tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69694004858259593652024-02-20T22:05:23.702-07:00Oliver Rainoliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.comBlogger416125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-15039039963381397302014-05-17T20:37:00.001-06:002014-05-17T20:37:23.328-06:00Puppy loveToshi's best friend came over today.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpPIp-Q_CP3ToJpzG5EfFm5Hl-lmqaf9UOUTObMja9qNpnkz2EjC1CqqCo1lfrUT_QGyNW-aVt9tf9UMxsaRFgdQuPPOdxyPxbluhlutptzr7i3bmp-Kre4h8DSwE0yZrWfemzo3vSo-R/s640/blogger-image--2058038168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpPIp-Q_CP3ToJpzG5EfFm5Hl-lmqaf9UOUTObMja9qNpnkz2EjC1CqqCo1lfrUT_QGyNW-aVt9tf9UMxsaRFgdQuPPOdxyPxbluhlutptzr7i3bmp-Kre4h8DSwE0yZrWfemzo3vSo-R/s640/blogger-image--2058038168.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>My favorite boy loves bigger dogs. I think little dogs either annoy him or he considers them food.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBSdzRFcdXr71DjgEhs7OMKeNR-1JbqDAslyOfewIONpsHzUJufqFdr-MxGhYNhgBBURcp4DBbFPkvmknpN5Xfbi52oW6MdH8hmipzmy3DY6-tIb3ox8PmJodiH0W7oFtUbNazG0AmXCO/s640/blogger-image-2032412287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBSdzRFcdXr71DjgEhs7OMKeNR-1JbqDAslyOfewIONpsHzUJufqFdr-MxGhYNhgBBURcp4DBbFPkvmknpN5Xfbi52oW6MdH8hmipzmy3DY6-tIb3ox8PmJodiH0W7oFtUbNazG0AmXCO/s640/blogger-image-2032412287.jpg"></a></div><br></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-10826021078422227792014-05-15T20:54:00.001-06:002014-05-15T20:55:37.654-06:00What to do, what to do<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I gave a problem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have 8 days off IN A ROW and a lot of projects that I want to work on. Sigh.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How to prioritize?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do I do some work on my bedroom?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have some beautiful new bedding waiting to go on my bed, but there are some things I want to do to that room first.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNVVnbU8NasebV6JFGuWlGauxB_XZlJaatXthvshOuw8wYl3ahptzxNWe1S-nDLmLqU8e9W_mnwyPvMDH4fgMxQFEL1UHgIcvMYN6ep3W1hA1BHECcut6OD1s3NwQCBC22F0Y1YZnQzkY/s640/blogger-image--1989877046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNVVnbU8NasebV6JFGuWlGauxB_XZlJaatXthvshOuw8wYl3ahptzxNWe1S-nDLmLqU8e9W_mnwyPvMDH4fgMxQFEL1UHgIcvMYN6ep3W1hA1BHECcut6OD1s3NwQCBC22F0Y1YZnQzkY/s640/blogger-image--1989877046.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have a fairly basic wooden headboard that I want to upholster and tuft.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnULCNj2t8rNeNg9Hg1efpoGc7FzbJUcwIcbWL7oaPpq1EXWcxe5hD4_pSMBtSc4KIv4g3fg_fTljSDL9QFnYCztUh_vnwIMb9R-U0bsbyiaCEYr20NLW2MJMFBxF3sOApunrrAFHqfpz/s640/blogger-image--1715550309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnULCNj2t8rNeNg9Hg1efpoGc7FzbJUcwIcbWL7oaPpq1EXWcxe5hD4_pSMBtSc4KIv4g3fg_fTljSDL9QFnYCztUh_vnwIMb9R-U0bsbyiaCEYr20NLW2MJMFBxF3sOApunrrAFHqfpz/s640/blogger-image--1715550309.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some Ikea dressers to hack for each side of the bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Plus I picked up a coffee table that I want to turn into a bench for the end of the bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our living needs a new ottoman.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maybe something like this?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nAhPYFq2Cge4OQJ84ZcnxwLDUoR1wQLpbjnT_CYI-XFDDMamSc7UD9JISqLYUfRLG2mO4XR7K_S8LkjnetYhSq-0ngN63q0Dfm5BqR_PRPJkk_32jyRJIT-dWly3J3piKr9VoW-6ICOz/s640/blogger-image-823894192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nAhPYFq2Cge4OQJ84ZcnxwLDUoR1wQLpbjnT_CYI-XFDDMamSc7UD9JISqLYUfRLG2mO4XR7K_S8LkjnetYhSq-0ngN63q0Dfm5BqR_PRPJkk_32jyRJIT-dWly3J3piKr9VoW-6ICOz/s640/blogger-image-823894192.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the spirit of DIY, I want to replace our existing every-speck-of-dust-shows-up-and-drives-me-crazy coffee table with a hand built upholstered number. There are lots of plans out there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But then my basement needs work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpuU5AKifO-ZwI49T9S7EeTvRkSCBIt3d2s214V2U1A-JQ1W0gJ82JKISqKYMsasqUC0L0qQzclf7nZl5YJGTOYk_zqgVBh35AM1VzMj4zjEUFhaHEzOh5oH4ezYrlyUr2rZ_U0Cq5IRR/s640/blogger-image--508667745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpuU5AKifO-ZwI49T9S7EeTvRkSCBIt3d2s214V2U1A-JQ1W0gJ82JKISqKYMsasqUC0L0qQzclf7nZl5YJGTOYk_zqgVBh35AM1VzMj4zjEUFhaHEzOh5oH4ezYrlyUr2rZ_U0Cq5IRR/s640/blogger-image--508667745.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A lot of work! But do I really want to spend my time in my dark, dank basement?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My bathroom needs some updating. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHGsBTRSKtOTyT398-wy8Niv88RCUkAUcPPm8PTRCyjrOXcGt8HiYJ686P4fZ1lvDaS4J2XfFcr2V-pelDwjZc4i0bTXSuvWxOOmO6MHxfRfwTac2L8tBZykB1AOpa0UXM4WdRoUNHVE3/s640/blogger-image--1679530237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHGsBTRSKtOTyT398-wy8Niv88RCUkAUcPPm8PTRCyjrOXcGt8HiYJ686P4fZ1lvDaS4J2XfFcr2V-pelDwjZc4i0bTXSuvWxOOmO6MHxfRfwTac2L8tBZykB1AOpa0UXM4WdRoUNHVE3/s640/blogger-image--1679530237.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Some cabinet paint. A frame around the mirror. Some grout touch ups. But is it really important?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My backyard is my current passion project. Conquering my black thumb is a big thing for me. I'll definitely spend some time plant in my annuals. I think I should build a potting bench.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJxwuIOZ2Ge3uJfnRFuci-_zkMCeJKdhUzr91XVkX4DdkcBo_HcJJZQCGpJR7NQkboeSaznIiZ7eUPt2vK_Wu4MEpRAScFSNh8qcX55xBBkeVDOXs6IE5R83H4bOSM7H0Yfml8PyUZSYG/s640/blogger-image--661679812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJxwuIOZ2Ge3uJfnRFuci-_zkMCeJKdhUzr91XVkX4DdkcBo_HcJJZQCGpJR7NQkboeSaznIiZ7eUPt2vK_Wu4MEpRAScFSNh8qcX55xBBkeVDOXs6IE5R83H4bOSM7H0Yfml8PyUZSYG/s640/blogger-image--661679812.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Javier doesn't even know about this project. Maybe I'll surprise him...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hmmm, the mudroom. We plan to rip out of existing cabinets and build sonething like this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UTnwhkjqfugLvDE2AnMQ2NZt-ussMzeZq2GezaUksSeqUcuf6_1_isbbGp0E_HsMwfir_PlFCluwfJ6hMUHd9Chhd3tbcWsditk5BdR3fAmK3XmQzzN96TQFbHdm0NQEbNgJiOdDRvYk/s640/blogger-image--1440835730.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So pretty. And I can see myself getting pretty organized with this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then there's the attic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazsSp8Gs00sshCQ3DgWgfSWm1nOqeC3XxRPjlUGcMHbCOpRG5VF8yTDQMXXdtOGQTC3HDC5OklUXvIDUqZEY5AIxKL4p_E1CYwx7FJrNKAZlv9d2JLp0-LQkBy2C4csEaE_VJSANXfkiZ/s640/blogger-image-1407786390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazsSp8Gs00sshCQ3DgWgfSWm1nOqeC3XxRPjlUGcMHbCOpRG5VF8yTDQMXXdtOGQTC3HDC5OklUXvIDUqZEY5AIxKL4p_E1CYwx7FJrNKAZlv9d2JLp0-LQkBy2C4csEaE_VJSANXfkiZ/s640/blogger-image-1407786390.jpg"></a></div>It's long been a dream to properly turn it into a media space. How Javier would love this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The really sad thing is that this is only a very small fraction of what I'd like to accomplish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Maybe I'll just spend the whole time here...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MUhGTgIXsDkglGM2aq2EbtRD3qMgkbbQZyxF9ggkg9q1-sJ47YMS7-fAvrYU1c-AbFVqhUs8rl4YeNGaOi2A_4QR9L-mIFp6Ku5_Dh_VzCv5KXJxsoSZm-BqeXDWqqKr1BLbpgzXKmwD/s640/blogger-image--759797783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MUhGTgIXsDkglGM2aq2EbtRD3qMgkbbQZyxF9ggkg9q1-sJ47YMS7-fAvrYU1c-AbFVqhUs8rl4YeNGaOi2A_4QR9L-mIFp6Ku5_Dh_VzCv5KXJxsoSZm-BqeXDWqqKr1BLbpgzXKmwD/s640/blogger-image--759797783.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With a coffee, a book, and my favorite dog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So many things to do, so little time.</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-80741543636860295412014-05-12T19:45:00.001-06:002014-05-12T19:46:29.550-06:00The great transplant experiment of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh my daylilies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKah5QUR2jX0zFuQmAvdqGrOe3X0GXZ9WvHpyJ-DbNo-PtkgGxqBr0tQaShG_pLuFjnVdvvJowemyoOBuO4oTGr8MrZPZxv6CtaxbJyu_z9ylydv0l2IazSIeNUgrXPDhCqE9NdU9H_lI/s640/blogger-image--1305351024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKah5QUR2jX0zFuQmAvdqGrOe3X0GXZ9WvHpyJ-DbNo-PtkgGxqBr0tQaShG_pLuFjnVdvvJowemyoOBuO4oTGr8MrZPZxv6CtaxbJyu_z9ylydv0l2IazSIeNUgrXPDhCqE9NdU9H_lI/s640/blogger-image--1305351024.jpg"></a></div><br></div>These are not my daylilies pictured above. I didn't feel like tracking down at old photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After many years of hating my frontyard daylilies, I finally did something about it</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Something crazy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I moved them to the backyard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Wild, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After changing our fence and losing some trees last year, we were left either a vast concrete wasteland.