeutic way for me to see that life is <i>not</i> slipping through my fingers and I am <i>not</i> just idly standing by. :-) Already I see the jar filling up! </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBCa-T4Llm8/USUCXTVDo_I/AAAAAAAAn14/3tj2qVgAL2o/s1600/list+jar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBCa-T4Llm8/USUCXTVDo_I/AAAAAAAAn14/3tj2qVgAL2o/s400/list+jar.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll keep adding to my jar until it's to the brim and then I think I'll start a <b><span style="font-size: large;">notebook</span></b>. A friend told me how excited she was to read a diary that her grandmother she never knew had filled up with lists of her everyday doings. (She baked lots of pies and took them to people to cheer them up!) What an fascinating way to get to know someone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About a year ago I made a list of fun things I'd like to do in the new year. I had a blast doing a bunch of them:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<u>Be amazed</u>: I saw <i>Phantom of the Opera</i> and <i>Les Miserables</i> and was amazed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<u>Learn to dance</u>: Not from Zac Efron as originally planned (hah). Nevertheless, loads of fun; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> my Brazilian friends taught me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<u>Midnight kiss at New Year's</u>: check ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<u>Own a kooky umbrella</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<u>Get dessert as an appetizer </u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<u>Go to London</u>: Repeat, please!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-<u>Go to "Bali"</u>: My sister took me to a Resort & Spa in Finland</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-<u>Paint a picture</u></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23FvH_jS_Ck/USUK_kl7LmI/AAAAAAAAn30/JrLPvoozmrM/s1600/paarynakuva+tyynyynsuojaan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-23FvH_jS_Ck/USUK_kl7LmI/AAAAAAAAn30/JrLPvoozmrM/s320/paarynakuva+tyynyynsuojaan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What we do with our time matters. Life comes in stages and what we concentrate our energies on varies by stage. But every stage is prime.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A quote by April Monroe comes to mind. "Sometimes the most moving, altering moments of life are in fact only moments. Sometimes they are not destined to be novels, essays, or memoirs." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes we just need to take the moments and appreciate what we're experiencing. :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My list jar is showing me a nice blend of work, play, and making a difference. (A Blog Post slip goes in!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How do <i>you</i> measure what you do in a day? Are you a list maker? A journal keeper? I hope you feel accomplished!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-91482491082521476742013-02-15T17:32:00.001-07:002013-02-15T17:32:45.723-07:00Herm's Inn<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6rs_labhgY/UR7KihzeBvI/AAAAAAAAlaY/cU7JGo-nDVM/s1600/Herm's+Inn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6rs_labhgY/UR7KihzeBvI/AAAAAAAAlaY/cU7JGo-nDVM/s640/Herm's+Inn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A charming gas-station and inn from the olden days, Herm's Inn is now renovated and expanded to be a trendy restaurant that draws a breakfast and lunch crowd at the mouth of Logan Canyon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The place used to be known as the last chance to fill up your tank -and your vehicle's- before venturing into the winding canyon that leads to Bear Lake and beyond into Idaho and Wyoming. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgncM-iGPZo/UR7LzYbpLuI/AAAAAAAAlbo/fXjHA41mtYk/s1600/Herm%2527s+Inn+ruokaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LgncM-iGPZo/UR7LzYbpLuI/AAAAAAAAlbo/fXjHA41mtYk/s400/Herm%2527s+Inn+ruokaa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hungry as a bear or on a health kick? The menu items satisfy a variety of moods. Sandwiches, salads, and traditional breakfast foods (the homemade pancake syrup is to die for), hearty skillet meals, and crepes -all worth a try. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Herm's Inn caters, too. Check out these beauties, enjoyed at a Christmas party :</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvcR1OcMILk/UR7Q-Wc4kvI/AAAAAAAAlfk/B4p12l363w8/s1600/alkupala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvcR1OcMILk/UR7Q-Wc4kvI/AAAAAAAAlfk/B4p12l363w8/s400/alkupala.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8kmSDjeuFk/UR7LoTBnQ4I/AAAAAAAAla4/D5wkxzv2yrE/s1600/Herm's+Inn+fireplace+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V8kmSDjeuFk/UR7LoTBnQ4I/AAAAAAAAla4/D5wkxzv2yrE/s400/Herm's+Inn+fireplace+art.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A fun and funky spot for relaxing among friends with a plate of good food. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-25023679054953896862013-02-11T18:27:00.000-07:002013-02-11T18:27:52.416-07:00Santorini, Greece: Fira & Kamari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you live in my hemisphere, you may be ready for more sun rays to brighten the chilly days and bring hope of a new spring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So while we wait, let's dip into the reserves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sister K and daughter M had a fabulous week in Greece. These great photos by M depict the island of Santorini. To me it equals a blue and white paradise. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Fira,</span></b> the capital of Santorini island, affords quiet corners and cafes to take in the calming views of the sea. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EO51si4_l6Y/URmKAiYQBRI/AAAAAAAAjcc/VSgMduMeuec/s1600/santorini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zu86huejKZg/URmKZ0RwpCI/AAAAAAAAjdM/arwUukx8ePI/s1600/fira+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zu86huejKZg/URmKZ0RwpCI/AAAAAAAAjdM/arwUukx8ePI/s400/fira+3.jpg" width="400" /></a><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EO51si4_l6Y/URmKAiYQBRI/AAAAAAAAjcc/VSgMduMeuec/s400/santorini.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many churches and monasteries dot the town, as they do most of Santorini.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKFSh2V8uXo/URmKD9CzImI/AAAAAAAAjck/AU9z4HbB7jE/s1600/church+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKFSh2V8uXo/URmKD9CzImI/AAAAAAAAjck/AU9z4HbB7jE/s400/church+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqd1DJSZlgE/URmKI2fXV9I/AAAAAAAAjc0/Oq19Qwm1W4U/s1600/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqd1DJSZlgE/URmKI2fXV9I/AAAAAAAAjc0/Oq19Qwm1W4U/s400/church.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omE2fMg5-78/URmKJMif_uI/AAAAAAAAjc8/PjXLXBvk49E/s1600/fira+family+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omE2fMg5-78/URmKJMif_uI/AAAAAAAAjc8/PjXLXBvk49E/s400/fira+family+church.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhdm6BAuvR4/URmKKvg0_KI/AAAAAAAAjdE/GOkjoxuLh44/s1600/fira+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mhdm6BAuvR4/URmKKvg0_KI/AAAAAAAAjdE/GOkjoxuLh44/s400/fira+church.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc0XzGx3GmU/URmKcXGkBLI/AAAAAAAAjdU/s29EENJ3Wv4/s1600/fira+church+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc0XzGx3GmU/URmKcXGkBLI/AAAAAAAAjdU/s29EENJ3Wv4/s400/fira+church+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Boat in water...</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtdvgNg6c_0/URmMcl3IqpI/AAAAAAAAjfM/vuiIotnD1Oc/s1600/boat+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YtdvgNg6c_0/URmMcl3IqpI/AAAAAAAAjfM/vuiIotnD1Oc/s400/boat+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... Boat out of water :-)</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khZWygQ0xYk/URmMf2w21uI/AAAAAAAAjfU/UaX67KkRw7A/s1600/boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khZWygQ0xYk/URmMf2w21uI/AAAAAAAAjfU/UaX67KkRw7A/s400/boat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_837vA5fDG0/URmMj2m6jrI/AAAAAAAAjfk/sT1j5SUKC5U/s1600/fira+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_837vA5fDG0/URmMj2m6jrI/AAAAAAAAjfk/sT1j5SUKC5U/s400/fira+bar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLoWx2_JJfM/URmMr688D8I/AAAAAAAAjf8/1em2pd-vTU8/s1600/fira+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLoWx2_JJfM/URmMr688D8I/AAAAAAAAjf8/1em2pd-vTU8/s400/fira+statue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Signage</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsES5TGdT0U/URmRalw3LlI/AAAAAAAAjjM/K0ajJiHhZhA/s1600/fira+signage+and+street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsES5TGdT0U/URmRalw3LlI/AAAAAAAAjjM/K0ajJiHhZhA/s400/fira+signage+and+street.