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I have a few confessions to make:
- I would much rather cook a luscious dessert than a healthy vegetable dish.
- I'm salad challenged.
- I love to snoop at other people's lunches.
- I can enjoy creating non-desserts.
- Homemade salad dressing is much better than the stuff out of the bottle and is a good start to remedying my salad challenges.
- Snooping at other people's lunches is very inspirational.


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Funky Town : Its a actually a Disco song and also consider a disco last stand. Here I am posting related Latest and Beautiful Funky town wear clothes by Pakistani international magazine.
This girl has full sleeve ladies T Shirt in black round style and have a beautiful colorful skirts style, as it is amazing that t shirt with skirts but its a funky town style. This dress is looking beautiful with colorful motif necklaces and beautiful bracelet.
In this funky town wear the girl in Trouser pant and beach style colorful shirt style is looking so pretty and gorgeous, this shirt is in full sleeve style and have a beautiful neck style.
It is a rough style of gown style with net and belt style this gown style is in full sleeve style. This funky town wear dress can also be used as a beach wear dress.
Its a beautiful and latest funky town wear style, the girl has a beautiful colorful long skirt style and nice cyan T Shirt in full sleeve round style but the main thing in this dress is beautiful color style ladies coat style in white and like a shirt style. The girl is looking gorgeous in beautiful black hat style. That's why this dress is not only Funky town style but also Formal beach wear and Picnic party wear dress. you can also say that its a casual Frock style.
It is a glamorous funky style dress Girl has gown style black dress with no neck on dress but neck style. Fully sleeve style and the trouser is in net style and very long colorful style. The Gown style dress has a beautiful short blouse style neck design. Its is also Called Short Western Frock style dress for Funky Party wear.
White net style and upper style gown and colorful gown style, the dress has a beautiful and latest floral and stones neck style, and full sleeve style. This dress is not only funky town style but also formal beach wear dress like a Short beach wear frock style.
It is also a Funky town style with full sleeve style and beautiful neck style for casual wear on beach also and with a widely colorful trouser style. This dress is very important for casual wear as also a funky party wear.

subset: commoncrawl


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To reduce or hold your cholesterol under control, reduce your intake of animal fats.
If you can, avoid or at least in small quantities consume meat products, whole milk and fatty meat as well as hydrogenated fats (prepared foods, sweet pastries and cakes). Let your breakfast to reduce to black bread with cottage cheese instead of a croissant or donuts.
Make the food with olive oil, rich in oleic acid (monounsaturated), which has a major impact on cholesterol, because it reduces the total LDL, bad cholesterol and increases HDL, the good cholesterol.
You should have on your menu blue fish (tuna, sardines, salmon). At least twice a week, eat fish because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have an important protective function for the body.
Sport. You must be engaged with physical activity. Aerobic exercises like walking, slow running, cycling, swimming … Exercise is good if you continually practice it and not this to be intermittent effort.
Half an hour a day it is enough for you.
Many fruits and vegetables. In that way you enter vitamins in your organism, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, but without fat. It is recommended to eat at least one meal of vegetables per day and two meals fruit.
Increase your intake of fiber. They reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine, and are good for the prevention of weight gain. They can be found in integral cereals, fruits and vegetables.
As greater your weight is as bigger the chances are to increase cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Increases the risk of diabetes. Increased weight force the heart to work more, further burdening the blood vessels.
Keep the blood pressure under control. Increased cholesterol in the arteries increases the pressure and thus the risk of heart attack. It is important to reduce the intake of salt.
If you are constantly stressed out, it is harmful to the health of venous composition. It is enough to read a good book, practice yoga …


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© B. Radisavljevic
When I walked outside tonight I had to go back in for my camera. I wanted to follow the setting sun in all directions. This hovering cloud was oddly shaped and its appearance kept changing as I looked at it from different directions.
© B. Radisavljevic
he shows me different views of the eye chart. "Which is best, A or B?" I kept comparing the photos on two different monitors to try to pick the best ones
I'm still not sure I've made the right selections, but you'll never know, since you can't see them all. It's hard to choose the very best when I can't see them all at once.
In this post I will show you the shots of the hovering cloud in the order I took the Pictures so that you can see the changes in the sky as the minutes go by. The top picture was taken looking west from my yard. The palm trees live across the street from my house. This second photo, just above, was taken a couple of minutes after the first photo.
|About a minute later I took this shot, still looking west. © B. Radisavljevic
© B. Radisavljevic
Do you enjoy watching the the sky change at sunset and sundown?


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Travellers taking flights to Bangalore who use the city's Metro system could soon find the experience is easier than before, thanks to new travelators.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has proposed that it will install a walkway which is equipped with electric cars as part of a 10-acre lifestyle centre at Byappannahalli Metro station.
Bangalore will be the first city to introduce the system in India.
The network will circle around the station and to the Commuter Lifestyle Centre which is being created adjacent to the location.
"We are looking at developing a convention centre on the lines of the India Habitat Centre, Delhi. The Centre will have a hypermart, a 3-star hotel and even an art gallery," said BLY Chavan, a spokesperson for BMRCL.
News Reference


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Hot Fashion Trends
2013 Haute Couture Dresses From Armani Prive
Speaking of Armani Prive is talking about one of the finest brands in the world of fashion, in all that relates to couture dresses and that's why we want you closer to you, a preview of what will be his 2013 collection, offering a wide variety of options, characterized by extravagance, the dramatic tone and elegance.
This timely collection included a series of accessories for the head, that we overlook, because our goal is to focus on clothes, so there is a sense of each, judging taste, as is the combination.
Dark colors predominate in most of the models, the black being the most repeated and at the same time, where we find most attractive ideas, classic models, and probably make us look the sexiest.
However, gray and grayish blue are two colors with a lot of weight for next season, plus they offer unique, with asymmetric cuts along its length, opting to innovate, attract attention and be the most admired of the party
However, if you prefer light colors, there will be some opportunities in emerald painted fabrics that look very interesting, though less striking.


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The next meeting is on the 20th April at 7pm.
Royal Oak, Tabard Street (for this month only) 44 Tabard St, London SE1 4JU
Agenda to include.
- Speaker: Lucy Saunders, Public Health Specialist – Transport & Public Realm, Transport for London / Greater London Authority
– to talk about the 10 Indicators for a health street.
Discussion to identifying what we consider are the key factors that make a Healthy Street. Draw up an audit sheet.
- Reports from around the Borough.
The notes from March meeting are in the file below:


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It's the first Saturday in April with a new Stampendous team challenge for you. In honor of Earth Day, we are challenging ourselves (and you) to make something that uses product(s) that are recycled, repurposed, or reused in some way. The possibilities are endless! Snazz up a household item and turn it into something beautiful, use something unexpected on your card, or even just use up some scraps you've had in your stash forever. We are opening the doors wide open on this challenge. So much that it could be called Anything Goes with Green Purpose" Challenge!
This month's challenge is really in line with what I've been collecting for a potential scrapbook project, but it's not my idea. It came from a mini album project I've seen everywhere using coffee drink sleeves. I've been collecting quite a few of these which I stash a few in my purse for those times when my drink is way too hot, but the extras come from when I see a friend getting ready to toss the whole latte, well I just grab it by the sleeve to save it. Oh the laughter...sorry. I wrapped my card with a scrap of one sleeve, yep it's already been re-purposed once, that I cut in half.
The second part of my challenge is to use the window of a business envelope. Again, not my idea, I saw it in the latest Art Journaling magazine. I brayer rolled the white windowed envelope with Ranger Faded Denim ink. I was surprised it looked like the grunge style paper that one would pay almost $1 to get while mine was nearly free! I cut out the window and used it as a frame for an awesome new stamp that is hitting the stores as we speak! Meet Phone Lady. (I love the detail that is on this image. Love it..) She's sending a message from another new set called Friendly Phrases. Keep an eye out for these at your local craft store or later this month on the Stampendous shop!
So, are you ready to see some more? Here is the whole list of my fantastic teammates, who are sharing some fabulous inspiration with you today:
Don't forget - we want YOU to play along with is! You have until Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST to add your direct link to our collection at the end of this post (or on the Stampendous blog). You do not have to use Stampendous products, but we sure love it when you do! As an extra incentive for playing along, one lucky crafter (drawn at random) will receive this fabulous Mother's Love Perfectly Clear Stamp Set. Available in stores now, it will be on the website for purchase soon!
Due to shipping restrictions, the winner must have a US address. We hope you have a chance to play along with us (you an enter as many times as you'd like!) this month...Happy Crafting!
Stamps: Phone Lady and Friendly Phrases (Stampendous)
Paper: Papyrus (WorldWin Treasures), kraft cardstock, business window envelope, latte cup sleeve
Ink: Walnut Ink Stain and Faded Blue Denim (Ranger Ink)
Accessories: Steel Blue and Bronze Glass Glitter (Stampendous), edge scraper (MM), Zip Dry glue


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In my last post I recommended that you build your network and knowledge base by conducting informational interviews.
When teeing up an interview, I recommend that you send an email to your contact asking for a half-hour coffee catch-up or phone conversation. Half an hour is about the right amount of time as it's short enough that most people are happy to spare the time to meet with someone to chat about their career and long enough to gain some really useful information.
Note: Having coffee with your contact is preferred to a phone conversation as meeting face-to-face builds more rapport than meeting over the phone. If that isn't feasible however, then phone conversations are still extremely valuable.
Below is an example of how I would structure the introductory email. Remember, if you don't receive a response within two weeks, send a follow up email checking whether they received your first one.
Example introductory email
Subject line:
Requesting half-hour coffee or phone conversation
Email body:
Hi Peter,
Would you be available sometime in the next few weeks for a half-hour coffee or phone conversation?
I got your contact details off Paul Jones, who said that you might be a great person to chat with to learn more about Nike and about marketing more broadly within apparel companies.
To give you a bit of background, most recently I was a marketing analyst at HSBC and prior to that, I was I was studying an MBA, with a focus on strategic marketing. I am now looking to move into the apparel industry, which is why I'm conducting research and meeting with people to get an understanding of the industry and its challenges.
Thanks in advance for your time.


