tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55903328354570050982024-03-05T22:45:12.464-05:00Gracious InteriorsInspiring Winsome Homes & HeartsMauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-37236015659328091292017-11-06T07:48:00.000-05:002017-11-07T06:27:21.275-05:00A Soft LandingIn the last post, I gave you a glimpse into the room a little boy and a baby girl share. While the siblings share a room, baby girl did rate her own space on the landing outside their room. Her dresser, a changing station, and two comfy chairs for rocking in the middle of the night are conveniently located between the parent's room and the children's room.<br />
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Let me share some of the details of this charming space. The focal point is a grouping of four plaster molds that my daughter had framed for over the antique chest.<br />
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Up close you can see the details in the castings of wild flowers.<br />
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The two floor lamps are from Circa Lighting.<br />
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The two swivel rocking chairs are from Lee Industries. The antique footstool is covered in Brunschwig & Fils "Les Touches" fabric and the pillow (and Roman shade) is Schumacher "Elizabeth".</div>
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The rug is jute which is softer than sisal (thus the soft landing :)).<br />
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Having this designated space for middle of the night diaper changes and feedings is ideal.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 153px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 90px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 153px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 90px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-72274484889046664422017-10-31T09:10:00.002-04:002017-10-31T09:50:07.014-04:00Blue with a Touch of PinkWhat do you do with a blue nursery when your little boy gets a baby sister? Add a touch of pink.<br />
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Meanwhile, little boy graduated to his own big boy bed. The history of this bed goes way back to the French colonial days in Haiti. We purchased it on the street corner in the 1980's. Both our daughters had sleigh beds in their room when we lived there. We brought them back with us in crates. Now both daughters are using them in their homes.</div>
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So far, this arrangement is working quite well. Baby girl, who is still waking up to eat, is still in a mini-pack'n play in her parents' room. Hopefully, when she graduates to her crib, she and her brother will enjoy sharing a room.</div>
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-5352344504706109122017-09-05T07:37:00.003-04:002017-09-07T10:34:00.164-04:00Helping Others RedecorateRachel, our youngest adult child, has gone from helping a church make over a farmhouse for a youth house to helping city dwellers who have a school and an after-school program for inner city kids update their home. <br />
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Here is the living room before the redo:<br />
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And here is the room afterwards:<br />
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I wish I had before pictures of the dining room, but a brightly painted room with out-of-date light fixture and broken chairs, got a facelift with white paint, new casual chandelier, and six Craig's-Listed chairs.<br />
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The eat in kitchen was spruced up as well.<br />
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And a back utility room, aka gathering spot, was cleaned out and made into a quiet reading corner for the man of the house.<br />
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<br />Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-79496176655354230022017-04-20T12:14:00.001-04:002017-04-20T12:19:13.746-04:00Renovated Farmhouse Upstairs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In my last two posts I have shown you the before and after pictures of The Mustard Seed, the youth ministry home that our daughter Rachel, her husband, and a friend renovated. Today we will venture upstairs where perhaps the most impressive changes were made. Let's take a tour, beginning with the stairway, moving through the second bedroom and concluding with the master bedroom.<br />
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Remember I showed you what a difference replacing the windows made in the first post. They were game-changers upstairs as well. A final major upgrade to the whole house concludes this post, the refinishing of the floors.<br />
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Prior to the renovation the stairway was scary. A lead pipe had been installed for the handrail by some youth worker of yore. Globs of multi-colored paint and grime made ascending or descending a sticky affair.<br />
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What a difference some sanding, a new handrail, and a coat of paint makes! The paint color is Benjamin Moore Linen White.<br />
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Upstairs on the landing repairs were needed to the bannisters and ceiling.<br />
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The old balusters were spaced too far apart for safety. </div>
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New balusters were made.<br />
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The ceiling which previously was stained with water spots was repaired and covered with bead board. (The roof had been replaced in a previous renovation.) New bell lights were installed.<br />
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The bedroom at the top of the stairs was tackled next. First, plaster had to be repaired.<br />
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Then a coat of paint and a new light fixture transformed the space.<br />
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Next on the list was the master bedroom. Old farmhouses had inordinately small closets by today's standards. So, the unusable closet was removed and a tiny bedroom was repurposed for the master closet.<br />
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Bead board was added to the ceiling. A new light fixture and a tv were installed.<br />
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Finally, a closet system was fitted in the room adjoining the master bedroom.<br />
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The last step in this major home makeover was refinishing the floors. Several stains were tried. One was too brown, another too red. Finally, they settled on a mixture of one half Minwax weathered oak and one half Minwax classic grey. It is perfect.<br />
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For an Instagram post on this combination go to: https://www.instagram.com/p/yVC1OWzO4u/.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed seeing this transformation. I also have included a link to a news article that appeared in the <i>Shawnee Mission Post</i> that tells the story of the resurrected farmhouse.<br />
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https://shawneemissionpost.com/2017/04/11/resurrection-of-dilapidated-farmhouse-serves-as-symbol-of-rebirth-for-oldest-congregation-in-leawood-62121Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-3598868697875582412017-03-29T22:22:00.000-04:002017-03-30T20:49:12.998-04:00Farmhouse Interior Renovation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was not just the exterior of the church youth farmhouse, The Mustard Seed, that got a makeover. From the front door to the backdoor, the house was cleaned, plaster holes repaired, trim added, walls painted, and floors refinished. Then the home's main floor was furnished. Here is a look at the main floor of the home:<br />
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The front door now lets lots of light into the living room.</div>
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Prior to the redo, the front room was a long, narrow bowling-alley-like-room. The front door cut the room into two halves.</div>
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After the renovation, the television was hung over the fireplace, and the components were hidden in two cabinets on either side. Two swivel rockers (from Target on line) and foot rest puffs were pulled up to the tv.</div>
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A new light fixture, wicker shades, and linen drapery panels warmed up the space.</div>
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On the other side of the front door, an L-shaped sofa provides more seating. An old window was painted black, mirrored, and hung as a reflective focal point in the main seating area of the room.<br />
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The before and after picture shows the dramatic difference.</div>
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Another change in this front room is the fireplace. Broken tiles in the fireplace surround were exchanged for slate.</div>
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Through double doors is the dining room.<br />
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Prior to the makeover, the dining room had rough plaster above wood wainscoting.<br />
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There also were old windows and an outdated light fixture. After the renovation, a new light fixture and decorative pillows contributed to the fresh look.<br />
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A table was made out of old barn wood.<br />
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The deep window seat provides extra seating. Also notice the new wider window surrounds. </div>
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A wainscot cap was another detail added. </div>
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Beyond the dining room is the kitchen. Open-shelving was minimized and matte white subway tile was added all the way to the ceiling to make the room feel larger.</div>
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An odd light was replaced with new light...</div>
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and a Roman shade was also hung over the sink.</div>
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Old appliances were replaced by new ones.</div>
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Two sets of IKEA cabinets were purchased, reinforced, and installed permanently in the kitchen to provide more storage.<br />
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On the other side of the kitchen is a sunroom. Prior to renovation the sunroom was an odd assortment of windows and sliding doors.<br />