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little bit of country...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KynyJBheCqg/URmMhML84BI/AAAAAAAAjfc/0cbhc1VYcFw/s1600/chickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KynyJBheCqg/URmMhML84BI/AAAAAAAAjfc/0cbhc1VYcFw/s400/chickens.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">... and a little bit of... well, shopping</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luLrjCKMaQc/URmMsApKWuI/AAAAAAAAjgE/coTOo1hh-n0/s1600/fira+shops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-luLrjCKMaQc/URmMsApKWuI/AAAAAAAAjgE/coTOo1hh-n0/s400/fira+shops.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2neFqWLVbA/URmMorWH5AI/AAAAAAAAjf0/F21j7OcTSLI/s1600/fira+shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2neFqWLVbA/URmMorWH5AI/AAAAAAAAjf0/F21j7OcTSLI/s400/fira+shopping.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXfm3SIivlo/URmMs9qDPvI/AAAAAAAAjgM/YaDzv9Iswcg/s1600/fira+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXfm3SIivlo/URmMs9qDPvI/AAAAAAAAjgM/YaDzv9Iswcg/s400/fira+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZNmzQyy3f0/URmMttYmXtI/AAAAAAAAjgU/-A37-zO6uUM/s1600/fira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZNmzQyy3f0/URmMttYmXtI/AAAAAAAAjgU/-A37-zO6uUM/s400/fira.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDPKFZ8XzPw/URmMk9MR0WI/AAAAAAAAjfs/irF0m7rVVWg/s1600/fira+ocean+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GDPKFZ8XzPw/URmMk9MR0WI/AAAAAAAAjfs/irF0m7rVVWg/s400/fira+ocean+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Water taxi ride</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhoLnnDyG58/URmP-JZZW3I/AAAAAAAAjhc/rvrtdI9V7Jg/s1600/taxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhoLnnDyG58/URmP-JZZW3I/AAAAAAAAjhc/rvrtdI9V7Jg/s400/taxi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAwXoz8kQnA/URmP_xTfUNI/AAAAAAAAjhk/2ieqcK3XpBw/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAwXoz8kQnA/URmP_xTfUNI/AAAAAAAAjhk/2ieqcK3XpBw/s400/tree.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Hotel Argo</i> in <b><span style="font-size: large;">Kamari</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Many of the streets are constructed with such care.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwmctXB5PNI/URmRHOBxRuI/AAAAAAAAjiU/nXiQdwIaTgY/s1600/kamari+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwmctXB5PNI/URmRHOBxRuI/AAAAAAAAjiU/nXiQdwIaTgY/s400/kamari+road.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This wall has a door that leads to the other side... why?</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3YaT7IlTQxw/URmRXAIDKZI/AAAAAAAAjjE/IepC26CecsA/s1600/gate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3YaT7IlTQxw/URmRXAIDKZI/AAAAAAAAjjE/IepC26CecsA/s640/gate.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7Tjy9cubvE/URmRg-y7yeI/AAAAAAAAjjU/G_ziM1gnkSM/s1600/kamari+church+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7Tjy9cubvE/URmRg-y7yeI/AAAAAAAAjjU/G_ziM1gnkSM/s400/kamari+church+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Summer stroll</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwjHIjXxp1E/URmRhoxX6WI/AAAAAAAAjjc/MYn_qnQJ3x0/s1600/santorini+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dwjHIjXxp1E/URmRhoxX6WI/AAAAAAAAjjc/MYn_qnQJ3x0/s640/santorini+steps.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cliff houses</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rHBRX7JUBo/URmRmdnk3JI/AAAAAAAAjjk/8oahXy7fwKw/s1600/santorini+cliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1rHBRX7JUBo/URmRmdnk3JI/AAAAAAAAjjk/8oahXy7fwKw/s400/santorini+cliff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Ol5_-EYQfg/URmRNk12L-I/AAAAAAAAjik/HZFQc6jG07U/s1600/lunch+balcony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Ol5_-EYQfg/URmRNk12L-I/AAAAAAAAjik/HZFQc6jG07U/s400/lunch+balcony.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wb6DlDCI2es/URmRL28CS1I/AAAAAAAAjic/OU9K1xU_pcs/s1600/kamari+vine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wb6DlDCI2es/URmRL28CS1I/AAAAAAAAjic/OU9K1xU_pcs/s640/kamari+vine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There we are. A quick dream trip to satisfy the summer-yearning soul. </span></div>
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Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-57214553202294300922013-02-06T14:53:00.000-07:002013-02-06T14:53:49.654-07:00Polar Bear Plunge<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">SUB. ZERO.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">'Can't imagine even the Finn in me would get me to take this jump, but I know some people who dove right into Hyrum Dam at the <b>Cache County Polar Plunge </b>-"Freezin' for a Reason" to raise money for <i>Special Olympics</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(I learned there are three million athletes worldwide!) </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--p-_1jzXlyg/URLKaFk-bBI/AAAAAAAAhI0/n-c8ijNY4Ik/s1600/Polar+Bear+Plunge+Hyrum+Dam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--p-_1jzXlyg/URLKaFk-bBI/AAAAAAAAhI0/n-c8ijNY4Ik/s400/Polar+Bear+Plunge+Hyrum+Dam.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Crazy, no?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This year's fundraiser is on Feb 8-9 with plunges at midnight and noon. There will be lots of teeth clattering, but what better reward than a warm heart!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-32519110983525798922013-01-22T15:13:00.000-07:002013-01-22T15:13:38.765-07:00Moab, Utah<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;">High adventure in </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: #660000;">Moab</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the Southeastern corner of the state of Utah, a town of about 5,000 people welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to take in the unbelievable landscapes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You're bound to find an activity to relax, take your breath away, or just appreciate the bounties of nature, no matter what your level of tolerance for excitement. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some available thrills: Mountain biking, four-wheeling, hiking, canyon trips, scenic flights, ballooning, skydiving, golfing, and river rafting and fishing on the Colorado River.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The winter months in the LaSal mountains provide opportunities for sledding, skiing, and snowmobiling. But please be aware of high avalanche danger from November through April!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our family and friends are a bunch of Jeeping enthusiasts, so this is what they do:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Would you want to ride along?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Riverside Inn, right on Main Street, offers affordable accommodations. The best part: an outdoor pool for those scorching summer days. (There is no shortage of motels and inns in the area -just be sure to reserve a room early.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The world's largest concentration of sandstone arches is found in these parts -just outside of Moab in<i> <b>Arches National Park.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Canyonlands</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The temperatures in Moab's canyon country range from a cool December and January to a hot July and August.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's an example of average temperatures:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">January- Day 41F/5C, Night 17F/-8C</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May- Day 82F/28C, Night 48F/9C</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">July/August- Day 98F/37C, Night 63F/17C</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">October- Day 73F/23C, Night 39F/4C</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">December- Day 44F/7C, Night 20F/-7C</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can see, the temps vary from night to day, as well as from low valleys to high mountains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the rainfall happens in March and April and winter months yield a few inches of snow in the valleys. The high mountains get enough snow to cushion winter sports.