tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56323110596399655572024-02-20T06:56:26.770-08:00Home to the WorldA homestay mother's experiencesHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-81812271266161354702013-07-25T15:17:00.001-07:002013-07-25T15:17:27.772-07:00Hello...Anyone still out there?I talked to my sister in Texas today. She reminded me in her sweet way that she still checks my blog every once in awhile to see if the student with the red hoody has been replaced with a more current photo! <br />
<br />
Alas! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(sigh)</span><br />
<br />
I've neglected my blog for over a year and a half! <br />
<br />
Mea Culpa! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(another sigh)</span><br />
<br />
And, I even retired this year, so what's my problem?! I should have more time, yah? <br />
<br />
Ahhh...... <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(more sighs)</span><br />
<br />
So I promised her--well, sorta gave her the indication--that I would try to get my act together and get this blog updated. So much has happened. Sooooo much! And of course my sister, my past homestay students, (and you too, if you're still out there), would like to know and see photos of what's been going on, yah?<br />
<br />
So watch this space. Well, don't stare at it, because nothing will magically appear that quick! But do come back soon, because I will try to catch you up to date with information and pics!<br />
<br />
And that's a promise!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Homestay Mama<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-19755106762326424782012-01-20T23:36:00.000-08:002012-01-20T23:43:27.809-08:00Snow Shots by MurtajaMeet Murtaja, one of my newest homestay students from Saudi. He's an avid photographer and very creative with the camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxYnOp2hKRjuptxUHbIJ8T0Uw3D1V-gy72y2sQPJd3aBB4_VMi98bkExTKyZ3txwbtc9rAYcdkUXheOwXlObzDRcC1gD9dakWBtlECbrm4TKlvH20RyOcVIk6n6K7OaZM7s9Fq5Iz1Is/s1600/Murtaja%252C+the+Photographer..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxYnOp2hKRjuptxUHbIJ8T0Uw3D1V-gy72y2sQPJd3aBB4_VMi98bkExTKyZ3txwbtc9rAYcdkUXheOwXlObzDRcC1gD9dakWBtlECbrm4TKlvH20RyOcVIk6n6K7OaZM7s9Fq5Iz1Is/s320/Murtaja%252C+the+Photographer..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few of my favorite shots that Murtaja took of our January snow:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQY8UfKTVpKdu9sA_BSBb9TsGEc5cIKmIAzyzz077Pejw3hWEbeWK-ukApmRvHR5Mi3XA2Ewku9OQlHETpSBitntibO_TDax9sPuXplIpqv5-VtpNv5bPmeseIXkARr2Wpz5W9noBnhrQ/s1600/TRACKS+IN+THE+SNOW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQY8UfKTVpKdu9sA_BSBb9TsGEc5cIKmIAzyzz077Pejw3hWEbeWK-ukApmRvHR5Mi3XA2Ewku9OQlHETpSBitntibO_TDax9sPuXplIpqv5-VtpNv5bPmeseIXkARr2Wpz5W9noBnhrQ/s320/TRACKS+IN+THE+SNOW.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Parallel Tracks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhos8Aye4GgeCLBcrTU5kDlQWJfBzs7bEKPug9uPYe72uxZnaHcZnP0wg1gQYjyXhSfznFCYUfLgxTYe3pw-sG8ERMtOdNXcoMaJwxBCjX7Cba5APWMDk_XHH46IAejoafUklkgrDoMs8/s1600/Hail-covered+bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhos8Aye4GgeCLBcrTU5kDlQWJfBzs7bEKPug9uPYe72uxZnaHcZnP0wg1gQYjyXhSfznFCYUfLgxTYe3pw-sG8ERMtOdNXcoMaJwxBCjX7Cba5APWMDk_XHH46IAejoafUklkgrDoMs8/s320/Hail-covered+bush.