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I'll try to keep updating this guide, and I'll try to keep it not so wordy, and have images, especially in the beginner chapters. Please excuse my [lack of] MSPaint skills. If you have advice, images, comments, suggestions of your own, please feel free to comment and I'll incorporate them.
Chapter 1 Sections:
1.1 Defend your Defenses
1.1.1 Oh God! Enemies Can Spawn There Too?!
1.1.2 Holes in bases are bad, mmk?
1.2 Overlapping Defenses
1.3 Splash Damage: It's your friend!
1.3.1: Where should I place my Mortar?
1.3.2: Where should I place my Air Defense?
1.4 Don't try to stuff everything inside your walls
1.4.1 What should I keep outside my walls?
Chapter 2: Advanced Base Defense1.1: How to Defend your Defenses
Walls are good. But walls are not the only part in a super awesome base. The #1 mistake I see new players (or not so new players) doing is placing their defenses so they can be targeted by archers spawning outside of the walls. Don't make this mistake.
The difference between 'Decent' and 'Great' has to do with the way units decide which building to attack next. It it too complicated to get into here (this 'basics' section) but I think I'll cover it later in more detail.
The buildings protecting your defenses do matter - Mines/collectors will have more HP than Barracks/Builder's Huts.
1.1.1: Oh God! Enemies Can Spawn There Too?! Not good! Unless it's your enemy! from wadely
Yes, enemies can spawn around the ring of your base. No, you can't build there to stop them.
1.1.2: Holes in bases are bad, mmk?
When you move any building or wall (but not decorations, it shows you white lines one space larger in every direction than that building. This is showing you where enemies can spawn. Make sure you don't have any holes in your base to let them spawn inside your walls. That would be bad. I will write about how to leave intentional spawn spots in your base later, in the advanced base defense chapter.
1.2: Overlapping Defenses
Not Good.
Another common mistake is placing all of your defenses widely spread apart to cover as many buildings as possible. Dies very easily to several giants. Or to groups of infantry, especially archers. Or to balloons. Which I guess it means it just dies to everything. This often goes along with 'Trying to stuff everything inside your walls' covered later.
1.3: Splash Damage: It's your friend!
Mortars (and later wizard towers) are your first and last line of defense against mass infantry attacks. A mortar's damage is only limited by how many troops your enemy puts down and how well you funnel them into where you want them. A fully upgraded mortar (level 6, total cost 3,752,000 gold) will do 45 damage in one shot to the unit it targets. In the same amount of time (5 seconds) an archer tower (level 1, total cost 1,000 gold) will do 55 damage to the unit it is targeting. What does this mean? It means you need to make sure your splash damage defenses are hitting enemies in groups and are protected. How do you get them to hit enemies in groups? Put then in the middle of your base - As soon as the enemy destroy a wall and funnel through it, they will be nice and bunched up for the mortars.
1.3.1: Where should I place my Mortar?
Somewhere very protected. Probably in the middle if your base, ideally with it's own wall around it.
1.3.2: Where should I place my Air Defense?
In the middle of your base. Mass are attacks are rare (due to time to build), but not unheard of. A single, upgraded anti air turret is a wonderful deterrent, but it should be placed in the middle of your base. More specifically, it should be placed such that, if a mass balloon attack comes, It won't be the first, second, or third defense they kill.
1.4: Don't try to stuff everything inside your walls
Not Good.
As a counter point to 1.2: Overlapping Defenses, don't try to enclose everything within your walls. First off you will often break 1.2: Overlapping Defenses and 1.1: Defend your Defenses by trying to cover everything, but secondly it is just a waste of walls. Double thick walls are better than a massive single thick wall.
1.4.1: What should I keep outside my walls?
Absolutely keep your builder huts, Laboratory, Barracks, and Spell Factory outside your walls. None of these matter if they get destroyed - no progress or resources are lost.
Next I would keep out Army camps, and Gold Mines and Elixir Collectors. Each of these has a consequence if they get attacked: Mines/Collectors get resources stolen (but only uncollected resources), and if an army camp dies all troops stationed in it die. Some people really like keeping Mines/Collectors inside - It depends on how often you play. If you do keep a few inside, make sure they are your highest level ones.
What does that leave? Town Hall, Defenses, Elixir Storage, Gold Storage. All of these should be inside your walls and as protected as possible. If you are at a stage in the game where you don't care about trophies, you can also kick your town hall outside the walls. You will be easy to defeat, but if you're only trying to protect your resources then the town hall takes up a lot of space.


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Hey lovlies! So, I received my Rock & Republic makeup order from hautelook.com yesterday and I was able to try the powder and the lip gloss this morning and I wanted to tell you about them...
Rock & Republic Pressed Powder in Satin- It is a great color for me, smooth and silky formula, and a great price ~$13- all in the CUTEST, METAL compact ever! I feel like a *ROCKSTAR* holding it!
Rock & Republic lip gloss in Sexy Beast- Highly pigmented, super comfortable feel, gorgeous, opaque color (I'd describe it as raspberry with a slight irridescence) at a great price ~$7 and in a super cute tube too!
I am so happy with my purchases from Rock & Republic and definitely will be buying from them on hautelook.com again in the future! =)


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You're invited: Saturday, July 9 from 12:30 to 1:30, Sensuality Literary Open Mic, Poetry and Stories That Highlight the Senses at Coffee Catz, Gravenstein Station, 6761 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol/
The 2nd Saturday of each month. Round robin open mic. Donation: $5 to $10. *Scent free event. Hosted by Sher Christian
Sensuous Woman
I've submerged
in watery realms of shame,
pushed down, drowned with myriad
thoughts, decisions to make, details to
handle. I surface you. Float me out of
over-strive to achieve with playful
grace. Let's revel in a sensual
swim, swirl in fragrance of
cheeks, honey dust,
love-tumbled sheets,
baked-golden grass in summer rain.
We're caressed by satin waterfalls,
splashes of apricot sunrise, sprays
of lemon light, frosty skies, cool
silver mist, streaming sunsets of
scarlet. I shed dry ways, faded
dress, slip into this sultry self.
Sensuous woman,
let's get juicy.
©2004 Star Kissed Shadows, Sher lianne Christian
Sher Lianne Christian
Divining poetry and jazz organ for your party or group
Book: Star Kissed Shadows & CD: Sweet Tongue, Poetry & Music
For Sale at events and at
Audio samples from our CD
John Christian
Sunday, July 17, 12:30 to 1:30 pm, Third Sunday Literary Open Mic: Coffee Catz at Gravenstein Station, 6761 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol, CA. A supportive group of friendly and witty fellow writers creates warm camaraderie. Grab a refreshing drink and tasty treat and enjoy the cozy comfort of the back room or patio, depending on weather. Round robin open mic: share a poem or short story by you or someone else. Listeners welcome. Donation: $5 to $10. Scent free event.
Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry: Climb into this book like one would a warm bath for comfort, sensual pleasure, buoyant lightheartedness, and a lasting reminder to enjoy the moment. Open the book at random for insights. If you are ready to deepen your love of life and language, this book is a must.
"Sher's words are those of a woman who loves life, a woman who in her wisdom years knows how to fully embrace and express her playfulness, sensuality, and no-holds-barred honesty, acute observation, and love without judgment. I often pick up Star Kissed Shadows and with eyes shut and intuition open, turn to a page that always speaks to the moment, to the question of my heart. This is a book to carry around with you, to leave by your bed, or keep on your desk. Her poems remind us that we can have a life fully lived." Kay Hogan, Seminar Leader, Caregiver
Star Kissed Shadows, Divining Poetry; $22 postpaid. CD Sweet Tongue, Poetry and Music; $22 postpaid. Book and CD; $42 postpaid Audio samples from Sweet Tongue https://soundcloud.com/johnny-bodega/sweet-tongue-sample
John's heart-lifting musical CD Behind the Mask is $20 postpaid. http://smokinkeys.weebly.com Send a check or pay with paypal. Email email@example.com for mailing address or for Paypal, choose the personal tab, payment owed (to avoid the Paypal fee) at https://www.paypal.com/webapps/mpp/make-online-payments
Sher Lianne Christian Poetry Divination and Jazz Organ for Special Events & Groups, Care Homes, Church Services
Book: Star Kissed Shadows & CD: Sweet Tongue, Poetry & Music For Sale at events Audio samples from our CD https://soundcloud.com/johnny-bodega/sweet-tongue-sample-3


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Francisco (Alex O'Dogherty) is an unemployed ne'er-do-well who buys a mysterious box from his friend Giuseppe (Enrico Vecchi). Thanks to the box's contents, Francisco soon is being tailed by Julius McDoom (Howard Nightengall), a businessman employed by talent agent Paul Simon (Paul Rattee), who in turn is employed by the enigmatic and unseen "Iron Lady." Before Julius can buy the box off Francisco for a tidy sum, it is stolen by Ambar Pool (Jons Pappila), Francisco's oddball Swedish neighbor. Over the course of a lengthy flashback provided by Julius, it transpires that the box contains the receipt for a cassette of music recorded by an obscure Scottish musician of the 1950s, David Pilgrim; the cassette provides direct evidence that certain key elements of the history of pop music need to be rewritten altogether.
Add this movie to your queue to receive more information about
El Factor Pilgrim and we will let you know when it becomes available.