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Colorado River freshens the reddish surroundings. (It flows wider, swifter, and clearer in parts not pictured here.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming and going through the highlands. The aspen and oak trees color the scenery from spring to autumn.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X80BYCQCQHQ/UP7-3zwUB0I/AAAAAAAAZsU/wKFgsbTFUBw/s1600/moab+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X80BYCQCQHQ/UP7-3zwUB0I/AAAAAAAAZsU/wKFgsbTFUBw/s640/moab+7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-67656033804122024522013-01-18T11:44:00.000-07:002013-01-18T11:44:59.875-07:00Grosse Point Lighthouse<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhkwAVUxIOk/UPmK7E_lTZI/AAAAAAAAXaU/xKu_W9Noitc/s1600/grosse+point+light+station+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhkwAVUxIOk/UPmK7E_lTZI/AAAAAAAAXaU/xKu_W9Noitc/s400/grosse+point+light+station+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just outside of Chicago, IL, in idyllic Evanston, a beacon stands overlooking Lake Michigan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Grosse Point Lighthouse</span> </b>was built in 1873 to stop ships from wrecking as they approached Chicago's shores in the at-parts shallow waters. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Photography by the talented Mia K</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVbYrTA87oQ/UPmJYRRIa8I/AAAAAAAAXZE/u2rFQ5mRflE/s1600/lighthouse+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GVbYrTA87oQ/UPmJYRRIa8I/AAAAAAAAXZE/u2rFQ5mRflE/s640/lighthouse+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EV5zd-jZm8Q/UPmJpGh03PI/AAAAAAAAXZM/62lqNb8esUM/s1600/lighthouse+aurinko+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EV5zd-jZm8Q/UPmJpGh03PI/AAAAAAAAXZM/62lqNb8esUM/s640/lighthouse+aurinko+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The optic lens is the largest used on the Great Lakes and sheds light as far as 21 miles. The first beam was sent out on March 1, 1874. The original setup included <i>keepers' quarters </i>and a passageway to the<i> fuel storage. </i>Later on, <i>two fog signal buildings</i> and a separate<i> fuel supply facility</i> were added.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9_GL7fgnLU/UPmKYlgzrNI/AAAAAAAAXZc/gJQKyH4gGag/s1600/lighthouse+ja+talo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u9_GL7fgnLU/UPmKYlgzrNI/AAAAAAAAXZc/gJQKyH4gGag/s640/lighthouse+ja+talo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It took three keepers and a day laborer to keep things running. To be a lighthouse keeper -such a romantic notion!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 1923, when electricity was added, the lighthouse could do with just two keepers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But after the installation of a photoelectric device in 1934, no more staff was needed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(Maybe a pretend keeper could live there -you know, like they do on historic farms!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The pathways are enchanting. We were tempted to stroll about for the rest of the day.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oo0UQ9yJJMc/UPmMYQ2DmpI/AAAAAAAAXbY/eLG1BxEX_N8/s1600/grosse+point+lighthouse+path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oo0UQ9yJJMc/UPmMYQ2DmpI/AAAAAAAAXbY/eLG1BxEX_N8/s640/grosse+point+lighthouse+path.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNpWzAqtwxw/UPmKep8bVSI/AAAAAAAAXZk/7cIpnDtiarA/s1600/lighthouse+talo+ja+koynnos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GNpWzAqtwxw/UPmKep8bVSI/AAAAAAAAXZk/7cIpnDtiarA/s640/lighthouse+talo+ja+koynnos.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So perfectly poetic!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2bMjRfu9hs/UPmKusAqRpI/AAAAAAAAXZ0/a1Xo79M9SEo/s1600/grosse+point+lighthouse+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2bMjRfu9hs/UPmKusAqRpI/AAAAAAAAXZ0/a1Xo79M9SEo/s640/grosse+point+lighthouse+window.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5vlvte5oZ8/UPmKjifCyNI/AAAAAAAAXZs/pWlnaF9Qnzw/s1600/grosse+point+ikkunatalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w5vlvte5oZ8/UPmKjifCyNI/AAAAAAAAXZs/pWlnaF9Qnzw/s640/grosse+point+ikkunatalo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqGQETYgwcM/UPmK0AKrB_I/AAAAAAAAXZ8/kD-s6EbgFes/s1600/grosse+point+sivutalo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqGQETYgwcM/UPmK0AKrB_I/AAAAAAAAXZ8/kD-s6EbgFes/s640/grosse+point+sivutalo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SP8E2mwxFmg/UPmOLFPt8XI/AAAAAAAAXdU/5_FU-bs8uPU/s1600/lighthouse+kiviseina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SP8E2mwxFmg/UPmOLFPt8XI/AAAAAAAAXdU/5_FU-bs8uPU/s640/lighthouse+kiviseina.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Light Station grounds are open for free-of-charge looking all year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For a small fee tours can be arranged from May through October, and by the Park District June-September on Saturdays and Sundays. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As part of the tour why not climb the <span style="font-size: large;">141 steps</span> to the top of the light tower, where you can touch the sky!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53LywBmeU5Q/UPmR8wPTTKI/AAAAAAAAXeg/IX6Krh9b9x0/s1600/lighthouse+aurinko+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53LywBmeU5Q/UPmR8wPTTKI/AAAAAAAAXeg/IX6Krh9b9x0/s640/lighthouse+aurinko+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-15262739043543822362013-01-04T16:50:00.000-07:002013-01-04T16:50:11.748-07:00Welcome 2013!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9U-0xX4hJ2E/UOdoX5w9erI/AAAAAAAARFE/BR8hTo1UQ44/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9U-0xX4hJ2E/UOdoX5w9erI/AAAAAAAARFE/BR8hTo1UQ44/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">molten pewter fortunes for the New Year -a Finnish tradition </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">A New Year Has Begun.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Stepping over the threshold into 2013, I<i> </i>thought I'd bring</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> a couple of new features to my blog. I'm pretty excited about them. Click under LABELS to transport yourself to posts that catch your interest. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tales of Travel</b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">,</span><b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Seasonal Meanderings</b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From my studio</b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, and </span><b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Local Treasures </b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">will take in new material as the year unfolds to add to</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> posts I've already created in 2012.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Guest Posts</b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and </span><b style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Global Living</b><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> are new! I can't wait to share with you stories of</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> creative souls and styles from different corners of the world! I think you'll be delighted!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Our New Year's celebration was international: We attended a Brazilian party with loads(!) of food and joyous dancing. The only "white chick" there, my dance moves were less than fluid and frankly quite amusing, but I was only met with enthusiasm and encouragement. Gotta love my Latin sisters!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For the last part of the evening we got together with our Finnish friends and watched a concert on TV until <i>the Ball Drop</i> started ("live" with a two-hour delay) from New York City's Time Square. Toasts and a kiss at midnight completed our traditional celebration.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">How did </span><i style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">you</i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> say goodbye to the old year and ring in the new?