tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18032047186711457732024-02-08T07:45:09.921-07:00Peonies and PistolsThe life and times of a boy and girl working on happily ever after. It's that simple.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789717622658903358noreply@blogger.comBlogger471125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-16376660812335707442010-09-19T11:22:00.003-06:002010-09-19T11:23:41.057-06:00Redirect<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Hello readers!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have changed my blog over to a new URL on blogger until I can make a total switch (one day) to a new platform.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you've been reading along here I hope you'll follow me over to my new page: <a href="http://peonies-and-pistols.blogspot.com/">Peonies & Pistols</a>. It's all the same, just with a new URL!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, please change your RSS feeds and bookmarks to reflect the new site.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Thanks for following!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Kim</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-22621896226809346802010-09-17T20:12:00.000-06:002010-09-17T20:12:28.748-06:00A bird in the handOr, I should say, a bird in the <i>house,</i> which is what we had a couple days ago.<br />
<br />
Todd I were sitting peacefully working at the dining room table when <i>whoosh!</i> a bird came swooping through the dining room! It bumped its way around the chandelier and our heads before flying off to the sun room.<br />
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We took off after it, including Rigby who was <i>very </i>interested in the lil' guy. We found the bird resting on a window and...<br />
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We didn't quite know what to do. We didn't have anything handy to catch it with, you know, like a net, but Todd found an old towel that we thought might do. He sneaked up behind the bird slooooowly and ever so gently wrapped the towel around it and headed outside.<br />
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Todd sat the bird on the stoop to let it recover and do its thing. Poor guy, he was stressed! He was panting and didn't have the energy to even pull himself upright...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJQar51Uy2I/AAAAAAAAFdw/2KDL9sopNDc/s1600/DSC_2257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJQar51Uy2I/AAAAAAAAFdw/2KDL9sopNDc/s400/DSC_2257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Finally, after a couple minutes the bird got it together and sat up...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJQa--lt76I/AAAAAAAAFd4/yuWvoynkvyo/s1600/DSC_2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJQa--lt76I/AAAAAAAAFd4/yuWvoynkvyo/s400/DSC_2259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Rigby had been watching the scene with extreme interest. In the sun room he stood on point, staring intently with nostrils flaring, as Todd approached the bird. And he wouldn't go inside until the bird flew off, which it did moments later.</div><div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJQbQMzET-I/AAAAAAAAFeA/xRay9diInzk/s1600/DSC_2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJQbQMzET-I/AAAAAAAAFeA/xRay9diInzk/s400/DSC_2260.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Stay tuned for the next animal intruder story. I saw a <i>mouse </i>in our kitchen!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-55757106047385406802010-09-14T20:25:00.002-06:002010-09-14T20:27:57.129-06:00PicklefritzWhat the heck is Picklefritz?<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Well, after dating Todd for a while now and visiting Wisconsin a few times I am convinced Wisconsinites have a diet of mostly cheese, beer, and pickled foods.<br />
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</div><div>Todd's not too picky and enjoys just about everything, and in true Wisconsin form he does love a pickled something or other, to the point that his grandparents used to call him Picklefritz. </div><div><br />
</div><div>He really wants "us," a.k.a., me, to try canning, which I'm not opposed to and have always wanted to learn anyway. His mom even gave me all her old canning stuff so I have no excuse but to get my can on.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, over the weekend, I decided to try my hand at it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I chose a quick pickling recipe I've had hidden away in my recipe books for a while now. It's called quick pickling because it doesn't require the boiling of the jars and all that jazz. You just throw it all together in a jar and let it sit in the fridge for a week and...like magic!...pickled...whatever you chose.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In this particular instance the recipe called for green beans, which we had in Old Fashioneds at his grandma's house last year.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It is super simple, too! </div><div><br />
</div><div>The beans as they're getting snapped and thrown in the jars...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJAsQPtMJHI/AAAAAAAAFdA/eF5qnxMbYHs/s1600/DSC_2214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJAsQPtMJHI/AAAAAAAAFdA/eF5qnxMbYHs/s400/DSC_2214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Beans swimming in spicy pickling juice. This recipe calls for LOTS of garlic and some dried hot red chilis...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJAsvngFjDI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/47aoVhZsrHg/s1600/DSC_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJAsvngFjDI/AAAAAAAAFdQ/47aoVhZsrHg/s400/DSC_2226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>And Todd can't keep his hands out of them! To really "pickle" they're supposed to sit for a week, but he keeps sneaking beans. I have no confidence they will make it to the end of the week. But I can see why. This recipe is truly fantastic! And, as I mentioned, amazingly simple! </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJAsfx51GiI/AAAAAAAAFdI/8eeE2sA1oeI/s1600/DSC_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TJAsfx51GiI/AAAAAAAAFdI/8eeE2sA1oeI/s400/DSC_2220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I highly recommend it! You won't be disappointed.</div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-64955821893019429212010-09-12T20:10:00.001-06:002010-09-13T12:38:59.260-06:00New lookI'm sure you probably noticed the change in the blog.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>This is going to be a gradual change done in stages.</div><div><br />
</div><div>First, the name has changed. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Next will be the look. The current header is only temporary until (hopefully) my coworker can whip me up a really cool one. This will be at least another few weeks, however, because he just left on a two-week honeymoon.</div><div><br />
</div><div>And after that - the URL, which is the most out-of-date thing about this blog. It is no longer my Colorado Countdown and hasn't been for quite some time. I just couldn't hit on a new blog identity - until recently.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I didn't want my new blog to have the same theme as the last one - "big city girl" returns to the West. I wanted it to incorporate Todd more and it to be about our comfortable, happy little life. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Peonies are one of my favorite flowers. I love how old fashioned and homey they are. Jeff M. will probably never read my blog (not that he does now) because of the peony reference. I had a large peony in our garden in D.C., and he wasn't a big fan (I think secretly he loves it though...) Peonies are also the feminine and pistols is obviously more masculine, representing Todd. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Eventually, I am going to move the blog to Wordpress and find a place to host it. Blogger is making me crazy and it's time to move on. I want greater capabilities and pages and my own URL without "blogspot" in it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So, the change has begun.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Please be patient as I make all these new moves. It's going to take some time to get it how I want it, but I think it will definitely be worth it! </div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-44173917257587039372010-09-07T22:29:00.000-06:002010-09-08T22:29:56.424-06:00Five alarm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love fireplaces. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ever since we moved into our new house Todd and I have been itching to try our living room fireplace. This isn't a modern, new-fangled gas burner. Oh, no! This fireplace operates on old school chunks of wood. I think gas fireplaces have their, well, places, but nothing beats the crackle and smell of a wood burner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cool temperatures we've had lately gave us a good excuse last night to give it a go. Here's Todd lighting it up... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhaz4RUqwI/AAAAAAAAFbc/HVbA5WRfTZA/s1600/DSC_2190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhaz4RUqwI/AAAAAAAAFbc/HVbA5WRfTZA/s400/DSC_2190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The set up...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhbIOdZPtI/AAAAAAAAFbk/JoUwADWXADI/s1600/DSC_2194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhbIOdZPtI/AAAAAAAAFbk/JoUwADWXADI/s400/DSC_2194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Success! A very happy evolved man...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhbYr7L3AI/AAAAAAAAFbs/5lKJBEHnh9w/s1600/DSC_2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhbYr7L3AI/AAAAAAAAFbs/5lKJBEHnh9w/s400/DSC_2197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rigby was not so happy. He has a weirdness about fire. He doesn't like it, or to be around it, or to hear it, or to see it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhboxIDcZI/AAAAAAAAFb0/nKRqLcQMw4M/s1600/DSC_2198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhboxIDcZI/AAAAAAAAFb0/nKRqLcQMw4M/s400/DSC_2198.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But we were able to convince him to come near the flame with some well positioned dog treats. Ok. He still didn't really buy into it...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhb6PLPLeI/AAAAAAAAFb8/oYeYcF0ajZk/s1600/DSC_2200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhb6PLPLeI/AAAAAAAAFb8/oYeYcF0ajZk/s400/DSC_2200.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then there was this...the smoke. Being our first fire in this fireplace it's obviously a little trial and error, but I'm surprised our alarm didn't go off...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhcKLkcIzI/AAAAAAAAFcE/md1wr3q1PlQ/s1600/DSC_2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhcKLkcIzI/AAAAAAAAFcE/md1wr3q1PlQ/s400/DSC_2211.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While Todd fixed the smoke I made dinner and dug in. Whole wheat pasta with shrimp, olive oil, salt, pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, and sauteed onions, mushrooms and garlic...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhcufq2pKI/AAAAAAAAFcU/SIJ9NzIoP74/s1600/DSC_2210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhcufq2pKI/AAAAAAAAFcU/SIJ9NzIoP74/s400/DSC_2210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the all important wine...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhccH_jS4I/AAAAAAAAFcM/9YoQV3-AkbI/s1600/DSC_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TIhccH_jS4I/AAAAAAAAFcM/9YoQV3-AkbI/s400/DSC_2213.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I say again: I love fireplaces!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-5267638305993200452010-09-01T12:54:00.000-06:002010-09-01T12:54:16.308-06:00"Oh, there ain't no lumberjacks in the city..."That was the first line to a song my sisters and I made up on a trip to the mountains once when we were younger. <br />
