tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69414919172102315022024-03-12T18:46:30.428-05:00Sarah's DayA day in the life.....Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.comBlogger411125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-70026383115185122372019-02-10T13:00:00.001-06:002019-02-10T13:00:14.090-06:00New SitePlease find me at my new site on Word Press: <a href="https://sarahsdaysarah.wordpress.com/">https://sarahsdaysarah.wordpress.com/</a><br />
You won't be sorry....Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-41028279867373530552019-02-05T16:05:00.002-06:002019-02-05T18:01:04.980-06:00New Website Coming Soon---<br />
ETA: News Flash. New blog on Wordpress. I am going to try wordpress cause it's free and easier than squarespace.<br />
Find me at sarahsdaysarah.wordpress.com<br />
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See ya there----<br />
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Apologies to all for the delay in my Netherlands Blog. Truly. <br />
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Today I spent the last 9 hours, nine, count them NINE, working on my blog. I had many other plans for my day off but got fixated on this. <br />
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I got up this AM, went to the gym and said to myself-I will do part one of the Netherlands and spend the rest of the day doing whatever it is I want. <br />
Wrong. I did get the post done and when I went to post it I got this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBichoRyKfY/XFoIfo8tdWI/AAAAAAAASdw/KCzADB22KHEL-XVyU2fYuz4tUbNe0RNJgCLcBGAs/s1600/Blog%2Bspot%2Berror.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="383" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBichoRyKfY/XFoIfo8tdWI/AAAAAAAASdw/KCzADB22KHEL-XVyU2fYuz4tUbNe0RNJgCLcBGAs/s320/Blog%2Bspot%2Berror.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Now, this is not the first time I’ve had errors with blogger but it will be the last. I spent about 2 hours trying everything they recommended which didn’t fix the problem.<br />
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I am now working on Squarespace and have just purchased my new domain, sarahsday.me <br />
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I am hopeful that by this weekend I will be up and running on my new platform. It looks wonky right now but I think I can customize. It’s got to be better than this. <br />
Thanks for your patience…….Because I have none left.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-84092740901865075092019-01-12T07:27:00.001-06:002019-01-12T07:27:59.597-06:00Let’s Talk December and a Brief January Birthday<p><font size="4">It was Christmas last month, and although we had a super quiet time, it seemed like a finish line we needed to get to so we could move on to the next new year. Not sure why that was. </font></p><p><font size="4">We got the tree up and some decorations which was nice. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6xLOhjmcctQ/XDnna_WxVxI/AAAAAAAASZY/8Zq3saxR_4kNAH4ksms1deYg-pA66jqeQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02309%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02309" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02309" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8yxzkcjItzk/XDnnb7wKs3I/AAAAAAAASZc/HnATMUT4B5Ubny1xLMZRJjrclFpYGH0LwCHMYCw/DSC02309_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Puddy thoroughly enjoyed it. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-88QVaEk0OTM/XDnncS7cDLI/AAAAAAAASZg/znFraPpC9SEt3UMR70cx6KnvbBFYHl9agCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3034%2B%25281%2529%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3034 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3034 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tN2Eviwap0s/XDnndMjUS4I/AAAAAAAASZk/Cu9qgKzqygU6TV0fB6e-uKRBUgYuVtO2gCHMYCw/IMG_3034%2B%25281%2529_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We had some libations to help make the mood festive. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tgO0GXQckFU/XDnnd068QWI/AAAAAAAASZo/85HFti_PNp8Yznscb4mRmFJ1P2FO6up9QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3051%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_3051" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3051" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-paqR2DO3w1s/XDnnepdd9tI/AAAAAAAASZs/h4t_J9KLgyk6Ul3AHf7Gi7PyN9Qm7_hfACHMYCw/IMG_3051_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Blane and Melanie stopped by at and dropped off a few dogs and a cat so they could go out to the Seattle Seahawk Monday Night Football game in Seattle. I think it was a successful journey!!</font></p><p><font size="4">Little Aim chillaxin’ in the sun</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CErhlJiJXN8/XDnnfJwuveI/AAAAAAAASZw/eEA5zh62DlA5hIqT1kNdZEDMbMss11w2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3017%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z3UAAg2TFlc/XDnnf0vXE6I/AAAAAAAASZ0/melpGpNRyTwcKYY3DGkfJzkqCtHzAmwIwCHMYCw/IMG_3017_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">and Roki wondering where everybody went.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iDLDLYAYR5s/XDnngmWbVKI/AAAAAAAASZ4/Kp7SjpxVOyc8FZHk-vUz1u9g0gxFAhi5gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3020%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3020" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3020" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PH7rS7yH9HA/XDnnhXwshxI/AAAAAAAASZ8/o_PHYmlZlFsKngP4p05SS0fXpSbjqvTfACHMYCw/IMG_3020_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Meanwhile in Seattle---</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9PIAQ7KESdA/XDnnhwYD7iI/AAAAAAAASaA/V6magU8CtmAmoj_i0XkqmHEp07sbTwM7ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3021"><font size="4"><img width="233" height="244" title="IMG_3021" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3021" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M_mAOja1kNM/XDnnikRtloI/AAAAAAAASaE/DFRM49Njf-oLklqmnUHiU4BJ-CEqYjxtQCHMYCw/IMG_3021_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n2HLewzFUq8/XDnnjo-kEmI/AAAAAAAASaI/FAxbTF0SZKM86wm1eUwi2KYJFrWz4yZ_QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3026%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_3026" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3026" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PDbyiglXOP4/XDnnkAeEdlI/AAAAAAAASaM/rVQIxVdZcmAGl7nHDzuDa73U5m_U7r90ACHMYCw/IMG_3026_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">They had a mountain view. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aZG0pkZDhUo/XDnnknde5mI/AAAAAAAASaQ/yC7WE1I2w7wJm2sCGgmUmoOiZmJDdSOPACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3027%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="454" height="252" title="IMG_3027" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3027" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvo4unByXFc/XDnnlSNXH4I/AAAAAAAASaU/LrvDHPRdL9k4EtzXLQwwmMhy2w397i_tQCHMYCw/IMG_3027_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">There was also some cousin time before the game</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ujJnUGfoEs/XDnnmEWZYyI/AAAAAAAASaY/tjYvjNIqpe8LDI376d6dLUr_TnOcHSDvQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3029%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="278" height="370" title="IMG_3029" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3029" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u-NGwD93A7A/XDnnm6H9LmI/AAAAAAAASac/uEvXvDJf9Aoq7DsgJR1I5GLiwWnFfTQ5QCHMYCw/IMG_3029_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GTiu16jirvk/XDnnnch4x3I/AAAAAAAASag/VBN8vFDIn7cdYjHxKe1TaFV3liXsco-4gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3043%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="306" height="406" title="IMG_3043" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3043" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QFEJIxlje98/XDnnoGbYIsI/AAAAAAAASak/j1aFSNBLhAw_4czbakhvxLzegRrLb0I-QCHMYCw/IMG_3043_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Dave got ready to work from home which started the beginning of January. First up—new chair.Trying it on for fit……</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vRivRvF0cbs/XDnno0cnBAI/AAAAAAAASao/BuPf5TrN6Mk2KQLIi2jFjvjlr1p1IBsKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3045%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3045" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3045" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q794KIs8j5k/XDnnpa_jx1I/AAAAAAAASas/7fFiWgoMjjA_W05U6Erp1iNmo0UyxAV_wCHMYCw/IMG_3045_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Ohh, and they had the annual Christmas Party for all of work. It’s the most incredible spread of sugar ever. EVER. There’s fruit too but really?</font></p><p><font size="4">No. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hrk6ydOkROI/XDnnp5DS3fI/AAAAAAAASaw/XxYMiMfk-d0oDuA2YzNcY4_jfZnYRJ6OwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3048%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="278" height="370" title="IMG_3048" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3048" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dER6YPxOCQA/XDnnq9bAZgI/AAAAAAAASa0/auKJwJKH0ywjyoIJfjGvCXwdv8m2rvu7ACHMYCw/IMG_3048_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZQ-EpBHR53Q/XDnnrul7JTI/AAAAAAAASa4/Dr2EYAnS8SIrSphVoEIjdy1iYMQkjV09QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3047%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3047" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3047" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KwMFxhUs39s/XDnnwnu_cbI/AAAAAAAASa8/RrBZTQxeMHoK54E_SPMM65YsTkqlTdtIACHMYCw/IMG_3047_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We went up to the museum in Minneapolis. We had lunch at Surley and a draft at Insight. Dave had a GI bug which I got the following day. He was a trooper though. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--FgIckXYQ3c/XDnnxDO4PSI/AAAAAAAASbA/96lyuZWYq0Y6uX-_wCxrnufFhOH9cqy5wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3040%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3040" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3040" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nTwhK1Wcou8/XDnnx7bew1I/AAAAAAAASbE/Z960jUh5MoAGMLQMp9AwJfRFMg0LLLlSgCHMYCw/IMG_3040_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1c9nVO0r8SI/XDnqvzWBXcI/AAAAAAAASbk/45ab-mhGwKY0B_xQY6sIzb1PLruxGRVJACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3039%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_3039" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3039" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cak5c278Fis/XDnqwjHRIoI/AAAAAAAASbo/Vld9dFRfxcQnXkYMiWMrSG9cpylgePWzwCHMYCw/IMG_3039_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">After we recovered from our illnesses, the following weekend we tried out the new Brewery in town. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W600q3LsusM/XDnqxVfYNoI/AAAAAAAASbs/kGFZARQLWkE2F9LbmemMoI1pU0zKEE0XwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3060%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3060" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3060" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u0p7CHSedCA/XDnqyAikWhI/AAAAAAAASbw/I6w32G9214ofbxvr7rDqLNHk-trCHfRNACHMYCw/IMG_3060_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Yum. </font></p><p><font size="4">And of course the usual football weekends at home.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KdRN4vlBl3A/XDnqy1BbhhI/AAAAAAAASb0/7vBicG3JMtk3vMBcBmGM_EwI6WF3cxykwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3053%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3053" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3053" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0ddtQh3_Cow/XDnqzWyDjsI/AAAAAAAASb4/oYBzpaeMLn4NCO4g0NlQDiMEWGkWKrzPQCHMYCw/IMG_3053_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Manny went to the vet and thankfully he didn’t pee a lake all over the floor as in times past--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zVowmoALBf8/XDnrEUHnXLI/AAAAAAAAScM/2IKp9Eece441z9bbGsW_Su_ftJa2rKlQwCHMYCw/s1600-h/RenderedImage%255B2%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="205" title="RenderedImage" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="RenderedImage" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gE7EHb2Qt40/XDnrFMWloZI/AAAAAAAAScQ/1JZOVYvgRLc2ziBy0aAsha3yvRLL1M0-QCHMYCw/RenderedImage_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Watch out for that table!!</font></p><p><font size="4">I got a little puzzle for Christmas and I put it together. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WdbcCPsx0Cc/XDnrFvtH9kI/AAAAAAAAScU/WBEsJvN3uTMvn7BOw8kBdVP4wQQIHEHKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3064%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_3064" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3064" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lj55wdSNpaw/XDnrGl7SWNI/AAAAAAAAScY/MwD5WEVXIWor58Z1JVe1Wk2X4Sz_MYZOgCHMYCw/IMG_3064_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And all that happened in December. All of it. </font></p><p><font size="4">And as January began Dave had his birthday. He’s in the very last year of his work. Dang it. I can’t help but be jealous. </font></p><p><font size="4">I gave him the best card ever</font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eb9JmV892Xg/XDnrWaSAjtI/AAAAAAAASc8/M7nfAKFQLlgK57n3s_Yzwa2bCUYqjZ2eACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3066%255B5%255D"><img width="232" height="303" title="IMG_3066" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3066" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A9oYvXJ52vk/XDnrJxOA_3I/AAAAAAAAScg/LSDHxhMjCDsVSzl3KM7XIfIHd7DS3d1yACHMYCw/IMG_3066_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VUHl4tl8Gms/XDnrXBEx8fI/AAAAAAAASdE/h1NkR0Etn0sIuK2uCgwjpw9KQaQxto7vACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3066%255B3%255D"><br></a></font></p><p><font size="4">Sorry for the hurried tone but this is a short catch up post because today—YES TODAY-I am on the way to Amsterdam. In a few short hours I am on my way to the airport. I’m a week in the Netherlands with my sister Debbie. Woot and woot. </font></p><p><font size="4">I have a few more things to pack so I better get on it. But I wanted to wish everyone a happy new year. I’ll be more talkative when I get back. </font></p><p><font size="4">See you all then!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bMXtT2MIu74/XDnrPBSoyJI/AAAAAAAASco/O45ZMh3fDhcQBZ6cTzzgLRI0AAqbA0bSACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02327%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="448" height="254" title="DSC02327" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02327" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oX2YeyGJXm0/XDnrQOaxohI/AAAAAAAAScs/BQKMy96gI78KPyZzlQB4WeElZQUbsNG1QCHMYCw/DSC02327_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-61541056935648153852018-12-22T19:27:00.001-06:002018-12-22T19:27:03.662-06:00Three Months Later…<p><font size="4">Well, it’s not that I haven’t posted in two months, it’s just that my last post was about my trip in September, and it’s now December. </font></p><p><font size="4">So I’ll just do the long and short of it. </font></p><p><font size="4">The first weekend of October was quilt retreat. It never disappoints. </font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i1Mv1G30E9c/XB7iY8suhfI/AAAAAAAASPg/_3uUh5Bx2xsVO_arqZXXXzQdizdJocgSgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02255%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02255" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02255" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o6Qpb1SEXkw/XB7iZv989qI/AAAAAAAASPk/VkQwhh8CpAESRkQgOEXGN6tPtuNQdX7dACHMYCw/DSC02255_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DeSMpwbbZvk/XB7iaeY5I3I/AAAAAAAASPo/1VZf2nQAX84VYeznFjKHQlaOCtbV3fW6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02254%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02254" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02254" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lzraVfKdXqA/XB7ibIW9IbI/AAAAAAAASPs/IZFW8yr6lCcdjjQtmZC5G3vvJPnwqlL5ACHMYCw/DSC02254_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I worked on small projects this time. I finished the pretty dresses quilt. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SwnLpnBMlDE/XB7ib7e6wKI/AAAAAAAASPw/0GSUjl942dsocDc8zBexNRmjFCLg4RtYACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2685%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="267" height="355" title="IMG_2685" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2685" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6Z2dTQX5S18/XB7ipuVAw_I/AAAAAAAASP0/20dKz-WxXfQAXZ52wEy8ykBhVkUKsUkxQCHMYCw/IMG_2685_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We had a campfire</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5rcRf9F4rfI/XB7iqcN-iCI/AAAAAAAASP4/0qpZcJANv0gPXKNtKOy6KcddOnu2p-ESACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02256%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02256" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02256" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6jugCx1PZUo/XB7irDZVXDI/AAAAAAAASQE/pR4iMyH95Bssnhx8GTMHedAFR2bkQ5G2QCHMYCw/DSC02256_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And I went for a lovely nature walk and found mushrooms.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o0IuEVuBoH4/XB7isGeJzgI/AAAAAAAASQI/8ZEzGN7onU06nOl15h8r9v3qk7Lu00VowCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02246%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02246" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02246" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gzQIbTA5ypw/XB7iswdUJDI/AAAAAAAASQM/JCtOjX-OZbwaRMJOTQemu-KrdZmC3kRSwCHMYCw/DSC02246_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YH7lQfCO20Q/XB7itqT8ZxI/AAAAAAAASQQ/9gfbZ3-b9UAMNG-pmBz5TBveWjHJlIXYgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02252%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02252" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02252" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QWzTGaDwk8A/XB7iuc24wfI/AAAAAAAASQU/-B6HMUIhosAgG3d-KhAdOxERhGL7sV5LgCHMYCw/DSC02252_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Trees</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6WXBRVcxTtc/XB7ivNoRH2I/AAAAAAAASQY/fYIwVSB-eh0w2P5TkyqKqmM16hj0VblOACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02245%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="284" height="378" title="DSC02245" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02245" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AXHATn1EZrw/XB7iv5GPe3I/AAAAAAAASQc/lrnW3KmZJfod-cNVjZm9AcuX4k5SsN-NQCHMYCw/DSC02245_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">and vistas</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XyyRvEngaKg/XB7iwn4D23I/AAAAAAAASQg/OfyKZ2O9XfQONLD2ERdKWrQq2AyRru4SACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02250%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="304" height="404" title="DSC02250" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02250" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LcFA_5XxEz8/XB7ixd24JSI/AAAAAAAASQk/ElXWd2lbjQwtNxUmI9f6RYT0YvOJ_1_RQCHMYCw/DSC02250_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It was grey but not too cold. </font></p><p><font size="4">It was a rainy October and after retreat I did the Nerstrand Big Woods Run. </font></p><p><font size="4">One word-Muddy.</font></p><p><font size="4">Before-brrrrr</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7IMXZ8aWvJk/XB7iyCo1UZI/AAAAAAAASQo/k_Q905Rl7SUAnOm3YQRGUy1LI0jkxC-TACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2711%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2711" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2711" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yzaid0wqLKI/XB7iyx7VJYI/AAAAAAAASQs/OTHZk_B5Of88ZASQ5oCLDw9ef4iqbZxdACHMYCw/IMG_2711_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">After</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MEWDK2rfimk/XB7izVVYi9I/AAAAAAAASQw/z0-krcBC4zkX1CHmX6qcscMt4Ahel1drQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2703%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2703" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2703" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uCZ33bYlGxI/XB7i0ZXUu4I/AAAAAAAASQ0/1q7bGTHSEfkrueafMOgsohZXY8Wr9tQhQCHMYCw/IMG_2703_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w2y5todaJok/XB7i1SGWBYI/AAAAAAAASQ4/LJo8wHL1u0UvWYY_yqVR3UO3JLh7_yugwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2704%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2704" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2704" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ozTPB0F2F8s/XB7i122JV2I/AAAAAAAASQ8/_xvg3CqUxpcogJAZxwV5QWJRoTqxqyOFQCHMYCw/IMG_2704_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It was funny because at first we all tried to keep out of the mud holes and then after about the first 1/2 mile it was like ‘hell with it” and through the middle we went. </font></p><p><font size="4">Later that weekend Lacey got the critical diarrhea which I couldn’t control and 1000 dollars later she is all better. </font></p><p><font size="4">We took her to the emergency vet and she sort of threw some shade at us. </font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r7B-RyZRPio/XB7i2tQvSPI/AAAAAAAASRA/QcXgM7KI-GkRogMCiwCwRCBAXrxu2YqDgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Collage%2B2018-12-22%2B18_10_13%255B6%255D"><font size="4"><img width="304" height="446" title="Collage 2018-12-22 18_10_13" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Collage 2018-12-22 18_10_13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yHItWfjJWHo/XB7i3craOdI/AAAAAAAASRE/KAFeSzIqZME3S8RIgrdJHRcVgDfQP9wpgCHMYCw/Collage%2B2018-12-22%2B18_10_13_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It happened that way. </font></p><p><font size="4">Next day</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rowj1Uam3G8/XB7i36uc_ZI/AAAAAAAASRI/g4UjnlMRYKEkoVcApJqy0gQfgWtlOrmCgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2722"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="223" title="IMG_2722" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="I'm all good" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uDleeOAYwOM/XB7i4kX5IzI/AAAAAAAASRM/k2GXpXhTDqc5YWXrLjHhirAe76JTUatSgCHMYCw/IMG_2722_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Next week I’m off to Denver for the ANCC Magnet Conference. I was with over 10,000 of my closet friends, all nurses, from 74 countries. I stayed in the sketchiest hotel ever. EVER. It’s the first time I couldn’t wait to leave a place. The only good thing was I didn’t have neighbors till the last night. At least they were quiet. But I actually heard one of them sigh. Sigh. It’s not that loud of an emotion. The ripped dirty towels were a little bit gross and the halls that smelled like urine, well, not so much. I loved the armed security guard. It was about 1.5 miles from where I was staying and I was able to walk every day. The weather was pretty nice. The neighborhood left something to be desired but I wasn’t frightened at all. I didn’t walk home any later than 8-9 though. It was on a fairly busy street and well lit. I think there might have been a drug deal below my window next to the dumpster sometime in the dead of night. </font></p><p><font size="4">Denver was pretty and the convention center was nice. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sqbSyiI88NA/XB7i5cG3k9I/AAAAAAAASRQ/Ae_Jktjss50OHLTfHOTp0phpE6IlNHO0ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02268%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gNJK1VF35BU/XB7i9sopW5I/AAAAAAAASRU/UrDdnHgYwq4p1PoAvQ_krTNcmiVDMZ3zACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02268%255B4%255D"><img width="370" height="278" title="DSC02268" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02268" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QlgGmIQGi3o/XB7i-vFPVfI/AAAAAAAASRY/4oLiVY4c_ts-MSmIl7Egoo594kSn8ZFoACHMYCw/DSC02268_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pR_OKuVEdHo/XB7i_efWajI/AAAAAAAASRc/wgefTAFq-gsKFN2D_ZClpPb7hiE3y2oxACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2742%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2742" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2742" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kO3AHNFy_Mw/XB7i_8N3UkI/AAAAAAAASRg/iPULFDraB-I_s4H1ss1Uk9F7VyANWw05QCHMYCw/IMG_2742_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ahd5h6A3miM/XB7jAlrljqI/AAAAAAAASRk/Ec-3uH6EuyE2GdY2rgbTSCPtQ3VI-ISpQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02270%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="134" title="DSC02270" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02270" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nF3IMdS2868/XB7jBjxK5DI/AAAAAAAASRo/JZwr-YFfRM4mrX6dPbE9E7Vz0IOW0PpxACHMYCw/DSC02270_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lDzJgECxU3U/XB7jCGAcwAI/AAAAAAAASRs/dpF0agWFyn09_WcOoSdUCpylMlSMHsxbQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02273%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02273" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02273" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mQ9eWQEsFw8/XB7jC7Iqr8I/AAAAAAAASRw/0wJ_SvqkY00025Q7Vsmz4wvcN7dF79JzgCHMYCw/DSC02273_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xfXd3mrkrII/XB7jDx5WMTI/AAAAAAAASR4/v5Kq_ZqqJGIr2CDLcPmEGOqCYl5sJjqHwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2740%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2740" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2740" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AF6-rDbZwE0/XB7jErvbPUI/AAAAAAAASR8/cCtv8ikXf3ciF-54Pi6nz0wWWqyjrZ07wCHMYCw/IMG_2740_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-irZSj1rQZP0/XB7jFJNQd0I/AAAAAAAASSA/Asq8BMbYEOQY5WwWCW4i-Ac2mQeg6ZhoQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2737%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2737" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2737" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NZ6Cmju5XRs/XB7jGBm8Y-I/AAAAAAAASSE/HNCRY-K85aguNjoR6YDXRrh7n77bSoS6gCHMYCw/IMG_2737_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BfEC5EGFawc/XB7jG4DRx3I/AAAAAAAASSI/UN1VCQLTTyApB43r6HiF0Bvo62F69XIHACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2738%255B6%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="243" title="IMG_2738" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2738" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uSGUN2ocZ-8/XB7jHeHP4DI/AAAAAAAASSM/aS_ENFhNtHAxQ9093XUOh0uST4kuyd4BQCHMYCw/IMG_2738_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-72wXgGBKGfU/XB7jIBCv99I/AAAAAAAASSQ/D34MZ5VCSOkA4T-iKaDfDD2_MkOxBbhzwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2776%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2776" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2776" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HY7gq9jEMJQ/XB7jQOss_RI/AAAAAAAASSY/2ofAluIq_DouBYVvAcVs3xCYtvCP6-WtACHMYCw/IMG_2776_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WCzSmHxLJRw/XB7jQ2Yq8NI/AAAAAAAASSc/UT9Oa1qNdoYDbIbuvMddG662Q-_nhjfoACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2745%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2745" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2745" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ocTnF1OzPJE/XB7jRiIms9I/AAAAAAAASSg/1O6Q30VNPdA4y9oVyHuGcVKqCk4d4wooACHMYCw/IMG_2745_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And I got to see my friend Kathy, aka Mountainpurl</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N0PLVgTaQOQ/XB7jSeL8RUI/AAAAAAAASSk/Cuihb7AC6KMs7sStHPaCFSdb_BT3-_i4QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2790%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2790" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2790" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ot_Ff2j-Yos/XB7jTDFk69I/AAAAAAAASSo/P5gQVZ1GhkMQ2SaFGCN8ypl6uFACjR_SACHMYCw/IMG_2790_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pcWXDSsjwok/XB7jTmzrAjI/AAAAAAAASSs/bfBJLa33CMYEM6YPgMMQIWaIq4-2TcEJQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2785%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2785" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2785" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GolP93ncAt0/XB7jUap0VHI/AAAAAAAASS0/qkk4oeiSlX8uQx9tRoTxwSSt1NFW74CVgCHMYCw/IMG_2785_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">They threw a huge party for all of us and that was pretty fun--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2XdeSTDEeDs/XB7jU69-01I/AAAAAAAASS4/T_qCqVdy-xsDVEXkSCorkix7lyTF75CewCHMYCw/s1600-h/94f3477b-8001-4ccb-8792-bd89b719807b%255B2%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="94f3477b-8001-4ccb-8792-bd89b719807b" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="94f3477b-8001-4ccb-8792-bd89b719807b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NqrrUhfukTQ/XB7jV1-TEuI/AAAAAAAASS8/fP9rtTKn-DAgla-GM9h889IcujrYonGmgCHMYCw/94f3477b-8001-4ccb-8792-bd89b719807b_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R8Hw3Ld07_E/XB7jWYc0AaI/AAAAAAAASTA/aSepdx6-m3My9JaApiD5MF-mupIW9hj2QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2773"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2773" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2773" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PsXOZiNipuc/XB7jf59pMaI/AAAAAAAASTI/fuZ2YxloBccjFxVJK2p5z1HMfwly-IIMQCHMYCw/IMG_2773_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNFALnBygNY/XB7jgtZs66I/AAAAAAAASTM/0C4QIgfcL5QJXay_v6pVxSem0XaJkTiswCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02267%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02267" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T2ZJnmn9gho/XB7jhOBOTqI/AAAAAAAASTQ/ujvmf04XdNocsb0odTD62DxMTFQj7uuNQCHMYCw/DSC02267_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It was crazy and the food was free.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IXDOMa2X00Q/XB7jiJEVojI/AAAAAAAASTU/tQLWwF-0BpwBviS09KvyR_qJuLFViOmPACHMYCw/s1600-h/5da0c5f9-d6ad-46e5-9e3c-404b65cb92ff%255B2%255D"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UVpDnHKoNe0/XB7jiz2VCUI/AAAAAAAASTY/PXimLnxNwkogPOwyjWlB1ql3WT80hsZAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/5da0c5f9-d6ad-46e5-9e3c-404b65cb92ff%255B3%255D"><img width="354" height="266" title="5da0c5f9-d6ad-46e5-9e3c-404b65cb92ff" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="5da0c5f9-d6ad-46e5-9e3c-404b65cb92ff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lf01vjUh-xQ/XB7jjsyGLQI/AAAAAAAASTg/xfk33lCcAsw_9ytTMyC5r4EaqIBZuuiKACHMYCw/5da0c5f9-d6ad-46e5-9e3c-404b65cb92ff_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The beer was sort of spendy though. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vAsQK_3dfsw/XB7jkXq7zTI/AAAAAAAASTo/avPFcuruP9QSBgdDqqB3mzwH346QLJTlgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2762%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2762" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2762" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNCEmnnVCfE/XB7jlNLZ5FI/AAAAAAAASTs/i07A4eS_insDczhkc6RN8LsTCm2rEHUrgCHMYCw/IMG_2762_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">There was a nice liquor store between the convention center and me.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7SBg1azdjDY/XB7jl-rU8fI/AAAAAAAASTw/51N4AMf_VvMbSfSeMXuf_Dfe005VvWbugCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2759%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2759" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2759" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XBggkd4pZ4c/XB7jmSdPoCI/AAAAAAAAST4/NYhfneVdTX0FZz2jASSXtCIF-92eBKT4gCHMYCw/IMG_2759_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TjfkiN1xkPA/XB7jnqHtRMI/AAAAAAAAST8/qi3DE27GoaEyOuz9JJaU1KyceoFUhZUkwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2760%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2760" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2760" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fy23QKWGhvg/XB7joZ0HUkI/AAAAAAAASUA/J6ZfdrXEKRASZeFr6WQIsu345D-TQNclgCHMYCw/IMG_2760_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I learned a lot and it was really fun, except for the crappy hotel. That was a super bummer. I’d go again in a minute. To the Magnet Conference, not to the hotel.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--l5UgtmMcN8/XB7jpF1AvhI/AAAAAAAASUE/Vz6VvtHg2fEq38O3RFvpN6zyYAGNpFg8gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2780%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2780" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2780" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h8MHKpOwvfw/XB7jp-ljXeI/AAAAAAAASUI/x56DcBIpCQUa8qujRwvrN9ISMAuWQiXPgCHMYCw/IMG_2780_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hiE7qyjKbAo/XB7jqRjRZfI/AAAAAAAASUM/KEbXEOQQk-ARsVOCr-mBpnEpKMkIpxwfACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2794%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2794" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2794" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3nuZihUvEyg/XB7jrIE11pI/AAAAAAAASUQ/f2raFsO8xyAunrhiwMWcsCuCC7TvkLG9gCHMYCw/IMG_2794_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Remember, always be friends with the mascot.</font></p><p><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HrnT3IKgV00/XB7jrzTwdeI/AAAAAAAASUU/ooPCDw5UxSIdNAAu27t-TR5r9955dmjXwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2754%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2754" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2754" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dfxQV8ZbkY8/XB7jsigHImI/AAAAAAAASUY/FuXEf5jrq0gqasrMOTkCqfIQeKTPSziAACHMYCw/IMG_2754_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p><p><font size="4">In November--</font></p><p><font size="4">Some snow…..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DlvabQnyCLw/XB7jtG-Zz4I/AAAAAAAASUc/5InPJnVTirsYjke8abnU94-2T8ElGx2FQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2926%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2926" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2926" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCFTiIG92Gs/XB7jtzKP7dI/AAAAAAAASUg/MB8rElFHinctVfugdQdIO-rILMUDKPf7QCHMYCw/IMG_2926_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p><p><font size="4">Voted Blue….. </font></p><p><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ETgDNEi0Fg8/XB7jum-8mSI/AAAAAAAASUk/jB5z3oWqaq0C10TVpOmTGGrummNCE-QlwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2923%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2923" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2923" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wL3eatIZfCo/XB7jvHNaN_I/AAAAAAAASUo/1ZjSdKvYHlIwhy9qGNclQf1p-uc0_Nq5gCHMYCw/IMG_2923_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And ran a 10 mile trainer at White Bear Lake</font></p><p><font size="4">It was cold but a really nice route. I’d do it again only I think I’ll be running a half in Savannah next year at that time. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U_GcIhA8HDw/XB7jvgSX6II/AAAAAAAASUs/oB8Oqm5kgC8ZtZuC5HA3m9t1v589BR6lQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2917%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2917" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2917" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2Mz5bpeSgdM/XB7jwn3qRbI/AAAAAAAASUw/yWQeFZ4YNHUVj-n_uEzXoenrOyg8XOHWgCHMYCw/IMG_2917_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dCFfhQfGz1M/XB7jxcJbkjI/AAAAAAAASU0/aHlM-cWbi1YPs30SMR2GLgjUFmglm1h1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2918%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2918" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2918" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--zLoiCM9o9U/XB7jx2kA-8I/AAAAAAAASU8/4AwGN7mtydwXXB7UGm3-2dNuTgMFaPZ2wCHMYCw/IMG_2918_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cn9IOwDKRjE/XB7jyisOLhI/AAAAAAAASVA/Miwnhd7gW6APiRQKwkrH1gdFBklQMRJ2wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2916%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2916" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2916" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E_lVKOrix9c/XB7jzQlMPnI/AAAAAAAASVE/KEv-qkSglrwVReDGq-nkvTC3HhkszMsKgCHMYCw/IMG_2916_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Rainy and cool. </font></p><p><font size="4">I went to VKL Minneapolis</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_6R3169lhWc/XB7j0Pa_-JI/AAAAAAAASVI/_eFv_XwW8nUbVxb-SbywE6fJV_eJiH8YgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2927%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2927" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2927" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jHJDUKU38pI/XB7j00g8FCI/AAAAAAAASVM/HmvefAuU7XUZj1SVtE3myMiD49g6QTtuQCHMYCw/IMG_2927_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p><p><font size="4">I love this.</font></p><p><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7pX1Z9EDHiA/XB7j1ilWWKI/AAAAAAAASVQ/3ksCKyLPWGEkeHRxHuNvDcymC9rRg9HXwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2930%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2930" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2930" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UtU0rQxNBYs/XB7j2Z77KmI/AAAAAAAASVU/jtGdfpuO4akbWdLO83XJA7kmukjsImycwCHMYCw/IMG_2930_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6ZVAm5bJOWQ/XB7j3Kv0ROI/AAAAAAAASVY/aQ6OGmc1RAgSuy-ce7ZFrI9in3kN2ouJACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2931%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2931" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2931" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YTbrRheUwqw/XB7j4C9dSdI/AAAAAAAASVc/_sAEPT5ppDso-jUB9_EH4zMetZNjCZQzgCHMYCw/IMG_2931_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I took a great sweater class from Marie Green, designer of the Beekeeper Cardigan, </font><a href="https://www.oliveknits.com/"><font size="4">Olive Knits.</font></a></p><p><font size="4">I was able to meet up with another friend, Kathy, aka Instantmess, and we had a fab lunch together. </font></p><p><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W-omn4SKtXA/XB7j43WKdsI/AAAAAAAASVg/nbc7DJyTfBU0hoGAT32RjB9nMHsPjjDogCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2932%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2932" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2932" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tWsghaJw_7U/XB7j5mMT9cI/AAAAAAAASVk/aPFICdN-ros5mUrWc1yt1KYsTPgaHCgYgCHMYCw/IMG_2932_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Love. </font></p><p><font size="4">Later that night I met up with my coworker Ashley, her husband, and Dave and we went out to dinner and to Book of Mormon, which I liked just as much the second time round. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W5KrY_ICQXs/XB7j6UYkBmI/AAAAAAAASVo/-DPXIUyG4u8ZsvKKiQAKa3LvPV3XwN5bwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2935%255B6%255D"><font size="4"><img width="318" height="240" title="IMG_2935" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2935" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AdPS4nFQwZQ/XB7j7XaK_uI/AAAAAAAASVs/o78jbS4oxv8Pokevbwvn5N2sFIVBxl8xACHMYCw/IMG_2935_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Squinty eyes and crazy hair. </font></p><p><font size="4">THEN—as if that wasn’t enough the next weekend was Route 66 1/2 marathon. My weekend with Machelli. Love x 10. </font></p><p><font size="4">I left Minnesota at 25 degrees and arrived in OK to 70 degrees. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NGb9okfAr58/XB7j74uihGI/AAAAAAAASVw/o0NfSUulUBM-rmGZg7HcY6EWRTXpXFHAwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2945%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="390" height="154" title="IMG_2945" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2945" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wjE4nYx6fJM/XB7j8ay54gI/AAAAAAAASV0/_vF-JSY3ms4y8snP6PKWN5w577gzC7YqwCHMYCw/IMG_2945_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Machelle’s back yard</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c_wIu4YOh60/XB7j9D6Ic9I/AAAAAAAASV4/2ZGZ4ibL-OQVB0chWxu4IciEm4kq5hOUgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2950%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QcrP8Hjb75k/XB7j-Pwc8ZI/AAAAAAAASV8/uIhfsmjlXu4Bk_jhcWJnVk0FcUpZBWmjwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2950%255B5%255D"><img width="362" height="272" title="IMG_2950" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2950" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i4rcOpBXbws/XB7j-2Ji--I/AAAAAAAASWA/qWkFjtstjuYZEqDl25j06FW4gINHvcs_gCHMYCw/IMG_2950_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ht_NBWtAUrI/XB7kAdTsXZI/AAAAAAAASWE/QXRNQKHCrJ4dffuDPAv0AqL5tJd0l0hSgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2951%255B5%255D"><img width="335" height="252" title="IMG_2951" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2951" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2ttRQaZlUw/XB7kBBiFA1I/AAAAAAAASWI/HZGDFppwb5QzlulctHLlKRTtLAYmXXKBACHMYCw/IMG_2951_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="4">We spent Saturday getting our race stuff, and doing some shopping in the cutest shops. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mxi20x1LgT4/XB7kB3UqzaI/AAAAAAAASWM/53L6covnMcAB_bnWNKQF0cE0jR3j01uOwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2954%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="305" height="405" title="IMG_2954" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2954" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l2K21bBKBOE/XB7kCpwAihI/AAAAAAAASWQ/RkwbWL6_wXMznxaSTKl6bnj6WVQNxByJwCHMYCw/IMG_2954_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Again with the mascot</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ibDZRcljVck/XB7kDA9VuZI/AAAAAAAASWU/AHVKgCTbo004PKHHgV6jxpEQndobXqgTACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2958%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="264" height="351" title="IMG_2958" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2958" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rbKgTNADLlQ/XB7kEPgWcJI/AAAAAAAASWY/9t6EhdarNSMvW_RRFiLpi5uYzCE0wjJvACHMYCw/IMG_2958_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I found this soap……</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--OtpzqncA8Y/XB7kE2F3LII/AAAAAAAASWc/ROEDO7tqVDU0CrCELrexUCfOmExiDYxbwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2964%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2964" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2964" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-flvVlyBg2cg/XB7kF9cUK_I/AAAAAAAASWk/rjyWuhW68lY5tnWgzpV75YopA342uNznACHMYCw/IMG_2964_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7iTq_3f59nE/XB7kG_Eog7I/AAAAAAAASWo/qgj0pPaCg5clbp6jmldZb9Yc276zIxJtwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2965%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2965" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2965" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-61Cc6UfMTjE/XB7kHp1wnOI/AAAAAAAASWs/VqNVdayvUCcAXXSIccACQSp1xNMXuGR1ACHMYCw/IMG_2965_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AuXdu1Tbg0Y/XB7kISuw3rI/AAAAAAAASWw/JGtXsK_vqYoPlKw03FeLi1MoQ__mfSVlgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2962%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2962" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2962" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6_ZtSLDrRWs/XB7kJHCuQpI/AAAAAAAASW0/PqYHcKSs7SIABBgQ_RLWfTUaZ7w2VdtuQCHMYCw/IMG_2962_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Kinda true…</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o-UxM-oPcTE/XB7kJ89CFqI/AAAAAAAASW4/8Gqvabe542k55S2VZ26ZSrF5jSLXS9RrgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2967%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="324" title="IMG_2967" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2967" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E6wIbCCkuMQ/XB7kKporBCI/AAAAAAAASW8/j-RHnwig6hECSJdaAOa7Az8tWpXjow19gCHMYCw/IMG_2967_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Our new ritual—The pre-race pedi. How did we not think of this before?</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grbD6ipiixw/XB7kLY_mf6I/AAAAAAAASXA/328M6Key0TAy39ZGPSMgO0wo9-VFDDFHACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2969%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2969" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2969" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PWpnp_kuskg/XB7kMKh92fI/AAAAAAAASXE/5ptyzNmtiOYsfiIO5blOaBISBnTSaBF7wCHMYCw/IMG_2969_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Race day and the temp dropped 40 degrees cause that’s how I roll. We did it though. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zt1GIs_KIxc/XB7kM_c5OaI/AAAAAAAASXI/UKtpcRgjhkQ2JK_R4AOk5vmQIUSEQtgLwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2979%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="174" height="244" title="IMG_2979" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2979" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HKJpJo1aHtA/XB7kNrJ9OmI/AAAAAAAASXM/5Fb0BqxizJUtmd_fWRYJp5jitIhzUmP_QCHMYCw/IMG_2979_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I’m happy to say that in sight of the finish line I fell right down, tripped over a large heave in the road. Pride severely injured. </font></p><p><font size="4">Knee will survive. Gawd. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l9u8sDvTNoI/XB7kOR-HwRI/AAAAAAAASXQ/xSSUqifl9hgnYlsuWPZ5aTYI7PSVC1QZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2973%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2973" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2973" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qVyR2ZBHLP4/XB7kPM4R7NI/AAAAAAAASXY/KXTZwpmZMaQUeqpGTG-f8nLDa09TqavFgCHMYCw/IMG_2973_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Can you stand it?</font></p><p><font size="4">Finish line libations. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VXI-NHxuhJw/XB7kP1zhXfI/AAAAAAAASXc/Rrm213OsiKILjjCwZVWx3L2o0_CxMouCgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2971%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="300" height="398" title="IMG_2971" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2971" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZTuJ2MBzUs/XB7kQtj3rbI/AAAAAAAASXg/N4B5hRYRAqox5TE29ZZeRi06By8igMeaACHMYCw/IMG_2971_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Next year I will be watching for that speed bump.</font></p><p><font size="4">I got home Monday in time for Thanksgiving on Thursday.</font></p><p><font size="4">AND—we went to the gym and worked out on Thanksgiving day! We look so enthused.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5fZb83e3sh8/XB7kRbXhxiI/AAAAAAAASXk/3R9mwhb-NiAi1RWriy4q6b_2PU7MW7hrACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2977%255B6%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2977" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2977" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-It6_0TwcafQ/XB7kSJS-ptI/AAAAAAAASXo/mOol2gRM4HwtvQ0BvQ3RQOw4tyejaWZygCHMYCw/IMG_2977_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The day after Thanksgiving was a lonely bus ride--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gJMY6YDoTPU/XB7kSqdr6WI/AAAAAAAASXs/U7sRi_J3H_897AUK3QXR0u6uSZ6wTmdBgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2978%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2978" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2978" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QXe2GfrbfoA/XB7kTlsX_MI/AAAAAAAASXw/sOOkC99GXCseSYE2JhkOAYSkse3P40FfgCHMYCw/IMG_2978_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We didn’t do a thing for the holiday but on the following Sunday we went to US Bank and watched the Packers lose to the Vikings. Ugh. It was super uncomfortable as Vikings fans are pretty assholish. Sorry but true. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JybwnT5mlrs/XB7kUfMOC2I/AAAAAAAASX0/e_aJQq-r5J8TCJ968sU2NmUShHsUi-2tgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2985%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="326" height="246" title="IMG_2985" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2985" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FxHG2Loe4vc/XB7kVKPZpfI/AAAAAAAASX4/-b9CDucZOi8h6hF-QJslB5zupPatrMgZQCHMYCw/IMG_2985_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TItHbTYLUMc/XB7kWHjbjAI/AAAAAAAASX8/agbutADnPU0TYWUJv2cwksYcSa4zelJzwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02305%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="345" height="260" title="DSC02305" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02305" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CqC1YHRq_og/XB7kWnrRS_I/AAAAAAAASYA/WOPTUrfJdpYy05uOCOIFSbwBQMlzoBH_wCHMYCw/DSC02305_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kB9s-XYn0pc/XB7kXZfSXGI/AAAAAAAASYE/e2E1CWQLtUgB3_2TRDpkuYXL05ui_1mhwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02297%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02297" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02297" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VCE019l6Y7U/XB7kYGhbSbI/AAAAAAAASYI/KZ2pmhrSOKwZfrtaqmlK12lzw_NjZWbagCHMYCw/DSC02297_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We took the bus up and back. It was fun but uncomfortable because as I said the Vikings fans are pretty hostile to the Packer fans. Oh well. At least I can say I’ve been there. We’ll go again when the Seahawks come. </font></p><p><font size="4">And on to December. </font></p><p><font size="4">Sorry about the long pause. I hate when bloggers do that. I am hoping to be better. Really. </font></p><p><font size="4">Coming up—dogs dogs dogs, Seahawk games, and Christmas trees. </font></p><p><font size="4">Meanwhile, back at my desk….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vnvY3BShvM0/XB7kY6TyduI/AAAAAAAASYM/EccvSKjGPkc2cRQYFmAO8rh_xpgaELmjACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02288%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="422" height="318" title="DSC02288" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02288" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsl7Ds7ev_g/XB7kZtk2BeI/AAAAAAAASYQ/nKpjxfyfwNgJoi36_IBe6WrUo66gL59mwCHMYCw/DSC02288_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-3726247366657256282018-11-13T08:17:00.001-06:002018-11-13T08:17:13.252-06:00Scotland Part 2<p><font size="4">It’s taken a while to finish up my trip blog. But here’s the second part of my trip!</font></p><p><font size="4">We left Edinburgh on Friday morning and headed north towards Aviemore which is in Cairngorms National Park, in the Scottish Highlands. But on the way we has some sightseeing and made a few stops.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yeQtNZJGrjk/W-rbMc5IdvI/AAAAAAAASCY/q6QaYHahTo0l2rd1YvzJeHmYFnfzmzwVwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC018815"><font size="4"><img width="336" height="312" title="DSC01881" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01881" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CIFCSK-rF44/W-rbNAmwGjI/AAAAAAAASCc/D8SxcsNtFjMLWKQjCf6x2P7igGi7eveMQCHMYCw/DSC01881_thumb5?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5TEI4vPizLs/W-rbNkAXjWI/AAAAAAAASCg/gamtisrrG2obwmCBZo_HWI0FHPxmPj06gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC018824"><font size="4"><img width="308" height="232" title="DSC01882" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01882" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kPUpwdYOVws/W-rbON_mGrI/AAAAAAAASCk/kSsFMWvC0wo3lLOLkNpKZNyHwrDm6_H3wCHMYCw/DSC01882_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">First up, St Andrews where Prince William went to school and met Kate Middleton. Just saying. But there’s also a rather famous golf course there, St. Andrews. </font></p><p><font size="4">Here’s the driving range-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-APB4lga5XCA/W-rbOokxdWI/AAAAAAAASCo/SRtFlcUdoOsS4XSA7LQeAKmjChcs-oJkACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC018864"><font size="4"><img width="358" height="270" title="DSC01886" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01886" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qMePQleDjhk/W-rbPCIt8EI/AAAAAAAASCs/raC3yNFl2u0mp6_ki-crE005ERjr8R_cACHMYCw/DSC01886_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RH7dITY52x4/W-rbPuqeNvI/AAAAAAAASCw/9R_Btwi-zGsFgknenRSWy8pJWEYDdAMLgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2530"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="216" title="IMG_2530" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2530" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Hx2VUsmCQI/W-rbP-YUadI/AAAAAAAASC0/wOem1-lPihUe_ShReVGW3Hr-5omY_O6wwCHMYCw/IMG_2530_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And the sea just beyond-</font></p><p><font size="4">Looking out at the city of St Andrews</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wBhukceK9uU/W-rbQlht3NI/AAAAAAAASC4/YQhBUc5IZDkLFBYn9pS-WqnRgY5jpnlaQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC018914"><font size="4"><img width="390" height="294" title="DSC01891" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01891" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HuFpZxNY15Y/W-rbRXsem1I/AAAAAAAASC8/KYBa8xVaXBwR1BCO7m-LBMK4_zdVv6kDgCHMYCw/DSC01891_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We also stopped at the Cathedral and the grave yard</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-owC9zmfSs_E/W-rbR82hVUI/AAAAAAAASDA/Ovhul8C34EofmssZns17aNtLRhSeXHJMACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC018974"><font size="4"><img width="354" height="266" title="DSC01897" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01897" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QxKgxu9jRK4/W-rbSfWP7gI/AAAAAAAASDE/Wwot8TDz-G8Al5oIPnU0_-cVBq583_QiQCHMYCw/DSC01897_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AQtdA5DD8UI/W-rbS-PgZNI/AAAAAAAASDI/I4Kyi2jhD5Ib0kEa3RM7BKzz1bP6scGcwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019033"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01903" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01903" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ulhgH2nzWoc/W-rbTY5PBRI/AAAAAAAASDM/TAD_y0Zh0sUbOuCIx5DXo6H_kct5crJQwCHMYCw/DSC01903_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cqOIxU20JI0/W-rbTuU5SbI/AAAAAAAASDQ/KV1ztV0_flUz3mbB8aMj0nLJUyEN_SmHgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019063"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01906" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01906" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hxQwQjSjcM4/W-rbUfEgO_I/AAAAAAAASDU/PoRHrjs-2QMmLkXDCYQsyC72d5xFPyqlgCHMYCw/DSC01906_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I found an Ainslie but this is a bit far north for our Ainslie’s-but maybe not…</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWsAKYn99y8/W-rbU6wIoxI/AAAAAAAASDY/Dfet6OysJnsyhQbR50bfUcokgw1CFtmjwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019054"><font size="4"><img width="408" height="307" title="DSC01905" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01905" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XeN4zjoFIH4/W-rbVd1TNVI/AAAAAAAASDc/TVNcKtphwKwvzTOzeG9lgefZ7O64fUfJACHMYCw/DSC01905_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We traveled on to Glamis Castle and had a great tour, but you couldn’t take pictures inside. Lunch was fresh soup and sandwiches of which I ate heartily. </font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CHPAnaXNrSk/W-rbV07e8lI/AAAAAAAASDg/CAHlGh0Z-r0nZ9zthcNpoc492IzPsmR_gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019174"><font size="4"><img width="278" height="369" title="DSC01917" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01917" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jclZC79gwMQ/W-rbWamaibI/AAAAAAAASDk/sjCGWanxWF8t8MVcVudbyu8crWTxT31BACHMYCw/DSC01917_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8K9em25Cuz0/W-rbW_msoAI/AAAAAAAASDo/ANrwLQytx-Ip-NgmSqY7lVC9e4-c7HSAwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019204"><font size="4"><img width="407" height="93" title="DSC01920" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01920" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j3bHPrewkW8/W-rbXcgMP2I/AAAAAAAASDs/G15cbCZJvWAfByHiGB4hzw3Q0xang634QCHMYCw/DSC01920_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_cattle"><font size="4">Highland Cow</font></a><font size="4"> grazing on the grounds-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U_Ng4M70g2M/W-rbYCX3cSI/AAAAAAAASDw/XoZkb6TJnvYFZj6hOeuORmYDCRHhBNtXACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019234"><font size="4"><img width="383" height="288" title="DSC01923" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01923" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDs206Ybt4Y/W-rbYsNVbXI/AAAAAAAASD0/4zODas585i0Cvv5yea2gE3mQwxcHuITQgCHMYCw/DSC01923_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We stopped in the little town of Pitlochry and had a nice wander. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RP2_XYoWHgY/W-rbZPlF3OI/AAAAAAAASD4/0Xn7x7isNEsR8CM-e6yP__NeRo1TQKufQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019293"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01929" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01929" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yrdFkgyMcpw/W-rbZgvhVUI/AAAAAAAASD8/TTPSF1oUdqkeO_5vP2GjSj3Khyt1GBW2wCHMYCw/DSC01929_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vGTWjb0LbWA/W-rbaNg1IgI/AAAAAAAASEA/Y7KFlokwP6w52ND2g2CUOHeAH90tvvW4ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019323"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01932" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01932" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KYplYQch0mU/W-rbaraD9II/AAAAAAAASEE/9SlB8pQ5LjUIY5dencxjdodRSfaQ8jpyQCHMYCw/DSC01932_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UKKqMieN9tY/W-rbbDtsHiI/AAAAAAAASEI/TahsXjRYgsUkOEBPVjDXbMYMVgRPjDpKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019313"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01931" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01931" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5O476TpB6as/W-rbbs2YQ2I/AAAAAAAASEM/OHFaYbEmPCQT7NhwUcur5WcogvNjtwEWgCHMYCw/DSC01931_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We got to our hotel in Avimore </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p90aDLE0xJU/W-rbcPyn3uI/AAAAAAAASEQ/L5Xuw-VEzzMi7inDLSwrIs1zWV_15S6OACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_25333"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2533" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q7DlbfgvqdM/W-rbcl3WHDI/AAAAAAAASEU/I-Kz8-t8B-IvWy4-7U5HOFHzBWPliMHlQCHMYCw/IMG_2533_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ettx6MBj4aY/W-rbdYpP_jI/AAAAAAAASEY/mfWKGlRAl8UmQ5sRk9qj2BF-bdrO2PIvwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_25323"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2532" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2532" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AMjZ9W7Mu0A/W-rbd6p7IFI/AAAAAAAASEc/KnOQ1WnOjikzOdRdGiUsI_Su4zqgMqCpQCHMYCw/IMG_2532_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The following day we set out for the battlefield of Culloden, a battle led by Bonnie Prince Charlie to restore a Scot to the throne. The highlanders were soundly defeated which effectively ended the Highlander’s way of life. It’s quite a place. and the history is fascinating.</font></p><p><font size="4">There was a short demonstration of the hierarchy of the clans and the reason the highlanders went to battle. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWcsCPWiE4I/W-rbeKjKa8I/AAAAAAAASEg/E1zkQ2HbCoslxQ_PzL0cDVey_ZYHaLBQQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019433"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01943" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01943" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tdcwKHL7L34/W-rbekEWvcI/AAAAAAAASEk/2jeaLKNfA3gi5MJNAjm0MgsLz4KtN17KwCHMYCw/DSC01943_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vvY80fwM2rw/W-rbfAsNOCI/AAAAAAAASEo/zfQ24cTycNcRHNsLoXVP8V0WRq07yh7KwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019554"><font size="4"><img width="278" height="369" title="DSC01955" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01955" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qGLhx5i8Lqo/W-rbf2Hi9XI/AAAAAAAASEs/wpwmZf9nEy8fWDcRrlhBELx6jR8spTiIgCHMYCw/DSC01955_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vSqoxQfo82U/W-rbgTt5aWI/AAAAAAAASEw/00INioDDkB4iYy7vF5seWGfaJ1FVsvwtwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019513"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01951" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01951" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D7ELSYYAIUw/W-rbg1LSmuI/AAAAAAAASE0/1ccM6OmCs3A3G_ZfGoX-NeFMbIbIX5zOQCHMYCw/DSC01951_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-17K2FZJA96s/W-rbhTVHUFI/AAAAAAAASE4/FPLDPYUhQrsxE71BSrOxGO293_teTWvDQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019494"><font size="4"><img width="449" height="102" title="DSC01949" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01949" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHpPxCCLRr8/W-rbiL7I1OI/AAAAAAAASE8/39TW1r7_uSU6-eipVIgA1G325-CpAv31wCHMYCw/DSC01949_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I also visited the gift shop and found a knitting book-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x97WKFHm1W8/W-rbius3RpI/AAAAAAAASFA/gXOv-3_2uAQ8XjLtn7hGaYHln0mJ3TGHQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019583"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01958" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01958" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wfj2qn9ud4c/W-rbjENXcSI/AAAAAAAASFE/dUZHNXouL70w0kaIzoJCLa2h04aRY56vACHMYCw/DSC01958_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">I didn’t buy it but I found it!</font></p><p><font size="4">We stopped by the cairns of Clava-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xPpmbt82Kq8/W-rbjQeRxMI/AAAAAAAASFI/SjsLLyXNwp4QBIjaS0osgMIPqs-4WvgJACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019734"><font size="4"><img width="378" height="284" title="DSC01973" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01973" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GX9ZCLuyT6A/W-rbkJGoyrI/AAAAAAAASFM/D8Xkt7K3eFUIwEF3KlVISHd9SD_uvrKqACHMYCw/DSC01973_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GMEBSeo8cPU/W-rbkgEzBLI/AAAAAAAASFQ/L7qTyGwEAYEIQN6IbmjZbRG1WuSsySLjACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019674"><font size="4"><img width="265" height="352" title="DSC01967" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01967" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-neiefS0-cAc/W-rblKy_PrI/AAAAAAAASFU/q2dlmLwelvYI484rstQq85-3fU2pFMtegCHMYCw/DSC01967_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QOwXpfsuRW8/W-rblmpoZYI/AAAAAAAASFY/MypXO-hIrE4tZsDFwFk4WgZMEvawhHcUACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019723"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01972" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01972" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VT_YYR0aoK8/W-rbl4D5alI/AAAAAAAASFc/TVUOwS9KI9c4GP5FVztGGOQXZAAbdywnwCHMYCw/DSC01972_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5OSNjZVfQDo/W-rbmhxPIzI/AAAAAAAASFg/L-NsHHQuLZM8qzuCFWAyprBO39iH_LsrwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019713"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01971" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01971" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dGRR5eSOp5E/W-rbnD-N80I/AAAAAAAASFk/lA3_S1YyU60p5VKKxIVlgmao-L6c7BlmACHMYCw/DSC01971_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We lunched at Inverness</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MCg8ysiV1bs/W-rbnjkEzmI/AAAAAAAASFo/uokWXOA1Ip4X1lHHmYeAv8Y17W82siV-ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019804"><font size="4"><img width="386" height="290" title="DSC01980" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01980" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L4xBL95MFxQ/W-rboFqOzTI/AAAAAAAASFs/hiUv90EeCyEsLA-MKGUfqphllUfQKCGCACHMYCw/DSC01980_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And then headed to Singleton Whisky Distillery for a tour and a tasting!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ybAu_MeiBHo/W-rboycTeAI/AAAAAAAASFw/_tpdA3xPTbscQ6o0Qymh0IkqeBIY9sEFwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019884"><font size="4"><img width="277" height="368" title="DSC01988" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01988" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EnSWwzwcKeQ/W-rbpVY8N-I/AAAAAAAASF0/4Xm66KLk_jUXPfkZG6H3bFGGJJ57mHBvQCHMYCw/DSC01988_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qflOtqjo_Io/W-rbp1ny3dI/AAAAAAAASF4/ZWyq7oD1kB0GYidZWYq_goWLCuRN2uYHgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_25374"><font size="4"><img width="302" height="402" title="IMG_2537" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2537" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dTz-hpVxzP4/W-rbqUVE6kI/AAAAAAAASF8/nDalAZmbSug0tb0yd4FuuikS88UMOUnwwCHMYCw/IMG_2537_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Back to the hotel for dinner and then Sunday was off to Loch Ness!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0UXWZmBkQ7M/W-rbqxIP0BI/AAAAAAAASGA/q8eLqIoSrPMdw8BBh-RxAHqr4RgoLimmACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC020053"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02005" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lLPNYJ-XHew/W-rbtWmTpyI/AAAAAAAASGE/WO6-Ab0clSMpRBL_nsqTfkC_c_kk2FKxwCHMYCw/DSC02005_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPkhvDCWEyY/W-rbt5y2_YI/AAAAAAAASGI/wFqMVBMARLE4IjxnfGaMqkfuIJqgy-sqgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019965"><font size="4"><img width="479" height="109" title="DSC01996" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01996" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X3nGbesQiqo/W-rbuTvLCkI/AAAAAAAASGM/EBblb85ibWcBvy27z3mSnL35CgkMo--4QCHMYCw/DSC01996_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Doing my Insight rep-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3nCrNT3UJ1w/W-rbuwBmQUI/AAAAAAAASGQ/xWD62s-PCEwSS1mgDwIxDDf0VAi3bJ4JQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_25445"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2544" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2544" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rCtdD7AXsxc/W-rbvCqMUMI/AAAAAAAASGU/qi0XQQjuN0IJBsZXEoAaUeDCh22dJdPFwCHMYCw/IMG_2544_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jqLHQlmjSDk/W-rbvoil3bI/AAAAAAAASGY/xyckBQ575Kcsp7EmpaD3-VjfSvh2p55lwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC019984"><font size="4"><img width="352" height="265" title="DSC01998" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01998" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yAKoBRQhOz8/W-rbwNJ_rpI/AAAAAAAASGc/wRBPqf9uy4IT2z0KHWvkwDk__qGb1WHZgCHMYCw/DSC01998_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-yVbon244o/W-rbwunWjgI/AAAAAAAASGg/GUU5ewB-1YsjbuwEUpCc5W17wgs41OURACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC020013"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02001" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OOl_IPpBX2Y/W-rbxI5OeQI/AAAAAAAASGk/r3TgNaeokBgpTHgIg5SzkKhpAo0fQaohQCHMYCw/DSC02001_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We traveled forth and the weather improved. We saw a castle on Loch Alsh-Eilean Donan Castle</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZG1KbskdOpc/W-rbx5sWQZI/AAAAAAAASGo/3e0RqkZAWC4hPXTYNwfNrsI2Frm-ni8WQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02017%255B3%255D"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iz-pD_h3cJA/W-rbzdHaHFI/AAAAAAAASGs/z6OaZaBcLKcpjWLFvqe87stIbSfKUWM2wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02013%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02013" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02013" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PSbe9Ddym7U/W-rbz8fNe4I/AAAAAAAASGw/FXbbpYbVoAssGiWZA_brSczAOGZV4AUKgCHMYCw/DSC02013_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i93ljVuffT4/W-rb0ZycsEI/AAAAAAAASG0/SIIcJN7TmXwc_w0qYxC03AUQaPFpL5VGgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02017%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="357" height="269" title="DSC02017" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vf0OuEOV1AQ/W-rb0x2kkTI/AAAAAAAASG4/gutcpSUOugMFksP8fuj8X3OsXNJSldJOgCHMYCw/DSC02017_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And headed for the Isle of Skye and Armadale Castle. This castle had a fire in 1855 which destroyed the back of the house and it was never repaired. Which is sad because it would have been beautiful-looking out over the sea. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KpChkxlYonQ/W-rb1V5sbxI/AAAAAAAASG8/W3kFXuPIIBAVT02fmAsomnoibeytVYyjwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02032%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="360" height="271" title="DSC02032" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02032" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PV9x086R4JI/W-rb2NAVjkI/AAAAAAAASHA/eZpT611d_cQ-MKwj7WIp3JseMtYRJ7cKwCHMYCw/DSC02032_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j72L4XrWPLw/W-rb2sGckMI/AAAAAAAASHE/kamZkdJ2oDs-EpTPTVQnuEPhKuE03I6RgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02036%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02036" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02036" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SbUXmaLDmtk/W-rb3GxzONI/AAAAAAAASHI/PeRV3jr8dFk3ATTo8nDgDP-1xvZ5Uz8ZgCHMYCw/DSC02036_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Stairs to nowhere</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRBbqlaWz6s/W-rb3gljAvI/AAAAAAAASHM/9ANCpf8w_AMS2N3WQXy9WRjBD67hKxqOgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02031%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02031" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02031" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L3K5i1X8Y7U/W-rb4IR7-FI/AAAAAAAASHQ/sFFPWJn50Hc9-tnWAJmSxuMNt3JYowNswCHMYCw/DSC02031_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The view from the house</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKUH7vhXa0Y/W-rb4pkEchI/AAAAAAAASHU/sMYHT2iMkQcZeLIqbCDVctRT7ywuDdnowCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02035%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="468" height="106" title="DSC02035" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02035" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ayzEpmKg9qc/W-rb5GL084I/AAAAAAAASHY/In0ZgGqjA5I0hsUd4BJzKOfsyZliwm64gCHMYCw/DSC02035_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And the view from the trails below</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--6FTnEWdLrE/W-rb5uCU2XI/AAAAAAAASHc/KFaIxaA1j2knzNQn3_AS2HiVIbyY3yYBwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02042%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02042" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02042" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fLpiDdpu134/W-rb6O-KE1I/AAAAAAAASHg/7CqV5b8_Pls8wfoIMMaoH_hLA5C4j6WDACHMYCw/DSC02042_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yksEjbVjYf8/W-rb6pZztLI/AAAAAAAASHk/DzeJTdZe1MEXoETyUngEWJj5jd_vY_q3gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02044%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02044" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02044" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nLhoevcVvfg/W-rb7TBTgiI/AAAAAAAASHo/U38OUxw-r8Mi8dajuuL3bbvpATSJ1eesACHMYCw/DSC02044_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Nc4nBChWCs/W-rb77UdHkI/AAAAAAAASHs/IAXfD2-6x6kAhmB83SVMmOFXr_MLUKk7wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02047%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="409" height="269" title="DSC02047" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02047" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nbBxhv58jdY/W-rb8aA_oJI/AAAAAAAASHw/lAarOqRgE4QSarR5ux04PB1OFfT6lJLkwCHMYCw/DSC02047_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We took a ferry to the mainland and headed for the mainland</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zSWrGAoJ6PY/W-rb8yW5PPI/AAAAAAAASH0/Z8vNIoeIHkIyXlQ3d5yavLftl05PH1JBACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02057%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02057" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02057" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ni2x59acUIU/W-rb9fhlpOI/AAAAAAAASH4/D5DED-Dvzh8BQy74OmvnlsqZ5Lt6x0HUgCHMYCw/DSC02057_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Our bus!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ssnGicOnas/W-rb94L9-3I/AAAAAAAASH8/uD9v1bw4Umsnat9f6TMWtNwPLjczoQloQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02059%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="406" height="306" title="DSC02059" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02059" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SYDsKjACnWk/W-rb-dObIbI/AAAAAAAASIA/T2TGVdOOPBEeIpJ9aFSgmwkP3zElb4gHwCHMYCw/DSC02059_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And a selfie over the water!</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OubhthzTN-Y/W-rb-sZI1MI/AAAAAAAASIE/7IFpjhp_wzgvCRWxa-y_M6Vjx_aK9uHxgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02055%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02055" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02055" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iBmayyWszfw/W-rb_CEAsfI/AAAAAAAASII/SVuGwASfku0YuewRWe4pj_7ghNdH0Pj9gCHMYCw/DSC02055_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We made one more stop on our way to Fort William-Glenfinnan</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s_7nYqhzp7o/W-rb_uqcu0I/AAAAAAAASIM/pdmDZSH3UTUzrL-W5PTBnAjGE9ZXcNhtgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02069%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02069" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02069" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-szco8ocWP-8/W-rcAfrzmdI/AAAAAAAASIQ/_WYIPeBJ7xMMvrGUXgTngy4xzcF9k0xEACHMYCw/DSC02069_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EqncpqbmKZI/W-rcA4sgNWI/AAAAAAAASIU/irjQ8dUgakABAW0k2zewZENPsatsWh9HwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02072%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02072" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02072" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Rc4VS6DSuc/W-rcBdmtPEI/AAAAAAAASIY/CjDfvujFaTwQpl3mrHoEg5N6J_62OhhMACHMYCw/DSC02072_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">That would be the unknown highlander on a plinth.</font></p><p><font size="4">This is the place where Bonnie Prince Charlie came and raised his standard, he claimed the Scottish and the English thrones in the name of his father James Stuart. However, eight months later he and the highlanders were roundly defeated at Culloden and the highlanders crushed and subsequently oppressed and crushed….but maybe not completely. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Wuk08eZhIA/W-rcB-mpuGI/AAAAAAAASIc/LfLEFU_Q-ggq3R957_eVd_BImsmDNVqxgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02071%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="278" height="369" title="DSC02071" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02071" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GXQW3ngdhv4/W-rcCtQJU4I/AAAAAAAASIg/DPhx1iqNzQI21ukqU-Suup_8IVpIusVxwCHMYCw/DSC02071_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And a view of the Harry Potter train bridge</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1EmX3byW6a0/W-rcDMuH_SI/AAAAAAAASIk/-aIOOin8a4gCkLReuis3oAW6Qo5L_dr3ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02064%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="422" height="318" title="DSC02064" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02064" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mFXhjVrxh_U/W-rcDhu0TVI/AAAAAAAASIo/6neLqf6Bd_oBiPBJLNm7NHw5Gs2WDFWxACHMYCw/DSC02064_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Can you barely see it?</font></p><p><font size="4">We also stopped and looked at a lock system which was a marvel but what was more fun is when I got to the top of the steps of the lock I met a Scottish cat</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w3wsGKUYYUU/W-rcEPHgpMI/AAAAAAAASIw/UPJwLrV2Q2gs1OdbWHeFqseho_pyodGdwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02076%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02076" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02076" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3UZmymSCF-8/W-rcE60vlYI/AAAAAAAASI0/jofInKPggb8BYy5aGDF6Y60eOfA9iDKbwCHMYCw/DSC02076_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Top of the lock</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IwNWrhOyGeI/W-rcFL6xK1I/AAAAAAAASI4/vwvp4GS6WkIc3iSQZ6RkejHV6HoRaXhgQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02078%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02078" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02078" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rFfW43FV6co/W-rcFn2a0qI/AAAAAAAASI8/Cy3wgStrEf4ezuAIArza4pwyOMnN_PnrwCHMYCw/DSC02078_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">My new best friend</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IuRYaL0dxwU/W-rcGBiBEeI/AAAAAAAASJA/fZ_fqDFavmIItN0HBJEd_RWusGffIqtngCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2562%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2562" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2562" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wt0L96bo9_s/W-rcGgg63nI/AAAAAAAASJE/kEbuZnC6maArG4SoowXsXVi0wXyyiTH0wCHMYCw/IMG_2562_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rr4FBMHLVyM/W-rcHNOxC_I/AAAAAAAASJI/FzQ9knf-akwor6fooUvN1BwxdzJI5CBaQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02082%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02082" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02082" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l_HqAqvhtOw/W-rcHrZfhFI/AAAAAAAASJM/3JgnmLrUxak2V2J2U4QfZl-Bl3VyNf5dQCHMYCw/DSC02082_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">I will rub against your leg</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KfNjn5pIS7c/W-rcIDpxS7I/AAAAAAAASJQ/U7JzNme_Sogl-cZy3KgPzhJwTIsA_rqeQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02083%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02083" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02083" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PQ2z1H33KvQ/W-rcIl5MMUI/AAAAAAAASJU/hZOw7LvVFM0xjHUycoTvONLu2M2YvhFRQCHMYCw/DSC02083_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">What? Leaving—then I will turn my back on you-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qg_VaRGiP8w/W-rcJNH22oI/AAAAAAAASJY/t5bUjRK8RpI8gmiQZNES9BMcB162BR9uwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02081%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="321" height="320" title="DSC02081" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02081" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--AkcWFyh2c8/W-rcJm_9GHI/AAAAAAAASJc/t3UmLtjr42oBFw67i1WhNYI5tsKXbPRUgCHMYCw/DSC02081_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I love cats.</font></p><p><font size="4">We stayed at an interesting place with a sort of unworking elevator. Which was ok cause we had lots of stair training by then. Our room was ok-but the shower was great!</font></p><p><font size="4">Pigeons hanging out across the hotel courtyard.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CrVQVHGfjRQ/W-rcKM7h-3I/AAAAAAAASJg/UfPUiiZl0IMutPLoqEgdwgfIX4vodivogCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02084%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02084" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02084" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8vM3EQi52BU/W-rcKuV44fI/AAAAAAAASJk/D-nLeSJGPq4eXvQb30evN1MkeUn1VnS2QCHMYCw/DSC02084_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We had a lovely dinner and off to Glasgow through the highland scenery.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mvEI5UdP4Tc/W-rcLElIeoI/AAAAAAAASJo/aRt58vYGFY474jHlm4F3Kgp-Snq27RB_QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02091%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="231" title="DSC02091" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02091" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PfUSj4icG6Q/W-rcLnEBlnI/AAAAAAAASJs/A1MpVNBIN5cgZfOqX1wKIuE4Px_3uV8ZwCHMYCw/DSC02091_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uSiBwWcZyP8/W-rcMHGtD_I/AAAAAAAASJw/e2kmlJy4UKM7H__bmKYlk8iWTimrNRQfQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02101%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="319" height="240" title="DSC02101" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02101" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_xCB0gY41TE/W-rcMu_EUuI/AAAAAAAASJ0/DIz_9q138oYOwoShNKl6sRxEl2cGgPqrwCHMYCw/DSC02101_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And a windy wet selfie-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wh4J790k0Cc/W-rcNEowOoI/AAAAAAAASJ4/uxHvh6cJXmg7_oWz5UNfH4VhnbeisEZaACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02095%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="334" height="252" title="DSC02095" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02095" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YQ-CCC66w3A/W-rcN1CAlSI/AAAAAAAASJ8/dMbC_1D4EhcEHcYI4jRn1nblCVnGaYh3wCHMYCw/DSC02095_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We had a boat tour on the Loch Lamond-</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q6dmqrjOWrg/W-rcOT2mt-I/AAAAAAAASKA/k0chuE97HagQYK765u_Hv6VsdpPodxw9gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02103%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="328" height="247" title="DSC02103" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02103" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MDu7xxnzcOw/W-rcPI1OrzI/AAAAAAAASKE/IXjcKhTlWUUJAv-5mcvAJxE1T9_t78xwQCHMYCw/DSC02103_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Qx15qck1XY/W-rcPrpV8-I/AAAAAAAASKI/zIJ6_ec8shs-F8wXqNO9DUdOYpwnxmYNwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02105%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02105" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02105" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LD3WVYdBqUo/W-rcP6W2kXI/AAAAAAAASKM/HWoCAjeZ-G4x5krDyMeEF7W73ZZO0rM7ACHMYCw/DSC02105_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJEzrIm0Q80/W-rcQVyXqAI/AAAAAAAASKQ/OkO5WBkWWZACFQQ13Qsc73BqqV4eUO8FACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02114%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="345" height="260" title="DSC02114" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02114" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VfWk1lO0OFg/W-rcQ9xMGRI/AAAAAAAASKU/rLT60r0OEXwCfQYX9iCDUMC8tmt1TLAagCHMYCw/DSC02114_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eyM07u3VhgI/W-rcRt93JaI/AAAAAAAASKY/ROuYQWFgmG4gJb-0n0dMVjcpDuyo3FsAQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02116%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="248" height="329" title="DSC02116" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02116" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vg9PxGtuxUY/W-rcSAInGKI/AAAAAAAASKc/TfMislvfCtwbbwznJuC-If6I9YeXlZl8ACHMYCw/DSC02116_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fbPMk91ldGs/W-rcSn6wMyI/AAAAAAAASKg/xKQ6lqUFrjsMQjJOL_W-lnOnQjNrrjJZQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02125%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="391" height="294" title="DSC02125" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02125" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vV2E0Jnzvh0/W-rcTDxIo0I/AAAAAAAASKk/-G8LgRepiEsv-Wqh222fIgFRq_q17oq9wCHMYCw/DSC02125_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4">We then drove off to our final city destination-Glasgow.</font></p><p><font size="4">We toured the city starting with the Glasgow Cathedral-One of the sights of the filming of Outlander-for all the Outlander fans!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qOGm5AcRDcU/W-rcTlaEvwI/AAAAAAAASKo/ek0rMhn4FC0PgoHP4WJkQVyRkgRCcTDIACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02138%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="276" height="367" title="DSC02138" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02138" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RoseyjeE2Ho/W-rcU89B2nI/AAAAAAAASKw/eBYE3MxXfRIgQbI5hahnkB_NAM6uLCfGQCHMYCw/DSC02138_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1S2SW0YaTpc/W-rcXXtFCaI/AAAAAAAASK0/nWJen9NhwRoUEowHUMifoli7GIJuww5KQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02140%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="365" height="275" title="DSC02140" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02140" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxEsN9fzBdk/W-rcYLlvTvI/AAAAAAAASK4/VkFjhxfdxNcoi0bdG0Qxj5y9x98jSCldgCHMYCw/DSC02140_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Mungo"><font size="4">The Tomb of St. Mungo</font></a><font size="4">-</font></p><p><font size="4">He is famous for four Miracles</font></p><p><font size="4">Here is the bird that never flew<br>Here is the tree that never grew<br>Here is the bell that never rang<br>Here is the fish that never swam</font><p><font size="4">He’s very beloved in Scotland.</font><p><font size="4">Outlander Fans----</font><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RokiCdAPHD4/W-rcYrHhx9I/AAAAAAAASK8/8iBkGkNi_fUE8b_ugNJK8Oa1cQk6ion6gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02143%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02143" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02143" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uqw-ddwRSOg/W-rcZbNiGAI/AAAAAAAASLA/Ah4YL-JSs5sJi_n2mEXSdSPwM2j4TNKvwCHMYCw/DSC02143_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GIGuy1UKnKU/W-rchN_5y4I/AAAAAAAASLQ/919ddy5DRUAWDP1mlzTZwiE2N-Ndi2SbwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02147%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02147" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02147" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yRqV9pIyyz4/W-rchtD2uBI/AAAAAAAASLU/YWaDfQ3qZHA4fEtvnw3JS1LrVtayYTp1QCHMYCw/DSC02147_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z02UahoZBXs/W-rciHKKKEI/AAAAAAAASLc/Hu3GA6K_4l0DBoYRjMPKY53AbQ3370LDgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02144%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02144" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02144" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wt9mP0CC4K0/W-rci12sJEI/AAAAAAAASLg/uNv_w1d1TOE4JnPxVRIXaHtC8krTPbdYgCHMYCw/DSC02144_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="4">It was a very beautiful place. </font><p><font size="4">We drove about the city in our huge bus-</font><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Opj3soMePfI/W-rcjgAWywI/AAAAAAAASLo/vaPrqBWwoU4LwV4-KQBWJVjcd6fmeh0rQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02157%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02157" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02157" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PpgoVsBlWMA/W-rckduuMfI/AAAAAAAASLs/HAoFIJOfrwcLpC1JUuiNUbk9ygJD8gnHwCHMYCw/DSC02157_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YFzwZQeKIYE/W-rckzYKp5I/AAAAAAAASLw/ZJNwN8vdMREkdu2UHf-MwWWUXY5XsarEQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02165%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02165" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02165" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEGgCAsiyWc/W-rclBfHvNI/AAAAAAAASL0/AUOyRWa_6fc2c8UgdICJdDhalp6kabV9wCHMYCw/DSC02165_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kzhoJ4MOtoE/W-rcl-LWmdI/AAAAAAAASL4/k_0n1KnG5j8s6lm2NAnwsdYCAf_MLOEfQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02170%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02170" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02170" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_yV9N4t6P9c/W-rcmUT9ppI/AAAAAAAASL8/bWTJkD5HIfclQiHt0qyIkS0Ug04xRSFDgCHMYCw/DSC02170_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And my favorite place-</font></p><p><font size="4">The Cat Cafe. That’s what I’m talking about.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sj-maSDCYA8/W-rcm4OOtGI/AAAAAAAASMA/hLjqq9UheM0hBPZf1R2phccxU9DCI9IUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02158%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="263" height="337" title="DSC02158" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02158" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dB6037KTOuU/W-rcnTQY8_I/AAAAAAAASME/aTdG72DyIOMXcpDm7pyNJPcLYJtIFeRhQCHMYCw/DSC02158_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The view from our hotel-</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oWtrGddRJbc/W-rcn26bZFI/AAAAAAAASMI/mYXeSpxZWkAf3-bLbUYkDHDGlkmcVEUEQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02172%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="408" height="307" title="DSC02172" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02172" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qIO5T3DIAO8/W-rcoYV3EsI/AAAAAAAASMM/wBS3IjPIMHsL66pI688gWHJs79vdH3aRgCHMYCw/DSC02172_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C25Zr0SBBuk/W-rco5WzMJI/AAAAAAAASMQ/Lr2Bmfxh1NkqLqL0Y66foxJS0uON0nDUACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02174%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="469" height="120" title="DSC02174" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02174" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h6vNRfggNJU/W-rcpXPWjmI/AAAAAAAASMU/RxCzuys4oTMd5OI2W91r4uHNwoEvlEOiQCHMYCw/DSC02174_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Dinner and a beer. This was actually the best beer I had in Scotland.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--rdKpJLdg1k/W-rcp3ydeBI/AAAAAAAASMY/rtd_gKhU7QUOHlyHHVS45UGatMKtu-8JwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2602%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2602" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2602" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xy-qD0Y9L4Q/W-rcqQBT__I/AAAAAAAASMc/xA1aqPPDFDkn4_rIzqbDGUZeWPK_egTagCHMYCw/IMG_2602_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Our last day in Scotland was spent at the Stirling Castle, and then to see the Kewpies—both of which were awesome!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KMRk5qxvhPM/W-rcq9aLvGI/AAAAAAAASMg/hd-Dd_EATp4ULQvzSeFLrNBHq7K_YlC0QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02179%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KMRk5qxvhPM/W-rcq9aLvGI/AAAAAAAASMg/hd-Dd_EATp4ULQvzSeFLrNBHq7K_YlC0QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02179%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="390" height="294" title="DSC02179" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02179" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UDY-A_DaGmw/W-rcrWw1fMI/AAAAAAAASMk/OcONgaFAJRkbcMP6pIamR3Q3QQbbJvkMQCHMYCw/DSC02179_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The views were awesome-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P5JXgmUevos/W-rcr5RKciI/AAAAAAAASMo/cyK8Q06RpKUx4WpdHQmE7L-J1RdGh-sKACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02180%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02180" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02180" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gl2p6liBVbc/W-rcsbFueOI/AAAAAAAASMs/JXZYxIYpIPILYEyI0LuTDLV85f5sx2ksQCHMYCw/DSC02180_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V2-GB2vPa38/W-rcs1nQq4I/AAAAAAAASMw/6mGn5Indd0sHS3XNDJv6Xmhyqs4rxc-6ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02181%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02181" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02181" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HX30J3qxXS0/W-rctQVXRaI/AAAAAAAASM0/j9lp7PaO1TQI8qLKNGUzgd8wIYfgp_etwCHMYCw/DSC02181_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gyb3jaQcsto/W-rct17hvAI/AAAAAAAASM4/a8GfdluKgnkGex5wBLDUNZJPxNUTgcaDACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02183%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02183" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02183" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lIkU4Bb6QfQ/W-rcuTCZW6I/AAAAAAAASM8/fl9zcRWJXBwGePjjvBmRF9rwOonlyzRWACHMYCw/DSC02183_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hPragcPDB50/W-rcu5Jrl0I/AAAAAAAASNA/lLj8c1olUUopf6lH8um5tAU5901g471OwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02186%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02186" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02186" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IxRUxSp9CJY/W-rcve6LzQI/AAAAAAAASNE/aXhy8lpPFVw5uEqIpFjC_y8bC9ZxPKNrwCHMYCw/DSC02186_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ok1gLseE7hc/W-rcv8SvX5I/AAAAAAAASNI/mtD1UZG2jQ8ieWdVTf3rdQF_i9NRMn5fwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02189%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02189" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02189" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cppxO2nBIE0/W-rcwWdgk8I/AAAAAAAASNM/ls5MnOrfAXYweDFCAlXcSNKOjmRQiFLhQCHMYCw/DSC02189_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CrSLxJBHCK4/W-rcw-Lx8sI/AAAAAAAASNQ/SmG9v7sN6w4qsVtIRHuMO9pMnVgaID2RgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02197%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02197" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02197" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-In5sRCJCFF0/W-rcxI0QncI/AAAAAAAASNU/WIroh6SgEkw9nBgHt34wzjie_1QETUAnwCHMYCw/DSC02197_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MlYjDYYixNQ/W-rcxq7kyAI/AAAAAAAASNY/QZ_g6VFK8EwviFlezZnbMhKJ6EHGRkH8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02203%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02203" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02203" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IPv4n5yVdto/W-rcyUnmWiI/AAAAAAAASNc/B_b3aYsFNTYNt8UAvlAbVVHe-Dg9OSh7wCHMYCw/DSC02203_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hk7Fmfw-Psw/W-rczXHM_GI/AAAAAAAASNg/cUfF2GwfWO4KPsL2BVt6ECud-eCZO9iqQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02222%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02222" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EHom0HevihA/W-rczyYBqfI/AAAAAAAASNk/wwSS5DDtTnQKquIzssThpXc05xY8tSB4wCHMYCw/DSC02222_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And Kewpies</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V47p3HC2m8Y/W-rc0d9upsI/AAAAAAAASNo/DvHYUu_HPmA-_G--N8H1C9xiM1IcYMhMwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02234%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02234" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02234" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M-fnW43dJMQ/W-rc023JYMI/AAAAAAAASNs/sqlBotZkWSUPn-c4fGKTQtT63ROsma56gCHMYCw/DSC02234_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7vJnbqY5IF0/W-rc1dQ4aeI/AAAAAAAASNw/c1AXDbu8hT0k5x5mccvzTYYcBS3L1ZGmQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02232%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC02232" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02232" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hyw3K_lcDB8/W-rc14TvlzI/AAAAAAAASN0/ms8tKSIM64cIe3ir7tkZhBkTry74RK82ACHMYCw/DSC02232_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BuwKmbVibj8/W-rc2Xu25MI/AAAAAAAASN4/HqpB8NsnTUchEMe3n51j59LZoNlM-l1QwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC02238%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC02238" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC02238" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wZLirCxB9Vc/W-rc28-IBMI/AAAAAAAASN8/5TsQY5xepMQ5kdvucnu8QnkagSk-y7I5gCHMYCw/DSC02238_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We got back to the hotel-Laura went shopping and I chillaxed for a bit.</font></p><p><font size="4">We went down to the bar</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZqTWuP3Xsoo/W-rc3de_1dI/AAAAAAAASOA/aQ-pw1tUa8gBrUfp5D5dSQ7DUy7AotFRACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2615%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2615" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2615" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wEOChB_hjxc/W-rc39WTUxI/AAAAAAAASOE/uBl3fbynfpIMvSFJZjRDLhtOPBjYppxLQCHMYCw/IMG_2615_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">and off to our final group dinner. </font></p><p><font size="4">The following AM we were off early and back to the airport and back to where we began the whole adventure. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eJYm1B9H3Vw/W-rc4d8SvRI/AAAAAAAASOI/h1nd4cdRzUsI77lXETb9PqE8DIfwOkYEACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2617%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2617" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2617" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-26YKLUObEZA/W-rc5O3TLEI/AAAAAAAASOM/s-5OzCrqw8ABtflqCKRkL6tUzRlNa-iCQCHMYCw/IMG_2617_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It’s so hard to imagine I was even gone. I loved Scotland and I’m sure that in the upcoming years Dave and I will go back and explore all the things I didn’t get to this time. </font></p><p><font size="4">Puddy was totally glad I was back…..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j0cdNsokvHU/W-rc5gRb8VI/AAAAAAAASOQ/pxB2-u8eT8gjNS1ySE1PEoLjOWWx3RgIwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2627%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2627" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2627" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RP8_blUy2xE/W-rc59Lt0FI/AAAAAAAASOU/ybkyHjuj-yoIFcTkuqMF2kk5DVbXuvJsACHMYCw/IMG_2627_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-85904064996320762662018-10-21T12:26:00.001-05:002018-10-21T12:29:44.527-05:00Scotland Part One<p><font size="4">After I returned from VA and the hottest humidest weather ever I did a quick turn around and about 10 days later Laura and I left for Scotland. </font></p><p><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01698" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01698" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QqA2o4ZoxMw/W8y057Sq4kI/AAAAAAAARtU/-TYZ3RUdKz8DmPpZ8Azs3Jp-iQIO9fMFwCHMYCw/DSC01698_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"> Ready to Go!!</font></p><p><font size="4">We headed up to the cities and parked in a hotel parking lot which worked out really well—close to the airport and very inexpensive as far as parking goes. Cheaper than us taking a shuttle up and back too. I don’t mind the shuttle up but I can NOT shuttle back after hours on an airplane. No and all the nopes. </font></p><p><font size="4">But I digress. We did our thing and flew to Newark where we waited for our flight to Scotland</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_BCHfjje1WE/W8y06iLKaMI/AAAAAAAARtY/MvTA-Feva0IcnA2E3yhANnyUP45JDYeiwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_23353"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2335" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2335" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-llOkoE3pjbY/W8y07I4lqfI/AAAAAAAARtc/iKdJkr9OrhQhITCFbcFO21bUVNs0KJ4OwCHMYCw/IMG_2335_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-67lYIMavipc/W8y07kwpERI/AAAAAAAARtg/byYAbGQodlgotb7ouBLYeguRXO6aj6KtwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_23343"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2334" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2334" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qaquzAEA_eY/W8y09cCTjAI/AAAAAAAARtk/VdPn_NPsxz4zEgOPwfBVtkmadepHBiGDwCHMYCw/IMG_2334_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4"> Selfies starring me!!</font></p><p><font size="4">And off we went. We landed in the rain at the Edinburgh airport and hit the ground running—after we found our drivers. Since we arrived early in the AM we didn’t have a room so we checked in, dropped our luggage, got a map, set up my phone, and took off to the streets of Edinburgh. </font></p><p><font size="4">We had some goals in mind and with the list on my phone we started our quests. </font></p><p><font size="4">We started on Princes Street and wandered through Princes Gardens. There were lovely and we started to realize that the Scottish people LOVE their statues. </font></p><p><font size="4">Walking down the lane…</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OP2vBXr2yr8/W8y0-vvW0jI/AAAAAAAARto/Iu0Qaejo7ZIy2Q4wA8F6-4349dCZIc4FACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017004"><font size="4"><img width="247" height="328" title="DSC01700" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01700" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fIvvvnscVgg/W8y1Cj1fFsI/AAAAAAAARts/6h_Vw-7wR8kSU9F0M6MhQWqMkfgY1l91gCHMYCw/DSC01700_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And admiring the statues…..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HM3CUVnanKA/W8y1DEzgzOI/AAAAAAAARtw/cBWTPRqt764N1dzdX2WJ0XwWAI9qLFMzQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017044"><font size="4"><img width="256" height="340" title="DSC01704" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01704" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vcH-CV1EIwE/W8y1D9dPNdI/AAAAAAAARt0/vbsNJmf9hQEtmjphkQ0YY_CMW-R4C2yZACHMYCw/DSC01704_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0ABPCJXpB0/W8y1EdJGLoI/AAAAAAAARt4/u6ujWRLaFLMjTHc0thSbiB8mem3217eFgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017103"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01710" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01710" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ko3cm-SvaHY/W8y1FcI-5hI/AAAAAAAARt8/wa7rKlS7EWIr2x2nwF0hVT8o_liD1ya2QCHMYCw/DSC01710_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-feo570huHBw/W8y1GIze6bI/AAAAAAAARuA/4zn4BfKHCfME7NIIu0j8KcuS4Fbno9ZugCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017073"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01707" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01707" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLFJNJPSlqo/W8y1GnEarPI/AAAAAAAARuE/8XYym4G7QP0r58vSYcUU40hSu3Pex9RagCHMYCw/DSC01707_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CqEIzF-uR4s/W8y1HL8cv6I/AAAAAAAARuI/9kmXZ7E0fooEeFum9uT2CWKRiiJnsWx_gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017083"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01708" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01708" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cHi7hm2-GL4/W8y1H_VM2XI/AAAAAAAARuM/ZhtqUSdWMPAMfbSwuQVbf2DHfrDsM3SOgCHMYCw/DSC01708_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The Ross Fountain</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cl8wT_17DB0/W8y1IcwGA5I/AAAAAAAARuQ/d8jk6flYhWgM0oR1v-xAAH0GFaRVMKAlgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017065"><font size="4"><img width="307" height="334" title="DSC01706" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01706" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3WaHkEs6yuY/W8y1I83apgI/AAAAAAAARuU/LIqKKdsYv2Q4M3a-wDugJ0iI6f6VE79DACHMYCw/DSC01706_thumb7?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We had some nice views of Edinburgh Castle, a place we were to visit the next day…but more about that later….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ttXuIcCjFGA/W8y1JTBNkRI/AAAAAAAARuY/WZdfbYj57AskIJ-stKw7QNNzccZTsS6ygCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017033"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01703" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01703" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uTNdlCYhjGE/W8y1J9l-eaI/AAAAAAAARuc/MAqPn3wVmkIuJYkOlCaz3lUtGg67TWTxgCHMYCw/DSC01703_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And at the end of the park was the Scott Monument—and we were determined to climb up. Sadly, not opened yet so we back tracked and hit the Gallery-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KV88yrsZvxw/W8y1Kn-TR1I/AAAAAAAARug/4QslC8Wg8yAlmZY8DHZ0ghhWOkGtq48EQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017114"><font size="4"><img width="278" height="370" title="DSC01711" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01711" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0-if5SZM_2k/W8y1LZI-w_I/AAAAAAAARuk/mYy0LZRjC7sMjLyRBSmWAI34YzWSXZDWgCHMYCw/DSC01711_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"> </font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UsURTN-hKis/W8y1L9bf-GI/AAAAAAAARuo/PHR9EbskSXQ2DhRMEqqW0anUs4RqywuLwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017124"><font size="4"><img width="222" height="294" title="DSC01712" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01712" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zHN6j5Kvf40/W8y1MXNxlgI/AAAAAAAARus/OsM8bwmnrmEaAtycQldcQrRgoBk0JMhHQCHMYCw/DSC01712_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">There were so many beautiful paintings there-a Van Gogh</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p2tcUiDH4kM/W8y1NHuikHI/AAAAAAAARuw/s9IaFeidr7gmCqMElPMNVJXkYeXQtTgeQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017154"><font size="4"><img width="396" height="298" title="DSC01715" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01715" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mgzztqURf1I/W8y1NhYdM7I/AAAAAAAARu0/lnYR-5n-Zq0n2wpoMuNF7lLatPgOwJQsgCHMYCw/DSC01715_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">This is Wooded Landscape by Meindert Hobbema, 1662</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rcvjWrMBa7Q/W8y1OJO_WXI/AAAAAAAARu4/tLsFznrfDu4My7t8uOod5CVOBGVcDGIhACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017134"><font size="4"><img width="410" height="308" title="DSC01713" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01713" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PeLOOLp8ozc/W8y1Ou5cPDI/AAAAAAAARu8/TDCVaLuzKI8dNzW3xOQ2GV_IFymP5hQyQCHMYCw/DSC01713_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I thought I had taken many more pictures but apparently I didn’t! I can’t say enough about the paintings though. I love the landscape artists. </font></p><p><font size="4">After that we returned to the Scott Monument and climbed right up to the top-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6iixZ9HSlgc/W8y1PXJqtZI/AAAAAAAARvA/z5WtJyfVLEYMNaq3qrFLEesm-Xy44NkZwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017184"><font size="4"><img width="266" height="353" title="DSC01718" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01718" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5-ZVAiMphf8/W8y1QBvSQmI/AAAAAAAARvE/nxmYOqtrjukwsgwC98UoJM84ERXNNatZACHMYCw/DSC01718_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tv_5c-BM_pw/W8y1S25vleI/AAAAAAAARvM/pd1RXEx0gm8q8ADO6hT9KQ1F3QCXH7r_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017193"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01719" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01719" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ll98NAJLsYs/W8y1TUYTv5I/AAAAAAAARvQ/kgwfqle30CEgeo4--HmmIrIUna_Qhv2AgCHMYCw/DSC01719_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7EJFh8bHglY/W8y1T8X1I3I/AAAAAAAARvU/wbPfzAB1SCIyZ-k6Ys4YkD735VHEXDlzQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017203"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01720" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01720" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vz8dyroW5L4/W8y1Uy0Z5tI/AAAAAAAARvY/H6az4ziLpt4qGoImzZT0wSlaCTNgSrO5ACHMYCw/DSC01720_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-faJSel4LhOk/W8y1VR4LRWI/AAAAAAAARvc/c0jE9UW0PmQfZhWrQJKheuKux46CRxgzQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017213"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01721" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01721" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3DKU4rPV3Ws/W8y1W_4foYI/AAAAAAAARvg/ONLv8wYma00my6RB1mq5VM_ARV4mLIRlgCHMYCw/DSC01721_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PhVeAwQoNd8/W8y1XcWR_SI/AAAAAAAARvk/zmXmsfOc4Ykmf1t-2RclcsN-EriS7juAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017294"><font size="4"><img width="388" height="292" title="DSC01729" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01729" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZyrnOmAwgU/W8y1Y2XuHeI/AAAAAAAARvo/psRF27V9bQM1JG50s1WxL1dJooDIjs1SgCHMYCw/DSC01729_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B8515PmtWqg/W8y1Zee71HI/AAAAAAAARvs/oiNh-B8e6Cwb1cTJ-gWREZt5FywN8FLkgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017304"><font size="4"><img width="189" height="251" title="DSC01730" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01730" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pPiySGlYOzc/W8y1dFwbGsI/AAAAAAAARvw/ot2O-_DWCJgNJ4I7ubzGtpbbJZnV0J7MwCHMYCw/DSC01730_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m2khx_SOC2I/W8y1dqNQo1I/AAAAAAAARv0/N6F0vw_UorYUTySBAcW_maO9DjOZ9QoogCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017253"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01725" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01725" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y9VJvgklIr0/W8y1euqVDDI/AAAAAAAARv4/K0CU0lgiNI4LKpZe1_cmMjWgjvFu4xicACHMYCw/DSC01725_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It was Awesome!</font></p><p><font size="4">We headed down and walked up to St Andrew Square where there was a phone booth, of all things-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-THhzYe3FWBs/W8y1ffxj2FI/AAAAAAAARwA/RqCDRhbp3M4U11ET1pVCiJqZlZq0r9x0gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017333"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01733" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01733" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rAcneZXdKM4/W8y1kZ-KfSI/AAAAAAAARwE/Jkkcg3jjfP0-bNW36oGiN-3RlRwHt8nswCHMYCw/DSC01733_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We were going to eat but decided to head up towards our other goal of the Camera Obscura. Oh yeah. It was sort of grey and rainy during the day but we were pretty lucky with the weather. </font></p><p><font size="4">We found a place for lunch—a breakfasty place which was very good-and then off to this place-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XsBwJwofVNw/W8y1kxR06PI/AAAAAAAARwI/zU7jhYRHJUYOxNEdBUm7qWm3f2iczzBTACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017373"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01737" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01737" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h8mnI3InYTw/W8y1leBdqpI/AAAAAAAARwM/f-rCt2vqMqIKf44vxTnmFll5c__eIEGzwCHMYCw/DSC01737_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Ohhh-if you ever get to Edinburgh—you HAVE to go here. </font></p><p><font size="4">The view from the top-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oX3tSNvuqlQ/W8y1mCG8T9I/AAAAAAAARwQ/QLYG_u8uoR0-y-hrnBfAgPeSWLfp4CobACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017365"><font size="4"><img width="471" height="107" title="DSC01736" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01736" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c5lDooNMf2o/W8y1mg5O0qI/AAAAAAAARwU/6igy78uEZhowDIS2aQOzsKOc7YMf8-eRgCHMYCw/DSC01736_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The Camera Obscura is a series of mirrors that reflect the image of the city onto a white piece of wood in a darkened room. When this was first introduced in the 1800’s people fainted at the sight, they got sick, it was unbelievable. And it was pretty cool. You could turn the view and see the whole city. You could focus on the street below and play with the images of the people below. It was fabulous. </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camera_obscura"><font size="4">More info here.</font></a></p><p><font size="4">After we saw the demonstration of the camera obscura, we then toured the rest of the place. </font></p><p><font size="4">Holy Cow-Here’s a sample. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7i0ltWGarYo/W8y1nBL2TmI/AAAAAAAARwY/0Wzll2n42rsLirtrPcTBs1kI4ZHNEuNkgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017383"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01738" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01738" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WEu1eahRXtQ/W8y1no_llTI/AAAAAAAARwc/KjqK0xYOlBgXkK9hQVsEQcYdF8ZRfddKgCHMYCw/DSC01738_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">A my real hand and a reflection of my hand. </font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gyO4GGR8d2w/W8y1oe7fRvI/AAAAAAAARwg/E0wNAgjEQC0TmMFXiA5kXHnxA0vkyVbUACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017393"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01739" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01739" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-il7VGHn96Zs/W8y1oziJFgI/AAAAAAAARwk/_1bLi3Qc0DUDBJ-o-KoM7YCCUP3kzwqZwCHMYCw/DSC01739_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DuaxNPWyE_c/W8y1ppaVLCI/AAAAAAAARws/Vx_T8D-FqV8O91UzqG4jl1AyBUojbLeHwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017403"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01740" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01740" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZOFkjaYzSwE/W8y1qWbiTsI/AAAAAAAARww/9-HwX14s9M8-jGmNDGtZOMhkCOTH9NQ8QCHMYCw/DSC01740_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Laura lost her head…….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4qY1FxeFPI/W8y1rAIbPmI/AAAAAAAARw0/qsrHmzk2H2shOiTPUIw7YEaVt7VuduU4QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017443"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01744" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01744" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7ZHr_aFJHk/W8y1rtN_n4I/AAAAAAAARw4/xMm6kuNzLFscq7CYDqcSRfx-L1e72CIIgCHMYCw/DSC01744_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">and served it for lunch.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vkbf6Dq7bmA/W8y1sEPYo-I/AAAAAAAARw8/cPSPHyMGeMoqlKhwCuwlwvK-qeBic4_KACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017473"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01747" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01747" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MRwYEMCaZ9U/W8y1skPyomI/AAAAAAAARxA/ByZW34Iw4nUtU-F2YgMHSytCn6-i1u3VgCHMYCw/DSC01747_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I did too!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7-Of2RU9aYk/W8y3UP2X_jI/AAAAAAAAR40/DJxoD2xGXykAdzZroKExpJzHN_AkTVykACHMYCw/s1600-h/44607368_306517779943230_32041381980%255B3%255D"><font size="4"></font></a><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Be6DsbKu6As/W8y3fShvi5I/AAAAAAAAR44/7vEXNvZJzwYaPF9bym_EhAObUS-KU0NYwCHMYCw/s1600-h/44607368_306517779943230_32041381980%255B2%255D"><img width="245" height="325" title="44607368_306517779943230_3204138198015934464_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="44607368_306517779943230_3204138198015934464_n" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HAgKvUjaeEY/W8y1uzGlSmI/AAAAAAAARxM/PfSdmA4Uhoo7p73UptdMw9sP3o1T9MmYQCHMYCw/44607368_306517779943230_3204138198015934464_n_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iCxnAxNWIPQ/W8y1vcTt29I/AAAAAAAARxQ/KFYZUsAOyyQ6il948AOwv2HLNa5ktrOKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/44674162_1075082912651825_4875720464388849664_n%255B2%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="44674162_1075082912651825_4875720464388849664_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="44674162_1075082912651825_4875720464388849664_n" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s7XgA1drF5o/W8y1v1ckCpI/AAAAAAAARxU/H4rJF1bQSK8HUxIqvU2f_D4LIx7Duf8MACHMYCw/44674162_1075082912651825_4875720464388849664_n_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">So I had to get after her a little, and big.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q2FlkDMR124/W8y1wvs5XNI/AAAAAAAARxY/5IjVotjAPA8C94_fn-zzBnOUswf12tv0QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017493"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01749" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01749" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hVcj1tj-5i0/W8y1xJY-JvI/AAAAAAAARxc/HcR5Xco5EDMDG83yn8Qe47i80wzWfsB5wCHMYCw/DSC01749_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Me and me.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zV5oZRrG4-E/W8y1xhnP0uI/AAAAAAAARxg/BCuituMuKJgL5j4eg4gxjIwcnSY8neWDwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017504"><font size="4"><img width="410" height="308" title="DSC01750" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01750" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VQsvFTOeGQ/W8y1yTqOj0I/AAAAAAAARxk/x5MeX5DMmb0q3YXoSnG4Q__-sPWQ4OdYACHMYCw/DSC01750_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We also went through the mirror maze-wow, and then we did this thing where we walked across a bridge with spinning lights which made you instantly fall over and feel sick. It was great!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Drji7pLLmrs/W8y1zMcBftI/AAAAAAAARxo/o6w__-rlBYULB5wvRoYPELI8rtijM_aQQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC017524"><font size="4"><img width="412" height="310" title="DSC01752" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01752" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fGUlssVneBg/W8y1ztk4vcI/AAAAAAAARxs/CPMYiW8JDRo6TU825LWr7EYOnLWQmtv3wCHMYCw/DSC01752_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">After that we walked down to Greyfriars Kirk and saw the famous statue of </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby"><font size="4">Greyfriars Bobby</font></a><font size="4">.</font></p><p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby"><font size="4"><img width="187" height="244" title="DSC01754" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01754" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R42jkvvzmGs/W8y10GnJHiI/AAAAAAAARxw/QO0KoolImnYOly1pr991mAi6EdugUGUagCHMYCw/DSC017548?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">People rub his nose which is why it’s so shiny. </font></p><p><font size="4">This is the Kirk where his owner, John Grey, is buried. With some shining afternoon sun. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2aADpMDBav4/W8y10qoo_9I/AAAAAAAARx0/cy39FcMX_d0LzyXvkoBJcZ7Phfmz2FxIwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_23361"><font size="4"><img width="376" height="333" title="IMG_2336" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2336" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vA4zlke8r_A/W8y13xEI7zI/AAAAAAAARx4/B77DozUxhPwxbTnf6a2cOqKZ5ACfsHfZQCHMYCw/IMG_2336_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We headed back and met up with our group and then had dinner at the Haymarket, which I thought was great but others in the group weren’t so impressed. It started my Beering through Scotland Adventure.