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Also See:
Officer John M. Smith - domestic violence
Charges latest blow to cops' image
From Flint Journal files
Oct. 4, 2005
FLINT, Michigan - Two Flint police officers accused of stealing money and drugs are the latest but not the first to tarnish the department's reputation.
In recent years, Flint officers have been accused of soliciting sex on the job, stealing a video game and beating a handcuffed man. They represent a small but all-too-visible part of the police force.
Flint Journal extras
Policing the police Recent incidents involving Flint police officers:
• LAWRENCE E. THOMAS: Put on 2 years' probation in December after pleading no contest to charges he packaged marijuana at his home and sold $100 worth to an informant. Also acquitted of assaulting a boy who threw a snowball at his car while off-duty, but the city paid $30,000 to the family of two boys involved in the incident.• JEFF HAZZARD: Resigned earlier this year. The city paid $175,000 in settlements related to an incident in which men accused Hazzard and other officers of brutalizing suspects.
• TONY M. JONES: Sentenced to federal prison last year after pleading guilty to gambling conspiracy in a case that included allegations he used his job to protect illegal card and dice games. He was fired by the department.
• ANTONIO BARBER: An undercover narcotics officer, he was fired last year for allegedly stealing a Madden 2005 video game during a raid on a house.
• SCOTT BAKER: In August, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge for allegedly propositioning two women for sex while on duty in November 2003. If he stays out of trouble, the case will be dismissed in February, leaving his criminal record clean. As part of the deal, he resigned and will not seek reinstatement.
• JOHN M. SMITH: Pleaded guilty in September 2003 to disorderly behavior and assault and battery for striking his girlfriend and another woman with a wooden table leg during an argument. He was fired.
• OFFICERS CHRIS MARK AND RODNEY COOPER: Fired for allegedly violating department rules. But both were returned to the force through arbitration.
"I know the police department is a damn mess," Council President Johnnie Coleman said.
Fired by the department Monday were Officers Joseph T. Lechota, 29, of Flushing and Patrick M. Majestic, 36, of Swartz Creek. The two are accused of drug delivery, evidence tampering and misconduct in office and face pretrial hearings on the criminal charges this week in Flint District Court.
The pair are the latest in a series of Flint officers to resign or be fired for alleged misconduct over the past several years, although at least two of the fired officers regained their jobs through arbitration.
Some say police officers deal every day with the underbelly of society - and temptation."Police officers are virtually always bombarded throughout their career with big ethical issues," said Bruce Benson, a former deputy chief in Flint who now is a criminal justice associate professor at Michigan State University.
Still, Benson said his own research in Flint proves most officers have the best intentions. "The people in those jobs are there because they want to make a difference," he said.
Officers - current and former - bristle at the implication that the problems are anything but isolated incidents."It's tragic because I know these guys (in Flint). They are good officers, doing good work," said Brian Morley, an officer in Flint for four years and now a criminal defense attorney. "It's unfair. It's tough on the rest of them."
So, what makes a cop go bad?"I don't know. I wish I did," Benson said.
Every case is different, but a report to Congress in 1998 said profit, power and a sense of vigilante justice come into play in drug-related police corruption. Age and level of education also can be factors, it said.
Coleman said the recent arrests show how the department lacks leadership. He said he doesn't think Deputy Chief Gary Hagler is a bad leader, but said he lacks the organizational skills needed and hasn't been able to earn the respect of the entire department.
Hagler could not be reached for comment.
But Hagler released a statement saying Majestic is married to his niece.
"I want the public to know that I immediately removed myself from the internally initiated investigation," Hagler said in the release. "The federal authorities were immediately asked to participate in this investigation."
Coleman also said that while it shouldn't be an excuse for the officers' alleged crimes, the department is hurt by offering low wages and no raises in the past seven years. He said the city should give officers a raise before the issue goes into binding arbitration.
"I hope the city doesn't win," he said. "I hope the city has to pay the officers."


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In the opening races of the 2012 Indiana Cyclocross Cup series a handful of Team Indiebike.com p/b Angie's List riders have asserted dominance at the front of the Men's Cat 4 wave. Joe Laux, Scott Brenton, Pat Hirschfeld, and Justin Yoder have made a habit of camping out near the front of the pack. This past week Will McDermott and Corbin Schmitz joined them as they collectively took 6 of the top 7 spots, sweeping the open podium and taking the top two steps of the Masters 40+ podium.
|Joe, Corbin and Gus complete the sweep
|Scott and Pat are tops among the 40+ crowd
Following the past two weeks' performances Scott has coined the name "The Black Mamba" to describe the team's consolidated effort at the front of the field. After a couple of weeks knocking at the door of victory the deadly Mamba finally struck this week as Joe and Scott took their place on the top step of the podium.
|The "Black Mamba" winds its way through the course
|Joe pumps his fist in celebration of sweet victory!
This coming Saturday, October 20th, at the Team Indiebike Backyard Cross race the feared Black Mamba will be coiled and ready in hopes of coming away with the title of Cat4 Indiana State Cyclocross Champion. Good luck!


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Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Be the first MLive.com user to add photos or videos of First Step Inc
First Step is located at 2415 14th Ave S, Escanaba, MI. This business specializes in Business Organizations and Clothing.


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If you have concerns about an animal, you should always call us. All calls are completely confidential. We will need a description of the animal being mistreated, any details of the person involved, and the full address of the property where the animal is located. The sooner the report is made the better. We will ask for your contact name and number, and if possible, let you know the outcome. If you are unsure about reporting something, please just call and talk to us.
An SPCA Animal Welfare Inspector is given the details of the complaint and dispatched to the address to follow up. Because of the volume of calls we receive, we prioritise cases so those most in need are followed up first. All details of who reported the situation are kept completely confidential.
SPCA Marlborough's role in the community is to care for sick, injured, abandoned and abused animals - not 'owned' healthy pets. It is your responsibility to try and rehome your pet if you are no longer able to care for it. If we are not at capacity, we may allow you to surrender the animal to us for rehoming however, there is a surrender fee and the animal must pass a thorough health and temperament test before being eligible for adoption. As mentioned, this is only on a case by case basis, dependent upon our capabilities at the time of your call. The SPCA prefers not to give out any information on the outcome for that animal after the animal is surrendered. Please click here for advice on rehoming your pet.
If an animal is brought into the SPCA and we do not know who the owner is, that animal is classified as a 'stray'. All animals that are brought into the SPCA are scanned for a microchip. If an animal is microchipped we can then contact the owner and return the animal. Please note: We do not accept stray dogs - these are the responsibility of CCC Animal Control.
Under the Animal Welfare Act, all stray animals, (excluding dogs) must stay at SPCA Marlborough for 7-8 full days before we can assess them for adoption. This means that if a lost animal is brought in, the owners have a chance to reclaim them. If the animal is in pain during this time we will seek medical care and treatment to stop them suffering. Following the hold period all animals will undergo a temperament and health check. All of our cats, dogs, kittens and puppies are then desexed and mircochipped, ready for adoption. If you are concerned about a missing pet, visit our official Lost and Found website www.petsonthenet.co.nz.
All of the animals that come to the SPCA are health and temperament assessed. We need to be sure that an animal is healthy and will not hurt anyone once it has been re-homed. A wild cat that is confined suffers a great deal of stress and can seriously injure itself or a staff member. If a cat cannot be handled then we have to make the difficult decision to euthanise.
At SPCA Marlborough we work hard to ensure that all healthy animals in our care are offered the chance to be placed into loving 'forever' homes. We operate a 'no time limit' policy for all animals available for adoption, and are committed to caring for them until they find new homes.
No we do not, however - we work closely with Hornby Vet Clinic and many other Canterbury vets. Please call us if you would like to know who is your nearest vet.
A microchip is an identifying integrated circuit inserted under an animal's skin. It is a simple and painless procedure. Once an animal is microchipped they are then put on the national register. A special scanner can read the chip number, and we can then locate the owner on the register.
Vet clinics and animal control facilities can microchip your cat or dog.
Microchipping is important for all animals, especially cats. After the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, microchipping was key in reuniting pets with their owners. By law, dogs must be microchipped once they are three months old.
An Animal Welfare Inspector is responsible for investigating and taking appropriate action in any situation where an animal is being mistreated and not being provided with 'The Five Freedoms'. An Inspector holds a legal warrant under the Animal Welfare Act to take action in these situations. This warrant allows Inspectors to carry out a number of legal actions under the law such as entering someone's property, examining and assessing animals, seizing or uplifting animals that are not being cared for, prosecuting in a court of law, and other legal actions relating to enforcing and upholding the rights of all animals.
If you are interested in becoming an Inspector you first need to gain a Certificate in Animal Welfare Investigations. Once you have completed the course you will be able to apply for an Inspector position in an approved welfare organisation such as SPCA Marlborough. All Inspectors need to be approved and warranted by MAF. SPCA Marlborough then needs to apply to MAF for an Inspector warrant. Only after all these things have been approved, can an Inspector enforce the Animal Welfare Act.


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September 3, 2009 - 7:17am
AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE -- Traffic is starting to get back to normal across the American Legion Bridge after a boat came off a trailer on the Outer Loop of the bridge.
A wrecker dragged the boat on to a flat bed before 7 a.m.
The mishap happened about mid-way across the bridge before 6 a.m., backing up traffic on Interstates 495 and 270.
When the first Maryland Department of Transportation worker got on the scene, WTOP Traffic Reporter Lisa Baden knew he wouldn't be able to handle the job alone.
"I'd think a 15-foot boat would be a little bit heavy for him," she says.
The owner of the boat declined to be interviewed by WTOP's Kristi Kin


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Geir Lippestad, Anders Breivik's lawyer (AleWi)
Interview: Anders Breivik is unlike any client attorney Geir Lippestad has ever had – and not just because of the ghastly number of murders he's accused of. As Lippestad tells Le Monde, Breivik admits to killing 77 mostly young Norwegians and expects to be held accountable.
LE MONDE/Worldcrunch | Mar 27, 2012
By Olivier Truc
OSLO – Geir Lippestad will definitely cause some controversy with the approach he plans to take in the upcoming trial of Anders Breivik, Norway's infamous extreme-right terrorist. For starters, Lippestad, Breivik's defense attorney, intends to place Mullah Krekar — an Islamist extremist from Kurdish Iraq who has been living in Norway since 1991– on the witness stand.
In an interview with Le Monde, Lippestad outlined his strategy for this exceptional trial, which is scheduled to begin April 16, less than eight months after the double attack on July 22, 2011, in which 77 people died. The majority of the victims were attending a summer camp hosted by the youth wing of the governing Social Democratic party.
This trial has seriously challenged Lippestad's beliefs as both a support of the Social Democrats and a father of eight children. "I feel I have lost my soul in this case," he said. "I hope to get it back once all this is over, and that it will be in the same state as before."
Unlike all of Lippestad's previous clients, Anders Breivik is not afraid of being found guilty. The possibility of receiving Norway's maximum penalty (21 years in prison) doesn't scare him – on the contrary, he wants it.
"This trial is unique, just like the dreadful acts that will be judged," said Lippestad. "We have to think differently. In the majority of trials, you have a defendant who denies the facts or who says he didn't intend to do what he did. Here you have someone who recognizes the facts, who takes responsibility for them, and who says he would do the same thing again if the opportunity arose."
"He doesn't intend to run away from his responsibilities," the attorney added. "Quite the opposite, he wants to be found sane and accountable [for his actions]."
Not so paranoid after all
Lippestad initially based his defense on his client's poor mental health. The first two psychiatrists who examined Breivik declared him insane. But in the end, the lawyer decided to follow his client's wishes.
The idea that Breivik could be declared not criminally responsible and therefore escape a prison sentence had distressed a large part of the Norwegian population. A second team of psychiatrists has been appointed to evaluate him. They are expected to present their conclusions on April 10. Even if these psychiatrists confirm the first team's findings, Breivik's lawyer won't change anything about his client's defense.
"It is about showing that his beliefs and way of thinking are common," said Lippestad. "He is not as unique, as paranoid or schizophrenic as the experts say."
Lippestad is counting on exposing discrepancies in the expert opinions. "What we see is that there is a gap between what the human sciences say on extremism, and what doctors and psychiatrists know." In Lippestad's opinion, many of those who share Breivik's ideas are classified as extremists, not psychotic. Why, therefore, should he be considered insane?
"We will place people from extremist backgrounds on the witness stand to explain their thought process in order to establish that there are others who, without going as far as to commit the crime, share the same ideology and way of thinking," said Lippestad. "What we want to show is that we are dealing with an ideology and that he is not the only person to stand behind [those beliefs]; that he is not a psychotic living in a separate world."
A controversial star witness
By summoning Mullah Krekar to testify –potentially alongside other Islamists– Lippestad wants to show that "Islamists also believe that Europe is the setting for a war of religion and that it is not just a delusion that Breivik has imagined."
Krekar, real name Faraj Ahmad Najmuddin and often called the "most controversial refugee in Norway," used to be the leader of Ansar Al-Islam, a small Islamist group from Iraqi Kurdistan that carried out several attacks there. In a book published in Norway in 2004, Krekar admitted to having met Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan in about 1990 in the hope of receiving some financial help for his guerrilla group. He left the meeting empty handed.
The lawyer intends to place the Norwegian blogger "Fjordman," believed to be Breivik's main inspiration, on the witness stand as well. Breivik cites Fjordman in his 1,500-page manifesto, which he distributed on the Internet just before the attacks.
It is Breivik himself who is orchestrating the strategy defended by Lippestad. While waiting for his trial, he is doing lots of exercise. He also has access to a work cell equipped with a computer. "He doesn't have Internet access, but he can write, and he is preparing a speech that he intends to read during the trial," said Lippestad.
The defendant receives letters, watches television and reads the newspapers. "He writes letters to five or six people whom he considers to be his ideological brothers and sisters, in Norway and abroad," the attorney explained.
"His motivation for carrying out these monstrosities was to distribute his manifesto," Lippestad added. "Breivik believes that the revolution will start in France or England because, according to him, multiculturalism is very conflicting there."