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New french doors replaced sagging sliders and four-over-four windows were installed to match the other replacement windows in the house.</div>
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A comfortable sofa was placed where visitors could chat with whoever is cooking in the kitchen.<br />
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Hopefully, a new youth pastor will enjoy using the home for himself and to entertain the teens in the community. (If you are interested in a director of student ministry position look up the Leawood Presbyterian Church and see the job description (http://www.leawoodpres.org/employment-1/).<br />
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Congratulations to Sean Devlin who did all the carpentry, repairing the plaster, reinforcing the IKEA cupboards, and hanging the blinds...And compliments to our daughter, Rachel, who had the vision, chose all the paints, stains, fixtures, and furnishings. I should add--on a shoestring budget! You would be amazed how Sean found and repurposed supplies. For example, he got the front doors from a rehab place for $50! Rachel shopped IKEA, Wayfair, Target, and T J Max.and got amazing deals!<br />
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<br />Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-87523364844246011482017-03-20T13:47:00.002-04:002017-03-20T20:24:15.485-04:00From Frumpy to Fabulous Farmhouse Last summer and fall, my daughter, her husband, and a builder friend renovated an early 1930's farmhouse next door to their church and transformed it into a youth house, "The Mustard Seed".<br />
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The house has undergone two renovations. Here is the house before the first renovation. Over the years, the "picture windows" and the "colonial" front door with sidelights and semi-circular fanlight were added, as well as fake shutters and a makeshift connection between the home and an added-on two-car garage.<br />
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And here is the home after the first renovation.<br />
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In the current restoration, four-over-four style windows appropriate to the style and age of the home were chosen to replace the ground floor picture windows and uneven-sized windows on the second floor.</div>
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Skinny front porch posts were replaced with beefy square columns.<br />
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The crumbling front porch floor...<br />
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and steps </div>
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were rebuilt.<br />
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A pair of refurbished doors replaced the "colonial" front door, semicircular fanlight and sidelights.<br />
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The makeshift connection between the added-on garage and the original farmhouse was torn out leaving a covered passage.<br />
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Outdated shiny brass door details and light fixtures were exchanged for...<br />
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black, size-appropriate light fixtures and mailbox.<br />
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Two black porch swings replaced an out-of-date glider.<br />
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As the exterior of the house was getting a facelift, the grounds were getting a makeover, too.<br />
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Over-grown bushes were torn out. Wheelbarrow loads of top-soil and mulch were added.<br />
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Reclaimed bricks were laid to outline the beds.<br />
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The Mustard Seed also got a coat of white paint (Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore).<br />
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The broken up driveway was repaved and a brick lined sidewalk was added up to the new front steps.<br />
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Large stone pavers were laid in gravel to lead visitors to the backyard.<br />
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Where there were once an assortment of chairs and makeshift log seats, now black rockers welcome teens to gather around the fire pit.<br />
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What a transformation! My next couple posts will give readers a peek inside at the metamorphosis to the main floor and upstairs. The interior is just as amazing. </div>
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Parents of teens in this community are hopeful that wholesome friendships forged under the supervision of godly adults at The Mustard Seed will prevent the scourge of teen drug addictions sweeping our country. You can listen to a podcast by the pastor on the church's vision for youth in suburban Kansas City (https://vimeo.com/201607741?ref=em-v-share).</div>
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-11238933353896721452017-03-14T13:47:00.003-04:002017-03-14T19:17:50.468-04:00Simple Spring WreatheMy youngest daughter made this cute Spring wreathe that would be easy to copy. Even a non-DIYers can tie an adorable straw Easter bunny to a grapevine wreathe and add a grosgrain ribbon!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrzoooRTAZwFZmPVgVveMtUywQ7XCal-iwgDPPGAf7rAL8TnfJXszl4n0-LtqsaSxogCcvl5blxDezkaqom3JnlYUHtXwb6ad5ueeRMIRjTBTTGpHQwXwltmgmALMUqDVJuCkYd9DNJ0/s1600/rachel%2527s+Easter+wreathe--2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrzoooRTAZwFZmPVgVveMtUywQ7XCal-iwgDPPGAf7rAL8TnfJXszl4n0-LtqsaSxogCcvl5blxDezkaqom3JnlYUHtXwb6ad5ueeRMIRjTBTTGpHQwXwltmgmALMUqDVJuCkYd9DNJ0/s400/rachel%2527s+Easter+wreathe--2017.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The bunny is on sale now at Jo-Ann's, and there are great coupons. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Order on-line: http://www.joann.com/home-decor-and-holiday/holidays-seasons/easter-decor/. </span></div>
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-49081491730432894312017-02-14T15:13:00.002-05:002017-02-14T15:13:48.328-05:00Galentine Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On Saturday, just three days before Valentine's Day, my young and dynamic friend, Julia, hosted a "galentine" brunch.<br />
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The amazing turnout of about a dozen a young girls, </div>
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their mothers,<br />
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plus a few of us "mature" women proved the value women place on friendship! <br />
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There was a vast variety of food:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVRkZrslE6-EN1II_WRNLGN2ntaaBE-y1FUCxPqa52ay4nGw_IEDKkvvMtKbwmEs9yBHw7YJiBKlj67e26-05MfrTeT1OqoTXMKsFnYUqKIiG-GiHH_GMM2VYBWNfyDk18kUYRd_4boA/s1600/peach+and+motzerella+skewers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVRkZrslE6-EN1II_WRNLGN2ntaaBE-y1FUCxPqa52ay4nGw_IEDKkvvMtKbwmEs9yBHw7YJiBKlj67e26-05MfrTeT1OqoTXMKsFnYUqKIiG-GiHH_GMM2VYBWNfyDk18kUYRd_4boA/s400/peach+and+motzerella+skewers.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peach-mozerlla skewers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWxmKBPrAb3sIwLO0BcIQDc9v1pwRGDGjjvU6BBLeFUyr4eI7AL2Bxsg53Ba3eMwvXPM5a1YDYkqNHdC5Z4jkzZ8-y8fy_uplcbHNxmT58my8KJftc-baVj6c25fdntOsWxlEroZY_LA/s1600/galentine++desserts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWxmKBPrAb3sIwLO0BcIQDc9v1pwRGDGjjvU6BBLeFUyr4eI7AL2Bxsg53Ba3eMwvXPM5a1YDYkqNHdC5Z4jkzZ8-y8fy_uplcbHNxmT58my8KJftc-baVj6c25fdntOsWxlEroZY_LA/s400/galentine++desserts.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chocolate crumb muffins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9yOTM_H0sRye6Lss8CXutMlKifRGmC0_CrLpHASTM6ZdKPlYmufDqtWnVSHblcPCnYOUiTDfbgVdxG8iZ9PoJD8mt1BcnFdFftbDAGs_vfLOvyeqwblPbJ6P1R93um8k-JZPBfXd6As/s1600/pear+almond+tarts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9yOTM_H0sRye6Lss8CXutMlKifRGmC0_CrLpHASTM6ZdKPlYmufDqtWnVSHblcPCnYOUiTDfbgVdxG8iZ9PoJD8mt1BcnFdFftbDAGs_vfLOvyeqwblPbJ6P1R93um8k-JZPBfXd6As/s400/pear+almond+tarts.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pear almond tarts</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jqtgoKU2DM0gZhhiK5B2O3MFaDNuLCrxmWPLasYw45qzhGQxfNyZezyqijnj9AyY-cI6St6ohuGLlteoUME_C4Wvyftmt-49SODK81ghJ8JcANFWGRFVHvPQIAZtYY8MWh76IILepKw/s1600/pear+crumble+coffee+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jqtgoKU2DM0gZhhiK5B2O3MFaDNuLCrxmWPLasYw45qzhGQxfNyZezyqijnj9AyY-cI6St6ohuGLlteoUME_C4Wvyftmt-49SODK81ghJ8JcANFWGRFVHvPQIAZtYY8MWh76IILepKw/s400/pear+crumble+coffee+cake.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pear crumble coffee cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_17rJo8eWXRBqziPnfXbPjBYf2xY8OpUCSGtG3BwTPPanJlNOnP662pMcrOl8AsoXd2Ew51WljeWrQMV2dMELMTod-GDLdRWB7JLOgDF2aqDn7rsVUGaIJEmCeCq2vsK-8shT0LFQiiM/s1600/Italian+Frittata.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_17rJo8eWXRBqziPnfXbPjBYf2xY8OpUCSGtG3BwTPPanJlNOnP662pMcrOl8AsoXd2Ew51WljeWrQMV2dMELMTod-GDLdRWB7JLOgDF2aqDn7rsVUGaIJEmCeCq2vsK-8shT0LFQiiM/s400/Italian+Frittata.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian Frittata</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjIOSfzDmrURET5mL1FAAG5Ik0LjIqfZ6sHmkAaFdVo4Y-ip_NAdqrC4hBCcnFCybfRwpBHFwcSw9ulOoMDVwsQebSsUHcjyxDpMP_jt_eme4G1H1LXyMtIRsu5d0GZWVOju8ji7Njkk/s1600/zuchinni+rawels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjIOSfzDmrURET5mL1FAAG5Ik0LjIqfZ6sHmkAaFdVo4Y-ip_NAdqrC4hBCcnFCybfRwpBHFwcSw9ulOoMDVwsQebSsUHcjyxDpMP_jt_eme4G1H1LXyMtIRsu5d0GZWVOju8ji7Njkk/s400/zuchinni+rawels.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zuchini Rawls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujmiITcha2yO6Nos_IgX9fnPCt254zZweXAU5wSNhZqOqeU6flpldB3o0XdYCtStN-lJECG0EolGD3pdSJLGJSwzPs7Os4jSoHo5TTzKO5cRHv7ahywPySDEgMOPFGx89PKNqvMmzOhg/s1600/yummy+desserts+at+the+party.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujmiITcha2yO6Nos_IgX9fnPCt254zZweXAU5wSNhZqOqeU6flpldB3o0XdYCtStN-lJECG0EolGD3pdSJLGJSwzPs7Os4jSoHo5TTzKO5cRHv7ahywPySDEgMOPFGx89PKNqvMmzOhg/s400/yummy+desserts+at+the+party.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and a whole array of desserts</td></tr>
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The food was amazing, but the time spent chatting with women was the highlight. I hope some of you will pick up on this idea and invite women of all ages for your own "galentine" party next year!<br />
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<attachment></attachment>Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-62233209319896684542017-02-02T13:59:00.001-05:002017-02-02T13:59:50.854-05:00January Tea Party for a Little Lady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Words are not needed to capture this birthday tea party. Pictures say it all.</div>