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hail on the Azalea</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjZzhLEcasM_lDvLPTxpTuO44nnD5lQ9f_qFRnd6gfcFeMpN2hJEvS8oxxAIW3xz5PjFyt4F1vU5Dy9pquWV57h099x4EuMQ6yMfEPLuppzNbXyZkcVPYzz5UOJrqgi__zYC3RkwmQr8/s1600/My+steps+needing+a+shovel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjZzhLEcasM_lDvLPTxpTuO44nnD5lQ9f_qFRnd6gfcFeMpN2hJEvS8oxxAIW3xz5PjFyt4F1vU5Dy9pquWV57h099x4EuMQ6yMfEPLuppzNbXyZkcVPYzz5UOJrqgi__zYC3RkwmQr8/s320/My+steps+needing+a+shovel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Needing a Shovel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9uRN1w5-m6ibdgWrfQlWx3reFrPXxcLh5phXpVe415xm75gT1oOwjIKBKgYRnJxiEbeFXAsMYjt6tUJDEDW_SvfHcp0beXghtWq2PF_O9twDAtaqm2yeNZ6-iVndIxPnf4g5R4uVmas/s1600/Snow+balancing+on+the+slender+branches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9uRN1w5-m6ibdgWrfQlWx3reFrPXxcLh5phXpVe415xm75gT1oOwjIKBKgYRnJxiEbeFXAsMYjt6tUJDEDW_SvfHcp0beXghtWq2PF_O9twDAtaqm2yeNZ6-iVndIxPnf4g5R4uVmas/s320/Snow+balancing+on+the+slender+branches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Delicate Balance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ5l-BCixzXdXqPSgKNDQrC2tnwzvFjWD0BTa-uq670IeTrFiDCaumHqEP_1Z0ln2Wx5y1RzbVDWz8akEIde7mgRPDrLXBUZaObWaQLGNV5NiC1BTxXPh28yuBKSW2BCG9ZhtFLpHXug/s1600/More+snow+balancing+acts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQ5l-BCixzXdXqPSgKNDQrC2tnwzvFjWD0BTa-uq670IeTrFiDCaumHqEP_1Z0ln2Wx5y1RzbVDWz8akEIde7mgRPDrLXBUZaObWaQLGNV5NiC1BTxXPh28yuBKSW2BCG9ZhtFLpHXug/s320/More+snow+balancing+acts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Real Balancing Act</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And to think, not one of those billions of snowflakes is alike! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Love,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Homestay Mama</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-73464545526108514892012-01-18T18:28:00.000-08:002012-01-20T21:32:48.482-08:00Happy New Year!<div style="text-align: center;">
HAPPY NEW YEAR!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OK, I know the month is half over, but I'm wishing you all a happy new year, anyway!
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNXlMNi7xqyIySacOyzVXMxCEE-85QOx_V2iZGop3uYQVAz6pEddSsU7EtLNWesWUi02jjzRFwCemFAU14Px98R1Hv4XqgaFi2P4GdtpKXzXLXxb5t13WoNx-JQBkGqKWOVGEZwybiWA/s1600/January+17+2012+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNXlMNi7xqyIySacOyzVXMxCEE-85QOx_V2iZGop3uYQVAz6pEddSsU7EtLNWesWUi02jjzRFwCemFAU14Px98R1Hv4XqgaFi2P4GdtpKXzXLXxb5t13WoNx-JQBkGqKWOVGEZwybiWA/s320/January+17+2012+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Toshi, one of my former homestay students, surprised me with a gift from his mom and him. These are the traditional new year's gift crackers that are given among friends in Japan. Thank you, Toshi!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qosrfDcNVabs0iVYM4_TAmfpr5qHtwlhnyPVQ_5TMNxlibsYtkOxHna7qvfsjSnDmkKXOlS853n0CbaLbQ1nqtJVx31DuehMaznDX-fFoepQ7whn1vBf5mfhqN6FDWn-PtU38rHQ_JE/s1600/January+17+2012+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qosrfDcNVabs0iVYM4_TAmfpr5qHtwlhnyPVQ_5TMNxlibsYtkOxHna7qvfsjSnDmkKXOlS853n0CbaLbQ1nqtJVx31DuehMaznDX-fFoepQ7whn1vBf5mfhqN6FDWn-PtU38rHQ_JE/s320/January+17+2012+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sure there is a significance in each of these crackers, but before I could text Toshi to ask him, I hit the 'publish' button by mistake! Not a good way to start out the blogging year, eh? </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