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrEasr3qhJFjePpFuM3kN91amFVOao1CcKLM8OR6KX_MQlWnE7VihyqhQfqseS3otGqi6IwJ_fe4P6k-jzXdfj9OVZe3Gusulh2MWN_80DvYLZQszlREdjFoDkBU5Goss7fSlPR9_rWfC/s640/blogger-image-1410417520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrEasr3qhJFjePpFuM3kN91amFVOao1CcKLM8OR6KX_MQlWnE7VihyqhQfqseS3otGqi6IwJ_fe4P6k-jzXdfj9OVZe3Gusulh2MWN_80DvYLZQszlREdjFoDkBU5Goss7fSlPR9_rWfC/s640/blogger-image-1410417520.jpg"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></a></div>Not pretty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My 20' by 5' planter lay empty and sad, little more than a playground (& potty) for Toshi. My brilliant coworker suggested transplanting my daylilies to the back. If they didn't survive, no bug deal, at least I have space for new plants out front. And if they do survive, it's a cheap and cheerful way to add colour to the space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jb8-1qWpVH4RvqfueORB6EZ6sG0mTr_BanHBEeFdRPBtkUY-OmFdOMnytC3KlPwtgCAIclAULKZSMc4qQzPRiB2iJ3FwQ_RG2_fdKW0fps0Yi-Zbb7Cq1KpxlOE_5EuUo78a4zzVps04/s640/blogger-image-1478918715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jb8-1qWpVH4RvqfueORB6EZ6sG0mTr_BanHBEeFdRPBtkUY-OmFdOMnytC3KlPwtgCAIclAULKZSMc4qQzPRiB2iJ3FwQ_RG2_fdKW0fps0Yi-Zbb7Cq1KpxlOE_5EuUo78a4zzVps04/s640/blogger-image-1478918715.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It took two days of hard work, digging and pulling and moving plants around, but I did it. Impressed? Thus formally black-thumbed girl sure is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4hyphenhyphenAut74RidS7UFt-QD-STbAhTRRyrlrGVbTWR0jgLImAfwiHqNQaEb3x1PejX8muUYlrhwByYnwv1V-DqwpLE2YpVg_DXCMvIhJ09utNlbSqca10357WryVuLu2tuSfKYX8msj9Zx2m/s640/blogger-image-1757610319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4hyphenhyphenAut74RidS7UFt-QD-STbAhTRRyrlrGVbTWR0jgLImAfwiHqNQaEb3x1PejX8muUYlrhwByYnwv1V-DqwpLE2YpVg_DXCMvIhJ09utNlbSqca10357WryVuLu2tuSfKYX8msj9Zx2m/s640/blogger-image-1757610319.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For two weeks now, I waited anxiously for signs of growth. The internet assured me that daylilies were pretty much indestructible. Despite the unseasonably cool weather we've been having.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And they grew. I'm pretty proud...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-83031959534912306572014-05-11T15:23:00.001-06:002014-05-14T23:34:01.254-06:00Reasons why I love my husband #4<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
He installs new lights on our deck for Mother's Day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy5eqsgxvzzlAEeOZD2gvU1QVSQV70doar2dTQ4npCer-mYcGhrLS6WNI_0I-AxmHWtd-ULIyEwGzqq_98rNXum4e_xjxpxiqvLRa7YVsm20x8-y_JMTKVYCKjGzgiqb9qdAjcCz4k4L1/s640/blogger-image--394010691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy5eqsgxvzzlAEeOZD2gvU1QVSQV70doar2dTQ4npCer-mYcGhrLS6WNI_0I-AxmHWtd-ULIyEwGzqq_98rNXum4e_xjxpxiqvLRa7YVsm20x8-y_JMTKVYCKjGzgiqb9qdAjcCz4k4L1/s640/blogger-image--394010691.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Stay tuned for further installments of "why I love my husband" (he's a pretty great guy) & updates on our backyard improvements.</div>
oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-28993463374267603042014-05-10T14:04:00.003-06:002014-05-10T15:14:57.863-06:00Time to dust off the blogHello out there! Are any of my friends still around?<br>
<br>
It's been more than 2 years since my last post. For a whole I just lost my blogging mojo. Not only that, I lost my desire to create and beautify. My craft room turned into a vast storage jungle as I focused more on fitness and healthy eating (very time consuming, by the way). Plus, I got lost in the madness that is having a school age child in multiple activities.<br>
<br>
But now I'm back, baby!<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RaYNrk3W4nJI1DjCqNL1SOpblU4rMkJTPVqod3pKV42VZvdV6jVwdMUC7qEDY02eUM-PADSd-SludbrnmWw7-eMpDEy324Di4_jUJURWsG9NwcypQZt8JQQrVcrX8ua6Y1iQiwGNN-J4/s640/blogger-image-1217584589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RaYNrk3W4nJI1DjCqNL1SOpblU4rMkJTPVqod3pKV42VZvdV6jVwdMUC7qEDY02eUM-PADSd-SludbrnmWw7-eMpDEy324Di4_jUJURWsG9NwcypQZt8JQQrVcrX8ua6Y1iQiwGNN-J4/s640/blogger-image-1217584589.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
And I'm better (hopefully) than ever!<br>
<br>
I'm overflowing with ideas and I can't wait to share the things I'm working on.<br>
<br>
What's new, you ask?<br>
<br>
Well, I'm 42 (yikes) and happy about it. My forties seem like the best decade so far. We have such a great life.<br>
<br>
My got a dog! Meet my darling Toshi.<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9upIR9i3FzAT0utBZyKmwNvMRPpckgqh35igomCWI01yRSiBdYlSuz_zHaUFyelBya3PL0zvddRHEFM4cAEAZ4CstvZRq0jDtsOwhBdZ6VcyVXY38WXalRDwthgr_JR1lTVA736AZIpC_/s640/blogger-image--325532705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9upIR9i3FzAT0utBZyKmwNvMRPpckgqh35igomCWI01yRSiBdYlSuz_zHaUFyelBya3PL0zvddRHEFM4cAEAZ4CstvZRq0jDtsOwhBdZ6VcyVXY38WXalRDwthgr_JR1lTVA736AZIpC_/s640/blogger-image--325532705.jpg"></a></div><br>
He's 1 1/2 year old shiba inu. And he's insane. But I'm so crazy in love with him.<br>
<br>
My little Lizzie is no longer so little. She's now 16, taller than me, driving by herself, and has a job!<br>
<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHNfWX6ImKx4suC03bh74is0lMbp4AeTiIQS905dTCVwNuM4niMk85vRBexPxLCvO_4wcFjps6TEqqXe96uUGkY49vnrSljawLMZd7iJGtZO1QMfwMk6eTWnUF8pXon3i7E_XG868raDA/s640/blogger-image--18387148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHNfWX6ImKx4suC03bh74is0lMbp4AeTiIQS905dTCVwNuM4niMk85vRBexPxLCvO_4wcFjps6TEqqXe96uUGkY49vnrSljawLMZd7iJGtZO1QMfwMk6eTWnUF8pXon3i7E_XG868raDA/s640/blogger-image--18387148.jpg"></a></div><br>
<br>
She's so lovely. The teenage years are in full swing, a little rocky and emotional at times, but we have so much fun watching her.<br>
<br>
Our life is still very busy and full, and always full of adventures.<br>
<br>
I look forward to sharing some of those adventures out there in the blog world.oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-51849775203176425202012-01-04T14:34:00.002-07:002012-01-04T14:49:32.847-07:00Reasons why I love my husband #3<div style="text-align: center;">He buys me pretty things with wheels.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21OnuMrYhv9cg98GyrNx1iMj2jgsdga-ZiNozVVdnVN_TVtVsXOI4vmWwgIkuePBnhPNvw2nLZC8_cE4NWBDeZMfC5rFVOY22mUS6QKBxbPb21YSrTqauPYl7GH-bhdOdP4PSYhZCpaE8/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21OnuMrYhv9cg98GyrNx1iMj2jgsdga-ZiNozVVdnVN_TVtVsXOI4vmWwgIkuePBnhPNvw2nLZC8_cE4NWBDeZMfC5rFVOY22mUS6QKBxbPb21YSrTqauPYl7GH-bhdOdP4PSYhZCpaE8/s400/IMG_0131.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693897057207927442" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Meet Lailani</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She's awesome</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-5058366297642497642011-12-01T15:38:00.008-07:002011-12-02T17:14:37.692-07:00Christmas throughout the years<div style="text-align: center;">And a tree is up!</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZYO93kLKNGBFJmzEcfQTrtBzjHha5RI4M9fM82KkuOFy23Kv0MjFXIlb6k6gG9fDEQALbILPCKPwQXEhZR0_6QgpuISBT1z8UrocsltvlDsHVt6E5ZO-SDGF7o1A_3Yv-HH8c3WKXgFv/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZYO93kLKNGBFJmzEcfQTrtBzjHha5RI4M9fM82KkuOFy23Kv0MjFXIlb6k6gG9fDEQALbILPCKPwQXEhZR0_6QgpuISBT1z8UrocsltvlDsHVt6E5ZO-SDGF7o1A_3Yv-HH8c3WKXgFv/s400/IMG_0069.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681298723320787954" /></a>Actually this is one of two trees.<br /><div><br /></div><div>This year we (I) stepped our of our (my) comfort zone and purchased a multi-coloured LED Christmas tree. I'm normally a white light kind of girl all the way. There was a lot of debating around here as we could decide between an 9' tree or two 7.5'. The two smaller trees won out as the 9' one was just too wide. And this tree was just so lovely. And maybe a bit retro.<div><br /></div><div>We have made this tree our family tree, filled with our yearly ornament, plus a few others to fill in the spaces.</div><div><br /></div><div>Each year we try to purchase or make an ornament that signifies something that we did or something that happened in the previous year. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgk7ZvV2Pawgp1W5nbNT5_wvwTzcYmJPI2YAVGdLE9hygcztcIJPjh8fY6MF4Q_5oXilgJi1JaJq5wJFNq9JOSFCxH1bG9eoSclqy0NXyAa1m8mBY1OTxYuR0iPM8cm429MUnn0jk_S3e/s400/IMG_0092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681305540987320786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">1995</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">One of Javier's first ornaments as a bachelor.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4F1mc3IV6d9cUajUnj8Rbw6x0vQQjZGb3HLDwPJ9BdiXKHQ6NUzwf8Mfsbs_Jk8If5ToNe9X4_C7I2hXiNhcVTqMlXI_K0chaiJOeq7NgqC61QRP2WL-i-Rj66Vz9l1f67yHI1KoRgYS/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4F1mc3IV6d9cUajUnj8Rbw6x0vQQjZGb3HLDwPJ9BdiXKHQ6NUzwf8Mfsbs_Jk8If5ToNe9X4_C7I2hXiNhcVTqMlXI_K0chaiJOeq7NgqC61QRP2WL-i-Rj66Vz9l1f67yHI1KoRgYS/s400/IMG_0072.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681298706150876658" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">1998</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lizzie's first Christmas and my first as a mom. My mom bought us this ornament.