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-47161979527956225412012-12-01T14:23:00.000-07:002013-01-04T14:31:42.897-07:00Christmas Craft: Cork Scenes<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> First Advent! </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This morning I put on Christmas music and settled down for a minute </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">to make </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">these</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Cork Scenes.</span></b></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVb24Ql1YN0/ULpj20TZkII/AAAAAAAAEG4/ursfpObJTPA/s1600/jouluaskartelu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="579" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVb24Ql1YN0/ULpj20TZkII/AAAAAAAAEG4/ursfpObJTPA/s640/jouluaskartelu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's how to craft them:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll need</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">: cork squares</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> pictures (from calendars, old Christmas cards, etc)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> mod podge (watered down white glue works, too)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> sponge brush</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> scissors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> wire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> hot glue</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1pq0KaPe0g/ULpj69Vx-SI/AAAAAAAAEHA/SZSu4FxnqaQ/s1600/jouluaskartelu+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1pq0KaPe0g/ULpj69Vx-SI/AAAAAAAAEHA/SZSu4FxnqaQ/s640/jouluaskartelu+a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a) Cut pictures to fit the cork square (you could do a collage, too!)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klbeXKDkk2M/ULpl_RxWYfI/AAAAAAAAEHM/fyb4KNATwy0/s1600/jouluaskartelu+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-klbeXKDkk2M/ULpl_RxWYfI/AAAAAAAAEHM/fyb4KNATwy0/s400/jouluaskartelu+b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">b) Smear mod podge all over the cork with a brush</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFa452XfeOc/ULpmCJ2To7I/AAAAAAAAEHU/PeF30v_GgIM/s1600/jouluaskartelu+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFa452XfeOc/ULpmCJ2To7I/AAAAAAAAEHU/PeF30v_GgIM/s400/jouluaskartelu+c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and all over the back of the picture, using strokes from the center to the edges</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks2emZsDF7Y/ULpmEiWtkfI/AAAAAAAAEHc/7yqZRXipZS0/s1600/jouluaskartelu+d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ks2emZsDF7Y/ULpmEiWtkfI/AAAAAAAAEHc/7yqZRXipZS0/s400/jouluaskartelu+d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">c) Place the picture on the cork and smooth air bubbles or blobs from glue with your fingers, again working from the center to the edges</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HK2fZEIfrVY/ULpnaq1D1cI/AAAAAAAAEHs/JZ4kLA1w7VA/s1600/jouluaskartelu+e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HK2fZEIfrVY/ULpnaq1D1cI/AAAAAAAAEHs/JZ4kLA1w7VA/s400/jouluaskartelu+e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">d) Cut off any excess paper showing on the back</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-yJ4Qjau24/ULpwBIZYaII/AAAAAAAAEKI/RIZKjAgRJCw/s1600/jouluaskartelu+f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-yJ4Qjau24/ULpwBIZYaII/AAAAAAAAEKI/RIZKjAgRJCw/s400/jouluaskartelu+f.jpg" width="330" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(If the cork square bows, set a book over it for a few minutes while it's still damp, protecting surfaces with blank paper.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">e) For hanging, measure to find the upper center</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iicmUfgnRNo/ULpoPL8ga5I/AAAAAAAAEIc/quMPF67V6bc/s1600/jouluaskartelu+g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iicmUfgnRNo/ULpoPL8ga5I/AAAAAAAAEIc/quMPF67V6bc/s400/jouluaskartelu+g.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and hot glue a wire on the back</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DuLslDogSe8/ULpoSIq-JrI/AAAAAAAAEIk/qBsfcOKpAtg/s1600/jouluaskartelu+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DuLslDogSe8/ULpoSIq-JrI/AAAAAAAAEIk/qBsfcOKpAtg/s400/jouluaskartelu+h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To give <span style="font-size: large;">as a gift</span>, wrap in cellophane and finish with a festive ribbon</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTYZGFfWAGQ/ULpoXReM1GI/AAAAAAAAEIw/wk2ft1bkadM/s1600/jouluaskartelu+i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NTYZGFfWAGQ/ULpoXReM1GI/AAAAAAAAEIw/wk2ft1bkadM/s640/jouluaskartelu+i.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Note: Remember copyright laws when using pictures from calendars, cards, etc. (Don't sell them.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-48134484588648777392012-11-20T19:26:00.002-07:002014-06-08T12:19:16.468-06:00My London, the way I saw it ( part two)<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First chance I get, I'm going back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Go ahead and scroll through the page for some of my very favorite spots in London. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_OUuqNVK20/UKw9dOv5FZI/AAAAAAAABbE/xxt_7l7KYWw/s1600/London+reflecting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_OUuqNVK20/UKw9dOv5FZI/AAAAAAAABbE/xxt_7l7KYWw/s640/London+reflecting.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We emerged from the tube at Notting Hill Gate station</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzJM8q8Hq0A/UKwgeD1-wlI/AAAAAAAABRg/N5oVYmFrBqg/s1600/notting+hill+gate+station+toinen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzJM8q8Hq0A/UKwgeD1-wlI/AAAAAAAABRg/N5oVYmFrBqg/s400/notting+hill+gate+station+toinen.jpg" height="343" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and browsed and bought at Waterstones.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_AwNn3MdEg/UKwgn-8dJMI/AAAAAAAABRo/Q-5LLebcyso/s1600/notting+hill+bookstore+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K_AwNn3MdEg/UKwgn-8dJMI/AAAAAAAABRo/Q-5LLebcyso/s400/notting+hill+bookstore+bag.jpg" height="368" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For a while we walked aimlessly through the streets of <b>Notting Hill</b>, just taking in the charm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wouldn't it be lovely to live here?</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_lv1xjB-FgQ/UKwivRLAajI/AAAAAAAABR4/KMsyAQ7jHTI/s1600/Notting+Hill+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_lv1xjB-FgQ/UKwivRLAajI/AAAAAAAABR4/KMsyAQ7jHTI/s640/Notting+Hill+5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0hl-s8-Tjg/UKwi9pmxwzI/AAAAAAAABSA/gs5NstXNOfQ/s1600/Notting+Hill+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0hl-s8-Tjg/UKwi9pmxwzI/AAAAAAAABSA/gs5NstXNOfQ/s640/Notting+Hill+4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMGs48tarmM/UKwjK-kZTRI/AAAAAAAABSM/oKMOJwiFqrA/s1600/Notting+Hill+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gMGs48tarmM/UKwjK-kZTRI/AAAAAAAABSM/oKMOJwiFqrA/s400/Notting+Hill+6.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clever parking strip in the middle of the road</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1J9dRQhrrY/UKwjzek_t-I/AAAAAAAABSU/Ait-A6mlv34/s1600/Notting+Hill+3+clever+parking+strip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P1J9dRQhrrY/UKwjzek_t-I/AAAAAAAABSU/Ait-A6mlv34/s640/Notting+Hill+3+clever+parking+strip.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amazing use of space</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32tDY0fWvDY/UKwj-SAkUXI/AAAAAAAABSc/gL37DO6hkpI/s1600/Notting+Hill+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32tDY0fWvDY/UKwj-SAkUXI/AAAAAAAABSc/gL37DO6hkpI/s640/Notting+Hill+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfuY3Vh9bso/UKwkZYWDtTI/AAAAAAAABSk/vFS_b02lAPs/s1600/Notting+Hill+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfuY3Vh9bso/UKwkZYWDtTI/AAAAAAAABSk/vFS_b02lAPs/s400/Notting+Hill+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDyf7zJMv8A/UKwk9xknNOI/AAAAAAAABSw/6eMkanhj8Gk/s1600/Notting+Hill+poispain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDyf7zJMv8A/UKwk9xknNOI/AAAAAAAABSw/6eMkanhj8Gk/s640/Notting+Hill+poispain.