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We had an entire musical going on complete with a picnic table as a Conestoga wagon, male and female singing parts, and typical musical dance moves like synchronized "cartwheels" across the picnic table benches.<br />
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Oh yes, we gave Rogers and Hammerstein a run for their money!<br />
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But, as proven by the following photos, there are indeed lumberjacks in the city: Todd being one of them.<br />
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Todd has spent a lifetime working with wood - marking, pruning, cultivating and cutting trees. AND he's from Wisconsin. All he's missing is a big blue ox.<br />
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He's been itching to go a cuttin' ever since we moved in to the Casper house, which has a giant wood burning fireplace. So, he and my old friend Jeff S. went out a couple weeks ago on a "man date" to chop and bring in some wood. <br />
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They got quite the load! Jeff really wants to use their new fireplace as a main source of heat, while I think we're only going to have an occasional fire. You know, the kind you sit around sipping red wine while the winter winds howl... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6a8yNWsqI/AAAAAAAAFaE/xMMVO7Ca39Y/s1600/DSC_2136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6a8yNWsqI/AAAAAAAAFaE/xMMVO7Ca39Y/s400/DSC_2136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Some action shots...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6b1aZzaNI/AAAAAAAAFac/eRCJHTpYmms/s1600/DSC_2132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6b1aZzaNI/AAAAAAAAFac/eRCJHTpYmms/s400/DSC_2132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I just liked this shot of Todd's lumberjack boot with the wood chips spraying... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6cKQ3wj6I/AAAAAAAAFak/Vp-_Js4ARcU/s1600/DSC_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6cKQ3wj6I/AAAAAAAAFak/Vp-_Js4ARcU/s400/DSC_2134.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Once Todd got the logs into more manageable chunks he'd split 'em by hand. He's got such amazing aim! More times than not he landed that ax right in the same spot. I'd be all over the place I think. And yes, we are doing this in our alley. We had several neighbors stop to chat - and admire our pile of wood! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6bNyhM1EI/AAAAAAAAFaM/AVzn7VpbnSY/s1600/DSC_2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6bNyhM1EI/AAAAAAAAFaM/AVzn7VpbnSY/s400/DSC_2117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A perfect split... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6biCOOhOI/AAAAAAAAFaU/ckv0XnSeYtA/s1600/DSC_2120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6biCOOhOI/AAAAAAAAFaU/ckv0XnSeYtA/s400/DSC_2120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Rigby's not too fond of the chainsaw. He ran to me several times because I wasn't making such scary noises... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6ccgCgkzI/AAAAAAAAFas/45wdVu6ZTNE/s1600/DSC_2135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6ccgCgkzI/AAAAAAAAFas/45wdVu6ZTNE/s400/DSC_2135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
He is, however, very fond of this "stick". Look at his cute little tongue go! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6ct3D2BPI/AAAAAAAAFa0/QYqlTIrp8i0/s1600/DSC_2141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6ct3D2BPI/AAAAAAAAFa0/QYqlTIrp8i0/s400/DSC_2141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The swirly colors of the bark on this chunk remind me of the hot springs in <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=yellowstone+hot+springs&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=LKB-TLbmDoKKlweo6uTsAw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCcQsAQwAA&biw=1280&bih=607">Yellowstone</a>... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6dlyS6bNI/AAAAAAAAFbM/ioM091T49rU/s1600/DSC_2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6dlyS6bNI/AAAAAAAAFbM/ioM091T49rU/s400/DSC_2145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I was the stacker. This is the beginning of our wood pile... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6dAWRCt5I/AAAAAAAAFa8/08NzEgQpWPM/s1600/DSC_2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6dAWRCt5I/AAAAAAAAFa8/08NzEgQpWPM/s400/DSC_2138.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
And this is the end result! Todd proudly told me I did a good job stacking (which is apparently a skill in itself) and that I could be his LumberJILL... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6d5xBPD5I/AAAAAAAAFbU/V4NW9kSy9xo/s1600/DSC_2147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TH6d5xBPD5I/AAAAAAAAFbU/V4NW9kSy9xo/s400/DSC_2147.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<i>Males: Oh, there ain't no lumberjacks in the city!</i><br />
<i>Females: Oh, there ain't no lumberjacks in the city!</i><br />
<i>Males: So, come on down and find a girl that's pretty...</i><br />
<i>Together: Cuz there ain't no lumberjacks in the city!</i><br />
<br />
The choreography really brings it together...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-24057153412443584632010-08-22T12:07:00.001-06:002010-08-30T12:08:27.360-06:00Somewhere over the rainbow<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Check out this rainbow! It was so bright and...solid! </span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">Todd even yelled at the neighbors through their window to come out and see how neat it was. I think they were in the middle of dinner...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/THH-tSyixHI/AAAAAAAAFZo/wQBtvYZTG7g/s1600/DSC_1915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/THH-tSyixHI/AAAAAAAAFZo/wQBtvYZTG7g/s400/DSC_1915.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
Up close...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/THH--bbM8RI/AAAAAAAAFZw/uqMjc4xuvu8/s1600/DSC_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/THH--bbM8RI/AAAAAAAAFZw/uqMjc4xuvu8/s400/DSC_1918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I love a good rainbow!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-6975916621179263642010-08-13T08:24:00.000-06:002010-08-13T08:24:56.845-06:00Frontier Days bootyCheyenne Frontier Days just isn't complete for me unless I find a special jewelry purchase or two at the Indian Village.<br />
<br />
My goal is to get at least one thing each year I volunteer to mark my time at CFD. I've been doing pretty well, but sadly, I lost a ring I bought a couple years ago. It just disappeared - and oddly so has the post where I'm SURE I had a picture of it. Cue the Twilight Zone music...<br />
<br />
This year, I attempted to make up for my broken heart over the cool lost ring and purchased three things. I couldn't help it! There were some irresistible deals I just couldn't pass up! <br />
<br />
There are so many stunning pieces in the Village, but I have never spent over $100 on any one thing. One day, I will. I have plans to save a little each month so when CFD rolls around one year I can buy, say, a <a href="http://images.google.com/images?q=squash+blossom+necklaces&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=gNeJS4CBNJKosgPDq_CEAw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=6&ved=0CD0QsAQwBQ&biw=1280&bih=673">Squash Blossom</a>. Or a <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=turquoise%20and%20silver%20belt&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=673">turquoise and silver belt</a>... Or a truly dramatic turquoise and/or coral <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=turquoise%20cuff&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=673">cuff </a>- one that makes you look like a superhero! Oh...the wish list goes on. <br />
<br />
My purchases this year: <br />
<br />
The double strand necklace was my first purchase. I was very attracted to the more rough cut turquoise this year and while I've always eyed pieces like the necklace and ring below I ultimately have chosen jewelry that was a little more symmetrical. The second purchase was the ring. After staring at my friend Rachel's finger all week with a similar ring on it I decided to see what I could find. I found this little gem and declared I was done.<br />
<br />
But...then I decided to go back one last time to find Todd a hat band. He has a cowboy hat as part of his work uniform and I thought he'd enjoy something for it. The beaded band is what I ultimately found, but only after another irresistible find... That pendant. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGRjksjO7_I/AAAAAAAAFZU/LFLyFSWwh6k/s1600/DSC_1822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGRjksjO7_I/AAAAAAAAFZU/LFLyFSWwh6k/s400/DSC_1822.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The pendant on the left was a super steal! If you hit up the Village toward the end of the week the vendors are more likely to deal. The vendor at that booth gave Rachel and I 50 percent off anything we wanted plus an additional discount for being volunteers. I wasn't even intending to shop for myself that day! I just wanted a hat band! But with that kind of deal I wasn't about to just walk away. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGRjQDKfPkI/AAAAAAAAFZM/CNbN4O2CD2I/s1600/DSC_1820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGRjQDKfPkI/AAAAAAAAFZM/CNbN4O2CD2I/s400/DSC_1820.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Then there were the three turquoise drop necklaces I got for my sisters and mom. They were too good of a price! And were really pretty. <br />