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF4E0OnVuDokEvD4aiS-4RyPLcyjVTQ2UpNEBaP9BhyphenhyphenxoFg8s-H9lxIv8w_5fVu8ZRwOOOkz7ISVhNoxGAhNbKpNVaeNCYyw0DIFsAETHCgq46ZsA2lAYG97bYl2VAEaOgB0Z3q-9lUtQ/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKF4E0OnVuDokEvD4aiS-4RyPLcyjVTQ2UpNEBaP9BhyphenhyphenxoFg8s-H9lxIv8w_5fVu8ZRwOOOkz7ISVhNoxGAhNbKpNVaeNCYyw0DIFsAETHCgq46ZsA2lAYG97bYl2VAEaOgB0Z3q-9lUtQ/s400/IMG_0073.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681297501104628034" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">1999</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lizzie was just 1 that year and it was just the two of us living in a tiny little apartment in Vancouver. We went walking in Stanley Park Christmas Day.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS2tQOPqsREJnMJi3q5BMtE3mbwWBQicMtDi0kXbYamjhjkrOA_CbbT_wW2dQCkgY4FY3oPFUZeGB_4lQ_-hjr6KqxCwbuCpF2xFjFAwPVspbBTISE5fj1zxB0ajEShZ4gVdrQ1wy3Amd/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS2tQOPqsREJnMJi3q5BMtE3mbwWBQicMtDi0kXbYamjhjkrOA_CbbT_wW2dQCkgY4FY3oPFUZeGB_4lQ_-hjr6KqxCwbuCpF2xFjFAwPVspbBTISE5fj1zxB0ajEShZ4gVdrQ1wy3Amd/s400/IMG_0074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681297492029069186" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2000</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our first year as a family.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vxYGchbYjSKpvULLq-ph7RU0ew-IhenF5-DS7mgZTJBegUUWYQFsmvqoUUsH6pOu_ez-XDL-Nl2eVsVF0VVpl3ikR6P2eyfayyOm0eC22LBeWuI8M7bkLISFVT2AxE8fLO42ibPeBqBY/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vxYGchbYjSKpvULLq-ph7RU0ew-IhenF5-DS7mgZTJBegUUWYQFsmvqoUUsH6pOu_ez-XDL-Nl2eVsVF0VVpl3ikR6P2eyfayyOm0eC22LBeWuI8M7bkLISFVT2AxE8fLO42ibPeBqBY/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681297482220234322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">2001</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the first ornament that Javier & Lizzie bought together. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We didn't go to Disney but we spent lots of time at the Disney store!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0GQvQga5IowYHCQRMY-Dx_x6xg3_Se7JPl2JvG934DW-jb-V7Vkttbtx3f4Cp9ROpXZkEaFF5k-FcxEAeUlJX9d-Xipu1IFWS-2DfOdrhFFIMfYGdjyhA-uhyphenhyphenjmXZh_m-HTrg3InsSdS/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0GQvQga5IowYHCQRMY-Dx_x6xg3_Se7JPl2JvG934DW-jb-V7Vkttbtx3f4Cp9ROpXZkEaFF5k-FcxEAeUlJX9d-Xipu1IFWS-2DfOdrhFFIMfYGdjyhA-uhyphenhyphenjmXZh_m-HTrg3InsSdS/s400/IMG_0076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681297475339338754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2002</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Our first trip to Hawaii at Christmas. Lizzie was so little. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We also got married that year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOTJ_2PDN2kBUJBL4EKaKHUE8_hOc5v5TFHtj-6XuruyZZUQuvSI0kW0ZQi1mstd61Fe7yogCGSU9YqPZ4uW2gtqfESAN0vgFx0LdUS9fUYHlClnTkYNrTCGzBD6I6ncPSSPMbjUHJRuA/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOTJ_2PDN2kBUJBL4EKaKHUE8_hOc5v5TFHtj-6XuruyZZUQuvSI0kW0ZQi1mstd61Fe7yogCGSU9YqPZ4uW2gtqfESAN0vgFx0LdUS9fUYHlClnTkYNrTCGzBD6I6ncPSSPMbjUHJRuA/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681297467348876034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">2003</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">We painted pottery this year with some wonderful new friends. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Everyone made keepsake ornaments.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L4TXyv62xCU0ciOc9lYLACtUwtZhvBH7LAt4_U8hezHSy4OwWh08wVF-LOIL1YSmxercWwFULWydNDUDNnVs6em699RzWTtKQauAW36ORgHX9OYZCy3ha8bgAZ514M5ThXDdz0dHV2cJ/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5L4TXyv62xCU0ciOc9lYLACtUwtZhvBH7LAt4_U8hezHSy4OwWh08wVF-LOIL1YSmxercWwFULWydNDUDNnVs6em699RzWTtKQauAW36ORgHX9OYZCy3ha8bgAZ514M5ThXDdz0dHV2cJ/s400/IMG_0078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681296153339051538" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2004</b></span></div><div>Not a handmade ornament. I was consumed with school work and the yearly ornament almost got forgotten. I hastily embroidered the year on a purchased one. There was a worn out mama in the house that year.<br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIg5HuJ42egbABcmeYPjIKLIDX5w59595X6vQ3XUTcLjL6vtBlWm-KSxEgPj0v2Cd0y3AzTfORcTRugzCeuGu4_xlZQP7AdPkZXqIfxfDigNppKpypxBuDz1hVQj-Vd2zCSwumY7Rkoqk/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIg5HuJ42egbABcmeYPjIKLIDX5w59595X6vQ3XUTcLjL6vtBlWm-KSxEgPj0v2Cd0y3AzTfORcTRugzCeuGu4_xlZQP7AdPkZXqIfxfDigNppKpypxBuDz1hVQj-Vd2zCSwumY7Rkoqk/s400/IMG_0079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681296140409345986" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2005</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The height of Lizzie's obsession with horses. She still loves them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1amZF59KLyL8b-8bdN92S9qLkl3iqgki6b8G3ULt2NK0L_n6MdHwWIddBJUH5xNB-Bnny7KRPj6zLcC5hT6bg_VFkMFCsw9-L1gfjBZ60AUBawaELDfTvJLn71H-rDNwMTLo8aVz1DCiS/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1amZF59KLyL8b-8bdN92S9qLkl3iqgki6b8G3ULt2NK0L_n6MdHwWIddBJUH5xNB-Bnny7KRPj6zLcC5hT6bg_VFkMFCsw9-L1gfjBZ60AUBawaELDfTvJLn71H-rDNwMTLo8aVz1DCiS/s400/IMG_0080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681296139054439666" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2006</b></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Our second trip to Hawaii. The hula dancer gingerbread man says it all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPHTteBRupbYfoiXX4BQmh5_s9pVCxL3RSj7rbEGZbBOzRz1Ajw4obUoiK2UHvFiciA3iQE0gszXd-wSAO3jeISmrK1GvM2Vr2krAdiAuErj6Y1MJTu9JdVO93oOa-_BIa9PhZw-QOQ0l/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTQ-vIiXCKy2CCAsDPO-aUVZrZQcIV3GdMgpdW7P2haf15mifNyvAqUKx2179jnx2Y-7-Ef4M6ZLGShVEr-2Tf7h590OV9wLwDpBc4XuqDV88J_C2-jfYrg1WdAWTfjhCpwqq_CvOVMjw/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTQ-vIiXCKy2CCAsDPO-aUVZrZQcIV3GdMgpdW7P2haf15mifNyvAqUKx2179jnx2Y-7-Ef4M6ZLGShVEr-2Tf7h590OV9wLwDpBc4XuqDV88J_C2-jfYrg1WdAWTfjhCpwqq_CvOVMjw/s400/IMG_0083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681296118841137266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2007</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The handmade Christmas. I was pretty crafty that year.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqX9zGFPnhr5_HGzzOBd3HNGxitlL76ekNEidITYTEqoyCYNap_YscbvSe6y-sJYwhNH4zy0JS4emGUYiLxx0L7HgCUYG4VE2sWQoaPqnvWkeThviAwDzdCppoGqVGsK66mzETzmoQAfG/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqX9zGFPnhr5_HGzzOBd3HNGxitlL76ekNEidITYTEqoyCYNap_YscbvSe6y-sJYwhNH4zy0JS4emGUYiLxx0L7HgCUYG4VE2sWQoaPqnvWkeThviAwDzdCppoGqVGsK66mzETzmoQAfG/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681294627135744738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2008</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our first trip to Seattle. It rained a lot but we fell in love with the city.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5aKaCtGi5jzTFjxHdyKd8VUpamUeBPZc_a3x0K0zsS6IO1PyO5K0147hIKhtl-lqFzDkghi9SD0HjWYwiXv1tzLWa6VRHApkdOYovuenzYU6ZX3Ew8gMnM8WnszTm-iajab51eqIV-sn/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5aKaCtGi5jzTFjxHdyKd8VUpamUeBPZc_a3x0K0zsS6IO1PyO5K0147hIKhtl-lqFzDkghi9SD0HjWYwiXv1tzLWa6VRHApkdOYovuenzYU6ZX3Ew8gMnM8WnszTm-iajab51eqIV-sn/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681294610776277458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2009</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We took a fabulous two week camping trip. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We decorated our campsite with flamingos.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVivOX3dIwf3TKfOXFrRiIPavs0jevhmZHggwezmHOtpVvESMiWthtKIVtOQ13ZaVoHd1qS_pSrWIJNJtknqpi_b_auCLafkZi5Kl0DEBSLN9H8v7-xK4YERx31DNH8BgdJCUH8NLvu1ki/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVivOX3dIwf3TKfOXFrRiIPavs0jevhmZHggwezmHOtpVvESMiWthtKIVtOQ13ZaVoHd1qS_pSrWIJNJtknqpi_b_auCLafkZi5Kl0DEBSLN9H8v7-xK4YERx31DNH8BgdJCUH8NLvu1ki/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681294604204866226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b>2010</b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Sand & pearls. We took a family trip to Hawaii just </div><div style="text-align: center;">before Christmas (yes, we are that spoiled.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Javier's Grandma Pearl passed away that Fall.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUV5uUF_boiZ82V5-TsSJ2nL3m1shW4LiDAB6jh4p-Jqw81nEeAm413fd58HPdvw-4y3LkidWT4HEVrISsViAXcePhCx1sTF2b-dLzRf7kdRSmLCfWhvMTHpO32nKVULKUdf8pid462HXs/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUV5uUF_boiZ82V5-TsSJ2nL3m1shW4LiDAB6jh4p-Jqw81nEeAm413fd58HPdvw-4y3LkidWT4HEVrISsViAXcePhCx1sTF2b-dLzRf7kdRSmLCfWhvMTHpO32nKVULKUdf8pid462HXs/s400/IMG_0088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681294593549779858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">2011</span></b></div><div>An extremely blessed Lizzie attended <a href="http://www.seacamp.com/">SeaCamp </a> in July (touched an octopus while there) & went to her <a href="http://www.oliverrain.blogspot.com/2011/11/reasons-why-i-love-my-husband-2.html">first concert</a> (we think the legs look a bit like Katy Perry's hair)<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd23oN6CHG9WZWRDLnmWwxlRC-26SWM5jl6BXBujQknTxaBJQS52hiethUHUAdKlziNpBZZWL37h1zM2r6bNl-TBznZm6OMlVD35FBVDmnZkql3qnFeCJdVStQrJj2UTjf9ZoD7Iwk9QrU/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd23oN6CHG9WZWRDLnmWwxlRC-26SWM5jl6BXBujQknTxaBJQS52hiethUHUAdKlziNpBZZWL37h1zM2r6bNl-TBznZm6OMlVD35FBVDmnZkql3qnFeCJdVStQrJj2UTjf9ZoD7Iwk9QrU/s400/IMG_0089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681294590925761506" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And our tree at night. So pretty.