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bringing summer into the streets</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dkwYIzWGYo/UKwlI1u4O0I/AAAAAAAABS4/yeXN1zt9fRo/s1600/Notting+Hill+skateboarder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dkwYIzWGYo/UKwlI1u4O0I/AAAAAAAABS4/yeXN1zt9fRo/s400/Notting+Hill+skateboarder.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rYq0Qh016Y/UKwlRLb00sI/AAAAAAAABTA/YMgjzBudEQ4/s1600/Notting+Hill+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2rYq0Qh016Y/UKwlRLb00sI/AAAAAAAABTA/YMgjzBudEQ4/s640/Notting+Hill+flowers.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Kensington Gardens</b> (adjacent to <b>Hyde Park</b>) covers 275 acres (111 ha) of lawn and paths. It has three playgrounds, one of which is themed around Peter Pan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We rented bikes for a change of pace and peddled around for 30 minutes. (Self-serve stations are all over the city and it's inexpensive.)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nGTbqCJ998/UKwpR1h1jgI/AAAAAAAABT8/zuJjfkUeUfA/s1600/Kensington+gardens+Ulla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nGTbqCJ998/UKwpR1h1jgI/AAAAAAAABT8/zuJjfkUeUfA/s400/Kensington+gardens+Ulla.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gxGDEYuxtE/UKwpeuRxdPI/AAAAAAAABUI/UMuZPpTcYX8/s1600/Kensington+gardens+Path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gxGDEYuxtE/UKwpeuRxdPI/AAAAAAAABUI/UMuZPpTcYX8/s640/Kensington+gardens+Path.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ES95R5vh-YM/UKwpn775cVI/AAAAAAAABUQ/OOs14KiJmIQ/s1600/Kensington+gardens+pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ES95R5vh-YM/UKwpn775cVI/AAAAAAAABUQ/OOs14KiJmIQ/s640/Kensington+gardens+pond.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_433PQfxXo/UKwpxGSQpZI/AAAAAAAABUY/HnTwu3f0AVo/s1600/Kensington+gardens+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_433PQfxXo/UKwpxGSQpZI/AAAAAAAABUY/HnTwu3f0AVo/s400/Kensington+gardens+sign.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Kensington Palace </b>is a former home of <i>Princess Diana</i>. And <i>Queen Victoria</i> was born here.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MOgZgYr31_s/UKwq8h4fO5I/AAAAAAAABUg/Vv2sdE8oMi4/s1600/Kensington+gardens+Palace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MOgZgYr31_s/UKwq8h4fO5I/AAAAAAAABUg/Vv2sdE8oMi4/s640/Kensington+gardens+Palace.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_rrl-rXc3U/UKwrNOVkNzI/AAAAAAAABUo/ltmbHQMH5oU/s1600/Kensington+gardens+Diana+memorial+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_rrl-rXc3U/UKwrNOVkNzI/AAAAAAAABUo/ltmbHQMH5oU/s640/Kensington+gardens+Diana+memorial+walk.jpg" height="640" width="616" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8prSY0FgTs/UKwrWTa7ZoI/AAAAAAAABU0/oNjH9s6qnkc/s1600/Kensington+gardens+statue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m8prSY0FgTs/UKwrWTa7ZoI/AAAAAAAABU0/oNjH9s6qnkc/s640/Kensington+gardens+statue.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTgPdCJqOTM/UKwr1TrqsEI/AAAAAAAABU8/17mn6g98_0I/s1600/Kensington+gardens+bench+art+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pTgPdCJqOTM/UKwr1TrqsEI/AAAAAAAABU8/17mn6g98_0I/s640/Kensington+gardens+bench+art+pic.jpg" height="450" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The tube </b>is utterly convenient and we certainly made use of our passes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was impressed with people's polite manner, as they scurried on their minute-schedule to catch the trains. Once in their seats, everyone zoomed in on their books and newspapers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I snapped this shot because I found the shoe lineup humorous and telling. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uBhsyX-B6A/UKwuhcXVwFI/AAAAAAAABWo/OmmPmWq4mkg/s1600/london+tube+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3uBhsyX-B6A/UKwuhcXVwFI/AAAAAAAABWo/OmmPmWq4mkg/s400/london+tube+shoes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At night, the banks of<b> the Thames </b>draw a crowd. We enjoyed the lit-up evening as we crossed from one side to the other.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIfd8lxqDl8/UKwxYSNfKSI/AAAAAAAABXk/Lan7fowqGeo/s1600/from+bridge+at+night+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIfd8lxqDl8/UKwxYSNfKSI/AAAAAAAABXk/Lan7fowqGeo/s400/from+bridge+at+night+2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFi6ss0OCM8/UKwyBPcWr7I/AAAAAAAABXs/Dw-DnHHCN2E/s1600/from+bridge+at+night+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mFi6ss0OCM8/UKwyBPcWr7I/AAAAAAAABXs/Dw-DnHHCN2E/s400/from+bridge+at+night+3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hiJlHHHWCiY/UKwyJJRuWXI/AAAAAAAABX0/rhT7sCCx4IU/s1600/from+bridge+at+night+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hiJlHHHWCiY/UKwyJJRuWXI/AAAAAAAABX0/rhT7sCCx4IU/s400/from+bridge+at+night+4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>London Eye </b>o</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">n the South Bank</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">443 ft (135 m) high, you have a nice view of the city -on a clear day 25 miles out (40 km), and spectacular lights at night. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(If you want to go for this 30-minute ride, it's best to get tickets in advance to avoid standing in line for a long time.) </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqeLfdSWHto/UKw0_MZ3chI/AAAAAAAABYw/y8garM8qS0E/s1600/London+Eye+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JqeLfdSWHto/UKw0_MZ3chI/AAAAAAAABYw/y8garM8qS0E/s640/London+Eye+1.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4BmWJuKer4/UKw1EXt73wI/AAAAAAAABY4/k3z41nNaDkA/s1600/London+eye+at+night+and+buses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H4BmWJuKer4/UKw1EXt73wI/AAAAAAAABY4/k3z41nNaDkA/s640/London+eye+at+night+and+buses.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Big Ben </b>and the<b> Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This clock tower may well be my favorite. It's got something.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The name Big Ben actually refers to the largest of the five bells, which is used as the hour bell. We heard its majestic chime. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The tower was built in 1843-58 and it's 316 ft (96 m) high. It's topped by a cast-iron framed spire.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJpyXnk4sVU/UKw3wPas5SI/AAAAAAAABZI/djRdHvF3v80/s1600/big+ben+at+night+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gJpyXnk4sVU/UKw3wPas5SI/AAAAAAAABZI/djRdHvF3v80/s640/big+ben+at+night+7.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHFyyWVRZ18/UKw351rQMjI/AAAAAAAABaA/-Ur1Ic2OjUQ/s1600/big+ben+at+night+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vHFyyWVRZ18/UKw351rQMjI/AAAAAAAABaA/-Ur1Ic2OjUQ/s640/big+ben+at+night+9.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This monumental structure captured my heart and I convinced my friend that we should come back the next morning (before heading to the airport) to take a look at it in daylight.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2hgZWTjzvs/UKw5ZjVjOGI/AAAAAAAABaI/pzmSRLz8avE/s1600/Big+Ben+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2hgZWTjzvs/UKw5ZjVjOGI/AAAAAAAABaI/pzmSRLz8avE/s400/Big+Ben+6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The world's largest clock when it was installed in the mid-19th century, it is still Great Britain's largest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The clock faces are nearly 25 ft (7,5 m) in diameter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The hour hand is 9 ft (2,7 m) and the minute hand 14 ft (4,25 m).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The clock is known for its reliability in keeping time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm keeping </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Go to London </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">on my bucket list for another visit. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-44565323878167008412012-11-14T15:50:00.000-07:002013-01-04T14:38:32.462-07:00My London, the way I saw it (part one)<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love London. I<i> love </i>it! Sure, it's ginormous and bustling with tourists, which for someone like me (such a small-town girl) might normally be a deterrent. But there's a homeyness in the history and the parks and the architecture. There's a warmth in the grin of the pub owner and the smile of the stranger on the street that has you forgetting the size of the place. You're one among millions, yet the Londoners we ran into (asking for directions, mostly) treated us as if we were the only important detail of the hour. To me that's nothing short of amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We flew into Heathrow International airport, arriving late at night because of two delayed flights. The super friendly guy behind the information desk turned out to be the first in a bunch of helpful and friendly Londoners. We bought <b>tickets for the underground </b>and then rode the nearly empty train into the city. It took close to an hour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buying the daily pass each day worked best for our purposes, as we knew we would be doing a lot of zigzagging. The prices are based on zones and we could get to the places we wanted to see by paying for <b>zones 1-4. </b>The underground tickets are also valid on the buses, which makes for convenient hop-on hop-off touring of the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our hotel, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Premier Inn King's Cross London </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, was less than a five-minute walk from King's Cross St Pancras station. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The room rates were reasonable (for London prices), our room was spotless, and the staff attentive. Each morning the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet (loaded with "eggs your way", sausages, hot and cold cereals, breads, fruit, vegetables, yogurt, and more) fueled us for the day's long walks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>King's Cross Station </b>sports a modern addition to the old brick part. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At Platform 9 3/4 we tried to push the cart through the wall to get to Hogwarts. Apparently we lacked the powers because it was stuck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We headed for <b>Leicester Square, </b>known as "Theatreland" for its major cinemas. Here you can buy discounted tickets for numerous popular theater productions and musicals. We scored seats for <i>Phantom of the Opera</i> at Her Majesty's Theatre for the next evening. What a fantastic performance! Unforgettable!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBzt1L0p3Vw/UKQE4y8H5xI/AAAAAAAABMk/l1UwROJe7F0/s1600/London+cloudy+at+noon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pBzt1L0p3Vw/UKQE4y8H5xI/AAAAAAAABMk/l1UwROJe7F0/s640/London+cloudy+at+noon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Carnaby Street</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFt-tTnOkz0/UKQA3vQenGI/AAAAAAAABLo/xYmy4Wl-Lac/s1600/Carnaby+Street+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pFt-tTnOkz0/UKQA3vQenGI/AAAAAAAABLo/xYmy4Wl-Lac/s640/Carnaby+Street+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dTzjErkSk4/UKQBBNRYDCI/AAAAAAAABLw/wiqUbD3ENec/s1600/Carnaby+Street+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dTzjErkSk4/UKQBBNRYDCI/AAAAAAAABLw/wiqUbD3ENec/s640/Carnaby+Street+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shakespeare's Head Pub</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The service: warm and friendly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The (very large) fish and chips: delectable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ambiance: just what I wanted to experience in an English pub!</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Viod-2_x1Pg/UKP_eCX5_vI/AAAAAAAABLM/orYkAH3sflk/s1600/Liberty+department+store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Viod-2_x1Pg/UKP_eCX5_vI/AAAAAAAABLM/orYkAH3sflk/s640/Liberty+department+store.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Liberty Department store -a quaint setting for shopping<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Oxford Street </b>is lined with stores carrying mid-to high-end brand names. A very nice security guard at a very nice store penned a list of "regular" department stores for us. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqgQEbGKGmI/UKQCg5Kf7EI/AAAAAAAABMA/KjnXxZ1LVAs/s1600/Oxford+Street+decorated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqgQEbGKGmI/UKQCg5Kf7EI/AAAAAAAABMA/KjnXxZ1LVAs/s640/Oxford+Street+decorated.jpg" width="587" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKz6TLiXF30/UKQCmQEV52I/AAAAAAAABMM/ncbmIgyChVI/s1600/Oxford+Street+store+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UKz6TLiXF30/UKQCmQEV52I/AAAAAAAABMM/ncbmIgyChVI/s400/Oxford+Street+store+display.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clever display English fella</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Inside a shopping center</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LaqmtWqtSfk/UKP_yW-OjCI/AAAAAAAABLg/jJfby3bdROU/s1600/london+mall+ceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LaqmtWqtSfk/UKP_yW-OjCI/AAAAAAAABLg/jJfby3bdROU/s320/london+mall+ceiling.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Piccadilly Circus </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in the heart of London lit its first illuminated billboard in 1895!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's within a few blocks from Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Soho, and Chinatown.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRveuaOWUps/UKQIZf1L0PI/AAAAAAAABNc/aqEKmWvQdzQ/s1600/Piccadilly+Circus+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yRveuaOWUps/UKQIZf1L0PI/AAAAAAAABNc/aqEKmWvQdzQ/s640/Piccadilly+Circus+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHxLFRGnNKY/UKQIl_YCOmI/AAAAAAAABNo/hm2X8qC5i2w/s1600/Piccadilly+Circus+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHxLFRGnNKY/UKQIl_YCOmI/AAAAAAAABNo/hm2X8qC5i2w/s400/Piccadilly+Circus+5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFxQ5uQxLAY/UKQJJjIUnyI/AAAAAAAABNw/lXhenVyuCiE/s1600/Piccadilly+Circus+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mFxQ5uQxLAY/UKQJJjIUnyI/AAAAAAAABNw/lXhenVyuCiE/s640/Piccadilly+Circus+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The fountain has been here since the end of the 19th century.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RCcX8Xvk7Q/UKQJUsCyfoI/AAAAAAAABN4/0dUjDF7I4Lg/s1600/Piccadilly+Circus+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5RCcX8Xvk7Q/UKQJUsCyfoI/AAAAAAAABN4/0dUjDF7I4Lg/s640/Piccadilly+Circus+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A phone booth in Chinatown</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muNFFUuYmeQ/UKQVGiK9L6I/AAAAAAAABQo/gZNP0WckfcI/s1600/London+phone+booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muNFFUuYmeQ/UKQVGiK9L6I/AAAAAAAABQo/gZNP0WckfcI/s640/London+phone+booth.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We took the tube to the London Bridge station, walked a couple of blocks to the bridge and snapped pictures of the <b>Tower Bridge</b> from there. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76rYvCjbacU/UKQMo_FmRTI/AAAAAAAABOw/WwfOQVBEKc8/s1600/tower+bridge+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-76rYvCjbacU/UKQMo_FmRTI/AAAAAAAABOw/WwfOQVBEKc8/s640/tower+bridge+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Tower Bridge was completed in 1894. It lends its gloomy existence to the typical foggy London day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The bridge was built to raise and lower to let ships pass. It used to open 50 times a day, but now does it about 1,ooo times a year. The bridge lifts are scheduled to accommodate cruise ships. You can go inside and pass through on the walkway between the towers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After crossing the Thames we walked to St. Paul's Cathedral, built between 1675 and 1711. It stands as one of Europe's largest cathedrals, with 560 steps leading through three galleries to the top of the dome. The mosaics in the ceiling came later, after Queen Victoria wanted more color in the cathedral.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married here in 1981.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZflOIvb4nU/UKQP4pW2OmI/AAAAAAAABPo/HjfHKUTF9sE/s1600/St.+Paul's+Cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZflOIvb4nU/UKQP4pW2OmI/AAAAAAAABPo/HjfHKUTF9sE/s640/St.+Paul's+Cathedral.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFL9oCegyLc/UKQQFzbWwRI/AAAAAAAABP0/VGwGKCkepNY/s1600/St+Paul's+Cathedral+statue+black+and+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFL9oCegyLc/UKQQFzbWwRI/AAAAAAAABP0/VGwGKCkepNY/s640/St+Paul's+Cathedral+statue+black+and+white.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We hopped on the bus to take in some street views and put our feet up for a minute.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCaeMu4l2JU/UKQRJVry9gI/AAAAAAAABP8/OWcJ6XD8mnA/s1600/London+Bus+James+Bond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oCaeMu4l2JU/UKQRJVry9gI/AAAAAAAABP8/OWcJ6XD8mnA/s400/London+Bus+James+Bond.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Trafalgar square</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hpCsb-BM8Oc/UKQRR_HEqLI/AAAAAAAABQE/qyl8gM4pXKE/s1600/Trafalgar+Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hpCsb-BM8Oc/UKQRR_HEqLI/AAAAAAAABQE/qyl8gM4pXKE/s400/Trafalgar+Square.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol5IOXmrfw0/UKQRYw2pwMI/AAAAAAAABQM/k1Eyby9VVn8/s1600/London+bussin+ikkunasta+viela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol5IOXmrfw0/UKQRYw2pwMI/AAAAAAAABQM/k1Eyby9VVn8/s640/London+bussin+ikkunasta+viela.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> </b>So much to do, so much to see! (Stay tuned for Part Two.)</span><br />