<br />
So, everyone got a little piece of CFD. And since I didn't buy it all for me I'm hoping for some awesome shopping karma next year... and a Squash Blossom...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-44790088110377096732010-08-12T15:45:00.002-06:002010-08-12T18:00:04.523-06:00Mellencamp melancholy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGRq7E5jbwI/AAAAAAAAFZc/1Z60VZwui9k/s1600/john_mellencamp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGRq7E5jbwI/AAAAAAAAFZc/1Z60VZwui9k/s320/john_mellencamp1.jpg" /></a></div>Tonight John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan are playing at the Casper Events Center.<br />
<br />
I <i><b><u>desperately </u></b></i>want to go for Mellencamp. I don't really care about Dylan.<br />
<br />
You see, John Mellencamp was the first tape I ever got. It was from Santa in my stocking when I was in 2nd grade, I believe. That same Christmas my sisters got The Pointer Sisters and Bruce Springsteen. Can you say children of the '80s or what?<br />
<br />
I have had a mild obsession with Mellencamp ever since. For awhile I owned about every tape you could of his. I played his songs on repeat. And when we moved from Indiana, his home state as well, to Colorado his music just meant something more.<br />
<br />
I have never seen him in concert but it hasn't been for trying. Fate just won't allow me to go! Once, when I was in D.C., he played in Virginia. I wanted to go, but couldn't get out of work in time. Thank heavens I hadn't already bought a ticket! <br />
<br />
Another time he was playing in Colorado. I think this was right around when I had just moved back West and was jobless. I couldn't justify buying a ticket and driving to Denver when I had no way to pay for it. How was I so responsible in my judgement?? <br />
<br />
Tonight is strike three. I heard a couple months ago he was coming and I was determined to go. But we had the Jackson wedding last weekend, I have a flat tire that needs replaced, I have to save for some trips coming up...<br />
<br />
I just can't go.<br />
<br />
My coworker Matt sent me an email earlier saying he had heard Dylan was playing and he wondered if I was going to go. I had no sooner explained I'd rather see ol' John Cougar, but couldn't justify the price to go when Matt emailed me a message he had seen on Twitter...<br />
<br />
Matt's email: <br />
<br />
<blockquote>I was just handed two tickets to a Bob Dylan concert in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Casper</st1:place></st1:city> TONIGHT at 6:30pm! Who wants 'em? They're free!</blockquote><blockquote>Find @UWInfoDesk on twitter!!!! HURRRYYYYYYYYYYYY</blockquote>The first part is the actual tweet, the second is Matt's command to me.<br />
<br />
I have never searched for, followed, and tweeted someone so fast. I told Matt I'm sure I set a record.<br />
<br />
Turns out you have to pick them up in Laramie, which obviously doesn't make any sense for me.<br />
<br />
So, here I am. Struck with Mellencamp melancholy. <br />
<br />
One day I will see him!<br />
<br />
I hope this isn't three strikes and I'm out!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-70266811433582117322010-08-11T11:56:00.001-06:002010-08-11T11:58:01.202-06:00Kitchen CravingsI have been having cravings for ethnic foods lately, something I love eating a ton of, but isn't readily available in ol' Wyo. <br />
<br />
I will say, however, Casper does seem to have a pretty good taste for something different. There are several Asian restaurants here and lots of sushi - what I've really been wanting - and I've heard an Indian restaurant is supposed to be opening soon. Naan bread and lamb Vindaloo...here I come!<br />
<br />
I've realized though, if I want something different I'll probably have to make it. I've got several recipes for Indian, Moroccan, Thai and other fun dishes, but haven't given many of them a try - mostly because I used to be able to just walk down the block and find a restaurant that suited any taste... at any time. <br />
<br />
A couple nights ago, however, I made Pad Thai, a traditional Thai noodle dish with a little spice and lots of flavor. <br />
<br />
Pad Thai is something I never really ordered at a restaurant because I think it's pretty bad for you there. I have tried it though, so I know what it should taste like and the following recipe hit the nail on the head. I was SO excited. And I didn't feel bad eating it because I knew what all went in it. <br />
<br />
And it didn't really call for any crazy ingredients I couldn't find - except dried, minced shrimp, which I just had to do without. It didn't affect the taste any.<br />
<br />
I think I found this recipe in Shape or Cooking Light or some other healthy magazine. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Shrimp pad Thai</b><br />
12 oz. rice vermicelli noodles (I used the very thin, almost Angel hair looking noodles. It didn't come out bad, but I had to double the sauce to cover everything and it still seemed a little short. I think the next time I will use a wider rice noodle and will still likely double the sauce.)<br />
1/3 cup peanut or vegetable oil<br />
1 tbsp. minced garlic<br />
<br />
Start doubling here:<br />
8 oz. shrimp, peeled, deveined and not frozen<br />
5 green onions cut into 1-inch pieces<br />
2 cups of bean sprouts, divided<br />
1/3 cup Thai fish sauce (this stuff smells when you start cooking it, but you don't taste it later.)<br />
2 tbsp. EACH ketchup and sugar<br />
1 tsp. red chile flakes<br />
2 large eggs slightly beaten<br />
<br />
Cilantro leaves<br />
(optional) roasted, unsalted peanuts<br />
lime wedges<br />
<br />
Soak the noodles in a large bowl of very hot water until soft, about 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in oil. Add garlic, shrimp, and green onions and cook about 2 minutes, stirring often.<br />
<br />
Stir in 1 cup of bean sprouts, the fish sauce, ketchup, sugar, and chile flakes.<br />
<br />
Push shrimp mixture to side of pan and carefully pour eggs onto the other side. Let cook undisturbed for about 1 minute or until mostly solid, then quickly scramble with the other ingredients in the pan. <br />
<br />
Drain noodles and add to shrimp mixture stirring thoroughly.<br />
<br />
Transfer to plates. Top with remaining sprouts, snipped cilantro and peanuts if desired. <br />
<br />
Voila!<br />
<br />
Just like the restaurants! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGLiaXZwz5I/AAAAAAAAFYw/WYG50z_UKw0/s1600/DSC_1815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGLiaXZwz5I/AAAAAAAAFYw/WYG50z_UKw0/s400/DSC_1815.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-36327279126217120472010-08-10T20:59:00.001-06:002010-08-10T21:06:29.101-06:00JacksonKind of like Johnny Cash and June Carter - only we didn't get married in a fever. <br />
<br />
But my friend Kara did in Jackson Hole, Wyo., which is where Todd and I scooted up to for the weekend! I was super excited to see her get married and be with all my old D.C., friends - and for Todd to see this part of the state, something he hasn't had a chance to do yet.<br />
<br />
Todd and I had planned to camp Friday night in the Teton National Forest. We've had a few attempts at <a href="http://kimscoloradocountdown.blogspot.com/search?q=camping">camping </a>this summer, but both have ended badly - one with us coiled up in the front of the truck and the last with us laid out in the back of the Subaru.<br />
<br />
No luck again this weekend. We forgot the tent. Almost to Shoshoni, Todd asks, "We have the tent, right?" to which I replied, "I don't know...we do...right??" I packed the car, yes, but Todd had piled all the gear by the front door before going to work. I figured everything we needed was there - not at the bottom of the stairs. <br />
<br />
Consequently, we crashed with my friend Lori in her hotel room. Not quite roughing it...at least not for us. Lori may have a different opinion.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH1ZLEtOMI/AAAAAAAAFXg/aeXzmnl6dYA/s1600/DSC_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH1ZLEtOMI/AAAAAAAAFXg/aeXzmnl6dYA/s400/DSC_1642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Grand Tetons...! Pretty, huh?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH0nJHX6RI/AAAAAAAAFXc/KkhvtrU35UA/s1600/DSC_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH0nJHX6RI/AAAAAAAAFXc/KkhvtrU35UA/s400/DSC_1640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The same Tetons only much more sinister. Todd snapped this on our way to Teton Village for the night-before reception...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH1k437HEI/AAAAAAAAFXk/hIskrBu6K-M/s1600/DSC_1647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH1k437HEI/AAAAAAAAFXk/hIskrBu6K-M/s400/DSC_1647.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We didn't see a moose. Or a bear. I am <i>destined </i>to never see a bear...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH1y0_M__I/AAAAAAAAFXo/tyDJf_HFHpw/s1600/DSC_1656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH1y0_M__I/AAAAAAAAFXo/tyDJf_HFHpw/s400/DSC_1656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ok, we saw one moose at the Mangy Moose bar in the Village. But being stuffed and hung from the ceiling doesn't really count...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH2DjrH4zI/AAAAAAAAFXs/x_Dgz1CUBLA/s1600/DSC_1659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH2DjrH4zI/AAAAAAAAFXs/x_Dgz1CUBLA/s400/DSC_1659.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The next morning we headed to the town square and had breakfast at this great little place called <a href="http://www.genevievejh.com/">Cafe Genevieve</a>. It was so cute - and good - and I was crazy jealous of the hostess' clothes. We went back the next morning too and she looked even cuter than the day before! I hate how everyone in Jackson is so effortlessly mountain-laid-back with style! (Translation - I want their closets.) We meandered through the Jackson farmers market...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH2XHzZhCI/AAAAAAAAFXw/ddVD6hRT7Vw/s1600/DSC_1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH2XHzZhCI/AAAAAAAAFXw/ddVD6hRT7Vw/s400/DSC_1668.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And took pictures under the famous antler arches...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH2rJlgqPI/AAAAAAAAFX0/vMqB9OdnlvI/s1600/DSC_1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH2rJlgqPI/AAAAAAAAFX0/vMqB9OdnlvI/s400/DSC_1673.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