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<br />Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-4781557509065705782016-11-30T17:38:00.000-05:002016-11-30T18:23:36.393-05:00Quick Change Artist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The week after Thanksgiving here in the United States of America I envy the Canadians. They sensibly celebrate Thanksgiving the second Monday in October, giving themselves time to catch their breath between autumn and Christmas. We, on the other hand, frantically dispose of our turkey feathers, harvest gourds, and pilgrims on black Friday and quickly deck our halls for Christmas before the calendar flips to December. Whew, I just made it. </div>
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If you came to my house this the last day of November, you would be greeted by a magnolia leaf wreathe with a Burberry plaid bow, and red berries. I always think it makes a nice transition between autumn and winter.</div>
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Inside, red pillows and a red poinsettia make the sunroom festive. </div>
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The living room is decked in gold balls, a white poinsettia, and <br />
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my choir of carolers.<br />
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The library sports a small feather tree and<br />
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white bisque nativity.<br />
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On the doorway leading to the lower level, I always hang the wreathe I made when we were poor newlyweds. The calicos are still bright. I hope I have held my age as well as it has.<br />
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Of course, the piece de resistance is the tree. I guess I have not crossed the Rubicon into old age, because it is still a live tree, seven and a half feet tall, and sporting 800 tiny twinkling lights. <br />
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Now, I must press forward and onward to the pile of Christmas cards waiting to be addressed. I have yet to buy even one gift. I won't panic though, because the house has changed out of its Thanksgiving garb and is fittingly dressed for the Christmas holidays.<br />
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May your season be bright.<br />
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<br />Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-61115366427076877062016-11-19T20:51:00.000-05:002016-11-19T20:51:01.340-05:00All Will Be Safely Gathered In Welcome to our home at Thanksgiving.<br />
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Our kids and grandkids are set to arrive in a couple of hours. When they arrive, I will throw open the door and hug each one.<br />
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I have decked the halls for the holiday. Pheasants, hens, ducks of all sorts put us in mind of turkey and stuffing.<br />
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Outside the colors are still vibrant, but soon will fade.<br />
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Inside the bounty is gathered.<br />
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A table is prepared for two tiny tots--both just 2 years old.<br />
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When they arrive it will be nearly bedtime. I have made up mattresses on the floor,<br />
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in every corner...<br />
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in every nook,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj30v3fAebawfjsx1-TVEBkdT3UffmxHeJPE2HwoHbIW_GE6L2ke41KMOfOG1UZKXTjOqUubri-RtSancZnM2LWbZphVOE75thIUUhmBAy2KtMEKdz20fAMorIzp9FaYB6T4J-KQd34pE/s1600/DSC06446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj30v3fAebawfjsx1-TVEBkdT3UffmxHeJPE2HwoHbIW_GE6L2ke41KMOfOG1UZKXTjOqUubri-RtSancZnM2LWbZphVOE75thIUUhmBAy2KtMEKdz20fAMorIzp9FaYB6T4J-KQd34pE/s400/DSC06446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
for grown ups<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEUgQry8Wo3jn5DLa1MRkCIcpWXt0t7IUX1gjEnkqXZKNhu6o0i6tTu9FnRmQtCmx1o0HHJHgriy1qZfChXuKA7GM-9AILUkUqZkfj4W003S2Bqs4NbNNgnNj9_f_o-16sGzdHKiY_EQ/s1600/DSC06447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEUgQry8Wo3jn5DLa1MRkCIcpWXt0t7IUX1gjEnkqXZKNhu6o0i6tTu9FnRmQtCmx1o0HHJHgriy1qZfChXuKA7GM-9AILUkUqZkfj4W003S2Bqs4NbNNgnNj9_f_o-16sGzdHKiY_EQ/s400/DSC06447.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
and toddlers...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43PHCldCCh30rHIujpcHdvc0uvWgruwShT_ekH_7Z2Inh4aVvteMU_O9FW7Z9caVOX2vQ0vpNHBW6ZO5XmLlF1vDwEecf-xqMWfY9rTojR8pe2yvelvzHkgqiG_ompLihtjV7h1wVwOY/s1600/DSC06448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43PHCldCCh30rHIujpcHdvc0uvWgruwShT_ekH_7Z2Inh4aVvteMU_O9FW7Z9caVOX2vQ0vpNHBW6ZO5XmLlF1vDwEecf-xqMWfY9rTojR8pe2yvelvzHkgqiG_ompLihtjV7h1wVwOY/s400/DSC06448.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
old folks and<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4xBLEygCz7FUKtJoc1v8myb8o4WQHsXEP5n1BmPwMsjWfTnwEectjFnqioN5_VeLt1GXpTqfve3QUMBomHtGMyfhRHfW1Iy0kz1Ysya59qva15Y0_hJRNhywuSTYJrzWrYAFUF-cdhg/s1600/DSC06449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4xBLEygCz7FUKtJoc1v8myb8o4WQHsXEP5n1BmPwMsjWfTnwEectjFnqioN5_VeLt1GXpTqfve3QUMBomHtGMyfhRHfW1Iy0kz1Ysya59qva15Y0_hJRNhywuSTYJrzWrYAFUF-cdhg/s400/DSC06449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
elementary school students...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cPEm6BfRaaeLltBlru0BGhyphenhyphenLk2IxZBhLT8ZhGZA-yp8LUf8v9fGjEM2k9sjDUIgGomFncNGzxHxAcW7jdZG0SqcrXgZmPHPyy1LFAMnhmyCTcjAoS6pBkm2U2wLK2MnG049AEA-xb1I/s1600/DSC06450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cPEm6BfRaaeLltBlru0BGhyphenhyphenLk2IxZBhLT8ZhGZA-yp8LUf8v9fGjEM2k9sjDUIgGomFncNGzxHxAcW7jdZG0SqcrXgZmPHPyy1LFAMnhmyCTcjAoS6pBkm2U2wLK2MnG049AEA-xb1I/s400/DSC06450.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
and their parents...<br />
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In our family, we share holidays. Every other year our kids and their spouses come for Thanksgiving. On opposite years, they come for Christmas. I love when it is our turn for Thanksgiving, because it brings back one of my earliest and favorite holiday memories. </div>
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When I was a preschooler, we went to my paternal grandparent's farm. As some of the youngest cousins, it was a big deal when the teenage cousins let us play hide and seek with them in the barn. I still remember hiding quietly in the hayloft, holding my breath, waiting for whoever was "it" to find us! </div>
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After that, we played Annie-Annie-Over, a game involving throwing a football over the smaller barn and racing around to catch whoever caught it on the other side before they could make to our side. The weathervane below came off that barn. It was given to me this year and hangs proudly over our back door, often reminding me of those kind older cousins, my wonderful grandparents, and that wonderful holiday so long ago.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1HOmA5hFQ7KJwOR0OdYOXnamO-mcwblf36dVQ89fp3jdtZPbKH88tlecoz3inAqDAqJJkiepjqxXZz1WtEROXtB5klP_guv4dWqNwpxsmWeQjmagUAZSjFOTgM-EktxDK9BYD_fNt8s/s1600/DSC06443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1HOmA5hFQ7KJwOR0OdYOXnamO-mcwblf36dVQ89fp3jdtZPbKH88tlecoz3inAqDAqJJkiepjqxXZz1WtEROXtB5klP_guv4dWqNwpxsmWeQjmagUAZSjFOTgM-EktxDK9BYD_fNt8s/s400/DSC06443.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
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Happy Thanksgiving to you. May you find someone to be kind to as well.</div>
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-79040716101610006702016-10-13T16:03:00.004-04:002016-10-13T20:11:05.305-04:00Autumn Creeps Up Slowly <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fall has come in stages to our home this year. </div>
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In September, I planted mums in the planters on the patio...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E_9qLQJwN-WyZYFOWjbBd3KxZ-WSvSviVGXSHvCtyjXUWa4CqC2BBuTlLz-8sGZIXWihWfW3koREfxJ6beXOZhpo93xcO9sE9j7HIC7R_dnbgmNQIa8ooTUZOxrj_I9z9rJn1LnN24I/s1600/Autumn+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0E_9qLQJwN-WyZYFOWjbBd3KxZ-WSvSviVGXSHvCtyjXUWa4CqC2BBuTlLz-8sGZIXWihWfW3koREfxJ6beXOZhpo93xcO9sE9j7HIC7R_dnbgmNQIa8ooTUZOxrj_I9z9rJn1LnN24I/s400/Autumn+2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and in front of the barn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatrLNBezq_ETi7Hc0G0sQwLeITc4uEr4Z28IKSblkgxWSVgP08n_Ba5UrFMP2EA68iPMRcDklRs5GexpvDTIY6rJ2CJ6ZWvoM0kPrwKvGNCLSQIpek3QvdI_hNSKmumQ-qkJ0RrZhpQ0/s1600/mums+stand+guard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatrLNBezq_ETi7Hc0G0sQwLeITc4uEr4Z28IKSblkgxWSVgP08n_Ba5UrFMP2EA68iPMRcDklRs5GexpvDTIY6rJ2CJ6ZWvoM0kPrwKvGNCLSQIpek3QvdI_hNSKmumQ-qkJ0RrZhpQ0/s400/mums+stand+guard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I came inside and pulled out the autumn throws and pillows.</div>
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Two weeks ago, I purchased pumpkins and kale for the front step. </div>
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Then last week, I rescued my glass pumpkins from their tissue paper and tupperware coffin. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd4oUUj3IeVAhOrILhtLKjLu3UqZZ_K1upFOGbqikwr4uddYEjY8dHeFv_vF86HX3ArgBJNCr4F6v3g7gXSocKy8F68XeqVa0fw1m-wF6d1Zyn_CpTQDoU88N8_el_ik2-Uc8wWPuAgI/s1600/glass+pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd4oUUj3IeVAhOrILhtLKjLu3UqZZ_K1upFOGbqikwr4uddYEjY8dHeFv_vF86HX3ArgBJNCr4F6v3g7gXSocKy8F68XeqVa0fw1m-wF6d1Zyn_CpTQDoU88N8_el_ik2-Uc8wWPuAgI/s400/glass+pumpkins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTSvwe6weRQloGpY7-tqYtz7jr7yqDWzsM9BXjJTbA6LftkPgN1vLVZ4Kq78PaqjsaF2E5Yyaj8SD7cpRPApc86V7gdQJ7vay-oEF6QXuzL4zJn5x2NYg42Dh2q0bRyuOzdCOQY-LKbE/s1600/smiling+pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTSvwe6weRQloGpY7-tqYtz7jr7yqDWzsM9BXjJTbA6LftkPgN1vLVZ4Kq78PaqjsaF2E5Yyaj8SD7cpRPApc86V7gdQJ7vay-oEF6QXuzL4zJn5x2NYg42Dh2q0bRyuOzdCOQY-LKbE/s400/smiling+pumpkins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, today I made a new autumn center piece.</div>