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Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-85641300320817021652012-09-19T23:36:00.000-06:002013-01-04T14:43:32.802-07:00Until summer calls<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I love this time of year when the end of summer and the beginning of fall mesh together. It makes you relish the fading pleasures of summer's warmth and light. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In my childhood, and even into my children's preteen years, we would ride our bikes to the river, with rolled-up rugs strapped to the back rack. The load was decided by the size of the helper. The river banks had a dock with sunken-in barrels for us to stand in. We would unroll the rugs into the water, then soap them up on the dock and scrub with our might. Then, with our fingers slipping on the slick weave, we would dump them back into the water to rinse them off. My mother taught me how to roll up the rug as you soap and scrub, to keep to your space on the deck, and how to control the heavy bundle in the water.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I remember letting go of the smaller rugs on purpose, to see how long they would float, and then snatching them (with a jump in my chest) just as it was <i>almost</i> too late. We lost a few brushes and bricks of soap in the current, but I'm <i>pretty</i> sure we always brought home all the rugs we took out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The river water would soak my arms and belly and streak my shins (which now itch at the thought of it), as I huffed and puffed the clean rugs up the bank to let them drip dry on the wood beam. We often left the bigger rugs there until the next day, but pedaling home seemed exhausting nonetheless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">To mimic my sweet summer memories, I gathered my supplies (rugs, wash pan, biodegradable soap, and a stiff brush) and set out to clean my rugs, enjoying the sun's warmth on my back while scrubbing.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wDXiH7Dw24/UEqQoLkPEnI/AAAAAAAABB4/5002uWPwwlY/s1600/matonpesu+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wDXiH7Dw24/UEqQoLkPEnI/AAAAAAAABB4/5002uWPwwlY/s400/matonpesu+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hW17nbgdEU/UEqQutWQyyI/AAAAAAAABCA/clf1fXuxTWA/s1600/matonpesu+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6hW17nbgdEU/UEqQutWQyyI/AAAAAAAABCA/clf1fXuxTWA/s400/matonpesu+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaTRJgPM8ZE/UEqRT-kCqDI/AAAAAAAABCU/QBzJPEL7-aY/s1600/matonpesu+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaTRJgPM8ZE/UEqRT-kCqDI/AAAAAAAABCU/QBzJPEL7-aY/s400/matonpesu+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOVwCE8oiQ0/UEqRdV9fUpI/AAAAAAAABCg/MCvwvZfRmHs/s1600/matonpesu+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOVwCE8oiQ0/UEqRdV9fUpI/AAAAAAAABCg/MCvwvZfRmHs/s400/matonpesu+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-qHaDLu_HE/UEqTQ5OSD6I/AAAAAAAABCo/kdru15KUGwA/s1600/matto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-qHaDLu_HE/UEqTQ5OSD6I/AAAAAAAABCo/kdru15KUGwA/s400/matto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I didn't go to the river. Our back deck was my scrubbing station, and I was glad I didn't have far to drag the sopping rugs to dry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, my friends, I'll hang on to my sweet memories until summer calls again...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What kinds of traditions do <i>you</i> remember of your youthful summer days? Did you blend work and play?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-3508126469067369552012-09-19T23:22:00.000-06:002013-01-04T14:43:32.796-07:00Fall Fashion (or "bouquets of sharpened pencils")<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Summer felt sort of like a whirlwind to me, here and gone quickly, bringing and taking with it boundless joy and heart-wrenchers. I was just posting of summer and autumn meshing together, and now, here we are, smack in the throes of fall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Unless you're in an area that does year-round school (what are your thoughts?), this is the season delving in for a new year in a new grade, with new friends in the making.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I found this Finnish grade school lunch menu I had jotted down a few years ago. (It could serve as a list of ideas for meals at home, too!)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWiMazrUwdk/UFCmMiz7fcI/AAAAAAAABDs/lLAIvUE7Fr8/s1600/alakoulun+ruokalista.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWiMazrUwdk/UFCmMiz7fcI/AAAAAAAABDs/lLAIvUE7Fr8/s400/alakoulun+ruokalista.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday: Macaroni-ground beef casserole, salad, ice cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday: Hamburger patties, boiled potatoes & gravy, grated carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday: Trout stew, "soft" bread, fresh vegetable</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday: Chicken gravy, rice, black currant jam, cucumber</span><br />
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Monday: Shepherd's pie, salad</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday: Stewed pork, boiled potatoes, cabbage-lingonberry relish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday: Baked fish, mashed potatoes, mixed peas, corn, and bell pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday: Liver and onions, mashed potatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday: Sausage soup, cheese, "soft" bread</span><br />
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Monday: Fish sticks, white gravy, potatoes, shredded cabbage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday: Cabbage and ground beef casserole, lingonberry jam, tomato-onion salad</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday: Hot dog gravy, potatoes, summer salad</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday: Pea soup, "soft" bread, carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday: Italian casserole, fresh grated root vegetables</span><br />
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Monday: Chicken meatball, potatoes, curry sauce, iceberg lettuce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday: Spaghetti with ground beef, shredded carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday: Herring patties, mashed potatoes, tomato</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thursday: Ground beef gravy, potatoes, parsley carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Friday: Cream of wheat, strawberry sauce, boule bread, cold cuts</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think "soft" bread means that fresh bread takes the place of the dry cracker bread commonly available in Finnish schools.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Ice cream must have been served to celebrate the first day (and maybe lessen the sting) since it appears to be the only dessert on the month's menu.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bon Appetit!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To help myself embrace the season, I did some </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;">back-to-school shopping. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">few new items on your desk or in your wardrobe can be a boost, w</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">hether you're going or sending children to school or not. Wouldn't you agree?