And more photos. This was very game warden appropriate, don't you think...?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH26qY7zDI/AAAAAAAAFX4/apBok3h8msQ/s1600/DSC_1674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH26qY7zDI/AAAAAAAAFX4/apBok3h8msQ/s400/DSC_1674.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
My friend Kara, the blushing bride...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH3LrpBX0I/AAAAAAAAFX8/kSf0kBN_MoA/s1600/DSC_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH3LrpBX0I/AAAAAAAAFX8/kSf0kBN_MoA/s400/DSC_1679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The wedding was at the Tennis and Golf Club, which was nothing short of amazing. What a backdrop for the bride, huh?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH3ZhhF_rI/AAAAAAAAFYA/nHrNdfHj7CM/s1600/DSC_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH3ZhhF_rI/AAAAAAAAFYA/nHrNdfHj7CM/s400/DSC_1681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The D.C., fam! This picture makes me so happy! We're missing a few folks though...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH3qi9z59I/AAAAAAAAFYE/6zmKEk10GV4/s1600/DSC_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH3qi9z59I/AAAAAAAAFYE/6zmKEk10GV4/s400/DSC_1740.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sunday morning Todd and I took a different route home. On the way to Jackson we took the more northern route through Dubois, Wyo. On the way back we dipped into Pinedale and Lander. We stopped for some impromptu fishing outside Jackson...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH39VTivPI/AAAAAAAAFYI/K5nAG6XFX0c/s1600/DSC_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH39VTivPI/AAAAAAAAFYI/K5nAG6XFX0c/s400/DSC_1779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The Great Outdoors...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH4NiyY0_I/AAAAAAAAFYM/yv4UW-CSmRI/s1600/DSC_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TGH4NiyY0_I/AAAAAAAAFYM/yv4UW-CSmRI/s400/DSC_1782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I didn't fish because I didn't have a license. A big no-no, particularly when your significant other is a game warden...<br />
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In Pinedale, Wyo., we stopped for lunch at the Wind River brewery... <br />
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And had a pretty nice time sampling beers and eating outside - until the bill came. Our waitress, though nice, hadn't listened to a thing we said. One order of the sampler - not two. We got the bill cleaned up and moved along...<br />
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As we were heading into Lander, Wyo., the tire pressure light came on in my car. Come to find out, we had a flat. Seriously?! <br />
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Todd put the spare on in the parking lot of a convenience store...<br />
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And we were off! <br />
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Linds H. has a photo of this and I've always loved it. So, I decided to copy her and take one of my own. The sign is for a house at Sweetwater Station that has a barn full of books for sale. I really wanted to stop in, but the time we lost fixing our flat meant the place was closed. There's an interesting article on the ladies who run the shop on <a href="http://wyofile.com/2009/11/mad-dog-and-the-pilgrim-books/">Wyofile</a>...<br />
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FINALLY we pull into town on our spare and pass this scene on the way to the house...A reminder to Todd that work lurked just around the corner...<br />
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The one scratching makes me laugh... Oh dear...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-81966544005541851582010-08-06T09:30:00.002-06:002010-08-10T20:37:54.148-06:00Wisconsin back trackA couple weeks ago, Todd and I were off, once again, to Wisconsin for a wedding in Green Bay. <br />
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But as soon as we got home I was out the door to Frontier Days and had no chance to post about our last Midwest excursion.<br />
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Here's a recap:<br />
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The first night we "camped" once again. Not quite the camping experience we had <a href="http://kimscoloradocountdown.blogspot.com/2010/06/todd-and-i-are-in-wisconsin-and-wow.html">the last time</a>, but not too far off. This time, we had a bit more room to spread out in the back of the Outback. We pulled over in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This is what it looked like the next morning...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TFtBAeiao9I/AAAAAAAAFV8/kz7lD_JYp-g/s1600/DSC_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TFtBAeiao9I/AAAAAAAAFV8/kz7lD_JYp-g/s400/DSC_0936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Todd and Rigby...<br />
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Me...<br />
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There's a delicacy in Wisconsin I learned about for the first time. We were at the butcher shop and Todd said, "Let's get some wildcat." I thought, like what I believe most normal people would think, that it was going to be ground bobcat or something else feline. Todd had fun helping my imagination run, well, wild, before explaining what it was, which is raw, ground, top of the line sirloin mixed with onions and a bunch of spices...<br />
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Now, I LOVE sushi. I'll eat raw fish, no problem. I want my steaks medium rare leaning a little more on the rare side. But completely 100 percent raw burger on a cracker? I had a bit of a mental block. But I tried it...<br />
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And while I can't say I LOVED it, it wasn't bad. I would try it again. But it is weird to think about...<br />
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On a more yummy note, Todd's dad was a blueberry growing pro. He was known for his ability to grow some good berries. There are blueberry bushes all around the house, and we also filled up on those!<br />
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And don't forget the cheese. I had yet to go to a cheese factory or dairy, so Todd and I stopped by Mullins Cheese on our way to the wedding...<br />
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Cheese there is so cheap! For my old Dupont Dwellers let me equate: It is WAY better than the secret cheese bin! Full chunks of cheese for a slice of what it normally goes for in other parts of the country! I like the dairy cow scene above the cooler...<br />
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This is a bag of whey. I wondered what in the world someone would need that much for - then saw a sign that said great for smoothies. That made sense...if you were a smoothie shop.<br />
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And the cheese curds! These were actually still warm! So they were quite squeaky! <br />
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Just start calling me Miss Muffet... though I don't yet own a tuffet.<br />
<span id="goog_677563230"></span><span id="goog_677563231"></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-24572224941116262482010-07-26T22:52:00.003-06:002010-07-26T23:05:39.029-06:00It's Frontier Days!And I have been so busy I haven't been able to post!<br />
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Here is my haphazard collection of photos so far. <br />
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Want to know why there a) aren't many photos, and b) I'm not posting frequently...? It's because my coworkers and I are running all over the park managing the CFD facebook page! We're getting TONS of great video and photos to share with fans. Consequently, that's been occupying all my computer time! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/cheyennefrontierdays">Check it out</a>...!<br />
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Ok - quick catch up:<br />
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KISS played on Friday night for the first concert of the week to an absolutely ROARING crowd. I got to see them (albeit through a window) behind stage! They did walk in front of me to the vans they ride in to the stage. That was cool...<br />
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Stage set-up for KISS's show...<br />
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These two horses just cracked me up fighting over that dish...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Some country dancin' at the Buckin' A Saloon in the Midway...<br />
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Horses from the Wild Horse Race zooming past in the back stretch...<br />
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What the first Pancake Breakfast of the week always looks like for me. I have to be there by 4:30 a.m. with my news crew, which has been Channel 4 of Denver for the past two years...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TE5bXqIHv5I/AAAAAAAAFTY/O5EouB2fPNA/s1600/DSC_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TE5bXqIHv5I/AAAAAAAAFTY/O5EouB2fPNA/s400/DSC_1141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Depot Plaza pre-dawn with the news cameras set up...<br />
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A few more folks...and a little more light. There were over 8,700 folks fed today...<br />
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Cody Sosbee, the CFD rodeo clown...<br />
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I not only went behind the chutes for this shot but underneath the stands...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TE5ce7RJ3RI/AAAAAAAAFTo/Y7CWwe6QNTI/s1600/DSC_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TE5ce7RJ3RI/AAAAAAAAFTo/Y7CWwe6QNTI/s400/DSC_1192.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Just some cool pics of a ride...<br />
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Same ride...<br />
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More of that ride...<br />
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The last bit of that ride...<br />
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Cowboys behind the chutes...<br />