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I got inspired by finding the cool slate, long & skinny container.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdgYi-kx5BhS4ZqANnVZYCRlLL5ds2oTb-fcY9xYmfgdyrLw4liLJ_52EBGwYuaINNqKGg31QqQYGoYUk0UqG0BLbj8QY2STEmjz2PY0uiaLfkllO-HNcPNyFZBhjv6yf5GazsbBL8Fk/s1600/fall+centerpiece+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdgYi-kx5BhS4ZqANnVZYCRlLL5ds2oTb-fcY9xYmfgdyrLw4liLJ_52EBGwYuaINNqKGg31QqQYGoYUk0UqG0BLbj8QY2STEmjz2PY0uiaLfkllO-HNcPNyFZBhjv6yf5GazsbBL8Fk/s400/fall+centerpiece+2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Maybe decorating in bits is best. Doing a single thing at a time, doesn't make it seem like such a production. How do you decorate? Are you all in or do you pace yourself?Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-49653830609189498802016-08-23T00:27:00.004-04:002016-08-23T20:17:25.161-04:00Update by Aging a Home <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our daughter and son-in-law recently completed a make over of the exterior of their home. Wood rot on their home's face and deteriorating gutters dictated major repairs and a paint job. My daughter had been "pinning" favorite home exteriors for years. She had contacted architects to get advice on paint colors and products to achieve an old world feel. In essence, they wanted to update their home by aging it. </div>
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Here are some before and after photos. Prior to the renovation, the house was a bit disjointed with a stucco section and several brick sections. Because the bricks were dark red and the stucco was beige the house had a checkerboard appearance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfTuXnZs0EokdjNjAE33okAhBlX5SJ05B1bKkC1ml2EFjS5Th1tD22f9b26ILEzq96IZGyx2WiH1kCmP2uqpA5vMl4wwakGEG8mg5EwaIJhvDIdHafvy_zt012IzaKdVMtcEUrOM3lSM/s1600/1234846_10151685205232634_1007920436_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfTuXnZs0EokdjNjAE33okAhBlX5SJ05B1bKkC1ml2EFjS5Th1tD22f9b26ILEzq96IZGyx2WiH1kCmP2uqpA5vMl4wwakGEG8mg5EwaIJhvDIdHafvy_zt012IzaKdVMtcEUrOM3lSM/s640/1234846_10151685205232634_1007920436_n-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Rachel began by researching how to achieve an aged appearance. She found that you can whitewash brick by mixing water with paint. A second option is to smear morter over the existing brick. The third option is to lime wash the brick.<br />
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Rachel settled on the lime wash. She found a product called ROMA. Unlike paint, lime wash was used historically on brick because rather than chipping, it weathers by slowly washing off over the years. It also is more translucent than paint and yet can be tinted any color. No wonder this is the technique they have used in Europe for centuries.<br />
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In deciding what color to tint the lime, Rachel again looked at historic European homes for inspiration. The beige/brown trim color on their home was replaced by the more "au courant" gray which actually has been popular in the Netherlands, England, France and Belgium for centuries.<br />
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When deciding on paint color, architects and colorists tell you to try large samples in your geographic location. How right they are. A color that looks wonderful in the south, like Lamb's Wool by Pratt & Lambert, looked too earthy in the midwestern light.<br />
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After trying dozens of shades on her house, on every side, and at different times of the day, Rachel chose Early Morning Mist by Benjamin Moore as the color for the ROMA product to be used on the brick and for the paint to be used on the stucco. The trim color, Intellectual Gray by Benjamin Moore, was picked to blend with the shingle roof.<br />
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The picture below was taken part way through the facelift. You can see how the freshly painted stucco now blends nicely with the freshly lime washed brick. Also notice how the red brick side looks new, while the left side of the house looks more aged and mellow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfz0YP69C1hEsWqyukzLE5i2hq2ADlo7huC0N897MNY47nvcbV7cffqoiHFv6JBLzO0kFlLMS533Ngvs86DWnJLLGeccnr6VrcNy-V49xdHXhA_dXoyMJI9oAv11zeWMC-v1W7XvhyPs/s1600/Petersen+house+half+whitewashed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTfz0YP69C1hEsWqyukzLE5i2hq2ADlo7huC0N897MNY47nvcbV7cffqoiHFv6JBLzO0kFlLMS533Ngvs86DWnJLLGeccnr6VrcNy-V49xdHXhA_dXoyMJI9oAv11zeWMC-v1W7XvhyPs/s640/Petersen+house+half+whitewashed.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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Rachel and Curt made another dramatic change to the center front of their home. The undersized lanterns were removed...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvDyLKdSsQWNBc8s_meWEEg_ykmNd53538vLhS3edZnqwy03t-AjPewUJjB_qaWQie3q7nhWuW8kl8CycRfTU99wqf2qseKOB6YovXEbG_RCOSD5bfLmW5dOpA2rNuP9BwNzIuzxazZw/s1600/IMG_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvDyLKdSsQWNBc8s_meWEEg_ykmNd53538vLhS3edZnqwy03t-AjPewUJjB_qaWQie3q7nhWuW8kl8CycRfTU99wqf2qseKOB6YovXEbG_RCOSD5bfLmW5dOpA2rNuP9BwNzIuzxazZw/s400/IMG_1528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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and replaced by more appropriately-sized gas lanterns. Again, Rachel did her homework. First, she got a number of bids on running the gas line to the front door. Next, she researched gas lanterns. The Bevelo company headquartered in New Orleans won her loyalty for their handcrafted lanterns and their customer service. Finally, she made mock ups of the lanterns she liked and taped them to the house. This helped her to get the right-sized lanterns. </div>
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Electricity is a wonderful modern invention for interior lighting, but there is something alluring about the flickering light of the gas lanterns. I'd say the old out shines the new in this case.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu145mEZAV6dba8sGmFPKG9x0pPV9imceyyNG_0t8dK9mlfa-B_notirrBkwgFDSR8H9OlF7pv9l6FLUI9QdPRRmsMc0fU7Q6nklYpOLZJoRHlS_spxIqQpIkQqaxZS68oUI2DTu39to/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTu145mEZAV6dba8sGmFPKG9x0pPV9imceyyNG_0t8dK9mlfa-B_notirrBkwgFDSR8H9OlF7pv9l6FLUI9QdPRRmsMc0fU7Q6nklYpOLZJoRHlS_spxIqQpIkQqaxZS68oUI2DTu39to/s400/IMG_1371.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
The dramatically updated aging is most apparent at the back of the house. Here is the before with the 1980's beige color scheme,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnD4ijQaWzdiT58gZDrsDCQBo7D00dnbOPklAVmUbYX5OYpYnhwHIDWUWR0MshXlnsSiFvSVhc3mdB7C0kKJHMyJY5HJVIOgbrDovEHxHRE0jddNjbCCsU0GeytQgy7ZxshAEr-uV0OQ/s1600/Rachel%2527s+house+back+exterior+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnD4ijQaWzdiT58gZDrsDCQBo7D00dnbOPklAVmUbYX5OYpYnhwHIDWUWR0MshXlnsSiFvSVhc3mdB7C0kKJHMyJY5HJVIOgbrDovEHxHRE0jddNjbCCsU0GeytQgy7ZxshAEr-uV0OQ/s400/Rachel%2527s+house+back+exterior+before.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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and here is back of the house with the new, but old gray. What an improvement. It is hard to believe it is the same house! The stucco is painted Early Morning Mist by Benjamin Moore, and the wood is painted Sherman Williams' Intellectual Gray. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpaoll5gE3vovBl7fcvjC0W8hvK6ue4vdC7-gGUbcSvQyuWRqFltpyoknyKU0TB9ajaNNoiDhlBHFKPq1o2OtoE19FjGWOoV7BMf0AJ8pJHSFOf0-grRRTdp81bi_SXsnpB00DsJ0Apw/s1600/petersen%2527s+home--back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpaoll5gE3vovBl7fcvjC0W8hvK6ue4vdC7-gGUbcSvQyuWRqFltpyoknyKU0TB9ajaNNoiDhlBHFKPq1o2OtoE19FjGWOoV7BMf0AJ8pJHSFOf0-grRRTdp81bi_SXsnpB00DsJ0Apw/s400/petersen%2527s+home--back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Below are some side-by-side, before/after photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTNVf73Owp2yY9yFo8cDJCH4y601WwNeKlwFMeVpIKsOXlqLwOWFiACyyTBQfUBZlzbwFjwl1YFaygDrJjfYx8EWEB7WWdBfeS3twuz10tGzj73-1w7LL6GEh59tgF6iHGMYnkV1z2Zk/s1600/Photo+Collage+Maker_Ar5w50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTNVf73Owp2yY9yFo8cDJCH4y601WwNeKlwFMeVpIKsOXlqLwOWFiACyyTBQfUBZlzbwFjwl1YFaygDrJjfYx8EWEB7WWdBfeS3twuz10tGzj73-1w7LL6GEh59tgF6iHGMYnkV1z2Zk/s400/Photo+Collage+Maker_Ar5w50.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO02dJgJHwVttfYDQe6AoNYAaOkIWhkIDj5aHdbvlKUX1E99wckhvKj23MDj5S_rVhDurW7-j-snnUSzFlA04Y9I7bekaG3x3qnOa_FH9IJBwlPDuhIHX_j6uQKbFtxyM0pTw9f6RSg7c/s1600/Photo+Collage+Maker_MZtYU5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO02dJgJHwVttfYDQe6AoNYAaOkIWhkIDj5aHdbvlKUX1E99wckhvKj23MDj5S_rVhDurW7-j-snnUSzFlA04Y9I7bekaG3x3qnOa_FH9IJBwlPDuhIHX_j6uQKbFtxyM0pTw9f6RSg7c/s400/Photo+Collage+Maker_MZtYU5.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgii9JcxB0Gx0oL8OSJQ_-YU9f8LqrrKfjk6uvtCnsteuqLTbLV1mVnsu_kIxiD4_ZP4VTrF7-3lmt90BFYM1ex4FothtAYkVUr5i9L2SVxItapFaZpPvnd8Zaz15cnOIVjL6xECjxcrXo/s1600/pic_to_send.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgii9JcxB0Gx0oL8OSJQ_-YU9f8LqrrKfjk6uvtCnsteuqLTbLV1mVnsu_kIxiD4_ZP4VTrF7-3lmt90BFYM1ex4FothtAYkVUr5i9L2SVxItapFaZpPvnd8Zaz15cnOIVjL6xECjxcrXo/s400/pic_to_send.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Isn't it amazing what a coat of paint and some lime wash will do? By aging their home, they took years off its appearance.Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-91255099229986085132016-08-23T00:27:00.002-04:002016-08-25T19:44:19.400-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-57440243744044139822016-08-05T08:42:00.001-04:002016-08-05T08:42:59.287-04:00Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-36129346593079512572016-07-21T12:12:00.000-04:002016-07-22T13:52:10.576-04:00From Cellar to Stellar Lower LevelMy daughter and her husband recently completed a gut renovation of a cellar,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTvF5_FeELqjLzRsfCVBZGJ4wCSGeYNLjI5khsnC76vkoYOar60RLiCeQrcLSGkb1wDwyDgW9ce7DA5HNHcmSIbcMYnQd6eUlC0G1-lg0peMcSG5MKTBPy-r7lHrChAXRcta3eMQDe3w/s1600/DSC01332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTvF5_FeELqjLzRsfCVBZGJ4wCSGeYNLjI5khsnC76vkoYOar60RLiCeQrcLSGkb1wDwyDgW9ce7DA5HNHcmSIbcMYnQd6eUlC0G1-lg0peMcSG5MKTBPy-r7lHrChAXRcta3eMQDe3w/s400/DSC01332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
transforming it into a stellar lower level.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUI2Kg0mQY_L5m7SLDNPakn7V7cBDIguT4xPnzkPsyWT5oHDpZbtIaQRlF6V1eScY0-m3NOcdQZmAA6MKH_T7aJEWUCZzO-2LOp5B_v7evZK-XLelHv1N_KLTkv7VdjJ1A38265LTH15g/s1600/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUI2Kg0mQY_L5m7SLDNPakn7V7cBDIguT4xPnzkPsyWT5oHDpZbtIaQRlF6V1eScY0-m3NOcdQZmAA6MKH_T7aJEWUCZzO-2LOp5B_v7evZK-XLelHv1N_KLTkv7VdjJ1A38265LTH15g/s400/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
What formerly was a dark, scary hole <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig8zaFXDB3bdL98k2AFu6k37xZHP261dNZqrrqoR36pJ-0zShDnekEhXdyVFVgyIK29GZAL8xpyGkyCH0FF1nE6p4a-RRk9eHCp2Ih8Ej6IzYkAY0UqAHTxQO6br5N5bDoYkHwj9OI2U/s1600/DSC01333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig8zaFXDB3bdL98k2AFu6k37xZHP261dNZqrrqoR36pJ-0zShDnekEhXdyVFVgyIK29GZAL8xpyGkyCH0FF1nE6p4a-RRk9eHCp2Ih8Ej6IzYkAY0UqAHTxQO6br5N5bDoYkHwj9OI2U/s400/DSC01333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