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--HillQa4tIQ/W8y14fYiGuI/AAAAAAAARx8/-cVe_CUdN282ofpUbn86fa83BaLOEEMqACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_23373"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2337" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2337" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lmen23jlp8A/W8y14ySOh5I/AAAAAAAARyA/to-98pDmsRkZkf-JsbVzPJ0WjFsAbpfdgCHMYCw/IMG_2337_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PgkylHTtdpw/W8y15iNihRI/AAAAAAAARyE/_7TWMzr2yPUehL1BERxxkrDkRgTtNh7vgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_23381%255B1%255D"><font size="4"><img width="215" height="285" title="IMG_2338" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2338" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oY340kv2D0w/W8y16-zRP7I/AAAAAAAARyM/NHdlIhSqB0Y9Y11vmLRZu7iBMFnOFvy8QCHMYCw/IMG_23381_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ohz56HqK-kw/W8y17d1-fXI/AAAAAAAARyQ/68x_eda6sykgImbCqEGglIigs0yf8r0HwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2339%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="210" height="278" title="IMG_2339" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2339" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dOOCe2GZMww/W8y176dttsI/AAAAAAAARyU/ZmcbDy8-zgACTyD7VXTcvhGC89egxg4FQCHMYCw/IMG_2339_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I mean, seriously.</font></p><p><font size="4">After a great night of sleep, we were off to tour the town and get to the castle. Sadly, as I was watching the news the night before it came to my attention that a huge and powerful storm was bearing down on us. The remnants of Hurricane Florence-and so my weather curse continues. </font></p><p><font size="4">It was so windy on Wednesday that they cancelled the castle tour. We did have a nice tour of the city and were able to visit the botanical gardens, which it just so happened was on my wish list. </font></p><p><font size="4">A view from the hills above the city. On the way to Arthur’s Seat. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fPHz6ULMV5g/W8y18fVQoHI/AAAAAAAARyY/5EG-Y9iOgFYsJXiWexgkOUJpRYUHaPUdACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01757%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="482" height="110" title="DSC01757" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01757" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ricnv_6jhQM/W8y185NP2JI/AAAAAAAARyc/XItsrzjpaxQc7nlOy0EEKTAD3_PXzVlkACHMYCw/DSC01757_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ySBwLC6x0Vs/W8y19bHFvSI/AAAAAAAARyg/TcFWyIhlBFIPNva6VNdk4OFXh9S6gT6WwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01759%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="402" height="274" title="DSC01759" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01759" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-laYikM02MOc/W8y19w3ds-I/AAAAAAAARyk/Ymyl6PlFxqUBEr65rR-qdr7TGZQM8aoIwCHMYCw/DSC01759_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We did see quite a few rainbows on this trip. </font></p><p><font size="4">We then went over to the Gardens. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qv65LB8lmFs/W8y1-nIFhqI/AAAAAAAARyo/6vdxKmw8u3MQyHtuY6EG9fJmeko7KuPwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01767%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01767" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01767" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pqryMYbHu0Y/W8y1_IsfysI/AAAAAAAARys/PL-F9pfo_IQ5mIld920Chr8kLm7ImJOBQCHMYCw/DSC01767_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jbYkxBJ-VnI/W8y1_wgDUbI/AAAAAAAARyw/7QCC5zql3QIO8nc5sCxMWN__epT9kXKWgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01769%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01769" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01769" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tfi_hNtFtmE/W8y2AUCmYbI/AAAAAAAARy0/iy5EoXAT7WojujhKc0kwB-dCaF_TCnzWACHMYCw/DSC01769_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rynZuW3u43o/W8y2A7WBi7I/AAAAAAAARy4/9HoVTjyadmMwlqJ2na6PZccSSGIPDfEYQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01770%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01770" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01770" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Okpo_pl_ojM/W8y2Cb0T_-I/AAAAAAAARzA/2PXSNMbTu_Q9u344OGgiQuLlzCcLtTZjQCHMYCw/DSC01770_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BUiY2YwhAcw/W8y2CyjZCsI/AAAAAAAARzE/MiuVTLKE2jAuyFLMmoTKkfh6og4OhQPjACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01771%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="279" height="371" title="DSC01771" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01771" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5lPqKvMINx4/W8y2DMAG0oI/AAAAAAAARzI/d8Nuv5pvW3cgISjGxGqYKrubd1JZR_tDwCHMYCw/DSC01771_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And although the sun came out briefly, after about an hour they were closed the gardens too because of the storm. It was a big deal and was actually a named storm, the first of the season, Ali. </font></p><p><font size="4">We found a place to eat lunch…..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3zIPlYNgBIQ/W8y2DywlCvI/AAAAAAAARzM/bn1e4aNOUug45oCpqUg7qfsunjPqr-aaACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01774%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01774" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01774" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cabNS_HehUE/W8y2EqwLZtI/AAAAAAAARzQ/JNDY6nBBxiMdhgL6Nk-682zDZ8f3QfrRwCHMYCw/DSC01774_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And headed to the Scottish museum. </font></p><p><font size="4">Laura raced a car….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oOAjYjr9428/W8y2FFhf5PI/AAAAAAAARzU/-mk3hgB20jMXEPDb-q-3uimJe4t5HgO-wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01777%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="192" height="145" title="DSC01777" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01777" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--6EjHgEdqD0/W8y2FxCjk1I/AAAAAAAARzY/dOKpXO_zb_Q9BTEXrsr3j3p11Sc7SZRbACHMYCw/DSC01777_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VSshsnBYAJc/W8y2GXHLK5I/AAAAAAAARzc/UBN8wyMK3bIFiK2LmhWrvCYWtvz0B-qWQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01778%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01778" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01778" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7SqTMIDyFQg/W8y2HFB6sbI/AAAAAAAARzg/in_qCSjJPVUoPlR5MOn10NBUcogWTdk3wCHMYCw/DSC01778_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Dolly the sheep was there-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hcqHSpItCEU/W8y2Hj6rjLI/AAAAAAAARzk/Qg3WUOtAemQnTR8-_K0HUcNJo-JifnfRwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01779%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="395" height="297" title="DSC01779" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01779" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1GqGhZISynk/W8y2IBOQcdI/AAAAAAAARzo/CBZFrdeEgxkEZbbKzZabQG7cN_kfH5JRACHMYCw/DSC01779_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Laura went on a space walk..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fRNB0qfoH_I/W8y2Ile9qiI/AAAAAAAARzw/1lYcmWfQZTkVDw_e-VwLPgJlFQGRqoR8ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01783%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01783" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01783" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SKKbhswKYog/W8y2KAmn-EI/AAAAAAAARz0/b5MP3JiSUjgOjn1x2DaD0GnwdNfVTSH-QCHMYCw/DSC01783_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The Millennium Clock marked the hour</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Kod7AM3Veo/W8y2Kqyr8aI/AAAAAAAARz4/_2NTuUIl3CQBPyYnKZIhWsISamKchDvegCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01787%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="303" height="403" title="DSC01787" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01787" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dGAFvdyB7Bc/W8y2LFoZvWI/AAAAAAAARz8/gqF-5_4i9Nw-weKa8HK5rS4s0foHEARvwCHMYCw/DSC01787_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vr29oDvnpao/W8y2MIu0npI/AAAAAAAAR0A/Cdri7E7NKVcZ4gK9lbKmBMiSLGI47uEZACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01796%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="378" height="284" title="DSC01796" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01796" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Reh4M6dLfJA/W8y2Od6-y6I/AAAAAAAAR0E/W3VufnwbHF8tYitO1fXL93hwtz7bwJgiQCHMYCw/DSC01796_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And animals floated across the roof top.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--y-QgCgu3vE/W8y2O00HOdI/AAAAAAAAR0I/e1lZYuSyu_gLygih_ZGjf_5kJp64Zc9xQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01798%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="247" height="328" title="DSC01798" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01798" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WxmHbCquMLU/W8y2PTp1L3I/AAAAAAAAR0M/6HQr7Wnh0dUufw_-ca3ikQvNYBUumUmqQCHMYCw/DSC01798_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fv9O1EbHbGM/W8y2P4GI18I/AAAAAAAAR0Q/b22P-kPX9w8MmLHqH5Tjldmlk1z0DDvsACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01799%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="292" height="388" title="DSC01799" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01799" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNC0E8YZeRw/W8y2QYCZedI/AAAAAAAAR0U/rPx8uqBE2YIMyl-rtCldnKtALhcp1wKSACHMYCw/DSC01799_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4">There was also a room full of torture devices which I guess I didn’t photograph. History was pretty brutal. </font></p><p><font size="4">We tried to get to a yarn store—which we did but it wasn’t what I wanted. And we didn’t get to the second one on the list because the wind was blowing at about 50 mph and the rain was blowing and it was cold and fairly miserable. So back to the hotel we went. Laura went off to see a Scottish dinner and I took myself off to a pub called the Jolly Botanist. It was jolly for sure. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y_APISua1mw/W8y2Q2z0cpI/AAAAAAAAR0Y/xZ6lktu1Trwr4oyeEkdIA-dGWo-W3cTHQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2345%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="276" height="367" title="IMG_2345" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2345" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dvzoi16AgkE/W8y2RVeQcUI/AAAAAAAAR0c/9N1bwXsz79o4TE5T4kcBHtJ--aT54r4AwCHMYCw/IMG_2345_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">A pint and my kindle—Reading Outlander in Scotland!</font></p><p><font size="4">On Thursday the sun came out and we had the pleasure of touring the Royal Yacht Britannia. </font></p><p><font size="4">Have you watched The Crown? Hello….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RQ-kMg4XBtU/W8y2R1yWvXI/AAAAAAAAR0g/y6j3ujIPsBkwfG2YQ_MCHbkh3cKQ3oSnQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01805%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="436" height="328" title="DSC01805" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01805" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w6gANiClBP4/W8y2SiqzUYI/AAAAAAAAR0k/swZwII5NBXATOjBjpfn0JJ5i7G0PVC0swCHMYCw/DSC01805_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Cause everyone needs a Rolls on board. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HhGOy7-YWH0/W8y2TApJoFI/AAAAAAAAR0o/FL4_gQ2gqoojZY1SNWSl4gupSzeFhycPwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01815%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="317" height="239" title="DSC01815" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01815" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KR7237XhO8k/W8y2TjDTm1I/AAAAAAAAR0s/YYB8nzkJwDEScNnwijE9WGowHC4FXmcKQCHMYCw/DSC01815_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Hers and his adjoining bedrooms. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MVhwYMrIL1Y/W8y2UMvP3fI/AAAAAAAAR0w/2FhuTi66BVQJ3ZCfIHo96Z6Te2hpdOrtgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01820%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01820" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01820" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uASaTaDrHGc/W8y2VX1ED7I/AAAAAAAAR00/YUM-8CKvRocZ4cVDkWT5CkRpfkLonBb5QCHMYCw/DSC01820_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8F1Tu_zwVUg/W8y2V__GcFI/AAAAAAAAR04/ZYv6yxBCYD8o20icEMS3SUs9SyIWJuEvACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01822%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01822" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01822" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kt-cGEfyA9w/W8y2XUi31rI/AAAAAAAAR08/nOM0_5AYn1U0FLHl2KJGox4h0JZQbzYhQCHMYCw/DSC01822_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The Royal Dining Room-you can rent it for your events. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5RWzP9jJhyM/W8y2X4tjamI/AAAAAAAAR1A/-6b1dQkII0IEcIS5J0p95BksmyuZQ5Z5gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01831%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="434" height="326" title="DSC01831" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01831" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MB3GPpXhz6k/W8y2YUqFoGI/AAAAAAAAR1E/J9LdbbSDCdY43tmE_uZK5-dJAeVquzpngCHMYCw/DSC01831_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">One might need a refresher on which fork to use. I always learned to work from the outside in.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rbyVIgnreXc/W8y2Y6sDA4I/AAAAAAAAR1I/Sl88ZKDqXfY9A67GlK8vq_HhIZDaKwX_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01833%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="379" height="285" title="DSC01833" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01833" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9X1u98L26OA/W8y2Zba8OKI/AAAAAAAAR1M/u3B0-LzgzoUJ2oMazFFR-tRU8hnJ9wfawCHMYCw/DSC01833_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The family room. You would not believe how clean the carpets are. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V1cY2ny_y08/W8y2Z8vP_nI/AAAAAAAAR1Q/SAhBUmcpudgO0y6fFH_-GkNiyxlBys_ZwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01838%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="455" height="104" title="DSC01838" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01838" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VTuyeeG0Y6Q/W8y2ah8sizI/AAAAAAAAR1Y/7uH3docq1pM-15EjC3CDJAK8EgX7M2WcwCHMYCw/DSC01838_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And of course, the Royal Bar-</font></p><p><font size="4">Actually I think this was for the crew. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5m_Q1iDXI1A/W8y2bZ0x9xI/AAAAAAAAR1c/KWpL34BvpiwwPW4UnbwLzDesQzvtjLokQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01846%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="254" height="337" title="DSC01846" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01846" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-enyeArFTos8/W8y2b1KA3XI/AAAAAAAAR1g/E36DgEwgV8QENOFhKwdmaWA7IKoRHLKhgCHMYCw/DSC01846_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And don’t forget the dingy. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HzwxCXvY1uU/W8y2csZBLfI/AAAAAAAAR1k/BMnlWBNi4RAI8FLAEF3Anb4wfT2VcaI8ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01840%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01840" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01840" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fVGgZ9vvvXU/W8y2dOIMFFI/AAAAAAAAR1o/goQFH0gAbYwTmJnSc4zuTiSrNhs-xRjaQCHMYCw/DSC01840_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p>Hanging out on the rear deck.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQ0qunovYEk/W8y3hMFb5fI/AAAAAAAAR48/kSRRihZnIjgnI6j4SZZ_aBQFLX71kSHdACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01818%255B4%255D"><img width="289" height="384" title="DSC01818" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01818" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R-DRDI-tXK8/W8y3hsdy8rI/AAAAAAAAR5A/J5SsRi4j3XQWwKad-Z9PzvapyE5iypfSACHMYCw/DSC01818_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="4">I bought some Royal Gin and a Sweat Shirt for Dave. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--2Yi8JCJ-hU/W8y2dl7ENwI/AAAAAAAAR1s/Q8GI-xnnvZg2Hhi3cY6Gflf7fZGgAN6oQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2347"><font size="4"><img width="164" height="244" title="IMG_2347" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2347" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S5zftR6G5m0/W8y2eCqWipI/AAAAAAAAR1w/z0WWIjeMvwAj8wGx8_J0h6P0OLJIWGcowCHMYCw/IMG_2347_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6thH8ijuZsU/W8y2ejpbGKI/AAAAAAAAR10/L6KL6pVDIYwo-UYegG_J4FFNhGoCBXINACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2346%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2346" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2346" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3xBxEfNpb6s/W8y2fL-PGNI/AAAAAAAAR14/EUf9WjZ9oTYLTx7_s6ZuvG3Us_ksUe8pQCHMYCw/IMG_2346_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Afterwards, we toured the Royal Residence, Holyrood Palace.</font></p><p><font size="4">It’s open during the fall but closes in the summer when the queen is in residence. </font></p><p><font size="4">You can’t take pictures inside-This is the entrance-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ryfYqTl2I6g/W8y2f2e0zYI/AAAAAAAAR18/Wl7m--FwtnUVeu_RI-xk7KlEYI4Tem1YACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01854%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="251" height="333" title="DSC01854" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01854" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nI19Oyhhr54/W8y2gdC2ukI/AAAAAAAAR2A/fFCzpNI-4qMOcO9W5dB81_RiaCDxbPOfgCHMYCw/DSC01854_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And the courtyard-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gqkskhSi8sk/W8y2gyLbAyI/AAAAAAAAR2E/On3iLNRe7C8u9ep2q2DmroYgdCy3UdL6QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01855%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01855" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01855" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-da6wGvYZkRU/W8y2heRicxI/AAAAAAAAR2I/ww8RD_pWGtUa9lUSuBt9LrJ8RDHDG4ztACHMYCw/DSC01855_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And in the back were the ruins of the Augustine Holyrood Abbey, dating from 1128. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1WtP607mCwg/W8y2iB-9fdI/AAAAAAAAR2M/4ke640wuNM8P4s0t80kLcRcG6-H_Q30uACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01859%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01859" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01859" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R3A3fz-zeTc/W8y2ijezBgI/AAAAAAAAR2Q/IUUtTaAnsD8WnhbFWcCS0riLRzEQEbVZgCHMYCw/DSC01859_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q56B0VqSX1Q/W8y2jAK9jNI/AAAAAAAAR2U/WHE_SeDdUhc2cEzDqq_JpJztHCh5jYQegCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01863%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01863" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01863" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_vMEiNaAUw0/W8y2jnzUmTI/AAAAAAAAR2Y/kc0A-WPiT7UQyVoPok3P4aW8tZVDjHhgQCHMYCw/DSC01863_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nRg2Vqa7yg8/W8y2kGFt-aI/AAAAAAAAR2c/d10RSo2dMsYq3RbozHReM2go1gllQOzjACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01862%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="448" height="102" title="DSC01862" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01862" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GhNwGIii65g/W8y2k5mWktI/AAAAAAAAR2g/SrFVz6jyObAhcdKxa9D7mBsviF6FrYAWwCHMYCw/DSC01862_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The grounds were beautiful</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0InIbdWhhoE/W8y2lXyiL3I/AAAAAAAAR2k/Y0iVnXR550cdXsmOn4oLNS2AIXeD_cyXwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01864%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01864" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01864" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ePN0cAjbP3A/W8y2mAVLDMI/AAAAAAAAR2o/OlzQi4_Vp3MtZRRIepwRgo0Mlzc7nERygCHMYCw/DSC01864_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UNkpTHyi-Gs/W8y2m39WfgI/AAAAAAAAR2s/jTlYIt3MAiYv9mPhOPGMunHhju_T0y8QgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01865%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01865" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01865" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6PFCWLNhW_4/W8y2nU39c-I/AAAAAAAAR2w/35Ch9qh7JZMwDAYcf4QyrDE-hHo9UUDNwCHMYCw/DSC01865_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fOoUc8UvINE/W8y2n56dHXI/AAAAAAAAR20/vIMk02w-UeIAtHvZvD_OLHivXddcB7yOgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01866%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="276" height="366" title="DSC01866" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01866" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mkS6il0gOoc/W8y2oQAy0OI/AAAAAAAAR24/A-4PB2wXkAMPCwGLu-d7m1cfb14H5E6bgCHMYCw/DSC01866_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cByjcvSnxRc/W8y2o0YwYeI/AAAAAAAAR28/fHyotJ7xnxg3S0PI7SVE_8hTtcC_vXnhACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01868%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="381" height="302" title="DSC01868" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01868" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQLnHuUXh2I/W8y2pSX6rSI/AAAAAAAAR3A/PoBU8Qpv6aIGdWFCajDrJ9Sj5sfFp97lgCHMYCw/DSC01868_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">After this, we found another fabulous lunch spot and then toured </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Giles%27_Cathedral"><font size="4">St. Giles Cathedral-</font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-beJcbqZNiCQ/W8y2qFe518I/AAAAAAAAR3E/haFT9ZY77vIEnqEmcwI8w6PnTFcEMq4VwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01877%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="442" height="332" title="DSC01877" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01877" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EbaLL3efLPA/W8y2qsN57bI/AAAAAAAAR3I/Ipb0Jjz3aKUv-LtLQwU7wzET2vkoPc1EgCHMYCw/DSC01877_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dAcq_7stHxM/W8y2rK0A0JI/AAAAAAAAR3M/ZIMRoJEsvbAqx6iJm8A2IDBXd2XSn_r5gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01874%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01874" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01874" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C1VC3KJl88M/W8y2rylC5cI/AAAAAAAAR3Q/hjjMDdX_j1c1g03FtPlf1y9mU2Nh2bfOgCHMYCw/DSC01874_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AgvuqTQ9rAI/W8y2sY103PI/AAAAAAAAR3U/DRpbb722CikiLRSTI0FhmcUQ24YkhoyVwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01871%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01871" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01871" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TJYc29yz-f8/W8y2s4iYNFI/AAAAAAAAR3Y/TSzMnXCJ58sXwM31JlEdU9SjgcfBZ1pTACHMYCw/DSC01871_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RuoI5uPMeio/W8y2tWnsjqI/AAAAAAAAR3c/Jx1ojINNcqcWaG5y0dJpEWjp248t3_kfgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01873%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01873" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01873" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-looh_A-W0Rg/W8y2wNvfg6I/AAAAAAAAR3g/_D3-FWKeqx4b5K7XUB5lUksAVNaS6T13ACHMYCw/DSC01873_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I will say that the Europeans really know how to do Cathedrals. </font></p><p><font size="4">We did a bit more sightseeing, I bought some whiskey for Cody, saw a guy with an owl, and went back to the hotel to prepare for Friday’s departure to Northern Scotland. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evVWxEO0i-4/W8y2wzZPehI/AAAAAAAAR3k/7tqx0r4y0WsNa8kmBI39HZdSHb5han_UwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2621%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2621" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2621" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oMgs1QkiWzA/W8y2xa51X9I/AAAAAAAAR3o/Sq3HAuWpQAgCmYZZhxunNRm6YFUntDVKACHMYCw/IMG_2621_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XNi-qe3DWe4/W8y2x7p6QmI/AAAAAAAAR3s/U3A9xjTls74i5Iw3f3FNgEc6bsJQlAdaQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01878%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01878" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01878" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eDMlXSiNVBE/W8y2yRLcqeI/AAAAAAAAR3w/YtEp9eMqAFYZTeLMi6M8a-WGo6dIfsXswCHMYCw/DSC01878_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbI8xpZQqDw/W8y2yzoc5wI/AAAAAAAAR30/ujCZse75acw0o7Td8UKWr0eVu2Dpo11FgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01879%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01879" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01879" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-leK4mwUPsdc/W8y2zqO5AZI/AAAAAAAAR34/8YcyOIM_r8AMnx1uKepDoMT3OGUzsncOwCHMYCw/DSC01879_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We found a local pub for dinner-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t91kuFSfboc/W8y20NcQ4HI/AAAAAAAAR38/Mo5mA6UmJ1Y1Ypn9QUwO-yJYiVjLWIRLACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2350%2B%25281%2529%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="386" height="290" title="IMG_2350 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2350 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NjbhVRV9P2U/W8y203_U_zI/AAAAAAAAR4A/FLE6AWCfc7MwWqF_Zq4zuUc_EPp4a_VuwCHMYCw/IMG_2350%2B%25281%2529_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And so ends part one—Edinburgh. I could spend at least a week here there is so much to see. We barely scratched the surface but we had to move on. </font></p><p><font size="4">Stay Tuned for the rest of Scotland, Part Two. </font></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-50777982172357886782018-09-08T08:24:00.001-05:002018-09-08T08:24:27.421-05:00Out East<p><font size="4">Last weekend we went on a travel. We finally went on our trip to Norfolk Vee-A to visit with Cody and Maral, and to run the hottest race yet, The Rock n Roll Virginia Beach 1/2 Marathon. That’s a lot to say. </font></p><p><font size="4">We arrived on Saturday after three plane rides that were one after the other. No waiting there. As soon as we landed it started to rain, but that didn’t dissapate the heat or humidity any.</font><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdMQxZ9_EeA/W5PNEI3UktI/AAAAAAAARfA/qwow1YsXSX0DzaEz0zwskohfQyaLGAbagCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2190%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdMQxZ9_EeA/W5PNEI3UktI/AAAAAAAARfA/qwow1YsXSX0DzaEz0zwskohfQyaLGAbagCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2190%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdMQxZ9_EeA/W5PNEI3UktI/AAAAAAAARfA/qwow1YsXSX0DzaEz0zwskohfQyaLGAbagCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2190%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><font size="4"></font></font></a></font></font></a></font></font></a></font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdMQxZ9_EeA/W5PNEI3UktI/AAAAAAAARfA/qwow1YsXSX0DzaEz0zwskohfQyaLGAbagCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2190%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><font size="4"></font></font></a><font size="4"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdMQxZ9_EeA/W5PNEI3UktI/AAAAAAAARfA/qwow1YsXSX0DzaEz0zwskohfQyaLGAbagCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2190%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><font size="4"></font></font></a><font size="4"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdMQxZ9_EeA/W5PNEI3UktI/AAAAAAAARfA/qwow1YsXSX0DzaEz0zwskohfQyaLGAbagCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2190%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><font size="4"></font></font></a><font size="4"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rdMQxZ9_EeA/W5PNEI3UktI/AAAAAAAARfA/qwow1YsXSX0DzaEz0zwskohfQyaLGAbagCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2190%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="285" height="215" title="IMG_2190" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2190" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RjkLUF0GJ4g/W5PNFgy97fI/AAAAAAAARfE/etI7nI8aGcA0yCe7nHdBC1iFn4LaM58dwCHMYCw/IMG_2190_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></font></font></font></font></font></font></font><font size="4"></font><font size="4">Rain and heat</font></p><p><font size="4">Maral picked us up and we were able to get our race packets in the nick of time. Well, we weren’t really late to pick them up, but I was worried that if one thing went awry I wouldn’t be racing in the AM. </font></p><p><font size="4">And I almost didn’t. Dave set the alarm which didn’t go off but fortunately Cody was driving us to the race. Otherwise, I would have overslept and missed the start. Yep—that was a bump in the road but we made it, had a bite to eat, and prepared to run.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k1pcynC4P0U/W5PNF7IBc-I/AAAAAAAARfI/UiOimSUqVQoPXYt9TgeFH3EDcQfsG6kCwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2194%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2194" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2194" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bxI0tgl7j7s/W5PNGKouBTI/AAAAAAAARfM/Or2Nz_QL3AInX6EfYVygB9tdeLGsKDpPwCHMYCw/IMG_2194_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Bobby, Cody, and Me</font></p><p><font size="4">Phew-it was hot. I know, I know, enough with the heat but seriously, it was in the upper 70’s when we started and dew points in the lower 70’s. At least it was early and we had a lot of shade. I was almost used to the heat by this race, my fourth hot 1/2 marathon race of the summer. I was able to run the whole way and my finish was slow-2:16, but about the same as the last race. Cody suffered mightily in the heat and wasn’t happy with his time at all. I know the feeling. It gets so painful when you are too hot and can’t cool off. The last mile was on the boardwalk in the sun. Ouch. Mile 8-10 was also in the sun and that got unpleasant. Cody said that’s where he really started to feel the pain. Sigh. </font></p><p><font size="4">But we all lived to tell the tale. We immediately went to the VIP area and had some mimosa’s, bad beer, and I got an orange crush.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F1-LRdkPiv4/W5PNGglJi6I/AAAAAAAARfQ/ReqH8lBrEUkA6sw6JQ1x9T4nAuIkgqdWQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2197%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2197" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2197" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Fup_c6VRNk/W5PNHET9UPI/AAAAAAAARfU/YNd8CeWzLO4gb0B5hOGe80PiaWN42OmZACHMYCw/IMG_2197_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">It was only ok. </font></p><p><font size="4">I met up with Tiffini and Ali watching the reggae band on the beach.</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ad9pwA8hFVs/W5PNHfJPyHI/AAAAAAAARfY/qvjtfZpHd589Uod6yhJlINifFTq--4_BgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2195%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="302" height="228" title="IMG_2195" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2195" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F2u5e9Yysxs/W5PNH6CCQZI/AAAAAAAARfc/VsEqbKsm5UAJQuKDi8ScxCc6QW_-S6aSACHMYCw/IMG_2195_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">After an hour or two we decided it was time to go. Dave and I went back to the hotel, showered (well, I showered) and we found lunch and a couple more beers at a Mexican place up the street. We stayed downtown and it was really close to Cody’s apartment, shops, waterfront, and good food. Very convenient.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wLwtOi58Y0I/W5PNIDlukoI/AAAAAAAARfg/2BKEBEsaIwY7lQr7IX-Zu1KvIeAN6iMLwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01617%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01617" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01617" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M_t1jBvfPg0/W5PNIRh-8GI/AAAAAAAARfk/CDPHZzSPCoA4fQPhCwA6Bx14n4GnP1xhQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01617_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nqiq7tDFbo4/W5PNI_h9KCI/AAAAAAAARfo/x3hLdlS-ZBsl6IPHjS-uymv4CQlfrdcbQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01618%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01618" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01618" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ugdNz3dxNDs/W5PNJJziQSI/AAAAAAAARfs/aiga5pYw2VYGgjf_Y3AAnbUc6pBuZEZpACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01618_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Azteca Decor…..</font></p><p><font size="4">We napped and then went out to dinner with Cody and Maral and a great little place in the old part of Norfolk. </font></p><p><font size="4">Cody’s apartment is super nice and I took a bunch of pictures of the view from their little deck and windows. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-31VN5hi_CyI/W5PNJs_7TkI/AAAAAAAARfw/JKCbnct8FS8w7T9TBLzxidqGsOs9kn5nwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01615%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01615" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01615" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RobZBeScmWA/W5PNJ75VdaI/AAAAAAAARf0/R1HoDLPKJ7QINXDggDPbCinOon2TiYrAQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01615_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCsQ7IW3tME/W5PNKdFnRyI/AAAAAAAARf4/uTyr3asxxXMyBRV6A3xj_z44SAMY8LDHACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01690-1%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="122" title="LRG_DSC01690-1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01690-1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JsgZLomigl0/W5PNKgaySpI/AAAAAAAARf8/nU-ZYlX3ZqEjxBINJqzd1jf6g1F8oo9rwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01690-1_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PxrigY-9SAU/W5PNK2dS-UI/AAAAAAAARgA/k-ZZvbkoO9Ii2Z2u5-PoFJ3XohwlYpnnQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2245%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2245" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2245" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jq5NTLaWTQk/W5PNLCWVFTI/AAAAAAAARgE/NjiOpvthJsk98sSoaw7QBjfWz8qVUNGaQCHMYCw/IMG_2245_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The street below</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h0BLtFBNDX8/W5PNLmDPBUI/AAAAAAAARgI/ivOJ7FzMwJkh1f7BOJJPlF4LZiKOBl08gCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01665%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01665" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01665" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsB4hd6Q2MU/W5PNMOVZUZI/AAAAAAAARgM/C0COA3K8aB8h78X_jvB6Mm6nr6xefVtiACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01665_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kjhGxto_3JM/W5PNMUm4SpI/AAAAAAAARgQ/izUf5zC97yoQsqUMZvB4i5sF8CkL7XNBQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2248%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="481" height="113" title="IMG_2248" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2248" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lc_zVglgj-s/W5PNM-aALCI/AAAAAAAARgU/hwmuAW-Jjv4fFQV34HdYfldSJe-km_ydgCHMYCw/IMG_2248_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">There’s a mermaid theme here and this one was right down below Cody’s place-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qg_1y1gynnE/W5PNNDzOGhI/AAAAAAAARgY/A7oGICqMieocaTCmOaRcp-sooMF_M9mGQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01632%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01632" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01632" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWvars0AJks/W5PNNiNxRoI/AAAAAAAARgc/V6CNZfhwy8A1niZdloLmClxM7NIKzFqpwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01632_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And this one was on the side of the building below our hotel-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yr7VKRdHnZ0/W5PNN21fobI/AAAAAAAARgg/AXPDqEFJuskHWm4Kah3DUM3IPlztCQw9QCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01619%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01619" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01619" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JikjdzxLW1w/W5PNOL59Z_I/AAAAAAAARgk/PYEZP1jIdjg3i7sFZ0OKr4lY5HZJ1DBFQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01619_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I thought it was cool but strictly nighttime….. </font></p><p><font size="4">On Monday Cody took us on a boat ride tour of the harbor. It was hot, just saying, but super fun. I really enjoyed it. </font></p><p><font size="4">Our boat-The Victory Rover</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-11rBiTHmWjY/W5PNOg9-QJI/AAAAAAAARgo/0-PFqWp_sGUciORX5WDcNT8pHoz4xC9fACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01657%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="185" title="LRG_DSC01657" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01657" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wUd4X8Tx6LQ/W5PNPAnlI1I/AAAAAAAARgs/aI-z33AtDLwJfbZhKJvaquVwOeFZ4fq2ACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01657_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Us on the boat--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-orCgvyXoTZA/W5PNPovnl_I/AAAAAAAARgw/fX1PGyHw64gJNPZLqTvjf7QUBMezTBbsgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01640%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01640" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-51BxW_tKgNc/W5PNP0min3I/AAAAAAAARg0/zB0qhLb05csgSAy1jtfkK1l5025y1n7swCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01640_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Bad, bad selfie…….</font></p><p><font size="4">Where Cody works</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-raiRfaYLO_s/W5PNQEmRDAI/AAAAAAAARg4/nsyRGhZ0TmAVL5HObvwlZVygq2pTbSt7wCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01634%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01634" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01634" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SmQhHJW9uM0/W5PNQm-SvMI/AAAAAAAARg8/PF2G3b7VPLAplexeNq0fNCXfhCjAXzeigCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01634_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Oldest Naval Hospital in the US</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqT1p7Yi9kY/W5PNQx4iEHI/AAAAAAAARhA/sTeUUelLT1MwVFlSMXw6qXQLe9dr9kbMACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01646%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01646" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01646" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q9fZYjgfuv8/W5PNRX-Q6PI/AAAAAAAARhE/0qbLTMwgf6EMPL1yUsCzn23XVqmA3QkWACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01646_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The Harbor</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6EED_j_b-A/W5PNRtTDcDI/AAAAAAAARhI/_kZGTqbKj-sIEbdKkMt8GnN4ihw4fsStwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01642%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="152" title="LRG_DSC01642" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01642" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u8P7rj1UcLQ/W5PNSKC96rI/AAAAAAAARhM/e8xSjkFXMKErhdvIeYypif648A1Dur8ewCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01642_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">World’s Largest Naval Base</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5P5GRcoyVTc/W5PNSRJBhAI/AAAAAAAARhQ/kftH658bNZAQw4WaJOoBXc0d5ODNJnksQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01650%2B%25281%2529%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="458" height="104" title="LRG_DSC01650 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01650 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Fi7D3qfBok/W5PNSosF_gI/AAAAAAAARhU/KadKsUn1WvQpDDSczgvew7cZVZI0Y-ozwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01650%2B%25281%2529_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Huge Aircraft Carriers</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rZjcnPE6Cx0/W5PNTMlVrMI/AAAAAAAARhY/YAujHz6SgjMKJGp6TpXmjS5-rS8vD8TWQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01652%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01652" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01652" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v1AQ94m5uY4/W5PNTTXizaI/AAAAAAAARhc/H4JlPQ3BsRkzOaL3JeltTylq8A5m8lbZgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01652_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ba_lia04MQg/W5PNT5FLHlI/AAAAAAAARhg/B7xIWSi8tCoVZ2Exgk6KiOywb7MH9zGlwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01651%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01651" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01651" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HMzbksLrHlw/W5PNVN9OxSI/AAAAAAAARhk/TfAkCLuUnjM-wBEfmP7LGOWTg0YPjG-qgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01651_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Pretty Impressive</font></p><p><font size="4">Sailboat in the distance</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1rDpUTT0ZA4/W5PNVXag0TI/AAAAAAAARho/fkXhVWIGjgcWJT4tdSnEcvCPlIxI3WZMQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01655%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01655" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01655" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yAwZSuZVLNY/W5PNV_2eVzI/AAAAAAAARhs/JqLmnBj5RxA2HtAejK7EB6qIJlDyCc0igCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01655_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I had a great time. </font></p><p><font size="4">We drove around and saw Cody’s old place where he lived when he first arrived in Norfolk four years ago. Gosh, it is that long? I didn’t take a picture because it was a bit scary. I can see why he wasn’t all that happy there, but he saved a ton of money so it was worth it for the year. His apartment now is 180 degrees from the first place. But there are a lot of good stories around it.</font></p><p><font size="4">The next day we were on our own. We took a walk and saw some glass headed people….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-63W04MHtlX4/W5PNWAMydNI/AAAAAAAARhw/7LjFDjLfwY03XiF38v_gjMV6SgDNWyt8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01667%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01667" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01667" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZN7weTAQCi4/W5PNWpK6dbI/AAAAAAAARh0/x_LS2Kv_A4Q3_pHbjbRCj1-OeNfuswXmgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01667_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Old houses and foot bridge,</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-57PdkIj9Iik/W5PNW6OdlKI/AAAAAAAARh4/kZYpP9SPVxgjgW5w9UEnGdanOlxJOLNtACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01674%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01674" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01674" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WCX-_qROIts/W5PNXRUerxI/AAAAAAAARh8/QBDSU6Yo0dkWfTETAhZS-rvKlzw8PFNAACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01674_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">and we went to a naval museum and toured the USS Wisconsin-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lFYNURmfNQM/W5PNXth0XtI/AAAAAAAARiA/cGbUNrNuTS06YehLSylTccyEutBjdUk8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01635%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01635" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01635" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_P5xWPi2Dw/W5PNYDONlsI/AAAAAAAARiE/sj7Zgu9kd9YgbFA5Zu0gqb2jQJyh1NKMwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01635_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It’s a huge boat-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UOg-WCbJ50k/W5PNYqsxFCI/AAAAAAAARiI/6rs7oDIPMDkw-P0SdMRd-qGTlA96DfPCwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01677%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01677" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01677" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LYBYwnSf0KI/W5PNZHGjaUI/AAAAAAAARiM/o8q0S5BPACQ69R2BbWhjIp0G6s9YiYcPgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01677_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xb1KLzPXZDU/W5PNZQl0dAI/AAAAAAAARiQ/I6ZsH_ftWrEuQoRHeDLBeIXlLVu2-XjTQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01680%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01680" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01680" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dItj339nVBI/W5PNZ-Ms-cI/AAAAAAAARiU/AD4oE7XzDug0bO6sZ5WL8NFddbb-w59qACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01680_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-15wQ2wMAnBo/W5PNaHhfq6I/AAAAAAAARiY/ucfF_nBdfhYslgmCbjNy9YWQ1F2LdFxVwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01679%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="277" height="368" title="LRG_DSC01679" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01679" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jcF1Hj5zA70/W5PNah-K7SI/AAAAAAAARic/6nOYReYPb7E3wqxVumtfEXULaOCWlRVuACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01679_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It holds 1900 men and women, however, during it’s active duty it held 2900. Have mercy cause the quarters are tight.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JSU-uW7g1eo/W5PNbIQqz1I/AAAAAAAARig/C_raOP8RDVEvauL-KjPpCXBLiplm2p9ggCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01685%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01685" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01685" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--ZcrMNrTMDU/W5PNbaN3qtI/AAAAAAAARik/vW2rwXA0WpAVTwTMdOQt6EYCXEndSkS-gCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01685_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">You can store your stuff under your bunk….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8ZkfnL4xeQ/W5PNbrqMueI/AAAAAAAARio/6MXPT-4xu7Io7SKAV8-IpOaUtt7XMPFRACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2258%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2258" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2258" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4_dY4WcJuAM/W5PNb9xxpPI/AAAAAAAARis/w_4JJDdBXPsVdUtbtIsNHl5v36EtgP9qwCHMYCw/IMG_2258_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Better like your room mates. AND-can I say—it was pretty hot and stuffy down there. Maybe out at sea in the winter it’s super cold down there. Either way, it can’t be pleasant. </font></p><p><font size="4">We took a selfie on deck. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SedXUu3s6qo/W5PNcUvuZoI/AAAAAAAARiw/ZJv8_O0yFJcl28-7krkysQOqAbyBsajBwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01683%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="425" height="320" title="LRG_DSC01683" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01683" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mStNLfg5PAI/W5PNctslfuI/AAAAAAAARi0/DhFF62h5vRke3T1UnHkxWYLKPAwlk_F5wCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01683_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">After lunch we went to the Chrysler Art Museum. It’s free and the exhibits were fabulous. I only took one picture, and that was outside!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qjYO9c9uOvs/W5PNdGAsx7I/AAAAAAAARi4/PqoYtI4_JywtINeJ_rez8p7J2zBM9fnPACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01672%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="274" height="364" title="LRG_DSC01672" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01672" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OlAZJz9vTGk/W5PNdaIZS0I/AAAAAAAARi8/9jLm2-TtTqMDAuYABlo81Wt-pmHg4xKRgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01672_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I highly recommend this place. It was huge and I don’t think we saw everything, but we needed a rest after being on our feet most of the day. </font></p><p><font size="4">After resting, we grabbed some sushi (I’m a sucker for sushi) and got some takeout for Cody and Maral, who both worked all day. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r3s1Jch5rn8/W5PNd88AAvI/AAAAAAAARjA/UdvEqMzkJ1AApPVr1KAy0wSvB39OR1FFwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01692%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01692" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01692" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a4KyU3oiKGg/W5PNgCxPq1I/AAAAAAAARjE/zXiXRPU7PUETVQAfkrcXdXE6P7F_uurSgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01692_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cFVC-ycIAJY/W5PNgraO7uI/AAAAAAAARjI/282cCqKZldAerBDfdtOFwwVoLemczlNwACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01696%255B8%255D"><font size="4"><img width="240" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01696" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01696" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cNTJUSeP72Q/W5PNgxxjKVI/AAAAAAAARjM/zrZs0kUQeEUZfHVMWidyB2izQeyiEacngCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01696_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I was so sad to leave on Wednesday. Cody took us to the airport and we flew back, in our usual seat in the very very back of the plane. (The last seat on the plane was the theme of this trip, along with the mermaids). It was pretty chill, more chill traveling home than on the way out. </font></p><p><font size="4">And now I’m back to work. In a bit of a daze but back. And a week from Monday I’m off to Scotland. I’m really looking forward to it, but I miss these two and their cute apartment and the easiness of vacation.</font></p><p><font size="4">I guess I’ll try to eek out one more week of work and then leave it all behind again as I cross the pond. Woot woot. </font></p><p><font size="4">Oh, and did I mention Buzz? He’s livin’ the life……</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RGa0fWsBv4w/W5PNhF6glwI/AAAAAAAARjQ/4L6a1mx7IoIc28d-aWX0z4PdoWRgLeVNQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01625%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01625" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01625" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0lqieTpAWmo/W5PNhdkwyNI/AAAAAAAARjU/axJqF5GrY3ImWkpsQfFX9LWkzcs8qWFLACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01625_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s6cwcQRyb7k/W5PNh4qN6pI/AAAAAAAARjY/jLUf4VrFNsQx4FcFR-OBAr8y33oiWH3cwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01624%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01624" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01624" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lF8vJzW3OVk/W5PNiQDnWJI/AAAAAAAARjc/0dS14MpG8Z4JeXaSRve25xFCRN1DARnGACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01624_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-86226973395317757022018-08-26T12:00:00.001-05:002018-08-26T12:00:57.936-05:00August Heat and Fiber, Running and Driving<p><font size="4">Well, August came upon me in a big way. I wasn’t even expecting it and all of a sudden I was in the middle of it. </font></p><p><font size="4">It’s been such a busy month. And September plans to be no different. Only I hope the humidity can settle down a bit. </font></p><p><font size="4">I started the month at Stitches Midwest with Julie—and we didn’t get one selfie. Jeepers I am losing my touch. But just because we didn’t get a selfie doesn’t mean that we didn’t have a wonderful, wonderful time.</font></p><p><font size="4">Stitches Midwest is MUCH different than West. First of all, it’s spacious and roomy and manageable. There are great places to eat nearby—within walking distance AND in the hotel. Oh, and did I mention at a reasonable cost? I saw some local people I know which was super fun. The rooms were so, so nice and I was able to afford a single room. I took a really good class about the Anatomy of Yarn. I learned so much. There were a ton of spots to sit and knit with plenty of widows and light. I plan to return next year for SURE. Did I mention the market? Not as big as West but that was ok because I was still able to spend too much money!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X-utTVgvGcQ/W4LPAX2vxoI/AAAAAAAARYs/4bZu2Am0sIQScvJEhE1gAn15efv5t60UwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC015903"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01590" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01590" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5mgL4DavulM/W4LPBOuxuII/AAAAAAAARYw/G6rHAjRWEsIqESM_Toiv57Z8rAuQltWQQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01590_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Beautiful hotel.</font></p><p><font size="4">We were able to see our friends from West though……..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BN-SaiPJ7Dg/W4LPCYvd99I/AAAAAAAARY0/O2Hwnxb2rt4d7sMld5Mg51BHdQxn2ZlFwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20734"><font size="4"><img width="256" height="340" title="IMG_2073" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2073" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYJdCbKbosQ/W4LPC1Yw_xI/AAAAAAAARY4/7pcS9OwERfQH5v_UHrE5qbWuNPICwgRAgCHMYCw/IMG_2073_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Julie pointed out there was a TV in the bathroom mirror. A mixture of creepy and fabulous.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xNw9JNv31Ek/W4LPEYp36xI/AAAAAAAARY8/RYa7mWCx63ouNke25LNwnS-2d3_iyC0WgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20603"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2060" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2060" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YvjAeTmnTLQ/W4LPEySkwPI/AAAAAAAARZA/YjBhsltsXM8GKf8iqMhOjMnVblq3iwDdwCHMYCw/IMG_2060_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">My view of Schaumberg Il. There are a LOT of tolls to get here but it was an easy and nice drive. It was also hot there. Hot and muggy. The story of my life.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dytGwiFrpwk/W4LPFoU31jI/AAAAAAAARZE/Hkk3FP-0zesBvJAs8z9ontNLcUYBGeGyQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20723"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2072" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2072" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-esx4mNUfaac/W4LPGke8lvI/AAAAAAAARZI/Z9c3fmVVh-EbGlUzKxAXKPt2uZi1Ra6dgCHMYCw/IMG_2072_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Our empty bar for Saturday dinner!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h6RZYPy4dIk/W4LPIXOUemI/AAAAAAAARZM/7tRZH5A-dWsDq2d3WtyrOxFcIdeqEPYfgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20784"><font size="4"><img width="434" height="153" title="IMG_2078" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2078" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oV09B58T0Fc/W4LPJIkOycI/AAAAAAAARZQ/n71JbXsS5VIgQ_ZOKgdUO_6KNdtlATW8ACHMYCw/IMG_2078_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And seriously good food. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rJTLURMwMik/W4LPJ6JevuI/AAAAAAAARZU/AyWOJ5dRFmcJ1n74TjPN4wZCP6PHc433QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20803"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2080" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2080" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HpgDDftbcs/W4LPKuOrLnI/AAAAAAAARZY/4ZeWcADQhBA7nD9H_zhmxBetN5sBRIf_gCHMYCw/IMG_2080_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">There was lots of yarn and fabulous fiber just down the hall FYI-</font></p><p><font size="4">I bought the kit AND the book. My biggest spend. Can’t wait to knit it and my goal is to wear it to West. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hRtw0p2lias/W4LPN7iNBdI/AAAAAAAARZc/BhF_1SyAZSg8JK05E6CkqQJB_zjLFjEBgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20765"><font size="4"><img width="402" height="302" title="IMG_2076" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2076" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PI_gz_t664c/W4LPPcrKddI/AAAAAAAARZg/HVkTEUs64Jw4CQ-MG3FJ7ms2c9R176RggCHMYCw/IMG_2076_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">A little sampling of the market---</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bQSVlCCw5Rw/W4LPUnn2eGI/AAAAAAAARZk/e3LfB6oEEuU7fuyIg9JvxafSIUeq5RB4ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20813"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2081" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2081" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eP5ELRaSftE/W4LPV8EsPNI/AAAAAAAARZo/BWyqRjS1Jn4eH2K3XhvP2UijNsb8J2q8wCHMYCw/IMG_2081_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-At8MeAsudWw/W4LPWuozdMI/AAAAAAAARZs/m35CkOQm99Me-HVEZdGYJl9quu4vjWliwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20743"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2074" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2074" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LIs5DlBOaYY/W4LPYaSTc_I/AAAAAAAARZ0/pJXGuS695xY3MEJp1Me_sYcb6N3DWrlswCHMYCw/IMG_2074_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BPnlON-kRFc/W4LPZDPvIVI/AAAAAAAARZ4/5pD3qUUh5dAPy45hsVnGcYHX4bg786o5QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20843"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2084" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2084" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R6rVIv2pziQ/W4LPaPKjeCI/AAAAAAAARaA/08yWmH6tsrgRCyAvxZEcG62kFVztT6nRACHMYCw/IMG_2084_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yS6LmiVos_s/W4LPbFO9jFI/AAAAAAAARaE/_NTBRdIvIJshdIrSGqzNn7P5PD-1UOc4QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20703"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2070" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2070" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e-E7Wg_TIZ4/W4LPcHko5kI/AAAAAAAARaI/7aHXC3RkcoMvtF-neYB5pI3MAD_n8KhlQCHMYCw/IMG_2070_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o4DMaFrSBEM/W4LPdofOY-I/AAAAAAAARaM/jQyDtmO-7mQJ9MRiUuA9WqNKKvA7CmAAQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20833"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2083" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2083" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-REjJJdI1Dog/W4LPeitzf2I/AAAAAAAARaQ/h350CHH2BZ420TAs9CImXzNUeqBWGjDpgCHMYCw/IMG_2083_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tDidSrBMBd4/W4LPfv_OgaI/AAAAAAAARaU/mPBsTY4wypcMcFyb1sXZkknRwxexito_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_206811"><font size="4"><img width="232" height="175" title="IMG_2068" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2068" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hB_FJz-Qvn4/W4LPgU7CtpI/AAAAAAAARaY/LOZmqGf9oWsPSoRvFq8rzlPs5Fd3g-qrgCHMYCw/IMG_2068_thumb8?