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I love this shoot. Kathy, CJ and little grace have the cutest little family ever and I love them. We met up in Memorial park on a perfect Monday afternoon and THIS happened. Could this be any more perfect?
Service roads are a photographer's best friend. We look like we are out in the middle of the country on a perfect little dirt road, but in reality hundreds of joggers were running by just a few hundred feet away on the main trails. It was our own private piece of the park!
Grace was such a little ham! When setting up their shots she would just kind of do her own thing, which was just what I was hoping for! Her sweet hugs and kisses helped me snap some of the sweetest little family portraits ever, like this one above that ended up being my favorite.
Kathy is expecting a new addition to the family in July, I can't wait to meet her! The name isn't certain yet, but i am sure once they lay eyes on their baby girl it will come to them. All we know now is that her nickname is Emmy. (cute cute cute!)
There's something about Grandmas. Seriously, hats off to Grandmas. They're pros! Years of family portraits under their belts and babies of their own that have grown into adults with their families, Grandmas know what's up. Both Grandmas were so sweet and the shots with grace were so lovely!


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My choice for best dressed goes to, in no particular order, Taylor Swift in a Gucci dream, Chrissy Teigen in a Johanna Johnson gown, and Beyoncé's performance ensemble which was comprised of Saint Laurent tights, a custom bra, a Nicholas de Carle bodysuit, Stuart Weitzman shoes and Jennifer Fisher earrings.
Taylor Swift
|Image via E!
Chrissy Teigen
|Image via E!
|Images via Us Magazine


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I used Faith's Snow Dog digi, and just used the doggy's head for my card. I then drew a tail and made a "TILT CARD" with his tail. There's a great tutorial on SCS HERE for that! So when you tilt the card, his tail "wags" ... heehee!
(tail moving up and down)
Isn't that cute? I think it'll cheer him right up! Thanks for looking! Have a GREAT Monday! I'm off to take the kids to the Dentist later this morning. Fun Fun!
**Paper and Spellbinders dies are from McMahon Five Designs


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Join Pete and Manu are at the table, for the biggest dinner party New Zealand's ever seen. You're invited!
Titles, characters and all other elements are the trade marks and copyright of TVNZ or its licensors. All rights reserved. Further details available here.
The Buzz - MKRNZ
Manu put a ring on it 💍😍
Do you have a special event in March/April 2018 in need of catering? Perhaps a 50th birthday party or milestone wedding anniversary? Email firstname.lastname@example.com now and you could have some talented MKR contestants cooking for you!
Looking for a caterer for a special event in March/April next year? Email firstname.lastname@example.com now and you could find yourself enjoying the finest cuisine courtesy of some MKR contestants!
Do you have a special event in March/April 2018 in need of catering? 🥂 Here's your chance to have some talented MKR contestants whip up a feast for you! Email firstname.lastname@example.com now to apply.
MKRNZ Competition Winner
Congratulations to our Harvey Norman competition winner, Shatila Hoque!
Congrats Chris and Bex! 🏆🏆🏆
MKRNZ: 2017 Champions Crowned
Spoiler alert! After 10 weeks of epic showdowns and delicious dishes, the 2017 MKRNZ winners are...
Mitch and Heather enjoyed one hell of a journey this season. We wish them all the best on their next adventure! ❤
When they make it too easy.
"The competition wouldn't have been the same without you."


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I have just begun working on an established codebase for an eCommerce site that uses utilizese Commerce Server 2007, BizTalk 2006, and Dynamics NAV (Navision 4.0). The site is written in C# and ASP.Net and so I have been getting up to speed on the related technologies and how to work with them and I figured I would share some ASP.Net related links that I found today.
ASP.NET Web Server Control Event Model
ASP.NET Application Life Cycle Overview for IIS 5.0 and 6.0
ASP.NET Page Life Cycle Overview
ASP.NET Session State Overview
ASP.NET State Management Overview
ASP.NET State Management Recommendations
I have not been involved in web development before and many of the paradigms are new to me so I found it very helpful to familiarize myself with how an ASP.Net application actually lives and breathes.


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Full Streaming This Is 40 in Best LookNow you can download full This Is 40 in HD video with duration 134 Min and has been aired on 2012-12-21 and MPAA rating is 519.
- Original Title : This Is 40
- Movie title in your country : This Is 40
- Year of movie : 2012
- Genres of movie : Comedy,
- Status of movie : Released
- Release date of movie : 2012-12-21
- Companies of movie : Apatow Productions,
- Countries of movie : United States of America,
- Language of movie : English,
- Durationof movie : 134 Min
- Average vote of movie : 5.4
- Youtube ID of movie : gxkNuHrS6cg
- Translation of movie : EN,IT,DA,ES,CS,NL,HU,RU,FR,DE,ZH,PL,PT,TR,SV,EL,TH,SK,FI,HR,BG,RO,
- Cast of movie :Paul Rudd (Pete), Leslie Mann (Debbie), Jason Segel (Jason), Maude Apatow (Sadie), Megan Fox (Desi), Lena Dunham (Larry), Melissa McCarthy (Catherine), Charlyne Yi (CAt), John Lithgow (Oliver), Robert Smigel (CAt), Albert Brooks (Larry), Chris O'Dowd (Ronnie), Annie Mumolo (Barb), Billie Joe Armstrong (Billie Joe Armstrong), Iris Apatow (Charlotte), Michael Ian Black (Accountant), Wyatt Russell (Flirty Hockey Player)
Movie summary of This Is 40 :
Full Streaming This Is 40 in Top Video Format with movie summary "Pete and Debbie are both about to turn 40, their kids hate each other, both of their businesses are failing, they're on the verge of losing their house, and their relationship is threatening to fall apart." in top quality. Free Streaming This Is 40 in High Definition Format by clicking the download link.
Now you can watch full This Is 40 in HD format. Watch full This Is 40 film with single submit the kind by clicking on the image with the sign in place button. Enjoy every one of the albums brand-new movie together with all favourite movie internet! only watch this movie This Is 40 right now for full and free this online movie. It is truly spectacular and could a type of rare incredible. The quality was great all over. Management, photos and aesthetic effects have been all extremely innovative and brilliant. The pleasure of the script, often humorous and contains lots of heart for those his characters are all very ripped.
... Play Full This Is 40 in High Quality Video 1080p ...
Director : Judd Apatow, Producer : Judd Apatow, Producer : Clayton Townsend, Producer : Barry Mendel, Screenplay : Judd Apatow, Original Music Composer : Jon Brion
Yes, now you can view movie regarding This Is 40 fully length and have the hyperlink to this video This Is 40 in high definition format.
Tags: family relationships, claim in title, singing in a car, duringcreditsstinger, real life mother and daughter playing mother and daughter,


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I know I've beaten my Photoshop World experience last week like a dead horse since returning but I just saw this clip of Scott Stahley's drum solo at BB King's Blues Bar last Wednesday night during the PSW After Party. Scott is the drummer for Big Electric Cat and had us on the edge of our seats with his incredible solo midway throught he gig. It's definitely worth a look.
+Scott Diussa, a rock star in his own right, set up a remote behind Scott S. and captured the entire solo. Enjoy.