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I spent a day rummaging through every store in town and came home with bags of fabulous finds at deep discounts. :) Do you like my</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span style="color: #4c1130;">fall</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> color scheme</span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My sister-in-law gave me the tree necklace because she is awesome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mia took the great photos because she's awesome, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">And there you have it -just like that I feel ready to take on cool weather and all that autumn brings! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Happy Fall!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-54130554965551373942012-08-31T20:15:00.001-06:002013-01-04T14:38:32.467-07:00Rome at a Glance -Part 3 (of 3): Vatican <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If this is the first of the three of my <b>Rome </b>posts you're seeing, here's what I've done. I looked through (and loved!) a bunch of photos (more than 600!)</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">that my kid B took in Rome while on vacation with my sister K. They had a blast and I'm so glad they were willing to share with us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Part three is all about the <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Vatican</span></span>. What an amazing place! Here, you can see for yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> mosaic floor!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">awe-inspiring paintings</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You can climb the stairs or take the elevator to the top of the dome </span><br />
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and look out.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The new world emerging out of the old </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The famous three streams of light in the <span style="color: #134f5c;">Sistine Chapel</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have you ever been? Would you like to ? I know I would.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span>Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-52643861344322953892012-08-30T14:23:00.000-06:002013-01-04T14:38:32.466-07:00Rome at a Glance -Part 2 (of 3): Fountains and villas and ruins (oh, my!)<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Colosseum</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While in Rome, K and B enjoyed a day trip to the town of </span><b> <span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tivoli</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">, about 30 kilometers outside of Rome. They got to visit Emperor Hadrian's villa, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="color: #134f5c;">Villa Adriana</b>, which is so vast it's like a town of its own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can stop at this small cafe to rest your feet and refuel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">then keep exploring</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is what remains of the <span style="color: #134f5c;">Amphitheater.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While the statue in the back is a replica, these columns are original! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not to be confused with the Eiffel Tower :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ever feel like this?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you think people from those times so long ago could imagine we would be fascinated with the way they lived? Makes me wonder what my legacy will be...</span></div>
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Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-5714331401259166942012-08-29T21:11:00.001-06:002013-01-04T14:38:32.469-07:00Rome at a Glance -Part 1 (of 3): By Foot and Metro<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My sister K took my kid B to <b style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rome</span></b><span style="color: #134f5c;"> </span>this summer! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">B came home with 600+ fabulous photos, which I narrowed down to a couple hundred. And then narrowed down some more. I still couldn't fit them here, so I'm giving you a sampling in three parts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It takes time to see all the many faces of this ancient city, but it is possible to catch a good glimpse in a few (packed) days, like K and B did. Bring decent walking shoes when you go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Now just look very carefully and make your own observations. I mean it's <i>Rome</i>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Narrow street view from hotel </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pantheon</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Federal State Building on Piazza Venezia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Il Vittoriano, </span>honoring Italy's first king Vittorio Emanuele II.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Climb the stairs -totally worth it to have a closer look at the enormous statues and intricate carvings.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spanish Steps</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Trevi Fountain</span> - a perfect spot to end your day with a night-time snack</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope we get to visit, too. After all, it's where all roads lead!</span><br />
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<br />Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4084182194942318517.post-52013904269045908302012-07-26T18:55:00.000-06:002013-01-04T15:00:22.836-07:00Sea and Sky<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5zWV36Gc7A/UBG3STFW7EI/AAAAAAAAAvw/BY4lI-S8sZo/s1600/suomen+merikuvia+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j5zWV36Gc7A/UBG3STFW7EI/AAAAAAAAAvw/BY4lI-S8sZo/s640/suomen+merikuvia+4.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">I was reading a post from <b>A Cup of Jo</b> (joannagoddard.blogspot.com) and learned about this fabulous hair product for summer: <i>John Masters Organics Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender</i>. In the description it reads, "Now every day can be a day at the beach." If you're not with the sea, what better way to bring it to you!</span><span style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">To spray in my hair the fullness I would get from splashing in seawater daily? Right up my alley! </span><i style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">And </i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">the idea is </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">compatible with the tomboy in me; wash and spray, hop on the bicycle, and let your summer spirit soar! Plus, the lavender acts as an anti-inflammatory and normalizes your scalp condition, so I think it'll help my pool-water-saturated skin to cope. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">You can get the spray through LuckyVitamin.com. It's about $15 for a 9-oz bottle. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And I like that J.M. is committed to partnering with local farmers. (How's that for a free ad, folks!) :)</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As part of my seasonal obsession with all things coastal, I made this sofa pillow for my shop. I had to have one for my porch, too. It cheers me up every time I come home to my non-coastal house. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Dreaming of seaside living (and missing it </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">so much), </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I'll share with you these views of the gorgeous west coast of Finland.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can't you practically feel the warmth and the coolness mixing on the smooth boulder, or the hot grains of sand in your footprints? Do you hear the seagulls and the lapping of the water? </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I squint at the sun's sparkle off the blue and fill my lungs with the energy of the salty breeze. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ahhh... this is living.</span><br />
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<br />Kate Renvall Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01071596248083510519noreply@blogger.com1