SNOW!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFfGPm235U6Qw5P8APdFFiJ34uJgjh9TsFjyGpCHc8VE1QVMOT7l_cdP6fco9fy6ZeM8Y27ME5eQn9co0K6FzxFe4r6rF916KL18y3bBEzFDJ7Zbv5ruzJePLZJEB3SQDR5EndIOhIOM/s1600/January+17+2012+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdFfGPm235U6Qw5P8APdFFiJ34uJgjh9TsFjyGpCHc8VE1QVMOT7l_cdP6fco9fy6ZeM8Y27ME5eQn9co0K6FzxFe4r6rF916KL18y3bBEzFDJ7Zbv5ruzJePLZJEB3SQDR5EndIOhIOM/s320/January+17+2012+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got snow this week--quite a bit by Pacific Northwest standards. This is Murtaja, a new student from Saudi. This was the 2nd time he'd experienced snow! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBj8OHzb4hmHtvYwK2gF61dmxVZA7FuFSYC7BwJxmW6Gre76hp9qXqn7d8KsKav_NcyX3NZO7w7Ej4Jg-mYQQlwFUvnwrTfP3phxGVhAqDNikILIc8vsUFtvY1cKAHjAWHKbInEdSZPY/s1600/January+17+2012+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBj8OHzb4hmHtvYwK2gF61dmxVZA7FuFSYC7BwJxmW6Gre76hp9qXqn7d8KsKav_NcyX3NZO7w7Ej4Jg-mYQQlwFUvnwrTfP3phxGVhAqDNikILIc8vsUFtvY1cKAHjAWHKbInEdSZPY/s320/January+17+2012+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is Ahmed who just came from Saudi a couple weeks ago. He's still acclimating to our cool, wet weather, and then we surprise him with snow--his very first experience with the fluffy white stuff. He was all smiles!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCN6C0a2VU8QSVrFFCNBEOsghXZcuh_JD0huisMnPXFWOijyj2-sVm_QuIuarFaoIcTRzeLoFtCmtHXucOQ1rrmNCcWOg2P9fUbGAhx7NFoMsBjmyjh19RfQDxboI2jdvQEvzpqXV91w/s1600/January+17+2012+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCN6C0a2VU8QSVrFFCNBEOsghXZcuh_JD0huisMnPXFWOijyj2-sVm_QuIuarFaoIcTRzeLoFtCmtHXucOQ1rrmNCcWOg2P9fUbGAhx7NFoMsBjmyjh19RfQDxboI2jdvQEvzpqXV91w/s320/January+17+2012+018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You gotta admit, snow has a way of turning bare trees into a real work of art.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42GIPwq1xgD8XypmUjVY1ivqR1kcFZp_GAvTFLCYU1ZnOmfKmQVW6iyt2dobSCb8wpou9djgeCldN_o7kLd8anqJl-CxziasD3nmkwXz3KEDH5w9ee_I5lSqzJwZWz19tOjvh_AOC8pA/s1600/January+17+2012+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42GIPwq1xgD8XypmUjVY1ivqR1kcFZp_GAvTFLCYU1ZnOmfKmQVW6iyt2dobSCb8wpou9djgeCldN_o7kLd8anqJl-CxziasD3nmkwXz3KEDH5w9ee_I5lSqzJwZWz19tOjvh_AOC8pA/s320/January+17+2012+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last night the sky was pregnant with a new storm about to break over us and it captured my gaze.. I just had to get a picture, and took this one around 6:30 p.m.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoI9Jy7xCHw8rT5kQrx2zksmsTupHkNFXnO220GB4lx1chGhVKXDU7HhXA_jxRp7nG_evi1pqxGCUjKdeBJkwDEZvMJDqR9cTRC4NjzB20khc9bxapE120oI9NkL4xEh5Ht4JMbLOAhQ/s1600/January+17+2012+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoI9Jy7xCHw8rT5kQrx2zksmsTupHkNFXnO220GB4lx1chGhVKXDU7HhXA_jxRp7nG_evi1pqxGCUjKdeBJkwDEZvMJDqR9cTRC4NjzB20khc9bxapE120oI9NkL4xEh5Ht4JMbLOAhQ/s320/January+17+2012+002.