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ErlY3BeXjHQ/W4LPhpn3DdI/AAAAAAAARac/lQy7PSYYPCgh8Uy4Mk7Q8d3YyF6JWovVgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20624"><font size="4"><img width="276" height="366" title="IMG_2062" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2062" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ah9dUr9knQ/W4LPjdzAntI/AAAAAAAARag/B9vEnvC60J0wsHlgm_CI0wyXshgZPIxxQCHMYCw/IMG_2062_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0jc_HXmQumg/W4LPkAod9tI/AAAAAAAARak/-5FSk5HiHDMKxvQuMZp8PQYxJgr6UN6OQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_20614"><font size="4"><img width="107" height="141" title="IMG_2061" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2061" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QJrfnAhnBh4/W4LPk4t_VeI/AAAAAAAARao/keUs_6iBsiES2cJ61rldEJpx9uNObnuBwCHMYCw/IMG_2061_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">There was so much more. AND they had quilting and sewing too which I think I will take a class in that next year. I love it. I tried to get some fashion show pics but they didn’t turn out well. The fashion show is on a raised platform instead of in a theater and we thought that was a much better venue. We could sit closer and see better. </font></p><p><font size="4">So—we left on a fiber high. I dropped Julie at the airport and headed back home. </font></p><p><font size="4">The next weekend I ran the annual Western Days Stampede. It’s a trail race and I’m getting better. I was a minute faster than last year AND I didn’t fall down. Win-win. The weather cooperated and wasn’t chokingly humid. </font></p><p><font size="4">Start </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lhy3_n2bRpQ/W4LPlqtqC7I/AAAAAAAARas/NeozuqQ8Rc4HYRcF8G5iOHso8l7QiViGgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01592"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="160" title="" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QFixCw5OqU/W4LPmCv-sQI/AAAAAAAARa0/hZd_8hhtUFgHdfMHixYnnrvPh5SVgxqZwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01592_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">and Finish</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YXf3G-oAR30/W4LP7S3_4uI/AAAAAAAARbM/YjWT8p0Bvu8VUR-PstR4uoadZGF2hl1rwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC015954"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01595" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01595" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BhJ2Pb5dHQY/W4LP717PhxI/AAAAAAAARbQ/VkZe1QYlkAoFcabSfhUrhHD3X_WssLcoQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01595_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Weekend three found us driving up to Grand Forks-—</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XvxknXUZgJo/W4LP9MGB_nI/AAAAAAAARbU/e7MeNZ3i1UwwvaxQR6qnFxkLLrTo4kgegCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_21183"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2118" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2118" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbBlZClcJic/W4LP-JqchQI/AAAAAAAARbY/I-PjVA4gw4ElKIyc7762rSJpO36mmLhfQCHMYCw/IMG_2118_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">or more accurately Veselyville</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0eb_D10Trs/W4LP-9k4III/AAAAAAAARbc/8oTDPPSCUw82yPqXgkNqtFlyL_cAO6c4QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_21194"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2119" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2119" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qRhb3LaJZjI/W4LQAcBBG9I/AAAAAAAARbg/JMcwpmlRxb42Gl9Hd9s6WcC4oJOhP5kXQCHMYCw/IMG_2119_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We spent a nice weekend chillaxing with Blane and Melanie doing nothing which was just fine with me. </font></p><p><font size="4">Pen Pen and Squirrely Bird</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zhzwrg0aWus/W4LQA0fchwI/AAAAAAAARbk/v2vecMNn_-8SEe8Q6QUcwcSiMto4fInswCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_21293"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2129" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2129" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TTyjxjCOACM/W4LQCck51II/AAAAAAAARbo/hwSViX4yh-spZBTWdb_AOXgx79k6kZgEwCHMYCw/IMG_2129_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BxNo2AcjoGk/W4LQFGQSdNI/AAAAAAAARbs/0eQodNV9Ps0oMoEyB0_4b_J5QBUlS-DSQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC016004"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01600" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01600" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SzgXyCOsYLg/W4LQGeTPB2I/AAAAAAAARbw/k-5N5JIvTsY8mpyu7QeP5ZJoTsVY8vsjQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01600_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Flat views and corn</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rpMS6EsNCS8/W4LQJ02jHOI/AAAAAAAARb0/qaMA3C_NOpoGcZxzLKadfSZBeWGIs_hZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC016013"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01601" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01601" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vD7QvArtiSA/W4LQKw8sA1I/AAAAAAAARb4/iA_gWdJxeMYsc0JTuRbiF2ALE9cQN4zvACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01601_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jz4I9935Xrs/W4LQLeuQArI/AAAAAAAARb8/04UKSWYpxK8bESn4cV_-Pp4V6DjLqlxRACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01604-13"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01604 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01604 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q9prkLU75rg/W4LQM_j1RpI/AAAAAAAARcE/iK1BNBCh28w9b-2Fyz7NvQZR_umvTiWSgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01604-1_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It’s hazy due to the fires in Canada. But not too bad. We got there Saturday and left Monday. I took more naps in those three days than I’ve taken in months. But it was much needed and very relaxing. I was hoping to get up there Friday but Dave didn’t get the day off. Oh well, next time. </font></p><p><font size="4">Thursday was Laura’s birthday so we had dinner on Wednesday at her place. And again, I have no pictures of people but I was VERY intrigued by a chicken casually walking up on the deck to partake of some cat food. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E2APTvNkxsY/W4LQNs5whSI/AAAAAAAARcI/jAZ7zpFehcsZDfBCo3ffOKIOewycesnswCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_21454"><font size="4"><img width="269" height="357" title="IMG_2145" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2145" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oJ_MNYQjNl8/W4LQOU7DwEI/AAAAAAAARcM/v_P3tAhyuRQ7VjAyApb8GZ9V6iXPBGltQCHMYCw/IMG_2145_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"> </font></a><font size="4"> Say What?</font></p><p><font size="4">And I could not leave without some pics of these girls--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7MK4aMCAGCw/W4LQPaJnxiI/AAAAAAAARcQ/8SOZddlQ3Lkp0Ck-4nvyYobIthEF57AowCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC016093"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01609" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01609" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zcIzVKDjgyM/W4LQQFQwvzI/AAAAAAAARcY/4A3U6G4fnqEL8sffDOum7w63pM5csATRwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01609_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Are you talking to me?</font></p><p><font size="4">And babies, lots and lots of babies. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jjy5dbczy7Y/W4LQQ1rP1FI/AAAAAAAARcc/KvXRC1kAWlYGCF-hwSf4oudg2xYpBXUVACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC016085"><font size="4"><img width="355" height="267" title="LRG_DSC01608" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01608" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HWIqJfJ4OCM/W4LQRskpQ4I/AAAAAAAARcg/BNwDwqT0WygYb_8iU0pukx1-GPjD-seUQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01608_thumb3?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The population has tripled since our last stay there…..</font></p><p><font size="4">Happy Birthday to my Blog Muse! I was looking for the famous Laura picture of her carrying a calf but I found this one called Laura and Gargantua. I think this is possibly related to the fact that the calf was huge but it cracked me up and deserves a repeat in the blog—</font></p><p><font size="4">Happy Birthday!!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-enlJMtHXQbM/W4LQSbFoOSI/AAAAAAAARck/vE4lc7JNLK4BoK-K2OzlCK2whCRU673uACHMYCw/s1600-h/Gargantua-and-Laura3"><font size="4"><img width="230" height="418" title="Gargantua and Laura" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Gargantua and Laura" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ej0yhU9Wbh0/W4LcobW_UcI/AAAAAAAARdQ/EGb0VkETyhgeCfCUxe-4OA1plKjmh_y5ACHMYCw/Gargantua-and-Laura_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Finally, last weekend was the Scheels Health Human Half. Ugh. It wasn’t as hot but the dew point was up in the mid 60’s. I can’t even. My time was 2:14:47. I can’t seem to finish it up anymore. I am losing my strength early and I don’t know why. I need to research better training or something. I had my doubts about this race since all my half marathons have been going off the rails this summer. I was pretty demoralized but oh well. As the pacer said when she was trying to pass me “At least you are out here running”. Yes, but running so much more slowly than two years ago. I am discouraged. And next week I have the half in Virginia and it looks to be even hotter and more humid than ever—high of 85, dew points have been up in the upper 60’s. Maybe stormy which will likely add to the moisture. I have already got a poor attitude about that. I told Cody that if it’s truly that hot I’ll be running a mile and a half, then walking a half. mile, rinse and repeat. There’s not way I can tolerate running in that for 13.1 miles. </font></p><p><font size="4">BUT—I did get out and run the race and I did finish and Cathy did a great job and we had our ritual post race bloody which was the best part of the whole dang day. </font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4SL_9-snnhw/W4LcpZtC5KI/AAAAAAAARdU/HEpX-2--160Ri1R59BQkKWeCpjAwWjPRwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_21583"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2158" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2158" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kBJDdL6jppU/W4Lcp_DGiOI/AAAAAAAARdY/OIy625EfkVw8ovnXC-VJ5XfV6GSfvVYNwCHMYCw/IMG_2158_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qEVoj18O0ww/W4LcqkKuqCI/AAAAAAAARdc/tj5s3SvWVyYBzkIZqreruqDllqiWHmJKwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_21603"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2160" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2160" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rJLcS085kJQ/W4LcrcYDVcI/AAAAAAAARdg/W2UTf5JxmR8UM0QtRJYigRsuUFgTOAHygCHMYCw/IMG_2160_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">So that’s why I haven’t gotten much done around here-and next month is the trip to VA and then Scotland!! Woot woot. I can’t wait. I’ll have better hair and my teeth are fixed. Way too much fun. </font></p><p><font size="4">I forgot to mention that I voted in the primary and I hope you all did too-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YXe0fEtpFEY/W4LcsIAhkfI/AAAAAAAARdk/ZLIW6R81EB8X17ubAHR8x4RNQYIQmWzWgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_21133"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2113" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2113" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UfmsPnccm3I/W4LcshJwg2I/AAAAAAAARdo/ic7YkZt4vO8li55OrQ3In2X9CwaAwzHpgCHMYCw/IMG_2113_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Miscellanous thoughts--</font></p><p><font size="4">It’s been hazy here as mentioned before</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_O5jFkwdJEg/W4LctgrnWQI/AAAAAAAARds/GScyqGZrurcEX7PYg6nBl2TRvtec_f3KwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2095"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="150" title="IMG_2095" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2095" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C61K-Wkj6U0/W4LcuMBgp_I/AAAAAAAARdw/-eyfK2sApEI_hJXu3sg_E8ACv3mr5vjJwCHMYCw/IMG_2095_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mDwJE6fHE6o/W4LcuzH-cII/AAAAAAAARd0/3CIow5Adtsw1IBZ7iVXgZuNkJ3Twi6WBgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2117%2B%25281%2529%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="378" height="284" title="IMG_2117 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2117 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XoZsHtdn9hE/W4LcvQDZekI/AAAAAAAARd4/72JPYxD6H8EAMXZY-27N_KG2y6905SNtgCHMYCw/IMG_2117%2B%25281%2529_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Manny has been holding his water quite well for the past 3 or so days. Of course, we’ve been here letting him out on a regular basis. But I was checking out some solutions at Pet Smart the other day….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-knGiU8ONcyw/W4LcwbuSl3I/AAAAAAAARd8/j58iTtO-9RMc8aW0k2rLQk_uiPKLZvNQwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2108%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2108" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2108" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--rILXWAgZtA/W4Lcw9odSwI/AAAAAAAAReA/-S2NpmPx4_QImlrE5xOkDsKOLuDO1Wt3QCHMYCw/IMG_2108_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I think these would save us some frustration, and he’d sport them like a champ.</font></p><p><font size="4">Dave says no, no diapers for Manny….yet. </font></p><p><font size="4">So, that’s about it for August. We are in the final week and then we leave for Norfolk, a place I’ve never been. </font></p><p><font size="4">Enjoy the rest of the summer-it’s going fast!</font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ya04CAkE1L8/W4LcxecMCuI/AAAAAAAAReE/PWWwo_TwX4chrx7HhTkSH5O18wGCrsGrgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2143%255B3%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2143" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2143" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pnFQmqJnwdI/W4LcyB_jaiI/AAAAAAAAReI/ahykXL7ZrwkvFxYRK99yFlbTH6az-ZoPwCHMYCw/IMG_2143_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>A <a href="http://motherbearproject.org/">Happy Mother Bear</a></font></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-56097389995118481312018-07-29T12:25:00.001-05:002018-07-29T12:25:07.965-05:00So Hot, So Very Very Hot<p><font size="3">July was really really hot. Well, the start of it when all my races were was very hot. Now it’s pleasant and dry. Of course. I have a race in a couple of weeks though so the heat should ramp up again. And Ragnar Great River (which I am NOT running) is towards the end of August and that is usually a terribly hot weekend. </font></p><p><font size="3">But where has July gone? It’s August in a couple of days and then it’s a slide into fall. The years just go faster and faster I guess. September will be a huge month, what with travel to Virginia to see these three</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RxTEJdkPOsE/W133sdfhILI/AAAAAAAARUo/ovHYJ43JPQsOGWQWIslkPa_x4wFN7lVoQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1618%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="244" title="IMG_1618" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1618" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cPToSxeUb7M/W133syOH_1I/AAAAAAAARUs/l9nfNKGbZKcVyBRzvSgKC2qf0wQIphm_QCHMYCw/IMG_1618_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And then off to Scotland for more selfies like this-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B-tA2uZU7Yk/W133uhZYZUI/AAAAAAAARUw/ttFol6g_SHovc3TmFSANMbuIxn08deuwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/25EA58E1-9DD7-499C-8B5C-9C7C153AFEA3%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="25EA58E1-9DD7-499C-8B5C-9C7C153AFEA3" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="25EA58E1-9DD7-499C-8B5C-9C7C153AFEA3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zhvHLllyzms/W133vdpkcwI/AAAAAAAARU0/FRsf9CuuVKE_1hOXw5oLfEWE_C3SH5GnACHMYCw/25EA58E1-9DD7-499C-8B5C-9C7C153AFEA3_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Cause that’s what we do best. Only I’ll have way better hair AND my teeth are fixed now. The landscapes should be as nice though.</font></p><p><font size="3">Oh, but in August we have a trip to see these two </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xCm7_n58vn8/W133wkj5API/AAAAAAAARU4/_sRMFLFfV40CrT-X6iSAdjqg4OCOXiJ1wCHMYCw/s1600-h/Blane%2Band%2BMelanie%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="Blane and Melanie" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Blane and Melanie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFoEa1k7nIg/W133xWCTpnI/AAAAAAAARU8/1kq4tyuMwskBu-OaRZx1rnlJa2lVxrCewCHMYCw/Blane%2Band%2BMelanie_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p>Plus 10 pets and a zucchini the size of a small dog</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NFX5FFTIb0Y/W133x-P5AXI/AAAAAAAARVA/MA-zr41OhNcjFrhTiRl6rwH0zI4mozJGACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2058%2B%25281%2529%255B3%255D"><img width="139" height="244" title="IMG_2058 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2058 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_4b2q_Q-k9w/W133zABrLcI/AAAAAAAARVE/rmHQNDFLIo8fOd2LfzAzUu46JOFQbbjtgCHMYCw/IMG_2058%2B%25281%2529_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="3">But back to the present—and near past.</font></p><p><font size="3">July 4th I was supposed to run a race called Red, White, and Boom in Minneapolis. However, it was soooo hot they cancelled the 1/2 and made it a half of a half, or 6.75 miles. </font></p><p><font size="3">At first I thought, this isn’t bad-I could have run a half-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C1c7v_uzzcQ/W133z06FllI/AAAAAAAARVI/snxUU5tANGAE5PQ0XlDcAxKx7r067hjrwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1987%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1987" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1987" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fSQZD0djB6g/W1330aYhKKI/AAAAAAAARVM/MjVfEw_m12MAUrmbkd-RlOYW0dAN1hGLQCHMYCw/IMG_1987_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">I have a band on my head-my hair is not that big…..</font></p><p><font size="3">But then after about 7 blocks I thought-Nope, too hot. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rGAYbYxxAjY/W1331_etlUI/AAAAAAAARVQ/ZYAhGJ5WbbIfJQ_lap1UEBuRMBNQGLPOgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1988%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1988" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1988" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zeiyx7kN2m8/W1332TXr13I/AAAAAAAARVU/0IzMs0rI51o8YrRwZTRMY6Scx9AXlFpxwCHMYCw/IMG_1988_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Post Sweaty Race </font></p><p><font size="3">So that was all fun and games. </font></p><p><font size="3">Then, two weeks later I did a race called the Nuthouse Challenge.</font></p><p><font size="3">This race is a 10K in the morning, a 5K in the evening, and the following morning is a half marathon. And the weather didn’t disappoint.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6G6657SSdE4/W13320-RSqI/AAAAAAAARVY/gR-sNlKxVU4MqwVRKTN0wny952DroNVDACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01548%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="333" height="251" title="DSC01548" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01548" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F7fspYGohtc/W1334bWT99I/AAAAAAAARVc/w7LnY-Lg8JE2iqSLLHw3dtDW2c8Lx3NBACHMYCw/DSC01548_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">It started out ok. Pre 10K at Soldiers Field and the War Memorial. It was pretty hot but only 6.2 miles so not too killer. Temps in the upper 70’s along with a dew point of 70 degrees. It’s like breathing water. But I did it. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VGSt8plOAVM/W1334-hpG_I/AAAAAAAARVg/trg2HK9RGW0yUYNMfZrJfLTgb_WXHLXSgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01556%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="166" title="LRG_DSC01556" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01556" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w8ef1cS54ik/W1335b_TZyI/AAAAAAAARVk/Q56uHFSXcFEKXrPJ9p1Sftz4c7uAuLNuwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01556_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Round Two</font></p><p><font size="3">I can run 3.1 miles in the blazing humidity</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8aM4ZBOVqNk/W1337IgTdbI/AAAAAAAARVo/yptiRegmZysteHEYvL-lBtB67yomeuJDgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01558%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01558" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01558" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWlen4RqX8c/W13378DFbWI/AAAAAAAARVs/TWTmw6ZPPZo1xii7pLu57oMpb8XEJa1YACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01558_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Sadly, the 1/2 didn’t go quite as happily.</font></p><p><font size="3">I was hot before I even started. Race start was at 8 AM. Thankfully it was somewhat overcast, but the dewpoint at that time was again 70 degrees. Temps heading upwards to 80ish. But barely which was another blessing. </font></p><p><font size="3">However, I did want to die several times out there. There was not enough water and I stupidly didn’t carry any. Longest hottest 1/2 I have ever run. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hjZMND8aYfc/W1338ntXPsI/AAAAAAAARVw/bYzrmsdGBeo0RnU-cuxFZmvPOVlM-MvtACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01564%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="207" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01564" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01564" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CklE2YxRBT0/W1339_1u_eI/AAAAAAAARV0/5pJAgDf2_f4veIP6hK4CmhbHX_UKnm_bwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01564_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AvRGeCmZZ_U/W133-WwAdsI/AAAAAAAARV4/39_DdILPgdweTKPcVO5oibnQeicJC5wlwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01563%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01563" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01563" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ce3ib5JDcHA/W134AupxRsI/AAAAAAAARWE/RiZuUnP5PTIh8JxLmq1OtjIeOzVnJ90pACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01563_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Reflecting on the War Memorial and that I am already too hot.</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8vhG7fQZCrk/W134CdisicI/AAAAAAAARWI/XVhD3pq7Mwky7PkMzRN4Wfv1wldhY6kggCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01565%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="147" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01565" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01565" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MNkvrPF6O2I/W134CwLxGhI/AAAAAAAARWM/DhVj0J-iVes7PF8ArXePjrZlj-jRzaUygCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01565_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And the end….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8KA7-5WtMs/W134DWrlZWI/AAAAAAAARWQ/RTlRBVTWKgweVwiGaxsivp449TpAbFdLQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01570%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="347" height="261" title="LRG_DSC01570" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01570" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pRPNe4trOOk/W134FfYJ3OI/AAAAAAAARWU/NRQQnWvc-co6rIGSz3F1V0m_YZuwyBLAQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01570_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">All I can think of is Death, take me now. Ugh. It is so hot right there. Growing up in a cool climate is not serving me well here and I am rethinking summer races altogether. I’d rather run in the cold. And when I get to that point I’ll be thinking-It’s 10 below, what am I doing here?</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QlTMiEDhqQA/W134F7ffQoI/AAAAAAAARWY/Kd069buYI_gbnMWyHZGYViV1q2VHKqcAwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01555%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01555" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01555" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zg3Ux_kTxBI/W134IMwVr4I/AAAAAAAARWc/FPoAUJ86CJYQzEdGc0eNeF6shFXPGadSQCHMYCw/DSC01555_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I got three of these, 5, 10, and half.</font></p><p><font size="3">The only plus was that I won 2nd place in the challenge in my age group and got a 15 dollar gift cert to a local running store. So good for me. I guess.</font></p><p><font size="3">Winner winner, chicken dinner</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SEgvpPLF44/W134IyOdXZI/AAAAAAAARWg/9nq7fSK9bG4LW2YwpMwg9-yNlN0Dzs3nACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01571%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="197" height="244" title="DSC01571" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01571" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vR3QDTpumkw/W134KddsC2I/AAAAAAAARWk/br4jhjA72cMCWsTHUS8sUZFQhOKPxxO6QCHMYCw/DSC01571_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Bad picture but that’s how I looked. Bad. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wAWpwoJ2sgA/W134LBVSnZI/AAAAAAAARWo/i_EvzgpVMIALRrlKQOD1gmUAgJFNCtrewCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01572%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="168" height="244" title="DSC01572" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01572" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8avtD0bp1bg/W134Mod4cEI/AAAAAAAARWs/0noPSleJFJcNvVcd4dhwq5FWn1M7NIq1wCHMYCw/DSC01572_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I can’t even say how much I’m glad that’s over. And within a week, the temps dropped, the dewpoint is non-existant, and here we are. No races for weeks. So annoying. </font></p><p><font size="3">We babysat Brandy for a few days-she and Lacey had a good time barking at everything that moved-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fa1gUiKmgog/W134NKiZw5I/AAAAAAAARWw/3O11ep9P1vE8_n58PxtFzzLVh9yJ7OU9gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1991%255B5%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1991" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1991" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4IxWkM6XBYM/W134OeeQBbI/AAAAAAAARW0/X7Vx1yKuFU8IE9awl3X5Dbva8dhxUUJlACHMYCw/IMG_1991_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Dave enjoyed some Ice Cream…</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXf4b3F01_c/W134POs-xhI/AAAAAAAARW8/rCUqmx7oRckJUmBZKKmRfEa-cU3_GPw0ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1993%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1993" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1993" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Z4BpAeklLE/W134P9ZodEI/AAAAAAAARXA/jrJNirTKyeMHl_ivChGOeopcqn_Ne9kEQCHMYCw/IMG_1993_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And July rolled on.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4dl-WooS1-s/W134RlsxKbI/AAAAAAAARXI/pDxb7oJQHhEfr0hb-cLQ2Ed6WjphU8dzwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01541%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01541" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01541" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qXrli30MXe0/W134SWx-A9I/AAAAAAAARXM/Yy4sYls8tlEo5Nociiol9-OMC62ERLcJQCHMYCw/DSC01541_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I quit paying for parking and started to take the bus exclusively in July, after practicing for most of June. I actually love taking the bus, however, it’s been summer so ask me when it’s pouring rain and freezing cold. Maybe not so much then. </font></p><p><font size="3">I’d like to say I get a lot of books listened to and some knitting done</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BqkBPk1hY0k/W134TbGyLCI/AAAAAAAARXQ/IhLQV9sO-fsxErD2UHP_I8aoBCfuykX8QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2004%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2004" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2004" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-knwoZy4mgtc/W134UN9dO6I/AAAAAAAARXU/w4tT34hI3O82CtPtN5BGorM9MUz6m1euACHMYCw/IMG_2004_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I got some new and seriously cool sunglasses (finally) and I showed them off with Angie as we were working on Friday</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTl4J8q9kPU/W134UocQnYI/AAAAAAAARXY/8A1DIBVjXRgsSEgaFd8XmQwsLL2Zox_PQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2055%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_2055" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2055" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YQKcxPj0zR4/W134WgEKr0I/AAAAAAAARXc/C1OLDaJArFIdvbcOosZEbOF07wnqxZ8swCHMYCw/IMG_2055_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We are really really cool. </font></p><p><font size="3">Puddy, the worse cat known to mankind, decided that the deck wasn’t good enough anymore and there are new heights to scale…</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cfVoHO7l9Zg/W134XPfd7BI/AAAAAAAARXg/Fyc91Q1Y37s0e6RkIGB_D0v2lZWTkTzqgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2054%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2054" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2054" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tfz5naS9oH4/W134ZLEyRQI/AAAAAAAARXk/pstbL0p1F5U7Ruetq_NuLHlfW5D0_xZjwCHMYCw/IMG_2054_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I was able to get her down before work this day, but Dave couldn’t get her down yesterday. She eventually came down on her own and hasn’t decided to climb since. Well, yet anyway.</font></p><p><font size="3">This coming weekend I travel to Stitches Midwest to check out another side of Stitches, and to see my friend Julie. Woop Woop. It’s almost here. I’ve been working alot these past two weeks and the thought of getting up on Friday AM and driving over to Chi-town fills me with the utmost happiness. </font></p><p><font size="3">Till then, Jack says get that effing camera out of my face….</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XspNBFko2pA/W134ZgiWEzI/AAAAAAAARXo/1ZIRJmoClb4FG5gAx64pPVBOFRpIZIquQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2057%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_2057" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2057" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HOeG4hAYz1c/W134bSbt3lI/AAAAAAAARXs/cCxdrMa7VNgn9Ch4VssucLTnF6VBFQ-MgCHMYCw/IMG_2057_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And Manny wishes that, for once, he knew where the bathroom was….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pET0x3Vrd0Y/W134b7IVNnI/AAAAAAAARXw/ZAdnxc99gYcvMuVIk0QVu2mBJDZGQpR5ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_2005%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="290" height="386" title="IMG_2005" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_2005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EcR8NC55zGU/W134cX5x6dI/AAAAAAAARX0/HV8vNb0fJQUUneHkWziSHegDR4me56daACHMYCw/IMG_2005_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-38236908190277926882018-06-28T07:21:00.001-05:002018-06-28T07:21:45.093-05:00Garage Sales, Baseball, and Iowa<p><font size="4">But not at the same time.</font></p><p><font size="4">For some reason, Cedar Rapids seems to be the happening place, and it’s easy to get to from here. This was our second concert trip in that city, but before we went there we had a garage sale.</font></p><p><font size="4">Laura and I had our second annual garage sale mid June. We had a garage full of stuff-mostly Laura’s but I put in a good lot.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GGPZgLpgz1U/WzTSXg-j1LI/AAAAAAAARP4/r5vTf32evBE3kVbcA1KAUpjijSueDCIugCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC014874"><font size="4"><img width="273" height="206" title="DSC01487" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01487" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tOoz18_r9N4/WzTSYC61uAI/AAAAAAAARP8/58IWCWnsvZYXeKSXLs6WuxjmW4lG0ek0wCHMYCw/DSC01487_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">See all that stuff? Oh, Laura is in there too but she wasn’t for sale.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5drQL1i6Z64/WzTSYmJZB-I/AAAAAAAARQA/vA0aCvun2hAvGUn1p4G5O8Sg9zSufZBaQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC014884"><font size="4"><img width="426" height="320" title="LRG_DSC01488" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01488" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6CdcpLwcCOY/WzTSZLGs4rI/AAAAAAAARQE/Sc9YxCt9qRMANk-IgFEo0hWiCuddUl4UgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01488_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Anyway, this is right before we opened for biz, at which time the skies also opened up and it rained and rained until about 9:30-10ish. Well, that sort of dampened the foot traffic, so to speak, but we still didn’t do too bad. We had a lot of clothes but Laura says that doesn’t sell well and it really didn’t. But I got rid of two TV’s and a few other things. Laura got rid of a bunch of garden tools and some plants. I was amazed by what people bought. </font></p><p><font size="4">Even though we didn’t sell as much as we hoped, we did get a good purge out of it. Next year Dave and I are targeting the garage cause it’s next on the purge list. Gah. </font></p><p><font size="4">The very next day Dave and I went up to the cities and attended the Twins vs LA game. It was Stitch and Pitch and we had a great time. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W1sBZjT1u_E/WzTSZ5YTB3I/AAAAAAAARQI/v4njJQ3DhAgeuRVy6CzDc0-dlZvfVsshQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC014724"><font size="4"><img width="308" height="232" title="LRG_DSC01472" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01472" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9rUd46YI5ds/WzTSacUUIfI/AAAAAAAARQM/gp6jodbNzwUXBwZbS4WXMjBpctjAdUjngCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01472_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4nJavcwikLM/WzTSaz_KFoI/AAAAAAAARQQ/VN_FQv_rex88yAA5-ikp1e0J8Z5VQIqUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC014754"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="120" title="LRG_DSC01475" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01475" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qX1CCIY7iTg/WzTSbWu2HdI/AAAAAAAARQU/PpMDNq0kQWEytGcdCr996MoubLPizjTtwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01475_thumb6?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0KeMl4RA6_g/WzTSb-igR7I/AAAAAAAARQY/OYDf825xzRMkxQahuo9pSyN670mdm2OfQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC014743"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01474" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01474" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i9sTmu8pGwI/WzTScdgbknI/AAAAAAAARQc/X25AqSvvM6oUEoJ9r7XRWQixSqJP13dlACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01474_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The weather was perfect and the Twins won. What more could you ask?</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OFmpsbI_t0A/WzTSdDvLTPI/AAAAAAAARQg/X_qd9u7iGeMOdL7KK6lYzII-cvCBN1O5ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1935%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="246" height="327" title="IMG_1935" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1935" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9-ktm_NWDUE/WzTSdjPr00I/AAAAAAAARQk/AnNCJ9hr5Ycz_MtR9RFPtaXZYQO6us92wCHMYCw/IMG_1935_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The very next Tuesday we took the dogs to the boarding place and left Minnesota for Cedar Rapids, where we were going to see Brandi Carlile. </font></p><p><font size="4">She didn’t disappoint.</font></p><p><font size="4">The opening band was the Secret Sisters. Interestingly, we had heard them singing on the new Prairie Home Companion, which is now called something else and I don’t always listen to anymore. ANYWAY, they were the musical guests so when they came out and started singing and talking I knew who they were. They are very good and I may have to download a few songs, or at the very least get a CD.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wV-ZBTMqdMc/WzTSeO3ywLI/AAAAAAAARQo/b3vQZiFZRr8RZl1Su6E4lBFFrnj6I74vACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01492%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="464" height="243" title="DSC01492" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01492" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rpDR5B4h1z0/WzTSekZvlqI/AAAAAAAARQs/eSMij4WuhdA3gPIF_V1ea8veUDa3aBm2ACHMYCw/DSC01492_thumb%255B8%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I don’t even know why I post these bad selfies.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s4bgoJm6DJw/WzTSfMcOS9I/AAAAAAAARQw/uCk75PdJFGYnjvu4CUVbozb0JU3WA59UwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01490%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01490" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01490" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z33NRzggH4A/WzTSfsuoO9I/AAAAAAAARQ0/uHfq7cgAUS4-7QHT3EZXsLICXpl7hkglQCHMYCw/DSC01490_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The venue was fabulous-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JyKWBFE-tDU/WzTSgZ7NBKI/AAAAAAAARQ4/VyU1Rvs5LHIIWVxCShUivi4v827UWv1cgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1954%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="364" height="199" title="IMG_1954" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1954" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZF3JsPA1soU/WzTSg9rn4NI/AAAAAAAARQ8/CKER7Ru8-BYdzMpVqB-bOswmB_u5CgBeQCHMYCw/IMG_1954_thumb%255B12%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T82v3yrFVco/WzTShQ2BtjI/AAAAAAAARRA/rXmqrN01XIIvRSgKp0CUJJ2i1eDA45vvACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01501%255B10%255D"><font size="4"><img width="436" height="99" title="DSC01501" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01501" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qlY6t957Vas/WzTSh5H7G7I/AAAAAAAARRE/ZaLnggU3PRgceuAL3foKtAvyTbow6DzxgCHMYCw/DSC01501_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The ceiling was looking at us. </font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qH0cZKaADio/WzTSit8kxyI/AAAAAAAARRI/4gwd7rP7AQI3k6Xgy7iavXlV4kBjlwG0wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01503%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01503" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01503" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-01UxovjPVUg/WzTSjF5nvAI/AAAAAAAARRM/2YK09FxUF-gzjrqzMQ3CW1QCuEWr-tv3ACHMYCw/DSC01503_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Even Brandi and the Sisters commented on the great venue.</font></p><p><font size="4">The Secret Sisters</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YgXUEAe9DJo/WzTSjkXGBvI/AAAAAAAARRQ/xBbjqFd0Q2sN8QiaYvGoR1y2sWpytiKkgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01514%255B2%255D"><font size="4"><img width="225" height="244" title="" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z2pKiFk0Rew/WzTSkMzbSfI/AAAAAAAARRU/_rnaVWC2x1A_7Xor_cJZOEZgL27rQgcZwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01514_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">They not only sang great, they were pretty funny too.</font></p><p><font size="4">Brandi Carlile</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vIYpAXqUL0A/WzTSkl4jIOI/AAAAAAAARRY/TKeI0uQW2E4uNEo2hCzYJimnAnIdmyFIACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01516%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01516" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01516" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8sS7e7P7D_E/WzTSlD233xI/AAAAAAAARRc/kwjfhUlcEa8_BFd_68bSVZ08EroJHzyVwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01516_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It was a rockin’ show.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lV2xnIOp4Bg/WzTSlg1MlsI/AAAAAAAARRg/mZ8OFaPuF0EnIi1H8MwnRyEsUlIZP3UfwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01522%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="407" height="306" title="LRG_DSC01522" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01522" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qcHjOsLKRUs/WzTSlwiPclI/AAAAAAAARRk/VwkmN0J6XO8mc8RzaZSHXWLFnu6vXdJkwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01522_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I would see her again and again. </font></p><p><font size="4">And we had to take an inside bad selfie too. I don’t know what Dave’s looking at. I’m sure it was interesting. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k8x-E_lIyKA/WzTSmgrWFZI/AAAAAAAARRo/3jGHZEbyM0o25F1g_kRdxVV51-9k_U4egCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1955%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1955" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1955" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Va-H-y_aCPU/WzTSnKwGywI/AAAAAAAARRs/FRRT9dPQ71UOVzbICXy_iWt9Plw_3W6VgCHMYCw/IMG_1955_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I really really really need to work on this. I’d get a selfie stick but when we were in Ireland we were with a person that had a selfie stick and I swore I would never have one after that. Lord have mercy, that was obnoxious. Maybe I just need an arm extension. </font></p><p><font size="4">Did I mention the food was good too?</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QWBGJkBNYus/WzTSnijYGQI/AAAAAAAARRw/Zq7OjbMFuUEtQwbgtyiBJsXIw4uwh9OwQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1951%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1951" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1951" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VOILzz8t2EU/WzTSoWERR4I/AAAAAAAARR0/PlJx0pCGwM4FxBh8RX90DfppjuZndeUbQCHMYCw/IMG_1951_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I realize that’s a drink, but it went with good food.</font></p><p><font size="4">It rained quite a bit while we were there (for less than 24 hours) and the landscape was gray Iowa farm land-which I find very pretty-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-srJSRQqXpsc/WzTSo_PCRLI/AAAAAAAARR4/D3IvG8nACJovj7CKtbkf6DM6oepLFlcpACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01535%255B6%255D"><font size="4"><img width="474" height="232" title="DSC01535" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01535" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIqxF5CHYfM/WzTSsIwJbtI/AAAAAAAARR8/0PBKs8Lo-VoeOQnQJYJaEh2Mr9Dwq3rUgCHMYCw/DSC01535_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It eventually broke up and got a little brighter, but never much sun.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RuEvE1nJLr8/WzTSsoIIUQI/AAAAAAAARSA/TVr2727oYdcebT9YOVG1GxbPnYsLIVFWQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01532%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZpgLEI1nKoM/WzTStVKd2fI/AAAAAAAARSE/bMrbNJ7r9UoX0o9_MQi1pdeTvPAoZaPjwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01532%255B10%255D"><img width="411" height="210" title="DSC01532" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01532" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QI0vltxoeg0/WzTSt8weM_I/AAAAAAAARSI/1uHmtGyegZIBeOHU9-Zu-tkWPCYUICfGQCHMYCw/DSC01532_thumb%255B12%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></a></p><p><font size="4">We boarded the dogs and when we got home I figured out that they didn’t follow my instructions for feeding, didn’t give Lacey her pill, and stole the dog light off her leash. AND—Lacey has kennel cough now. She had her bordatella but it’s now always 100% effective. I don’t think she has it as bad as she could. </font></p><p><font size="4">So they are going back in August I guess. I can’t find anywhere to board my pets that I’m satisfied with. What to do? I don’t know house sitters and Manny isn’t very house broken. That’s the problem. Although he worked and worked on it and he did this last week:</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zfNJuNn_STY/WzTSuSQWQ0I/AAAAAAAARSM/zDbx1tUOQsQS_t9WEa-0EbgpsntpPLzWACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1979%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="264" height="351" title="IMG_1979" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1979" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ycMUjwt47_M/WzTSuyz9LAI/AAAAAAAARSQ/yvIGNBoTu8wKP3OwtZR-rsakzOWCOH5RwCHMYCw/IMG_1979_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Yep, he got up on the couch so he could steal a bone Lacey hid there. That was the motivation it took. He hasn’t done it since. It was a LOT of work.</font></p><p><font size="4">Friday was the Hot Air Balloon Rally (or whatever) at Rochesterfest so I saw this when I got to work--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jy8Ps5ZvGqg/WzTSveLKAdI/AAAAAAAARSU/X4Q1GgcsJxYyEVPyA6IgsT5L-BicnjSDgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01536%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="236" height="314" title="DSC01536" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01536" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0S37_6ch9Fk/WzTSv4qyPqI/AAAAAAAARSY/iIDSfSTe0QYk2l-IHr_Nxq3MjxkC72V5gCHMYCw/DSC01536_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">They were super pretty. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xDKG3VwmpGE/WzTSwtUVZzI/AAAAAAAARSg/fkCn7EeMckkxDOlpGW1roQgPbsTVjzD-QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01538%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="354" height="471" title="DSC01538" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01538" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VcuzbT6UXIs/WzTSxNNB40I/AAAAAAAARSk/udvBZE0NRWQDMj6SAF_pncrWkIM12B72gCHMYCw/DSC01538_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Last weekend was the Zombie Knitpocolypse (or something like that) retreat which had an open marketplace which resulted in impulse buys</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0mbXOdvLbuw/WzTSxrdlQAI/AAAAAAAARSo/0e_1cgS1gp49rOQ1YybMA6ZgKSHxFArSgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1981%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="266" height="353" title="IMG_1981" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1981" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwGqgmxbLyM/WzTSyBL7kgI/AAAAAAAARSs/PwiopueJNIAzE95xwA9Mo5e8bbWkuAqnwCHMYCw/IMG_1981_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Three Irish Girls, and I held back—I could have bought so much more</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pOAKKko_09M/WzTSyrI_TuI/AAAAAAAARSw/y9Wh3Z0fGOg2CyH4HqQNh7JAhP61hhk1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1982%255B6%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1982" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1982" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j6uAFtiEzmQ/WzTSy-teCRI/AAAAAAAARS0/vGv3o7f8HZ4siIisxcPIpb-2o5V1EflRwCHMYCw/IMG_1982_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Oh, and that was after buying some new stuff at Angie’s store so I was in a spending mood. </font></p><p><font size="4"><font size="4">The Fourth of July is coming up fast fast fast. I am running a half up in the cities on the fourth and I think the heat index is going to be back down to the 80’s. Starting today the dew points are going to be in the 70’s. That’s a lot of air conditioning happening. My training run on Saturday is going to have to be very early. </font></font></p><p><font size="4">Dave is traveling to Madison this weekend so I have the house to myself. But not really cause I still have Manny. Yay. </font></p><p><font size="4">So, that’s all the news for now. I’m home until September, with a brief Grand Forks trip in August. September is travel month for sure with the trip to Norfolk and then to Scotland. Am very excited for that. </font></p><p><font size="4">And going to the Netherlands in January. Already checked out some yarn stores in Amsterdam. </font></p><p><font size="4">In the meantime, this-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CEWnbB9nzvk/WzTSzgANmcI/AAAAAAAARS4/noRLyw7DUi8y1gt06MrFeCvBR5a_e5GUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1978%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1978" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1978" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wYJCDL0AdCA/WzTS0K7nrTI/AAAAAAAARS8/3BoqM3j_iAoT6mXm4TXRVY6kmjVzTzHTgCHMYCw/IMG_1978_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And Puddy, always finding the out of the way spot for some serious chillaxin’</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xnKpxA4UUV8/WzTS0auwlZI/AAAAAAAARTA/CdTkhr4u3mESOMda-I9as_dU4YTTfnqKgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1983%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JMofhn3ae7Y/WzTS1FO2XkI/AAAAAAAARTE/Va_g2biLPa4AHBo7i-ArdgnvfdQ-TxrngCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1983%255B4%255D"><img width="294" height="390" title="IMG_1983" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1983" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0WeBzgOxuiY/WzTS1-7FdXI/AAAAAAAARTI/_X5DClX2iccMmL8Y-guzAeJstgoeLqPewCHMYCw/IMG_1983_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-21194197473727422372018-06-11T16:30:00.001-05:002018-06-11T16:30:29.109-05:00Running Like the Wind<p><font size="4">Wow, sorry about the delay in my blog posts. If I could keep up it would be so much easier. </font></p><p><font size="4">Most of this post I think will be running related because that’s what I did for three weeks in a row. </font></p><p><font size="4">But before those runs, or maybe during those weeks, It’s all such a blur, we went and saw Paula Poundstone. This is the second time we have seen her and she was hilarious. She is so clever and quick and can turn a joke on a dime. If you ever get the chance—go see her. She spoke about the upcoming meeting with N Korea (which at that time was off, but as we know is on again) and she made the astute observation that “they are both nutters”. Couldn’t agree more. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-740840Ga0As/Wx7o75oHwEI/AAAAAAAARJI/pOHr20FC10kW4who4vYzWIM12K2Z0D11gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC013683"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01368" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01368" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-szIK_pha-O4/Wx7o8T-heEI/AAAAAAAARJM/lNk98UwCh_ANVg2pWNxIbddL3OnyRetIQCHMYCw/DSC01368_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56PDja1cbWw/Wx7o9GFlLWI/AAAAAAAARJQ/ywfS5PIa0cAHKpWTgbrKJ_5UNzvq4DQtACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC013703"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01370" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01370" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TKHasWwNmVM/Wx7o9tWnzEI/AAAAAAAARJU/qkJAJ6hG3DMShAHRtJudEb6oZQPZuVNxACHMYCw/DSC01370_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I couldn’t get a smiling picture no matter how hard I tried. And then I just wanted to listen. </font></p><p><font size="4">Up next week is Brandi Carlile in Iowa. Good for us!</font></p><p><font size="4">Oh, how could I forget this—the Royal Wedding. Jeepers. I was all over that. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yEWEVefxtxM/Wx7o-aOAWWI/AAAAAAAARJY/PAg5OW81n80GOCy-SBSe59w7DJ8dSJXjgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_18343"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1834" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1834" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FPsm00TVQUc/Wx7o-mRKKiI/AAAAAAAARJc/LHCWzRet6XQqZ6pV0GBp5e3rP18OLphLQCHMYCw/IMG_1834_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I wore my tiara. Watched it live. My favorite parts were this little princess and her over the shoulder wave-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_j9LluGLDj0/Wx7o_XLAYbI/AAAAAAAARJg/xhnmBC7a9ZAI84SWCJYLvbmT4lelLEFvwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_18363"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="142" title="IMG_1836" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1836" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qZ2NALAlzRo/Wx7o_sJw0oI/AAAAAAAARJk/hlNBShusUD4JZxf6Qzh-_N2yIk-cIt5VgCHMYCw/IMG_1836_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Oh my God, that kid has the wave.</font></p><p><font size="4">And this photo bomb. Are you kidding me? The best ever</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n5pIXjMCsA0/Wx7pASNaq5I/AAAAAAAARJo/hfJ_uUsUhLkIczlLV5GhxndwMz5ZsJB9wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_18373"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="138" title="IMG_1837" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1837" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y2HgZyZmleQ/Wx7pAmfYrlI/AAAAAAAARJs/htwkQ-JurSYq7RGGrzcEmclvYKI-3baswCHMYCw/IMG_1837_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The Bishop from the Episcopal Church was preachin’ some fire. I was almost squirming because as an Episcopalian I’m not quite used to that level of intensity. At least not at any Episcopal church I ever attended.</font></p><p><font size="4">You gotta love a Royal Wedding, it takes me away from reality and just makes me sort of happy. </font></p><p><font size="4">But—back to reality</font></p><p><font size="4">I ran Women Run the Cities in May-the first of three running weekends.I only ran the 10K, but it was good enough.</font></p><p><font size="4">Beautiful day for Women to Run.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D48mIzCncHE/Wx7pBCCqYiI/AAAAAAAARJw/Ro5bx-2AoPk9kM0K47zgVrLClC7QKT0zwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_18393"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1839" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1839" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U2GS0s7MjZY/Wx7pBjHbsEI/AAAAAAAARJ0/QjhBjvPCBdMFxg-lSnz50CNTwBpJEQWCACHMYCw/IMG_1839_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">AND—I didn’t have to take a bad selfie cause here I am!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rlncIORwMnk/Wx7pCDg7pZI/AAAAAAAARJ4/nztt3e_Uk5EvKZkbUDwK4YD7oMaSQ9TkACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_18403"><font size="4"><img width="164" height="244" title="IMG_1840" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1840" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UbdDcIo7VXg/Wx7pCtLRztI/AAAAAAAARJ8/HHDgHt1oy1MWVaI6uHFMl1jJkJEIv_TKACHMYCw/IMG_1840_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Woot.</font></p><p><font size="4">Next up was Med City 1/2 Marathon. Ugh. That wasn’t so fun. Not. At All.</font></p><p><font size="4">They cancelled the Marathon and Marathon Relay, and the 20 mile run because of the extreme heat. And hot it was. Some saintly women around mile 11 handed me a baggie of ice which I wore under my hat until the finish. I was hot and uncomfortable and I have never seen so many people walking in a race. My finish, at 2:13 was very slow, but at least I finished. </font></p><p><font size="4">Looking fresh at the start</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R3YcstX2Dg4/Wx7pDDB1y3I/AAAAAAAARKA/DqQ3NO6PU-YrK_5o1NP_ztlwGxfkLq_eACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_18493"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1849" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1849" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gcPmCIyipHc/Wx7pDibs9qI/AAAAAAAARKE/6siyA9ry0gAerquNaarXuoHCnP8K3PPxACHMYCw/IMG_1849_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Dying at the finish</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jOdVmkf7z9M/Wx7pEDiI_dI/AAAAAAAARKI/8x2CDU52C5MHySRUj8ZH5c2haVNRd4uVgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1850-13"><font size="4"><img width="137" height="244" title="IMG_1850-1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1850-1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hlNyIL-uYMc/Wx7pErmCIBI/AAAAAAAARKM/2jFsPHnM8g82gvTW_xGkfqmjISmEJ0KBwCHMYCw/IMG_1850-1_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I did recover enough to take a picture of my coworker-Ashley who ran the half marathon relay-(since they canceled the marathon relay)</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9q8IFNdCj0Q/Wx7pkxgpTHI/AAAAAAAARLw/v7rC5kgdu9ksxuVZXKfYFYTUIn6xIOihQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_18482"><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wFQj2o3GcT8/Wx7plTJqZSI/AAAAAAAARL4/N2JOdL_Z4zI8itvkMRwhFB7t-fbutsbPgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1848%255B1%255D"><img width="207" height="340" title="IMG_1848" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1848" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTTqy6Ck9HM/Wx7pGWgDV8I/AAAAAAAARKY/Booni_JCLiMaTBWfBCuhyCo62hg_T5WuQCHMYCw/IMG_1848_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></a></p><p><font size="4">After that, it was off to Canada on Thursday May 31st to meet up with the team and run a little Ragnar.</font></p><p><font size="4">Now I have been watching the weather around Toronto for a few months, and looking at the averages and calculating what I’ll run in and how the course will feel. And if you believe the averages it should have felt pretty nice. However, as we all know when I’m traveling the weather is either freezing and I don’t have the right clothes (remember Tacoma at the end of Feb?? It was snowing….) or so hot it’s ridiculous. Well, it was ridiculous. The weather was about 10-15 degrees above the norm AND the dewpoints were about 65ish. Which made my first leg so miserable I could hardly stand it. I badly miscalculated what I ate before I ran, when I was going to run, and how hot it would be. Needless to say, I suffered a LOT. </font></p><p><font size="4">But let’s get back to the beginning. </font></p><p><font size="4">We stayed in a hotel that offered the love tub—Scary</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OJ7prLJNrIg/Wx7pG3iCg5I/AAAAAAAARKc/Khco7bNJ0201kDRRomKM41rSh5p_4GDTwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01374%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="319" height="240" title="DSC01374" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01374" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4vLsOQif3M8/Wx7pHZyyCFI/AAAAAAAARKg/Y4n3jeN2ptUdl1gEvTF9eFe0N4FEaPzCwCHMYCw/DSC01374_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">It’s a little bit funny with the foam roller on the edge of the tub. </font></p><p><font size="4">One of the best things about this Ragnar was my favorite neice Katie, came and ran with us. AND designed our great magnets. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AQw6QCF12sA/Wx7pH8qlGAI/AAAAAAAARKk/fNRm8eBYCtMXUzqwHy-hujN-lS2I68OGACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1779%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="244" title="IMG_1779" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1779" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0YoR-NfrPIA/Wx7pIim37wI/AAAAAAAARKo/_TJ-40PzfvkUH3Ol6PmJSq-r_OhCf6D3QCHMYCw/IMG_1779_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Katie and I did selfies throughout the race--</font></p><p><font size="4"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W0kliiZxumY/Wx7pIyBNMrI/AAAAAAAARKs/tt8uKdLDOm4jwEyZDaXMXI_OIswULRMgACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1863%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1863" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1863" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kJ9R3YWMEcA/Wx7pJSRNO6I/AAAAAAAARKw/2Vz5M_K2ZJAowL7e0orsz-quXOPMNcnZwCHMYCw/IMG_1863_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BRTsCnrW1wA/Wx7pKAdRZ_I/AAAAAAAARK0/Z3Ef9Yf2FWs9C7M7cdCWKvHBJAoKOce2ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01424%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01424" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01424" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lqz5kEssv7Y/Wx7pR8tlcaI/AAAAAAAARK4/EMsWM0p9IRkWWuWMrWxoDcY-6s9ogZu-QCHMYCw/DSC01424_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mn5pZQ_L8l8/Wx7pSrYnagI/AAAAAAAARK8/GYHGNgFsv-Emr-2Kd4n5g3vX7D57JN5qQCHMYCw/s1600-h/34324199_194809837828586_5230600228939235328_n%255B2%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="34324199_194809837828586_5230600228939235328_n" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="34324199_194809837828586_5230600228939235328_n" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xrYdAJZM7qE/Wx7pTJWIr-I/AAAAAAAARLA/D1L0LhjH_ZYpzfImk1sCpObCzM-XbO0pwCHMYCw/34324199_194809837828586_5230600228939235328_n_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lrDi1AwcFrY/Wx7pTs85MII/AAAAAAAARLE/djgapAV5fAMxiHwqDS6R-lgFKf2L-SJLgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01434%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01434" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01434" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c7eNmto92yA/Wx7pUNhLnKI/AAAAAAAARLI/BTtkXr3vnTcVU46dHZuDaZ_QuUXlvt3pACHMYCw/DSC01434_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E6YUwGDKFxM/Wx7pUr0HimI/AAAAAAAARLQ/h1VSiOnvQzII3cOoEaOly8bqaagZEjB7wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1885%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1885" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1885" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zsj0Yy0PDV4/Wx7pVIKHd7I/AAAAAAAARLU/mMrdM1CXbM8OzTTYv4JNiYfh8YQYD__pACHMYCw/IMG_1885_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wup0bePUWLE/Wx7pVkn9m7I/AAAAAAAARLY/QOfG8JQWK4c4BuOQbIgrcxdog8rWPZpOQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01456-1%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="228" height="244" title="DSC01456-1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01456-1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mn3eQArd_J4/Wx7pl-8s-YI/AAAAAAAARMA/8xPNr1rFtoIA_1NDHhSlGysMergdaYjsACHMYCw/DSC01456-1_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Our van before </font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9JdZQYW0Md8/Wx7pmiczt1I/AAAAAAAARME/sr2hhAPyWocw6aPo9Ey4jiahgMjGf_6JACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01387%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01387" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01387" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-056kilKTrr0/Wx7pm_FoWWI/AAAAAAAARMI/Op9iFiDr47wXlkxIkUsaZV4DI536qvl7ACHMYCw/DSC01387_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">and after--</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z_wVBT6aE7Q/Wx7pnYetOwI/AAAAAAAARMM/jsFhj4i6D4Mq5IU-9DPByOx0CpFgXFqRwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1905%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="329" height="248" title="IMG_1905" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1905" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a3X4ZyCVIww/Wx7pnymndII/AAAAAAAARMQ/uHSQ4QUNzmsPLyYgtRc_Nkkz-lEwN789QCHMYCw/IMG_1905_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">and our team, of course-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LXmuRI57htM/Wx7poZe19II/AAAAAAAARMU/_vfY8O3_TnkWbAZbzdT65Vw8Pa0i9C6LQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01467%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="454" height="342" title="DSC01467" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01467" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ifgZ9h5DmFU/Wx7ppNj4a1I/AAAAAAAARMY/TPVpzQzzR2YnKaZXCeYN1JMNKhfbbny4ACHMYCw/DSC01467_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TRXSQCkrTBY/Wx7ppi-SrAI/AAAAAAAARMc/60KoECEv2Yc4Bp36ma9PGCc6qmagwVMuwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01465%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01465" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01465" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CaQbRuxsGXk/Wx7psCQtm4I/AAAAAAAARMg/bhO47wOrNkEUfo9faiY4Uy-VxytYwOB3QCHMYCw/DSC01465_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I have to say the the course was ok but my van fam in Van One was exceptional. Everyone was chill and fun and nice and I laughed and laughed. They were simply the best. And I had the most wonderful time.</font></p><p><font size="4">Beautiful Canada</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DqsHQQzEajw/Wx7psvvWVjI/AAAAAAAARMk/rlRtGPV5baIs8Ssr2dvVNYCzujctnSkxACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01418%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01418" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01418" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WLaT-4xEmhA/Wx7ptCyPbhI/AAAAAAAARMo/xl4_tSVbQ98_atk9RIo_Js1q83jJDu4XgCHMYCw/DSC01418_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nSpbaJ5-iUw/Wx7ptlYOKGI/AAAAAAAARMs/ZQT5I1xzwsM6ryNifKMB1m_JOdbI3OrrwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01425%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01425" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01425" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrG88Ybj-7k/Wx7puFa7QMI/AAAAAAAARMw/26fRQzC85wIE_v4CfJ900qD-reygXjmtACHMYCw/DSC01425_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZjgoMY0nN_c/Wx7puvNR57I/AAAAAAAARM0/2mu-TwZzFjQfLUw7V8LWa52_0Zvge09qgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01439%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01439" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01439" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rs1mmtH28oA/Wx7pvPgrgoI/AAAAAAAARM4/1QtMkTeWo-kHVn1FaYSNBFDKsCdm6-7zQCHMYCw/DSC01439_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uYJIxIFsYPo/Wx7pv_7m-9I/AAAAAAAARM8/CjY4nx5O7kEDWtQ4GTuJgdT37Lsy3deAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1884%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="286" height="216" title="IMG_1884" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1884" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lZ0dIJ-x8jM/Wx7pwbPDrdI/AAAAAAAARNA/i8emt568BLM58S_JPQAHo2UaPRhlPaxlgCHMYCw/IMG_1884_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PLYTjLT0N-E/Wx7pwu3LhgI/AAAAAAAARNE/v51IgaOvWOg2tFPrVAbzO_yqmOerFScagCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1883%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="340" height="256" title="IMG_1883" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1883" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N3IsqE3ZpNI/Wx7pxWrITEI/AAAAAAAARNI/w51IdtLtHLktmg72kqhFF0xQLmOR1HZ7QCHMYCw/IMG_1883_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And some action shots</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I_q4vWlKxBA/Wx7px2UUNrI/AAAAAAAARNM/aDPUAQW9r9U1oe39-wJY2zcJhHvkOUeyQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01423%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01423" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01423" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oYb2mzH1OP4/Wx7pyauIHMI/AAAAAAAARNQ/fgnJvSozSkgrDJU9eNwRjKcn3VBxdh4wwCHMYCw/DSC01423_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KRS2UkokFU8/Wx7pyxdnuKI/AAAAAAAARNU/Fr8G1Rs2MUch9phKJi5eBdwjtyIhfSI8QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01432%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01432" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01432" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j7__wYhVnH8/Wx7pzSBnhnI/AAAAAAAARNY/5RyYYEfXDwEAxOtFavcfkncUH9Zu7UnqwCHMYCw/DSC01432_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-78-ZNq3_Kcs/Wx7pzkLApoI/AAAAAAAARNc/kXo-H2ryPvM7zQ1ZwVw5hnTBh9M5RrSQgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01433%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01433" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01433" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DtwOijY_fC0/Wx7p0LXl14I/AAAAAAAARNg/haCPGL6eziMX3m5IPW52bcKcFTxzAmRgACHMYCw/DSC01433_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Me and the best captain of any Ragnar eva!</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iGktGt7X8yQ/Wx7p0smBVUI/AAAAAAAARNk/1Qd-HCtOWBw8qzcYrW6fr4crZcXGAHXYACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01453%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="350" height="264" title="DSC01453" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01453" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MXe9Ws8E_hI/Wx7p1A1WAwI/AAAAAAAARNo/4EfJ492EQp8l2uraAcOCJMpM6uh1K06_QCHMYCw/DSC01453_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Things you can’t get anywhere but in Canada</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wu2E66IYRPs/Wx7p1hrWuvI/AAAAAAAARNs/xRc3evBuoAwIdZ-1NrK86rYxk9ZOng_CACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01447%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01447" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01447" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OgczJ5HFlYo/Wx7p2ImHP8I/AAAAAAAARNw/7iTSMdVkxaQWLllf731B1bY4K0fO4jGyQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01447_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Team bonding-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HFyhXnmVk6w/Wx7p2rc7XcI/AAAAAAAARN0/x79iaL087DcCbn9FqI0zF_sQodqm9VvwwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01461%255B8%255D"><font size="4"><img width="396" height="232" title="DSC01461" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01461" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JxM5gQDLiXQ/Wx7p3Div02I/AAAAAAAARN4/CTaY5CAPhMMx031opH9RhB6JQ_pRQytVQCHMYCw/DSC01461_thumb%255B9%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Beer drinking--</font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-28jS_QufFSg/Wx7p3fKff-I/AAAAAAAARN8/NZxlJLy7PwwRvL0cZc8_E-eBEGh7IdOOgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1900%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1900" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1900" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bH6o4ri1C0M/Wx7p4BEiLOI/AAAAAAAAROA/EZu9m68aCdQtgdGgl_BdEZ2f7xzwokl9wCHMYCw/IMG_1900_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LYUZQnCch_4/Wx7p4QKteQI/AAAAAAAAROE/D69q-g_fyEYrZYvCL_vh7uAoyDw2gj_ZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1903%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1903" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1903" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D1VkX-E47_c/Wx7p5G50eDI/AAAAAAAAROI/pxBQqKyRl1EtzxBt62r7FtjGDwIDY3O8gCHMYCw/IMG_1903_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">And a whole lotta fun—except for my first leg. That was NOT fun. </font></p><p><font size="4">Who knows? Maybe it wasn’t my last Ragnar.</font></p><p><font size="4">In other news, Cody was thinking of me a few weeks ago….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_gCqURpmcM/Wx7p5lBjkqI/AAAAAAAAROM/NXXOQxAven8myOSvwdg6RNsC9IEI2cECwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1847%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="289" height="384" title="IMG_1847" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1847" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bq6BB5iAjp8/Wx7p6G2OpvI/AAAAAAAAROQ/DnEI4QwmwjgSLCwhKkIW4hYPy7UOXkXxwCHMYCw/IMG_1847_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">What a good boy. </font></p><p><font size="4">Puddy was chillin on the deck which is decked out, so to speak, with new flowers. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-71VF-3DLbrk/Wx7p6enQ9UI/AAAAAAAAROU/zOal2M_G0UIPIK1aBwGpZ7mwyWSiGybjwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1844%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1844" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1844" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jm4bGyld0Hc/Wx7p60VHAJI/AAAAAAAAROY/VdmdvsNhfSY7PG65_xylCXx459y83YKKACHMYCw/IMG_1844_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pMea5u03zl0/Wx7p7YGgcJI/AAAAAAAAROc/XUMqLs-hrDkgrRjdCTWBL1dSat-PuiE4QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1855%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="341" height="257" title="IMG_1855" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1855" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WpMqIfK9cgM/Wx7p8F_Cc3I/AAAAAAAAROg/HGJ3Es-GyLUy6p7oNnCkdXH_HyEIEcGBwCHMYCw/IMG_1855_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I got my native garden in the back and my flower garden started in the front. It will take a couple of years to get that all filled in. I just keep putting plants in to fill it up. </font></p><p><font size="4">Anyway, I’m home for the summer. We are going to Brandi Carlile next week in Iowa for a couple of days, and I have Stitches Midwest in August with Julie. Looking forward to both of these things immensely. </font></p><p><font size="4">This weekend is the annual garage sale that Laura and I put on. It’s the second annual garage sale. Hoping to make some spare change for Scotland in September AND get rid of some things. I have a ways to go before I get rid of everything I should get rid of. </font></p><p><font size="4">I’ll let you know how I do.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P6MHwBWCXkY/Wx7p8vhvgzI/AAAAAAAAROk/RmQzNQkmRL4uNnFYcCBeKW5_-9ed1CafgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01359%255B16%255D"><font size="4"><img width="290" height="418" title="DSC01359" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01359" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5DTLLKaSujg/Wx7p8-guZdI/AAAAAAAAROo/uelGHLjIhv0gcZbEV81EpkZbCSPbaB7VQCHMYCw/DSC01359_thumb%255B18%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-33823589493154686692018-05-06T15:17:00.001-05:002018-05-06T15:17:14.699-05:00It’s May<p><font size="3">We made it out of April which was a blessing cause that month was about to get a punch in the throat like no other. I mean, two blizzards? Really? I don’t think so. One of which I was driving in. Sigh. But now we are into May and it’s quite pleasant. So pleasant, in fact, that I spent yesterday afternoon deck sitting at Mollie’s house, watching Madelyn do her thang at the water table--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LYgJC1QINHw/Wu9idvEFcoI/AAAAAAAARGA/emKDxMfby7YsgQsp4ONjOCP8qg6SJO8WwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01355%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01355" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01355" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-08xzdS2CNKE/Wu9ieWBgeUI/AAAAAAAARGE/TLgfiYpSYXAtG2HDRLxOsX0i6YtDlRzZwCHMYCw/DSC01355_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">among other things she was into. I was just chillaxin’ with a Crazy Aunt, of which we are stockpiling</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7CAQth9k4Do/Wu9ie-WktgI/AAAAAAAARGI/WYiWQHnylGE3FSW-k23CCxU1ntzvNW01QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1818%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1818" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1818" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hGlLnKBjz9g/Wu9ifePESnI/AAAAAAAARGM/lqzdjtJq6PMsaGR4i-czvEdYES_iyDroACHMYCw/IMG_1818_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">along with Rowdy Uncle.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JLzLB3GT0qE/Wu9igBqdErI/AAAAAAAARGQ/iqClOPlwy_4L3aTKkPR89yZ3abaqS-Z_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1817%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1817" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1817" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYpbe2MKn5s/Wu9igzhAvLI/AAAAAAAARGU/f1OpLlLZaYA1KSeY_FhXxTNgcwIf3oJ8wCHMYCw/IMG_1817_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">It’s just so good. So, so, good. </font></p><p><font size="3">The season of summertime deck drinking has officially begun. </font></p><p><font size="3">The occasion for yesterday’s bash was the go live of Epic at the World Famous Mayo Clinic. Which wasn’t all that epic but next week should be fun as all get out. Cause there’s nothing like a new computer system that is completely different than anything you have been working on for the past few years……..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-feqm8ZV-guM/Wu9ihTpY0XI/AAAAAAAARGY/6NBBG1CkwiYm_OafV4vPS8HtOdCCz7ndgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1816-1%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="238" height="244" title="IMG_1816-1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1816-1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iq5dLkXjA84/Wu9ih1rpJgI/AAAAAAAARGc/jklubksBtAUpZUGhT4yJYv518zGPY1YEgCHMYCw/IMG_1816-1_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">For those of us living under a rock for the past two years, and who didn’t realize the PTO blackout and required classes and people in green vests weren’t related to a new EHR system, they put this notice out on our computers on Saturday just in case.</font></p><p><font size="3">Yep, FYI people. F.Y.I.</font></p><p><font size="3">Before May happened there was the last weekend of April and my sister was here for our annual Yarnover attendance. Yarnover is a yarn event put on by the Minnesota Knitters Guild and it quite a bit of fun. We sometimes go to the dinner before, but the last couple of years we have just gone to the market. It’s full of yarny goodness but I refrained from new yarn and just got some needles and a cute greeting card.</font></p><p><font size="3">We decided to go by the brewery so I could drop off an empty growler or seven and I ran into Ilan, Pam and Nova, who is now tied for cutest baby ever with Madelyn. Look at this baby--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vFhG19-wRU8/Wu9iiRrVYMI/AAAAAAAARGg/CXxxbNaUZKY6jB3khfdCdSnHPG-_zrcYACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01349%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01349" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01349" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PKK9Te4Ed-M/Wu9iiwFInBI/AAAAAAAARGk/uzyUknNPxwM9OCvGtTgPRORKAkOdDIfDQCHMYCw/DSC01349_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zCBr4T742u8/Wu9ijh0RmAI/AAAAAAAARGo/Gv9dSQ6kIXU0ynDH5tJaqUdePJb6Ii8BQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01352%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01352" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01352" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GP8gCPR1kFI/Wu9ikT60kOI/AAAAAAAARGs/guxJt-5Dk9wlMGJo9Gwx1EQBB0v0XHUSwCHMYCw/DSC01352_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E0DUlj5af7k/Wu9ik-uCblI/AAAAAAAARGw/EQz5VHyWSj0wxI3Goh0MM_X5p0954SEsQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1805%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="106" height="244" title="IMG_1805" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1805" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X57KipJ9I5c/Wu9iltELL1I/AAAAAAAARG0/LTXo7LqbUGQBrDQx6FLxKN1YJ61fk0BdQCHMYCw/IMG_1805_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XJQtQjx9_jA/Wu9imRH2IRI/AAAAAAAARG4/ciyurxC_22s3Z1H_oUjrH-U-T56jrtV6wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01346%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01346" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01346" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qit70FWO0Js/Wu9im7Dv-pI/AAAAAAAARG8/34tufyujRusj456XvK4VoLBgT9VP6RtawCHMYCw/DSC01346_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">No way. She looks a LOT like Ilan but she’s still super cute. Huh. Defies the odds. She’s also seriously busy. We got a huge kick out of her. AND, got my first taste of the Rowdy Uncle. </font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SRVnGKmx28I/Wu9inkAluDI/AAAAAAAARHA/HYaqC1r3DkcjnUQ4inSTtx4cjlNbDApswCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1807%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1807" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1807" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U9kcZVcuJiU/Wu9ipOYAIkI/AAAAAAAARHE/mLfZMg3DB2QE43dEVCpMlOl83ghOwA3SACHMYCw/IMG_1807_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Yum and Yum<br>It was a win all the way around if you ask me. </font></p><p><font size="3">We went for lunch but crap if I can remember where we went. Really? I’ll think of it…..</font></p><p><font size="3">On Sunday, we had some dog walking going on cause we had Brandy visiting too. We had a house full of guests!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XU-DKjDRr3c/Wu9ip4eLBqI/AAAAAAAARHI/-90PLXfKzJYoKKkyiHb7JuuVVq8ny4TxgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01353%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="218" height="244" title="DSC01353" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01353" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qi2Ol_eT2Ys/Wu9iqAytTAI/AAAAAAAARHM/5m1xIx7ImU0eio28W6Fn5lhZbmjuOfPEQCHMYCw/DSC01353_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I walked Manny and he’s kinda slow. Not like Brandy and Lacey—the go getters. </font></p><p><font size="3">We went to Zumbrota and Northfield Monday and saw some great yarn choices</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Z-0TLrT7nk/Wu9iq1hxEaI/AAAAAAAARHQ/GIF_jB9YMqwRmYweVzHDoR2rM5fxmlAKACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1808%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1808" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1808" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ex0eCXUTEYg/Wu9irURaz9I/AAAAAAAARHU/EcDNS96Gtw0eGPg4TOmQb6EL246UAAbyQCHMYCw/IMG_1808_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">I kind of love this sweater</font></p><p><font size="3">Also during April I had dinner at Famous Dave’s with Mary and Laura. It was Mary’s good bye dinner as she is moving to Virginia in a couple of weeks. I’ll be in Virginia in September and December so maybe we can meet at some future date out east.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GWCF86hL9as/Wu9isSkutTI/AAAAAAAARHY/3kPL8zwPKgsdPudhKUu6NUX_d0KLesCrACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01342-1%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="178" title="DSC01342-1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01342-1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4o5oCIcWOA0/Wu9isyzxEPI/AAAAAAAARHc/exEh4-3q2oM5h1SxBvhrI3T6fxEqPvZswCHMYCw/DSC01342-1_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ak4URmo1tPQ/Wu9itnnQjAI/AAAAAAAARHg/rQt_Cjvxtd8svRGWgU-EuyU0sL6LX5s_ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01344-1%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="206" title="DSC01344-1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01344-1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yn-MOKtcD8s/Wu9iuOKc8WI/AAAAAAAARHk/jkTy9Av6zewhIxZB02LHHk2CcGtFcvUnwCHMYCw/DSC01344-1_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I like the standing pic but Laura liked the sitting one so I put in both to be fair. </font></p><p><font size="3">Today, May 6th, I ran a 10K called Unleash the SHE. It was about as perfect as you could get for a run. Almost too hot but not quite. </font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LHHFg1FsCsI/Wu9iu0IQs9I/AAAAAAAARHo/t3MRHO_rjD0xpqQV5uUTONxEEXPa1C3QgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1822%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1822" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1822" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zytj5cEBaso/Wu9ivZHNagI/AAAAAAAARHs/XIrWUi407xMDxzoRxGxXFQfVvpPIw6shwCHMYCw/IMG_1822_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I had to take this selfie and I couldn’t really see cause I had these glasses on which aren’t progressive. But you get the idea and yes, my hair was that bad.</font></p><p><font size="3">This person comes to a LOT of local races. You can see how I know it’s the same person. Yep—that’s a billion smiley faces and all sorts of smiley face memorabilia inside the vehicle. And yes, she wears gear that matches. I don’t have the ability to pull off that level of branding. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rNaVz8rej0Y/Wu9iwI9tQrI/AAAAAAAARHw/pESIgm3e3N88mkmFOiCHA-Mm1pOiWMyrQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1823%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1823" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1823" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-75wneyS0y-k/Wu9iwXKTZPI/AAAAAAAARH4/-v9FSO5G5A8FNWDTx-i1E0uWMGCvOaW3wCHMYCw/IMG_1823_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Tonight is hot yoga and I must say I need a bit of hot yoga to work out these kinks. </font></p><p><font size="3">Anyway, I meant to blog before but sadly, another month has passed. I would forget about everything I do shortly afterwards if I didn’t have the pictorial diary. Gawd. </font></p><p><font size="3">AND—I remember where we ate last weekend—That would be Nordstrom where I spent part of my 100 dollar Nordstrom Notes. We saw some awfully cute dresses but I passed them up. Couldn’t spend that much, plus I have a trunk coming. Clothing, nice clothing, is my weakness, as we all know. </font></p><p><font size="3">So—off to the next thing-which is yard work. I got about 1/2 of the front yard beds done before running out of garbage can space. Dang it. </font></p><p><font size="3">But I’ll keep going. </font></p><p>I also ordered up Minnesota Native Plant flower garden to start in the back. I can’t wait.</p><p><font size="3">In the meantime, remember that picture of Madelyn and the water table? Well, when I was looking at that on the big screen I noticed that in the background I could see Brandy, and as I recall, this was the exact moment she ran off and pooped in the neighbor’s yard. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A_rFx1rVpUk/Wu9ixDu4BVI/AAAAAAAARH8/XTOpoqb2X0sNSPiduvYKDY2a4SUjeXNmQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01355%255B9%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="209" title="DSC01355" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01355" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3QzoQ5nwXls/Wu9ixg6PHpI/AAAAAAAARIA/iykggoQiBKsPMFvdKwoBzFKh_vf_6VVdQCHMYCw/DSC01355_thumb%255B9%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">This made me laugh for about 23 minutes straight. And for those of you who were worried, Mollie ran over and picked up the poop as a responsible neighbor does……I can’t even plan this kind of thing.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mXVsS75YUho/Wu9iyfXQu-I/AAAAAAAARIE/eDO11AAbo7YwZzhHUa-F0W572ih8fVdVwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1823%255B3%255D"><br></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-91656643112569556012018-04-05T07:17:00.001-05:002018-04-05T07:17:10.826-05:00Springtime?<p>So, it’s the first week of April. Yay. Spring showers bring May flowers right? </p><p>Nope, and all the nopes. </p><p>Snow Event starting on Tuesday 04/03</p><p>(That used to be grass, cement, and open road)</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3fiZ6IbDqBY/WsYTs6zr1rI/AAAAAAAAREY/PdtD8PSbVlYifms3Zopop8JqanZTDvk4wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01327%255B4%255D"><img width="338" height="254" title="DSC01327" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01327" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-czJExg6imlc/WsYTtRJprnI/AAAAAAAAREc/XMuCxVxEuYU2Vgi1H1wFLiEhDTewSw0uQCHMYCw/DSC01327_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>And ending yesterday, 04/04</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kb1mQ_nuMpg/WsYTt3i0-qI/AAAAAAAAREg/S_xu9KfogYkI2KYfW7qb8i28tcGAAlH-ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1769%255B4%255D"><img width="337" height="254" title="IMG_1769" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1769" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-skt-xwMwScU/WsYTulEZgkI/AAAAAAAAREk/ygdILGv1tyIcBPiyjhTEnaS3H89hGNsUQCHMYCw/IMG_1769_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Here’s six to eight inches of new snow for us. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9NAUqnMveWQ/WsYTvFVvXiI/AAAAAAAAREo/1Y0elz9r4qM1nKdkR2Ko6jD7QUogte_pQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1772%255B3%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1772" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1772" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sZADM2XTrzI/WsYTvpfFC4I/AAAAAAAAREs/ct29AYGwlfUTPeSv8ba2NL1H50xDXWKTACHMYCw/IMG_1772_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>I can’t even. It was all melted and now this. </p><p>Oh, and this--</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uMaSqS0zmdE/WsYTv2Pk3oI/AAAAAAAAREw/liUonUWiKNoAK1JZfIKwBZpsmU3ObXtpgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1770%255B4%255D"><img width="244" height="129" title="IMG_1770" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1770" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wU2ZPRS_XiE/WsYTwme8qRI/AAAAAAAARE0/nk2x0gbMqQsxDeoyJer4G4rYgd_mvzr3wCHMYCw/IMG_1770_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p>Yep. That says 12 degrees. To be fair, it’s early in the morning but I think this weekend we are going to have the lowest high temp on record. AND the weatherman just mentioned some snow on Sunday. But not much-less than 6 inches. 6 inches? That’s more than not much. </p><p>I am planning on <a href="http://minnesotayarnshophop.com/">shop hopping</a> on Sunday. I won’t be stopped by more snow. Ugh. I think driving up to Grafton last weekend primed me for anything. </p><p>I’ll be in touch.</p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LVCUOLPuO50/WsYTxAEb1ZI/AAAAAAAARE4/LDa1dxs5vLQ3MLUkxrM-hPB47lQMH_uuACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1771%255B3%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1771" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1771" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZrSmidcDGF0/WsYTxgOiKjI/AAAAAAAARE8/2KRH5Q5OPQQEd8R1THDQ2ttyirjDHeaZgCHMYCw/IMG_1771_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-48643569906390260372018-04-03T06:39:00.001-05:002018-04-03T06:39:41.607-05:00Running, Driving, and Snow<p><font size="3">Well, the running season has officially opened. Weekend before last (3-24) was the Rockin Robin Run (R3). It was a 10 K out and back-out and back because they changed the route due to a forecast of 6 inches of snow. That didn’t happen fortunately, but it was cold and the wind blew in my face all the way out and almost all the way back except for the last 1/2 mile. Needless to say it was a slow, slow, slog. I don’t have any races in April, but I guess I should find one cause I really need the training. </font></p><p><font size="3">Ready-set-go</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8yJD10rb0io/WsNn0beZW-I/AAAAAAAARBo/bBm3U_P0RIYuVAqcDzVTOLXlqz-67qdpACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01318%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="382" height="288" title="DSC01318" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01318" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8VwMomOyMNk/WsNn05zcYJI/AAAAAAAARBs/-WiTu_DOqCUaW0fLaaVSQfYFGSvlOAHiQCHMYCw/DSC01318_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Yayayayay I’m finally done</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ao-RKL9vckY/WsNn1G-X3RI/AAAAAAAARBw/MbYNbSd0A1kcD82A-3W-SzOETcVtS7q5wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01320%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01320" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5_G2Y5ogeHs/WsNn1vxG-SI/AAAAAAAARB0/VQj-9ovnmHsiRNDtCKvoO4k1o8XHSKk5wCHMYCw/DSC01320_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Crazy wind hair.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KRvRf_KuP1U/WsNn2HaIFgI/AAAAAAAARB4/2Q85FP0Cmv4A4ypCF4dKDegdgMWoTL4mwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01315%2Bcopy%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="325" height="245" title="DSC01315 copy" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01315 copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YririId7us4/WsNn2dVSfXI/AAAAAAAARB8/eNOY7WMZVs0IahHVOwWiU1mnE3RtiI7lgCHMYCw/DSC01315%2Bcopy_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We took the dogs for a walk on the Douglas trail the week before that. There was still some snow out but it wasn’t as cold. We still haven’t hit 50 degrees yet and we are just about to break a record for the latest 50 degree day yet. Needless to say we are all very done with winter. </font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8r8-SKS6w_I/WsNn2tsOFGI/AAAAAAAARCA/hBz7vdz10hEBDvx8kT9IqGcAUImmX3LHwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01311%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="252" height="334" title="DSC01311" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01311" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9lsr4DvceU/WsNn3CcJFfI/AAAAAAAARCE/LlzbYYTmK6oLkVpEPd01_iY3vvHiBJUgwCHMYCw/DSC01311_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZXLr2EucWq4/WsNn3ZaXA3I/AAAAAAAARCI/pBUZ2gN3_ooObetQr_FPgKoYCL5GAmc4QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01312%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01312" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01312" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-46OMsaL5I1M/WsNn3uVgu-I/AAAAAAAARCM/29vpX-pF4ZMIQVy4qApVpBao5n-9ShduQCHMYCw/DSC01312_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4kD47OCu3jA/WsNn4K4ax9I/AAAAAAAARCQ/k1h5DyTqafEknjOBsMgZugN_o2ZzPeyFwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01313%2Bcopy%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="196" title="DSC01313 copy" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01313 copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UkUVVA1sV4Y/WsNn4jxkg8I/AAAAAAAARCU/WxYQOQIBdB4UbjQe7D7MoxGi4_GCbFccwCHMYCw/DSC01313%2Bcopy_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I had EPIC training a couple of weeks ago and check out the sweet phone I was using. Dang, I almost stole the head set. Maybe they will give these to the actual staff after training is over and I can get ride of my 20 year old model….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QlP5A2Y5IHE/WsNn5MSQ38I/AAAAAAAARCY/v5s44zTieqEi8Txs-8bPm5c31NoXbWT1gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1762%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1762" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1762" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ol24piCdC-o/WsNn5u5ThlI/AAAAAAAARCc/oaf-1_nIfNYqTfwbh5yVp4fs_NIXPEnrACHMYCw/IMG_1762_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Head set like a pillow……and it works too</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3">Last weekend I went to Grafton to see Blane and Melanie for our belated birthday celebrations. It did snow for that. It wasn’t snowing here but by North Minneapolis the roads were terrible. If I hadn’t had to white knuckle the steering wheel I would have taken pictures of the cars in the ditch and the terrible driving conditions for about 200 miles or so. It added over an hour to my drive. At least. </font></p><p><font size="3">My car was covered with salt and snow melt. And the wheel wells were packed with snow. But we got that out before I left. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ke84RZMiXLI/WsNn6VMw_ZI/AAAAAAAARCg/Uh5wXxwfCboWIB7p_NVzpDKklOs8CWjAACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01323%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01323" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01323" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5JHZlv4GUR4/WsNn6z838uI/AAAAAAAARCk/D6Jcgc1YUiINbxNVjXpgmsvPt6xAHXIggCHMYCw/DSC01323_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Of course, when I got to Blane’s the wind was blowing a wind chill of 2 degrees. That’s just not right. (It was 40 degrees the week before..)</font></p><p><font size="3">So mostly we stayed in which was OK with me after my long horrible drive. </font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QtkzpKVSiR4/WsNn7irj9CI/AAAAAAAARCo/NnLRqv-vTskiAavCydJwMISqMAhb8g_lwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1765%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1765" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1765" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_STvyVi48uA/WsNn8LTdXJI/AAAAAAAARCs/xE_wzIHBHHg-7vhDFq1I6S62bblSUdrQACHMYCw/IMG_1765_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1fyMeBIwryk/WsNn8su3qqI/AAAAAAAARCw/-O6qJdx8fk8W9ya-c7HoziKcqg6i1l4wQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1766%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1766" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1766" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WE4krnX3Xm4/WsNn9PmFh4I/AAAAAAAARC0/AgFSLrYQ3QM4GmprmbrhgOJmnStnGFWQQCHMYCw/IMG_1766_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Melanie and Me—Happy Birthday. She gave me a great bag-I have a weakness for bags. It’s already come in handy for my knitting. It’s recycled and very ecofriendly. AND I don’t have a picture yet. But next time. </font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uQQ5QmWpg6A/WsNn95_vopI/AAAAAAAARC4/eYXbxqg1bLInRD_ZqirhZMCjK44anMHbgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01321%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="411" height="309" title="DSC01321" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01321" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GFSKZ2Ow3_c/WsNn-GwU5SI/AAAAAAAARC8/ZAR8z8PrKlMBMFlGxfPEbb2rVcJnPRT5wCHMYCw/DSC01321_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And—a trip can’t be complete without a visit from Kitten</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-agBDjd2JUPg/WsNn-rbEfgI/AAAAAAAARDA/GkCvLScB0l4hSv51TBCxPnxWRLjhf7r3gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1767%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="400" height="301" title="IMG_1767" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1767" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0TWvTd0W_K0/WsNn_ALSaBI/AAAAAAAARDE/BEYq3xrTZ-MgLYrsYYeRP6r2iWcxp0ZVgCHMYCw/IMG_1767_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">She’s 13 now.</font></p><p><font size="3">So, we are now in the midst of a winter storm complete with snow on 04/03. Yay for us. At least I didn’t have to drive home in it. But I do have to get to work. Ugh. Next weekend is the Mpls Yarn Shop Shop Hop. It better melt by then or I’m not going to be happy. Not.At.All.</font></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-69213635335895808542018-03-25T07:41:00.001-05:002018-03-25T07:41:52.674-05:00Theme Songs<p>Weekends are obviously made for binge watching favorite USA shows while doing other things (like knitting or sewing or maybe playing a game of Candy Crush but mostly knitting and sewing because I have a LOT of projects to catch up on)</p><p>Anywho, my two favorites to tune into are Psych and Monk. How I love those shows. Psych I have to watch a few times to get all the jokes, but it’s all worth it. </p><p>Besides watching for the pure entertainment value the theme songs of both shows rock. I sing along loudly with each one. </p><p>So for your listening pleasure imagine me singing to both these tunes:</p><p><a title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7zqW3TwZI0" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7zqW3TwZI0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7zqW3TwZI0</a></p><p><a title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j5Be5a86uA" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j5Be5a86uA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j5Be5a86uA</a></p><p>It’s a jungle out there-but I know you know……………..</p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-5005894795558879662018-03-19T19:18:00.001-05:002018-03-21T18:53:58.688-05:00Spring, right?<p><font size="3">I am a bit done with the winter. I want it to be 50 degrees so bad. Not yet. Almost today, we were in the 40’s but not quite 50’s. It seems that the temps just hang and hang and hang in the 30’s. </font></p><p><font size="3">And then I got all confused between Toronto and Ontario, which Toronto is in Ontario but Ontario isn't a town, except for in California and I’ve actually been there so maybe that’s why I was confused. </font></p><p><font size="3">It was, though, St. Patrick’s day on Saturday and I will say that beers were drunk-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EBw3ljK0RFU/WrBTPjQJ0nI/AAAAAAAAQ_Q/TQCJsxdMjoA9uo0nUVsJB7SIIWllPT8wACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01310%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01310" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01310" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MX0fs0uLGbY/WrBTQN3PnoI/AAAAAAAAQ_U/qkAtz1j40ygRzHwz53SGkW3iLAUedOcGwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01310_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And I drank this one too-which was called Raging Bitch made by Flying Dog. I ordered it for the name. Of course I did. </font></p><p><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ND1UI2pnNiw/WrBW9jaAjsI/AAAAAAAARAk/SK4rEM2ktjci_6W5rojxVnqSW902l2AUgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1759%255B3%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1759" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1759" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UO-yOg15mhU/WrBW-HenJKI/AAAAAAAARAo/CDeoSkFNYMc1tc1RpYxiQgOWRuYN4gBEQCHMYCw/IMG_1759_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3">Did I mention that the other night one of the dogs was crying crying crying about something. It was more a soft cry, not one of Lacey’s screaming cries. But we thought it was Lacey cause she has her fibromyalgia attacks and you never know when that might happen. But as it was it was happening at 2 AM so I told Dave to let her out of the room. So he did and we went back to bed and still the crying continued. I then turned on the light and we both got up and went to the foot of the bed and found that Manny, when he laid down and stretched out, his head slipped under the bed and when he woke up he was stuck. It looked sort of like this--</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wEJvLN5j0pU/WrBTQpS3f2I/AAAAAAAAQ_Y/qYKmHrl7QO0kzS3s8Gopt4_00xsYqS7wwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1755%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1755" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1755" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2TTAGNjjJ3M/WrBTQ0gGNyI/AAAAAAAAQ_c/rQjHKq7Wqm4OiAo3Exd0JdtpOBDXz0Y4wCHMYCw/IMG_1755_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We just stood there staring in awe at him for at least a minute before I moved him 4 inches forward at which point he was freed from his prison and went back to sleep. I don’t even have an ending for that story.</font></p><p><font size="3">Puddy has a new toy which she likes to get off my desk. It’s a weird plasticy starfish that must be just the right squishy cause she loves it. LOVES. IT. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bIKlrkw_yoA/WrBTRZTEJjI/AAAAAAAAQ_g/sC9XgdFSn6Qa0Z6AOkSfXMt1kpt6TgKDQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01308%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="389" height="293" title="LRG_DSC01308" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01308" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jXCW9T15DKM/WrBTR-DPvqI/AAAAAAAAQ_k/77bz-NpChpEZmMk-UR0NHI2lOpSuu7saACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01308_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Here she is pretending that it just suddenly appeared next to her when she was lying in the sun. </font></p><p><font size="3">I had dinner with Laura and Mary a week or so ago and the only picture I took was this:</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Rr3lWtSZW0/WrBTSFJfysI/AAAAAAAAQ_o/M2aT2jMks1g_m6ckQNy5XqctvijxWnibACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1753%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1753" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1753" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6e004CKIfws/WrBTSvau8DI/AAAAAAAAQ_s/hJdJQVZh2w4ILbqcTL5_42cRSgFLmsyHgCHMYCw/IMG_1753_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Do I have any priorities at all? Apparently and those priorities are beer.</font></p><p><font size="3">I guess that’s all I’ve got for today. I don’t do much cause I’m out of school which continues to make me so very very happy. Very. Happy. </font></p><p><font size="3">I finished some socks.</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KcyJFSnjG1M/WrBTTO1t4JI/AAAAAAAAQ_w/xUQciEr_UHomnpgwtisDlZg9k0413ETqACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1752%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="351" height="264" title="IMG_1752" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1752" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r3E9RgnY0Kk/WrBTTQ2pL4I/AAAAAAAAQ_0/SqbyEZ0uB2kyYToR-yxahst39ISayUi9gCHMYCw/IMG_1752_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I actually finished those when I went to Stitches but just photographed them now. </font></p><p><font size="3">AND—I’ve got the last square done for the Retrax quilt project-</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IqiECFRbLfw/WrBTT24R-3I/AAAAAAAAQ_4/omPYGUukkqI8Fcoc8vt18HhfV0OfBYR3wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1754%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="277" height="368" title="IMG_1754" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1754" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f5WGFgh3aRE/WrBTUQFKCpI/AAAAAAAAQ_8/lHmJf_lY7lAQTd6Sr2HvM7BkHsowOwnWACHMYCw/IMG_1754_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">This isn’t the last square but second to the last but illustrates the whole idea of the thing. It’s going to be quite large. </font></p><p><font size="3">I’m listening to a new podcast called </font><a href="http://www.throwingshade.com/"><font size="3">Throwing Shade</font></a><font size="3">. It describes itself like this:</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3dxBMtKoUi0/WrBW-XxaFjI/AAAAAAAARAs/vUVuOwajmd4EX99A7zLxR3AyIWYOFv5HACHMYCw/s1600-h/download%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="456" height="140" title="download" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="download" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GqgIrw5k7hY/WrBW-5qsqsI/AAAAAAAARAw/flQioOeloMsqDmmlmK55r0aP7eswogRYQCHMYCw/download_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I have to say that it’s over the top but makes me laugh. In addition to making fun of politicians and current issues. Cause you know I’m into giving most people much less respect than they deserve. </font></p><p><font size="3">Anyway—did I mention that I have now registered for Stitches </font><a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/Midwest2018"><font size="3">MIDWEST</font></a><font size="3"> just this side of Chicago? Cause I can’t get enough Stitches!! Yep. In August. Julie’s going too. I am seriously excited to see what Midwest is like since I have only been to West. I think it will be a much different vibe and I am excited to see just what that is. </font></p><p><font size="3">I have a race next weekend—kicking off the season with a 10K. And because of St. Patrick’s day I sort of missed a long run day so I’m not quite ready, but pretty ready. I think. </font></p><p><font size="3">So—I’ll let ya know how that goes. I have mapped out my garden for this summer, and am working on my bathroom remodel. </font></p><p><font size="3">Oh, and planning the plans for 2019, in addition to preparing for Scotland AND for December Weddings……</font></p><p><font size="3">Till then-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MOHTqpCEpaw/WrBW_fvokgI/AAAAAAAARA0/FqImBAJw6GEfSrejU96udHile1KQHSIRACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1760%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="141" height="244" title="IMG_1760" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1760" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-41m8tu0_AT0/WrBW_vz2B0I/AAAAAAAARA4/2kBFA0eU6B4PCez_Q0gU5R6-yosKctUfgCHMYCw/IMG_1760_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Hope everyone had a happy happy St. Patrick’s Day. (I hope he was wearing something under that kilt…)</font></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-78251079370490040532018-03-04T15:50:00.001-06:002018-03-04T15:50:02.310-06:00Stitches West 2018<p><font size="3">I have gone out to the West Coast and returned, completing another successful Stitches West. This was #5, and it was just as fun as the first four, although a little bit different.</font></p><p><font size="3">Firstly, though, I went to visit my old friends in Tacoma. I flew into SeaTac and the one big thing on my bucket list was to go to the Seattle Art Museum. Well, of course, cause it was me doing the traveling, the weather was stormy and cold when I arrived. Really cold. Like in the 20-30’s cold. But I was determined to get to SAM and get there I did. It was fraught with peril as I dodged blowing business placards, collapsed scaffolding, and city buses. I never could find the SAM parking lot, but did find a spot just up the street and blew down to the museum. </font></p><p><font size="3">It was wonderful. </font></p><p><font size="3">I saw some crazy things there—like the haunting masks of the PNW indian tribes-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Km33D3XU2Q/WpxphBwSttI/AAAAAAAAQ1U/x1x6pSwthQkxhnNYCGvxB2pb5QO_bSjUQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012513"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01251" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01251" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ESjiA8cRonQ/Wpxphlt1wzI/AAAAAAAAQ1Y/rqy9KC6sQ2UybjcMRnFbziKbE_18raumwCHMYCw/DSC01251_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a>Whoa, that’s quite a posse.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3WitVb5aWTQ/WpxpiHviDZI/AAAAAAAAQ1c/wR3jHKhVAKY7g-J9OgQpqHeyyIVr1nPaQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012523"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01252" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01252" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nwsjdr8X2b0/Wpxpihz968I/AAAAAAAAQ1g/1EGBxKN5jNwqHACQ2H6U0nqEJVGu9rs6ACHMYCw/DSC01252_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Yikes. </font></p><p><font size="3">I saw this mouse on a person. It’s a study of perspective. At least I think that’s what they said….</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NfsuRdX3FnU/WpxpjN0sYXI/AAAAAAAAQ1k/JD-ZrfPPIgQIuzl9vRXrQR1IXh1dcfmZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012583"><font size="3"></font></a><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_1Oo23kyQFU/Wpxpj38P64I/AAAAAAAAQ1o/hQk_R-Ranys4gVZZIaUgAfPvSld6vFeYQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012549"><img width="179" height="244" title="DSC01254" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01254" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MMKW-7zBZXA/WpxpkVgMmII/AAAAAAAAQ1s/0m2U_EmA__4UwTKdL0rxG9sV1eUHBcAhwCHMYCw/DSC01254_thumb6?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>I</font><font size="3"> liked it a lot</font></p><p><font size="3">This is a shipwreck off the coast of AK</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mWW9Vpdr1Lg/WpxplS_XYrI/AAAAAAAAQ1w/XZYdHnhrVdUqp9gEklGO_N5quaAH7qNqwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012584"><font size="3"><img width="399" height="300" title="DSC01258" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01258" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--g6KTPHQlEc/Wpxpl287O6I/AAAAAAAAQ10/yEIcBbg3trg7JKB330rdLNgdhYkOGjq6ACHMYCw/DSC01258_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I like pictures that are real like this. Landscapes especially. </font></p><p><font size="3">I didn’t take any pictures of the visiting exhibit but I will say it was wonderful and here’s </font><a href="http://figuringhistory.site.seattleartmuseum.org/"><font size="3">the link</font></a><font size="3">.</font></p><p><font size="3">In the lobby they have the giant woven tree…</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z45py1qObN0/WpxpmQrwLEI/AAAAAAAAQ14/Nn12Zk-G7TIUmf3zJj8NmL0K6AT_hBdCwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012575"><font size="3"><img width="333" height="443" title="DSC01257" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01257" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVtjaldpIII/Wpxpm9Hm4DI/AAAAAAAAQ18/w-nICTIGHxoRyWIqPHwaiOZgsH6Vf-agQCHMYCw/DSC01257_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jp6UBcSxIJY/Wpxpq_LfeMI/AAAAAAAAQ2A/kiOzFRIB5pg8OB1u22cuHTG1V3RXxLcQACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012534"><font size="3"><img width="252" height="334" title="DSC01253" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01253" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QsMX7OgJa2Y/WpxprbtiCDI/AAAAAAAAQ2E/kVeQtQ6lNT4y2ZYx_xDoJlBzNsa-cEkFgCHMYCw/DSC01253_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">and as I was leaving I had to snap a picture of this long hallway</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S5oEW4t8ObI/Wpxpr_qcgOI/AAAAAAAAQ2I/QO4DBk8FDUkZnwS-hK_5l2PQ5VY16nhJACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012636"><img width="326" height="516" title="DSC01263" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01263" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PqtNvAH93gc/WpxpsRlkO5I/AAAAAAAAQ2M/Ba64VhxQEpQv54NYPrRmF5IUllebU4MugCHMYCw/DSC01263_thumb6?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p><font size="3">Next time, when I’m not so frazzled, I hope to stay longer, although I was wandering for almost two hours….</font></p><p><font size="3">I was at Nina’s and, as usual, we laughed the day away after she got home that afternoon. It was the Olympics that week and we couldn’t wait to see Johnny Weir’s hair. Along with some of the other sports.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1keLsWHg6X8/Wpxps3aaBCI/AAAAAAAAQ2Q/XUtlVGHwlTMEzY0rzKxj95aPcrWLQ9UrQCHMYCw/s1600-h/lipinski-weir-2-20003"><font size="3"></font></a><font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kOkcFWNgjkA/WpxptTXFzAI/AAAAAAAAQ2U/_Gzk4233q0sGHGXtKAO6cdJGQKxhfeNywCHMYCw/s1600-h/lipinski-weir-2-20004"><img width="304" height="162" title="lipinski-weir-2-2000" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="lipinski-weir-2-2000" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tHFQTKEeaOE/Wpxpt34WQNI/AAAAAAAAQ2Y/vuysZ6hC3LcITZw4rpqgo51Axr9I5_8igCHMYCw/lipinski-weir-2-2000_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></font></p><p><font size="3"><font size="3">They are tooo adorable. And I liked their commentary. Along with Adam Rippon, who brought some artistry back to figure skating. He also tweets like no other. He can’t explain witchcraft…..</font></font></p><p><font size="3">I saw many friends whilst in Tacoma/Seattle-</font></p><p><font size="3">Nancyba</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oLbNr5mW-74/WpxpuTja5JI/AAAAAAAAQ2c/Si9mEnqvPUoSOc03HwZgK9kSb22Yj25bwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_17152"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="221" title="IMG_1715" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1715" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yvRwiLVNR04/Wpxpu75UjjI/AAAAAAAAQ2g/niMLzFx1ujoqYOK1-tQ3DvHtuBaaA9KxgCHMYCw/IMG_1715_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Amberlina</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQsgquIKFtU/WpxpvmcNXHI/AAAAAAAAQ2k/0P_m1C3QUkQHVwsIqeqz2GtF61V6xN9kQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012663"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01266" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YoRfNxq78VA/WpxpwJO2cjI/AAAAAAAAQ2o/EMagfmPO5xsj67Bz0S0RUVIwHx2EUAlHACHMYCw/DSC01266_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Kara, Melissa, and the funniest Lorie you’ll ever know.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NDkogVu3t3k/WpxpySqrv3I/AAAAAAAAQ2s/_5TXBFnksKoIkXhZTc7VLwcBbjmpVC1uACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012683"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01268" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01268" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k-ld-EGtysY/Wpxpy-0F7mI/AAAAAAAAQ2w/s5V_k58VOHwxohAs7ZTQg6E8EdJat4UYACHMYCw/DSC01268_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Tacoma without Nina—the best of the besties. Friends for almost 50 years now, AND, we have the exact same opinions about everything and everybody. It’s uncanny….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1AA7m8LRl5Y/WpxpzrAiYlI/AAAAAAAAQ20/TC0fihyEn74goYlhSUsiaGcifxudb_RzwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012724"><font size="3"><img width="402" height="302" title="DSC01272" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01272" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yo4Uzmhmdik/Wpxp0OL1EJI/AAAAAAAAQ24/3pciNKkMEy0fLGNfQgkXvsillb1dAxs6QCHMYCw/DSC01272_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">To be fair here, I was dressed up and ready to go out and Nina was planning a work day at home. Although I thought she looked great she wasn’t so sure.</font></p><p><font size="3">The only downside to my few days in WA was the fact that the temps were exactly the same in Tacoma as in Rochester AND I experienced some lovely snow, cause I couldn’t get that at home.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4mdloQ6aMhk/Wpxp0gDG_yI/AAAAAAAAQ28/qSz3mNkMPp8hPzUJlsFwSuW0ACZ5AsE_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012653"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01265" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01265" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9HG-HpWI0rg/Wpxp1BlBhXI/AAAAAAAAQ3A/P7wUcmS1qp86ZTXkQLYaWAwjsRCAvnBDACHMYCw/DSC01265_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IF9G-s21ePw/Wpxp1-s2njI/AAAAAAAAQ3E/cAft_M2De-M_QFDUIvwjhl3XKDCIyE4gACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_17133"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1713" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1713" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VXNb9sP_FYA/Wpxp2B-WQGI/AAAAAAAAQ3I/iYsKb3CeGf8pdAEkdTAdBbgs5PuGOjYpACHMYCw/IMG_1713_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Danged but I was annoyed. It didn’t stick to the road but did stay on the grass for a few days. Cold + damp + wind = misery. </font></p><p><font size="3">I returned my car and had a little shopping with Martha before our trip, the following day, to Santa Clara and Stitches West, 2018. Yep and all the yeps. This year we stayed at the Biltmore, about two miles from the convention center. Not nearly as convenient but quieter and we had nice walks in the morning over to the venue. (the desk people at our hotel told us we couldn’t walk to the venue on the bike path. They were aghast that we would even consider walking. That’s Cali for ya, they love to drive….)<font size="3"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTvP6mQe_JM/Wpxp2gDM05I/AAAAAAAAQ3M/3TArUiVHjSUJ1BxzfdDz5fyYIsxSFDUqQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012743"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01274" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01274" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y_tAoFvS8M4/Wpxp3Fzt8EI/AAAAAAAAQ3Q/JK4rnWG3c-ECpHu6XIlpBidwtxMvH5W7ACHMYCw/DSC01274_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></font></font></p><p><font size="3">That sun in Bright. But did I mention the temps were 10-20 degrees below normal? You’re welcome California.