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With the remains being found in Big Spring, there is renewed attention on the case of missing Hailey Dunn. Although the remains have been identified as male, there was much speculation that they were those of Hailey and this has brought much needed attention to her case.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Weather Watchers come to Colorado City!
A meeting was held last night by the U.S. Weather Bureau at the Civic Center. About 30 people attended the Weather Watchers event, conducted by Meterologist Pat Vesper of the Midland Weather Bureau.
Posted by Cat at 8:58 AM Links to this post
Monday, March 19, 2012
Welcoming a Foreign Exchange Student!
We were glad to interview Till Siebert recently, he is from Germany, but is living here in Loraine as a foreign exchange student! He is being sponsored by Nancy Thompson.
Posted by Cat at 8:59 AM Links to this post
Scenes from the Railhead Trade Days.....
Posted by Cat at 8:43 AM Links to this post
200 pounds of rattlesnakes!
Congratulations to Bill Stinson! The veteran snake hunter took 3rd place in the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup held this past weekend. He caught over 200 pounds of rattlesnakes!
Posted by Cat at 8:31 AM Links to this post
Friday, March 9, 2012
Scenes from Texas Fest!
Despite the chilly temperatures, a great crowd turned out for Hutchinson's Texas Fest event last night at the Railhead Building!
Posted by Cat at 8:23 AM Links to this post
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Chamber of Commerce holds Annual Banquet....
A good crowd was on hand for the Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet, held at the Civic Center this past Friday night. Bama's House catered the meal and Ty Wood served as the emcee for the evening. Spike Dykes, former Texas Tech Coach, was the guest speaker for the evening. Highlights of the night included Charles Dunn being named "Citizen of the Year" and Dwayne and Cheryl Smith being honored as the "Farm Family of the Year" award.
Charles Dunn gives Shirley Delaney a big hug after she introduced him as the Chamber's Citizen of the Year!
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Smith accepting the Farm Family of the Year award for Dwayne and Cheryl Smith.
Spike Dykes entertained the crowd with stories from his coaching career.
State Representative Drew Darby visits with his former high-school football coach
Spike Dykes.
Coach Dykes visits with Buster Aycock, Jerry Reynolds and Robert Cox.
Jerry and Wilma Reynolds visit with long time acquaintance Spike Dykes.
Posted by Cat at 9:17 AM Links to this post
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I can't believe month 8 is over, we are in the home stretch here people!!!!!! I really just can't wait! I'm sooooo done being pregnant, and so done weighing this much!!! We are ready, and even if there was anything left to do.......I don't have any energy to do it:( I get sooo tired doing anything. Just cleaning the house takes me forever and I have to sit and take breaks and am exhausted afterwards. I take a nap whenever I can. I don't remember being this uncomfortable at the end with my girls. I'm so grumpy, and just so uncomfortable that sometimes I just want to cry,...and sometimes I do:( I still get nauseated at night, and can't wait for that to be done!! I'm still going to the gym...... but I only take 2 classes now, and the other days, I just do the treadmill or elliptical.
He is still movin' and a groovin'!!!!! Still beats up my bladder- especially when it's full. And he gets the hiccups about 3 times a day. I'm pretty sure he spends most of his time facing down these days because I can feel right where his bum is, in the middle of my stomach. It's funny when I get a contraction because when my uterus contracts, it is completely lopsided and you can very clearly see and feel where his bum is stickin' out:) I'm starting to get a lot more contractions and they are feeling more and more like period cramps instead of just a tightening sensation. If I've been sitting for a while, I start to feel the contractions in my lower back......I never felt that with my girls, but have heard lots of others talk about how they had back labor.........so that might be a new experience once labor begins!
I still get a little heartburn, but it is so mild, some times I don't notice it. My legs were starting to get restless and crazy again at night.......so I've tried to take my prenatal vitamin, at least every other day- not to make my stomach tooo upset-, but I think the extra vitamins are helping with the legs. SWELLING HAS BEGUN!!!! Our whole weekend in Boise my ankles looked like I had elephantiasis!!!!!! It still mostly goes away during the week when I am exercising, but it is getting worse and worse on those days I don't. We ate late the other night when the Frogley's were here, and 20 minutes later I felt the salt and water go straight to my hands and then to my feet!!!!!! YUCK!!!! I hate it! I'm drinking 16-18 cups of water every day just to try to combat it......that's a lot of water folks!!!!
All I can say is, it will soon be over, and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
A trip to the E.R.!
Right before the Frogley's arrived last night, Taya started crying in her bed- like a really scared cry. So I went in, and she said her throat really hurts, and she drank some water, and now feels like she will throw up.
I asked her why her throat hurt. She pulled out a tiny button battery (about the size of a cheerio- ones in timers and other small electronics). She said she had 2 of them. She said she put one in her mouth, and was taking a drink of water and accidentally swallowed it. I asked her where she got the batteries, and she said they were just in her bed. She started coughing and gaging so we went to the bathroom. She dry heaved a few times, but nothing came up.
So Nathan looked up online what to do in this situation.
There is a special hot line to call if you swallow these kinds of batteries. I guess they can get stuck to the lining of your esophagus, and generate an electric current and produce the chemical hydroxide and permanently burn and damage your throat tissue. If it is stuck, they have to remove it right away. If it goes down into their stomach, it is better because they are more likely to pass it through the bowels, but you have to check, becasue it can cause damage to the linings of your stomach and intestines as well. I guess the mucus and fluids in your body cause positive and negative charges and can make the battery burn the tissue. Children have died from this!!! So the hotline told us to take her into the E.R. right away. They say it's especially with these kinds of batteries, they said it would've been better to swallow a double A than these kind.
So, the Frogley's arrived right as we were getting ready to leave. So Becky and I stayed here with Sienna who was sleeping, and the boys took Taya to the hospital. She was terrified, but very brave. They took an x-ray and found it in her stomach......relief. They said if it was stuck in her throat, they wouldn't even be able to remove it there, she would've had to go to the Children's Hospital in Salt Lake!!! So we were glad. All the doctors and nurse's all had talks with her about putting things in her mouth.
SO now, just the waiting game.......waiting for it to pass out the other end......what fun for a mother:)
(Post script: We found it!!!! It made an exit and we are soooo relieved!)
But we did get to spend the morning with Chase and Grandma and Grandpa and say goodbye to Chase at the MTC.
I can't beleive he is really gone now..........there will probably be 5 or 6 new babies in the Frogley family when he gets back.....and just think.....Emmett will be 2!!!!!!!!!! Taya will be getting baptized and Sienna will be going into 1st grade!!!! Crazy!!! But we are so happy for him and all that he will do! He will be a great missionary!!!
Sienna's Preschool Program
Here is a picture of Sienna's preschool class.......you will notice she is not in it:(
We were so very excited to see all the songs performed that she would come home singing after preschool. She knew them all!!!! But if you know Sienna, you know she is VERY shy. Takes her time to warm up to even family!!!! So as she was now comfortable with her routine of going to preschool, when we got there on Tuesday and all the parents were there in chairs and the room was all rearranged.....she panicked. She wouldn't leave my side.....not to sing with the other children, not to sit with her class for a picture, and not even to stand next to one of her friends who asked to take a picture with her:( It broke my heart to see how nervous she was. But we videoed the program anyway. As soon as we got to the car, she snapped back to normal, she started talking, and said she would sing the songs for me at home. And that's what she did. I played the video for her and she sang right along with them.
It's so hard for her to adapt to new places, changed environments, and new people. But i am happy to say, she has warmed up to her swimming teacher, and after only 2 or 3 days, she is going under water and participating in class, and actually having fun!!! ( Besides today, when there was a substitute- she didn't really like that). Sienna is a sensitive soul, and so loving and nurturing, and we wouldn't change any of that about her. It's funny because when she plays with Taya, cousins, or even by herself, she sings and dances, and talks and talks.......just a completely different side of her comes out! We love her and are so proud of all that she has accomplished this year with trying new things and meeting new people:)
Kindergarten graduation program!!!
This is Taya with her teacher Ms. Andrus. We made a little gift for her to hang up in her classroom, I'm really thrilled with how it turned out:) (For more details about it visit my other blog here)
Taya had her kindergarten graduation program this Monday! They sang songs and gave all the parents a book that they made. It was fun to see all the funny songs they learned:)
Here are the 3 B.F.F.'s
Aspen, Taya, and Samantha
These are the girls I always heard about at school. Bummer they won't be together next year. Taya has been accepted to Cascade Elementary- a Chinese Immersion program!!! We are excited! Daddy can't wait to be able to talk to her in Chinese at home....how fun!!!!
Posted by Hailey at 3:20 PM 1 comment:
Labels: Taya, Taya-school
Heidi's baby girl shower!!!!
While in Boise, we threw Heidi a little baby shower out in the Dilgard's back yard!!! It turned out really cute!
Here she is about 4.5 months prego.....she is beautiful!
We had yummy food and delicious treats!!!!!! Raspberry lemon and peanut butter chocolate cupcakes......divine!!!!!!!!!
She had a lot more people there, but here is pic of just the fam. that was left at the end.
(oh my heavens...I am sooo chubby. This is why I don't like pics at the end of my pregnancy!)
Trip to Boise for Chase's Farewell!!!
We had a wonderful trip to Boise!!!! Of course we always do! Nathan's youngest brother is leaving on a Mission. So we had the Farewell and a wonderful picnic in the yard!!!
We spent one evening over at the Boyle's and played some Baseball, and jumped on the tramp.
We also got to check out Emily's new house that is being built and stole some of their strawberry and raspberry plants from their old house.....we'll see if they survived the trip:)
Ang, Emily, Natalie D., Wendy and I had a girls night Friday night and they threw a little surprise baby shower for me.....it was so thoughtful and I got some cute stuff!!! Plus Emily made me that cute Elephant, giraffe, and frog carseat cover/blanket:) I love the colors:)
AND......Nathan finally got a nice trim. He was growing it out to see if he could cut it at a little longer cut, we tried it for a day, but he didn't like it, so we just chopped it off and did what we usually do with it. But he always looks handsome with a fresh haircut!
Instagram.......so glad it caught so many cute and funny pictures during this crazy pregnancy!!!
We had a fun FHE about baby safety....then we praciteced changing diapers.......they are gettin' good:)
Made some cute hooded towels for the girls....and one for Emmett:) The girls bought this "cop" stuff with their dollar at the dollar store......it was pretty cute:)
Funny tickle time in the morning!!!! Also Taya likes to stand over the vent and watch her pants expand:)
These sleepy girls.......I love how Sienna has her little hands clasped together and folded:)
And this one..... we had a fun night with all the Collettes up A.F. canyon, and this is how Taya slept the whole way home:)
Sienna is such a girl!!!!!! She changes and average of 3 times a day, and most often always in skirts:)
Daddy's hair got pretty long and Taya loved to play with it!!!!
We just recently found out about 48 cent ice cream cones at Macey's! What a great deal:)
Elder's Quorum crock pot cook out!
A few weeks ago, Nathan and the Elder's Quorum had a little crock pot cook out and get together. It was delicious, and it was great to see all these men in the kitchen:)
While outside, Nathan knelt down, right on top of a hidden coal in the grass. 3rd degree burn all the way. The skin died, and fell off, and he has a huge scab there now, and it will be a good scar! OUCH!
Mother's Day!!!
I had a wonderful Mother's Day!!!! Got some more orchids!!!!! I got to take a nap and Daddy made a wonderful pot roast dinner complete with homemade bread!!!! YUM!!!!
This quote was hung on the wall in my mother's bathroom as long as i can remeber!!!! Whenever I read it, it reminds me what I should be teaching my children as their mother, and how all mother's should behave. It's great advice from Howard W. Hunter:)
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On the 10th of the 10th I try and take part in Shimelle's 10 on the 10th alongside lots of other bloggers.
In September this is easy as it falls on my birthday. So here is my birthday this year in numbers.
1. Today I was 41.
2. I started my day with 44 lengths of the local pool. Im taking part in the Aspire Swim the Channel in 12 weeks challenge and today was the first day.
3. So far I have raised £286 but my target is £750.
4. I went to the parade to Our Greatest Parade in London to watch 700 athletes on 21 buses. It was an amazing experince.
5. I took 300 photos today!
6. I made 1 Victoria sponge for my birthday dinner and 12 cupcakes to take to work tomorrow.
7. I received 31 facebook messages saying Happy Birthday . A sign of the world we live in in 2012. 3 from overseas. Such a great way for people to stay in touch.
8. 20 days until my birthday present from my husband when we are going to stay overnight in a spa hotel and leaving little Matthew with grandparents.
9. 43 emails arrived in my in box at work today. Usually I read them even though being part time I dont work Mondays. But today they can just wait until tomorrow!
10. 364 days till my next birthday. Shame I'd like one every day!