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-39915729215632507062011-11-30T13:25:00.003-07:002011-11-30T13:30:07.250-07:00Living in a winter wonderland<div>It snowed today and I'm actually very happy about it. That's probably because it's only at 0 degrees Celcius, not minus 30 which it very well could be this time of year.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdZel_8ZpATK1e1upt9ueN80dOll2Fi2fmHnKBTWqrb1TOhbGHJ5QC3nRpdun65bifPUe8l-wC1I2-qFvb859FPiorIZXdA_h3gISI9mdmGaVLB2HsAzL-8Mcvh4AFDLOZH5P9d8MvMfF/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJdZel_8ZpATK1e1upt9ueN80dOll2Fi2fmHnKBTWqrb1TOhbGHJ5QC3nRpdun65bifPUe8l-wC1I2-qFvb859FPiorIZXdA_h3gISI9mdmGaVLB2HsAzL-8Mcvh4AFDLOZH5P9d8MvMfF/s400/IMG_0066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680888034249806930" /></a>I was out running some errands this morning and not really enjoying driving on the slippery roads or getting my freshly styled hair wet, but I had the Christmas carols on, so it wasn't that bad.<div><br /></div><div>After all, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-79919470789688721592011-11-25T15:29:00.003-07:002011-11-25T15:43:25.950-07:00Reasons why I love my husband #2<div style="text-align: center;">He takes his favourite girls to see Katty Perry in Los Angeles this past Tuesday.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIceDlLRPeoalQ9IlVO153s3orPPeYM77QqOcIG8w6QQXQmFkAe_90GcrClB5SJ9-YI9ylA5p2B76axQF6Ny2M3zYz9oTUw2gXR0_3PL8dpkmkiypbhAVHl_rEbW80zYJqCQUXPetF8ul/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIceDlLRPeoalQ9IlVO153s3orPPeYM77QqOcIG8w6QQXQmFkAe_90GcrClB5SJ9-YI9ylA5p2B76axQF6Ny2M3zYz9oTUw2gXR0_3PL8dpkmkiypbhAVHl_rEbW80zYJqCQUXPetF8ul/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679065251630104978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And has as much fun as we did!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o1-MN5n8AGuAbGKECFF2V1-W5awkMAHVihgsOxwJaTBhSmIeFEIMDucRSK104pgtUIOWJ5sZBswyUn65XvE2NjYVnYX_t44hyphenhyphenZjVjPT0v6pMQThnhFm-dY_KYi3O2JNvyQQ-FxpMQLoL/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_o1-MN5n8AGuAbGKECFF2V1-W5awkMAHVihgsOxwJaTBhSmIeFEIMDucRSK104pgtUIOWJ5sZBswyUn65XvE2NjYVnYX_t44hyphenhyphenZjVjPT0v6pMQThnhFm-dY_KYi3O2JNvyQQ-FxpMQLoL/s400/IMG_0057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679065248308978114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">(yes, that is a pink flashing heart headband he's wearing)</div></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-23280441208028082252011-11-24T16:29:00.002-07:002011-11-24T16:31:28.802-07:00Reasons why I love my husband #1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqouQ6KOg9-n8c_o8HXSsduLzMTFQhESkOyzlvy6KuL9dE5HfDzINE6d7Pmj7tVPOqiVm6NtLXruJuqcXwSRtgmaezmcObHViU4BqnIyQre3cRKZ-HQUPT7FECowvHROx4eef8w8Kk3LE/s1600/IMGP0318.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqouQ6KOg9-n8c_o8HXSsduLzMTFQhESkOyzlvy6KuL9dE5HfDzINE6d7Pmj7tVPOqiVm6NtLXruJuqcXwSRtgmaezmcObHViU4BqnIyQre3cRKZ-HQUPT7FECowvHROx4eef8w8Kk3LE/s400/IMGP0318.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678708930543944738" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">He makes me giggle when I open the refrigerator</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-80735064130938572192011-11-07T22:29:00.003-07:002011-11-07T22:32:24.931-07:00Vanity<div>Is very, very vain that I use my Mac's Photo Booth app to check my hair & makeup before I go to work?</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxHH7H_PcJsEvoLiCP3sPCVgbFnLM5hw2kmdyfZWqqybTgok5oWIAm3OBf7eXMpc-qZWN2rbHLhzpYp3z23jjcnPEnqf4xd-wL6IjpioVcOvbrvZbNsXxwn-zwDFX6N0DEcICgjO_B45c/s1600/Photo+127.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnxHH7H_PcJsEvoLiCP3sPCVgbFnLM5hw2kmdyfZWqqybTgok5oWIAm3OBf7eXMpc-qZWN2rbHLhzpYp3z23jjcnPEnqf4xd-wL6IjpioVcOvbrvZbNsXxwn-zwDFX6N0DEcICgjO_B45c/s400/Photo+127.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672493125263704914" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Does it make it worse that I've taken the time to post my photo and blog about it before I go to work?</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-63081879507367973132011-11-03T11:12:00.002-06:002011-11-03T11:21:07.417-06:00I'm a freak<div>In the past month or so, I've been unusually clumsy. I'm not just talking tripping over my feet kind of stuff, though I've done plenty of that as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a little run down...</div><div><ul><li>Fallen UP the stairs 3 times</li><li>Scraped the top of my foot on pavement leaving the cat groomer's place</li><li>Scraped the back of my hand on a concrete wall as I was just casually walking by</li><li>Dropped 2 decorative glass jars while decorating for Halloween, I did this just 30 seconds apart</li></ul></div><div>I'm a menace.</div><div><br /></div><div>I attribute the whole phenomenon to my freakishly large right hand! Not sure what happened here but this is a wonky photo.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBRD9Y1R0Z30E4raU7h2gQw6cCscJc1Vur5TPxnmAKoD06gjZp20WR3tOhVcAHBAxW33sSwhUyJ_DRFrHna1_MV9SmYgVOCOXkCDr_IeQuynE-56bMGyiqOeOkvAkB-MFUF9-8MvBOcEC/s1600/IMGP0268.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBRD9Y1R0Z30E4raU7h2gQw6cCscJc1Vur5TPxnmAKoD06gjZp20WR3tOhVcAHBAxW33sSwhUyJ_DRFrHna1_MV9SmYgVOCOXkCDr_IeQuynE-56bMGyiqOeOkvAkB-MFUF9-8MvBOcEC/s400/IMGP0268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670819126224766066" /></a>This photo makes me shudder a bit. My hands are already red and raw from all the hand washing I do everyday. And note, the placement of not just one, but TWO bandaids.<div><br /></div><div>Just wrap me in bubble wrap for the rest of the year. I think that's the best bet.</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-19769151542052105272011-11-02T20:31:00.002-06:002011-11-02T20:40:58.803-06:00There's an app for that<div>I have to say, Lizzie's i-phone has revolutionized our ride home after Wednesday piano lessons.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguuxhFyeE8f7tynqORRQut1lyctr1iRlipsRqB3N5bXAQfgTzNEtUcMuJTvri9-rgKGwwN146us6WOKW3_KM82LaSIYi_E1szDBvLI6_eIUBzBZ2NHNP8reHsTgtn2c8OVuvH3uWFoIo3/s1600/iphone_4.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhguuxhFyeE8f7tynqORRQut1lyctr1iRlipsRqB3N5bXAQfgTzNEtUcMuJTvri9-rgKGwwN146us6WOKW3_KM82LaSIYi_E1szDBvLI6_eIUBzBZ2NHNP8reHsTgtn2c8OVuvH3uWFoIo3/s400/iphone_4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670591997119176130" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tipb.com/iphone-4/"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Source</span></i></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before i-phone:</div><div>Me: How was your lesson, baby?</div><div>Lizzie: Fine. (standard answer for many things these days). </div><div>Rest of the drive spent in silence.</div><div><br /></div><div>After iphone:</div><div>Me: How was your lesson, baby?</div><div>Lizzie: Fine. </div><div>Me: Really?</div><div>Lizzie: [Piano teacher] says that I did excellent this week. I'm learning another new song.</div><div>Me: Really.</div><div>Lizzie: Let me play it for you. (Reaches for her i-phone and plays a sample for me on the piano app.)</div><div><br /></div><div>See? It's totally changed our after piano lives.</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-32133926954774119702011-11-01T20:10:00.003-06:002011-11-01T20:37:25.635-06:00Being a girl<div>When I was pregnant with Lizzie, I was positively terrified that I would have a boy. I had no idea what to do with a male child. Could I teach him to knit, I thought? I worried that I'd have the most feminine boy on the block. I realize now how silly my thinking was. I'm sure a boy would have turned out just fine.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, my fears were groundless. Lizzie was a girl after all and I have to say, having a girl is the cat's meow. Especially for a girly-girl like me. Luckily, she has her dad to balance out the sugar and spice.</div><div><br /></div><div>This past Sunday, Lizzie and I enjoyed a completely girl trip to Calgary, specifically so Lizzie could have a teen-appropriate makeup lesson at Sephora. We are trying to avoid the "raccoon-eyes" that seem to be so common with young girls these days, especially around here. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know Lizzie is lovely and doesn't really need to wear makeup, but wearing makeup is JUST SO MUCH FUN.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's my Lizzie prior to her tutorial. Such a beautiful, little face, a pretty smile and fantastic skin.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEi0b9d_nckDI_ifDP_0ukzrEj9Pw78XBXVbHERGS13qLcMTS6tDdY16inCgAEVstpsAiAtPvdiHRFcVLeUDHNHTFVe1f6yzja_SW8MV_MIjzAkvWS-fVsRCbADuonqP_n6-Ro4cEyxIw/s1600/IMGP0291.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEi0b9d_nckDI_ifDP_0ukzrEj9Pw78XBXVbHERGS13qLcMTS6tDdY16inCgAEVstpsAiAtPvdiHRFcVLeUDHNHTFVe1f6yzja_SW8MV_MIjzAkvWS-fVsRCbADuonqP_n6-Ro4cEyxIw/s400/IMGP0291.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670216570914316562" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And after.