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After a bull ride...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TE5ekKY9WsI/AAAAAAAAFUE/Z0ypF0NAsrs/s1600/DSC_1277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TE5ekKY9WsI/AAAAAAAAFUE/Z0ypF0NAsrs/s400/DSC_1277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'll have a lot more to share, but after being up before dawn with my news crew I'm too tired to load right now. Stay tuned!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-91519802625302865872010-07-20T11:54:00.000-06:002010-07-20T11:54:33.989-06:00Todd's a hater too<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A couple weeks ago</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> we pulled the stupid Fabulous 400 out so Todd could see if he could figure out why the big oven went kaput.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In moving it, we figured out where the 400 comes from – it easily weighs 4,000 pounds.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TEXhMRuHVRI/AAAAAAAAFR8/07Dwi6tdKkc/s1600/DSC_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TEXhMRuHVRI/AAAAAAAAFR8/07Dwi6tdKkc/s400/DSC_0880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Replacing this thing is such a kitchen conundrum. See the cabinets that are under the Fab...?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Those will have to come out with a different stove. And I’ve<a href="http://kimscoloradocountdown.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-can-look-past-most-of-things-around.html"> already mentioned</a> the fact that the 400 is 40-inches wide means either a) we spend about a million dollars on a new 40-inch stove (that size is considered professional or commercial grade), or b) we get a 30 or 36-inch stove (normal sizes) and have a corresponding 10 or 4-inch gap to fill between the stove and the other cabinets.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We’ve brainstormed that the gap could make a good cookie sheet cabinet, but then there’s the countertop that would be short… ARGH!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Do you see where my deep-seated hatred for the Fabulous 400 stems from??</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After tinkering with it to no avail then hoisting it back…Todd’s a hater now too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-42815096723330069922010-07-09T17:06:00.002-06:002010-07-09T17:09:05.414-06:00Mr. and Mrs. CleanYesterday was maybe one of the happiest days of my life:<br />
<br />
Our washer and dryer arrived!<br />
<br />
Ok, it might be a little dramatic to say it was one of the happiest days...but it's right up there.<br />
<br />
We've been without a washer and dryer since May 28 when we closed on the new house. As you can imagine, we've amassed quite the mountain of laundry. We did do a few emergency loads at the Cheyenne house on one of our trips down to get stuff, but that didn't really make a dent. <br />
<br />
We ordered the new appliances about three weeks ago and have been awaiting their arrival with as much excitement as a kid looking forward to Christmas.<br />
<br />
The big delivery stork with our exciting arrival...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDeoEE1UHJI/AAAAAAAAFR4/c4NyUQRZeiQ/s1600/DSC_0902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDeoEE1UHJI/AAAAAAAAFR4/c4NyUQRZeiQ/s400/DSC_0902.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We debated <i>for months </i>about what set to get. Do we drop big bucks on the front loading kind? We were hesitant...but it saves money over time with water and electric efficiency. You don't know the back and forth we had! We finally decided on a sale price front loader...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDen1PWsUKI/AAAAAAAAFR0/nbviVW_lbV0/s1600/DSC_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDen1PWsUKI/AAAAAAAAFR0/nbviVW_lbV0/s400/DSC_0903.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Up and running! But we almost weren't. Before we could get going we discovered they delivered an unmatched set! The washer was correct, but the dryer was not what we bought. We called Sears to check, and as it would happen the sales lady ordered the wrong dryer. I nearly had a coronary. She told us we could keep the wrong dryer - and use it - until our new one came in and we could make the exchange. Lucky for her she offered that solution...I was ready to drive to the store and raise hell! We were NOT going to wait any longer for clean clothes (I know you're thinking what's wrong with the laundry mat? Aside from the obvious 'lots of things' it was down right expensive! We tried going this route and walked out. I'm fine with paying a couple bucks to clean my clothes, but $5 or more?? I think not.) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDenlkV7N9I/AAAAAAAAFRw/bqkGd9tokSU/s1600/DSC_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDenlkV7N9I/AAAAAAAAFRw/bqkGd9tokSU/s400/DSC_0907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The funny thing about these? They play what I call a Pied Piper tune as you're unloading. It's funny and annoying all at the same time. But I'll put up with it for clean clothes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-7588206913397975372010-07-08T22:11:00.000-06:002010-07-08T22:11:47.197-06:00Happy belated 4thI know this is several days past due, but now is the time that I have time to wish America happy birthday!<br />
<br />
For the Fourth I spent Saturday and Sunday at Alcova lake with friends. A couple I went to college with has a cabin there and they very graciously invited me and several others to come hang out. Todd had to work the lake most of the time, but was able to meet up here and there to say hi.<br />
<br />
Jonna's dad Wayne became our Lady Liberty when the boat light snapped off. He diligently held the light until we found a fix...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDafiZt7LHI/AAAAAAAAFRU/VHu60RIjyj0/s1600/DSC_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDafiZt7LHI/AAAAAAAAFRU/VHu60RIjyj0/s400/DSC_0839.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
This was our fix. Medical tape. Worked like a dream...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDaf4YWYnVI/AAAAAAAAFRc/kgQuB9AztiU/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDaf4YWYnVI/AAAAAAAAFRc/kgQuB9AztiU/s400/DSC_0853.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There were two boats of us that went out on the water for the fireworks show Sunday night. Notice the dark boat pulled along the white one? That's Todd pulling over one of our fleet. Just a simple life jacket check...nothing to see here...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDafyuqkboI/AAAAAAAAFRY/cNYZ6rpyy3Q/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDafyuqkboI/AAAAAAAAFRY/cNYZ6rpyy3Q/s400/DSC_0851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Jonna and her fiance Eric. How romantic...!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDagBmwxr4I/AAAAAAAAFRg/4pk2MapXfBo/s1600/DSC_0862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDagBmwxr4I/AAAAAAAAFRg/4pk2MapXfBo/s400/DSC_0862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Fireworks on the water! Happy belated 4th!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDagLCnkpaI/AAAAAAAAFRk/IK6sPgq2EJ8/s1600/DSC_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TDagLCnkpaI/AAAAAAAAFRk/IK6sPgq2EJ8/s400/DSC_0871.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-34891812180262718702010-07-01T22:15:00.000-06:002010-07-01T22:15:05.359-06:00Todd CousteauTodd is a highly credentialed diver!<br />
<br />
I knew this, and knew about his easily half-ton scuba trunk with all his gear packed inside, but I had never seen him dive.<br />
<br />
Until last week.<br />
<br />
He volunteered to help the (water) ski club at Alcova look for a cable used to tether their slalom course, which had been cut by vandals and was resting somewhere on the lake bottom.<br />
<br />
Getting geared up...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TC1lmeHd2xI/AAAAAAAAFRI/VJJJlsGnGgM/s1600/IMAG0098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TC1lmeHd2xI/AAAAAAAAFRI/VJJJlsGnGgM/s400/IMAG0098.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br />
He's under - somewhere around that flag. It initially made me a little nervous to watch because <b><i>I </i></b>wouldn't want to be down there, but also I was worried he might drown. He didn't, of course...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TC1lt7yW9HI/AAAAAAAAFRM/zbw5wBa7wOs/s1600/IMAG0103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TC1lt7yW9HI/AAAAAAAAFRM/zbw5wBa7wOs/s400/IMAG0103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Todd Cousteau...!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TC1l1Dh-uvI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/rXlP172AXHU/s1600/IMAG0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TC1l1Dh-uvI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/rXlP172AXHU/s400/IMAG0105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
He didn't find the cable, which was fine. But we did get brats and kraut with one of the members and his wife at their camper!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-80234991064175286872010-06-29T17:52:00.000-06:002010-06-29T17:52:32.512-06:00SlumlordsThat's what Todd and I have become!<br />
<br />
Not really.<br />
<br />
But we have become landlords. <br />
<br />
Our darling <a href="http://304east5th.blogspot.com/">Cheyenne house</a> rented yesterday - a HUGE relief! With the new house mortgage starting this month it was absolutely essential we get the Cheyenne house rented. Otherwise, I joked to friends, the next time they saw me I'd be super thin from living on Ramen alone.<br />
<br />
We think we have good renters, but we're still a little nervous. Handing your home over to people you don't know is kind of disconcerting. You hope they don't destroy it or do stupid things to it.<br />
<br />
The renters are a young couple who are expecting a baby in August. I think the girl is very excited and proud of her new home, which makes me feel better. That and the fact she was already weeding the flowers last night - a day and a half before their move-in! She's obviously motivated. <br />
<br />
So, here's to our first foray into property management. <br />
<br />
I hope our lil' home survives.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-62217213853911868842010-06-27T11:54:00.001-06:002010-06-27T11:55:38.456-06:00Just LeDoux itLast weekend, as I was heading back from the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters' conference in Sheridan, I decided to stop in Kaycee, Wyo., and take a peek at the new Chris LeDoux statue.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chrisledoux.com/home.cfm">Chris LeDoux</a>, for those who don't know, was a famous country singer and winner of the World's Bareback Championship in 1976. He passed away a few years ago and was from ol' Kaycee.<br />