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hN_ZY9yx-BQ/Wpxp318xwfI/AAAAAAAAQ3U/-trak5zCw8cl1OUHABE6jpQb1MbhBk37ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012753"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01275" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01275" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sJntBROlLg4/Wpxp4I9hQNI/AAAAAAAAQ3Y/IHi4pw3sF7YTm-LGNbzw2l0CgnR7vkOxwCHMYCw/DSC01275_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We had lunch with friends, took classes, went to the market, attended the fashion show, bought yarn and other stuff, and just had some splendid fun. </font></p><p><font size="3">Annual Stitches Champers</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vPKfnSWF97I/Wpxp4qP3P6I/AAAAAAAAQ3c/RrNi8vL_y_oGMzT1TuLvmRexSbR3OKuTQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012763"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01276" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01276" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R4_-C7lw9Rg/Wpxp5KmtgtI/AAAAAAAAQ3g/1n49NeoQe3YTRG0j5wtS74t61HCZc3AmACHMYCw/DSC01276_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Fashion Show</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZ85tYFZRhA/Wpxp5v2DihI/AAAAAAAAQ3k/BjAfRTylS0YCaW368G9NaS6ILzSwaZUAQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012923"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01292" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01292" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C3nsZmSDLT8/Wpxp6ItkU3I/AAAAAAAAQ3o/Y7MwwN9gpDEX_7tAQdkuyQ-FN9zEpE2EQCHMYCw/DSC01292_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0baG6sbBqbw/Wpxp6oRb8hI/AAAAAAAAQ3s/lCBgXY651Vof6vuAJGvTED912R2hUod2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012964"><font size="3"><img width="231" height="244" title="DSC01296" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01296" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kSHuTPY3AMU/Wpxp7PulRxI/AAAAAAAAQ3w/0jQU6CNi-3ERZIDo58GFcm7o8w7avoAuACHMYCw/DSC01296_thumb8?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zb-ZaqPbnpU/Wpxp7gkkjGI/AAAAAAAAQ30/YipOdHWkMBU3_-Uu9cjhTQ9_s9EVDUwWwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012944"><font size="3"><img width="183" height="244" title="DSC01294" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01294" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aYSz6OJ_MVA/Wpxp8I26cxI/AAAAAAAAQ34/OqcStG14VVEiZZilfA6sH7_k3NwkiWMPACHMYCw/DSC01294_thumb4?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lKzV-L_AG0w/Wpxp86d4kpI/AAAAAAAAQ38/LgyPkff5kicp03ND-ZvyakG1hvUrDipBQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012994"><font size="3"><img width="175" height="244" title="DSC01299" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01299" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9yVWfQ4xDno/Wpxp9RnOMcI/AAAAAAAAQ4A/o6b7v7Slpy8EsTRosn1KGoXJzyg99HErQCHMYCw/DSC01299_thumb4?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And our groupers!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2lYYG4vxmpg/Wpxp96lMdlI/AAAAAAAAQ4E/yBc5RIlKjvIOBmmwzzQpb_zDhNdUSTvAACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC013044"><font size="3"><img width="404" height="304" title="DSC01304" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01304" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j70g2frplUI/Wpxp-fpv7GI/AAAAAAAAQ4I/dgURCpOf91wvjsYESCEFN7hRuoz4XiRZACHMYCw/DSC01304_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Knitters do drink a lot, I have to say. I had this specialty cocktail I could have sipped on for hours--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uoANkt3kkAc/Wpxp-95Xh1I/AAAAAAAAQ4M/bcURXU5U734ioMPLaOMN2E2jojpAYlgNwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC012793"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01279" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01279" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LoaNRtJuPJc/Wpxp_f7EL9I/AAAAAAAAQ4Q/2udPLUzh9dkVkWzQOLwqBz82TjwDUImLwCHMYCw/DSC01279_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">--except it cost 13 bucks a pop. Yes, that’s a little glass. It’s posing with Martha’s sock blank from </font><a href="http://www.durendyeworks.com/"><font size="3">Duren Dye Works</font></a><font size="3">. </font></p><p><font size="3">One sad note, </font><a href="https://abundantearthfiber.com/"><font size="3">Abundant Earth Fibers</font></a><font size="3"> was driving down from Seattle and had their trailer with their entire inventory stolen. They went to bed at the hotel, and got up and the trailer was gone. I’m sure the thieves were surprised when they got it open. Hopefully, they will appreciate the fiber. They still came and repped their small family owned operation but still. The knitters were appalled. </font></p><p><font size="3">It was over much too soon and even while we were there we were talking about plans for next year. We’ve already extended the stay and extra day (Wednesday) but maybe next year we stay till Sunday……AND do VRBO so we can get our own food. I swear I spent twice as much this year just on food and drinks. That’s just not right. Of course, it’s Northern California where money flies out of one’s pockets at an alarming rate. </font></p><p><font size="3">And now I’m back. It’s my birthday tomorrow so Friday night was a little celebration with the friends from the hood--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LwCirR4ArOk/Wpxp_xV334I/AAAAAAAAQ4U/ftgy-ACeKvkYFz7Rti2G5IhMktbBoy-gwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC013064"><font size="3"><img width="357" height="269" title="DSC01306" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01306" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SNx4iqwOqCY/WpxqAQG0jzI/AAAAAAAAQ4Y/9lSpe68esgspqZosHSjTTX6ALwnJoDgwwCHMYCw/DSC01306_thumb1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">There we are. And here’s the delicious part</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--swoKbhFQQ8/WpxqA4viNjI/AAAAAAAAQ4c/XnRjZ_8HMAIuY_yCN8nxbTcW4-wnXUrpQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_17453"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1745" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1745" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T7aQpQAF7Lo/WpxqBZYEYpI/AAAAAAAAQ4g/cgAOrnvjJ_IGRFR_tA0XlwsqpdHCwiglgCHMYCw/IMG_1745_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">All in all a great night with great friends. </font></p><p><font size="3">In the meantime, I’m just hanging out and spending free time at home now. Now that I don’t have to spend all my hours on homework I feel a bit at loose ends. But I’ll get used to it. I’m getting some serious knitting and quilting in , in addition to sorting and getting ready for other events and trips and travel. We’ll just see what comes up. </font></p><p><font size="3">Until then, I’ll continue to wear my cat as a fashion accessory. </font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u1m8KMHDBmw/WpxqBqZr3gI/AAAAAAAAQ4k/j6B98-2glKMTDepXjqcQkA2MuVqviOQXwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_16928"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1692" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1692" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0huMzxVQW78/WpxqCLzbYVI/AAAAAAAAQ4o/iw1ipEL9mxguXeiaR_s24rov1jLX6pJPgCHMYCw/IMG_1692_thumb2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-79312655405443443922018-02-13T06:18:00.001-06:002018-02-13T06:18:39.797-06:00Done and Done<p><font size="3">I’m done. It’s official. Well, not that official. But a final grade is posted and I took all the classes and paid all the money and now I have a master’s degree in nursing. Well, yay for me. Who knows if it will bring me anything. Mayo decided because I make so much money they won’t give a pay bump to MSN in my classification. Cause they are like that. But even if it doesn’t get me a new shiny job or whatever, I think it taught me a few things. At least the buzz words for management. </font></p><p><font size="3">Either way, no.more.homework. None. Nada. Nope and all the nopes. </font></p><p><font size="3">We celebrated last Saturday night at <strike>Social Drunk</strike> SocialIce in Downtown Rochester. It was about 10 degrees. With a hint of wind to bring down the temps a little bit more. We managed to bundle up in about 5 layers of clothing and head down-</font></p><p><font size="3">The whole deal is ice bars. And every year it’s either too warm or really cold. A calm night in the 20’s would be so nice. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QiBkJynIjxw/WoLXXT9_18I/AAAAAAAAQqo/fFLooOWo-zAIipSI_TWlk4tK_GXbQ2McwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01242%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01242" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01242" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wRGNMZpofcM/WoLXYBeL7bI/AAAAAAAAQqs/lRXHs3RTonw_JflRFWlpIGKjHRfW0ng3QCHMYCw/DSC01242_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dT4Nkwsh9BA/WoLXYtmDBxI/AAAAAAAAQqw/oitwzeW2G8UpEiNR6-qdtCHt0d4gtiy0ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01240%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01240" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dOXjds1Fo2Y/WoLXY7Ky7KI/AAAAAAAAQq0/kGzs0bQ22eMrQWLoBmKIWSzuejA08iLjACHMYCw/DSC01240_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We found a fire and hung out there for a while </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g2GvFNwf4jI/WoLXZGnxc7I/AAAAAAAAQq4/ZHv38ZbFiywDs1ndU2U3VkgeqmZOBzTeQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1676%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1676" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1676" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qBg2T7PRweY/WoLXZ-JUZJI/AAAAAAAAQq8/jUPxMjVaHNwtZJbQTTGohSPlOlTV0G8OACHMYCw/IMG_1676_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQBE0gHBvhQ/WoLXaPEcicI/AAAAAAAAQrA/YcvuYCcV_PQGS2cGW_mowSAW6n-QfPggwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1678%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1678" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1678" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hxrIss8CiHY/WoLXaoL8d-I/AAAAAAAAQrE/PropdWYvsMsMkgWsAXFupnIT4spHXayEwCHMYCw/IMG_1678_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F9WP_vUQ7tk/WoLXbO9YD8I/AAAAAAAAQrI/uHwQeFih1vAZuUU2JjeIvgqA5EpALYVJQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1680%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1680" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1680" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oG3gQ6YBh4s/WoLXbrLIn9I/AAAAAAAAQrM/33LPN3Tqwd0F3dqcEQjYi27x8Cn6D8RtgCHMYCw/IMG_1680_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">(I have two coats on)</font></p><p><font size="3">before heading over to Grand Rounds and meeting up with another friend for some toasts to me. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1SXpQfZsvqc/WoLXcLxVqeI/AAAAAAAAQrQ/HFEfuELxdMwUOOKt5otad5Jq8tPwHFTGwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1677%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1677" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1677" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-88ms7GNGgPY/WoLXcW-ybnI/AAAAAAAAQrU/97Li2V6q6wUlGHgf6jflz9K6lGoy9tE_wCHMYCw/IMG_1677_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Frt-cv8jGcE/WoLXc2BPzvI/AAAAAAAAQrY/oe0lBFCYqJAbMaAA4iHNRFlNM0Ffcg8lACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01245%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01245" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01245" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--VcsCUeDIkY/WoLXdp_ZD4I/AAAAAAAAQrc/eVSDgpQa9-km0pKXwTVMlnUptxVWB1BhQCHMYCw/DSC01245_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KupYHt5PHEA/WoLXeBE2-3I/AAAAAAAAQrg/p00Hg2aBIkAR6rEfx9of55F58bEobZniACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01249%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01249" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01249" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W47XadB-_fE/WoLXemRw35I/AAAAAAAAQrk/rkCUgSNGjickXM-4CjWrwaMU4njy68yowCHMYCw/DSC01249_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Um, by the way, tequila shots are never a good idea…..just saying. I lost a mitten too. Dang it. But it was such a fun night. And a perfect way to cap off a long two years. </font></p><p><font size="3">Before that, just a week ago, was the Superbowl. I was happy with the outcome for sure. </font></p><p><font size="3">I did my usual quilt class but this year didn’t do a mystery. We just got together and sewed up a quilt. I loved it. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qDCiFsfvsnU/WoLXfCdckQI/AAAAAAAAQro/G3c201ZzrfMs1zaKGNYIiBsbY-22o_ZaQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01239%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="404" height="304" title="DSC01239" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01239" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yU8sqyoDCeU/WoLXfRqStgI/AAAAAAAAQrs/2FcCrEzBqWsCQj2vCN9YuD4jTd8q3JhRQCHMYCw/DSC01239_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">My wonderful peeps and their blocks!</font></p><p><font size="3">I am working on a tee shirt quilt for Blane which I think I might finish next month. I was trying for Christmas-hahahaha. No. </font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YZi9SClKnXY/WoLXgDwpwWI/AAAAAAAAQrw/N3aaN1VTe6onadsGQRVEfkMkOGkwDSlQgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1664%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="269" height="357" title="IMG_1664" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1664" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Lx3hxBJcmo/WoLXgVBS8oI/AAAAAAAAQr0/ufJF9qSglycrtojx-useILAS-MFzocXDwCHMYCw/IMG_1664_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="3"></font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KxE4Ko92Lu4/WoLXg4UtQXI/AAAAAAAAQr4/44Y9q2wq7FMeE7CXKuZmCcICEM8gXG3WQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1666%2B%25281%2529%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1666 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1666 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2pyutHWMYBA/WoLXhcHTdXI/AAAAAAAAQr8/E3BRXJFxXsguo4a-WOJkBy-Cpgna1WbzACHMYCw/IMG_1666%2B%25281%2529_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgfHvrz8B9s/WoLXh624ALI/AAAAAAAAQsA/bj_1vIvGgFcePe-XaGVUaQHyMs-0wbK-ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1665%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1665" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1665" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xjlMZ1Byr-Y/WoLXiLfyATI/AAAAAAAAQsE/MNKEx8krCj8W50ysymZfmTJoxMlrB4oswCHMYCw/IMG_1665_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">It’s turning out pretty good. </font></p><p><font size="3">Did I mention that I’m getting my teeth straightened. After several years of my teeth moving out and the space getting bigger and bigger I finally went for Invisalign. However, the anchors are on my front teeth so they aren’t that invisable. Vanity wins again. Next stop, chin lift. </font></p><p><font size="3">Oher than that, getting ready for STITCHES WEST 2018! And, it’s the winter Olympics so we can knit and watch sports. The BEST. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8DDo6xxhbEc/WoLXi1dCQEI/AAAAAAAAQsI/ZEWEXO70azg2Y_uPzDgaQ4t70S8ifwOWgCHMYCw/s1600-h/Stitches%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="194" height="194" title="Stitches" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="Stitches" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qn-3JAn3K3E/WoLXjEzqCxI/AAAAAAAAQsM/9tqq_sgXrCUwIkSrGzScqQArX6-_1AEEQCHMYCw/Stitches_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p align="left"><font size="3">I’m flying out Saturday to spend some time catching up with friends and hang in Tacoma for a bit. Then Wednesday off to Cali for some fiber exposure. I guess I better start packing…..</font></p><p align="left"><font size="3">We had Brandy come stay for a night and we were truly Springer Heavy for those days--</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hJ04ZHv33I4/WoLXjihkloI/AAAAAAAAQsQ/WbOo2AUo9qg-YbNi23OePFNdxYnx4tOAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1647%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1647" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1647" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uin-CtFDSXo/WoLXkO1M0fI/AAAAAAAAQsU/ejPqR5IHrogEbi53uce2OtcCuRayrj1NACHMYCw/IMG_1647_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Springers don’t be still. That was the best of about 10 pics. She made herself right at home</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nt3E-3N7CV0/WoLXkUmxRxI/AAAAAAAAQsY/KHm-BpCfHoE8A6fKvsz_Y76_0ZqAY3IgACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1656%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1656" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1656" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-okIQlD89tjs/WoLXlMEN0OI/AAAAAAAAQsc/zM8DZ9xrWyUNKyYYibFtiwwnLl8vVLnMACHMYCw/IMG_1656_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">although Puddy was not impressed.</font></p><p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pQGhCRaDZTw/WoLXlialnVI/AAAAAAAAQsg/u7N2jNKMeA8k-gsWnVCh1u5P6nhG_1XOACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1660%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="359" height="270" title="IMG_1660" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1660" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HwFzxxT8bQE/WoLXl3k1t_I/AAAAAAAAQsk/XO2iK-q_spAA2C5YFeMM1qMHZGaHcJB4QCHMYCw/IMG_1660_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vxgX6lBOLQE/WoLXmaMEJhI/AAAAAAAAQso/BzI9ArU5l1wVo1KsNjeGqhrIUylKcQG3wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1662%255B9%255D"><font size="3"><img width="110" height="244" title="IMG_1662" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1662" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bewp29767Bk/WoLXm38DFqI/AAAAAAAAQss/Q1RKgDlUYqYtuYKsGoSrM5LJSbhouDo0QCHMYCw/IMG_1662_thumb%255B9%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p align="left"><font size="3">She’s over it now. </font></p><p align="left"><font size="3">So—I can actually start blogging again. I don’t have to feel guilty cause I’m not doing homework. </font></p><p align="left"><font size="3">Oh, and did I mention Scotland—2018??? </font></p><p align="left"><font size="3">Stay Tuned--</font></p><p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8RRd8d2t6WU/WoLXnEMKh8I/AAAAAAAAQsw/3oEPbKQJnm8DJJzK5NY8O962JRO6vR6gwCHMYCw/s1600-h/10DClassicScotland17%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="326" height="254" title="10DClassicScotland17" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="10DClassicScotland17" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UkFHXpKWy84/WoLXnoSPreI/AAAAAAAAQs0/g6Cq6SrE8RInYzZuvoJxIMo0hPkCiivuwCHMYCw/10DClassicScotland17_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-74636523429324467522018-01-03T19:35:00.001-06:002018-01-03T19:35:56.230-06:00Happy Holidays!<p><font size="3">And so it was—and this is how it went down. </font></p><p><font size="3">Firstly it’s not the winter until you’ve gone to Rochester on Tap. I used Uber for the first time and it went quite well. </font></p><p><font size="3">We drank some Hawaiian beer. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9bH-UtOOeiM/Wk2ElmJ3A5I/AAAAAAAAQoM/PDt3XWxuNEMSBQ3P9noA760ySNYXmFVNgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1587%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1587" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1587" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lHK6jmfPA78/Wk2EmE_kZdI/AAAAAAAAQoQ/z7ULlLE8xiYXcaamLUzCZBqxn8lOmtzAACHMYCw/IMG_1587_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And we selfied in front of Insight</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vA9vzmi4mao/Wk2EmgKRuiI/AAAAAAAAQoU/5mp1B7RI9U0BYX4glXnR576q0vWHQnU3QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1588%255B5%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1588" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1588" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-93W0Db492D0/Wk2Ex-xSJQI/AAAAAAAAQoY/Qs5d0VkdQP0rbE2f3VHjXGlsqckSLGHNACHMYCw/IMG_1588_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And we put on Santa Hats and had our picture taken</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kLQvXD_1su8/Wk2EyCgXe_I/AAAAAAAAQoc/g92WE8dsFIUCVMHZHZi0DwjZSCgdB0i2QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1592%255B5%255D"><font size="3"><img width="159" height="391" title="IMG_1592" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1592" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7Wo32ByvwWU/Wk2EyppN8BI/AAAAAAAAQog/s2RNRGnOMgA5QQtoGqY3hzmaw9vuqHGvQCHMYCw/IMG_1592_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fS0QRZ4upLE/Wk2EzNfg_UI/AAAAAAAAQok/9KnD4mFjQmUsuhsFcyUqDBkjST432YgiQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1591%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="250" height="225" title="IMG_1591" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1591" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1uytOJ8FsCg/Wk2EzleidPI/AAAAAAAAQoo/mR-eTVge5uo-V64zTfGcnR0Mp5DMPfHPACHMYCw/IMG_1591_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Yep. </font></p><p><font size="3">So apparently while I was spending my time drinking beer and writing papers I never did mail my cards. I did write a note but sadly, it has to get into a card and mailed. Hoping for a January launch on those. </font></p><p><font size="3">Oh, and we went to the yearly Lorie Line Concert. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o-1G4B1-hOo/Wk2E0HTDM2I/AAAAAAAAQos/eg7RYy5iso8GAE1shHQ1GD5rQfgi8QEmgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01218%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="358" height="270" title="DSC01218" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01218" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rOAOs8V7V-M/Wk2E0efwY5I/AAAAAAAAQow/Gbuxro_v6Dkv8RFqTJpX--nPxJZ3eoMHgCHMYCw/DSC01218_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3">Christmas was quiet with just us. And a dog or two…</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KexaDQok6oM/Wk2E04yY30I/AAAAAAAAQo0/QIKid1qbA2E3MPydqkcdjpHJ_RFzRZqfgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1594%255B5%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1594" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1594" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ZN5opzmPEc/Wk2E1TfE-xI/AAAAAAAAQo4/t4KPpmUi4ogrUkd-fuQGBOWE-9YIZjQKACHMYCw/IMG_1594_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Manny slept with his head in the cat basket. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SfwQSa5BTO8/Wk2E16Mto1I/AAAAAAAAQo8/0uzy_3D46xA4N4aPZThWgwwXIlAaeF1SQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1603%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="231" title="IMG_1603" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1603" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9uZXVG8cf0g/Wk2E2eFmekI/AAAAAAAAQpA/zNRrxWvX0MQnkqISm8sIe8T2eO3h6tUjQCHMYCw/IMG_1603_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">So that was Christmas. I somehow don’t even have a picture of our tree, which was a new one and pretty awesome. It may be fake but it looked real and I think it will be good for about 10 years or so. </font></p><p><font size="3">I am now heading into week 6 of my last quarter of school. 5 more weeks. I am madly trying to get hours for shadow experiences and work with my preceptor. Since last week was the holiday week there wasn’t much going on, and next week I have a week with no day off which isn’t going to be good for hours. But I think I’ll make it. I feel better than when I started, that is for sure. </font></p><p><font size="3">It’s cold for the holidays—here’s New Years Weekend</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IgNXnmNqJqk/Wk2E28SIKfI/AAAAAAAAQpE/-zduV6wJzMUm9yd4CoHfWx-FdFbDpk7hgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_16142"><font size="3"><img width="139" height="244" title="IMG_1614" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1614" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cuyuk9lsbrc/Wk2E3ayfk6I/AAAAAAAAQpI/VYOc5h4KdVQwIAzuIoCliYVlO5MKHG38ACHMYCw/IMG_1614_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xu8hgOb9QeQ/Wk2E4N8CQ5I/AAAAAAAAQpM/XHfWavInrtgtOwUreSZXOEvD25wXACT6gCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1615%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="139" height="244" title="IMG_1615" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1615" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YO3nLxfbclg/Wk2E4Xq7mSI/AAAAAAAAQpQ/y6oYFU0UZEongzF7LC6LEWs6J1_mShkgACHMYCw/IMG_1615_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uar_zyfEkoY/Wk2E5KTOuII/AAAAAAAAQpU/5JKqWhJU700xDq5PbQUxFjgxE3qbyQuFwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1627%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="139" height="244" title="IMG_1627" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1627" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IyB1s_SPzJc/Wk2E5X7WsLI/AAAAAAAAQpY/lxkW_FGdjCYs8Txe3-wRJVwHvI4Y8O8FACHMYCw/IMG_1627_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">When the high has a negative sign in front of it, well, you know. Or maybe not. </font></p><p><font size="3">Our plan was to go to the cities for New Years Eve but I didn’t plan very well and we don’t have any place for the dogs to go. So, we are staying home. Although I was looking forward to a mini-vacay, until this school stuff is done I sort of feel like I need to be home. It’s difficult to be organized when I am either working or being at work shadowing on my day off or doing homework on the weekend. Hence, no cards. </font></p><p><font size="3">Dang. </font></p><p><font size="3">So we stayed home and watched some football and rooted for losing teams. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lJpodhjkmQg/Wk2E5wDcs7I/AAAAAAAAQpc/Dtgu7VhHQHIb-vZtbs0Pzkh19TrZJUmxwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01230%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01230" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01230" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cReCCpAtXCY/Wk2E6S108qI/AAAAAAAAQpg/2y_zKBklhnkdJsgVkXyQSekDTxee4Ka5ACHMYCw/DSC01230_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We also had some really really really good cake.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VIe8WLHPEeQ/Wk2E7qRvbOI/AAAAAAAAQpk/ubJQC2nw7S08qxXX7cD-FoaiQta3pFCtwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01220%255B5%255D"><font size="3"><img width="297" height="294" title="DSC01220" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01220" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H2n4-3PpXNw/Wk2E8G33LdI/AAAAAAAAQpo/XZhJ1O3iZ6UMmU6klLY0_etH2-RJFWwZQCHMYCw/DSC01220_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hduSr0Y59rw/Wk2E8sxRFII/AAAAAAAAQps/aULrZyLPVwMM9VSmO-kE8Vw2SUtetTU6wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01222%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01222" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01222" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OQVrb0z0LRI/Wk2E8wdUkoI/AAAAAAAAQpw/b8nU608r4h4b-kaaq9IqJGRLBFLR_UFOwCHMYCw/DSC01222_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Oh Yeah. </font></p><p><font size="3">We didn’t drink our Christmas Wine, yet-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ocMnAy3frX4/Wk2E9iG1FpI/AAAAAAAAQp0/CI41Zu0O8k8fHS5kLVSepWg3NpjDhu0zwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1605%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1605" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1605" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nzXfKsI5E6E/Wk2E98v5pEI/AAAAAAAAQp4/kOM4N-TAYSsY7AvLBjhXpOByj6huaCTUQCHMYCw/IMG_1605_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And although I’ve been told I feature the cats too many times in my blog, it is my blog and the last kick off of the New Year is Puddy-</font></p><p><font size="3">Playing her favorite computer game</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--N5snfq1M20/Wk2E-RoVNkI/AAAAAAAAQp8/BdkL4lBKOT0TsO6K5GfzeFJb6yn0aPnmwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1610%255B6%255D"><font size="3"><img width="226" height="359" title="IMG_1610" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1610" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1-IpNGaNo0g/Wk2E-7yficI/AAAAAAAAQqA/e09RhykoK0IxvXZYasJX78YIQNIUSZ9awCHMYCw/IMG_1610_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-25706243818395064902017-12-06T18:52:00.001-06:002017-12-06T18:52:23.721-06:00Full Speed Ahead<p><font size="3">Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and we are full speed ahead to Christmas. </font></p><p><font size="3">Thanksgiving was spent in Grand Forks with Blane and Melanie.</font></p><p><font size="3">First off we celebrated a late Blane’s birthday-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YgUiANTJ3ls/WiiN91KespI/AAAAAAAAQhY/4lRMF2KZspMWzvGKr81Mgvvq0YvNdaYBACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1456%255B7%255D"><font size="3"><img width="139" height="244" title="IMG_1456" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1456" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mL7jGCvUMOA/WiiN-rTLiPI/AAAAAAAAQhc/SKx3GQuciuknOTihpTZzD8guOHlnuwjtQCHMYCw/IMG_1456_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Kitten Love</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K96D2wY-HSM/WiiN_DRAkTI/AAAAAAAAQhg/1YTj7Y_yNn0G9kQi4u0x6MJldiNaXTo_wCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1464%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="139" height="244" title="IMG_1464" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1464" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hX5sShyH6WE/WiiN_iB9LJI/AAAAAAAAQhk/Z--qbRF9dYcj3EYUfVneGIGpNzRIdouqQCHMYCw/IMG_1464_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JokjSm8hKLY/WiiOAMN0e0I/AAAAAAAAQho/kaebkiknvtYrTQ7Ti1HdBUfx_iy98lFMQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01146"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01146" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01146" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-onn_7k6iC_Y/WiiOAY_98qI/AAAAAAAAQhs/mQMk8ZEslHYpr88Af8VNOkcnavPEhgj-ACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01146_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Happy 33rd to Blaney!</font></p><p><font size="3">The next day was Thanksgiving and Cody and Maral came with Buzz the dog. </font></p><p><font size="3">Why I didn’t get a group photo with some delicious vegetarian dinner I have no idea. But i didn’t. It was so good. Melanie got some vegetarian loaf that was super delish. She also whipped up some potatoes and bread, and I brought stuffed acorn squash and pie. All in all it was the best. </font></p><p><font size="3">The following day was sunny and warm. Yep, until this week the weather has been pretty warm. </font></p><p><font size="3">We walked the dog Buzz and took some selfies and pics of the Red River.</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FotTKgiCPKs/WiiOBbWJmnI/AAAAAAAAQhw/JFiTvejqihMy6dahuF0o0Yx2qhGU6SrIACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01147"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01147" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01147" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EhWkZsoIsgY/WiiOBktx7sI/AAAAAAAAQh0/5pOflwCAV2w1i9kZTf2KkPwUioDEDQQ-gCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01147_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oWdilMo3CW8/WiiOCfRF_eI/AAAAAAAAQh4/5bsmo0KykAYr-IgLUKR0hzLeR61nowV3wCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01148"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01148" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01148" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bnxwZCk5_s0/WiiOC_79sLI/AAAAAAAAQh8/R5EBZHyVmEM89b8xM4uxW5_xzNoJ-9HfwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01148_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">and the boys, of course</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EPBf6_QDhdw/WiiODmc_CuI/AAAAAAAAQiA/VFzmjBhSfRs8FbdJbRJlZ3GeiNNwbDJigCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01151%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="355" height="267" title="LRG_DSC01151" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01151" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r_Zp9bilzDc/WiiOECE6sgI/AAAAAAAAQiE/-S6pcu7C750wZcL8oURvqaIH7X3gof6DACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01151_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Cody thought it was cold but we thought it was warm!</font></p><p><font size="3">The sunsets are so lovely there. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56jGYkxn4bg/WiiOE-0vYbI/AAAAAAAAQiI/cbWLcqYXWQEcIkIEPnplSoB8gFlPnTyAQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1469%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1469" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1469" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iqbX33WwP9s/WiiOFVjOCbI/AAAAAAAAQiM/PPMqGxdVizUq8t2HAzqcN1dRlyY5mJCeQCHMYCw/IMG_1469_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I got back Friday night and on Sunday I went to the Festival of Trees-</font></p><p><font size="3">Bad selfie but it’s me, Laura, and Mary back there.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ivqWBDD8gM/WiiOeABFkNI/AAAAAAAAQiQ/dO2XSZpiXMIddYhOnCFKR7qB9EHExjyBgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01156"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01156" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01156" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2lyQt5VCJF8/WiiOemJat2I/AAAAAAAAQiU/wt7WeBzcaSwY0PyHa-Nv0I6Buqo1T8UDwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01156_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">The people who decorate these trees are so creative it’s rediculous</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-twa9MLBFlSE/WiiP38egB1I/AAAAAAAAQio/5yvXjfhQ52sfqgn3Uu4cw6xnEirYH-7NgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01154"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01154" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01154" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IROF2qYJjxM/WiiP4sS01GI/AAAAAAAAQis/lmea8q4GqSMY5wOAp-Txfta0KrJ9-ZGIACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01154_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yvkm1lrTJfU/WiiP5Ld6TEI/AAAAAAAAQiw/YdBD425PsUgX-WQIjLSpnLRCLHwd6ASVACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01160"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01160" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01160" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UifXExjOU54/WiiP5mO4NgI/AAAAAAAAQi0/uZSEruqMhnYkigr0MPk_pzxSuwTBRaD6wCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01160_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-imGV7ExubCc/WiiP6J3Au2I/AAAAAAAAQi4/uZvXzFmTufI5NHiOp_DtQ13dQzYubcc2ACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01159"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01159" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01159" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ta7FeTap-g4/WiiP67uLtQI/AAAAAAAAQi8/43tQsqFU7s8JyTLwB2YmjU6fYjokfIJlwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01159_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W97mYvE00O0/WiiP7md5NlI/AAAAAAAAQjA/KWZy16ri0y8tZzVkHTqDjjFACDbt9P-FACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01162"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01162" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01162" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wv8Ggy4c6Pw/WiiP78e1Y8I/AAAAAAAAQjE/MUZbgOlgBO4kmlrm-ERoWVwpa8kbdYkfACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01162_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5fW5vCVccUM/WiiP8txOwcI/AAAAAAAAQjI/7HsC8V1AW44ljl6gIj0rtb_beBKikIDEgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01167"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01167" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01167" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BYLuIkIpqng/WiiP9JUaEJI/AAAAAAAAQjM/qJDD0XynhCQR-34rm6ijtfJG4vZmJOLnQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01167_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We also had some entertainment by Just for Kix. Sooo cute. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LlwQAlqL2Wk/WiiP99c_Y9I/AAAAAAAAQjQ/ZAvH_1pxzAQBTkWGqKu7sY_wnx4i7_LdgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01164"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01164" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01164" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yhPcsvpxsqs/WiiP-YCD-9I/AAAAAAAAQjU/xCajEQ5f6ao2fPzX7Qw3NzUruA45EAUrQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01164_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">The next weekend it was off to San Antonio to run the Rock n Roll. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z02TUktLfMM/WiiQNvIMYpI/AAAAAAAAQjY/g1cVbfNP4HIuw3DKP92Yk-G5WNKoFICzgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1476%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="349" height="263" title="IMG_1476" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1476" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ukEdTeeJUEA/WiiQOBaHhnI/AAAAAAAAQjc/6obPG93T0wwh082mtNsdzAS1nJ7TJnYFACHMYCw/IMG_1476_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We also visted the Alamo that day--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-85dhXDCAOMY/WiiQO3F25lI/AAAAAAAAQjg/2kMY9p4hyjUu2AlvbLlyvbNolHwvaZQQACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01182"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01182" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01182" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QFcyeoZ74RQ/WiiQPfN08-I/AAAAAAAAQjk/5yTXZ5Z3ElAPNJgD-hksXP7RFBtIoMxNgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01182_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ARbgsGsU_C0/WiiQQJWUaCI/AAAAAAAAQjo/1hD0vdDSFIszhuVxzoCuzIlRTNY5PFWGwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01183"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01183" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01183" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YUn6GtzyY_U/WiiQQhpC4MI/AAAAAAAAQjs/x4ODxwGJ0B4jKLichpfaNSdUv1RHZ31cgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01183_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">It’s pretty neat, surrounded by the city. </font></p><p><font size="3">We took a night time walk on the Riverwalk, which is really pretty. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Ue28dMwLfQ/WiiQRvZo9UI/AAAAAAAAQjw/l3hAGE8aA8Igel3belKh3hW5Oal8asEPgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01189"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01189" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01189" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g8zBGPJzgdI/WiiQRy8q-4I/AAAAAAAAQj0/kKiKYJ7evqsKC1rvelqPQlcS7K5HkFeIACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01189_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFW5IjCZOrI/WiiQSitXvqI/AAAAAAAAQj4/ZU2M8HHpVX0lRyQlchYQ-vZpLuTgjd_iQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01171"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01171" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01171" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-woPzeu_VckU/WiiQTBMdwSI/AAAAAAAAQj8/Znm7cV5JZ4cEajRHCdkdBo3jQxLpd0pLACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01171_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">On Sunday Cathy and I ran the half relay and Randy ran the half. </font></p><p><font size="3">It started out rather hot and humid.</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N1UCxjxtfew/WiiQTtpMgUI/AAAAAAAAQkA/3nil-n6-PccqJAlHM0DP32ynb33LgBHqgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1480%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1480" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eC3oc9AKWCM/WiiQUJVR-8I/AAAAAAAAQkE/DQdWtzGDoMw1MLxx1plyEHXBrFkVekUXACHMYCw/IMG_1480_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLwClCF3BPI/WiiQU5JsGiI/AAAAAAAAQkI/rXFZ9XJJr6oBusgicBcngIUsrjcTnxPGQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1481%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1481" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1481" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kP5EtDNs6cc/WiiQVXXp0KI/AAAAAAAAQkM/Wl6bElw-Bx8fLM6dKMaEhjLl7Xvj-k_mgCHMYCw/IMG_1481_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">But with about a mile to go it started raining-hard. </font></p><p><font size="3">A wet finish selfie. I look worried but really I’m pretty happy. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HQNAaYebQvc/WiiQWL2uhqI/AAAAAAAAQkQ/tZeijq4sUgsRICnhbUEgDtBq2qqV8H54QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1482%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1482" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1482" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PyDnJgqFZSQ/WiiQWnBTUrI/AAAAAAAAQkU/GYgKWT8T1KAwlS6nRndD9-CuOp2Zzao5QCHMYCw/IMG_1482_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">and….done. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DrYgYt6zGpc/WiiQXMmVE2I/AAAAAAAAQkY/olazv7eomjE6zFj5o7HaqP7xQLszHJ3vwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1486%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1486" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1486" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvibGJw2bSc/WiiQXghjlAI/AAAAAAAAQkc/Yjy4dXBHUVohzGTMRd2STVCHmHx9mQgHgCHMYCw/IMG_1486_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We were all VIPers and that meant free drinks for all!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PnsZfzF4j9I/WiiQYPB8u6I/AAAAAAAAQkg/VUhfNrBNu_UH4t58w6ISHe-VNJRtVh7oACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1488%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="395" height="297" title="IMG_1488" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1488" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JQdDlk9L1YI/WiiQYpEgEEI/AAAAAAAAQkk/BXvWRD6f05kv2AB-aAfUzhOiXUfuXP8aACHMYCw/IMG_1488_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We didn’t drink ALL that, but we did end up with some extra….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NVIz5I1J_00/WiiQZR6XReI/AAAAAAAAQko/kGCpAejmPbw2Ld5GbYxOHyioTzL_1BIrQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1491%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1491" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1491" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dhR2TX2m92s/WiiQZ3iNQDI/AAAAAAAAQks/_IBmFT1dJN0yBNi1vqe3N-t-7i8ixLhlACHMYCw/IMG_1491_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3"> Jeesh. </font></p><p><font size="3">I repped Insight Brewing with this…whatever it is. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qIw42feQ0C8/WiiQalHkX_I/AAAAAAAAQkw/R-S2OSMxXzA2vH6e4K_vfjbDo7DqNPGNACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1490%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1490" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1490" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rTC9d9eLeCw/WiiQa8gz1VI/AAAAAAAAQk0/nhPyq7Jmfr4yHpmE4Eg9RnJZ8MTK4UXUgCHMYCw/IMG_1490_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And after it was said and done we ate at the Republic of Texas</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7U-vrcgtIHY/WiiQbhA2hHI/AAAAAAAAQk4/ljOfo2yeRcoEvo470R0Q3cIblNcwRbYAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1492%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1492" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1492" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WzntaVrkmaU/WiiQcNn8ahI/AAAAAAAAQk8/55qg_gVH4sEZKScTKP42ZqRlL_0PonxTgCHMYCw/IMG_1492_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Night time on the river walk. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DYlE3XEU8IE/WiiQchvVbJI/AAAAAAAAQlA/anejAPrTlqIhJXoavfC0GLsBIwuXvsc0ACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1493%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1493" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1493" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SkJXStIeHKc/WiiQddAq-AI/AAAAAAAAQlE/hs5XvH2qNTgptLMZn37bJULro1uAi_P4wCHMYCw/IMG_1493_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">The next day was full of sight seeing--</font></p><p><font size="3">Market Square</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xi3wgrwrCus/WiiQd9xUvYI/AAAAAAAAQlI/MBfAQdzllf0V_ayIUQxm-9cMhbgw8FqdACHMYCw/s1600-h/copy"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="copy" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="copy" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QR3oyuPhMiY/WiiQeZfd3KI/AAAAAAAAQlM/sIx6VKbVb8ofbIeNRNBTTQKju5ZuEhmjgCHMYCw/copy_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">O Henry’s House</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uTXmg6KVv-o/WiiQfAKSOpI/AAAAAAAAQlQ/ShpxN3q-oCIBqu3RWcM0mRiNhJU0hXsvQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1551%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1551" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1551" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oH3YDW3SFng/WiiQfrrKEgI/AAAAAAAAQlU/JghJSS9-xO4UNnz5p_EzwUdty7d56VW4ACHMYCw/IMG_1551_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yi6C4HkMNVo/WiiQgPvd-3I/AAAAAAAAQlY/APlBpUhHJGwF_FUwyeCvrSCgsLDak4YxACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01194"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01194" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01194" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MoO9GX5qPCA/WiiQgrL-COI/AAAAAAAAQlc/KegJI1-zwuEFknDIUAKmtuVWiSfPY4WLgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01194_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rkAiqwpK7_s/WiiQhXNff4I/AAAAAAAAQlg/NzkbBLll83AqG6Fie8g9WR-12HTzcWvOACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01193"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01193" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01193" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qmAKAwQ3heo/WiiQh_TKfCI/AAAAAAAAQlk/5m2L2jJe6qo-bECCxqPr312LTbzLnZ7GACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01193_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">A walk and cruise on the riverwalk</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pSJzEBRGxGo/WiiQiaUSMPI/AAAAAAAAQlo/6egBiFgOwqEn7eGRACSyyMOAV6ds1-nUQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1555%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1555" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1555" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PrEwd2KQkvo/WiiQizsvRtI/AAAAAAAAQls/2mBi6ByCatkBnS4QtmF0OgJzGRUlCweiQCHMYCw/IMG_1555_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8F_KO2tu7_4/WiiQjirS13I/AAAAAAAAQlw/7M6uKwg4Drc5TtGaoap-FJVNJZEnVE0xgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01205%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01205" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01205" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l9gyrUc0n_I/WiiQkGp7J8I/AAAAAAAAQl4/r9YdAu8AQu0EPYw-Dd923oj9stR-tseDwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01205_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZhD7RoBsHMA/WiiQky4gYZI/AAAAAAAAQl8/S2fTThc8GOszH_OZQf2WZDFPER3fB82bwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01202"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01202" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01202" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3fm82-2Xh8c/WiiQlU8_RYI/AAAAAAAAQmA/UG-AsTakHcYS6FAaAbY1r1hfjI2_3pFDQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01202_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4dha7aJ0z40/WiiQl-yxYII/AAAAAAAAQmI/Pl8D5VSKyYwY0D1z6BNWlXwx7UaN07hSwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01204%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="176" title="LRG_DSC01204" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01204" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AKeNh84bGks/WiiQmawuMEI/AAAAAAAAQmM/6dksxDMfjJMaHiNjuBWF_qha0c4B1GaXQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01204_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FiMN-fjOWA8/WiiQnHB-9vI/AAAAAAAAQmQ/VuSshUMEoF0FD2X96i521-HUoOSDZhliwCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01207"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01207" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01207" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7-o1T8r4e6s/WiiQnqZSWWI/AAAAAAAAQmU/YeYI_VBikxA5_0zEFu26LF9BjcdPI_rzwCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01207_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zdDRFstoafg/WiiQoaR-R3I/AAAAAAAAQmc/KyQtzA2ojaMVtItIj4arjOZtTw1TvP9bQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01197"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01197" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01197" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Z92ftrUFXg/WiiQpYsmsdI/AAAAAAAAQmo/of_8eJ0HStE4ppE5eXGu2PB7KwGQLI0IACHMYCw/LRG_DSC01197_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">and then out to dinner in the Pearl area-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-itzgJo4NwZ4/WiiQqpA8rxI/AAAAAAAAQmw/CdTSocekbUkAf7v_gaMkhwLq4Iml2pX1ACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01216"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01216" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01216" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WYAOQQ7U4tY/WiiQqwW6QfI/AAAAAAAAQm0/_6CJcllMWC4tM9ksdyN0K-yvqMzgjA91gCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01216_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We ate here. The name is about the cured meats…</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5DELPtTDvw4/WiiQrlvBljI/AAAAAAAAQm4/ofWKWN9VbqU9yKgJd8Xkvm8TsZ9a0rpHQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01215"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01215" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01215" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KjQCIAzJsfo/WiiQsDFaC6I/AAAAAAAAQm8/YVfMIfJVkyQEjAaDjCLPhFeQdyykL9ycgCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01215_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">But I ate vegetarian-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h0SDextmRPc/WiiQs6MtBLI/AAAAAAAAQnA/ZzievLWgDpUdMpjWsS6JV0revgy_qPuYACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1558%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1558" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1558" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_0GZO7tdS4g/WiiQtRBjaqI/AAAAAAAAQnE/wfp_tNsQGj4D2khVVv9svFatRk7Zfh1ngCHMYCw/IMG_1558_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Seriously good.</font></p><p><font size="3">When we got done there were carolers </font><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3R-g5Mb8yCA"><font size="3">waiting to serenade us</font></a></p><p><font size="3">I tried and tried to embed the video but I can’t fight blogger. So annoying. </font></p><p><font size="3">Our view was not bad from our hotel either-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGxgmJFn3OM/WiiQt93AeUI/AAAAAAAAQnI/RpGkxviFJWU50K7OaWS1KtuUbOB9VzjmQCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01212%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="421" height="96" title="LRG_DSC01212" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oRJy-9vfP5E/WiiQuRqjYmI/AAAAAAAAQnM/qvm2gTiRxcs-R2ckSuXCi2-jmROW-krLQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01212_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">San Antonio Skyline</font></p><p><font size="3">We left early the following day and stopped over in Atlanta</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-08PTlm-NfLU/WiiQu9LOwSI/AAAAAAAAQnQ/XelwzWlBLGUlHa1kz-9szxHtgjE2nVegACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1563%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1563" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1563" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lb8-Zy3ZTiQ/WiiQvTWyXjI/AAAAAAAAQnU/sQ-Mf_ecCp4Eus7k5YQ53lQi7QlItwdMwCHMYCw/IMG_1563_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">It was 80 degrees in San Antonio on Monday……</font></p><p><font size="3">And it’s 19 degrees today. </font></p><p><font size="3">But I have to say, it was pretty fun!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGiSGJ9b1cs/WiiQwCHcgiI/AAAAAAAAQnY/DdkfliGbrP4ygMvWDEEMBOxGSqOzDBQEACHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01180"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="LRG_DSC01180" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01180" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bYpoyuQRDyE/WiiQwiS4_fI/AAAAAAAAQnc/ICpfCBM1aKcEDtn8yp-VlQHJzA0MjVZOQCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01180_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Breaking every rule while being culturally insensitive. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rb18JsidhDY/WiiQxC901-I/AAAAAAAAQng/KWOseqYSslU6gdw8PV4cswnZMDTD6wmxgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_3709%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="278" height="369" title="IMG_3709" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_3709" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q1XggzBsxdU/WiiQxqIk_MI/AAAAAAAAQnk/C0CMaGud9UIHILv3D_AFGycXVLK7zc8EwCHMYCw/IMG_3709_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Sorry….not sorry……………</font></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-52896659934822381172017-11-17T06:48:00.001-06:002017-11-17T06:48:05.859-06:00Catching Up<p><font size="3">After Ireland I had all sorts of plans. The following weekend was Women Run the Cities, and you all know that’s my favorite race of the year. It’s a beautiful 10 miler in Minneapolis. The following week was my Michigan Ragnar Run which was sort of stressful to plan as Michigan has a bit of a shortage on rental cars and hotel rooms. September was packed with activities. </font></p><p><font size="3">But there is a little saying I like to live by-You make plans and God laughs. </font></p><p><font size="3">So, right before we left Ireland Laura started to feel a little flu like. Nagging cough, nothing fierce. But on the day we flew home she started out strong but by the time we got to MN she was NOT doing well at all. Fever, flu symptoms, the works. The next day I felt good, rested, went about my business…..except in the afternoon I started to get a little cough and I knew I was had. By the following morning, when I was supposed to return to work, I had a temp of 102, body aches, pounding head ache, cough, and overwhelming fatigue. Dave had a little bit of a cough and I told him he wouldn’t last-he was already done for. </font></p><p><font size="3">He came home at noon. </font></p><p><font size="3">We spent the next four days rotating from the couch to bed. We couldn’t shake the fevers. Laura, patient zero, got better in two days. Not us. We finally went to the doctor on Friday, but only because I thought we’d need a note for work. This is how we looked. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tVxcuDjB2jM/Wg7aFjnH5lI/AAAAAAAAQe0/W7loHFJrIMICy_sLgtANVh2NmY97BORyQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1386%255B6%255D"><font size="3"><img width="324" height="244" title="IMG_1386" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1386" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X_IJorfnsvE/Wg7aGK2jUcI/AAAAAAAAQe4/0h4GG4ewMNcq5ORAQAv9q-5ste4X7bsBwCHMYCw/IMG_1386_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">It wasn’t our best day. I was actually fever free at that point (Tylenol is a miracle drug). Dave was still at 100 or so. </font></p><p><font size="3">Needles to say, when I told the NP that I had a 10 mile race in two days she wasn’t all that encouraging. </font></p><p><font size="3">I was like-I can do it! I can do it!…..I can’t do it. However, because we had an unseasonable over 90 degree heat wave with a huge bunch of humidity they called the 10 mile distance off. I could have gone up and run a 10 K but I really couldn’t have. So I didn’t feel so bad and I got a discount for next year-which is a whole other story for later. </font></p><p><font size="3">So that was that. But I missed a week of work AND I still had Michigan Ragnar the following week. Are you kidding me? That I couldn’t back out of. </font></p><p><font size="3">So-the following Thursday off we went to Whitehall MI, me and Tiff, to run Ragnar MI 2017. It was the weirdest Ragnar I’ve ever run. I hooked up with a team called the Humpty Dumps (don’t ask) and was in van 2. Two of the people had their own cars and drove themselves. It was crazy. I basically went for the scenery though, and it didn’t disappoint. I also want to give a shout out to the hotel, the </font><a href="http://www.themapletreeinn.com/"><font size="3">Maple Tree Inn</font></a><font size="3">. If you ever go to MI—stay here. Not only was it affordable, it was clean and quiet AND they let me leave my stuff there free Friday night, even though we weren’t there. Just the nicest people. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTlWRdopLvI/Wg7aGakiH2I/AAAAAAAAQe8/AEDbFjqQaNkte9SB8h7QnFM0zGumasJXQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1394%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1394" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1394" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4lL2rOb2CWE/Wg7aG40UwiI/AAAAAAAAQfA/ewbW5z2IYo8GiTaOZeOGtDpGb3lji8TbwCHMYCw/IMG_1394_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">But as I was saying, the scenery was beautiful and I had the most amazing night run. It was cool and dark and the sky was brilliant. I wish I could have taken a picture of that. It was a very pleasant 7.8 miles…except for the coughing fits. I wasn’t completely 100% but I was able to do it. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r2Hj-kKgpQ4/Wg7aHr5N7uI/AAAAAAAAQfE/pQhsXRpdxGM99OyFVhb44ULEPv4gt_SiwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01127%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="358" height="270" title="DSC01127" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01127" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5fMU3ZGRcM0/Wg7aIBwieqI/AAAAAAAAQfI/QbRPDTwDaQs8rwVrsgOU3Tl7fkCmt0q0gCHMYCw/DSC01127_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y4JXIn5MH-Y/Wg7aMqww96I/AAAAAAAAQfM/x1J5CIAeD-sy22_ukWvnVlPdVoXYLchRgCHMYCw/s1600-h/LRG_DSC01124"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="LRG_DSC01124" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="LRG_DSC01124" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nCt5k8RsNDo/Wg7aNAP1rAI/AAAAAAAAQfQ/TQYxfRKF8kAMi8Y1LhuV3o-PzarcOdLygCHMYCw/LRG_DSC01124_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hfeq-xeEC9A/Wg7aN-5TxoI/AAAAAAAAQfU/tEIhpsw3e2Ec5hIq2KJ2YflKEtiRQWtDACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01128%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01128" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01128" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mu6WT4S5Gac/Wg7aOF01JKI/AAAAAAAAQfY/0UaC7Xuq_SoEi62r08s8HEzJJVR3FLo1QCHMYCw/DSC01128_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Lake Michigan</font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kUPXe0aZB5A/Wg7aOvUQdII/AAAAAAAAQfc/FjJS-gdyVnoeJelf2hFPPeUyz6-IgspHwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01130%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="497" height="113" title="DSC01130" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01130" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YcjnLyp32uc/Wg7aPJKxX3I/AAAAAAAAQfg/wcSEo-rmQmw1sO1J58IozvnIcwooAAadACHMYCw/DSC01130_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YWynkEo-T3s/Wg7aPxvO_YI/AAAAAAAAQfk/kw-S5dlE72UQaUd6m6f7A2Hf6ajJ7o9-gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01132%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01132" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01132" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWcY5QytdJU/Wg7aQMVCHyI/AAAAAAAAQfo/MvyB08Ld41Q-b4wDfAPMQStfzp2E9JicACHMYCw/DSC01132_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-66WfAsm0kFg/Wg7aROba7lI/AAAAAAAAQfs/G6zPSrB8BY0SN_DP7m9a7Gf9PbkwiaFAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01133%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01133" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01133" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCisieWTyik/Wg7aRhIDUFI/AAAAAAAAQfw/gLYy7i_vs7Y0LCiCHIWteie7TlPa9KSJgCHMYCw/DSC01133_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We saw giant sand dunes—who knew?