is now a pleasant, sunlit space.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1vkEazqpD-jm85eE1ABK-HTGLYT894sC2Ao_kSNEUEF5K84mfhHwVpKBkfz9_BbpIAauj8MwLlPVhsaCxtulN1TSccwVU2pSgLamseHb6eTZBvu9irHGCiJaEz50vFl6H6m2bRKiiKQ/s1600/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1vkEazqpD-jm85eE1ABK-HTGLYT894sC2Ao_kSNEUEF5K84mfhHwVpKBkfz9_BbpIAauj8MwLlPVhsaCxtulN1TSccwVU2pSgLamseHb6eTZBvu9irHGCiJaEz50vFl6H6m2bRKiiKQ/s400/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-104.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Before you only descended into the dungeon, when you had to do laundry.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqHsts65cixVtLZaP8RBKr33bKBkekZBnC_xWt2Y8Pk1OllW23K9-DIwtOSGVP4Y7JXl1zNQQSW_RFS58U-7kUUaZDRGDcPP6iR6EDuL2WiLy9MvVaXDwk9V0LK_N5tpaLcr0sL4weD4/s1600/DSC01339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVqHsts65cixVtLZaP8RBKr33bKBkekZBnC_xWt2Y8Pk1OllW23K9-DIwtOSGVP4Y7JXl1zNQQSW_RFS58U-7kUUaZDRGDcPP6iR6EDuL2WiLy9MvVaXDwk9V0LK_N5tpaLcr0sL4weD4/s400/DSC01339.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
Now, no one dreads getting to the washer and dryer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sou5oFhe_quoKsSjbO4oPuwqzc_9y3-Hvkl1vxmBBKTGquRKcE99nt1VIhmWkTfNgNyaZeAcRr_agXiExNxIqbAnajO_sf_OCUa99o2xgn2J8SrXHU-N9iosfj0cL-zQ5B5XTcf3ctQ/s1600/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sou5oFhe_quoKsSjbO4oPuwqzc_9y3-Hvkl1vxmBBKTGquRKcE99nt1VIhmWkTfNgNyaZeAcRr_agXiExNxIqbAnajO_sf_OCUa99o2xgn2J8SrXHU-N9iosfj0cL-zQ5B5XTcf3ctQ/s400/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-112.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Before the basement stairwell was enclosed and claustrophobic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vtRB8SbffmQLhaS4jNOVLvOQMBQN9wb0Y_X4o-pR56B33KH722LYFqjBp_BqMlJeaW7r-QclH9HMqHbGJa25dLvs-krsyv4zaqtlCLO0kEZ40pYuOgC21M05QLudu1mbut2GCLT2Ztk/s1600/DSC01337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vtRB8SbffmQLhaS4jNOVLvOQMBQN9wb0Y_X4o-pR56B33KH722LYFqjBp_BqMlJeaW7r-QclH9HMqHbGJa25dLvs-krsyv4zaqtlCLO0kEZ40pYuOgC21M05QLudu1mbut2GCLT2Ztk/s400/DSC01337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now it is light, bright, and inviting.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5H_y7syMh0lbpHhiS6vCF9oFlRV1fHHrs0QQSg80tsbH9cgR9K05d0WVpfstLNzRBeIkVeaKvZuHIa8OebMDtr-Ec3m8Bd54fzete4xLRsNy313sv_9mLotL4uY4uP_hvc3wAfpPPHI/s1600/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5H_y7syMh0lbpHhiS6vCF9oFlRV1fHHrs0QQSg80tsbH9cgR9K05d0WVpfstLNzRBeIkVeaKvZuHIa8OebMDtr-Ec3m8Bd54fzete4xLRsNy313sv_9mLotL4uY4uP_hvc3wAfpPPHI/s400/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-117.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Formerly the stairs were enclosed on both sides.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jLyZYBDLb_qtCB1ZIVqSm-rfh2f2G6VYYFH7Rj71X8DQ4UA0T1FDuoAs2-FNhX-1GeQYHnDT0QRObKKfXRLuaovL-LOddH2Pj3NglxgZv8-SQF002-48h3FFA6owDJxOquDqyfR6E1E/s1600/DSC01338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jLyZYBDLb_qtCB1ZIVqSm-rfh2f2G6VYYFH7Rj71X8DQ4UA0T1FDuoAs2-FNhX-1GeQYHnDT0QRObKKfXRLuaovL-LOddH2Pj3NglxgZv8-SQF002-48h3FFA6owDJxOquDqyfR6E1E/s400/DSC01338.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this picture, one side of the stairway was already removed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, three quarters of the way down the stairs, the side walls disappear and balustrades reveal a large room on one side and a wide hallway on the other.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA43OaomYbLyw9uP7zDdtSf5NVLXRVBjTrdIBKfX7cK6pcQyeZzyVt0y5C4tcil6lu9xq2zttXlCPr7OcqsAxn3wqn7iDhXBry6FeHUeIxPbp5_Xn-2q_wis-cUudwSSlcyu_CBpO8V70/s1600/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA43OaomYbLyw9uP7zDdtSf5NVLXRVBjTrdIBKfX7cK6pcQyeZzyVt0y5C4tcil6lu9xq2zttXlCPr7OcqsAxn3wqn7iDhXBry6FeHUeIxPbp5_Xn-2q_wis-cUudwSSlcyu_CBpO8V70/s400/SusieSoleimaniPhotography-101.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
In the basement's prior life, it had barely a seven foot ceiling height.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WDsw355it4sCCu4hLy_hyphenhyphenkFRsb4YYI0AQtW4WWLNEmo4VGz_1tqidDhJohvaKBg97nbCvPT9QPSo5B8-gJsA5ijXlH69TEQYRezdImjfvWUgwGJ8YQMDAH7w2giZW_yWXFrx_LBw5pU/s1600/DSC01336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WDsw355it4sCCu4hLy_hyphenhyphenkFRsb4YYI0AQtW4WWLNEmo4VGz_1tqidDhJohvaKBg97nbCvPT9QPSo5B8-gJsA5ijXlH69TEQYRezdImjfvWUgwGJ8YQMDAH7w2giZW_yWXFrx_LBw5pU/s400/DSC01336.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, our over-six-foot-tall son-in-law doesn't feel like he should duck when he is in the space.</div>
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(To achieve a code-approved ceiling height, the couple had to have the cement floor jack-hammered and the earth beneath dug out a foot. This was possible, because the house was built in the 1930s when footers went down further than they do today. Of course, digging out a basement is an expensive endeavor, but it was totally worth the time, effort, and cost, because the space is now useable and legal!)<br />
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Before the renovation, the southwest corner of the basement was a tiny room used for storage.<br />
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Now it is a spacious guest room.</div>
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Whereas the bathroom was on the western wall, </div>
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now it has moved to eastern side of the basement. </div>
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Sacrificing the window in the bathroom now allows sunlight to stream into the main room. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAwsNfrx4kAfxYy3mK77PgQDT3Bge48OCKzdbWkNEPFDyHlHF7UGzxjjEhaFdEwsLpi6ido3xHDxU5En3mVYhC10AneMHXAgn9QamH0Mv7ZAG5X1iP8G_hRDjuwIckthvG2N4QGDuzsE/s1600/DSC06321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAwsNfrx4kAfxYy3mK77PgQDT3Bge48OCKzdbWkNEPFDyHlHF7UGzxjjEhaFdEwsLpi6ido3xHDxU5En3mVYhC10AneMHXAgn9QamH0Mv7ZAG5X1iP8G_hRDjuwIckthvG2N4QGDuzsE/s400/DSC06321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Six panes rather than four in the backdoor also bring in more light.</span></span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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Needless to say, the homeowners are quite pleased with their renovation. They credit Finecraft Contractors, Inc. with the quality workmanship (http://finecraftcontractors.tumblr.com or <a class="" href="http://www.finecraftcontractors.com/">www.finecraftcontractors.com</a>). Their crews were pleasant and professional. The project was completed on schedule and to my son-in-law's and daughter's complete satisfaction. No wonder this company has been named Best of Houzz for the past three years in a row!</div>
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I hope you have been impressed with this extreme makeover. Anna deserves all the credit for the interior design. My next post will detail her design choices and their sources. <br />
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<i> </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(</i>I would like to credit Susie Soleimani Photography with the well-lighted photos. The other photos are my own.<i>)</i></span></div>
Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-41737532915742625872016-06-09T17:07:00.002-04:002016-06-10T08:17:54.851-04:00 Saarinen Marries Chippendale A friend of mine recently played matchmaker to an unlikely duo--a camelback sofa and a tulip table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVJIFYtd0AuFEXLdefVZuAdBVRz8ByA_2-LIOKTjMfsYwbY5b1mL3TxMrk7k2McUFmWeWsJ3uiG9FCYOy9qXvGLwjnKgZxIkBlKhRiLoKqPUfqExBieCp-GnqGv5XgtGN8jQld0LeC64/s1600/Saaren+table+chipendale+sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVJIFYtd0AuFEXLdefVZuAdBVRz8ByA_2-LIOKTjMfsYwbY5b1mL3TxMrk7k2McUFmWeWsJ3uiG9FCYOy9qXvGLwjnKgZxIkBlKhRiLoKqPUfqExBieCp-GnqGv5XgtGN8jQld0LeC64/s400/Saaren+table+chipendale+sofa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Who would have thought that an 18th century sofa could be so happily married to a mid-century modern table? I wouldn't have thought to pair the two, but I must admit that the chemistry is undeniable. Maybe it is the arch-backed that aligns so well with the gracefully curved pedestal. Whatever the cause, the pair form a happy union.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfVHXBk9WW-6cKPuYvOf6rt9CLzVcmOPaZRYKx8QnpyjzgZwHpEmEU8M3AwihLrMLaBu0u2s5ZiKrGqXYaquuL6K3c0SHuuJ69kaWy5qVOjGSsbt5xyfTsoP_sNy6ZD3N5uTJCHPpblQ/s1600/20150925_095223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfVHXBk9WW-6cKPuYvOf6rt9CLzVcmOPaZRYKx8QnpyjzgZwHpEmEU8M3AwihLrMLaBu0u2s5ZiKrGqXYaquuL6K3c0SHuuJ69kaWy5qVOjGSsbt5xyfTsoP_sNy6ZD3N5uTJCHPpblQ/s400/20150925_095223.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The companions now sit in the eating area of the kitchen that got a face-lift several years ago. (http://graciousinteriors.blogspot.com/2011/01/amazing-room-facelifts.html).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeGXZczJMVCaLp5jMkK5YV6CfSquMAplMZAPB78R67nAN1H2qSGCNouWh-rZsjGH0GT6Vo493v_tRvrYJ3FmVSTQmjaN9nQJFZF5jDtsjLTCYSpj5y-fAW89Vd51XgJHZRl27AABYk1g/s1600/DSC02920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeGXZczJMVCaLp5jMkK5YV6CfSquMAplMZAPB78R67nAN1H2qSGCNouWh-rZsjGH0GT6Vo493v_tRvrYJ3FmVSTQmjaN9nQJFZF5jDtsjLTCYSpj5y-fAW89Vd51XgJHZRl27AABYk1g/s400/DSC02920.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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As is often the case, pairing traditional with modern furniture refreshes the whole. The new outcome is often referred to as transitional. Whereas traditional design references 18th century French and English styles, transitional design mixes in contemporary forms, especially midcentury modern styles.<br />
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In this transitionally-styled kitchen, the sofa style was designed by the London cabinet maker/furniture designer, Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779). The arched back and single cushion seat has been a perennial favorite, but to bring it into the 21st century it needed to be tweaked.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">www.antique-marks.com</td></tr>
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My friend chose to have the sofa reupholstered in an outdoor Sunbrella fabric. The stripe is more current than a damask, and the washable fabric much more practical for eliminating stains than a silk that might have covered an original Chippendale sofa.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42QYCIpkuTKCZwo4_tBrpO77H-XlnN8dW5pfZCer_Khds6-zvhxfTSWHN4sdzI7BgnsVDoioqhuxI1TUcRcY-ORVvpK8LNAigMJegOP2LBi-vyA_OvJ3QjG8ygCcHd4ebz2rmfhYTlCY/s1600/tea+for+two%252C+three+or+four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42QYCIpkuTKCZwo4_tBrpO77H-XlnN8dW5pfZCer_Khds6-zvhxfTSWHN4sdzI7BgnsVDoioqhuxI1TUcRcY-ORVvpK8LNAigMJegOP2LBi-vyA_OvJ3QjG8ygCcHd4ebz2rmfhYTlCY/s400/tea+for+two%252C+three+or+four.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The table my friend chose as the sofa's mate was designed by Eero Saarinen (1910-1961).</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6a/Eero_Saarinen.jpg/220px-Eero_Saarinen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6a/Eero_Saarinen.jpg/220px-Eero_Saarinen.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">wikimedia, Eero Saarinen</td></tr>