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There was a big memorial event for the unveiling and, I heard, Garth Brooks was even there. Pretty cool.<br />
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</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-67075583200715145622010-06-26T13:23:00.006-06:002010-06-26T13:28:34.422-06:00Range rover<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can look past most of the things around the new house that need addressed: Carpet removal, the need to paint, a fully-concreted backyard...</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the thing that makes me absolutely crazy is:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Fabulous 400.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZLIf8LhjI/AAAAAAAAFP4/7P7Xzyw0kjY/s1600/DSCN3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZLIf8LhjI/AAAAAAAAFP4/7P7Xzyw0kjY/s400/DSCN3002.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a beast. And I find it to be anything </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fabulous. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can see how back in its day it was probably a very progressive appliance. It has a rotisserie. That could be neat. It folds up like a Transformer (It's a cutting board... No! It's a trivet... No! It's a full oven and stove top in one!), which is creative.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But at the end of the day, it is simply the bane of my culinary existence.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we first looked at the stove we had no idea how it worked. Where in the world do you boil a pot of water, for example? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZKzQbmvTI/AAAAAAAAFPw/hrl7AmJKDvg/s1600/DSCN3005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZKzQbmvTI/AAAAAAAAFPw/hrl7AmJKDvg/s400/DSCN3005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After some tinkering we found you have to uncover the coils hidden neatly under the cutting board/trivet pull-out. Oh, of course! (smacking head sarcastically) </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZKom2xyeI/AAAAAAAAFPs/fOl3Ew-Guw8/s1600/DSCN3006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZKom2xyeI/AAAAAAAAFPs/fOl3Ew-Guw8/s400/DSCN3006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that feature only gets in the way! It's awkward to lean over. And I hate having to go the extra step of pulling it out when I just want to quickly, say, heat a kettle of water for tea. So, I leave it like this...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZKenH988I/AAAAAAAAFPo/H7Eeo1YXTgY/s1600/DSCN3009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZKenH988I/AAAAAAAAFPo/H7Eeo1YXTgY/s400/DSCN3009.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
But the most pressing issue is it doesn't work.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first night in the house we made a frozen pizza in the large oven on the left. And it worked - fabulously. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next night, wanting a home-cooked meal, I put a meat loaf in the same oven. Everything was cooking nicely when out of nowhere the 400 started buzzing. At first I thought it was a timer going off. I fiddled with that for a bit, then realized the oven was no longer on and the meat loaf was cooking on the slowly fading heat I had initially set it to. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It hasn't worked since. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fortunately, there is a second, smaller oven on the right. But cookie sheets and other pans are too big to fit in there, so I've either had to not make something or find a creative pan to put it in.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're going to replace the ol' Fab with a normal gas - not electric, which I hate - stove. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But to add insult to injury, the ol' Fab is <i><b>40 inches wide!</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> Today, that size is reserved for commercial or professional grade stoves, which, as much as I would love that, I do not love the cost: $5,000, $10,000, $15,000!!</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What we don't understand is, the kitchen is remodeled with new, nice cabinets that were built around the Fabulous 400. Why, oh why, wouldn't you replace the stove with a normal one and build the new cabinets around that? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's mind boggling. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fabulous my foot...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZK-AxOKMI/AAAAAAAAFP0/FgYlYykx8dM/s1600/DSCN3003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCZK-AxOKMI/AAAAAAAAFP0/FgYlYykx8dM/s400/DSCN3003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-43104669056835614862010-06-22T19:26:00.001-06:002010-06-22T19:30:00.922-06:00Carpetbaggers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span>The house.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It's all this is about because it's all we do, think about, work on...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When we got home from Wisconsin and Illinois last Monday, I went immediately to work the next day on an ag trip and Todd went to work ripping up carpet! </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When I came home that night there were beautiful hardwood floors gleaming at me from the upstairs guest room. I was ECSTATIC! Every square inch of this place is carpeted - minus the laundry room (yes, kitchen and bathrooms are covered too!) - and it just feels <i>so </i>heavy and outdated. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The next night we tackled the upstairs master. Only we took it a step further and decided to see what was hiding under the fake ceiling - you know, the kind made of cream colored tiles with gold glitter swirls through them? We've temporarily shut the door on that room and have moved on until we can figure out the giant crack in the ceiling...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But, the real carpet kicker has been the dining room. We have big area rugs for both the dining and living rooms which we've laid down to get out of the way. But they've only gotten IN the way. The dining room rug did nothing but get stuck to the carpet and bunch up around the table and chairs. That, combined with our four old chairs, six new (old) chairs from Todd's mom's, every possible piece of paper, keys, and electronic cord we own tossed in, created a horrible chaos that made Todd and I want to scream. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So, last night, we tackled the dining room.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's a before. That clean rectangle? That's where the rug was. All the disgustingness around it is from tracking in and Rigby shedding his winter coat over everything. We haven't bothered to vacuum, not even once, because we knew we'd be pulling the carpet out...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFAFQol33I/AAAAAAAAFOg/xFAps8HlIBc/s1600/DSC_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFAFQol33I/AAAAAAAAFOg/xFAps8HlIBc/s400/DSC_0774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Another before from a different angle...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFAVW_XmSI/AAAAAAAAFOk/AnJ0UOrBHXk/s1600/DSC_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFAVW_XmSI/AAAAAAAAFOk/AnJ0UOrBHXk/s400/DSC_0777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Pulling back the carpet. I shudder to think what's living in the mat...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFBXHIKumI/AAAAAAAAFO0/nqGwVmpjxtk/s1600/DSC_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFBXHIKumI/AAAAAAAAFO0/nqGwVmpjxtk/s400/DSC_0783.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The moment, <i>instant</i>, Todd pulled back that giant chunk of dirty mat I felt me - and the house - take a big breath. It's like you could <i>feel </i>the house breathing after being trapped beneath nasty carpet for all those years... </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFBorZvH2I/AAAAAAAAFO4/lyOSGsk0xKw/s1600/DSC_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFBorZvH2I/AAAAAAAAFO4/lyOSGsk0xKw/s400/DSC_0787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div>After much work pulling out staples and tack strips THIS is what we have! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFB4sIoFEI/AAAAAAAAFO8/BEYPxcvQ3O4/s1600/DSC_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFB4sIoFEI/AAAAAAAAFO8/BEYPxcvQ3O4/s400/DSC_0791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And get a load of this photo! Doesn't it look like a glamorous ballroom? Minus, of course, the window fan and tools on the window sill...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFCISCfsiI/AAAAAAAAFPA/OAlw8YID9f4/s1600/DSC_0793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFCISCfsiI/AAAAAAAAFPA/OAlw8YID9f4/s400/DSC_0793.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
There are some issues that need addressed. Like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFC7PUdL3I/AAAAAAAAFPM/Nj958HHJD8Q/s1600/DSC_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFC7PUdL3I/AAAAAAAAFPM/Nj958HHJD8Q/s400/DSC_0800.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFCqdhkz1I/AAAAAAAAFPI/UxOWmTQ-_eU/s1600/DSC_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TCFCqdhkz1I/AAAAAAAAFPI/UxOWmTQ-_eU/s400/DSC_0798.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And the approximately 135 holes left from the 135 screws Todd pulled out of the dining and entry way floors. There are still nails in there, but we're going to talk to a professional about all that...<br />
<br />
It's definitely fun planning how it's going to ultimately look, but we've still got a long way to go!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-5842991600346645692010-06-16T22:03:00.001-06:002010-06-16T22:05:39.174-06:00Wisconsin (and Illinois) wrap-upHere's a wrap of our trip to Wisconsin and Illinois. <br />
<div><br />
</div><div>I'll just dive in...</div><div><br />