</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Qdl4Vx9j4s/Wg7aSGuqocI/AAAAAAAAQf0/CDv9UiX8WUAt90E8pjufXY5u6cdc9X0FACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01134%255B7%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01134" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01134" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cGJsv-QOZLI/Wg7aSii17hI/AAAAAAAAQf4/e4Ev20Y3VrIffHB2w1xcv9b4PCMyuuWUgCHMYCw/DSC01134_thumb%255B12%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">See them in the background??</font></p><p><font size="3">We had a delish dinner at <a href="https://bighartbrewing.com/">Big Hart Brewing</a></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ICrxMBnyVaY/Wg7aZaSjSuI/AAAAAAAAQf8/eqom8iJ22AIleiZ99equyPwacN49mX4GgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1403%255B7%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1403" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1403" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5nWmFWwjnfU/Wg7aZxw77QI/AAAAAAAAQgA/YSNWmJ6NvvYyQYocT6zJMI9824lh34jygCHMYCw/IMG_1403_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Van 2</font></p><p><font size="3">We stayed on Lake MI Saturday AM (I apologize for the quality of the picture but you get the idea)</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HdOMeGkrpfE/Wg7aaQMhGsI/AAAAAAAAQgE/EIcrfuHOTuMdVPDDKZVeXpwCKj4_v_IcgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01137%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01137" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01137" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dBHCnlPjdJ4/Wg7aa068nxI/AAAAAAAAQgI/V8zNcZVhz_IGBlTd_KVD6fi4TAd3Uk2cwCHMYCw/DSC01137_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We stopped by a lake on Saturday</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dAZDmCdsHYs/Wg7abVKrxTI/AAAAAAAAQgM/rLpL95-2F6kTZFJj4KSlTaIUMszFDHs2ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01140%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="440" height="100" title="DSC01140" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01140" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I9snzO0ujIQ/Wg7ab0YePjI/AAAAAAAAQgQ/3DhIxlB0CRMCX5TyYd9e95RLwUoASZNxwCHMYCw/DSC01140_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">where I took a bad selfie.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RB3fmHp5aS4/Wg7acfyj14I/AAAAAAAAQgU/VOEC5V4rvXIJ9zGhY4zKLHU6-2PfJ5PcACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01139%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01139" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01139" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--K-_ak6KVkY/Wg7ac1tk_yI/AAAAAAAAQgY/Jmaw5EB7Sb0WeVTvfIuTJP0R5yClH-dmACHMYCw/DSC01139_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And we finished in Travers City, at a lovely park. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cryIuLky_x0/Wg7adlu3ssI/AAAAAAAAQgc/NOwRk_CX6akRbAzb7MM-Uen-2TBR5gNwACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1402%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1402" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1402" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-va6K9ste4MU/Wg7ad9T0_zI/AAAAAAAAQgg/Ms31JSe_3c0-aKnMkhumwf-d9at-ADx7wCHMYCw/IMG_1402_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T-6fwf-j_Zs/Wg7aesvTCNI/AAAAAAAAQgk/X3DJUmzaXBkLWad3iqctArDWWNv5jAUfwCHMYCw/s1600-h/59d0d593fd4131af6b20420f-o%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="164" title="59d0d593fd4131af6b20420f-o" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="59d0d593fd4131af6b20420f-o" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ky3sd3Sb4wA/Wg7afA1-c-I/AAAAAAAAQgo/wAGVXHmVdecZBpVpJKL_VLB33yCMs_AfACHMYCw/59d0d593fd4131af6b20420f-o_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And so, another Ragnar in the books. </font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><font size="3"></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OUVevvOQH9w/Wg7af-jGibI/AAAAAAAAQgs/ZT7eTZL93KU-pbCWV0JiOEd09spTYINJQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1401%2B%25281%2529%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="IMG_1401 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1401 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ecl3Cf4uR0Y/Wg7agUv1vyI/AAAAAAAAQgw/BIg4vXOaOB8gwnvOOq0eznfoY_Mefk0hgCHMYCw/IMG_1401%2B%25281%2529_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And that’s how September ended!</font></p><p><font size="3">And here’s these two, with their best behaved, walking for a cause. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eFsTfi-IXIY/Wg7agpLh6cI/AAAAAAAAQg0/WQpKYivaxH4DIUwsDLAL-88BQVddsuGcgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1385%255B5%255D"><font size="3"><img width="331" height="316" title="IMG_1385" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1385" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jJpbOVC9_20/Wg7ahIQsL2I/AAAAAAAAQg4/FnTeCj04nj4AxG_zhUNI-hkskDhwcEYWgCHMYCw/IMG_1385_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-7221225666687475062017-10-29T19:34:00.001-05:002017-10-29T19:41:49.031-05:00Ireland-The Finale<p><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: small;">Today I downloaded LiveWriter for Windows 10 and it seems to be somewhat like the original LiveWriter that quit working with Windows 10. This should be interesting. And I’m sure it will take many hours to figure out how to upload it to the interwebs. But here we go. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">When I left off we were in Killarney and leaving for Limerick. We didn’t actually stay in Limerick, but about 15 minutes outside of town. On the way to Limerick we visited Bunratty Castle. Bunratty means that it’s at the mouth of the Ratty, which flows into the Shannon. The current castle was built in around 1425 (there were earlier structures) by the MacNamaras but then in 1500 was taken over by the O’Briens. Yep—you know you are in Ireland when you hear this kind of history. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, we stopped briefly in Adare and walked around the pretty houses. It’s supposed to be the prettiest village in Ireland. But I’m not so sure about that. There were colorful houses and thatched roofs. I suppose we were sort of in the midst of shops and things and we didn’t have much time to really walk around. I would have liked to explore the neighborhoods. I’m not sure I took any pictures there….</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We left Adare and headed to Bunratty and Folk Park. We had some time to spare before our castle tour so we looked around the grounds. They had some goats there and one very naughty one had escaped it’s pen and was eating the shrubbery. I’m not sure that goat was supposed to be munching the decorative plants. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1d2-GLY5KT4/WfZyHGckqXI/AAAAAAAAQXo/B9eFnkvqgoERDflTXaQstX1cK8IBaNd2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00959%255B1%255D%255B1%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="241" height="322" title="DSC00959" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00959" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDMP9bHUZXk/WfZyHzrHVcI/AAAAAAAAQXs/v_HGRMjUXCU6GRt6_wfNKjSYjLw8UuKswCHMYCw/DSC00959%255B1%255D_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EsdsvMcP-Io/WfZyI8u3PvI/AAAAAAAAQXw/uq955elY7ngEpyjogCjkwlct0mkBvQNZwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00957%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC00957" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00957" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_hIIEXX5Vk/WfZyJEM6API/AAAAAAAAQX0/Tm5kN092uws4z_7P1aujTHmWgHv-lHwDwCHMYCw/DSC00957_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Yep, that’s a goat that knows better. But more about that later. We got to the castle and had a tour-</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ES9LWq2-o78/WfZyJzAJy2I/AAAAAAAAQX4/J5ih4Oxta-cWYzMv8ULbMDtaQtuUxEMIQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00967%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC00967" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00967" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Mdw2XTRTpw/WfZyKWGItDI/AAAAAAAAQX8/36FORHrcNjofWkYFgfiqKh0mokMdnpMywCHMYCw/DSC00967_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dzbuprHOuNw/WfZyLJkAdrI/AAAAAAAAQYA/Hq5x-HIH8YgtbU4Io2CmVnXraX7zYb9TgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00966%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC00966" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00966" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4YgwyYNjhgQ/WfZyLsz3m2I/AAAAAAAAQYE/QWDgalZEZ3Q17FzlZcngpNM7pNjuL9ysACHMYCw/DSC00966_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jQCeGhQiHOw/WfZyMN8EYKI/AAAAAAAAQYI/FdzeETf3H2gKHlMdy-w2XCPG5ZP-LBxwgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00993%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="298" height="396" title="DSC00993" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00993" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aFPcXY1gj64/WfZyMvBR8mI/AAAAAAAAQYM/3kCae7qH-Tc32rC5fsck_Tw1dJNPSlSjwCHMYCw/DSC00993_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Can you imagine living here-the heating and cleaning-ugh. Although not sure that cleaning was high on the list. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">The great room from the ground….</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PWrLO5jPrQA/WfZyNGXHEDI/AAAAAAAAQYQ/CqjReOjubDUB_k4tZIGq_RUNEPpwm5vAgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00972%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC00972" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00972" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HTz9GGlB0LQ/WfZyNpOSCgI/AAAAAAAAQYU/aLMmDrV_gcgbcIlizM5iHEt-xtP7-ypVACHMYCw/DSC00972_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">And from above</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-La4PD6NfHH0/WfZyOfgU8hI/AAAAAAAAQYY/AfYoT_wuuWQHW9LWBomALkMUb8G8eOKGACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00982%255B5%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="393" height="295" title="DSC00982" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00982" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XhfT64sd-FE/WfZyaGQKajI/AAAAAAAAQYc/PybxC32cRdkupOOp5qToL_deM1nuApKFQCHMYCw/DSC00982_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lJjOChO1ouw/WfZya5J3dgI/AAAAAAAAQYg/RJnhIs--n3U8_SAZH1xGO7j27px9RKSkwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00969%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC00969" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00969" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bwOhpR5AYsk/WfZybvZI6RI/AAAAAAAAQYk/gworHwrTChAsnYUT1lLYEkwM3VRZ7XnfgCHMYCw/DSC00969_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kWvLhkfU1yM/WfZycd_yvpI/AAAAAAAAQYo/C8QvIN2UzD4ZK8v3_WCTaiCEyNo3F_v1wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00974%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC00974" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00974" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-9Ty2xcxUQ/WfZyc0u1eFI/AAAAAAAAQYs/eHv3h3irx1ghlGyS28br7N_O_P6wtXQyACHMYCw/DSC00974_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">There was some pretty cool stuff in there. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">This is the view from the top</span><br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BC5CYojAJcs/WfZydhSXAnI/AAAAAAAAQYw/iU33bKU3BUA83Moyms8O5yIZcQOLIq79gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00978%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="381" height="287" title="DSC00978" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00978" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LOYXlXCDnQY/WfZyeaFQLeI/AAAAAAAAQY0/5D11mpg7E3EHkevCm8mi9h4aslVKCmH9wCHMYCw/DSC00978_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">with the Shannon river running by. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oZoOr7BauDM/WfZyfN-B8EI/AAAAAAAAQY4/olXaAAecEkoVOFfqfBJ7FN1dYCeYhcwngCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00976%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC00976" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00976" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TiA9i6YGQmQ/WfZyfuxkh0I/AAAAAAAAQY8/QYUo2scdWG8HrVQO5hNKInJfLwCPhd_1QCHMYCw/DSC00976_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">And a selfie on the top</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j-bQo-yzhoA/WfZy1aJtK_I/AAAAAAAAQZE/BoHq4KutESg7VjsxG_Z-jvJ7K9twGzlDACHMYCw/s1600-h/51A46A03-B7D1-4A2E-8A3B-8BE78995C82A%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="51A46A03-B7D1-4A2E-8A3B-8BE78995C82A" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="51A46A03-B7D1-4A2E-8A3B-8BE78995C82A" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5n3D_NV_Mx8/WfZy14r-V7I/AAAAAAAAQZI/btQef9sFCbUjuaiiodj3-lYCnWPK7MdIwCHMYCw/51A46A03-B7D1-4A2E-8A3B-8BE78995C82A_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">We saw several types of farm animals</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y0gVidCilU0/WfZy3OMpkRI/AAAAAAAAQZM/0PLtYAnOLcQ-LH3d9o4Unjkzqf5OQ2FnwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00986%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC00986" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00986" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9STouh4WmLs/WfZy3R-pu_I/AAAAAAAAQZQ/7i4xfCVX7F4DNMR3YhodAQt9_0QwnK4swCHMYCw/DSC00986_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><span style="font-size: small;">More Goats, some ducks</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jQOdA56Lo24/WfZy4eIWzPI/AAAAAAAAQZU/6mVh6wlKlAke_7ALnVESe7TjC6OOdD8owCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00984%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC00984" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00984" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BQax3Gbvs_Q/WfZy4qsfj6I/AAAAAAAAQZY/9Z1eaay3ZY8br-TKph1DCk2wkO-VQOBSgCHMYCw/DSC00984_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">The usual. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">It was a pretty little place. </span><br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8C1Z3cQ3p2A/WfZy5tOOcTI/AAAAAAAAQZc/Q0QtvyqVjxIZQ4QdOSWdGbgCBUyLXbyNQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00989%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC00989" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00989" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ftI3hDF94E8/WfZy6RcOpHI/AAAAAAAAQZg/gG9tAPdxTiEfhizu04ePQLnAciomTAEBgCHMYCw/DSC00989_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">After lunch, we took off and went to Limerick. We found a place to eat and cabbed it into town.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">The River Shannon, only a little bigger downstream…</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wZ6J9jkRicE/WfZy6-8h_vI/AAAAAAAAQZk/UBvBvhK8R0chr9IuI2Q-KBEXaj2r-GfEACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00997%255B7%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="473" height="230" title="DSC00997" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00997" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gUVLTc7dQmQ/WfZy7AndRbI/AAAAAAAAQZo/7IsmWxd8x-gX7G3MiUNoNV646Zkk4d_yACHMYCw/DSC00997_thumb%255B9%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">The restaurant, </span><a href="http://azurrestaurant.ie/"><span style="font-size: small;">Azure</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">, was the BEST. Lordy. I really didn’t have a bad meal in Ireland, and this place didn’t disappoint.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">We had some time before our meal so we strolled around the St Mary’s Church grounds. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6G0euSrYel4/WfZy8Max6oI/AAAAAAAAQZs/aTq61ThdRl4XvX-Bnd7zoqEiISnx1JNIACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00999%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC00999" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00999" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fWULBKoHD6w/WfZy8RmhZ-I/AAAAAAAAQZw/vC-zXw_NP14o9B4198MTk_qlHr8Wt9DkgCHMYCw/DSC00999_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KdaYqH-4yyo/WfZy9GiYNvI/AAAAAAAAQZ0/1ZwA7M7m9vgFinZXvTjx8M7ZQZ5TTBvSACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC00998%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC00998" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC00998" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5kThIEwKpkY/WfZy9XZ0DdI/AAAAAAAAQZ4/lZxcmfUxheQOQ4k_FpTD9JvoNGO008auwCHMYCw/DSC00998_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">There was a very cool graveyard there….</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FMSYJtsHCw/WfZy-cIcKzI/AAAAAAAAQZ8/T9HjANWobsEDrZ6oTlvmvnaWr_qGRyl8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01007%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01007" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01007" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MVbMg5THcCM/WfZy-zlzJTI/AAAAAAAAQaA/MOHBwOdm6ooPLjS0dPYOGqr-gZch_0MtgCHMYCw/DSC01007_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">With this local hanging around-</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hMJl-neGdFk/WfZzDNiFboI/AAAAAAAAQaE/ZDU_KaMz7DwJzwTnD6tAkgpFoMizAsF9wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01003%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="385" height="290" title="DSC01003" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01003" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lqkv_DFUh7E/WfZzDoae_VI/AAAAAAAAQaI/84dt2cbf1e4YWh_q12v99fSq7WMZgWFswCHMYCw/DSC01003_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">We strolled after dinner around the area and saw some interesting sights</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UzrlJcPvx8g/WfZzEtmTpkI/AAAAAAAAQaM/VYapYs5b9BQw_OnNZJM7sNbtEtjGzBKmACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01009%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01009" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01009" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-evPl4pAJmOc/WfZzFNicvwI/AAAAAAAAQaQ/SC9LL_2Mk2AK0nf4u2vaLpGxV6ASjM8dwCHMYCw/DSC01009_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">It’s like Ireland just to have a random castle in the town. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">King John’s Castle</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p7psV3LllJY/WfZzF0w6AAI/AAAAAAAAQaU/TfyToaLgM7AZM7bIQ9lXzN-oqETBqJI8ACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01016%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01016" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--xk37hnoRSI/WfZzGJGLqzI/AAAAAAAAQaY/aUprcM6hCPU-LV1iBWTQAVpqYN9TuJnDgCHMYCw/DSC01016_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L2mhZlVTjg8/WfZzHNuYRII/AAAAAAAAQac/zdfGy0Z5-UML-Styyg5S5DBPRvVjUJKUQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01011%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01011" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01011" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NPJrXMJzYqs/WfZzHiXk1oI/AAAAAAAAQag/gcea7l2S4MUh7I7HoWBhtIDP0uNXETK4QCHMYCw/DSC01011_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i8MjoYQP1Uc/WfZzIQCOAUI/AAAAAAAAQak/4sgS2L29ixgKaio3OB3gDwEURgGKXsa-gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01010%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01010" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01010" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XXIowqRaXoY/WfZzI89og-I/AAAAAAAAQao/YNF3mlDLI7kiYIcAxNEYSHB2AfELd-f9ACHMYCw/DSC01010_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">It was getting dark and so we headed back to our lodgings</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GaWtFA2C1rU/WfZzJXE06OI/AAAAAAAAQas/vvpc2Q33-o4WDcb6et925EybCtOpM6AagCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01015%255B5%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="272" height="361" title="DSC01015" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01015" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0jpwxQBBR6s/WfZzKCYR9VI/AAAAAAAAQaw/4mlbqp30XwM3dP7eNO39PJXFauARyOYHACHMYCw/DSC01015_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Our last full day in Ireland we saw some beautiful things--</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">We went to the Cliffs of Moher, or, better known in the Princess Bride as “The Cliffs of Insanity”. We are really really sad we didn’t know that at the time. However, we might have driven people crazy saying that over and over. In addition to loudly exclaiming “In-con-ceivable”. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FeXYtqDZ4ro/WfZzKmnx7xI/AAAAAAAAQa0/2WytFlPyuicX5r_AqtYrFWGdvas4RBQJQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01033%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="271" height="360" title="DSC01033" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01033" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nqg4qvnMvrw/WfZzLbMqZMI/AAAAAAAAQa4/G6-8JlJ00jsVGZZ6sMvfnff_d9G__2jxgCHMYCw/DSC01033_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Insight Brewing had a post on Facebook asking where is your favorite place to Insight and I thought—Challenge Accepted. So, at the top of the viewing area I stripped off my outer layers and totally repped insight. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1LRoEm3iU54/WfZzMOg1fQI/AAAAAAAAQa8/6p2glxb1RWonwBM_AZCtRmSnkHiyyCBaACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01045%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="416" height="313" title="DSC01045" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01045" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-83htnUuoLYU/WfZzMoChhqI/AAAAAAAAQbA/Gce6aqyamA0KrYEmPkttXY7lxavT8r8iACHMYCw/DSC01045_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Yep-That’s me in my insight shirt with my pile of clothing next to me on the Cliffs of Moher. Right.On.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">I could post a zillion pictures of this place—but not wanting to subject people to my vacation photos I’ll show these few--</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_oTonflFrI/WfZzNTq9ueI/AAAAAAAAQbE/BW5uvv5OVo8Co02d3gtTZ1HRVX5_J_23gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01066%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="385" height="290" title="DSC01066" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01066" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-odxS85p-H4Q/WfZzN_TdSnI/AAAAAAAAQbI/yMFTI-RY4ngcqlOs4hdQWsF9rSMpXutPACHMYCw/DSC01066_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Those are the Aran Islands out there. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1qRRNl01SM/WfZzOZCjWII/AAAAAAAAQbM/J76I2MdyftE42vbYwvU04dJcmFLzUIiFgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01061%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="278" height="369" title="DSC01061" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01061" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r33ALXms6dE/WfZzO2SMbpI/AAAAAAAAQbQ/U4i7xnkOBXwO5W3U0XzdkQWwokS5pvR0wCHMYCw/DSC01061_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aG466nrHvWY/WfZzPlV8ZAI/AAAAAAAAQbU/h87aa9QC2ZsnNOmXGsSOmAalydvTCiSDgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01078%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="363" height="273" title="DSC01078" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01078" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cwdJzq2FmQY/WfZzQGYzu-I/AAAAAAAAQbY/lZZdGdlfzE0maVWpNPgbHhWZSGjqd8inwCHMYCw/DSC01078_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ax5JqKObt8Q/WfZzQmWoTfI/AAAAAAAAQbc/j_gGwKWOBr4xO8DoqNtxtUdhM3WaZfojgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01043%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="429" height="98" title="DSC01043" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01043" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XXhNBXqJcPU/WfZzRFtlpUI/AAAAAAAAQbg/4YCYZKms8qo0r4r0ThEouLidgLPsT77jwCHMYCw/DSC01043_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Looking the other way was green grass and cows. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-owcTHSVnffw/WfZzRnFf7II/AAAAAAAAQbk/Y6Mu7nuWcWERonWtVAAf2M1pnXkVF4_5QCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01070%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01070" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01070" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3fnaX70GqiU/WfZzSOl418I/AAAAAAAAQbo/mpeSsqUjYPAeVSVHSS4rvR1Sm2tK1FQ7gCHMYCw/DSC01070_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">they have curly hair. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DVtlWH4x0V0/WfZzS90acXI/AAAAAAAAQbs/NsYCqQ2-y74KxeepY1Y3J1bB880uQmjlACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01080%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01080" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01080" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AeWt8m9h6gM/WfZzThV2jlI/AAAAAAAAQbw/pugdqChtAAAANBICLFuYq3OGByeANEDtQCHMYCw/DSC01080_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Selfies on the Cliffs. Of. INSANITY!!</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJ0--3uIVOY/WfZzUf44FlI/AAAAAAAAQb0/X2KvsgxupTcF_ai27j7mtGZ3aQnJKo2tQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01038%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01038" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01038" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2FcQ6JpTuXw/WfZzUtAwJ6I/AAAAAAAAQb4/5uFa2_fVg2wilYVqnJAawpQ_k-FqRbN7QCHMYCw/DSC01038_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">I loved the place. And I could go back again. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">We took off through the back roads and This is what I saw-</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Cows that crossed the road and made us wait. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FGLokjfz-tY/WfZzVbjKyZI/AAAAAAAAQb8/MQxUugdEP3AUTA5urC5Tp9qP3BTRI65ZQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01091%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01091" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01091" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n-KHCC1sP8U/WfZzVzKSo5I/AAAAAAAAQcA/2Dce-PQHPxI8BTV2ZVTp77qOPspJTjCCwCHMYCw/DSC01091_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Green beautiful countryside</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lj9nt3w4uS0/WfZzWuQD_LI/AAAAAAAAQcI/MC0iDhYqQkU8gIVOmcp87_vMnHuVdXQkgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01085%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="404" height="304" title="DSC01085" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01085" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-06i6_51dD6E/WfZzXTrjqGI/AAAAAAAAQcM/Di44K6mJLNQ2NOd_ydk7WemWFhWrQOqlQCHMYCw/DSC01085_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">This big mound of rock is called the </span><a href="http://www.burrennationalpark.ie/"><span style="font-size: small;">Burren</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">. Which actually means rocky place, which it was but I didn’t get very good pictures. There was a guy at Folk Park that said the goats here are HUGE. Goats of unusual size. GOUS’s. (I shouldn’t be thinking of the Princess Bride….). We didn’t see any but I take his word for it. </span><br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Up6YAtd-hu8/WfZzYnOvBYI/AAAAAAAAQcc/jvZuu4NnL_4e5ZBcRmXwzhFAfiYO1jJugCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01090%255B5%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="422" height="239" title="DSC01090" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01090" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-azvvWlnq-s8/WfZzZths-QI/AAAAAAAAQck/YRec1z3P7oc7RiOl07UvdVybbdWjMPN3gCHMYCw/DSC01090_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">The we went and visited a farm with a little dog, whose name I think was Ted. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UPC94njdeO0/WfZzab2jCFI/AAAAAAAAQcs/1Y8ByC0zi-UQfuaga-abDfstwxF-f70ZgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01107%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01107" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01107" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GvoMTeobnmo/WfZzbKGfMxI/AAAAAAAAQcw/Rg5Db6s_0NEQfJQXxxcjyGUysEuqGjUvACHMYCw/DSC01107_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">He’s a sheep herding dog. Not a pet. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_Q_bG_ujXHk/WfZzb816WRI/AAAAAAAAQc4/Ajz3wTF5fN8cYnpW5zXV46J6XrF9-PenQCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01101%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="345" height="260" title="DSC01101" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01101" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zkWAxrIXlqw/WfZzcd1PpII/AAAAAAAAQc8/RcwBZ_V6pK89zW_Z8PyxzjRh-nb3eDV-ACHMYCw/DSC01101_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">They raise sheep for meat, not wool. The farmer said that the wool isn’t worth the shearing costs so they just shear them and sell the wool wholesale to China usually. Huh. OK. He said the Irish really don’t wear wool. What? Cause it’s kinda damp and cool and I’d think wool would be just the thing. I think he meant they don’t wear the fancy wool they sell to tourists like me. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">The farm house was quaint and the scones were good. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uamGk-wpaGo/WfZzcw_jdwI/AAAAAAAAQdE/ZVTeWyCOChYqYf8TIGpD0B88DNPFvtYYACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01108%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01108" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01108" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTIVg0XIwNg/WfZzdRLho-I/AAAAAAAAQdI/dEPoWqS102EhBEnMQGG7Bt6gth4QpRqqgCHMYCw/DSC01108_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xCSISiB2mZc/WfZzd4-5jCI/AAAAAAAAQdM/JNDuvg4uViotmY-lbDcn8R3EGTtJl4y5gCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01110%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01110" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01110" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_nlc6xm5lz8/WfZzeSoDmVI/AAAAAAAAQdQ/sqr_aTgmW0k5RokdaZVB2tq5BLcftMmeQCHMYCw/DSC01110_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lxK8vSdyGIM/WfZzfevJlMI/AAAAAAAAQdU/Ki7HpTdJ3EAgnPgcsbXxA3ypJTNq6OpkwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01115%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01115" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01115" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SZULfNoJhYk/WfZzfx95JOI/AAAAAAAAQdY/D7_guOvC53sLtEJhS044srgRlgNnAHRBgCHMYCw/DSC01115_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">And this super cute DIY. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3NCMWi-mOhQ/WfZzgxU75dI/AAAAAAAAQdc/yqDZFuK6w2EN4tfYb98rhtchcWVoelK8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01112%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="378" height="284" title="DSC01112" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01112" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2PtMYru6yTw/WfZzhZ-vAXI/AAAAAAAAQdg/rC7sVfupsIAPXvVdqbxpFpYJ0z1w8UdpQCHMYCw/DSC01112_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Yep, that’s a boot planter</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">Our group photo--</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WujBUHz0YHw/WfZziaHKCCI/AAAAAAAAQdk/z5Y8MiYitDEySaAPdlpeNrDiI3Xb_cqfQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20170916_130559%255B6%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="454" height="342" title="20170916_130559" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="20170916_130559" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-crft6J1lqVs/WfZziyfYnhI/AAAAAAAAQdo/ZNnmuZuej-s8joeQcoJ8kYfDSvW3vJ0pgCHMYCw/20170916_130559_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">After a brief stop in Galway and another delicious lunch here--</span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S4wyPZCKCfI/WfZzjWNtU9I/AAAAAAAAQds/-OVNKrjZwP4Tj6FdT0LWHSXDIXZ6nwzTgCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01118%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01118" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01118" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ed_e2_DF65I/WfZzj4sXg9I/AAAAAAAAQdw/AGiIeGDaCLI2Ohoq_pxWF3L1v0IdJyS-wCHMYCw/DSC01118_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hDHBT8vz8LI/WfZzkifcZoI/AAAAAAAAQd0/x35VP4erXLo3XWoKwSKz-UTU4nKYZakrwCHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01120%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="244" height="184" title="DSC01120" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01120" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QWGEVmsY098/WfZzlHkBe_I/AAAAAAAAQd4/94SUGZ4FLCogCCEwv1nT7F472waD5IflQCHMYCw/DSC01120_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">We headed back to our farewell dinner and got ready to fly out. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">We got to sit with our new friend Laura, on the left, and then Laura on the right. It’s what we called a Laura sandwich. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ufb_EceWHO4/WfZzl_nly6I/AAAAAAAAQd8/k2zlrFODM5c5MGU6dU5mbRtH0yURsBHsACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01121%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="373" height="281" title="DSC01121" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01121" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fyi00k8bYRA/WfZzmYdRhoI/AAAAAAAAQeA/_QQPKW2ILGgVcuYpSpXsG57PY5uVqHHcwCHMYCw/DSC01121_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">We got to Newark and went our separate ways. I had an expensive airport beer (x2) and poor Laura got really, really sick with a flu like illness. If not the flu</span><br><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LsjxSX4yW-Y/WfZznP6GIRI/AAAAAAAAQeE/pvlRwQVLvdYDJRi0UEduakYjNCKnqrlSACHMYCw/s1600-h/DSC01122%255B3%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="184" height="244" title="DSC01122" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="DSC01122" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NOaqIhl4FCk/WfZzniApbbI/AAAAAAAAQeI/x2mYA6z67dobaPWj61_6M9XP16flCiO9ACHMYCw/DSC01122_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"> 12</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> dollar beers…..</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">By the time we got home Laura was full on really really sick.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;">But even though we all shared what she had (even Dave) I had a fabulous time in Ireland. I saw the sights and I learned lots and I hope to go back in 2019 for my 60th birthday to do </span><a href="http://www.runrocknroll.com/dublin/"><span style="font-size: small;">this</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">. Yep. And I know all the places to go. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">And so ends our story……but maybe there'll be a part two someday. </span><br>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9ohA8JSDKlI/WfZzoV8u6VI/AAAAAAAAQeM/nMMKpUi3Tl01xxTAnPn4XZGjHw2hAyWCwCHMYCw/s1600-h/25EA58E1-9DD7-499C-8B5C-9C7C153AFEA3%255B4%255D"><span style="font-size: small;"><img width="412" height="310" title="25EA58E1-9DD7-499C-8B5C-9C7C153AFEA3" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="25EA58E1-9DD7-499C-8B5C-9C7C153AFEA3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HXPIDKUyT44/WfZzo5XPgAI/AAAAAAAAQeQ/TL2Wk-t_PF8WP8hlZBN7Uy-VcxT59crTACHMYCw/25EA58E1-9DD7-499C-8B5C-9C7C153AFEA3_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></span></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-37195602808121387752017-10-18T19:47:00.001-05:002017-10-18T19:49:45.072-05:00Ireland—part two<p><font size="3">Well, I figured out an easier way to get the pictures downloaded so I have them all on a file on my computer. Yay for the little things. However, my computer is still a sad excuse for technology right now. </font></p><p><font size="3">Either way—here’s part two of my trip to Ireland. </font></p><p><font size="3">We left Blarney Castle on Day 5 and we went to Killarney, a little town in the west of Ireland. </font></p><p><font size="3">It was a beautiful trip—and when we got there I had this</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ySs1Dy23cX4/WefKNxGgO5I/AAAAAAAAQRs/UeCoDNRn_oUxrCb_D13DkWynljscS0pJACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1067%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1067" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1067" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-An42y-iytzA/WefKOaH4KfI/AAAAAAAAQRw/RsADTAdFyGQ8CRtB7bvIswWrdaQWMogLgCHMYCw/IMG_1067_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4IolXKCbso0/WefKPOI0AGI/AAAAAAAAQR0/NHPgmIVlL3cnmcxx1oP_nEHquArvpFJ6QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1066%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1066" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1066" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PfPNoscTYXA/WefKPalHdcI/AAAAAAAAQR4/Yg47hCB5fB8wp9KaYNROZV6KWWXYXO_JACHMYCw/IMG_1066_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Yummy. I had a dinner of vegetable </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxty"><font size="3">boxty</font></a><font size="3">. Which is like a potato crepe with delicious filling. I ate it before I could get a picture. I also fell victim to a sweater-because when in Ireland….and the wool and fibers and all. Lord. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zf8fVzy03y4/WefKPo5YWeI/AAAAAAAAQR8/F1DKFD_TgjQ0CCDJPOOvn0bhv4QCqehpgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1069%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="246" height="327" title="IMG_1069" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1069" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ox0tCWi_Dps/WefKPxAglMI/AAAAAAAAQSA/0XGgXPIO3RMwdJRvve54nOhOxXtEnhBmACHMYCw/IMG_1069_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dAIsQ7xzn54/WefKQEnXmlI/AAAAAAAAQSE/WLHf6dR-VmwDnbRVthE_Q4vb2kC9A12jACHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_1068%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_1068" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_1068" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fkmqcz3UMl4/WefKQac3M1I/AAAAAAAAQSI/YLPUCZ94rD4d6NVSBf9mDsKi93ay9kVeACHMYCw/IMG_1068_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">That’s going to come in handy on the walk to work in about January. </font></p><p><font size="3">The next day we headed for the Ring of Kerry. </font></p><p><font size="3">On the way there we stopped for some photo ops-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lV-QQ-TCTH0/WefKQr4TEKI/AAAAAAAAQSM/rVIzwSEdkgk76H1JRn5r0k9WsTHN5ZZNQCHMYCw/s1600-h/D2E51784-A99A-4F63-823A-3509890BEACA%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="353" height="266" title="D2E51784-A99A-4F63-823A-3509890BEACA" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="D2E51784-A99A-4F63-823A-3509890BEACA" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_VGU_AzNVK4/WefKQyXDP8I/AAAAAAAAQSQ/EL6SjwhpvU0E6wD18cYe8RBHXpW_Fb2-wCHMYCw/D2E51784-A99A-4F63-823A-3509890BEACA_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DZJFot4Unv0/WefKRf_tZEI/AAAAAAAAQSU/tjpyVStG3WskSAAdMHsakjsrD-C6z_mUACHMYCw/s1600-h/842A99AB-B924-4D4F-915D-248F9B442D5F%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="842A99AB-B924-4D4F-915D-248F9B442D5F" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="842A99AB-B924-4D4F-915D-248F9B442D5F" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-olVBBYClzV8/WefKRonBvYI/AAAAAAAAQSY/_-Kcvpd9D8sq_2gE2gL7Sr1Y2USNxidwACHMYCw/842A99AB-B924-4D4F-915D-248F9B442D5F_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-13TYS9S6VcU/WefKR0NcJzI/AAAAAAAAQSc/49ihKAQ-jrUa_8NXKjCp13UMtJCCxodtACHMYCw/s1600-h/E56F7539-A455-4FCD-AED3-174853FA8C9F%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="E56F7539-A455-4FCD-AED3-174853FA8C9F" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="E56F7539-A455-4FCD-AED3-174853FA8C9F" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hFnaefeP-OQ/WefKSMb3eEI/AAAAAAAAQSg/vJVkVAAAt3Ua6f5G2-KlhlzarEDuH1YLwCHMYCw/E56F7539-A455-4FCD-AED3-174853FA8C9F_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">This is </font><a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/king-puck"><font size="3">King Puck of Killorglin</font></a><font size="3">. Can you see him? There’s quite a festival for him every August. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-grFqjF3WcHQ/WefKSlbdA8I/AAAAAAAAQSk/0W0XklfZ738e0WYEAErh-G0d70tpUMwXQCHMYCw/s1600-h/ABABBC41-9A0A-4E33-8AAA-D35359D12E3E%255B6%255D"><font size="3"><img width="471" height="355" title="ABABBC41-9A0A-4E33-8AAA-D35359D12E3E" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="ABABBC41-9A0A-4E33-8AAA-D35359D12E3E" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7-dW7I7iNwk/WefKS2C9KjI/AAAAAAAAQSo/mPsvQheSjQY5ZUXWZuNdjNC4A-zqtAhJwCHMYCw/ABABBC41-9A0A-4E33-8AAA-D35359D12E3E_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We stopped at the Red Fox Inn with about 300 of our closest friends….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--MWfl8YGHoc/WefKTaRZFBI/AAAAAAAAQSs/3hMrRzPflakHbGpSZhT7grjqgpI79aGAACHMYCw/s1600-h/28723297-D1AC-48D5-8F05-9C8C92E54769%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="392" height="295" title="28723297-D1AC-48D5-8F05-9C8C92E54769" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="28723297-D1AC-48D5-8F05-9C8C92E54769" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4UdTxKL549I/WefKTxFnZoI/AAAAAAAAQSw/ueTRNg9MDmgmQ96WzwHmbfzy0v2KpQ81ACHMYCw/28723297-D1AC-48D5-8F05-9C8C92E54769_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">I’m not kidding.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8eavliT7Kd4/WefKUB9pRKI/AAAAAAAAQS0/iuQhSg1yK-c293qz6IRxwX59W4QHzQTtgCHMYCw/s1600-h/5C9D38A9-4F81-4CB4-A08C-BCA3B324D3F4%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="5C9D38A9-4F81-4CB4-A08C-BCA3B324D3F4" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="5C9D38A9-4F81-4CB4-A08C-BCA3B324D3F4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4swJpagj60Q/WefKUmntLTI/AAAAAAAAQS4/Tn0ax2iCa5E3o0dQotTCAD0f9VhpokfngCHMYCw/5C9D38A9-4F81-4CB4-A08C-BCA3B324D3F4_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We got free Irish coffee. It was pretty danged good but no sure Laura liked it all that much!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--EPdxl7Pmw8/WefKU9KwF9I/AAAAAAAAQS8/8d5ccgKNj8of7mh0_Bdg6ROul--DzJx1ACHMYCw/s1600-h/071EF5FF-C36C-4157-BCFF-4D2AB34798C6%2B%25281%2529%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="071EF5FF-C36C-4157-BCFF-4D2AB34798C6 (1)" style="margin: 0px; display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="071EF5FF-C36C-4157-BCFF-4D2AB34798C6 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cjXxGjuc2rA/WefKVIATGoI/AAAAAAAAQTA/EyRNAPMGrj0FvKuRGb-xGv4pbwE1LVt4wCHMYCw/071EF5FF-C36C-4157-BCFF-4D2AB34798C6%2B%25281%2529_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ox-as9yeRZs/WefKViqCBvI/AAAAAAAAQTE/bZOA2e2pb8EXFyZoC94FKOQgxUgywz_yACHMYCw/s1600-h/69A57B95-A591-4237-B683-023A1458795A%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="69A57B95-A591-4237-B683-023A1458795A" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="69A57B95-A591-4237-B683-023A1458795A" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o4H-rs8HBrQ/WefKVwODZMI/AAAAAAAAQTI/F-XPogwQChIHprisVQHIX0QTN307kxEkwCHMYCw/69A57B95-A591-4237-B683-023A1458795A_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And off to the Atlantic--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gT7Cpwt3Vg8/WefKWGOoHHI/AAAAAAAAQTM/VyLtMowR6KMx81xtJbXOaMcNWIDU9vTjQCHMYCw/s1600-h/F9006A37-B527-4034-A86D-7F23290D9637%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="F9006A37-B527-4034-A86D-7F23290D9637" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="F9006A37-B527-4034-A86D-7F23290D9637" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u6GXFwbgLzs/WefKWiIFO6I/AAAAAAAAQTQ/MjpL2X4IAV8HCRPew6bbsol2gtkssBAAQCHMYCw/F9006A37-B527-4034-A86D-7F23290D9637_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We saw a real goat and a little dog in a rain coat-I’m not sure why.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HEI691beT0Q/WefKW6OnzsI/AAAAAAAAQTU/EFIzowNs2HoN1RnkHcFl3Yi2WIoQznfSQCHMYCw/s1600-h/489CA288-8D02-4143-80CB-9C38ADBF4C61%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="489CA288-8D02-4143-80CB-9C38ADBF4C61" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="489CA288-8D02-4143-80CB-9C38ADBF4C61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v9wQu0oP1rM/WefKXFAewsI/AAAAAAAAQTY/gV9Sxff0_b83PgAuX-m5McTC_ar4SPV_ACHMYCw/489CA288-8D02-4143-80CB-9C38ADBF4C61_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UCX4r4SW9WM/WefKXhyfFWI/AAAAAAAAQTc/WFyWMpZ2D0I14_rEhi1Fd0rm6sRyg76NACHMYCw/s1600-h/2B326A52-2D88-46A4-BB0E-0A80AF0658E9%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="2B326A52-2D88-46A4-BB0E-0A80AF0658E9" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2B326A52-2D88-46A4-BB0E-0A80AF0658E9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-janvK99RKx8/WefKX-RAcMI/AAAAAAAAQTg/F6ptbXdPJgwSnFoNbWPr1tt9nWRe1iQLACHMYCw/2B326A52-2D88-46A4-BB0E-0A80AF0658E9_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Yep. A goat with a view. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDru4o8SX0g/WefKYAaweLI/AAAAAAAAQTk/1p9ausitCkQd5ZIQeCVm0l3Xs-vS82oXQCHMYCw/s1600-h/894FEFAA-8091-4CC0-9C52-16E84759F7C9%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="347" height="261" title="894FEFAA-8091-4CC0-9C52-16E84759F7C9" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="894FEFAA-8091-4CC0-9C52-16E84759F7C9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d-BRJeXrbhI/WefKZUQvUTI/AAAAAAAAQTo/11z8a9mZyoIUj6dqQpVrmAT-B7APOnHKQCHMYCw/894FEFAA-8091-4CC0-9C52-16E84759F7C9_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We stopped in the town of Waterville and got close to the ocean.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UNyKmsyYEww/WefKZvOpxWI/AAAAAAAAQTs/ywZkgNEKGHUR55uUeYOOlMAwqdXm_WxIQCHMYCw/s1600-h/FD5C34D0-C521-4178-A1BF-C1FAC2AF3DF1%255B5%255D"><font size="3"><img width="770" height="173" title="FD5C34D0-C521-4178-A1BF-C1FAC2AF3DF1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="FD5C34D0-C521-4178-A1BF-C1FAC2AF3DF1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UZt1cKshNC8/WefKZ545jUI/AAAAAAAAQTw/kNcYfhkQrhQOsKwmL7P7WPh2Ra7PCFXigCHMYCw/FD5C34D0-C521-4178-A1BF-C1FAC2AF3DF1_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Laura dipped her toe in-I have photographic proof. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LoguVsDbHjc/WefKaTIntgI/AAAAAAAAQT0/Ye1CJ-tn3Bw3vs8EA6iQKlBVy7WNGAX0QCHMYCw/s1600-h/813581AC-5C5A-4765-91E0-180761A968AC%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="312" height="235" title="813581AC-5C5A-4765-91E0-180761A968AC" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="813581AC-5C5A-4765-91E0-180761A968AC" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LOPYT5R0bDg/WefKaqPgYZI/AAAAAAAAQT4/GYfHvTEjwwspvWIkAoolaMPi6fbQFG4twCHMYCw/813581AC-5C5A-4765-91E0-180761A968AC_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vdd8DqLNU5k/WefKa-BB2xI/AAAAAAAAQT8/vvKdhjlGWwsbPeERbO3bhiPJcbDsFzkCgCHMYCw/s1600-h/330DF497-293F-4E45-81A2-E70C2BD748AB%255B6%255D"><font size="3"><img width="353" height="471" title="330DF497-293F-4E45-81A2-E70C2BD748AB" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="330DF497-293F-4E45-81A2-E70C2BD748AB" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kS-ZcL2oSK4/WefKbKrzA_I/AAAAAAAAQUA/bfRJqmM3-L83GbfxQF9fFuRGFwvo1OSggCHMYCw/330DF497-293F-4E45-81A2-E70C2BD748AB_thumb%255B3%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We continued around the Ring of Kerry. I think you are supposed to go clock wise but I really can’t remember what our tour guide said. But she did say it was polite to go one way. We went counter-clockwise so maybe that’s the proper way. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3OOR5jL7dKc/WefKbVQyPaI/AAAAAAAAQUE/DornZ3jZnXMfFz-lfRd9kR3ljE3Yh6wFwCHMYCw/s1600-h/Rink%2Bof%2BKerry%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="517" height="310" title="Rink of Kerry" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="Rink of Kerry" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KOHwBRCcGp4/WefKbjRy-cI/AAAAAAAAQUI/OAaSvLltsAA8J0HxzQmcPoarBBIDNi7ogCHMYCw/Rink%2Bof%2BKerry_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Anyway—we stopped for lunch at a beautiful view point.</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7lfAO6BQVWw/WefKb1MEfaI/AAAAAAAAQUM/EcsHiFrmPLQJCuqZIFrKp9g1qjHOR3m1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/8C58BABF-84C6-4B88-8A18-8B25D665569F%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="651" height="147" title="8C58BABF-84C6-4B88-8A18-8B25D665569F" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="8C58BABF-84C6-4B88-8A18-8B25D665569F" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4PZ9vp9WPA4/WefKcIl118I/AAAAAAAAQUQ/4g8FnL6ZsvgWTftxkXtOu16jyqinI591wCHMYCw/8C58BABF-84C6-4B88-8A18-8B25D665569F_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-toCV8bEE6aw/WefKcgDGiWI/AAAAAAAAQUU/TKUVIiHc5-Q4B-L4GYrsUslUAvAXl8xlwCHMYCw/s1600-h/032947C4-5948-47C2-BEB7-7BC75D4E2060%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="324" height="244" title="032947C4-5948-47C2-BEB7-7BC75D4E2060" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="032947C4-5948-47C2-BEB7-7BC75D4E2060" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-li_wER-Uh_M/WefKc8c7lBI/AAAAAAAAQUY/h-sbtnB4kmwPqiGL4UzKZTB04AYd5OFJgCHMYCw/032947C4-5948-47C2-BEB7-7BC75D4E2060_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We ate lunch here, looking at the wonderful sights. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aoPV6LKxG4A/WefLGCUcMjI/AAAAAAAAQUk/S1SVDJpOwmsPvJQA8dlxy8vSWKJbmOJCACHMYCw/s1600-h/CEFD9CD7-C09A-4FD1-B0B6-B773D9C21251%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="CEFD9CD7-C09A-4FD1-B0B6-B773D9C21251" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="CEFD9CD7-C09A-4FD1-B0B6-B773D9C21251" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HPjIqLJQWlI/WefLGUEovzI/AAAAAAAAQUo/mg7FPChI_Xw0-cSnsDWjEFCG8UnTRicEwCHMYCw/CEFD9CD7-C09A-4FD1-B0B6-B773D9C21251_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We stopped in Sneem which had some interesting sights.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EvOd2hLw7_o/WefLG1PZl-I/AAAAAAAAQUs/X84bieYFUVEE9lV8554WDXcZH7ipKJm3QCHMYCw/s1600-h/64CD7D06-C751-4CE8-860D-E790D2BEC80F%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="361" height="272" title="64CD7D06-C751-4CE8-860D-E790D2BEC80F" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="64CD7D06-C751-4CE8-860D-E790D2BEC80F" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FbgjxMGYxe0/WefLHqxNnJI/AAAAAAAAQUw/r-1H_frgms0IhdI6WxgmOgV1jK5AJhv2gCHMYCw/64CD7D06-C751-4CE8-860D-E790D2BEC80F_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Do people look like their pets?</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iuxX5Uylg10/WefLIIPHhDI/AAAAAAAAQU0/-14Atfe_SSQd-P7I2FmkSAcpPnAnIhZWQCHMYCw/s1600-h/38A18DCA-6BE2-4D9C-8B91-12F3A8244ADD%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="38A18DCA-6BE2-4D9C-8B91-12F3A8244ADD" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="38A18DCA-6BE2-4D9C-8B91-12F3A8244ADD" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qtrk7gz_40U/WefLIfl9vjI/AAAAAAAAQU4/ejpnFakXAHMz_D0ghy-MGbH1ekwoG0h-QCHMYCw/38A18DCA-6BE2-4D9C-8B91-12F3A8244ADD_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">This river had a bridge over it that was grated and you could see down. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SOKeSffvPqw/WefLI_axFaI/AAAAAAAAQU8/PuzmgI8TjGY9fMCVzbuJSTRZuYFjBz56ACHMYCw/s1600-h/A68DCCDE-0B8F-4BB6-967D-8A56079CB958%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="A68DCCDE-0B8F-4BB6-967D-8A56079CB958" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="A68DCCDE-0B8F-4BB6-967D-8A56079CB958" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zIzjZ_rOkhA/WefLJGHgUII/AAAAAAAAQVA/-9tCy2OWr2wcGk2fVNQxqYgwTdgN2K9XACHMYCw/A68DCCDE-0B8F-4BB6-967D-8A56079CB958_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Kinda vertigo inducing. </font></p><p><font size="3">This is the national park--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KlA923MKb9A/WefLJdjtPbI/AAAAAAAAQVE/Fdjq8b980OARnx3inKBxahflaKOxqnyYwCHMYCw/s1600-h/A8E6954F-8174-4011-92F5-5959E1358F46%255B3%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="A8E6954F-8174-4011-92F5-5959E1358F46" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="A8E6954F-8174-4011-92F5-5959E1358F46" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WjG-EpeCbZ8/WefLJ859pTI/AAAAAAAAQVI/Y68gfcGEyOgtvomO-AR3JCIoWFphrXHdQCHMYCw/A8E6954F-8174-4011-92F5-5959E1358F46_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jYnpjoOkHaU/Wef19ZjYi0I/AAAAAAAAQVc/XnSxz4_8RI8oxyksen-hOa1CwO2wjtd7gCHMYCw/s1600-h/05CDD782-D173-4290-9283-E717363CB1DC"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="05CDD782-D173-4290-9283-E717363CB1DC" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="05CDD782-D173-4290-9283-E717363CB1DC" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-56MZX3tJIB0/Wef19lMLSPI/AAAAAAAAQVg/1ke-3i2OfDQ8vUHQrX0ZAHIVqG4hY4B9QCHMYCw/05CDD782-D173-4290-9283-E717363CB1DC%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">So lovely—I would have liked to hike there for a few hours. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-syQYC005JwA/Wef1-KMIdUI/AAAAAAAAQVk/ji49XXCqNgMklBSe1cx9xyPBSfir-rxjwCHMYCw/s1600-h/F9D10BF0-F3C2-4CF0-8F7F-361DA434DCD5%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="F9D10BF0-F3C2-4CF0-8F7F-361DA434DCD5" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="F9D10BF0-F3C2-4CF0-8F7F-361DA434DCD5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-Igpd_nQL8/Wef1-VlkEpI/AAAAAAAAQVo/yVWtsqykbWU6yVT5XSLTw-R_tX49zxmCQCHMYCw/F9D10BF0-F3C2-4CF0-8F7F-361DA434DCD5%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ZMY3q_hgKw/Wef1-56KyaI/AAAAAAAAQVs/9ALjHpFYbQIbT8rJlAKFDr2yiGci_h2eACHMYCw/s1600-h/D36FEBF9-DC7E-48C6-B6EF-FF39059B5399"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="D36FEBF9-DC7E-48C6-B6EF-FF39059B5399 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="D36FEBF9-DC7E-48C6-B6EF-FF39059B5399 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AuY8qkNOVjQ/Wef1_BTHCPI/AAAAAAAAQVw/K6HYV--kxh0d-h4pdm6uXmDP-A3BTEqKwCHMYCw/D36FEBF9-DC7E-48C6-B6EF-FF39059B5399%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">When we got back to Killarney we went on the jaunting cars. </font></p><p><font size="3">This is our horse, Whiskey.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NreWldnjX4U/Wef1_dXaj4I/AAAAAAAAQV0/rkz-lQbTlEMVJ_kk-CG0fChnrOjyFP6AwCHMYCw/s1600-h/003E6E55-AB46-4DE5-9872-81025CFD7F2A%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="003E6E55-AB46-4DE5-9872-81025CFD7F2A" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="003E6E55-AB46-4DE5-9872-81025CFD7F2A" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3C3btUVAH4Y/Wef1_uD1ShI/AAAAAAAAQV4/QfTP8NymWOs7AlU-wUiMHfvfzZW9dDFCgCHMYCw/003E6E55-AB46-4DE5-9872-81025CFD7F2A%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Over the river…….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WJ30ZpWmiUQ/Wef2AHAUxqI/AAAAAAAAQV8/-nDblCIsjb4ZF9QT7EI6fNo1o9Dp2ENqACHMYCw/s1600-h/12044CA9-3CDE-45F1-8473-D6379D2AB431"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="12044CA9-3CDE-45F1-8473-D6379D2AB431" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="12044CA9-3CDE-45F1-8473-D6379D2AB431" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K21JDlZSVmM/Wef2AlOLTCI/AAAAAAAAQWA/cEdEkoaU4tsOWLsz695sypsQ9t-2t7HyQCHMYCw/12044CA9-3CDE-45F1-8473-D6379D2AB431%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And through the woods…..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YC6qi8UZy9U/Wef2A3BpXxI/AAAAAAAAQWE/l74tyMDHvIE6bw3e48jZfpNeccvbN06RgCHMYCw/s1600-h/501F2129-4065-4523-8BEC-9B8B75F78DB0%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="501F2129-4065-4523-8BEC-9B8B75F78DB0" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="501F2129-4065-4523-8BEC-9B8B75F78DB0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x76H2Z5L-bs/Wef2BB8uKAI/AAAAAAAAQWI/EbZfrYShlh8aD6ZW19dwKgglDnD7_v7BwCHMYCw/501F2129-4065-4523-8BEC-9B8B75F78DB0?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We saw a castle that was very cool-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7gdLTsOlLws/Wef2BZftefI/AAAAAAAAQWM/dVg2oqjhkSsagHRWC9RTF72RefPtjCgwgCHMYCw/s1600-h/5746B8EC-5299-4AE3-BE85-467C993515FD%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="297" height="395" title="5746B8EC-5299-4AE3-BE85-467C993515FD" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="5746B8EC-5299-4AE3-BE85-467C993515FD" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IuJW5RNVPxQ/Wef2Bn8cICI/AAAAAAAAQWQ/hVDzf2uydAsBumD3MSgUuJdYD2KwKwcgwCHMYCw/5746B8EC-5299-4AE3-BE85-467C993515FD%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Posing with our pal. The driver said there was another horse, Samson, who was pretty crazy whenever a tractor went by. Nobody wanted to take that horse out. I wish I’d had a carrot or something cause I totally would have given it up to Whiskey. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BQsinLX8NVg/Wef2CJnHVKI/AAAAAAAAQWU/CVeK1JJqayETZe9JfJLivvHOtc8oJr8dwCHMYCw/s1600-h/9215D0EA-0A0E-4EAF-B71B-CF0F76A0AE88%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="9215D0EA-0A0E-4EAF-B71B-CF0F76A0AE88" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="9215D0EA-0A0E-4EAF-B71B-CF0F76A0AE88" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EdvB4vjqHEI/Wef2CaVq_MI/AAAAAAAAQWY/yNoEyOiHUHkXK68PlHIOsZQC0tXOFNr_gCHMYCw/9215D0EA-0A0E-4EAF-B71B-CF0F76A0AE88?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Grabbed some seafood for dinner and then took a walk to the </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killarney_House"><font size="3">Killarney House</font></a><font size="3">.</font></p><p><font size="3">The gardens, lawn, and view were breathtaking.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5-bCU2dbns/Wef2C5peyXI/AAAAAAAAQWc/SDmJ5uZSSLs-mrMVzt7U64z0Mw7eJrOqACHMYCw/s1600-h/B3D5F840-BBA3-438F-979C-1F8C0E44A357"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="B3D5F840-BBA3-438F-979C-1F8C0E44A357" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="B3D5F840-BBA3-438F-979C-1F8C0E44A357" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PFx3wpaehoQ/Wef2DLl_DPI/AAAAAAAAQWg/pQBogSF6BZQ9QCAfx97puhwNSLyZE_yoQCHMYCw/B3D5F840-BBA3-438F-979C-1F8C0E44A357%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h8T4I-1SqZw/Wef2DilGtiI/AAAAAAAAQWk/zU68fxCFD_UQNyLzUyEbCLbgPqc0BrcvACHMYCw/s1600-h/EB6482FC-C4D1-4C9B-9B56-556112934457%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="EB6482FC-C4D1-4C9B-9B56-556112934457" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="EB6482FC-C4D1-4C9B-9B56-556112934457" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q0tpiYagMbY/Wef2D7GH38I/AAAAAAAAQWo/WEazPF5CvOwMhgib_kHsdif9UKIk3ntrwCHMYCw/EB6482FC-C4D1-4C9B-9B56-556112934457?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qOVWwM8NxSg/Wef2EIpBs7I/AAAAAAAAQWs/DWlw-JjLBJgMrtIqxtWl2ikN-jGM0pi-ACHMYCw/s1600-h/B4C81DB1-7EC3-49C8-9D90-5FAA6F0C9853%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="B4C81DB1-7EC3-49C8-9D90-5FAA6F0C9853" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="B4C81DB1-7EC3-49C8-9D90-5FAA6F0C9853" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qDNtpzrTUhQ/Wef2EQnvS1I/AAAAAAAAQWw/U6fmUM6gzIQ-j_ydzEjxjVn1eI10V2FvQCHMYCw/B4C81DB1-7EC3-49C8-9D90-5FAA6F0C9853?