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was snowing when I got up this morning. I think we got around 6 inches. But by the time I actually got around to measuring it, it had melted a little and had begun to crust over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoVQqt8vOXaNrLnbgFZXHRV_FfUchtJndHZL4YKQE5NET8Zs0PelmBDoTB40wyI-YLQudPtfpn6jgN-aTGZwK4ENRMPyH-T0VF2wBCSnP83PMS5xWPUjxHznUdmnktqqvOXFa-56t22c/s1600/January+17+2012+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVoVQqt8vOXaNrLnbgFZXHRV_FfUchtJndHZL4YKQE5NET8Zs0PelmBDoTB40wyI-YLQudPtfpn6jgN-aTGZwK4ENRMPyH-T0VF2wBCSnP83PMS5xWPUjxHznUdmnktqqvOXFa-56t22c/s320/January+17+2012+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a certain ethereal beauty that snows leaves in its wake, don't you agree?.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLDIlyOWaIOfnpcA5H0cIe4EYc6j7gkhXLAJ6k7F-GtoXPitJVwGTMfo2thSI1QN33Da128v3uH-AUX-dC7D3STlZTVJcxOwqHNNZnlS4XORLidN0IzXA8ZQAWH12hgTdqeMBC1hYOfg/s1600/January+17+2012+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLDIlyOWaIOfnpcA5H0cIe4EYc6j7gkhXLAJ6k7F-GtoXPitJVwGTMfo2thSI1QN33Da128v3uH-AUX-dC7D3STlZTVJcxOwqHNNZnlS4XORLidN0IzXA8ZQAWH12hgTdqeMBC1hYOfg/s320/January+17+2012+007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not often that I get icicles from my eaves!</div>
<br />
School was cancelled today, and all my homestay students got to sleep in this morning. Even my boss called and told me to stay home! So, it's been a lazy, fun, relaxing day. We should have made a snowman, but one of my homestay students woke up with a sore throat, and the other didn't have the warm clothes for it!<br />
<br />
Staying warm,<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Homestay Mama<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-89456782718129870362011-12-18T23:32:00.000-08:002011-12-18T23:32:53.712-08:00The Lights of ChristmasLast night I took a small group to <a href="http://www.warmbeach.com/lights-of-christmas.html">The Lights of Christmas</a> in Stanwood, an hour north of my home. We were there for over 4 hours and still didn't see and do everything! There are over a million lights on 15 walkable acres, plus live entertainment, activities for children, food, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI2Cll9ePOcu6jFvikbkEMT7RkNaWmJO1RsPantTykZApGSxeGAnSUzKV-goLd1-qfcqKX3-z5RwtywmxW-Q5zTCqxO4awVSx__9oFiJTj6G74sRaQNtJ_on4tYAZHA6ue96khV-tkvc/s1600/Our+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI2Cll9ePOcu6jFvikbkEMT7RkNaWmJO1RsPantTykZApGSxeGAnSUzKV-goLd1-qfcqKX3-z5RwtywmxW-Q5zTCqxO4awVSx__9oFiJTj6G74sRaQNtJ_on4tYAZHA6ue96khV-tkvc/s320/Our+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is our group.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4vET2QfTuXgR54sD7WFBFZ400t7m6jiypppXoQhAI7a135wJjItJD6CoU4SV6ZrzSHFCwXSQ62aaUicYdVCQS-kSDAlNZrf6YPJxdApgUye3yacI_TnT26iz8fDzAvqEjwMJWMJj4jo/s1600/Peace+on+Earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4vET2QfTuXgR54sD7WFBFZ400t7m6jiypppXoQhAI7a135wJjItJD6CoU4SV6ZrzSHFCwXSQ62aaUicYdVCQS-kSDAlNZrf6YPJxdApgUye3yacI_TnT26iz8fDzAvqEjwMJWMJj4jo/s320/Peace+on+Earth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Peace On Earth"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIkYH6l1ers1bX7zrP_xEeSgapmM3C-T0oZVT0OFB690cqgDRmcpIhb4kLrS8Xw3eXOwZBFQ2qKsXGeYoJiaF_qRilP9jnLswAT4yAwP7y5uwkinYrsHBIUeiWuheLBDnVliHj-wgDbE/s1600/Sailboat%252C+dolphin%252C+setting+sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIkYH6l1ers1bX7zrP_xEeSgapmM3C-T0oZVT0OFB690cqgDRmcpIhb4kLrS8Xw3eXOwZBFQ2qKsXGeYoJiaF_qRilP9jnLswAT4yAwP7y5uwkinYrsHBIUeiWuheLBDnVliHj-wgDbE/s320/Sailboat%252C+dolphin%252C+setting+sun.