</div><div>...much like Rigby: Todd was selling his boat to my dad who was planning to come to Wisconsin to pick it up. Before he arrived, Todd wanted to make triple sure it ran ok, so we took it out for a ride. He put Rigby in the boat and as he pulled away we heard **SPLASH** and there was Rigby swimming to shore!</div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmHUVI-adI/AAAAAAAAFL4/BWPDJH2Yd0o/s1600/DSC_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmHUVI-adI/AAAAAAAAFL4/BWPDJH2Yd0o/s400/DSC_0526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><div>Let's check the logic: The river is less scary than the boat...??</div></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmHm49yKpI/AAAAAAAAFMA/0cEhNduxr_M/s1600/DSC_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmHm49yKpI/AAAAAAAAFMA/0cEhNduxr_M/s400/DSC_0527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Landlubber! </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmH1B3kx6I/AAAAAAAAFMI/2MJJB_04N70/s1600/DSC_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmH1B3kx6I/AAAAAAAAFMI/2MJJB_04N70/s400/DSC_0528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>So, we discovered Rigby can swim - and that the boat doesn't sink...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmIGXEb5BI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/ze-2jj0coxg/s1600/DSC_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmIGXEb5BI/AAAAAAAAFMQ/ze-2jj0coxg/s400/DSC_0530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Todd came back for me and another try for Riggs. We forced him into the boat again and took off. He did much better but was still pretty tense... </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmIWDK8EbI/AAAAAAAAFMY/602Vsm2UNRM/s1600/DSC_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmIWDK8EbI/AAAAAAAAFMY/602Vsm2UNRM/s400/DSC_0532.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Two discoveries in Wisconsin for me, well, four, after Rigby's swim and the boat working well, were pickled brussel sprouts and cheese curds. The first I had never heard of and the second I had heard tons about, but had never tried. The brussel sprouts are delicious! They're used as garnishes in drinks like Old Fashioneds and I couldn't get enough! </div><div><br />
</div><div>I have wanted to try cheese curds every time we've been in Wisconsin, but we haven't gotten around to it. Todd and I picked this package up at the grocery store and let me tell you they're also a very yummy treat. These were still slightly warm and, as I found out, the fresher they are the more they squeak on your teeth when you chew! Yes, squeak. It's kind of like the sound of tennis shoes on a gym floor, only nowhere near as loud. </div><div><br />
</div><div>In fact, the back of the package says: </div><blockquote>"You can be fully confident that when you select our cheese curds that they will be the freshest and the squeakiest available anywhere!" </blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmIzBMF-rI/AAAAAAAAFMg/Gp8X3KeWaRw/s1600/DSC_0533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmIzBMF-rI/AAAAAAAAFMg/Gp8X3KeWaRw/s400/DSC_0533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>We took my dad to a good ol' <a href="http://kimscoloradocountdown.blogspot.com/search?q=fish+fry">Wisconsin fish fry</a> at this place. Yes, it was meet the parents weekend (sans my mom who was getting ready for the family reunion), so my dad and Todd's mom got to meet!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmJLeHvnZI/AAAAAAAAFMo/_gjM6xTHvGw/s1600/DSC_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmJLeHvnZI/AAAAAAAAFMo/_gjM6xTHvGw/s400/DSC_0537.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>All week in Wisconsin we packed...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmJs2QT2fI/AAAAAAAAFMw/gGck9CiVrPI/s1600/DSC_0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmJs2QT2fI/AAAAAAAAFMw/gGck9CiVrPI/s400/DSC_0538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>And packed some more! My days of packing and unpacking are just...endless. We were in Wisconsin to help his mom downsize and take some things back. My dad helping load the U-Haul while Rigby oversees the job...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmKHvLDDkI/AAAAAAAAFM4/W4xQEmLSD7w/s1600/DSC_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmKHvLDDkI/AAAAAAAAFM4/W4xQEmLSD7w/s400/DSC_0539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Then it was down to Illinois for my family reunion! We always have it at <a href="http://www.lincolnsnewsalem.com/">New Salem State Park</a>, one of those living history places where people are dying yarn and chopping logs for cabins...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmKr8mOwFI/AAAAAAAAFNA/bWPH2p9BJt8/s1600/DSC_0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmKr8mOwFI/AAAAAAAAFNA/bWPH2p9BJt8/s400/DSC_0541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Some of the fam walking the Village...(note the guy chopping a log)</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmL2weopiI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/R62EGTFwgGo/s1600/DSC_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmL2weopiI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/R62EGTFwgGo/s400/DSC_0548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Todd and I toasting with lemonade at the Temperance tent...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmMP8vNdSI/AAAAAAAAFNY/PlXAnxZ8758/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmMP8vNdSI/AAAAAAAAFNY/PlXAnxZ8758/s400/DSC_0549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>The spread at the reunion!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmMwIrqVII/AAAAAAAAFNg/VR-3m6CavbI/s1600/DSC_0567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmMwIrqVII/AAAAAAAAFNg/VR-3m6CavbI/s400/DSC_0567.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Some of the crew. By the way, it was like a sauna that day. Literally. I can never, ever, EVER live with that kind of humidity again. I know what the good life is like and there's no going back!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmNORHU4MI/AAAAAAAAFNo/rH6jwekyOhg/s1600/DSC_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmNORHU4MI/AAAAAAAAFNo/rH6jwekyOhg/s400/DSC_0576.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Saying the prayer before digging in...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmNnJ1zuzI/AAAAAAAAFNw/kZ7OSlp8tYM/s1600/DSC_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmNnJ1zuzI/AAAAAAAAFNw/kZ7OSlp8tYM/s400/DSC_0579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Todd competing in the "washers" tournament...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmOUepJraI/AAAAAAAAFN4/Ut2QUoLL3Xc/s1600/DSC_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmOUepJraI/AAAAAAAAFN4/Ut2QUoLL3Xc/s400/DSC_0580.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>On our way home, Todd and I stopped by Chimney Rock outside Scottsbluff, Neb. The 300 foot formation served as a landmark on the Oregon, Mormon and California Trails. I'd never been before and really wanted to see it...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmOsh-HK1I/AAAAAAAAFOA/M4H6sYFM_Wg/s1600/DSC_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmOsh-HK1I/AAAAAAAAFOA/M4H6sYFM_Wg/s400/DSC_0584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You couldn't drive right up to the base, but there was a dirt road that took you part way. Todd hesitated because we had the U-Haul hitched to the back. I told him if Conestoga wagons could make it this far, so could we...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmPEtVoy8I/AAAAAAAAFOI/1jxT8yYr9DI/s1600/DSC_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmPEtVoy8I/AAAAAAAAFOI/1jxT8yYr9DI/s400/DSC_0588.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>On the way up there's a little cemetery. Todd said this is where other people who had tried pulling U-Hauls up there were buried... </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmPTb4LwuI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/tL8zHXxAINg/s1600/DSC_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmPTb4LwuI/AAAAAAAAFOQ/tL8zHXxAINg/s400/DSC_0591.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>This was the oldest grave we found. Pretty neat...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmPnqQsT4I/AAAAAAAAFOY/I6HMPOJcoOo/s1600/DSC_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TBmPnqQsT4I/AAAAAAAAFOY/I6HMPOJcoOo/s400/DSC_0592.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
We finally made it home about 9 p.m. after 2,700 miles on the road. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I am so happy to be here. Mess and all.</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-32919643039781276402010-06-09T18:00:00.002-06:002010-08-10T20:38:23.821-06:00Bonnie and ClydeTodd and I are in Wisconsin!<br />
<br />
And wow, does it take a long time to get here!<br />
<br />
We left Casper at 10:30 a.m. Saturday morning thinking we would get to his mom's around around 2 a.m. At about 12:30 a.m. we realized this was a pipe dream and at the rate we were going we wouldn't pull in until probably 4:30 a.m.!<br />
<br />
We began weighing our options. We came prepared with camping equipment for my family reunion at the end of the week, so we started looking up campsites and state parks. After a wild goose chase or two for parks that ended up being a lot farther off the interstate than what we hoped, we finally found one.<br />
<br />
We pulled in around 2 a.m. and stopped dutifully at the entrance station to check rules and campsite prices. We discovered there were no prices and one of the rules was no setting up camp after 11 p.m.<br />
<br />
Huh. That's not gonna work.<br />
<br />
We made an executive decision: We're going to pull in anyway.<br />
<br />
We were tired. We weren't going to be there more than 3-4 hours. We weren't even going to bother with setting up the tent. We just needed a slot for some zzz's!<br />
<br />
So...we slept and skipped. I admit it. And...I stand by it! I own our rule-breaking decision! <br />
<br />