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Received this New Year resolution in my FB inbox from Raja Petra Kamarudin.
I wish you a Happy New Year, have fun, be safe and I hope you can make this your New Year Resolution.
Come 1st January 2011, make sure you get at least one person to vote for PR -- the more the merrier. And if every one of us can convince just one family member, neighbour, friend, office colleague to do the same -- and again the more the merrier too,then half the battle is won.Just through your efforts alone we shall have A BETTER Malaysia for ALL Malaysians.
I have created the above logo for anyone who wanted to help spread the GE 13 : NEW YEAR RESOLUTION. Feel free to use it and help spread it far and wide.


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Wednesday, March 26, 2014
The end of the line at Sfakia: 31 May 1941 on Crete
On the night of 30-31 May 1941, some 1,550 men were embarked from the beach at Sfakia by destroyers. After the embarkation, there were something like 1,250 Autralian, 1,200 New Zealand, and 1,550 British troops. Some of the latter were infantry improvised from artillery units. There were also as many as 5,000 depot troops. General Weston hoped to get about 2,000 off the beach on the night of 31 May to 1 June 1941. After a bad fight on 30 May, the Germans held back from attacking the rear guard above Sfakia. Brigadier Vasey knew that the Germans were forming a line, boxing in Sfakia so that there would be no other way out then ships from the beach. By the evening of 31 May, there was no longer water available to the men and there was no food. By now, there were few ships left in the Mediterranean. Crete had been a disaster, following closely on the disaster in Greece. Early in the morning on 31 May, a force under Admiral King's command sailed for Sfakia. The force consisted of the cruiser Phoebe, the fast mine layer Abdiel, and two destroyers. After the ships arrived off Sfakia at 11:20pm, they started loading men. They were able to lift 4,050 by the time they sailed at 3am. The commandos of Layforce and the Australian 2/7th Battalion had to be left. They should have been able to be evacuated, and a few were, but through bad management and maybe even ill-will, they were held up until it was too late. This is based on the account in Vol.II of the Australian Official History.
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I've been trying to get my veggie garden ready for planting but we've been getting a lot of rain, which we desperately needed. My Mister has tilled and worked the soil and then it will rain and he has to do it again. Doesn't he look excited...
Hopefully, this coming week, I can get something in the ground without the rain washing it away! Not that I am complaining about the rain because without rain, we would burn up this summer! Do you have your garden planted, yet?
Our granddaughter and I decided to build a fairy garden. For the plants, we used herbs. There is cilantro, purple basil, and german thyme, in this one. There are also a couple of petunia plants, as well. A couple of days later, she and PawPaw decided we needed another fairy garden.
This one has a log cabin, pretty arch, and some kind of flowering ground cover. Cute and so much fun to do this with our sweet girl. Mentioning our granddaughter...
...Yesterday was her birthday. I don't know how it happened but she is now seven years old. As you can see, Moana is her favorite thing right now so we got her the outfit. She wanted me to take a picture of her wearing it. PawPaw and I decided to redecorate her room so that it is fitting for a big girl of seven! We had one day to do it! Last Saturday, we got up early, dragged everything out, which was no small task because that child has a lot of stuff...or should I say DID have a lot of stuff! We painted, put up a new bed, added pictures, new comforter, rugs and pillow. Several small touches and we were finally done.
We started at 6am and finished at 10pm. We were worn out BUT we still had all that stuff to sort through and decide what stays, what goes, and what our grandson got. A big job but we got it all done and everything set up for her birthday party the next day.
We combined the Easter egg hunt and her birthday, which she always loves to do. This year was so fun because Hoss got to hunt eggs, too. He is walking now and seeing him toodle around makes my heart smile.
He is the little one with his hand over his face. He doesn't like the bright sunshine! The other two little boys are our step-great grands. I get a kick out of having so many babies around here! The best part...
I can fill them with sugar and send them all home! LoL
As you can see, we've been having fun around here. Of course, there is always work to do. My days are filled with homekeeping, babysitting, and taking care of our animals.
Which apparently, I haven't been keeping up with too good. Betty Goat needs a good brushing to get rid of her winter hair. She looks so shabby. I guess I will do that this afternoon.
I wanted to show y'all my Asiatic Lilies. Do they not remind you of Cousin It from the Addams Family? HaHaHa...
Well, not much of a post but I did want to tell y'all I do read your blogs every day even if I don't get around to posting!
Grace & Peace,


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A brief note.
I check out the Chicago Tribune periodically to see what happened over the weekend in what is turning out to be an incredibly violent year that seems to mostly impact minorities. Not just gang members or drug dealers but little kids. According to a separate story, 27 children have been shot so far this year in Chicago. This number only includes those 13 and under so it doesn't include 17 year old minors involved in gun violence. So the latest from last weekend showed that the carnage is proceeding unchecked: 52 shot: Pace of gun violence in Chicago remains high over another weekend. The article points out that this is a trend:
Between Friday evening and early Monday morning, at least 52 were shot and nine of them were killed, according to police. The weekend before, 49 people were shot, nine of them fatally. And the weekend before that, 52 people were shot, seven of them fatally.
Three weekends. 153 people shot, 25 of them fatally. That is just the weekends. When I read a little further I saw this (emphasis mine):
As he has many times, (Chicago police superintendent) Johnson called for stricter prison sentences for repeat illegal gun offenders. Efforts over the years in Springfield to impose mandatory minimum sentences for people caught with an illegal gun have been stalled by lawmakers who felt such guidelines would disproportionately affect African-Americans and other minorities.
Without revealing specifics, Johnson said a new bill in the works in Springfield would enable judges to impose more sentences on the higher end of the range for felons convicted more than once of carrying a gun illegally.
What?! Guess how else minorities are "disproportionately affected"....you guessed it, they are the majority of victims of violent crime carried out often by other minorities, most of whom I presume have illegal guns given the ridiculous gun laws in Chicago that yield us 153 people shot in three weekends.
Activists are more concerned about a minority getting caught with an illegal gun (which is against the law, hence the "illegal" part) than they are about other minorities, many of whom are not carrying an illegal gun and often seem to not be engaged in illegal activity, getting shot. In other words, these PC champions would rather a six year girl get shot, as happened last weekend, than an adult criminal who is actively breaking the law get arrested for...breaking the law. It is without question in my mind that some or many people who might not have been shot have ended up in the hospital or the morgue because of this political correctness run amok. People, again largely minority, riot and burn down their own neighborhoods when a black man pointing a gun at a black police officer gets himself shot but they have nothing to say to the Al Sharpton's/Jesse Jackson's/ Black Lives Matter people who have frightened law makers into this level of suicidal foolishness. I don't imagine many mothers stand over the graves of their slain son or daughter and think "Well at least minorities are not being disproportionately affected by stricter laws against possessing an illegal gun".
Wake up people. These clowns who are always yammering on TV and shaking people down for money don't care a whit about black kids getting killed. All they care about is fattening their own wallet and seeing their mug on TV.
Even in this day and age there aren't many news stories that are as infuriating as this one.


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"Lumia is the first real Windows Phone," Nokia CEO Stephen Elop told the audience during a London keynote Oct. 26. "We are signaling our intent right now to be today's leaders in smartphone design and craftsmanship, no question about it."
Let the games begin.
The Lumia 800 represents the high end of Nokia's smartphone plans, and features a 1.4GHz processor, hardware acceleration and graphics processor, and an 8-megapixel camera that uses Carl Zeiss optics. Design-wise, there's a 3.7-inch active-matrix organic LED (AMOLED) ClearBlack curved display integrated into a body rendered from a single piece of polycarbonate. I played with it during a Nokia presentation last week in New York City; it's pretty.
In a play toward the midmarket, Nokia is also offering the cheaper Lumia 710, also with a 1.4GHz processor, and a 5-megapixel camera. It's pretty, too.
To say that Nokia needs both these devices to succeed is something of an understatement, considering how it's abandoned its other operating systems in favor of Windows Phone. In order to sweeten the deal for consumers, Nokia has installed some exclusive apps with its phones, including Nokia Drive (with turn-by-turn navigation and voice-activated control) and Nokia Maps, which offers up points of interest around the user's location.
As I mentioned in an earlier posting, Microsoft wants to push Windows Phone more toward the midmarket, and the Lumia 710 seems a big step in that direction. "We are dramatically broadening the set of price points in Mango-related phones that we can reach," Andy Lees, president of Microsoft's Windows Phone division, told the audience during the Asia D conference Oct. 19. "That's particularly important because going lower down in price point opens up more addressable market."
But it'll still be some months until we know whether Nokia's succeeding in its all-or-nothing effort.
Source: http://feeds.ziffdavisenterprise.com/~r/RSS/MicrosoftWatch/~3/8Pq0sZJ5dOU/nokias_windows_phones_the_games_begin.html