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In this lake scene (above and below), the lights changed to depict the cycle of the setting sun, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and then the sunset..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpr7PoStJmRvk-FgNMXhuRx86Q-vKY1tadJtWxmQjRkSrrz0I2-fJh-BmehRJlf7RiwgHGeR4Sof0pQAL9SGgFT7lnVpuLzaW_0XrswLSBiIHpJ4851KbCBspm3N_2aaOFJ7EWAAiA38/s1600/Sailboat+in+the+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpr7PoStJmRvk-FgNMXhuRx86Q-vKY1tadJtWxmQjRkSrrz0I2-fJh-BmehRJlf7RiwgHGeR4Sof0pQAL9SGgFT7lnVpuLzaW_0XrswLSBiIHpJ4851KbCBspm3N_2aaOFJ7EWAAiA38/s320/Sailboat+in+the+sunset.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfED0eGz9wPTPVks93beAY-IjGqXpGXJ5RReV9-d3Ruigx0wRQB7gWPpN6h_mD8EFw5ws8Fqay6-vDazrh8j_sEby9tEQxL2AW4e4yYgJj6LHB8a1NHLA4DvpMT7VxWHVp8CmKNu7-bCE/s1600/Totally+lit+douglas+fir+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfED0eGz9wPTPVks93beAY-IjGqXpGXJ5RReV9-d3Ruigx0wRQB7gWPpN6h_mD8EFw5ws8Fqay6-vDazrh8j_sEby9tEQxL2AW4e4yYgJj6LHB8a1NHLA4DvpMT7VxWHVp8CmKNu7-bCE/s320/Totally+lit+douglas+fir+tree.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This tree alone must have had several thousand lights!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlzeq8FHWcurTKZeQyPt0j8JsXytZRMYW9FScEpA1knV_3pYplevYL38NEfPIRJ9BjrikD8CbgON5q1KhjafazORQavfLytnyhom4nhjISaUe5p2QtzjHBiWKafvkFJSdQBjBPP4suqo/s1600/Murtaja+and+the+model+train.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlzeq8FHWcurTKZeQyPt0j8JsXytZRMYW9FScEpA1knV_3pYplevYL38NEfPIRJ9BjrikD8CbgON5q1KhjafazORQavfLytnyhom4nhjISaUe5p2QtzjHBiWKafvkFJSdQBjBPP4suqo/s320/Murtaja+and+the+model+train.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Murtaja in front of the toy train depot. (He took over half of the pictures I've posted. He has an excellent camera and a good eye for composition.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECspIoisgqwVV5uPwzMon65eYoGi99_xgOnfUs0RfPbtHolvFlZmRSGXNxtsgHDPcxxQf50ymOmYM7jM1wzpaJFV_MSERVaQKOkl61Swjc5DHhq7q3B4Lqc2OW0ZquETYRwa4XyTrg_w/s1600/Copy+of+Kettle+Korn+for+Sukinah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECspIoisgqwVV5uPwzMon65eYoGi99_xgOnfUs0RfPbtHolvFlZmRSGXNxtsgHDPcxxQf50ymOmYM7jM1wzpaJFV_MSERVaQKOkl61Swjc5DHhq7q3B4Lqc2OW0ZquETYRwa4XyTrg_w/s400/Copy+of+Kettle+Korn+for+Sukinah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kettle Korn for Sukinah and her daddy, Hussein.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1ruWra95tXlH2uGgpWzexOoO7C_v_6QT3uLgUAdBEUz-VIw1Ycf7zuGKkjAxd-8SS3Eso3mYuv1Dhf02tYtONd-eg7hYiAR_eMCV__uRinKfTmitjSJ80bNRaAneThfZ0OnaW6hfUXw/s1600/DJ+and+Sue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1ruWra95tXlH2uGgpWzexOoO7C_v_6QT3uLgUAdBEUz-VIw1Ycf7zuGKkjAxd-8SS3Eso3mYuv1Dhf02tYtONd-eg7hYiAR_eMCV__uRinKfTmitjSJ80bNRaAneThfZ0OnaW6hfUXw/s320/DJ+and+Sue.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