Todd waking up in the truck. Worst. Sleep. Ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7BAx3yHrI/AAAAAAAAFL0/GR1t88dumdw/s1600/DSC_0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7BAx3yHrI/AAAAAAAAFL0/GR1t88dumdw/s400/DSC_0483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Foggin' up the windows! Just kidding. Too tired for parkin'! See Rigby peeking up there...?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7A5C96yEI/AAAAAAAAFLw/SeF0iQzavbE/s1600/DSC_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7A5C96yEI/AAAAAAAAFLw/SeF0iQzavbE/s400/DSC_0484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My side of the truck. Todd was all cramped after sleeping with the steering wheel in his lap. I asked him why he didn't just turn and put his feet up in the middle of the seat. His reply? He's not a 12-year-old girl who can bend like Gumby. I laughed - a lot...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AN5rE_lI/AAAAAAAAFLc/o96AX365OPQ/s1600/DSC_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AN5rE_lI/AAAAAAAAFLc/o96AX365OPQ/s400/DSC_0489.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pulling out of our hiding place...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AxnEUVlI/AAAAAAAAFLs/zddP2C31u_g/s1600/DSC_0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AxnEUVlI/AAAAAAAAFLs/zddP2C31u_g/s400/DSC_0485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The coffee cup I had grand plans of using as a rinse cup for brushing my teeth! Two things I CAN'T STAND: not brushing my teeth or washing my face before bed. Neither of these things happened that night. I was broken hearted when I figured out our toothpaste was in the truck bed. We each chewed a piece of Orbitz mint-flavored gum instead... UGH.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AEhL7ClI/AAAAAAAAFLY/Psen8rfCzs0/s1600/DSC_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AEhL7ClI/AAAAAAAAFLY/Psen8rfCzs0/s320/DSC_0490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Approaching the entrance to the park... Uh-oh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7Am0x44vI/AAAAAAAAFLo/IGvMkdMra9w/s1600/DSC_0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7Am0x44vI/AAAAAAAAFLo/IGvMkdMra9w/s400/DSC_0486.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I'm not sure if Todd is leaning back for me to get a photo, or if he's trying to not be visible as we pass by. The office doesn't open until 8 a.m. and it was 6:30 a.m. We skipped early to avoid our captors! To bad we didn't have Beyonce and Jay Z's Bonnie and Clyde song playing...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AfqChLPI/AAAAAAAAFLk/IRvY9SRKafQ/s1600/DSC_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AfqChLPI/AAAAAAAAFLk/IRvY9SRKafQ/s400/DSC_0487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
See ya' Willow River...!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AX3xY9DI/AAAAAAAAFLg/RaUe6JBrFBQ/s1600/DSC_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TA7AX3xY9DI/AAAAAAAAFLg/RaUe6JBrFBQ/s400/DSC_0488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nice knowin' ya!</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-41324199272357242802010-06-02T16:20:00.001-06:002010-06-02T16:21:14.612-06:00Over and outThat's it. The end. Finito.<br />
<br />
I'm DONE. <br />
<br />
Todd and I moved another load from Cheyenne to Casper last night, I mean, this morning. We pulled into Casper at 3 a.m. <br />
<br />
In the last week we've had no sleep, no stopping, and no idea where our stuff is.<br />
<br />
After moving four times in eight months I think I can reasonably say: I'm over it!<br />
<br />
I just want to be settled. And to have our house put away. And to go to bed at 10 p.m. and sleep eight hours. Is this too much to ask?<br />
<br />
On an high note: We LOVE the new house. It's huge! And once we get some of those cosmetic upgrades done it will be amazing!<br />
<br />
Stay tuned!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1803204718671145773.post-47265886849292251292010-05-31T13:23:00.003-06:002010-05-31T13:31:46.193-06:00Homestead hoppingI've taken a hiatus from the blog it seems because, well, there's been some other things going on. Like...moving into our new Casper home!<br />
<br />
By the way - we closed on the house on Friday morning and my name was on there, so I am officially a first time homebuyer! Yay!<br />
<br />
Wednesday night and Thursday at ol' 304 in Cheyenne was nothing but packing central. Our goal was to be on the road to Casper Thursday night, but we were apparently delusional. We packed until midnight on Thursday, got up at 4:15 a.m. on Friday morning and were on the road to Casper by 5:30 a.m. Why up so early? Our closing was at 8 a.m. We like to keep things exciting.<br />
<br />
Here's our life since Thursday...<br />
<br />
Ol' 304...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQA-cdEKPI/AAAAAAAAFIs/kvD7NG1lfdE/s1600/1+304+numbers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQA-cdEKPI/AAAAAAAAFIs/kvD7NG1lfdE/s320/1+304+numbers.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Our little mail slot. The mailman spelled Todd's last name wrong - it's 'el' not 'le'. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQBNHP8d7I/AAAAAAAAFI0/mrm8xXrYyx4/s1600/2+mail+drop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQBNHP8d7I/AAAAAAAAFI0/mrm8xXrYyx4/s400/2+mail+drop.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Me packing up our bedroom...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQBeK2Iq1I/AAAAAAAAFI8/hbSKb-JJIKE/s1600/3+kim+packing+bedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQBeK2Iq1I/AAAAAAAAFI8/hbSKb-JJIKE/s400/3+kim+packing+bedroom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The first mow of the year. We were the worst kept yard on the block! But with not being there or it raining we weren't able to get it done. So, we took some time from packing to weed the flowers and mow the yard...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQBzMdOMHI/AAAAAAAAFJE/U73vE-L_bkc/s1600/4+todd+mowing+at+304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQBzMdOMHI/AAAAAAAAFJE/U73vE-L_bkc/s400/4+todd+mowing+at+304.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Packing up the trailer...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQCFlzoWwI/AAAAAAAAFJM/1LvD2s4jcEs/s1600/5+todd+at+trailer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQCFlzoWwI/AAAAAAAAFJM/1LvD2s4jcEs/s400/5+todd+at+trailer.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Our cute little living room in total disarray...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQCVS4XXqI/AAAAAAAAFJU/2PxmCCc2zpQ/s1600/6+living+room+being+packed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQCVS4XXqI/AAAAAAAAFJU/2PxmCCc2zpQ/s400/6+living+room+being+packed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The kitchen...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQClwM8gXI/AAAAAAAAFJc/ZbNkceFJ7GY/s1600/7+kitchen+being+packed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQClwM8gXI/AAAAAAAAFJc/ZbNkceFJ7GY/s400/7+kitchen+being+packed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Rhubarb from the backyard and a pie our neighbor Betty made for us with some of our rhubarb. If I had to pick a favorite pie rhubarb would be it. Pumpkin is a close second... I LOVE the color of rhubarb! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQC3Y0-ZxI/AAAAAAAAFJk/aPSFxRd600Q/s1600/8+betty%27s+pie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQC3Y0-ZxI/AAAAAAAAFJk/aPSFxRd600Q/s400/8+betty%27s+pie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Taking a break to enjoy a piece of pie...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQDGWpLu5I/AAAAAAAAFJs/SUyzmMWnrg4/s1600/9+todd+eating+pie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQDGWpLu5I/AAAAAAAAFJs/SUyzmMWnrg4/s400/9+todd+eating+pie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Rigby also taking a break. It's hard being a cute puppy dog...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQDjI9ECHI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/oOIXOs3z-fI/s1600/11+rigby+in+packed+living+room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQDjI9ECHI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/oOIXOs3z-fI/s400/11+rigby+in+packed+living+room.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The beginning of the purple flowers and end of the tulips that Todd and I planted...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQDxtAVzUI/AAAAAAAAFKE/Y16RFF2iH7w/s1600/12+304+flowers+we+planted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X1MCQGbcPkE/TAQDxtAVzUI/AAAAAAAAFKE/Y16RFF2iH7w/s400/12+304+flowers+we+planted.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Friday morning, 5 a.m.: Pulling away from 304...<br />
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The next few photos document what might be classified as a disaster zone. It's the new house with all our stuff - EVERYWHERE. The kitchen isn't as bad here. Not like it was...<br />
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But brace yourselves! The living room. We've slept on the air mattress the last few nights even though our real mattresses are in the bedroom. Problem is, we don't have the bed frame and it seems pointless to put the mattresses down just to pick them up again and situate on the bed frame. We have one more substantial load to get from Cheyenne and the frame will be included...<br />
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The dining room... You'll notice the place needs some cosmetic upgrades. I'll get into that later, but let me say: The formal curtains are going, the carpet that is over every square inch of the house (and covering perfectly good, beautiful hardwood floors) will be out, and any wallpaper will be ripped ruthlessly down. The chandeliers stay...<br />
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A prime example: Blue and white shag carpet covering wonderful hardwood floors...!<br />
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The upstairs bathroom. We've decided this will likely be a complete gut. It's awkwardly arranged making it tight and leaving very little room for storage. And who puts carpet in a bathroom? How gross around the toilet! <br />
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Speaking of the toilet... It's trapped between the tiled tub wall and the bathroom door making it a tight squeeze. And it prevents Rigby from his, what we call, Potty Petting Time (PPT). For some reason, the moment we make our way to the toilet Rigby makes a beeline for us so he can be pet. He started this at 304 where the bathroom was much more open. Now, he's having trouble squeezing around the door which seems to be kind of disappointing for him! And we've become so accustomed to PPT we feel bad for the lil' boy...<br />
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And, speaking of Rigby, here he is comfortably sitting on his new front porch. He loves to go out there and watch the world go by...<br />
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I've been jealous of folks who have dogs that are so well behaved they can be trusted to sit peacefully on a porch unattended. I never thought Rigby would be that dog. He's a <i>very</i> good boy, but he's also <i>very</i> social and usually can't resist the urge to meet and greet every dog and human within a one mile radius. At the new house he's been different. He just lounges out there. I've only sneaked out a few times to make sure he's still there...<br />
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