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSlNF57B9Vo3jiLokSujkc0qIOU3ccn8m6hCasWZJgdE9OOa4mBvmayJgvtua4Wlx3cQ9CF4KCWPKnhk3s3LWGBVWcJJBizy_PeVw_em6ijHD5ascOJPOiy3urZdlIz-TlNDhWZdVUlr8/s1600/IMGP0292.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSlNF57B9Vo3jiLokSujkc0qIOU3ccn8m6hCasWZJgdE9OOa4mBvmayJgvtua4Wlx3cQ9CF4KCWPKnhk3s3LWGBVWcJJBizy_PeVw_em6ijHD5ascOJPOiy3urZdlIz-TlNDhWZdVUlr8/s400/IMGP0292.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670216144611005746" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Just as pretty, but a bit more polished. And no "raccoons" to be seen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our makeup artist was lovely and very helpful, keeping to the slightly less expensive Sephora products. She respected Lizzie's wish to keep the makeup light and had some great tips. She also mentioned that we could go back anytime for ways to update her look as she grows and matures.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here's another pic of Lizzie in full Halloween mode. Grrrr!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_Bv8BFLBLwgglpz4T5ds3z1G1dDMcX4nXejuJ1XlYlZTXLsG0sri8ljZEeOGBelaUa14mZjS4mERXDSgs-1n2Oc3fvoAyPpClZhfJaZXMSXT1dJ1_vRfwgwsLcYUgCMFT8uBBmKfqZSy/s1600/IMGP0299.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_Bv8BFLBLwgglpz4T5ds3z1G1dDMcX4nXejuJ1XlYlZTXLsG0sri8ljZEeOGBelaUa14mZjS4mERXDSgs-1n2Oc3fvoAyPpClZhfJaZXMSXT1dJ1_vRfwgwsLcYUgCMFT8uBBmKfqZSy/s400/IMGP0299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670216132427083842" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">_____________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On a side note, here in Canada, one of our drug store chains have in-house Beauty Boutiques in many of their stores. They are like mini-Sephoras. Not quite as good of an experience but good enough for a quick cosmetic fix and I've always been happy with them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I took Lizzie here first before decided to head up to Calgary (3 hours drive away). The salesperson was what I will call a grandmotherly-type. When we asked for some help with learning how to apply makeup, the woman tilted her head to one side, looked at Lizzie, and said "oh dear, you don't need to wear makeup". I persisted, agreeing that, "yes, Lizzie is very pretty without makeup, but that she would still like to wear some, so can you please help us?" Many girls do, right? The salespersons reply, "how about just a touch of mascara and gloss?". clearly reluctant to help us. Lizzie's little face fell. She's knows how to mascara and gloss but wanted some more advice. So we left, and probably won't go back.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The whole experience left me completely unsatisfied and a little bewildered that any salesperson would give up a guaranteed sale. Plus I felt like this woman was making a judgement on whether my daughter should wear makeup or not. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So now we'll just have to make more road trips to Calgary.</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-86983036358423371962011-10-31T11:26:00.004-06:002011-10-31T11:57:10.180-06:00Happy Halloween<div style="text-align: center;">Welcome to our Halloween abode. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were somewhat conservative with our outdoor decorations this year. We had grand plans but when Javier found the red light bulbs, we figured they made the house look pretty scary on their own. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCfqBbsdD-PjLT3Woy7Qt_lufPKU__Ozftz6k7wut9AmNKbqwaTnfLHvYBL0Jca7WpylqQZxPUfyc1z2xl9TkFBd6kjQ2bCjuUj-XYBLdzKyFtmxQTy_V_6xgB5AIcBAWZ-RLYCgEazny/s1600/IMGP0276.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCfqBbsdD-PjLT3Woy7Qt_lufPKU__Ozftz6k7wut9AmNKbqwaTnfLHvYBL0Jca7WpylqQZxPUfyc1z2xl9TkFBd6kjQ2bCjuUj-XYBLdzKyFtmxQTy_V_6xgB5AIcBAWZ-RLYCgEazny/s400/IMGP0276.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669711867873068898" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">This picture does not show the details well, but there is a grave yard to each side of the lions. The lions each have battery operated tea lights in their mouths. Sound and movement operated skulls and other devices ensure we scare the living daylights out of trick or treaters. Javier put strobe lights on the outer corners for some extra spookiness. I also put a large black painted branch in an urn to the right of the door. It's inhabited by a family of crows and festooned with cobwebs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would you like to see the interior decorations?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTaR1S3M1kijk1SR1Cnap5fqSj9aPdVFCwU22rN8ErEhTgdVZ5C0HSnGAVJoViZFlEgcvwCAN52_nl6wCPkgJGKOU31S4Bu14pSj_mmn_3GtKMOHaBl26DbibpivkH4q5R2cB7H4iRQub/s400/IMGP0264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669710538661828018" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">We have two skeletons at the entrance, keeping an eye on everyone as they enter the house.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fQQAqcgR_XXHXhiAtSoOPC_50mF6xU7ZpLbr0YfAjdNVc__f80lTSaiMfhAHlnMurDDjRS4FdYMQIweJy7Xr5xqkKimJqTdvbQdVwPG-qRXsoBCbib-BG0U2j3q_HsUai96QIixaU_Rm/s1600/IMGP0257.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fQQAqcgR_XXHXhiAtSoOPC_50mF6xU7ZpLbr0YfAjdNVc__f80lTSaiMfhAHlnMurDDjRS4FdYMQIweJy7Xr5xqkKimJqTdvbQdVwPG-qRXsoBCbib-BG0U2j3q_HsUai96QIixaU_Rm/s400/IMGP0257.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669711851978792114" /></a>I accidently twisted the head off this poor guy, so he also has to keep an eye (or a hand, ha ha) on his own head. He's also guarding the devil horn party favours for our guests.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSgzb0gV0OLT9DEeB8v-XotGI8ZM11j1feBdY400mo0GcsK6rrHjtI_z-8gGL7zuP4-uZ5tB3Sdx_8acqYzpf9Lbbj8-BWIbNRDrU8AhLRCdpihQ1JVtz5pewpZLPba79KTdd_BILCYls/s1600/IMGP0258.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSgzb0gV0OLT9DEeB8v-XotGI8ZM11j1feBdY400mo0GcsK6rrHjtI_z-8gGL7zuP4-uZ5tB3Sdx_8acqYzpf9Lbbj8-BWIbNRDrU8AhLRCdpihQ1JVtz5pewpZLPba79KTdd_BILCYls/s400/IMGP0258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669711843609195874" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We've had a recent rodent infestation. Please watch your feet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeISYsxz_1O2NGd7lG3sdmGkY8k9wonhC2h-v7exBPtgvHEeDZCvPwRyWeT_LsZMLUl5UtuZ0vu_9Tjz_WYdV6WbbIdxHshIWR3O7X8WOSAR4cUhtnwWy9gqJkIC2Vw399LJQDhl3nvJi/s1600/IMGP0262.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyeISYsxz_1O2NGd7lG3sdmGkY8k9wonhC2h-v7exBPtgvHEeDZCvPwRyWeT_LsZMLUl5UtuZ0vu_9Tjz_WYdV6WbbIdxHshIWR3O7X8WOSAR4cUhtnwWy9gqJkIC2Vw399LJQDhl3nvJi/s400/IMGP0262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669711832350960226" /></a>Even the bathroom got tricked out. A little moldy looking gauze fabric, (plastic) barbed wire and a collection of glow in the dark creepy crawlies.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq29Wi0Kqdlcwvt5pn-86pKHJqxC5K8BDsmXCNBn6m9-L92zzN9YRXfLRR6X8pstBqQZqPEqV-7N4tHJiyYxihjhuIcnkxoTH-UHTOAyo7n6e9As9YqyR1vvDJL7UvzsP2p9TQyKeXW1RL/s1600/IMGP0263.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq29Wi0Kqdlcwvt5pn-86pKHJqxC5K8BDsmXCNBn6m9-L92zzN9YRXfLRR6X8pstBqQZqPEqV-7N4tHJiyYxihjhuIcnkxoTH-UHTOAyo7n6e9As9YqyR1vvDJL7UvzsP2p9TQyKeXW1RL/s400/IMGP0263.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669710547084180978" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We decorated the attic for Lizzie's Halloween movie party.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the snack table. Six different kinds of candy, three kinds of pops, a box of mandarin oranges, and two kinds of pizzas. Yeah, I know, crazy health food.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiTaR1S3M1kijk1SR1Cnap5fqSj9aPdVFCwU22rN8ErEhTgdVZ5C0HSnGAVJoViZFlEgcvwCAN52_nl6wCPkgJGKOU31S4Bu14pSj_mmn_3GtKMOHaBl26DbibpivkH4q5R2cB7H4iRQub/s1600/IMGP0264.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lCdedIgScsmZtiN0mBpd6FIJlMqvhuSFgRfCltDrRdBFi8XKQjWSShj3dZ6rZ9y3BRAzzE0bU1ylJzRjB6yJInqNDMV2x0zBrrfAcDoTK1dLkyOmpDs9fpfW71Dka27JKhOoFs8hCwDW/s1600/IMGP0265.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lCdedIgScsmZtiN0mBpd6FIJlMqvhuSFgRfCltDrRdBFi8XKQjWSShj3dZ6rZ9y3BRAzzE0bU1ylJzRjB6yJInqNDMV2x0zBrrfAcDoTK1dLkyOmpDs9fpfW71Dka27JKhOoFs8hCwDW/s400/IMGP0265.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669710532020606866" /></a>And of course, all the furniture got draped in white to make the look extra ghostly, more gauze everywhere and candles galore for ambiance.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwaebyC994qzCRqlJjesZe8FZelTkKssGo28T5yPgFx3iWNQpnc4hm0kCFFvCK2svdtJaCnn4zmv6sSau5ISnfJeG2ZntyjHyDkvDGYqAObnlfw7p2aMx77uss_GanBJVHBTHsgPUWKhd/s1600/IMGP0267.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwaebyC994qzCRqlJjesZe8FZelTkKssGo28T5yPgFx3iWNQpnc4hm0kCFFvCK2svdtJaCnn4zmv6sSau5ISnfJeG2ZntyjHyDkvDGYqAObnlfw7p2aMx77uss_GanBJVHBTHsgPUWKhd/s400/IMGP0267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669710516739244002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">My Happy Halloween'ers. Costumes optional.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabYoLsJZHbKcn3EOMZDsea9JFOBfOJUXoDyHJ32bwdEGc5vUm-bnNJpR72_RYNhbSjK9XYJP8FuFNyY0oB9MdhLDvyUzZ2gu_pWHgbXy7jRZLzTURjW4_8o-r8ll4NKZNqg-0hWbOw2yK/s1600/IMGP0285.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabYoLsJZHbKcn3EOMZDsea9JFOBfOJUXoDyHJ32bwdEGc5vUm-bnNJpR72_RYNhbSjK9XYJP8FuFNyY0oB9MdhLDvyUzZ2gu_pWHgbXy7jRZLzTURjW4_8o-r8ll4NKZNqg-0hWbOw2yK/s400/IMGP0285.