DJ and Sue riding the Polor Express.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_knGSPmz5aRqYRTe-Ja0ZFR5YLTVTceS7M3yzzVd_HcZDgQ6-sKK5DPyNizG8MvP-LX2eeXhiaKKS5R8gjCoHnPGwZ_JU2AQSM9Sxgy2LlGZLfWf7oGU3lREmKe31XDCIUraQ29hAu8I/s1600/Dreauna+and+DJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_knGSPmz5aRqYRTe-Ja0ZFR5YLTVTceS7M3yzzVd_HcZDgQ6-sKK5DPyNizG8MvP-LX2eeXhiaKKS5R8gjCoHnPGwZ_JU2AQSM9Sxgy2LlGZLfWf7oGU3lREmKe31XDCIUraQ29hAu8I/s320/Dreauna+and+DJ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dreauna and DJ in the candy cane tunnel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0c549IRkRU_lzfYL4ccFhC3rTvLgN0DWkodGluynyhMPpqANAbkP4MWVd64mPt9oVyPsHUd6WwKP_oy-x-WBL8r-vf0-XjD856vHzYCmCoxi8dvOJDTpeb0XtnDCdEAaATBg6mMGbNc/s1600/Hussein+and+Sukinah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0c549IRkRU_lzfYL4ccFhC3rTvLgN0DWkodGluynyhMPpqANAbkP4MWVd64mPt9oVyPsHUd6WwKP_oy-x-WBL8r-vf0-XjD856vHzYCmCoxi8dvOJDTpeb0XtnDCdEAaATBg6mMGbNc/s320/Hussein+and+Sukinah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Petting a little llama.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwR7cc0zTbaAYW1RKH7NkqM6Va-S7YHxVEWOUILx4t5zsu6CnEi6_BL_0h6XO1-w9wajN8NSinOr6wLtcP8Vqge3kq2UMvTDHCwC_CZRIRj4hQfIRAOAyZQpEbHdjX9c3vstZin9brdU/s1600/Monroe+Concert+Band.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwR7cc0zTbaAYW1RKH7NkqM6Va-S7YHxVEWOUILx4t5zsu6CnEi6_BL_0h6XO1-w9wajN8NSinOr6wLtcP8Vqge3kq2UMvTDHCwC_CZRIRj4hQfIRAOAyZQpEbHdjX9c3vstZin9brdU/s320/Monroe+Concert+Band.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Listening to a local concert band perform.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuRRBIYIJY1z9vad93Ik5lttQEOLagk0kTyq3T5WnS1QrZgqQm0Fwhf0o5GAzRQIstsCV3uYVc8oHeIwbMU4D94ZWIeVDK_LrjUhp4UQbtToOVJcLaBuwaWd9_eWsn1I9dItmHc6ISCY/s1600/Murtaja+and+Peace+on+Earth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuRRBIYIJY1z9vad93Ik5lttQEOLagk0kTyq3T5WnS1QrZgqQm0Fwhf0o5GAzRQIstsCV3uYVc8oHeIwbMU4D94ZWIeVDK_LrjUhp4UQbtToOVJcLaBuwaWd9_eWsn1I9dItmHc6ISCY/s320/Murtaja+and+Peace+on+Earth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Murtaja with acres of lights behind him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nQeNJIpmaOc7KgiFIURnct7ftR0XzkNdXaQ7UTz7bbTAKyDlxn17dac1biBFaLfqHPU13zWQvaxODXEoa08okmVsUAqj0J_L8cbU3EGdTw5DH1zWEYmWVrY8hQx9dp9Aa4R9aytpl0I/s1600/The+gumball+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nQeNJIpmaOc7KgiFIURnct7ftR0XzkNdXaQ7UTz7bbTAKyDlxn17dac1biBFaLfqHPU13zWQvaxODXEoa08okmVsUAqj0J_L8cbU3EGdTw5DH1zWEYmWVrY8hQx9dp9Aa4R9aytpl0I/s320/The+gumball+tree.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I call this the gumball tree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoS7yCmdyOXH0vOVV0HO6uTycxtc4HfGhR5cs8m49thWGF-OpWSPIPTv8-brjogoF9DYj2ZQGCscog-zz_EPZckx4vazG7aFqZ_9l11XbZVgPudGI8vuruEDfualht6E_XPcYxDaOdhUA/s1600/The+penguins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoS7yCmdyOXH0vOVV0HO6uTycxtc4HfGhR5cs8m49thWGF-OpWSPIPTv8-brjogoF9DYj2ZQGCscog-zz_EPZckx4vazG7aFqZ_9l11XbZVgPudGI8vuruEDfualht6E_XPcYxDaOdhUA/s320/The+penguins.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fat penguins.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWDaweYddmKFBThjrOr7qq2azfa4A7-fH57_ln9l_VmDkotnux_JCmiBYqw7QSuSFzSOuC2EWyxzvoQTgWm6BOs7T670auy0-reV-tzsnnJadtgw4L68J3d0kSVx3slKrDXh91KnwHp0/s1600/The+red+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWDaweYddmKFBThjrOr7qq2azfa4A7-fH57_ln9l_VmDkotnux_JCmiBYqw7QSuSFzSOuC2EWyxzvoQTgWm6BOs7T670auy0-reV-tzsnnJadtgw4L68J3d0kSVx3slKrDXh91KnwHp0/s320/The+red+tree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not one bare branch on this tree!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AMvoW3rAH3Do5zTBK3XBvdMFdhnzgJ7aM_vutfKjIB0MFpwESEjWbuCBzhbgeN4cmHfgyeuyeuxhLTwBUTalwL3UaUmlKz6O5cJ2kggfBv7iEvUww2vfaB_Yv79SvxxzqQYe_cf0pZA/s1600/The+snow+capped+Cascade+Mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AMvoW3rAH3Do5zTBK3XBvdMFdhnzgJ7aM_vutfKjIB0MFpwESEjWbuCBzhbgeN4cmHfgyeuyeuxhLTwBUTalwL3UaUmlKz6O5cJ2kggfBv7iEvUww2vfaB_Yv79SvxxzqQYe_cf0pZA/s320/The+snow+capped+Cascade+Mountains.