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Saarinen was both an industrial designer and an architect. His architectural landmarks include: the St. Louis Gateway Arch<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The Gateway Arch, St-Louis, Missouri--city-data.com</td></tr>
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and Dulles International Airport's main terminal. (No wonder he was awarded the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in 1962.)</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b9/Washington_Dulles_International_Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b9/Washington_Dulles_International_Airport.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">wikimedia--Washington Dulles International Airport</td></tr>
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You probably recognize Saarinen's furniture shapes that show up in homes and offices today, more than fifty years after he died. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Eero_Saarinen%2C_%22Pedestal%22_Armchair_and_Seat_Cushion%2C_Designed_1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Eero_Saarinen%2C_%22Pedestal%22_Armchair_and_Seat_Cushion%2C_Designed_1956.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">wikimedia--Eero Saarinen's pedestal armchair designed in 1956</td></tr>
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I wonder what the two famous designers would have said about the pleasing progeny their union produced?</div>
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-62312945048285782732016-06-02T11:08:00.002-04:002016-06-02T11:08:47.229-04:00The Skye's the Limit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(A word of explanation for my delinquent posting. In addition to long distance babysitting two days a week for a darling grandson, I have been helping my mother who fell and broke her hip just after the holidays. Although she lives in a senior complex with continuum of care, it has required much family assistance to downsize her to an assisted living efficiency apartment. As if this didn't keep me busy enough, we also took a three week trip to Macedonia and France for my husband to be part of a physician mentoring partnership and for me to speak to a women's group. In my downtime, I gave a bridal shower for a nephew, and then we all celebrated at his wedding on the beach in Connecticut. So, you can see why my blog has taken backseat to all the family events.) </div>
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Now to catch you up on some of the things you have missed... </div>
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Back at the end of January, I went to our granddaughter's third birthday party. The theme, by popular demand, was Skye, the female member of the PAW Patrol. </div>
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" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for is sky the only girl on paw patrol" border="0" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" height="400" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="kjEo7gIvdgDP8M:" 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" 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Tables were covered in paw prints. </div>
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Dog bones hung from chandeliers.<br />
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Emergency vehicles severed as center pieces<br />
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A pink and turquoise color scheme kept the decorations unified and feminine.<br />
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Guests were favored with cookies decorated accordingly.<br />
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Naturally, Skye was front and center on the cake.<br />
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Birthday girl sported a pink bow in her hair and wore a shirt with a pink doggie carrying a birthday cake on his back.<br />
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Her cousins, who happily are girls, came to the party to offset her three brothers!<br />
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She was quite pleased with the cake...<br />
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especially, when it was time to taste it!<br />
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After the food was gone, and the presents were opened, birthday girl got her face painted like her favorite PAW patrol character.<br />
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-35952417423418676482016-03-21T10:37:00.003-04:002016-03-21T11:55:42.497-04:00Table Ideas of March <div style="text-align: justify;">
One of my daughters recently hosted friends for dinner. Her table centerpiece warrants publishing.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">The foundation of the largest arrangement are three white hyacinth blossoms, augmented with golden solidago and hypericum berries. </span></div>
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In the smaller white porcelain containers are mini lime-green plants that I believe to be baby tears (<i style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Soleirolia soleiroli).</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several elements give this arrangement</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: left;"> appeal. First, the color scheme of the greige-and-white striped runner on the table is a nice backdrop, in the room painted Benjamin Moore's Museum Piece gray. Second, the yellow-green foliage echoes the color of the ferns on the sideboard. Finally, the white bisque square vases combined with the round bisque tea light holders add interest.</span></div>
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All that noted, I am sure you can figure out what I think is the best part of this display!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb3-WFHdHa95PjJhL_uQpFCLqtRxpHyR1OUBbROX7Aq2TPyphUN6d4Aje3c0RKenGgxTnhdCKYTrPSSSINh4voCmsF4LjuSJrwUYDvhu4IR2Sn9h1sFyy75m_guXROAphoBEJbobNQoI/s1600/my+favorite+view+of+Anna%2527s+tablescape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb3-WFHdHa95PjJhL_uQpFCLqtRxpHyR1OUBbROX7Aq2TPyphUN6d4Aje3c0RKenGgxTnhdCKYTrPSSSINh4voCmsF4LjuSJrwUYDvhu4IR2Sn9h1sFyy75m_guXROAphoBEJbobNQoI/s400/my+favorite+view+of+Anna%2527s+tablescape.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
p.s. My other daughter has the same aesthetic, and she decorated her mantel in an eerily similar manner. As the saying goes, great minds think alike. (She used air plants in the smaller containers.)<br />
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-19784310180919554962016-02-25T20:37:00.000-05:002016-02-25T21:10:39.432-05:00Budapest, Hungry: Past is Present<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We began our city tour of Budapest in the daylight by hiking up the steep hill behind our hotel to see where the patrician, silk-stocking bourgeoisie lived both in the past and today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AqqMif4Yn5wQA_8mkdDuQRccCg0IMmYVpQVPWFI8ehjc_kd2Z8xY5fCe5a3ck8n6udWv5IzZc4Q-Tcp3oEfHsd88VIdMIw03hPeATlCtt2nDAxAQks_C07riK9LWJEdOb6plrn7fIhg/s1600/2015+Viking+Danube+468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AqqMif4Yn5wQA_8mkdDuQRccCg0IMmYVpQVPWFI8ehjc_kd2Z8xY5fCe5a3ck8n6udWv5IzZc4Q-Tcp3oEfHsd88VIdMIw03hPeATlCtt2nDAxAQks_C07riK9LWJEdOb6plrn7fIhg/s400/2015+Viking+Danube+468.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
At the pinnacle of Buda Hill is the Hapsburg Palace which reminded me of a marble Disneyland castle.<br />
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However, its location and solid construction were not chosen for their entertainment value. Rather, the fortress was designed to protect the Buda village from Mongols.<br />
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It is easy to see why the castle and fortifications were built on this side of the Danube. The Buda Hills provide an excellent defensive position for Central Europe’s main waterway.<br />
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Defense has been necessary to the population for almost as long as the nation has existed.<br />
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Celts from the north and the Magyars from the east founded Hungary in 1000 with King Stephen as their first king. At the time, Buda and Pest were only tiny villages.<br />
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In 1241, the Mongols invaded and destroying Pest and Buda. They burnt the crops and decimated the Hungarian population. Half of the population, about 1 million people, were killed or deported as slaves. Famine and hunger followed. The leader of the Mongols died suddenly, and the invaders returned to Asia.<br />
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The departure of the Mongols allowed the next king, Bella, to rebuild the country. Understandably, he built a fortress on Buda Hills to defend against future attacks. The second Mongolian strike was stopped at Pest by the royal army thanks to these castles. Afterward, to bolster his numbers, the king invited settlers from Western Europe to immigrate as reinforcements.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.mostinterestingdestinations.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/budacastle_header.jpg" height="135" style="-webkit-user-select: none; display: block; margin: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">When the Turks captured Buda, Matthias Church became a mosque.</span></td></tr>
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The tables turned once again in the 15th century when the Turks invaded the country and defeated the Hungarian army. <br />
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It took 150 years before the Hungarians could reunite under the leadership of the Holy Roman Emperor, liberating Buda and Pest. However, the Turks did not leave without a protracted fight. In the siege the two towns were completely destroyed. The Royal Palace on Castle Hill was in ruins. Only a few thousand people survived the fights inside the walls of Buda. </div>
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After the liberation, churches that had been converted into mosques were transformed back into their original functions.</div>
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Sadly, the defeat of the Turks did not bring freedom to Hungary. The country became a province of the Habsburg Empire. The Habsburg regime started large-scale reconstruction works in Buda and Pest. Baroque dwelling houses and churches replaced the Ottoman era buildings.<br />
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Eventually in the mid 1800s, the Hungarians partially gained their independence from Hapsburg rule and became the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy with Hungarian as the official language.<br />