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669710511522324754" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The reflection from the flash makes the devil horns glow. Scary.</div></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-85558953607950366342011-10-21T18:18:00.005-06:002011-10-21T19:03:16.705-06:00Straight hair fail<div style="text-align: left;">Slightly wavy hair with a tendency to frizz if I let it dry naturally was a little gift to me from my 30s. I grew up with lovely, shiny bone straight hair. Oh, the glory <strike>days</strike> years.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, I went to my stylist to have my roots touched up and a trim. Flipping through magazines while I was getting my hair done, I found several ads and articles celebrating this product...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM7Cueqmy2sfw0lVC5ilK83Qx3pwdBxhdsDBuPgZY9_xWqBNgb4bSVRCToZaeC-3xiRKTcYiLsa8TdE2VT0eK7H-NeOjEu4yJeQoYZzaAyGdAld3rnDkjf-5oDq1-mfChTcNkxEm8zhTc/s1600/straight+hair.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHM7Cueqmy2sfw0lVC5ilK83Qx3pwdBxhdsDBuPgZY9_xWqBNgb4bSVRCToZaeC-3xiRKTcYiLsa8TdE2VT0eK7H-NeOjEu4yJeQoYZzaAyGdAld3rnDkjf-5oDq1-mfChTcNkxEm8zhTc/s400/straight+hair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666104902852626994" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Organix-Smoothing-Treatment-Straight-Brazilian/dp/B004ISU5V4/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1319242860&sr=1-2"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Source</span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Finally, I could recapture the beauty and wonder of my youthful hair. Up to 95% frizz free and lasting for up to 30 days. Sold.<div><br /></div><div>I went straight from the salon to the drugstore and plunked down my $15 (approx) and hurried home to make my hair silky straight. You probably know where this is going.</div><div><br /></div><div>The product instructions state to apply product (after using the clarifying shampoo) to towel dried hair (about 80% dry, how to estimate that I have no idea how). I was also told to apply the product sparingly AND not to over-saturate. Yeah, I used to the whole bottle. I have thick hair! After waiting a 1/2 hour, I blow dried my hair straight with a round brush and then ran a straightener over every strand of hair. </div><div><br /></div><div>And what was a left with? Not silky straight locks. More like dry, yellow frizz. With a heavy coating greasing down everything. </div><div><br /></div><div>The WORST past was having to go to work for 2 days with disgusting hair as you need to wait 48 hours to wash or even wet your hair. Yes, I had to go to hair with greasy, yellow/orange, frizzy hair. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Too late I read the reviews about the straightening treatment. Number one complaint - brassiness for blondes, followed by a strong odor. That's when I started to freak out.</div><div><br /></div><div>I excited rush home after work today to wash my hair and was left with brassy, orange hair and a distinct boiled turnip smell wafting around me. Then I really freaked out. But I didn't cry.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did however head directly to the salon down the hill and begged mercy on the one stylist willing to stay past 5:00. An hour with a good toner one my head and a hundred dollars later, I'm restored to my former blonde locks. And my hair is silky to boot! Though admittedly it might have been the <a href="http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/product/57/19662/Products/Cleanse-and-Condition/Shampoo/straight-shampoo/index.tmpl">Bumble & Bumble Straight Shampoo</a> & <a href="http://moroccanoil.com/en/our-products.html">Moroccan Oil</a>, the stylist used.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvgjmMY0AhL-5DODT4lpF0n9OijRMb2klya5PpESVQbImrxiUCIae0skOw6sK-SX8C9fIBSadfH6RHfeVFsItiItiSXX6hFRqFy0lVTSubP9c5WNjq_EO6WvEBDPf6KRiDmNrGvcey0k0/s400/Photo+123.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666113358246547426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div>Yeah, I'm not wearing makeup so you are not going to see my face. But I assure you, my hair is VERY smooth, but it still smells a bit like turnips.</div><div><br /></div><div>The bottom line is that using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Organix-Smoothing-Treatment-Straight-Brazilian/dp/B004ISU5V4/ref=sr_1_2?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1319242860&sr=1-2">Organix Smoothing Treatment</a> was definitely not worth the emotional trauma I've suffered the past 48 hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>From now on, my special treatments will all take place at the salon.</div><div><br /></div></div></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-79031252118132618262011-10-19T12:03:00.007-06:002011-10-19T18:42:59.601-06:00Trick or treats<div style="text-align: left;">Death in a family is always sad but frequently has the ability to either tear a family apart or bring it much closer. My grandmother's death definitely worked to bring us closer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so glad that I've become closer to my step-sister this past year and her two adorable little boys, my nephews! Aren't they cute?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DxDFVUDQB_5ry0XzDwp7o6obKuBXlRVEvmm3T4oBmPonNMhFeh7GkojY_OVQ01ArjSYgb8g1Oxe0TVncofpN5uyEQjSLR6r8ASu23CsnPvd9FPE1QgyeIBx1jEBAfToHZWWlVtbPl4Ko/s1600/IMGP0244.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWesXWFhGBAtOoRY4w5l8ts6_a49RRkjLy1O0VDXIVb_HE308ZcWwAs1UcMFo0sDFXaetw5pVV-nXYlaVpi7aeeZk3qOGhgr4iDFUriF1ZdeLKbUffXK28NGFRrymg9ej-B9Le_ZxeAJjR/s1600/DSCN4292.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWesXWFhGBAtOoRY4w5l8ts6_a49RRkjLy1O0VDXIVb_HE308ZcWwAs1UcMFo0sDFXaetw5pVV-nXYlaVpi7aeeZk3qOGhgr4iDFUriF1ZdeLKbUffXK28NGFRrymg9ej-B9Le_ZxeAJjR/s400/DSCN4292.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665266968079708946" /></a>A six year age difference and many kilometers between us has always been a barrier to my relationship with my step-sister. I've always wanted a sister, but we never grew up together. I was always the older, more glamourous (or so I thought) sister sweeping in from the big city. Our lifestyles were very different. I was finished school, then became a mom. Now we are both moms and working in the health care industry. We have so much more in common and I look forward to having a bigger role in her life.<div><br /></div><div>So now that I'm an auntie, I have to start spoiling these darling little boys. Seeing these treat bags on <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/10/6/mollys-sketchbook-glow-in-the-dark-spider-web-treat-bag.html">Purl Bee</a> was a no-brainer. You know how I love a DIY project.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqszC-q03nZrdq-qAWtQN5Dn4jBRbwb75lTDty-TlEhZFlOKjS1hVQp0_OsP1AhzTgBlW1R9mvzvg8MUlqtSRsyOvhvq8__kl2yPoZAUVKkeJEWGizbiid2WLpGwAPHpM4BX0yB0v9-u6X/s1600/glow-in-the-dark-trick-bags.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqszC-q03nZrdq-qAWtQN5Dn4jBRbwb75lTDty-TlEhZFlOKjS1hVQp0_OsP1AhzTgBlW1R9mvzvg8MUlqtSRsyOvhvq8__kl2yPoZAUVKkeJEWGizbiid2WLpGwAPHpM4BX0yB0v9-u6X/s400/glow-in-the-dark-trick-bags.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665266356220081650" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The Purl Bee version.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2mTqCSrntxnSJtfwwD3JN7B387u1jGrbWwtuGPMZa_L0Ek77msoTCmEGKMqo6Q8h7AadWxFJO5z-UZ92rmLB7Qwz3u0Q2FCmIzxb1PlcDy-kMXJVhyphenhyphenzOSpj-scC9twNWGmtI37it5Qae/s400/IMGP0241.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665266341532318274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;">And my version.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not quite as nice, but serviceable. The cobwebs are stitch in glow-in-the-dark thread.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce9exxdm3tDhBrElF-gnPWzymdRRqpiZSv2maNeGcsAw16XL625Fkd_msTupBXnyYuu5t03BOb1sh1nOOaLppXObXZv9VX3EtOftyO_91LNk1fSVM8Md8MwXLTQjrfNj8yAXGHiMm4ncm/s1600/IMGP0243.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AcZdVzhJjvFcnRlAeMI7hli8z6xlighYRNi5GKzSPhdFKeKot3VvuPPryKPt2St2ZK1HWWTt1bfEGCGa0eKuA6W_J4Co86tpEfwLHrLIIU0zaQ8uGlYUQCI7eQ7N1oO7CZmPOi7a8Wxn/s400/IMGP0242.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665266342774990018" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">And filled them with small toys, socks & books. This is for the 3-year-old.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhce9exxdm3tDhBrElF-gnPWzymdRRqpiZSv2maNeGcsAw16XL625Fkd_msTupBXnyYuu5t03BOb1sh1nOOaLppXObXZv9VX3EtOftyO_91LNk1fSVM8Md8MwXLTQjrfNj8yAXGHiMm4ncm/s400/IMGP0243.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665266353060035042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">I fell in love with Spider-Duck & Franken-Duck.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DxDFVUDQB_5ry0XzDwp7o6obKuBXlRVEvmm3T4oBmPonNMhFeh7GkojY_OVQ01ArjSYgb8g1Oxe0TVncofpN5uyEQjSLR6r8ASu23CsnPvd9FPE1QgyeIBx1jEBAfToHZWWlVtbPl4Ko/s400/IMGP0244.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665267563942519666" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center;">And this is for the baby. He's just over 1. He gets a ducky devil & ghost combo.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think, pretty fun?