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Snow covered mountains and foothils made entirely of lights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9z5ZKTjk0elhUeJjp-15J5isejkIJrlW3vPxohjCCYhsWBuJtfvdl4EsSf4_GJSYWK2z79R72GiKox_pmv58lgDTznYuSYyhD0wnR1FHAcIngpBjDPbb1iX2dUx1SSIWT-uOSrtcKpE/s1600/The+water+wheel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9z5ZKTjk0elhUeJjp-15J5isejkIJrlW3vPxohjCCYhsWBuJtfvdl4EsSf4_GJSYWK2z79R72GiKox_pmv58lgDTznYuSYyhD0wnR1FHAcIngpBjDPbb1iX2dUx1SSIWT-uOSrtcKpE/s320/The+water+wheel.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A model of a water wheel.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74NyU9YOeE4XqeJcl2f_fmj95PjRkFzp0ytp0PqcXJDsgFErU90ec7gYVjm3PZFbfcJWF_wK492JmJuD9T2evIu_mkNi4sbcOnwmUhSbXhtvRv7SABpAseh_SqS-VkOgqrelWpCGUv9c/s1600/The+Nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74NyU9YOeE4XqeJcl2f_fmj95PjRkFzp0ytp0PqcXJDsgFErU90ec7gYVjm3PZFbfcJWF_wK492JmJuD9T2evIu_mkNi4sbcOnwmUhSbXhtvRv7SABpAseh_SqS-VkOgqrelWpCGUv9c/s320/The+Nativity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Nativity</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLFOCK75E0hdJF5DiHyHYCKME6wJFNIdzxc9c_OYpuLXfnNnqV3FPE43aR8omu7omQIftOTrEEnFnohp1MLnCVB9w9-1-QrCHmlO3Kf4Br9wu5TKiVxlmUpHsHJUchg4nDlzuNT_3ol4/s1600/The+Olympic+Mountains.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLFOCK75E0hdJF5DiHyHYCKME6wJFNIdzxc9c_OYpuLXfnNnqV3FPE43aR8omu7omQIftOTrEEnFnohp1MLnCVB9w9-1-QrCHmlO3Kf4Br9wu5TKiVxlmUpHsHJUchg4nDlzuNT_3ol4/s320/The+Olympic+Mountains.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More mountains.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-3gfME_KAjueXLLpWchwZLagU_upL8whC0OIFsqEZg7iHW4Cjf_lK6QgW4VoUS22gWZHlCr7UdvEJLNV0hCG4vbhfVMgZchaSPRE6MUiu-vRYDyZjSL0uKnVEmagvOLcwWIT-4V13pM/s1600/Sweeping+scene+%25232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-3gfME_KAjueXLLpWchwZLagU_upL8whC0OIFsqEZg7iHW4Cjf_lK6QgW4VoUS22gWZHlCr7UdvEJLNV0hCG4vbhfVMgZchaSPRE6MUiu-vRYDyZjSL0uKnVEmagvOLcwWIT-4V13pM/s320/Sweeping+scene+%25232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Acres and acres of lights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbPMayFPw-3Zg0edJAzXW90PBgYQdOFhTK_Ph5rBDPeOpUwfMzJr4ZI_1hWlvmQcUtWFiz80r4IuZh5-HbhbRs2YcMmLPpsPrDkXStW8Da3iKtjhtEuCZXube3m9Ag7mq8nOcyhxmD94/s1600/The+Bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbPMayFPw-3Zg0edJAzXW90PBgYQdOFhTK_Ph5rBDPeOpUwfMzJr4ZI_1hWlvmQcUtWFiz80r4IuZh5-HbhbRs2YcMmLPpsPrDkXStW8Da3iKtjhtEuCZXube3m9Ag7mq8nOcyhxmD94/s320/The+Bear.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsOMsDOshWdPaKuslsLKGHnxU6LlK4XMXzOxEkSAzS4vYJqRyAroaLZWRv_pSHkfDeln2tYGyPfhW0BdEH0HCA89S0VpXEAhLrPp_9456iC3Wx-V-rOK7Nr02AO60oB7MQ1Td0xwQnMU/s1600/The+furry+snowman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsOMsDOshWdPaKuslsLKGHnxU6LlK4XMXzOxEkSAzS4vYJqRyAroaLZWRv_pSHkfDeln2tYGyPfhW0BdEH0HCA89S0VpXEAhLrPp_9456iC3Wx-V-rOK7Nr02AO60oB7MQ1Td0xwQnMU/s320/The+furry+snowman.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-buGmIH9aH_8Tlz2vsa0EKbd3CHhfedDy7cGnpFMhHpN3zrf5Vm_7bZ9J24ctCTMG7fKJxnR2ID8tZKINzecLqNjnsVO8HrR_ZBioDueTXQXg1cgXF8BtUkM0kIsk1dax-wAyStDR54c/s1600/The+Cascade+Mountains+in+lights.