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During World War I, Hungary allied with Germany and Austria. Near the end of the war, in 1918, the country became the Republic of Hungary. However, in the peace settlement--the Treaty of Trianon--the country was split up and reduced from more than 20 million citizens to a country of less than 8 million.<br />
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World War II brought more hardship to the Hungarians. At first, they fought alongside the Germans against the Soviets. But the brutality of the Germans became increasingly obvious.<br />
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This sad chapter in Hungary's history is chronicled in the museum in the Jewish Quarter. The Great Synagogue located on the Pest side of the city shares space with the Holocaust museum.<br />
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Jewish martyrs are memorialized in The Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park located in the synagogue's side yard.<br />
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An enormous metal weeping willow, The Emanuel Tree, is the centerpiece of the park.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">worldinbetween.files.wordpress.com<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"><br />Inscribed on each leaf are the names of Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust.</span></td></tr>
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Located just behind The Emanuel Tree is of the newest memorials in the park, a stained-glass wall depicting the flames of the Holocaust. </div>
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The glass was installed to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved many of the city's Jews from extermination camps by issuing them protective Swedish passports.</div>
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As World War II continued, the Hungarian government tried to change sides from the Axis to the Allied countries. Unfortunately, the betrayal was discovered, and the Germans overran the country killing or deporting hundreds of thousands of Hungarians to German concentration camps.<br />
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After the defeat of the Germans, the Soviets took over Hungary occupying the country for 44 years.<br />
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In 1956, the people tried to overthrow this domination, but the attempt was unsuccessful and many were punished unmercifully.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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Soviet control lasted until 1989, when Hungary finally became an independent democracy. In 1999, Hungary joined NATO, and in 2004, became a member of the European Union.<br />
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From this cursory review of Hungarian history, tourist can see how the two sides of the capital reflect the country's history.<br />
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Buda still features the Gothic Palace and homes of the upper class,<br />
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while the Pest side of the city is dedicated to commerce. This quarter features fancy hotels,<br />
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the Hungarian State Opera House,<br />
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and St. Stephen's Cathedral named after Hungary's first king.<br />
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From touring Budapest it is obvious that joining the European Union has rehabilitated this country erasing pox marks left from the Soviet era.<br />
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<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3966502007_6a42523bf2.jpg" height="302" style="-webkit-user-select: none; display: block; margin: auto;" width="400" /><br />
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Hungary should be proud of its resurgence. The magnificent parliament building,<br />
<img src="http://www.weather-forecast.com/system/images/12055/original/Budapest_1_.JPG?1364905302" height="227" style="-webkit-user-select: none; display: block; margin: auto;" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/commonalty"></a>
the chain bridge,<br />
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<tr><td><img src="http://farbspiel-photo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Chain-Bridge-HDR.jpg" height="267" style="-webkit-user-select: none; display: block; margin: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">farbspiel-photo.com</td></tr>
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and the Hapsburg Palace are certainly sights from the past worth seeing today.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Hilton-Budapest Castle</td></tr>
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-17009611903990678802016-01-20T10:31:00.000-05:002016-01-20T10:31:33.690-05:00Floating Down the Danube While Others Walked<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband and I landed in Budapest, Hungary at the beginning of September to take a Viking River Cruise up the romantic Danube.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMLX52zYzzAyC5e7gN7ELxyPJpwPIhLKwd4OWnZUu1LNtBWiXxmVJgT1Fo-UBzPPB5BykCpiYk0-Yiaxa5xj5s5rKFkPLMKmSRZkVRaP-kHV83I3VqICD_p1QSE_lT3-49bFpNipFWFE/s1600/DSC01206.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMLX52zYzzAyC5e7gN7ELxyPJpwPIhLKwd4OWnZUu1LNtBWiXxmVJgT1Fo-UBzPPB5BykCpiYk0-Yiaxa5xj5s5rKFkPLMKmSRZkVRaP-kHV83I3VqICD_p1QSE_lT3-49bFpNipFWFE/s400/DSC01206.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Hungarian Parliament in Budapest</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That same weekend thousands of emigrants also arrived in Budapest en route to Germany and Sweden. However, they were detained at the city's train station by Hungarian police who were refusing to let them board.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJKfJ898XAiRcsx3tftc-NIo_W6kv0NB9WpuYSbMI2GtaYJWDf_Dx5ZJeV02q3nECuZLDbqt0vfbIc1S8KAgijvQq6SPTSv7a2tOhnKiHAMFprfuAG0azrWHbnNGK4-irHUJxDgzQOWY/s1600/refugees+outside+Budapest+train+station.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJKfJ898XAiRcsx3tftc-NIo_W6kv0NB9WpuYSbMI2GtaYJWDf_Dx5ZJeV02q3nECuZLDbqt0vfbIc1S8KAgijvQq6SPTSv7a2tOhnKiHAMFprfuAG0azrWHbnNGK4-irHUJxDgzQOWY/s400/refugees+outside+Budapest+train+station.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Scene at the Keleti railway station in Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Reuters</span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"> </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Undeterred, the displaced multitudes set out for central and northern Europe on foot.</span><br />
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<tr><td><img src="http://media2.s-nbcnews.com/j/newscms/2015_36/1206461/150904-migrants-walk-jsw-912a_9a298e1fe1489d116a00f13beaf76587.nbcnews-fp-1200-800.jpg" height="266" style="-webkit-user-select: none; display: block; margin: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: start;">The distance from Budapest to Germany is about 300 miles! </span>photo:http://-nbcnews.com</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Just like the Syrian and North African emigrants, we began in Budapest then traveled west. Our boat stopped in Vienna, Austria; Melk, Passau, and Regensburg, Germany. We eventually disembarked in Nuremberg. At the end of the trip, we spent a couple of days in Prague, Czech Republic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg_IVlmPIPb2dNSR2-h26erpYuDQz-JyP6smfHmwanqBwug-a7sOTD9s6aS-Ees6MRN7pzb2konZhoAoYYWaksE-hq56SbqDvwofH5dvQ6_9aKZPB-6nyY2OaD88SstSIPlDhlQ4Y1t_UPe4uvZ6Chvzwy_YEm_lH88lIQwrCnM0EejyHj4jdjawLqhBkxFgRn5aIP6-0aIOQ=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.vikingrivercruises.com/images/MAP_2016_RomanticDanube_956x690_tcm21-24396.jpg" height="288" style="-webkit-user-select: none; display: block; margin: auto;" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our journey, however, was starkly different than the trip being endured by emigrants. We watched the Danube's scenic banks float by from comfortable deck chairs, while they trudged for miles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can imagine, those on foot were never far from our minds. We increasingly felt the tug-of-war between compassion on those emigrating from danger and the citizens' fear of those immigrating to European physical and economic safety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The debate was being carried out beneath our noses. Security police blocked our entrance to the Buda Palace,</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2_obHLokrf5owF8HTy_DBp1wESGV07QgeG65qnvHXVCfXXLLITnsQQtw16P3tHN-2piWwAXlOMWcxDLXvuRapDIeg2zCBOm7Rt6CQycL9zEc7seLmU2yOm5wSYFPo766RrEkXeFswOo/s1600/2015+Viking+Danube+491.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2_obHLokrf5owF8HTy_DBp1wESGV07QgeG65qnvHXVCfXXLLITnsQQtw16P3tHN-2piWwAXlOMWcxDLXvuRapDIeg2zCBOm7Rt6CQycL9zEc7seLmU2yOm5wSYFPo766RrEkXeFswOo/s400/2015+Viking+Danube+491.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">because European Union leaders were in Budapest to reach consensus between the open invitation to refugees offered by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofeven and the closed-door, nationalistic policy of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MGWwVMc4k-jXurTG6D_YUCB-lgOBnzcXMB3ERCQErJH0fxBk_yA0eqB1qfOaj4ok_qBKW-TdzrAdwInK4_CokAHzX3ztSaU2eCWUpLjh7Q17VcMeBNJY-PyV72kbmVBsPHFr7ZE8xn8/s1600/2015+Viking+Danube+492.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MGWwVMc4k-jXurTG6D_YUCB-lgOBnzcXMB3ERCQErJH0fxBk_yA0eqB1qfOaj4ok_qBKW-TdzrAdwInK4_CokAHzX3ztSaU2eCWUpLjh7Q17VcMeBNJY-PyV72kbmVBsPHFr7ZE8xn8/s400/2015+Viking+Danube+492.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In spite of our empathy toward those fleeing danger, as we toured the historic sights in Budapest, we could at least understand the nationalism of Hungarian leaders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the centuries, Hungary has been tossed between eastern Turkish empires and western Hapsburg monarchs. After being defeated with Germany in World War I, they lost most of their land and population. During World War II, they switched loyalties and fought against Germany. However, in the peace agreement that followed, they were annexed by the Soviet empire. Only in 1989, did they free themselves of Soviet domination. For less than 30 years, they have been trying to regain stability as a free Republic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As you tour Hungary, reminders of their conflicted history are everywhere. In fact, the whole region shares a repeated theme: citizens versus invaders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa80xUEvzX7fj6g8_2EuhzVN4lIPjc4EgxxxG6DDQ3l0QTU1tmJExvauz-FAiDvt6XyxoXC_zYBY6DmwkuWF9U1OquCm__nB3Ltq_mCutj2TWbP9bPv_GxAdRgICVhI2ze0N-h56S448/s1600/2015+Viking+Danube+512.JPG"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRa80xUEvzX7fj6g8_2EuhzVN4lIPjc4EgxxxG6DDQ3l0QTU1tmJExvauz-FAiDvt6XyxoXC_zYBY6DmwkuWF9U1OquCm__nB3Ltq_mCutj2TWbP9bPv_GxAdRgICVhI2ze0N-h56S448/s400/2015+Viking+Danube+512.JPG" width="266" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As evidence, the landscape we passed is dotted with fortified castles, refurbished cathedrals, and innumerable war memorials.