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Friday, June 03, 2016
Day 216 of 365 Day Jamaican Music Challenge - The Bassies - I Don't Mind
Day 215 of the 365 Day Jamaican Music Challenge is a tune by The Bassies called "I Don't Mind." And you'll notice right away that today's write-up is a lot shorter, especially compared to yesterday's, mainly because I can't find any background info on our featured track or those who contributed to said vocal group. What I do know is this... "I Don't Mind" was recorded by Coxsone in 1968 and originally released as a single on the Studio One label. Pure rocksteady niceness!
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Friday, June 03, 2016
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The blog has moved to here!
I've moved!
The First Month…catching up
Tomorrow will be the one month anniversary of Jack's arrival into the U.S. He has seen many changes and many "firsts" – he has begun high school, and begun a third language (French!), he has begun learning about doing chores (making his bed each day, doing his laundry, cleaning his bathroom each week, emptying the trash and the pool skimmer), and is learning a bit about being self-sufficient (making breakfast/lunch for himself from the abundant supplies of food we have on hand). We have had a few little "hiccups" along the way – he was apparently unused to closing doors behind him and both cats have escaped the house. We had to explain that the doors need to be kept closed at all times. We've also found the windows wide open on occasion. Unfortunately, our air conditioning was also running at the time. So that had to be explained as well. (I am a bit nervous about our next electric bill, as a side note!)
The biggest "hiccup" is one we've experienced previously as well, and has to do with the computer games the Chinese boys are so fond of. You see, when they play, they play on teams and for whatever reason, our internet (fastest speed (50 mgs!) is basically inaccessible to anyone else in the house while he is playing. And they do not tend to play for 30-60 minutes…but more like 3, 4….or even more hours at a stretch. And, well…no. Nope. Not happening. We all need the internet. That's just not acceptable.
So, we've placed some very strict rules in place regarding these games, and the laptop, and we will see how it goes. I don't think Jack is especially happy about these rules…but then we have not been especially happy about having our internet hijacked. It's basically a deal breaker, so we will just have to see how this goes!
In other news, Jack began the year trying swim team, which he really enjoyed. Unfortunately, it was really much more of a commitment, both financially and time-wise than he is able to do at this time. He has begun taking tennis lessons after school a couple of times a week, which we drive him to. He is hoping to try out for the school tennis team in the spring. He is really enjoying the tennis lessons and his coach says he quite good!
The College Kid seems to settling into his new home quite nicely. He gets along really well with his new roommates; they cook "family dinners" together on the weekends and are planning to start "family movie night" soon.
I recently had to make the trek out to his college town to deliver a textbook to him which came (quite) late, and while his bedroom was still a bit of a mess, I was surprised that it wasn't nearly as bad as I had feared. He was even doing laundry when I came by! And his roommate told me he cleans up his dishes! 😳 Apparently, some of my lectures sunk in.
(These are his roommates. There are actually only only 3 of them living there. They just have lots of friends!)
The Princess is just…busy. Senior year is a busy time! I feel as if I hardly ever see her – between cheer practice, dance team practice, and SAT prep she rarely gets home before 6. And then she either has to start on homework and studying right away or dash right out to dance class. This weekend she has the (hopefully final) ACT exam. We've been working on college applications, and I've been trying to schedule some final tours and interviews in November.
And finally, today is the Mid-Autumn Festival In China. We held a party here at our house yesterday afternoon to celebrate the zhong qiu Jie and for all the students from the three area high schools and the host families to get to know one another. We were a bit worried when we woke up yesterday and it was pouring, but thankfully the rain passed and the kids were able to swim. It was great fun, we had great food, and it was…well, GREAT, to get to meet everyone!
<a href="https://toomuchsugarforanickel.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/img_4618
The First Week
The high school kids have completed their first week of school and The College Kid is back at college.
The Princess has been busy with school and cheerleading and dance team practices and lots and lots of homework. She's also busily researching colleges, trying to winnow down her list before beginning the exhausting application process. She cheered at her first game on Friday…and she was just slightly out of her element, at least until halftime when she, after her tumbling run with the cheerleaders, sprinted off the field to change into her dance team duds and then hot-footed it back onto the field to perform with the dance team. Then she changed again, and cheered the second half of the game. I'm sure it was because of her awesome cheering, but the Spartans won 30-20!
Jack, in addition to attending his first American football game, went on a two day overnight field trip for the entire 9th grade class. They did lots of "team building" activities, swam, went zip lining, and even had paintball contests – which he found just a tiny bit "crazy!" He had fun though. He's been kept busy trying to get his ipad configured for school (ugh) and just trying to find his way around and understand the acronyms and nicknames the kids and teachers use at the school – the PAC, for example, is the performing arts center, or auditorium/theatre. It can be very confusing when you don't know your way around to begin with! He's also trying to understand everyone's funny accents and speech patterns, plus all the "teen speak" that he is unused to like "hey bro!" Or "Dude! What's up?" It can all be very confusing…and exhausting!
The College Kid took the last load of his stuff to his new house. He's been looking for a part-time job, and classes start Thursday. He did take the time to participate in, supposedly, the worlds largest ALS ice bucket challenge at Ripley's Museum with one of his roommates.
It's almost frightening how quickly our household has adjusted to being back on a schedule and living our lives dictated by the clock and the calendar.
I miss the lazy days of summer…
And just like that, summer is over.
Yesterday was the last day of summer vacation for Jack and The Princess (The College Kid still has another week before his classes begin) and so we decided to take Jack to the beach.
We drove out to Little Talbot Island. It was a beautiful day and the beach was practically empty. Jack told us that he had been to the beach in China once when he was about 10 years old, but it was very crowded.
We ate lunch on the beach, taught Jack how to bodysurf, dug for donaks, and built the "Great Wall of China" – which, sadly, perished into obscurity once the tide came in.
We looked for seashells and sharks teeth, and I tried to explain why we walk very slowly along the beach all hunched over looking so diligently for these tiny little treasures. As I tried to explain why to his blankly uncomprehending countenance, I realized that this just might be a cultural thing. I tried and tried…but finally I just said, "It's a Florida thing." He seemed to accept that, although I suspect he thinks it's just a strange American custom to walk along the beach all hunched over! (Especially since I was unsuccessful at finding any sharks teeth, and he was less than impressed with my seashells!)
This morning I sent the kids off to their first day of school – the first day of high school for Jack and the first day of her senior year for The Princess!
Last Day of Summer Vacation
Jack has been in the United States for 8 days days now. He has, mostly, gotten over the jet lag…although he tells me he still sometimes wakes up and can't remember if it is a.m. or p.m. or where he is! He is starting to figure out the routines of our household, just as everything is about to change again when they start back to school again tomorrow!
Jack is, basically, wonderful! We all just adore him! His English is very good, which helps a lot! He is very sweet, and kind, and helpful. He seems very interested in getting to know us. He has spent quite a lot of time just sitting with us – talking, laughing, and sharing stories. At first, he was a bit hesitant about the cats. I don't think he has been around cats much before. But he is warming up to them quickly!
Since Jack arrived, he's done a lot of sleeping – trying to catch up with the jet lag! We've also done a lot of "busy" work…we've gone grocery shopping to try to discover which types of foods he likes and dislikes (Oranges & carrots are yes. Bananas are no!)
We got sports physicals done for school and Jack began attending swim team practices. He's never done anything like this before and it's very hard work! He is using muscles he's never used before and it is exhausting. But he really wants to do this. He has been to practice every day…and we are very proud of his hard work and perseverance!
(The Princess has also been attending practices daily for cheerleading and dance team, but alas – she is now a cool senior and doesn't allow the mamarazzi to attend and take photos…)
We've also taken Jack to see his new school, he has attended orientation and met the other exchange students, and we've gotten all his school uniforms and school supplies together.
Since today is the last official day of summer vacation before the kids start back to school tomorrow, we thought we'd show Jack the beach. The last day of summer calls for a beach day, I think!
Today is the big day…
The Princess and I have been running errands all morning – getting cheer shoes for her, and then running to the photography studio for (!!) senior pictures. Which, just as an aside, may I please note that I cannot believe that my baby girl IS A SENIOR!! Yikes!
Naturally, she took the opportunity to indulge in senior selfies…
Now, we are doing some last minute cleaning and prepping to get ready for our new Chinese exchange student, Jack. He arrives tonight and we are such a mix of emotions! We are excited and optimistic and nervous too!
We realize that we have a lot of work ahead of us…there is the usual school stuff, and we also have to get to know him. We have to figure out, with a language barrier and cultural barriers as well, what foods he likes and dislikes, what type of person he is – whether he is more outgoing or more introspective. We have to introduce him, not only to our odd and quirky little family, but to our own idiosyncrasies and habits. We will need to introduce him to doing chores, which he has most likely not done before, and possibly teach him how to do them…how to make a bed, how to clean a bathtub, how to make a sandwich, etc.
All of these things are a lot of work, it is true. But…somehow, it is sort of rewarding. When it works, it's a two way street. The student learns from you and you learn from them. It's fun. It's rewarding.
We truly hope that is our experience with Jack. We know that this will most likely be our last experience hosting an exchange student. We have had some wonderful experiences in the past and have such wonderful memories. We still keep in touch with many of the kids we have hosted. Our family has learned so much. We've learned about France and Spain and China. The kids have learned to make quiche and crepes and lots of other fun French and even Italian dishes. They are quite good cooks now. I'm hoping Jack will be able to teach us to make a Chinese dish this year – his mother told me that he can cook some simple Chinese dishes.
Mostly, though, we just hope he is nice. We hope he is a nice boy who wants to soak up everything he can from this experience. We hope he is kind, and courteous, and generous. Basically, I hope that he is the kind of child that I hope my own children are. As long as he is, all the rest of it is fine.
So…we are excited and we are nervous. We are hopeful and we are cautious. But, so far at least, in our emails and phone conversations, we've gotten the feeling that we have more reason to be hopeful than cautious. And so we are very excited and happy to greet Jack this evening when his plane arrives. We are looking forward to finally getting to meet him and getting to know who this boy is.
I got that summertime, summertime sadness…🎶
When the kids got out of school for the summer, back at the end of May, I had so many plans for the summer. We were planning on a road trip to Virginia and North Carolina to soak up some mountain air and maybe visit a few more colleges. We were planning a family trip down to Key West. We planned on lots of lazy days at the beach.
We haven't done any of those things. Instead, we've basically spent the summer packing boxes, moving boxes, and unpacking boxes. We've also gotten a kitten neutered, and had a total of 8 wisdom teeth extracted from 2 kids throughout the summer. The College Kid has been working almost every single day (who knew that he had such a work ethic!!) and getting ready for next semester. The Princess has also been getting ready for her senior year – researching colleges and whittling down the list of schools she plans to apply to, planning her schedule for next year, reading books on her summer reading list, etc.
A couple of days ago The Princess had 4 wisdom teeth extracted. She had a rough time of it. Apparently, she had a reaction to the anesthesia and was sick all day. Because she couldn't keep anything down, she also couldn't keep the pain medicine down…hence, she was in a lot of pain. The doctor finally phoned in an anti-nausea medication late that afternoon which seems to have worked, but since it's rather difficult to keep an icebag in place while you are being sick…she swelled up quite a bit. Actually, really a lot. I mean, like a balloon.
Her brother keeps telling her that she looks like Honey Boo Boo.
Anyway. I woke up this morning and realized that it is AUGUST 2ND!! Jack arrives in one week. Orientation for school is one week after that. For all intents and purposes (those intents and purposes being our summer travel plans), the summer is over!! How did we lose an entire summer in the blink of an eye?! Oh yeah…we moved.
More Change on the Way…
I'm finally starting to feel like things are settling down around here; most of the boxes are unpacked, the pictures are hung, the cars are actually in the garage (instead of piles of…stuff), and I'm even starting to remember which drawers have the silverware and which cabinets hold the coffee cups. It's starting to feel like "home."
And now, in less than two weeks, we will have another big change.
As many of you know, we have hosted many exchange students in the past. We hosted kids from France and Spain over the past several summers and this past year we hosted a boy from China for an entire school year. After Steve went home for the summer, we talked as a family about whether we wanted to host another student. With our family facing so many changes (a move!) and it being The Princess's senior year of high school, we thought about just focusing on our family. While we were debating the issue, and while we were moving…we found out that we had been matched with another Chinese boy! After another family discussion, we all decided that we did want to host one more student. We all feel that our family has a lot to offer…and to learn! It can be such a great experience and we'd really like to have one more great hosting experience before we "retire" from hosting!
In about a week and a half we will be welcoming a 15 year old boy from China who has chosen the American name of Jack – which may get slightly confusing since we already have one "Jack" living in our house (the cat)! We've exchanged several emails with Jack and are very optimistic and excited to meet him. He seems very enthusiastic about this new experience and about living in America and with our family. He asked many questions in his emails…and even wished The College Kid Happy Birthday! We know that he likes to swim and play tennis and also plays the guitar.
We have been spending the last few days of summer vacation relaxing in the pool. The College Kid has been working A LOT and The Princess has been taking some tumbling classes and hanging out with friends. She is having her wisdom teeth, all four of them, removed on Thursday. Ouch! She's not looking forward to that!
The College Kid will be living off campus this year, in a house with two friends, so we've been trying to get everything that he will need organized for him…furniture, household items, etc., in addition to the usual school supplies.
I'm also trying to get school supplies together for P and Jack – notebook paper, binders, pencils, locks…whenever I find stuff on sale. I'm trying to get organized, in spite of my house (and my life?) being a disorganized, chaotic mess right now!
I can't believe how quickly this summer has gone by. I guess when you have a move thrown into the middle of the summer, that will happen!
20 years!
20 years ago today The College Kid was born.
Of course, in the beginning he wasn't The College Kid…he was just my baby boy…
As the years passed, my baby turned into a big brother…
He became fascinated with dinosaurs, and sharks, and turtles, and birds of prey, and Star Wars,and TaeKwonDo, and knights, and World War Two, and fishing, and soccer, and archery, and cars, and animals, and the environment.
My baby boy has grown up into an amazing man – smart, funny, handsome, with integrity and morals. I'm proud of him.
Happy Birthday, kid.
A lot has changed!
I have a tale to tell…a LOT has changed since I last posted! But first, I'll share the "prequel" to my story…
About a month and a half ago, we had an offer – a very nice offer – on our house. On day 9 of the 10 day inspection period, the buyer changed his mind. No reason was given, other than the age of our home (40 years old) and some potential, possible repairs that might come up in the future. We offered to lower the price to reflect these possible, potential repairs…the buyer still walked.
Three weeks ago, this same buyer came back and decided to accept the offer we had made before (lowered price)…. It was a cash offer, no contingencies…and we had to find a place to live and be ready to close in just over two weeks.
Obviously, no one – not us, nor either of the realtors – wanted to take a chance that the buyer would change his mind yet again…so we hustled. And by "we" I mean mostly me. We looked at about a gazillion disgusting, mildewy, moldy dumps before finally finding a place to rent for the next year. The past few weeks have been a blur of cardboard boxes and plastic storage bins and gasps of dismay as we uncovered more hidden caches of stored "stuff" from the past 13 1/2 years. I'll just say that the old house was larger and had more storage than I ever realized. This process started out in a rather organized manner that resembled a move…but ended up looking more like the fall of Saigon!
The good news is that it's done; we have closed, and we have moved. The bad news is that I'm STILL surrounded by cardboard boxes and still have lots of "purging" of stuff to do (Remember that analogy of the fall of Saigon? We "evacuated" all the last minute stuff into our garage. It's still there…)
In some ways, I think it was a blessing that we were so rushed and frantic about getting packed and moved in such a short amount of time. We didn't have time to really feel sad about leaving. The kids grew up in that house and there are a lot of memories associated with it. We will miss it. We will miss A LOT about it…but we won't miss the constant upkeep. And, honestly, it was time to move on.
I have more news to share…but I'm going to save that for another day 😉. I'll give a tiny hint, though. We are going to need to come up with some sort of nickname for our cat, Jack….any ideas?