</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-46085323122364605522011-10-18T07:48:00.004-06:002011-10-18T08:09:29.426-06:00Pumpkin picking<div style="text-align: left;">Medicine Hat does not, sadly, have a pumpkin patch. What it does have is the Garden Market, a store that regularly sells locally grown produce and, oddly enough, gift items from Thailand. Every year they bring in thousands of pumpkins to sell to the good little boys and girl of Medicine Hat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last Friday, Lizzie and I made our trek to get stocked up.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm8VqsulG-PkY51P5JEfWqpqm_Ey3m7Ea787qrmSZaOgyahe-aYkq9ieIVVHlDocLCP70S3NhAGxHLRR8MB6MZgjqVEpRYT0lXwRDWFQZ0OhEKafQge_qG0T00Nvswi0Au9egujIpSb-i/s1600/IMGP0234.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRia2eo0DR9YUJhjr_yi88HTjbIq5cbg9Fk4rZ5u4Yw_VXnqdtyK9HPpu6XFmqlayno99iU4MsRdm4gbsX35_upHHPY90eEvHPZ-MEYAwDksBwtdpDcso30Brsx9QyhrsV4txXQ35L16q/s1600/IMGP0232.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRia2eo0DR9YUJhjr_yi88HTjbIq5cbg9Fk4rZ5u4Yw_VXnqdtyK9HPpu6XFmqlayno99iU4MsRdm4gbsX35_upHHPY90eEvHPZ-MEYAwDksBwtdpDcso30Brsx9QyhrsV4txXQ35L16q/s400/IMGP0232.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664829741413122754" /></a>Blow up lawn ornaments are a personal pet peeve of mine (I think they are a cop out decor-wise), but somehow this one work at the store's entrance.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94zrnQHt1GGXhcLLV_2hb1ijcMYxz73xpnJJdD_4iRzHozE6WRVykt9ZIc5_NBt6-Akb9IKjS3xmvnmQ2iaisSsphwO8tFX6P4CFJmvZB8k-HR5464Volrfr0wRP8BfWfEnn40bJDd3xq/s1600/IMGP0233.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94zrnQHt1GGXhcLLV_2hb1ijcMYxz73xpnJJdD_4iRzHozE6WRVykt9ZIc5_NBt6-Akb9IKjS3xmvnmQ2iaisSsphwO8tFX6P4CFJmvZB8k-HR5464Volrfr0wRP8BfWfEnn40bJDd3xq/s400/IMGP0233.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664829735558893362" /></a>Neat rows of pumpkins waiting for adoption. Which one will be ours?</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYl0wb2mh7G4OLa5rK4-7DNFIz4QDA6zuAhnP1uHw_zw_DZp6HD8qP2T2Y0FoObiwgjPyizi2kKfXq5jpsIvp1LdDVr5eWMA9kc2-wg64lv6gbHPKKvKa3OK-h2C97Ssk3afq__mxSBKHr/s1600/IMGP0235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYl0wb2mh7G4OLa5rK4-7DNFIz4QDA6zuAhnP1uHw_zw_DZp6HD8qP2T2Y0FoObiwgjPyizi2kKfXq5jpsIvp1LdDVr5eWMA9kc2-wg64lv6gbHPKKvKa3OK-h2C97Ssk3afq__mxSBKHr/s400/IMGP0235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664829725324835714" /></a>More bins of pumpkins. I refused to go bin diving for the perfect pumpkin. We chose only those which we could see.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUm8VqsulG-PkY51P5JEfWqpqm_Ey3m7Ea787qrmSZaOgyahe-aYkq9ieIVVHlDocLCP70S3NhAGxHLRR8MB6MZgjqVEpRYT0lXwRDWFQZ0OhEKafQge_qG0T00Nvswi0Au9egujIpSb-i/s400/IMGP0234.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664830471439083730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Apparently local witches like to shop here too. We didn't see her inside though.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IWCQgBrrE3s4EomZeUbVYmr7SqXpR-m7Nya39Kf640dOuftrpCxl_lkJ0sOGYGwcoOlymJK2digHtYujfSH70fsD_Qt9tS_2ZqfU1T6CZFolMMj8RVwfr8kQcqAOAU-0FJsbL8CfAhyphenhyphenR/s1600/IMGP0236.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IWCQgBrrE3s4EomZeUbVYmr7SqXpR-m7Nya39Kf640dOuftrpCxl_lkJ0sOGYGwcoOlymJK2digHtYujfSH70fsD_Qt9tS_2ZqfU1T6CZFolMMj8RVwfr8kQcqAOAU-0FJsbL8CfAhyphenhyphenR/s400/IMGP0236.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664829724221300386" /></a></div><div>I was greeted by this sight when I opened up the back of the car. Apparently my new pumpkin family was eager to escape.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe this was a bit ambitious. I just realized we have 6 pumpkins to carve.</div><div><br /></div><div>On another note, we found a way to keep Ollie warm after being so recently shorn AND celebrate Javier's favourite sports team at the same time!</div><div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZrAHetZicTiqiaylcacgRbiYR9yCDRb62cGkuuoYFvxlMpAsnhsN88uFqjSUqzXd6PekDOiinwfJyWZTpoLGqjCMDR_IHKUkSmCUr3-c-eLro9I2IGi1FTKSJAc0DUECXFh-nJox4qTY/s400/IMGP0230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664830464970294546" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /><div style="text-align: center;">Poor Ollie.</div></div></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-49742182025623884722011-10-14T14:41:00.006-06:002011-10-14T14:53:53.807-06:00More signs of fall<div style="text-align: left;">It's still very sunny around here and we've only had 1 night (last night) where the temperature fell below zero. It's been such a lovely autumn.</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided last week that my lovely flower pots were looking ghastly. Very dried out from mainly lack of water (what? I've been busy), not cool temperatures, so I cleared them out and brought out some fall decor for the front porch.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucROw7xcw8-e5iVBHRt45xY2CTkodo1x-iQpuFaqz8Bc-RhzTOBMUqmlEOutcsrsPkgtAadAxQkMo6jzW622AS40H8kuXjCq2MuYxNT8li1yHUtE-Lnq_8wPk856_TZeIzNfl10PK3IO3/s1600/IMGP0211.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjucROw7xcw8-e5iVBHRt45xY2CTkodo1x-iQpuFaqz8Bc-RhzTOBMUqmlEOutcsrsPkgtAadAxQkMo6jzW622AS40H8kuXjCq2MuYxNT8li1yHUtE-Lnq_8wPk856_TZeIzNfl10PK3IO3/s400/IMGP0211.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663451175736254818" /></a>I'm in love with my painted motel chairs. I originally wanted them both yellow, but the yellow was back ordered so I used orange from my stash. My summer pillows got their fall slipcovers. The bunnies always stay out.<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJTETYiRuLidK8tQBo2bqpZV2cZAZSOBHwnS2neoprOczbFgdp0GWnQZWUK3N6kcVCiApr7Zl9Bt-k-ZbAwEj8LeqG0wA6vcXalu22aFTwNED7OmOwC18iU4y8ykkwgNCdQtGyZf8d4-b/s400/IMGP0210.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663452655765569234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">$30 worth of dollar store flowers plus some Michael's pumpkins. I'm all about the glitter this year...shoes, dresses, pumpkins, skulls...</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">This will all remain for a few weeks until we do our epic Halloween display. This year our neighbours have a French exchange student who's not used to celebrating Halloween so we are pulling out all the stops, I think, if we have time. Stay tuned.</span></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-27585275662553385962011-10-13T16:47:00.001-06:002011-10-13T16:47:00.528-06:00Handsome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMWWWZFkP_78FiavFaHlVZrm3zAxehterRR26Di5wJtkcn_AaaYGpNmxYOCDIEAybAr8wbeyzcSRBBXYK958g5Srdnr6TH8bJQFxe7j92yT1niEyWggi-9Rbo87ZAqjf6pmv0eHsxxpeU/s1600/IMGP0224.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662741285108602706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMWWWZFkP_78FiavFaHlVZrm3zAxehterRR26Di5wJtkcn_AaaYGpNmxYOCDIEAybAr8wbeyzcSRBBXYK958g5Srdnr6TH8bJQFxe7j92yT1niEyWggi-9Rbo87ZAqjf6pmv0eHsxxpeU/s400/IMGP0224.JPG" /></a> <br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">But not exactly happy about his new look.</div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Poor Ollie. Perhaps he's disliking his wrinkly chest.</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-62092876843184269862011-10-12T16:44:00.003-06:002011-10-12T16:47:09.474-06:00Cosmic love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpLU2WDkBhyphenhyphengXHXHV4R8GpNIjd7HMCUPP6PHOgmoxwutnvDMGVGxsps05m3lRWtTRySLBMQL8vu8pAtEmXreEJ8p8UMH3TEoTqtpHhnpTd8us77xwxKuS9vaWAX3kyOWLWwqK4gIYnZcS/s1600/IMGP0225.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpLU2WDkBhyphenhyphengXHXHV4R8GpNIjd7HMCUPP6PHOgmoxwutnvDMGVGxsps05m3lRWtTRySLBMQL8vu8pAtEmXreEJ8p8UMH3TEoTqtpHhnpTd8us77xwxKuS9vaWAX3kyOWLWwqK4gIYnZcS/s400/IMGP0225.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662740626877938354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Random scrappy heart appearing on the floor where I work out everyday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love is good</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-19793290776112208962011-10-10T20:17:00.004-06:002011-10-10T20:32:42.720-06:00Thanksgiving Monday<div style="text-align: center;">It's no secret that I have a very blessed life. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have so many things that I am grateful for.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I get to spend everyday with these two.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QaHIqBI4ePhW1HFjFRuFbIGLzkjQ-AXIsnqNBKlCSV6jUcCv_hYTHd8-G37Tl5dQpIacspZ8Yh0Y-xlfc_bp4mlD4P1xoNze3oqNY-EY7CytZdPeZzzqHq4kRzxze6zHMwmmbN7jjmkF/s1600/IMGP0219.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86krecrzT2Tx1POnv74F7KqQ8K_INlaiYxzYCF0nh4aSpxZNE5EniU_VFk4M9tE2JriwfYYIQgYCueAst5mM6A0d3VRGgLbRweHLsY7GB83-JbVFIMAEIR-WQjxHcVI9on00YMBdi53mG/s1600/IMGP0215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrO3rPBpjclzh9hpYXA_yRmYK7radGIUngNvssryaaOrq6pBFKppKDrvKoJLJi2XL1NlxzqXMORiEB8qISBM7MtQRXlLZ8hJioPHed2ibgdQIpOg-QCXlvfdDYTBsfq66o5zaauQKTamO/s1600/IMGP0212.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrO3rPBpjclzh9hpYXA_yRmYK7radGIUngNvssryaaOrq6pBFKppKDrvKoJLJi2XL1NlxzqXMORiEB8qISBM7MtQRXlLZ8hJioPHed2ibgdQIpOg-QCXlvfdDYTBsfq66o5zaauQKTamO/s400/IMGP0212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662054110113884466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">There's a soft place to lay my sleepy head when I get home after a night shift.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidm5G27KbOVfz87VwV_MV-yA-kGUqMXVqYJJ0bWttRZmfyWlMHg82CmrkjXhMkY8oIek4xQe35ZGydLWKPQeFDZjIPI8npJSAZpVflJwVPlGZfFrJTfyrmK5Jyjvbw3V8scQ0B91PGgC0Z/s1600/IMGP0208.