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-no_Vt1Stxr4/Wef2Et6dIpI/AAAAAAAAQW0/y0gjGVSVYPUfNbjzGRuLKekTzrMVk1XWQCHMYCw/s1600-h/55768CCA-3F92-458B-BA85-0D49A65713C2%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="307" height="408" title="55768CCA-3F92-458B-BA85-0D49A65713C2" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="55768CCA-3F92-458B-BA85-0D49A65713C2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XrW2yVNX_r0/Wef2E-yiQcI/AAAAAAAAQW4/zfyl5HvKxg0XgIS4eesgaiQikcvaqjspwCHMYCw/55768CCA-3F92-458B-BA85-0D49A65713C2?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Our weather ranged from pouring rain to warm sun. We were very lucky that we only really got rained on a couple of times. Usually we’d get out, the rain would hold off, then we’d get to the bus and it would start raining. Like I say, we were so lucky with that. </font></p><p><font size="3">And you know—I think that’s enough for part two-cause our last two days were spent in the countryside around Limerick. </font></p><p><font size="3">Stay tuned--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pHDuuEyOIek/Wef2Fs5m-3I/AAAAAAAAQW8/I0J0YL30mdMFmwXtKeHaaA2wpID3I7kzgCHMYCw/s1600-h/7D437552-87CC-4EE8-BC26-AFE0D1A6A08E%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="368" height="277" title="7D437552-87CC-4EE8-BC26-AFE0D1A6A08E" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="7D437552-87CC-4EE8-BC26-AFE0D1A6A08E" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_16wKqF7kAI/Wef2F5M-azI/AAAAAAAAQXA/NwJXoM-T2KghOGMjDVHTFd_iCRMb1bZ8QCHMYCw/7D437552-87CC-4EE8-BC26-AFE0D1A6A08E%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-31776070894046464082017-10-12T06:42:00.001-05:002017-10-12T06:42:07.678-05:00Ireland—Part One<p><font size="3">Finally, I think I have the strength and the time to blog about my trip to Ireland which was a month ago! Sadly, when I got back I caught a flu bug from Laura who caught it in Ireland and was sick for a week. I still have the cough but at least I can stay up until 9 PM now. So that happened and it sort of put a damper on the trip and the blog.</font></p><p><font size="3">Then, Windows 10 Creator Updated automatically on my computer which has basically bricked the thing. It’s so bad now. I restored it once back to Windows 10 and it updated—again. Now it’s telling me I have to delete the account I added before I can restore again. Only I didn’t add an account, the account is me, and how it tells me to fix it doesn’t exist in the accounts page. AND—it’s blocking my ability to upload my iCloud pictures so this is going to be a difficult blog to create. I’m not winning at all. </font></p><p><font size="3">But back to Ireland.</font></p><p><font size="3">Laura and I set off over a month ago on an overnight flight to Ireland. </font></p><p><font size="3">Leaving from Laura’s house</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BvoKvJNu-T8/Wd9UFdp3yzI/AAAAAAAAQH8/nrdd3YvbbUcWWeDJdwJ9S53ztO2jeU6bACHMYCw/s1600-h/8B103A69-2D3D-4EB8-B710-7C20EE68255D%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="239" height="244" title="8B103A69-2D3D-4EB8-B710-7C20EE68255D (2)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="8B103A69-2D3D-4EB8-B710-7C20EE68255D (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8t-w4WdR5Y/Wd9UFkhZ81I/AAAAAAAAQIA/EH6h6YDbvZsw-0uTfOZDg08C9go5BClQACHMYCw/8B103A69-2D3D-4EB8-B710-7C20EE68255D%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We flew from MSP to Newark</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WhSNqlnmpHU/Wd9UGEJh7-I/AAAAAAAAQIE/qe2A1SYwPxAdu2kyseR4n_tJMaqzT22LwCHMYCw/s1600-h/EE6D109B-E0A1-421A-9C7F-6CE581ED9526"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="EE6D109B-E0A1-421A-9C7F-6CE581ED9526" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="EE6D109B-E0A1-421A-9C7F-6CE581ED9526" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vzdhsy6oPFI/Wd9UGTrUpGI/AAAAAAAAQII/CTxLz7CmAI4oC9upvCTvfMA473nGc5HRgCHMYCw/EE6D109B-E0A1-421A-9C7F-6CE581ED9526%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n3PkwMVPsWw/Wd9UGj7BJzI/AAAAAAAAQIM/JFCKWLte-aULrR3MgFamoXrUVA2cJr52ACHMYCw/s1600-h/D0426BD0-FB1A-4B10-9868-42B874677A43"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="D0426BD0-FB1A-4B10-9868-42B874677A43" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="D0426BD0-FB1A-4B10-9868-42B874677A43" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N_CvQSf--v4/Wd9UG8ulBAI/AAAAAAAAQIQ/4swnOkFW-vYq46qRMzY8jA5QuxjYdX04ACHMYCw/D0426BD0-FB1A-4B10-9868-42B874677A43%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">and from Newark to Dublin where we endured a crazy cab ride, got to our hotel, and had a whole day to see the sights (on about 3 hours of sleep, maybe).</font></p><p><font size="3">We walked and walked and walked and walked---</font></p><p><font size="3">We walked here--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ISA612jmVRQ/Wd9UHZphj1I/AAAAAAAAQIU/mqLMCqHNxW4kpM5I4dyYwpWgumt85ww4QCHMYCw/s1600-h/A53BB8A1-3A79-499C-8401-66134DD40964%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="204" height="244" title="A53BB8A1-3A79-499C-8401-66134DD40964 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="A53BB8A1-3A79-499C-8401-66134DD40964 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7lwXpC1AoE8/Wd9UHgq9X9I/AAAAAAAAQIY/Oybn-5FKtxkzCIT4jIXds4JC7XR8BBjkwCHMYCw/A53BB8A1-3A79-499C-8401-66134DD40964%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rGOhXfozG1I/Wd9UH4XMDxI/AAAAAAAAQIc/Cc1t0EzzUxIZMG_lOMUGYPtUfcu2DiNaACHMYCw/s1600-h/9AA14D99-D77D-4D8F-AE22-6D06288360D6%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="9AA14D99-D77D-4D8F-AE22-6D06288360D6" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="9AA14D99-D77D-4D8F-AE22-6D06288360D6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BT6KInkTW0w/Wd9UICcDDSI/AAAAAAAAQIg/kymJWPuBlgM1lnZEY-Lug2lJrz1Ri1yAACHMYCw/9AA14D99-D77D-4D8F-AE22-6D06288360D6%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ol6LwU3a7p4/Wd9UIgaAHbI/AAAAAAAAQIk/rkqDoroKR04UTi4BlfJXjE_YFZbvNSmZQCHMYCw/s1600-h/F9745AC4-C882-488C-97FD-462B3C841CD2%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="F9745AC4-C882-488C-97FD-462B3C841CD2 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="F9745AC4-C882-488C-97FD-462B3C841CD2 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UsnzxHqqyvc/Wd9UI4HTewI/AAAAAAAAQIo/4YeGlHxcZ-gc_DPdwnq-g6CT-VZDx-htwCHMYCw/F9745AC4-C882-488C-97FD-462B3C841CD2%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SHYrGnx0JOg/Wd9UJC_41fI/AAAAAAAAQIs/GWM_42iorfAV41db360EWM35caKHiCA8gCHMYCw/s1600-h/85918815-D04A-4935-A3D3-493AC46AB44E%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="85918815-D04A-4935-A3D3-493AC46AB44E (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="85918815-D04A-4935-A3D3-493AC46AB44E (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mcuHu5fPxgA/Wd9UJZfZ6iI/AAAAAAAAQIw/l32nhGY5di0w0tfjOTjx7CmgLHmu_e3owCHMYCw/85918815-D04A-4935-A3D3-493AC46AB44E?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BlHLrUfA074/Wd9UJ3xVirI/AAAAAAAAQI0/aX3B-rzETSM23s74VFA12tTSKY62yHY1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/49D54A26-D996-4B1E-90E6-9EB6E6B82536%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="49D54A26-D996-4B1E-90E6-9EB6E6B82536" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="49D54A26-D996-4B1E-90E6-9EB6E6B82536" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k9snzHcc0L4/Wd9UKOcKSOI/AAAAAAAAQI4/wyg0sDZPqC4DNKUjPDnOL47tTgKo-yKLwCHMYCw/49D54A26-D996-4B1E-90E6-9EB6E6B82536?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">On our walk to the knitting store</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qPcArtUdOwQ/Wd9UKgiOzwI/AAAAAAAAQI8/qBpDwtDx0GIrxpgpHXeeu2W7MPfrbdMkgCHMYCw/s1600-h/99FC55EF-39F5-4B3E-B6FE-D4768FF7C0FF%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="99FC55EF-39F5-4B3E-B6FE-D4768FF7C0FF" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="99FC55EF-39F5-4B3E-B6FE-D4768FF7C0FF" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-718Wsxc6YYk/Wd9UK2sOe2I/AAAAAAAAQJA/DN-t_5uLO1sx1o0lOGx6zube6stMzJ1FACHMYCw/99FC55EF-39F5-4B3E-B6FE-D4768FF7C0FF?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">Castles in Dublin</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pE_RO6FESGw/Wd9ULeEMyqI/AAAAAAAAQJE/NsX5MvpbOCQBoOh7FuOyz79NTJ74NuETACHMYCw/s1600-h/14471F0C-8825-4E1C-B748-3BF01E35F9B0%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="14471F0C-8825-4E1C-B748-3BF01E35F9B0" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="14471F0C-8825-4E1C-B748-3BF01E35F9B0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bv-1R43kTiU/Wd9ULv8BiFI/AAAAAAAAQJI/FTH4MlTSDlA5x7p-_JH1RTl388m8qvtZwCHMYCw/14471F0C-8825-4E1C-B748-3BF01E35F9B0%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">I didn’t check inside to see what was in there….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bvVcjlEyxyw/Wd9UMJn5-TI/AAAAAAAAQJM/rjDu7MT6iGkGVRTM7UjPpEAsSv2uhpWPgCHMYCw/s1600-h/732788D4-03F9-4BCE-AF4D-33E99226029A%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="732788D4-03F9-4BCE-AF4D-33E99226029A" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="732788D4-03F9-4BCE-AF4D-33E99226029A" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-77MKRfyUE-A/Wd9UMQk5FiI/AAAAAAAAQJQ/vdkkNBOIqccAE71z5hKYcWkOwfVFZpVlQCHMYCw/732788D4-03F9-4BCE-AF4D-33E99226029A?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">We walked by lovely churches…</font></p><p><font size="3">And Molly Malone</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8amyOp77HM/Wd9UMmHhkgI/AAAAAAAAQJU/8bGpjazu1uwAafwFPKndXlX6UhXEQFNiQCHMYCw/s1600-h/6B88B01C-D4A1-4F7A-A50C-1D482EC0BF97%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="6B88B01C-D4A1-4F7A-A50C-1D482EC0BF97" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="6B88B01C-D4A1-4F7A-A50C-1D482EC0BF97" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sPR2u_k_1-4/Wd9UNGRyP1I/AAAAAAAAQJY/0kckNUxopOA7JYWgyOflqW_gaUMeD6o7wCHMYCw/6B88B01C-D4A1-4F7A-A50C-1D482EC0BF97?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We walked to the Museum of Natural History, we shopped, we walked some more, and then we FINALLY got our rooms, met with our tour group, had a delicious dinner, and were in bed by 7:30. </font></p><p><font size="3">The following day we took a formal tour of Dublin with our group. I can’t tell you where we went cause it was very round about. However, I did learn the the government reimburses the public for bikes if one buys a bike, the thought being they will bike to work instead of driving a car. It must be working cause there are a lot of bikes on the road. The other thing is you can sure tell the locals from the Americans. By about 40 pounds….</font></p><p><font size="3">The Library at Trinity College</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SNq9iUUZEYs/Wd9UNTebr9I/AAAAAAAAQJc/2j6e9MVGmE02aKN4kFcRilAJ0lsIgavbwCHMYCw/s1600-h/87764832-3E41-49AA-B89D-2B6E1ABA82DF%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="87764832-3E41-49AA-B89D-2B6E1ABA82DF" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="87764832-3E41-49AA-B89D-2B6E1ABA82DF" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L49JfNepKHk/Wd9UNgcvk1I/AAAAAAAAQJg/Ch5n3bVRJcAKwU31zzl6qfmXABGJz67LgCHMYCw/87764832-3E41-49AA-B89D-2B6E1ABA82DF?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Psu1NlzARs/Wd9UOCat2OI/AAAAAAAAQJk/8uWmeWivkykORUE3K9cKk1f9rhPw7t42gCHMYCw/s1600-h/74141E2A-86F4-47E1-8804-4746E39B8DEA%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="74141E2A-86F4-47E1-8804-4746E39B8DEA" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="74141E2A-86F4-47E1-8804-4746E39B8DEA" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-II4cBwwdq08/Wd9UOfiAuSI/AAAAAAAAQJo/xkvT8A4A788YDFFGaj0ta13-XNBMC3t6QCHMYCw/74141E2A-86F4-47E1-8804-4746E39B8DEA?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">The Temple Bar</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nH0hT-VUmCw/Wd9UO53XYVI/AAAAAAAAQJs/t57_-kuqWrYIi_HmrCEniV2BO1JbtnLawCHMYCw/s1600-h/0897E947-C8AB-41C3-896C-6A266BD5480D%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="0897E947-C8AB-41C3-896C-6A266BD5480D" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="0897E947-C8AB-41C3-896C-6A266BD5480D" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7eJn1q8pC7w/Wd9UPIBQaKI/AAAAAAAAQJw/FMZiFC1AeG0yfq3X4tqSJkr35_kIp8Z3wCHMYCw/0897E947-C8AB-41C3-896C-6A266BD5480D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Ha’Penney Bridge</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zGOq8eAuQps/Wd9UPiQzrGI/AAAAAAAAQJ0/TtAFgfp7PcUEQnWf_QOGZfl5m57-rhbLgCHMYCw/s1600-h/AFD39641-DBE0-444D-BCA5-2A2ED8AC95B3"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="AFD39641-DBE0-444D-BCA5-2A2ED8AC95B3" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="AFD39641-DBE0-444D-BCA5-2A2ED8AC95B3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kYPpIZu6rmM/Wd9UP4kbseI/AAAAAAAAQJ4/z7Gi4eYaBoAPvagmbKzSXhkiVkXFlfHGQCHMYCw/AFD39641-DBE0-444D-BCA5-2A2ED8AC95B3%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uUqQvDGW3Cw/Wd9UQBUOWuI/AAAAAAAAQJ8/gcYyobOR9BcJFQj_8sZWPmBObFihaNbRACHMYCw/s1600-h/E93FC308-18F1-4B9C-9EAC-6720D4CB2C86%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="137" height="244" title="E93FC308-18F1-4B9C-9EAC-6720D4CB2C86" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="E93FC308-18F1-4B9C-9EAC-6720D4CB2C86" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d9YT0AgyWzw/Wd9UQS9KvqI/AAAAAAAAQKA/19qJz7b7UmEIC4Yh8hVnBkqAKDBKPXy6gCHMYCw/E93FC308-18F1-4B9C-9EAC-6720D4CB2C86%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uUqQvDGW3Cw/Wd9UQBUOWuI/AAAAAAAAQJ8/gcYyobOR9BcJFQj_8sZWPmBObFihaNbRACHMYCw/s1600-h/E93FC308-18F1-4B9C-9EAC-6720D4CB2C86%255B1%255D"><br><font size="3"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Christ Church</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n777e3TnGQY/Wd9UQyg81WI/AAAAAAAAQKE/qHtpcT2fCB0uFZTzTxnU1M37h4nrdP7hQCHMYCw/s1600-h/A9E7F9F1-4F31-40A0-B952-8091C3EF825A%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="A9E7F9F1-4F31-40A0-B952-8091C3EF825A" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="A9E7F9F1-4F31-40A0-B952-8091C3EF825A" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k35Dv0t3ZlA/Wd9URJldm5I/AAAAAAAAQKI/iY3SF6aHkscqsoGg5tX0CdGE87qnp38OQCHMYCw/A9E7F9F1-4F31-40A0-B952-8091C3EF825A%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UN4mecPzeN8/Wd9URTFU3eI/AAAAAAAAQKM/b7W8VdYQlloVOaoWzGniMlUBB5qpZgYWgCHMYCw/s1600-h/5BBE2899-18F7-4C83-AD13-E213160917E7%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="5BBE2899-18F7-4C83-AD13-E213160917E7" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="5BBE2899-18F7-4C83-AD13-E213160917E7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eVrkWkX6Ydc/Wd9URvVZpZI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/CFEJ82M7bOwHCojNt1ocTTAwHY6ecoy7gCHMYCw/5BBE2899-18F7-4C83-AD13-E213160917E7%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q4hnJvLWC3M/Wd9USIcBd-I/AAAAAAAAQKU/Zc48UViq3zAaIDb6JixrcTiASnHOHF9XwCHMYCw/s1600-h/13B1650A-C6E3-4F28-ACD6-4D1CFF6AC1E7"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="13B1650A-C6E3-4F28-ACD6-4D1CFF6AC1E7" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="13B1650A-C6E3-4F28-ACD6-4D1CFF6AC1E7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ML8MHdq_cKA/Wd9USU2eWyI/AAAAAAAAQKY/jRAqGGopHwUwOP61xwLDsgrlivLalb9PgCHMYCw/13B1650A-C6E3-4F28-ACD6-4D1CFF6AC1E7%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We rang the church bells…..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3hDqosNYml8/Wd9US3Aj6jI/AAAAAAAAQKc/nL2-RsJDDocm3Fes1-fmlnNlLy76fuG7wCHMYCw/s1600-h/73A9ACEC-A64F-4691-8955-3FFE13D2BD1C%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="73A9ACEC-A64F-4691-8955-3FFE13D2BD1C" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="73A9ACEC-A64F-4691-8955-3FFE13D2BD1C" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q8g_HFBO0v0/Wd9UTL1rywI/AAAAAAAAQKg/3oPtG3cWm5cegsKkMzRT711O6d0ru6ekQCHMYCw/73A9ACEC-A64F-4691-8955-3FFE13D2BD1C?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yq2hOcIUS68/Wd9UTcboTrI/AAAAAAAAQKk/ckX3MYFdDIQsgvAX9hteZeI04DG-9Ge2wCHMYCw/s1600-h/image0012"><font size="3"><img width="240" height="244" title="image001" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="image001" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CiP0v3bL1Lk/Wd9UT3tWKoI/AAAAAAAAQKo/s0VaIUUhBJ8zIXIu9MhQNSyllJtwc2W1ACHMYCw/image001_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And we looked out </font><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pale"><font size="3">beyond the pale.</font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NSdv6R8Y-JQ/Wd9UUE1poGI/AAAAAAAAQKs/gt8NQAxBx7ArZYeae-ogNG33wOKZlE_4ACHMYCw/s1600-h/ABBFAD86-6744-4D0D-9FB4-7E57036E49FC%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="166" title="ABBFAD86-6744-4D0D-9FB4-7E57036E49FC" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="ABBFAD86-6744-4D0D-9FB4-7E57036E49FC" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7D0847rJdDA/Wd9UUQm5CFI/AAAAAAAAQKw/V7IpbKD_ydo4TX5YU6c2QR9yh33g1OkfwCHMYCw/ABBFAD86-6744-4D0D-9FB4-7E57036E49FC?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We went to the crypts and saw a mummified cat and rat that were taken out of the organ way back in the day. The cat chased the rat up into the pipes and that’s why the organ sounded so out of tune…..</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWih3HZhs-I/Wd9UU0TxcuI/AAAAAAAAQK0/adBpfvfOSGE4VdJYDx-5XZJxXjgN1F4HwCHMYCw/s1600-h/7312ACDD-BB54-40C0-B518-CEEF94191E73"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="226" title="7312ACDD-BB54-40C0-B518-CEEF94191E73" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="7312ACDD-BB54-40C0-B518-CEEF94191E73" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zLYKc-24FwU/Wd9UVEFaKzI/AAAAAAAAQK4/b4LVVNN2V1o1__urD8ZL2OtBHnqZseqZgCHMYCw/7312ACDD-BB54-40C0-B518-CEEF94191E73%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Dinner at Dublin’s oldest pub—The Brazen Head</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dq-MwgdVmEM/Wd9UVs14cDI/AAAAAAAAQK8/-9X23wuRLaIf9TUYB5yeHSvWbT4QsxyoACHMYCw/s1600-h/76D49C5F-FE1D-4BFE-A823-80CAEEE4E030%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="76D49C5F-FE1D-4BFE-A823-80CAEEE4E030" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="76D49C5F-FE1D-4BFE-A823-80CAEEE4E030" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AdN1cXEWOew/Wd9UV2FAiQI/AAAAAAAAQLA/0BDWtcTmA6ogcEQvK9p33TUjy_Gk8FTyACHMYCw/76D49C5F-FE1D-4BFE-A823-80CAEEE4E030%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Food was really good but the service was crap. Don’t go there. Or if you do, don’t tip. We didn’t. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nzrF5NIDLNU/Wd9UWeQ9UOI/AAAAAAAAQLE/sCk6Be7FgbIbyQEDNAWVIfxxpix0MX9HQCHMYCw/s1600-h/8F159468-83A7-4CCB-AB71-CB929D5B6EB2%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="8F159468-83A7-4CCB-AB71-CB929D5B6EB2" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="8F159468-83A7-4CCB-AB71-CB929D5B6EB2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mm3nC1SBxnI/Wd9UWojqQdI/AAAAAAAAQLI/AYYWhL31XaAjyeUdNg7YT_LlxAMGn3_5QCHMYCw/8F159468-83A7-4CCB-AB71-CB929D5B6EB2%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We moved on the next morning to the country side and to Waterford via Kilkenny. That was very nice. </font></p><p><font size="3">Beautiful scenery</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JK5z324OTPM/Wd9UkHovsUI/AAAAAAAAQLM/b-0toIgZX4ITVYskZd8IXO5B8LvhU3LDgCHMYCw/s1600-h/0CBD3AF4-0C77-409F-95F0-03F1E397CB08"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="0CBD3AF4-0C77-409F-95F0-03F1E397CB08" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="0CBD3AF4-0C77-409F-95F0-03F1E397CB08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p0EcaSMyF2Q/Wd9UkWEOT5I/AAAAAAAAQLQ/3CGmv-g3wnIol5npSG9Vm3UyRYB-K4CAgCHMYCw/0CBD3AF4-0C77-409F-95F0-03F1E397CB08%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vpuYTWtSPTI/Wd9Uk5HRlqI/AAAAAAAAQLU/ovMUbBIJ_Jwio3ZcpsE2uhQH0u46xvBOwCHMYCw/s1600-h/719BD319-55AA-40D6-BF2E-BA68CB458EBC"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="137" title="719BD319-55AA-40D6-BF2E-BA68CB458EBC" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="719BD319-55AA-40D6-BF2E-BA68CB458EBC" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a5F1OR3ca9k/Wd9UlWFRCWI/AAAAAAAAQLY/LcSbwQagjYobUYsKLnMasYfEb2WPA9SEACHMYCw/719BD319-55AA-40D6-BF2E-BA68CB458EBC%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We walked towards another old church with a big tower—</font><a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHWA_enUS603US603&tbm=lcl&q=churches+with+towers+in+kilkenny+city&oq=churches+with+towers+in+kilkenny+city&gs_l=psy-ab.3...4612.6659.0.7170.12.12.0.0.0.0.195.1213.0j9.9.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..3.1.127...0j0i5i30k1.0.Gn-qxE5oTdQ#rlfi=hd:;si:11156723864572206140;mv:!1m3!1d189.07675277577758!2d-7.2573877!3d52.656681!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i25!2i15!4f13.1"><font size="3">St Canice’s Cathedral</font></a><font size="3">--which of course we climbed right up. </font></p><p><font size="3">But first we saw an alley filled with umbrellas.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CVxzI52biBw/Wd9Um_97QtI/AAAAAAAAQLg/fFNMdXYcpjwuaDWput0CXtYSCW1S_y1qgCHMYCw/s1600-h/7D2A4E66-1A56-47D6-8882-5B1F2B801635%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="7D2A4E66-1A56-47D6-8882-5B1F2B801635" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="7D2A4E66-1A56-47D6-8882-5B1F2B801635" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nb025NKkoGY/Wd9UncXraMI/AAAAAAAAQLk/fy1jjs8F-uoa7sfYPKG4JGBRHTSKIfCrwCHMYCw/7D2A4E66-1A56-47D6-8882-5B1F2B801635%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And a the colorful town</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GrMjymMKZ60/Wd9Un71593I/AAAAAAAAQLo/v6iu3gDNaGsxVsirCS01QLEN315GmiqUgCHMYCw/s1600-h/A0F13E67-4111-4D36-982F-49EC4AF4269F%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="A0F13E67-4111-4D36-982F-49EC4AF4269F" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="A0F13E67-4111-4D36-982F-49EC4AF4269F" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ruJ-sOvtJUo/Wd9UoI9pNjI/AAAAAAAAQLs/LhTrMZddrbUcB9PZHkHi6IEKYxiEDmRGgCHMYCw/A0F13E67-4111-4D36-982F-49EC4AF4269F%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vloO56KKVMc/Wd9UobRDTbI/AAAAAAAAQLw/h3VGHbNVXXMujVq9lyoezo1A7VtMVmhFQCHMYCw/s1600-h/64BB89AA-8B2A-42E4-921D-E3BC17CA77F2"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="64BB89AA-8B2A-42E4-921D-E3BC17CA77F2" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="64BB89AA-8B2A-42E4-921D-E3BC17CA77F2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KY_GqiBmel0/Wd9UoqpMymI/AAAAAAAAQL0/P8iNWQJXOzclAPZVDaqeuK68whsyL7TJwCHMYCw/64BB89AA-8B2A-42E4-921D-E3BC17CA77F2%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">St Canice’s tower</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SLycHE5b__0/Wd9UpHo_0vI/AAAAAAAAQL4/5wB0w6vP5AAE3MXLW2EOFu5eWGokGLFvwCHMYCw/s1600-h/5147AD14-47C7-44D8-B7B0-88153DD04BB6%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="5147AD14-47C7-44D8-B7B0-88153DD04BB6" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="5147AD14-47C7-44D8-B7B0-88153DD04BB6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YiETo1CPRms/Wd9UpbkzE0I/AAAAAAAAQL8/uZ_8AcQycXgG2YqxJlvPYs67EqbgqP1lwCHMYCw/5147AD14-47C7-44D8-B7B0-88153DD04BB6%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">On top of tower--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OrBIm8L9TPU/Wd9UplhINoI/AAAAAAAAQMA/7_q8CvJccusLv6zqZctWGoxOChvFdaaLgCHMYCw/s1600-h/68AE216B-DEC7-4A88-8311-BCA417BB83D0"><font size="3"><img width="582" height="132" title="68AE216B-DEC7-4A88-8311-BCA417BB83D0 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="68AE216B-DEC7-4A88-8311-BCA417BB83D0 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E--Usc-g6PE/Wd9Up3ravCI/AAAAAAAAQME/XlcjWgtyC7A-2Agg-CsOGTQUHlrSmgt0gCHMYCw/68AE216B-DEC7-4A88-8311-BCA417BB83D0%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sASF-Y8RPcM/Wd9UqTgcd9I/AAAAAAAAQMI/PogtTnHp2ysLT91stOgXv73r2_2c0UA4gCHMYCw/s1600-h/BE9E4201-C8BA-4896-88EF-F052995C8F58"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="BE9E4201-C8BA-4896-88EF-F052995C8F58" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="BE9E4201-C8BA-4896-88EF-F052995C8F58" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u-8zJKxQHxw/Wd9Uqt_qhrI/AAAAAAAAQMM/QgXEK2QtKUEg-_YJHg2r0UYJjkAihBetQCHMYCw/BE9E4201-C8BA-4896-88EF-F052995C8F58%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">and in the beautiful church</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0gqlAXL1KKg/Wd9Uq-yTp6I/AAAAAAAAQMU/R8IDia7wNXANZWEeW8jhIBElp7HMv2rGwCHMYCw/s1600-h/91FDB985-5AC6-4FA1-973E-926AC8E1838D%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="91FDB985-5AC6-4FA1-973E-926AC8E1838D" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="91FDB985-5AC6-4FA1-973E-926AC8E1838D" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Juy9OL5jyiI/Wd9UrH9Mo-I/AAAAAAAAQMY/g1_hNGdXpT8FUA97_DWKH6r5RZBuC463ACHMYCw/91FDB985-5AC6-4FA1-973E-926AC8E1838D%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">This is the Leper window, where the Lepers got to peek in at the service. Those Irish think of everything. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pPFKxWhOZEw/Wd9UrhrNpfI/AAAAAAAAQMc/flHozUUqO2U2AqgCBDbC2hNpb-SErPAmQCHMYCw/s1600-h/5E991D73-577A-4011-A6C8-021846DCB1D2%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="5E991D73-577A-4011-A6C8-021846DCB1D2" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="5E991D73-577A-4011-A6C8-021846DCB1D2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rYq_NbahLo8/Wd9Ur0_4pDI/AAAAAAAAQMg/ELlgCMr3PcwFAudMWw6aYIMUTFzNuGq9gCHMYCw/5E991D73-577A-4011-A6C8-021846DCB1D2%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">We also poked around the Kilkenny Castle, but we had to hurry up cause our bus was leaving and Laura does NOT like to be the last on the bus. Me? Not so much as long as I’m not late. Anyway, this was really a fun place and I’d go back there if I ever get the chance. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nlQgfSBrV-Q/Wd9UsDEM04I/AAAAAAAAQMk/DLzKP2NqclIwonJM0yxbGv2R5034cpVvgCHMYCw/s1600-h/5D1C2649-A883-41F4-AA0A-E54D35B9A5FC%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="5D1C2649-A883-41F4-AA0A-E54D35B9A5FC" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="5D1C2649-A883-41F4-AA0A-E54D35B9A5FC" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UFkipzaZmOM/Wd9UsurR73I/AAAAAAAAQMo/DR1NE58FgQ8xGC-7_8aGGb8XwlVutO18ACHMYCw/5D1C2649-A883-41F4-AA0A-E54D35B9A5FC?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Waterford was very rainy. We had a tour of the town and we stayed in Thomas Meagher’s house. If you don’t know who that is, there’s a great book called </font><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011H55RD6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1"><font size="3">The Immortal Irishman</font></a><font size="3"> that I read right before I left. It talked all about Waterford and there’s a statue of Thomas in the middle of town. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-suCzF7CqwkE/Wd9UtMGLJwI/AAAAAAAAQMw/KoKaaYJK_08feWWgaPTwxI_4OYyb6qlBQCHMYCw/s1600-h/FE9F70D3-C622-434B-90EB-2743A4C7DC7E%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="351" height="264" title="FE9F70D3-C622-434B-90EB-2743A4C7DC7E" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="FE9F70D3-C622-434B-90EB-2743A4C7DC7E" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3ugd_e1iCzY/Wd9UtVVaDUI/AAAAAAAAQM0/4VNqQkjAeIgngQmYxg888UdcewsmeqpvwCHMYCw/FE9F70D3-C622-434B-90EB-2743A4C7DC7E%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">A hero in Ireland and America</font></p><p><font size="3">Highlights of the tour--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZebZIHYsoBQ/Wd9Ut2tMFrI/AAAAAAAAQM4/yfUpvTqyur8-VufCWZ8WUHUIzP5-szp1wCHMYCw/s1600-h/D1AC845C-B2CC-4594-AC6B-D881FFA707B1%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="D1AC845C-B2CC-4594-AC6B-D881FFA707B1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="D1AC845C-B2CC-4594-AC6B-D881FFA707B1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z0l5BVpRMUI/Wd9Ut-5FOQI/AAAAAAAAQM8/WqxYYGIX708kJ3jXoZ3Rm_DM3z4O0VkkACHMYCw/D1AC845C-B2CC-4594-AC6B-D881FFA707B1?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wtyhM3EZid4/Wd9UuUsOSiI/AAAAAAAAQNA/bZcazmaohlUQaR4JLyBu7iTYC8GfQAfAQCHMYCw/s1600-h/E4200905-FFBD-4B50-AD8B-7B9EAE23D91A%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="E4200905-FFBD-4B50-AD8B-7B9EAE23D91A (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="E4200905-FFBD-4B50-AD8B-7B9EAE23D91A (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-StYLVTJZ6ns/Wd9UuqOQR8I/AAAAAAAAQNE/-wSpU2xdQUINcsOl5zAsjypu6n3rV6JnACHMYCw/E4200905-FFBD-4B50-AD8B-7B9EAE23D91A?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rP83vV9ojc8/Wd9UvCXhlkI/AAAAAAAAQNI/liTQkkTMraAzZcKvWLzWpcqhwgwXwdbXgCHMYCw/s1600-h/E9883EDE-D71E-4BDA-B754-D287D2EE0285%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="E9883EDE-D71E-4BDA-B754-D287D2EE0285" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="E9883EDE-D71E-4BDA-B754-D287D2EE0285" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D_fuAQS-WVQ/Wd9UvFNTBaI/AAAAAAAAQNM/iajKp5ltooIjLRJ3cPtf1TSP5Y9Y3BAzgCHMYCw/E9883EDE-D71E-4BDA-B754-D287D2EE0285?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vP9VZmq91gM/Wd9UvqMwjdI/AAAAAAAAQNQ/EBVFMAcxOjcjnRCFU1BMWCK3CS76SRJGgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2518FF9B-1ACE-4E15-82E0-4FAFE456D8AB%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="218" height="244" title="2518FF9B-1ACE-4E15-82E0-4FAFE456D8AB" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2518FF9B-1ACE-4E15-82E0-4FAFE456D8AB" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o10B39goeTE/Wd9UvzOREfI/AAAAAAAAQNU/RtBN37s5tSYB_T8cr_zli9G_t2inJXFWACHMYCw/2518FF9B-1ACE-4E15-82E0-4FAFE456D8AB?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">The view our of our hotel was pretty fab</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rAcLPHszZJo/Wd9UwDTmTNI/AAAAAAAAQNY/nLtHcDj1BgsJsUtQxQNozn9OUG49v3VCACHMYCw/s1600-h/81B61093-2A83-4F35-864D-7D3D5BDEF23F%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="163" title="81B61093-2A83-4F35-864D-7D3D5BDEF23F" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="81B61093-2A83-4F35-864D-7D3D5BDEF23F" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YxwDUm8Vm5Y/Wd9UwZOL8hI/AAAAAAAAQNc/OHRcRmLiphABMSsea4ovrfFX74Isueu-wCHMYCw/81B61093-2A83-4F35-864D-7D3D5BDEF23F%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-URjsLfqNq1I/Wd9UwrhPw4I/AAAAAAAAQNg/0BbOzUo5Z4QR6cntojtk3CqhUmr3hFrcgCHMYCw/s1600-h/B73D2280-2A8F-494D-8283-BEF83FA229DC%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="B73D2280-2A8F-494D-8283-BEF83FA229DC" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="B73D2280-2A8F-494D-8283-BEF83FA229DC" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B2U29bbSSYE/Wd9Uwx3sYlI/AAAAAAAAQNk/snsJEi2W55cKi6QQ2var36RtfQNcYHmXQCHMYCw/B73D2280-2A8F-494D-8283-BEF83FA229DC?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And we wandered about that evening….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V7167aTKFpk/Wd9UxEt-3FI/AAAAAAAAQNo/I_tc9_tlPb0iaCmx-dV7wKDwhRKeLUFrQCHMYCw/s1600-h/7C232A40-73F9-4077-B5A8-9B6BFA2BCEFC%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="7C232A40-73F9-4077-B5A8-9B6BFA2BCEFC" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="7C232A40-73F9-4077-B5A8-9B6BFA2BCEFC" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Kep89FHm3W4/Wd9UxcQsKZI/AAAAAAAAQNs/iWmjaKBAwuAGxyHJZHccLhm0XO8QSZToACHMYCw/7C232A40-73F9-4077-B5A8-9B6BFA2BCEFC?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mcHUrURk76s/Wd9UxtNChII/AAAAAAAAQNw/ll9KqPpMP5wAUncLHnh7ub6_Bej1yTG0QCHMYCw/s1600-h/65229DC2-8B7F-4311-A808-6CC7FC423F5E"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="65229DC2-8B7F-4311-A808-6CC7FC423F5E" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="65229DC2-8B7F-4311-A808-6CC7FC423F5E" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eHCk_adUZQc/Wd9Ux83adsI/AAAAAAAAQN0/35r2AmGDt0Yr0o4HugiFGffu8-nt-Nn-ACHMYCw/65229DC2-8B7F-4311-A808-6CC7FC423F5E%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qeczE-Au7MY/Wd9Uyc7bmPI/AAAAAAAAQN4/lacjEQJh5T0waucBd0J9gasl9K4S247PgCHMYCw/s1600-h/13989C4D-1578-4741-BDA4-7C610E6620FE%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="13989C4D-1578-4741-BDA4-7C610E6620FE" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="13989C4D-1578-4741-BDA4-7C610E6620FE" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X_CBuc0OUY8/Wd9UyicD5fI/AAAAAAAAQN8/rEnFvK8wRs4a_ZmCQ9-f-pqJb3pBqh6SACHMYCw/13989C4D-1578-4741-BDA4-7C610E6620FE%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qdylvxzrINY/Wd9Uy9iv67I/AAAAAAAAQOA/22jFVg8ROIg_GkK0ZoJmAeOklibs3Z5OACHMYCw/s1600-h/9597FFF3-A013-4CFD-A8AF-F9D4850A7B5D%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="9597FFF3-A013-4CFD-A8AF-F9D4850A7B5D" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="9597FFF3-A013-4CFD-A8AF-F9D4850A7B5D" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p5v8tUQtpu8/Wd9UzIXW_0I/AAAAAAAAQOE/B-4IZ-rMDfgM0bhwladcKRJxnWuKGvJhgCHMYCw/9597FFF3-A013-4CFD-A8AF-F9D4850A7B5D%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">The next day we were off to Killarney via the Blarney Castle. Lots of tourists but also a lot of fun. When we were up in line for kissing the Blarney Stone (Laura, not me) we were in front of a woman who was also a tour guide. She was fascinating. </font></p><p><font size="3">But first we had another beautiful drive</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xNlGJdifPwg/Wd9UzRGAsQI/AAAAAAAAQOI/fWydXRw1dUs7khl_LkozOObODCcuqaeMACHMYCw/s1600-h/EB97BD7F-100B-4543-8095-8CA3C76F5377%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="EB97BD7F-100B-4543-8095-8CA3C76F5377" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="EB97BD7F-100B-4543-8095-8CA3C76F5377" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HvEPzLFOuDU/Wd9UzoSOX6I/AAAAAAAAQOM/LeV1ozC63C8WxlO4XznNYoegXfr_7iXAACHMYCw/EB97BD7F-100B-4543-8095-8CA3C76F5377?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7vk-kAExTP0/Wd9Uzw-unQI/AAAAAAAAQOQ/mbOpm0QgPwYyXjtnPdtaziAgrIlh6NYgQCHMYCw/s1600-h/3A777D9D-30E6-4325-9C17-3CA4B7622E67%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="136" title="3A777D9D-30E6-4325-9C17-3CA4B7622E67" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="3A777D9D-30E6-4325-9C17-3CA4B7622E67" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KIe8yi3itUg/Wd9U0MpwlFI/AAAAAAAAQOU/7i5mf4UDyoA8CEL2mM8KoP2b3GMxsWgnACHMYCw/3A777D9D-30E6-4325-9C17-3CA4B7622E67%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwYfUzTf-3o/Wd9U0Yk7vJI/AAAAAAAAQOY/gqpj4S-tTScmPfNp98vHT-mooVZR5DsfgCHMYCw/s1600-h/1485F83A-3C4A-4794-ABE4-F428907A740C%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="554" height="189" title="1485F83A-3C4A-4794-ABE4-F428907A740C" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="1485F83A-3C4A-4794-ABE4-F428907A740C" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zvQTa4kIAb8/Wd9U0p3dADI/AAAAAAAAQOc/VJ5dihnpwn8JF9pwZ6Gy1ezCaJ3aIYVrwCHMYCw/1485F83A-3C4A-4794-ABE4-F428907A740C?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N-T1A-qST2Q/Wd9U1HJnT9I/AAAAAAAAQOg/0nkKkkaDcwog0ElnmLDKSy6xMglRZVtUwCHMYCw/s1600-h/A647271F-AB27-40F5-B361-F1549AA5ECC4%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="A647271F-AB27-40F5-B361-F1549AA5ECC4" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="A647271F-AB27-40F5-B361-F1549AA5ECC4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1-cRkQ76ovY/Wd9U1QUcBoI/AAAAAAAAQOk/iClKOrgXZ1UIRZX0iIagMKkkldE4jQmdwCHMYCw/A647271F-AB27-40F5-B361-F1549AA5ECC4?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And the Blarney Castle</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tRO36tvMUww/Wd9U1rGndsI/AAAAAAAAQOo/Xyf5JbpEnUQT4vjh6ocQHAXf4Ke_1Cr5wCHMYCw/s1600-h/F7AAC16B-28FE-4453-A99E-F3BE3D17AA00%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="F7AAC16B-28FE-4453-A99E-F3BE3D17AA00 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="F7AAC16B-28FE-4453-A99E-F3BE3D17AA00 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VMfd80o8AVM/Wd9U1zXZghI/AAAAAAAAQOs/yM0L8utrDyUN_Mo2JxtspIWuOk351DqmACHMYCw/F7AAC16B-28FE-4453-A99E-F3BE3D17AA00%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">There was some surprising and heartwarming yarn bombing going on. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K0FU2Dc1It0/Wd9U2MufA_I/AAAAAAAAQOw/kv8EyFJJvc8gS0PAIcYAlt-WEKpviLl8wCHMYCw/s1600-h/AAEF2971-C439-4476-8F0A-1F5211B0F7B8%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="AAEF2971-C439-4476-8F0A-1F5211B0F7B8" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="AAEF2971-C439-4476-8F0A-1F5211B0F7B8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YDdXBkcOLh8/Wd9U2cvnohI/AAAAAAAAQO0/raRSL3S5Xds_IBZQkbj8mmxCvsnPMaigQCHMYCw/AAEF2971-C439-4476-8F0A-1F5211B0F7B8?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1vGejrbeBtM/Wd9U3I8vYEI/AAAAAAAAQO4/vaFvxBqx_T0r0LFa_AUoVmD0Fw9SU4YdwCHMYCw/s1600-h/CD8E7261-78F6-485A-98CB-5A3B577B8514%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="CD8E7261-78F6-485A-98CB-5A3B577B8514 (2)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="CD8E7261-78F6-485A-98CB-5A3B577B8514 (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M2FDbaiinF8/Wd9U3WJjpUI/AAAAAAAAQO8/sGvuoenFjEYWkKHxfuvTc1xi4TNtiTtFACHMYCw/CD8E7261-78F6-485A-98CB-5A3B577B8514?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Right?</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDFZLcdpAYM/Wd9U3hjLIII/AAAAAAAAQPA/6qM3cI0RE5U3Zfh_keCKDzPN2YiUbKx1QCHMYCw/s1600-h/9D86520A-AB8A-4F6C-B735-ED4F1B70157C%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="9D86520A-AB8A-4F6C-B735-ED4F1B70157C (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="9D86520A-AB8A-4F6C-B735-ED4F1B70157C (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-15yPoP0E15c/Wd9U3xje4YI/AAAAAAAAQPE/U7fJCPiH9C07wv0B1uCIjksxop_9h12AQCHMYCw/9D86520A-AB8A-4F6C-B735-ED4F1B70157C%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">They need a new roof…</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JhNO4rmSpWI/Wd9U4RiFJAI/AAAAAAAAQPI/epb_6X8OyEApx1jsBsHhizdG1gXXIJmgACHMYCw/s1600-h/6F7D2917-BB4E-48A3-A75F-D97A19EAC62F"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="6F7D2917-BB4E-48A3-A75F-D97A19EAC62F" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="6F7D2917-BB4E-48A3-A75F-D97A19EAC62F" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SJ5pYm7qrHo/Wd9U4vjqT6I/AAAAAAAAQPM/49VZfaglu8EeiFGWJ-uMiCQwFPzQAzhYQCHMYCw/6F7D2917-BB4E-48A3-A75F-D97A19EAC62F%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="3">And possibly new floors….</font></p><p><font size="3">But the view is epic!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L4kL4xNeMdM/Wd9U5MdMkRI/AAAAAAAAQPQ/69UHCZbpbH8ZsjkdcM9wROjk4IHgP2vQQCHMYCw/s1600-h/32F749E8-2DF3-445F-9D59-E04DCD40EFE0%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="32F749E8-2DF3-445F-9D59-E04DCD40EFE0" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="32F749E8-2DF3-445F-9D59-E04DCD40EFE0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GQW3_0eXQN8/Wd9U5Z7DbvI/AAAAAAAAQPU/6_h7_CObfBcCYtPCLwNLWB6z5b_E5f2swCHMYCw/32F749E8-2DF3-445F-9D59-E04DCD40EFE0%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S7tseodO9fQ/Wd9U5wFKddI/AAAAAAAAQPY/g4aQwL5ws6Am-kGs0UI1I2nRmvVWdLvlgCHMYCw/s1600-h/26867F2C-C8D0-4B52-BBAA-A890F0B98459%255B2%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="26867F2C-C8D0-4B52-BBAA-A890F0B98459" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="26867F2C-C8D0-4B52-BBAA-A890F0B98459" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TAHxIbw-Jec/Wd9U7BqMKPI/AAAAAAAAQPc/bpzXse4aDqQk7IYF1-gmsEtMmwfgPZOxQCHMYCw/26867F2C-C8D0-4B52-BBAA-A890F0B98459?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YDy0kejrc-A/Wd9U7bnBsmI/AAAAAAAAQPg/3voo6XjwsmgKCgkWLWhKo1Xfe31ejvuPgCHMYCw/s1600-h/367DE628-5777-4582-A548-5FAB06D4E1EA%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="367DE628-5777-4582-A548-5FAB06D4E1EA (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="367DE628-5777-4582-A548-5FAB06D4E1EA (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0GL0G6ANXAs/Wd9U7uhp2FI/AAAAAAAAQPk/TreT5x6FQqwYcqyG1whwHAf2G4oKL78NgCHMYCw/367DE628-5777-4582-A548-5FAB06D4E1EA%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Who wouldn’t want to live there? Except for our accidental tour guide said the conditions weren’t all that great and the people were a little bit smelly at times. So, maybe not so much. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iJSdqVKihCY/Wd9U8BI9DxI/AAAAAAAAQPo/pfh5oGxxlnsl-DDYU9oMV-4F9VEqB9HUQCHMYCw/s1600-h/999B1678-1E9B-4A49-A865-219A99ECB6BD%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="999B1678-1E9B-4A49-A865-219A99ECB6BD" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="999B1678-1E9B-4A49-A865-219A99ECB6BD" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QWX4l92rx-I/Wd9U8baZ6UI/AAAAAAAAQPs/ahbVwvpPSiAoSyiG8DUFfCvXG2l7wg2qgCHMYCw/999B1678-1E9B-4A49-A865-219A99ECB6BD%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bAspi5p6pf4/Wd9U8lLll5I/AAAAAAAAQPw/hUelc-v9PoMe8zrb9yFdSPsoQ-jtNzUjgCHMYCw/s1600-h/4FBA43FA-C37E-49FB-BD73-085140480EB1%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="4FBA43FA-C37E-49FB-BD73-085140480EB1" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="4FBA43FA-C37E-49FB-BD73-085140480EB1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qQT8lgOWoo4/Wd9U80XFGaI/AAAAAAAAQP0/gy2SBtR2r8QW1hZ4sf4BRsS2UabMA59vgCHMYCw/4FBA43FA-C37E-49FB-BD73-085140480EB1%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">After about 45 or 50 minutes Laura kissed the stone--</font></p><p><font size="3"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hlq38B8XSKA/Wd9U9USFdDI/AAAAAAAAQP4/XjA9-5Nkm0oXDmr0IQ_Qu0WvfvdzwiO6wCHMYCw/s1600-h/CCCD518F-0007-40FF-9C14-4B9AC450131D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="CCCD518F-0007-40FF-9C14-4B9AC450131D" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="CCCD518F-0007-40FF-9C14-4B9AC450131D" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fxb0IpDc6ag/Wd9U9h2l0fI/AAAAAAAAQP8/NTKWt-7A68sbp1KvQvVtpiYICWfz1WBPACHMYCw/CCCD518F-0007-40FF-9C14-4B9AC450131D%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lov8kKAveAY/Wd9U-Eb372I/AAAAAAAAQQA/o5m6W1oOLa8dqC8M0Kyrh_4wOJrzmkqRwCHMYCw/s1600-h/63E3AAD9-B784-4510-BD3A-246CE175F22C%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="63E3AAD9-B784-4510-BD3A-246CE175F22C" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="63E3AAD9-B784-4510-BD3A-246CE175F22C" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ivV-7O5JDIU/Wd9U-Z-D_5I/AAAAAAAAQQE/mC4bo_5ptx0OABk8IjtFN2NCaPtfyvpRwCHMYCw/63E3AAD9-B784-4510-BD3A-246CE175F22C%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And then wiped it off—I’m not sure if applying antibacterial gel negates the gift of gab from the stone or not….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJzG-3qs7-8/Wd9U-6GgxYI/AAAAAAAAQQI/JHdujITgG386O9Kj1vN5Raj03zgdB052wCHMYCw/s1600-h/17F970A9-1219-462D-B494-41D505ED821D%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="17F970A9-1219-462D-B494-41D505ED821D (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="17F970A9-1219-462D-B494-41D505ED821D (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XYcHlOD8jE/Wd9U_Cn5iOI/AAAAAAAAQQM/PwwyNa3hC4QAp7AIxxnHObucYxOyxlzvgCHMYCw/17F970A9-1219-462D-B494-41D505ED821D%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">There’s some interesting sights in the gardens.</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JZnDiOFpvAs/Wd9U_Y0e53I/AAAAAAAAQQQ/SQ13JqZTxUMNljlTX5_JqByX9VzW5Uu7ACHMYCw/s1600-h/A88F5AF5-FFE4-4582-AD64-C252B4184FF3%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="244" height="184" title="A88F5AF5-FFE4-4582-AD64-C252B4184FF3 (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="A88F5AF5-FFE4-4582-AD64-C252B4184FF3 (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XHqA7HdRHuk/Wd9U_hsPWsI/AAAAAAAAQQU/4eHzj2JkNlM_-f8LodYlLmwaYnkiaJNsQCHMYCw/A88F5AF5-FFE4-4582-AD64-C252B4184FF3?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Don’t touch!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9o2uYQdzfFM/Wd9VACEKCeI/AAAAAAAAQQY/Bf_wUvS7DHoPJothpoU0WDtGfqFEEkQhgCHMYCw/s1600-h/B242E637-67AA-4E5E-A140-CD5ADC4022BE"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="B242E637-67AA-4E5E-A140-CD5ADC4022BE (2)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="B242E637-67AA-4E5E-A140-CD5ADC4022BE (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fhYVW7BqlkA/Wd9VA2aHG4I/AAAAAAAAQQc/hcX-ZrWqq4Q6G64IBDZ-RSkW5jURMwEHgCHMYCw/B242E637-67AA-4E5E-A140-CD5ADC4022BE%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">Although this one I believe is not only touchable but smokeable AND edible….</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XIO2LejeQMs/Wd9VBYpyZSI/AAAAAAAAQQg/T3rxCR1EdzQsraLvJdzN0Q52GWAxzIB9ACHMYCw/s1600-h/351CE936-42F6-4A5C-8689-0BDEFED69ECB"><font size="3"><img width="301" height="400" title="351CE936-42F6-4A5C-8689-0BDEFED69ECB" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="351CE936-42F6-4A5C-8689-0BDEFED69ECB" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-29MtFprI_f4/Wd9VBkUZ7xI/AAAAAAAAQQk/KgpVqyuhV0UQH4j4TL02i9XAaaYaCbcyQCHMYCw/351CE936-42F6-4A5C-8689-0BDEFED69ECB%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And this lovely estate right across the grounds</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JRw24F3d_f8/Wd9VCFTypmI/AAAAAAAAQQo/Z90H5TaRzXo5gWLYnWpaPRsSea2XkUFRQCHMYCw/s1600-h/026B0338-AB77-46C8-A1C0-2FE632D8BF0C%255B1%255D"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="026B0338-AB77-46C8-A1C0-2FE632D8BF0C (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="026B0338-AB77-46C8-A1C0-2FE632D8BF0C (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-myvcrNsC9DM/Wd9VCWIQKkI/AAAAAAAAQQs/XsMSiNSvlL47toKE7rURKtJal-PIHEPvgCHMYCw/026B0338-AB77-46C8-A1C0-2FE632D8BF0C%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5_tVue7ntZs/Wd9VCtNPj2I/AAAAAAAAQQw/1vvK1XYC7CA7dyeDNK45JHhAg11vBZrWACHMYCw/s1600-h/EE1DFBB9-6FEA-443C-9824-F9BF8C61DB5E"><font size="3"><img width="184" height="244" title="EE1DFBB9-6FEA-443C-9824-F9BF8C61DB5E (1)" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="EE1DFBB9-6FEA-443C-9824-F9BF8C61DB5E (1)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xhIlp8T2ImM/Wd9VCzHzraI/AAAAAAAAQQ0/ciMW5xpRWtUd0Ti8FpSBavn3jfAEQ_mvQCHMYCw/EE1DFBB9-6FEA-443C-9824-F9BF8C61DB5E%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="3">And before we knew it, it was time to go. And because it takes forever to set up a post, and I realized this is going to be way long I’m splitting up into three parts. </font></p><p><font size="3">So—stay tuned for part two!</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WO8dl251i78/Wd9VDToBzAI/AAAAAAAAQQ4/4K6VAs__YhojJlJWXzL0g-2lLdNe12q2gCHMYCw/s1600-h/15D2CBC6-7568-4F9F-8D49-EB10FF26B207%255B4%255D"><font size="3"><img width="410" height="308" title="15D2CBC6-7568-4F9F-8D49-EB10FF26B207" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="15D2CBC6-7568-4F9F-8D49-EB10FF26B207" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bIGpOGz0cMk/Wd9VDiLA8LI/AAAAAAAAQQ8/W2ToPnDutOQWCuWyxcbb7X5Rxm_B6pz7ACHMYCw/15D2CBC6-7568-4F9F-8D49-EB10FF26B207_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6941491917210231502.post-33647594877256043542017-09-08T07:34:00.001-05:002017-09-08T07:44:59.594-05:00And They’re Off…..almost<p><font size="4">Just a quick post for all 4 of you that read this that Laura and I are leaving tomorrow for our Ireland adventure. We have been planning this for about a year now and I am so excited to go and see the country. Flying over there will be sort of a drag but I think I can manage since I know what lies at the end of the flight. Oddly, it’s the same amount of time to fly to Ireland as it is to fly to Hawaii. Go figure. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7tbtmhn4wzw/WbKOByIbJCI/AAAAAAAAQFM/y0pdUyWleM0ffizfsgirqzznv1pKXUxQgCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0685%255B4%255D"><font size="4"><img width="139" height="244" title="IMG_0685" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0685" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EYs5-S3kU2A/WbKOCMINZMI/AAAAAAAAQFQ/WpXCZ5dXq7Q8PKib2SSNGpJpiaOwHTsQQCHMYCw/IMG_0685_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">I’m off work today as day one of vacay, packing and getting everything ready. Credit cards notified, phone ready. Clothes washed sorted and packed. (Oh, by the way, when I called my Nordstorm card they wanted to update my salary info and they raised my credit limit—gosh, thanks Nordstrom-also, the menu doesn’t include international travel. Maybe they don’t do that? Hmmmmm. Yes, they do.)</font></p><p><font size="4">There are some updates though, since the last time I posted.</font></p><p><font size="4">Happy is back in lockup after finding his latest pee spot on the dog bed—on my brand new carpet. He doesn’t like it and I feel bad but I feel worse for the fact I spent a lot of money on new carpet and I’m not going through that again. I do let him out for lap time in the PM, but probably while I’m gone he’ll be in his own room. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a_OujY0_22c/WbKOCjYnKPI/AAAAAAAAQFU/e8cUVRGzolU3ccIWhWHwPHjVJV3Bak_9QCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0533%255B3%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_0533" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Y7NRgKEgzI/WbKOC8PkZ7I/AAAAAAAAQFY/gQJChuSASDo8Md09BjqhfScoMHYmTPYGQCHMYCw/IMG_0533_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">That dog makes me so mad, I’ll pee on his bed. </font></p><p><font size="4">I ran a relay race with my best racing partner Cathy—I ran the first leg which should have been about 6.5 miles but was actually over 7 miles. I thought that maybe I missed a turn somewhere. That’ll mess with your mind a little. And because I miscalculated the exchange, I parked about a mile away. Gawd. </font></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><font size="4"></font></p><p><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_0674" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0674" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pyek64wlJbY/WbKODH3CwuI/AAAAAAAAQFc/x5em5xdxdt0VGKe0JpcB1SUbOjBLI3v2gCHMYCw/IMG_0674_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0">Start-bad hair</font></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s29aXfLntEg/WbKOD7qkL9I/AAAAAAAAQFg/QEz66zi-vE4bPBpDhu3JFpOU7Yt0KaYLgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2C524C02-3E1E-4915-88C8-0CBE1D8AFA9F%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="2C524C02-3E1E-4915-88C8-0CBE1D8AFA9F" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2C524C02-3E1E-4915-88C8-0CBE1D8AFA9F" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MujVRyeR5A0/WbKOEHSBIbI/AAAAAAAAQFk/Ef6zRHe131Y62TNwg4HrNNEUgrZDL10mwCHMYCw/2C524C02-3E1E-4915-88C8-0CBE1D8AFA9F_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">Finish</font></p><p><font size="4">It was a little rainy but not bad. Nice cool weather. My hair is terrible. Did I mention my disappointing hair cut? I had this in mind--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FytWW6RsqJU/WbKOEYeCwFI/AAAAAAAAQFo/pO_weuPRMpg5X8_98ifu4BVZSJ1hDb6YQCHMYCw/s1600-h/12-50-layered-blonde-balayage-pixie%255B2%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="244" title="12-50-layered-blonde-balayage-pixie" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="12-50-layered-blonde-balayage-pixie" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-23crnTIe4ZQ/WbKOEkNihRI/AAAAAAAAQFs/ZdlFEtutSUgUrMjNuofwpT93lIf7N5iXQCHMYCw/12-50-layered-blonde-balayage-pixie_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">However, that’s not what happened. It’s way shorter and looks like a man haircut. That is really frustrating and I actually lost sleep over it. Oh well. It’ll grow but I was hoping for better for my Ireland trip. And yes, I had this picture with me and yes, I was explicit in how I wanted it and didn’t want it cut. </font></p><p><font size="4">Anyway—after the race we went to Brothers and had our traditional after race bloody-</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZtTmtqw1r8A/WbKOFIObcqI/AAAAAAAAQFw/OlSRUEvF-mgDZBdxLCmh2slhXBwqkvReQCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0629%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="IMG_0629" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0629" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k0dEDw17nm0/WbKOGGQkCOI/AAAAAAAAQF0/l0Ahdsx6K_cReAZAlXqbOJY13TDotiLbACHMYCw/IMG_0629_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><font size="4">I highly recommend it. </font></p><p><font size="4">We also went to Greekfest and toured the church</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3eCaii9Ua_g/WbKOGn3A6XI/AAAAAAAAQF4/5LugEboMteMHjwlWZfZNXNOTkw2V-aQtACHMYCw/s1600-h/90ECFE93-B2BD-4FCA-A65C-6ECB6CDD6E51%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="90ECFE93-B2BD-4FCA-A65C-6ECB6CDD6E51" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="90ECFE93-B2BD-4FCA-A65C-6ECB6CDD6E51" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VmsIwuUIbS8/WbKOG4XF-bI/AAAAAAAAQF8/tU1qg6oH2dQOs-lJkzjRzo9dUaupCBz7QCHMYCw/90ECFE93-B2BD-4FCA-A65C-6ECB6CDD6E51_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CssvOabmDwM/WbKOHV5WdlI/AAAAAAAAQGA/zIEQ4Sd3gIkoGDzKzhEcBwqFp5UEfCnfACHMYCw/s1600-h/7BF66059-A7AF-42D5-9F3A-F88AADF7395C%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="7BF66059-A7AF-42D5-9F3A-F88AADF7395C" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="7BF66059-A7AF-42D5-9F3A-F88AADF7395C" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M2pYV9kdB5k/WbKOHrN2dTI/AAAAAAAAQGE/BVIvxoHWx_QKGq-MD3VEaxAG1kYlMlweACHMYCw/7BF66059-A7AF-42D5-9F3A-F88AADF7395C_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4"><br></font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NRzNkPY8IqU/WbKOINR2jeI/AAAAAAAAQGI/E1wIYoFTEwULRfPjZ0V9Pa8taUKbqLgDACHMYCw/s1600-h/114A1B52-6369-4200-9C8B-0FFF20EC2473%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="114A1B52-6369-4200-9C8B-0FFF20EC2473" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="114A1B52-6369-4200-9C8B-0FFF20EC2473" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nWSe3BcjL8g/WbKOIT8EHHI/AAAAAAAAQGM/L1djHsHraNwQIq0W7YTSFAxeyhzskTnFACHMYCw/114A1B52-6369-4200-9C8B-0FFF20EC2473_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gpel0zzV6hA/WbKOIppFV1I/AAAAAAAAQGQ/q5H4TrKU9OgggNFrsi13-y9MzTJoBrc3wCHMYCw/s1600-h/0826EE17-717B-4967-A902-96AE795D29D4%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="184" height="244" title="0826EE17-717B-4967-A902-96AE795D29D4" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="0826EE17-717B-4967-A902-96AE795D29D4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o8SMnwQixWQ/WbKOI95WCQI/AAAAAAAAQGU/XgydkQSZrpwxl6S3qOYi0Z-JFCvnIXzkACHMYCw/0826EE17-717B-4967-A902-96AE795D29D4_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">So many icons…it was beautiful. I did ask if I could take pictures before I took pictures. </font></p><p><font size="4">Dave got a new TV-it’s huge. And it has 72 dim zones. Don’t ask. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fNmu0L6_6FA/WbKOJWhCseI/AAAAAAAAQGY/Wvy-gC7O7tYGZHMf7wfD0UNSWDs4rK3yACHMYCw/s1600-h/28BEEDA4-7D10-4380-8F62-6C29A300B7ED%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="28BEEDA4-7D10-4380-8F62-6C29A300B7ED" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="28BEEDA4-7D10-4380-8F62-6C29A300B7ED" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oes8fe0KeeU/WbKOJoYEy7I/AAAAAAAAQGc/Qk-eUTorzAEKd7RbJxhBYBJn5GzQQTX_gCHMYCw/28BEEDA4-7D10-4380-8F62-6C29A300B7ED_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">Hard to see but old TV on top, big TV on the bottom. Jack is not impressed. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KuHBo2D6ovA/WbKOJ_lzLzI/AAAAAAAAQGg/lprdlKiAfNwJAIJNk1hg5pDGlzQjAB_LwCHMYCw/s1600-h/4032BC6B-5013-4AA1-B088-1AC59F2575FE%255B9%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="196" title="4032BC6B-5013-4AA1-B088-1AC59F2575FE" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="4032BC6B-5013-4AA1-B088-1AC59F2575FE" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aubq2t4A3kI/WbKOKWlMWII/AAAAAAAAQGk/RNshZdgiHrUcqZsAnz1iRd122tZGMaLHwCHMYCw/4032BC6B-5013-4AA1-B088-1AC59F2575FE_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">The box was good though</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UrIsyf9eClA/WbKOKnR0gCI/AAAAAAAAQGo/1HyAkYWtxl0ywrv-GIoonEq4VPA5qmAyACHMYCw/s1600-h/3F8A0FB2-F555-4D15-A71B-7477650F8DCE%255B10%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="3F8A0FB2-F555-4D15-A71B-7477650F8DCE" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="3F8A0FB2-F555-4D15-A71B-7477650F8DCE" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h4zVYNI4l0Q/WbKOK6ZVgvI/AAAAAAAAQGs/4JvNM-WVV2Y8Pfzbc8XaXMbcigKMssJHACHMYCw/3F8A0FB2-F555-4D15-A71B-7477650F8DCE_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">So now we have a huger TV.</font></p><p><font size="4">Lacey enjoyed the larger clearer image watching on her head pillow. </font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pu8ymOwuXaI/WbKOLcxOCAI/AAAAAAAAQGw/en4CIGol79gJYKrbCNhpRBufp0U9Bh8AwCHMYCw/s1600-h/0237D672-1D92-4395-8E7E-A57F74B942D2%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="0237D672-1D92-4395-8E7E-A57F74B942D2" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="0237D672-1D92-4395-8E7E-A57F74B942D2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I5YG9ie8cIo/WbKOLkvrZnI/AAAAAAAAQG0/tbaFA_tRdF8saBRVnPF35AMH1i7qNvpxgCHMYCw/0237D672-1D92-4395-8E7E-A57F74B942D2_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">So—that’s all the news.</font></p><p><font size="4">I’ll be posting many pictures when I get back. And maybe throughout the trip on one form or social media or another.</font></p><p><font size="4">Stay tuned.</font></p><p><font size="4">I leave you with kitten pictures—courtesy of Laura’s fosters--</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-55CxQ_LP6YU/WbKOLyPsbcI/AAAAAAAAQG4/OzVlJJhpPeMfsWg-yn7YPwX-rb9YlyCtACHMYCw/s1600-h/0DF02548-9D66-4641-B665-20E9344FA38A%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="0DF02548-9D66-4641-B665-20E9344FA38A" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="0DF02548-9D66-4641-B665-20E9344FA38A" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-62VQ6JE3AV4/WbKOMAUtynI/AAAAAAAAQG8/dRZAEQAgbzwdGpQMQygELvOp7mR5ZAfggCHMYCw/0DF02548-9D66-4641-B665-20E9344FA38A_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bHAvBhiaMrE/WbKOMmEBbjI/AAAAAAAAQHA/iMV-SmP09MUMq4j_c2nx2z_HqHWiqNGmgCHMYCw/s1600-h/2B541888-9CE2-4B1D-BD6C-5E7F24FF91D3%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="2B541888-9CE2-4B1D-BD6C-5E7F24FF91D3" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2B541888-9CE2-4B1D-BD6C-5E7F24FF91D3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5_0Z5KDP3ko/WbKOMxC-cII/AAAAAAAAQHE/AKjAev96TP0Pd6PlCmcvqyfUlLaJdR2hQCHMYCw/2B541888-9CE2-4B1D-BD6C-5E7F24FF91D3_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZTqQ5WJqUfI/WbKONewwxPI/AAAAAAAAQHI/zdw_XE9vvb0h4H49wF9uiDF8pvvwh7C0wCHMYCw/s1600-h/63106F79-90A8-4EB3-976D-FC573E1AEBC5%255B7%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="184" title="63106F79-90A8-4EB3-976D-FC573E1AEBC5" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="63106F79-90A8-4EB3-976D-FC573E1AEBC5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-URWvEpigQYc/WbKONub8IuI/AAAAAAAAQHM/6HsU98iZg7sr6FTGzN6E-yaLgBe3fxgjQCHMYCw/63106F79-90A8-4EB3-976D-FC573E1AEBC5_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><font size="4">If I was a foster, I’d have 20 cats. I already have a few too many</font></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vBdkej3Bay0/WbKOP9qINlI/AAAAAAAAQHQ/RLg_Z7BU72I3Y5cxyIChNzz9xdAnOoitwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0676%255B5%255D"><font size="4"><img width="244" height="171" title="IMG_0676" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="IMG_0676" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TPgfC17RWtE/WbKOQBhGs9I/AAAAAAAAQHU/v5mvtcrUD3odlf4gmfKftVSMBruIP5mCwCHMYCw/IMG_0676_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></font></a></p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vBdkej3Bay0/WbKOP9qINlI/AAAAAAAAQHQ/RLg_Z7BU72I3Y5cxyIChNzz9xdAnOoitwCHMYCw/s1600-h/IMG_0676%255B5%255D"><br></a></p>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14715677254227446645noreply@blogger.com0