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The more the wind goes easterly (hence side-offshore on the north shore), the less rain it's gonna produce for the stretch of coastline from Hookipa to Kanaha.
Still enough though to make rainbows (Maui somehow seem to not even need rain for that!).
Tons of windsurfers out at Hookipa, this is Andres Martinez. Both photos by Jimmie Hepp.
But IMO, the category of ocean lovers that is enjoying the most this crazy wind conditions is the SUP downwinders. For them, the stronger the better, pretty much with no exception.
Below is the graph of yesterday's wind at the iWindsurf sensor down the coast. Many Kanaha windsurfers use that without knowing that it actually is down at the harbor and the wind there has a different direction, since it has already initiated the bend inside the valley between the two mountains.
Nonetheless, I often see windsurfers on the beach at Kanaha checking out the readings of this sensor instead of just looking at the ocean in front of them to decide what sail to use. They crack me up, I have to admit.
Anyway, gusts up to 45 mph and pretty "steady" all day because of the lack of rain squalls.
Let's keep talking wind so we get it out of the way, below is the MC2km map for today at noon.
Even more easterly (starting to have a pinch of south in it), which, as we said, usually means: strong, gusty, not as rainy. In this map, the wind line has barely reached Kanaha. It's a very common situation in which that spot might be calm in the morning and eventually sailable in the afternoon.
And that is because the trades generating high pressure is moving to the east (about time!) and we are now sitting at the edge of it.
The low WNW of us is slowly doing the same and today finally there is a fetch associated to it that will make some waves for the Haleiwa contest. Notice how west it still is for Maui and how close to the islands it is. That will bring the travel time down to a couple of days, with less size decay.
It should be picking up pretty quickly throughout the day on Wednesday. In Maui too, but with a slower start due to the initial westerly direction. As the fetch will move east on the map, the waves will come from a more NW direction and hit us more directly.
As usual, the buoys will tell the whole story.
Nice fetch down south too, unfortunately New Zealand will stop most of the energy.
Here's the buoy readings at 7am (for a change at the end of the call).
7.7ft @ 10s from 112° (ESE)
6.5ft @ 8s from 104° (ESE)
0.8ft @ 17s from 45° (NE)
4.9ft @ 9s from 41° (NE)
1.7ft @ 8s from 33° (NE)
1.6ft @ 6s from 32° (NE)
1ft @ 18s from 320° (NW) (this is the remnant of that small 20s reading from yesterday, hence I don't think it's gonna build at all. It's not the forerunners of Wednesday's swell, which will for sure appear first at the NW buoy. Check yesterday's call for details).
8.4ft @ 10s from 72° (ENE)
3.8ft @ 5s from 76° (ENE)
2.8ft @ 7s from 134° (SE)
2ft @ 8s from 151° (SSE)
1.4ft @ 11s from 178° (S)
Mostly windswell in Maui, still pretty high and from a direction that will travel pretty parallel to the north shore. With this kind of wind, it's almost obvious to go surf to an easterly facing spot, since it's gonna be glassy in the morning. Not gonna mention it, but come on... just look at the map!
Not much going on south instead.
Not much going on south instead.


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Florida Artist Boycott Picking Up Steam
George Zimmerman is not the only criminal in Florida.
The state's government is having their feet held to the fire for the way they've chosen to translate the Stand Your Ground law into the acquittal of Zimmerman and false imprisonment of Marissa Alexander.
The EURweb reported that Mary Mary have joined with Stevie Wonder to boycott Florida until they abolish the law.
And the call to action has been heard and more of music's heavyweights are answering the call and cancelling their concerts and standing with the socially conscious, legendary balladeer, according to veteran White House correspondent April D. Ryan of the White House Report.


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Welcome to the Painting Challenge. Here you will find the fabulous, fevered work from miniature painters from around the world. While participants come from every colour, gender, age and nationality, they have at least three things in common: they love miniatures, enjoy a supportive community and they have all taken the Challenge. This site features the current year's event along with the archives of past Challenges. Enjoy your visit and remember to come back soon.
Monday, 13 March 2017
AdamC- 18th Century Imagination troops and Officer (58 points)
MilesR: I'm really liking these imagination 15mm regiments - it's got the fun of painting historical's with our being burdened by specific uniform guides - whats not to love!
18 comments:
Thank You it's very enjoyable to create regiments that could have been.ReplyDelete
Very nice work Adam :)ReplyDeleteReplies
Glad you like as you are the odds on favorite to get that officer.Delete
Loving your Imagination. top workReplyDelete
That's a nice shade of blue you've usef.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank You I really like it as wellDelete
Very nice done Adam.ReplyDelete
Nice work Adam. As others have said, I too have really been getting a kick out of these Imagination units. Well done.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks I'm having fun with itDelete
Nice Imagination troops Adam. I've also been enjoying these posts.ReplyDelete
Great work Adam!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you CurtDelete
I have really enjoyed your SYW Imaginations project.ReplyDelete
Very nice, Adam, I'd love to see a group shot!ReplyDelete
Those are some very nice 15's, Adam! The color selection is very nice, and tricorns bring a touch of class to what would be a vulgar brawl! ;)ReplyDelete