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidm5G27KbOVfz87VwV_MV-yA-kGUqMXVqYJJ0bWttRZmfyWlMHg82CmrkjXhMkY8oIek4xQe35ZGydLWKPQeFDZjIPI8npJSAZpVflJwVPlGZfFrJTfyrmK5Jyjvbw3V8scQ0B91PGgC0Z/s400/IMGP0208.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662054104638118418" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The most pressing decision in my life is what colour gray to paint my bedroom.</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72dLU0BOiYxv5RwT5B9rq97gZ5JGDZvxPcbTxgfOHU-iCW2dOEZQCtABQm3FX8N4Z4lg7zM3TDNyfnyFq-xE8RWdWSkztPLo2DMPr7goLJcPtCaAFgPtxM2x411WwloTetA_UplaJAFtb/s1600/IMGP0207.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72dLU0BOiYxv5RwT5B9rq97gZ5JGDZvxPcbTxgfOHU-iCW2dOEZQCtABQm3FX8N4Z4lg7zM3TDNyfnyFq-xE8RWdWSkztPLo2DMPr7goLJcPtCaAFgPtxM2x411WwloTetA_UplaJAFtb/s400/IMGP0207.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662054090788752098" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I have cats that eat spiders crawling across my bedroom wall.</div></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxctzQ_WkwYHW_mrrBch7QTaBvEIe9FJbXePFF_18FbW2Stsqo9tPT7dgiRnjtjvVfXWl8Zba5Tb_xFLAM-9S_tNWfQqPHTw8PfxsYMyJED9RByHskW3NXsWI2MYykt1WlTkQLDR94XGP/s1600/IMGP0206.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxctzQ_WkwYHW_mrrBch7QTaBvEIe9FJbXePFF_18FbW2Stsqo9tPT7dgiRnjtjvVfXWl8Zba5Tb_xFLAM-9S_tNWfQqPHTw8PfxsYMyJED9RByHskW3NXsWI2MYykt1WlTkQLDR94XGP/s400/IMGP0206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662054088903150322" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a delicious turkey dinner tonight and I didn't have to cook at all!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm very grateful for my wonderful inlaws for hosting us!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86krecrzT2Tx1POnv74F7KqQ8K_INlaiYxzYCF0nh4aSpxZNE5EniU_VFk4M9tE2JriwfYYIQgYCueAst5mM6A0d3VRGgLbRweHLsY7GB83-JbVFIMAEIR-WQjxHcVI9on00YMBdi53mG/s400/IMGP0215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662054115283541794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86krecrzT2Tx1POnv74F7KqQ8K_INlaiYxzYCF0nh4aSpxZNE5EniU_VFk4M9tE2JriwfYYIQgYCueAst5mM6A0d3VRGgLbRweHLsY7GB83-JbVFIMAEIR-WQjxHcVI9on00YMBdi53mG/s1600/IMGP0215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86krecrzT2Tx1POnv74F7KqQ8K_INlaiYxzYCF0nh4aSpxZNE5EniU_VFk4M9tE2JriwfYYIQgYCueAst5mM6A0d3VRGgLbRweHLsY7GB83-JbVFIMAEIR-WQjxHcVI9on00YMBdi53mG/s1600/IMGP0215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;">Lizzie didn't burn down my inlaws house helping </div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma finish the pumpkin creme brulee.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QaHIqBI4ePhW1HFjFRuFbIGLzkjQ-AXIsnqNBKlCSV6jUcCv_hYTHd8-G37Tl5dQpIacspZ8Yh0Y-xlfc_bp4mlD4P1xoNze3oqNY-EY7CytZdPeZzzqHq4kRzxze6zHMwmmbN7jjmkF/s1600/IMGP0219.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QaHIqBI4ePhW1HFjFRuFbIGLzkjQ-AXIsnqNBKlCSV6jUcCv_hYTHd8-G37Tl5dQpIacspZ8Yh0Y-xlfc_bp4mlD4P1xoNze3oqNY-EY7CytZdPeZzzqHq4kRzxze6zHMwmmbN7jjmkF/s400/IMGP0219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662054977885119346" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Life is good.</span></div></div></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-14590517661421933862011-10-07T15:04:00.002-06:002011-10-07T15:09:01.288-06:00Just 'Cause Cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;">I really felt like making cupcakes yesterday and giving them away.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAd6wSKB31A0VqsS4ADLC7YOCLaogbleTSIfYnJjTnDE_iVOfh-oE-cxZzjmZIEnD-k6dOkjU2bMd3frtk144Ik8FT66KVx8eFFPZ8B5x6S8hOTWpmW7tcMVhigZdbIhbNoFOHatX_-8H/s1600/IMGP0204.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAd6wSKB31A0VqsS4ADLC7YOCLaogbleTSIfYnJjTnDE_iVOfh-oE-cxZzjmZIEnD-k6dOkjU2bMd3frtk144Ik8FT66KVx8eFFPZ8B5x6S8hOTWpmW7tcMVhigZdbIhbNoFOHatX_-8H/s400/IMGP0204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660859573364636578" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">1 dozen for us.</div><div style="text-align: center;">6 each for 2 of our neighbour families & friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I use this <a href="http://thatssomichelle.blogspot.com/2011/09/coca-cola-cupcakes.html">recipe</a>. And they were very yummy. I had 2!</div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-65616654801309850572011-10-06T12:29:00.010-06:002011-10-06T19:44:14.384-06:00Fall coffee house style<div style="text-align: left;">I love Fall clothes. Fall too, for that matter. Except that it always leads to winter. But that's a discussion for another day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The temperatures dipped a little today so I'm excited to wear my new J Brand cords to meet my girlfriend and her kids for coffee.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These were my one MUST have piece of clothing this year. I'm in clothing love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O1UTFPhRxUIOCd1W_QgkNToAv0o3EIVBHVXdzQ6c9mXiT5vI6UZkxYn0DOlyET-GYkfGErNwIZH4mcNgpVAhG0JWEuqhunEmalWCWIgJqdjfzO9R-cx7YO7kkbVNma9vm5zj2NK05RYc/s1600/511-mid-rise-skinny-cord-in-Black-Cherry-initial.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4O1UTFPhRxUIOCd1W_QgkNToAv0o3EIVBHVXdzQ6c9mXiT5vI6UZkxYn0DOlyET-GYkfGErNwIZH4mcNgpVAhG0JWEuqhunEmalWCWIgJqdjfzO9R-cx7YO7kkbVNma9vm5zj2NK05RYc/s400/511-mid-rise-skinny-cord-in-Black-Cherry-initial.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660448342128270530" style="text-align: left; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i><a href="http://www.trilogystores.co.uk/J-Brand/511-mid-rise-skinny-cord-in-Black-Cherry.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.trilogystores.co.uk/J-Brand/511-mid-rise-skinny-cord-in-Black-Cherry.aspx">Source</a></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What am I wearing these with today?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Note all of these photos are similar to what I own, not exact. I've already tapped out my designer clothing for the next decade and assure you that I cannot really afford Fendi shoes or an Alaia sweater.</i></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div></div><div style="position:relative;width:600px;height:600px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/red_camel/set?.embedder=450586&.svc=copypaste&id=37909580"><img width="600" alt="Red & Camel" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/37909580/id/HMO_zoPw4BGbOZISx-3UlQ/size/y.jpg" title="Red & Camel" height="600" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><i><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/red_camel/set?.embedder=450586&.svc=copypaste&id=37909580">Red & Camel</a> by <a href="http://oliverrain.polyvore.com/?.embedder=450586&.svc=copypaste">oliverrain</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/black_ballerina_flats/shop?query=black+ballerina+flats">black ballerina flats</a></i></span></small></div><div><br /></div>I felt so stylish today. A big, big change from my usual scrubs, yoga pant, or pajama attire that I'm normally wearing when the weather cools off. <div><br /></div><div>Plus, Javier says the jeans give me a cute butt.<small><div style="padding-top:16px"><p></p></div></small></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6969400485825959365.post-28116928209602508292011-10-04T14:49:00.004-06:002011-10-04T15:01:34.780-06:00Eating green stuff<div style="text-align: left;">I work with a lot of really wonderful ladies. I'm so lucky that way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is one particular co-worker that I'm always thrilled when we have shifts together. However, she an absolutely horrible influence on my eating habits.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Twice this month she brought sour cream & onion Pringles to work. Despite my normally solid resolve to not eat junk food, both times I dove almost head first into the cans. Obviously, it was fulfilling some subconscious desire of mine.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once in a while I don't mind indulging, but I could let this carry me away. So I had to think of some options. Some way, some how, I need sour cream & onion chips in my life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Luckily I remembered <a href="http://blisstree.com/eat/original-sour-cream-and-onion-kale-chips-recipe-from-vegan-chef-douglas-mcnish/">this recipe</a> that Angela from <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/05/21/sour-cream-and-onion-kale-chips/">Oh She Glows</a> raved about last spring.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Voila!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8jWnP3xIetef-2YBgLa52s_cIV07t_NXW5hcniT0fiOH6gkX0n4jIR-HTdjoRWTX3HbDCnywIJ7yUD5hbQ8jZbnB8QjiVWTPj6P7_ACEVBaJ0mp3r6O5DxXHoGbCnjAsDsaOCq-FwZkq/s1600/IMGP0201.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8jWnP3xIetef-2YBgLa52s_cIV07t_NXW5hcniT0fiOH6gkX0n4jIR-HTdjoRWTX3HbDCnywIJ7yUD5hbQ8jZbnB8QjiVWTPj6P7_ACEVBaJ0mp3r6O5DxXHoGbCnjAsDsaOCq-FwZkq/s400/IMGP0201.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659742411882819122" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sour cream & onion kale chip glory</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I've just found some more resolve.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>oliver rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11917878629186316704noreply@blogger.com1