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3o2hsQDXlet-ATQjhkRyq5uyELcm_CEKaewMNcoEAT7wT6VECCL_uL266et_bYzTFSNfm0rtr2ZByWpqQShAQZ1iUs3bvpZaH03tDy28WvrMQrAsZw2t6Oj-KTM6ckI5ebpIA-oP1hk/s1600/2015+Viking+Danube+482.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3o2hsQDXlet-ATQjhkRyq5uyELcm_CEKaewMNcoEAT7wT6VECCL_uL266et_bYzTFSNfm0rtr2ZByWpqQShAQZ1iUs3bvpZaH03tDy28WvrMQrAsZw2t6Oj-KTM6ckI5ebpIA-oP1hk/s400/2015+Viking+Danube+482.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Is it any wonder that Hungarians feel a strong nationalism and self-protectionism? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Their pride in their beautiful capital, Budapest, is certainly justified. At night it is spectacular!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Budapest is a twin city like Dallas/Fort Worth or Minneapolis/St. Paul. Buda (the wealthy upperclass part of the city on the hilly west bank of the Danube) was connected with the more plebeian Pest district (on the flatter eastern river bank) in 1873, when engineers were able to construct a suspension bridge. Even today, the Chain Bridge is a marvel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">No wonder Budapest is dubbed "Queen of the Danube". At night, the illuminated Parliament building is dazzling.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ep8zONzMJ8SyeUlP67h4nGKI7EROq9x0yPbQj5nT-HIQEkV_SbsLMpqTMBasTsx1izRcTYcntCSF7d-BqtAz8USvuhm2KYuv0Lt-Eyp11Id-xmxkUhTOu5GhbtlmQ_jxApL3T_kV8R0/s1600/2015+Viking+Danube+451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ep8zONzMJ8SyeUlP67h4nGKI7EROq9x0yPbQj5nT-HIQEkV_SbsLMpqTMBasTsx1izRcTYcntCSF7d-BqtAz8USvuhm2KYuv0Lt-Eyp11Id-xmxkUhTOu5GhbtlmQ_jxApL3T_kV8R0/s400/2015+Viking+Danube+451.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Strings of lights twinkle from the now seven bridges spanning the Danube River.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2y4221FOR-T9o7EB66N-DjDv9tuuhkk0GMFEjaeVZ0aAOUB4qmSw6cwwSwpRoNmNhqTNf_TpUHPzWOSqKTEa_r4GqzJs78Tix3II2KsQV84tWazLcusjtfsGslspiWyRVCm5WeQuSdTU/s1600/2015+Viking+Danube+458.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2y4221FOR-T9o7EB66N-DjDv9tuuhkk0GMFEjaeVZ0aAOUB4qmSw6cwwSwpRoNmNhqTNf_TpUHPzWOSqKTEa_r4GqzJs78Tix3II2KsQV84tWazLcusjtfsGslspiWyRVCm5WeQuSdTU/s400/2015+Viking+Danube+458.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In the post to follow, Budapest's landmarks will illustrate their historic struggles against outsiders. In turn, perhaps we can begin to comprehend the emigrant vs. immigrant divide. The past certainly helps us to understand the present.</span></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vikingrivercruises.com%2Fimages%2FMAP_2016_RomanticDanube_956x690_tcm21-24396.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEg_IVlmPIPb2dNSR2-h26erpYuDQz-JyP6smfHmwanqBwug-a7sOTD9s6aS-Ees6MRN7pzb2konZhoAoYYWaksE-hq56SbqDvwofH5dvQ6_9aKZPB-6nyY2OaD88SstSIPlDhlQ4Y1t_UPe4uvZ6Chvzwy_YEm_lH88lIQwrCnM0EejyHj4jdjawLqhBkxFgRn5aIP6-0aIOQ=" -->Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-52658988230789482722016-01-13T12:29:00.001-05:002016-01-24T17:34:36.582-05:00Ralph S. Mouse Rides AgainHow many of you remember the adorable little imaginative character brought alive by Beverly Cleary, Ralph S. Mouse? This adventurous little fellow rode into our hearts on his red motorcycle.<br />
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Ralph was the celebrity at our third grandson's fourth birthday.</div>
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Here he is in his mouse costume, i.e. tail and ears! Surprisingly, his siblings and cousins even agreed to wear their mouse ears and tails! </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> Surprisingly, his siblings and cousins even agreed to wear their mouse ears and tails! </span></div>
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A mouse on a birthday pastry? You know the little boy is obsessed.<br />
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Here is imaginative Nate designing a mouse under a volcano. Where do kids come up with these ideas?<br />
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You can see where birthday boy gets his creativity. Here are strawberry mice his mama made for the party.</div>
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As quirky as Nate's fascination with mice may seem, you have to admit the hot-roding rodent is endearing.<br />
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However, this furry stuffed toy is as close as Nate got to getting a mouse for his birthday!<br />
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Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-32960672656109991882016-01-09T16:14:00.000-05:002016-01-15T12:47:12.565-05:00Star Wars Birthday PartyOur daughter and son-in-law have three sons and a daughter. In the fall, I wrote about the youngest son's first birthday with the Richard Scary Busytown theme. As the boys get older, they have definite ideas of the theme they would like. In the late spring before the latest movie's fanfare, the oldest boy wanted a Star Wars theme. His mother was happy to oblige.<br />
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Stars were the party's motif...<br />
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Black and white with a touch of red was the color scheme.<br />
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Two storm troopers were excited to come in costume.<br />
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Princess Leah was invited.<br />
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The kids' table was decorated with storm troopers and Star War images.<br />
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The guest of honor had his place marked with a special balloon.<br />
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The birthday cake was the center piece on the "adult" table.<br />
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Guests took home Star War stickers and cups.<br />
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Each droid, stormtrooper, princess and dark warrior left feeing part of the force!<br />
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<br />Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-90319444916069383432016-01-07T21:15:00.000-05:002016-01-07T21:23:00.530-05:00Fresh Face for a New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Winter white has replaced Christmas red at our house.</div>
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Outside, the crisp air and brisk temperatures reboot my energy.<br />
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Inside, forced paper whites bloom alongside whimsical snowmen.<br />
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My Lenox snow people are the creation of Lynn Bywaters. Her snow creatures wear mittens, hats, and scarves, and are each surrounded by brightly feathered friends.<br />
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Through my kitchen window you can see that the grass is still green from the lingering El Nino temperatures. Perhaps these cheery porcelain figures will be the only snowmen we see this winter.<br />
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I would be just fine without snow drifts. As far as I am concerned, the tiny white Kalanchoe blossoms in my blue and white Canton compote will be a fine replacement for snow covered trees and bushes.</div>
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How about you? Do you long for snowdrifts and snowy-day holidays? For those who like a break from school or work, I guess one powdering would be welcome, "as long as I have no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."<br />
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<br />Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590332835457005098.post-26208690824088417682015-12-05T15:29:00.000-05:002015-12-06T14:09:24.985-05:00Merry Christmas from Our House to YoursChristmas has come to our house since my last post in early October. This fall, blogging took a backseat to the joys of rocking a baby, watching him learn to crawl, then walk, now run--all in a few short weeks! Between weekly treks to another city to be Gigi, I found time to change our home decor from rusts and browns to the traditional reds and greens of Christmas.<br />
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Come on in, and enjoy looking all through the house.<br />
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The entryway highlights what we celebrate at Christmas: the birth of the God-man, born in a stable, laid in a manger, but worshipped by angels, shepherds, and wise men.<br />
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The living room is decorated with silver trees,<br />
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a china creche,<br />
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and a choir of carolers.<br />
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The dining room table holds a bowl of gold balls and holly, red-ribboned pheasants, and candles.</div>
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The sideboard displays the Charles Dickens' village. </div>
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Passing through the foyer and the living room on your way to the library, you find a calico wreath.<br />
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The library, where we spend the most time in the winter, features a feather tree and<br />
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a tiny creche.<br />
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Just off the library in the master bedroom, a Christmas quilt is featured during the month of December.<br />
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Back in the main part of the house, just off the kitchen, is the sun room.<br />
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Here bisque candle holders and festive pillows set the stage for...<br />
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the Christmas tree.<br />
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Just before you go out the backdoor,<br />
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you can't help but stop to admire a gorgeous poinsettia.<br />
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Its red blossoms remind us that our Savior was born to die that we might live. </div>
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Indeed, He is the greatest gift ever given.<br />
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<br />Mauriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16676756972085737610noreply@blogger.com0