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-buGmIH9aH_8Tlz2vsa0EKbd3CHhfedDy7cGnpFMhHpN3zrf5Vm_7bZ9J24ctCTMG7fKJxnR2ID8tZKINzecLqNjnsVO8HrR_ZBioDueTXQXg1cgXF8BtUkM0kIsk1dax-wAyStDR54c/s320/The+Cascade+Mountains+in+lights.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This shows how the mountain lights are hung on the trees.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxj7VUWyGqOngdsymkRAB4tfEvskzI0_4R9HzzKEASRqyzfXcf-awf_0iMuGHJ1ftpYyacuXDJr19FGmZ7GmhI7iuy8iMfJeIV9ujPOplQUlcAlVhgUgcka9AoQiMMq954wEqoPZOA19s/s1600/The+deer+scene.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxj7VUWyGqOngdsymkRAB4tfEvskzI0_4R9HzzKEASRqyzfXcf-awf_0iMuGHJ1ftpYyacuXDJr19FGmZ7GmhI7iuy8iMfJeIV9ujPOplQUlcAlVhgUgcka9AoQiMMq954wEqoPZOA19s/s320/The+deer+scene.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bXFxh7c32knIzZY3gE9fmUHBrmmmg-v4nuUd4nHxMZKrFl4JHil89K7nXa4XwIQtX1iv01kec8Y-Id1JNsXTpvO36Yw-OwygyiR2bRuwNJV8nMjHG3sgag8mWBU-GteMEJaaKK00kXs/s1600/December+17%252C+2011+053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bXFxh7c32knIzZY3gE9fmUHBrmmmg-v4nuUd4nHxMZKrFl4JHil89K7nXa4XwIQtX1iv01kec8Y-Id1JNsXTpvO36Yw-OwygyiR2bRuwNJV8nMjHG3sgag8mWBU-GteMEJaaKK00kXs/s400/December+17%252C+2011+053.jpg" width="300" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Go in Peace, and the God of Peace go with you."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And this was just a fraction of the pictures we took! As you can imagine, it is a hugely popular event --the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. An average of 50,000 people come to the 20-day event each year. Over 800 volunteers donate more than 15,000 hours starting in September to get this event ready each year. They also volunteer during and long after it is over taking down all those lights and carefully packing everything away for another year. <b>What a work of love! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Still marveling over <a href="http://www.warmbeach.com/lights-of-christmas">The Lights of Christmas</a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Love, Homestay Mama</div>Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-84867146232916128972011-12-14T00:48:00.000-08:002011-12-14T00:55:07.156-08:00My Persian and American Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are an informal group of local Persians and Americans who potluck together once a month at each other's homes. What we have in common is first, a love of our Savior, Jesus Christ; secondly, a love of fellowship together; and last, but not least, a love of eating a delicious variety of healthy Persian, and American foods. Four of us are single, and the rest are married--and, I might add, to their first, and only, spouses. That's quite an impressive record for married couples these days! I'm next to the oldest in our group (our ages span from the early 40's to the mid 70's), but age doesn't make a difference to any of us. My friends are such a blessing to me, it's like having a wonderful Christmas present all year long!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXhXhaFtdFD8utYWrwg5HqfE923REluINjmtatwy2VuuW8vbRBsH-zWAzSatY4GUQ463iZcKZzfKM3JJyZBC4ZejMiCAKNSt_qq9ch_c8k3BqUowtmz5KX35eQV-seybJCQgsMxrlXIs/s1600/December+10%252C+2011+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYXhXhaFtdFD8utYWrwg5HqfE923REluINjmtatwy2VuuW8vbRBsH-zWAzSatY4GUQ463iZcKZzfKM3JJyZBC4ZejMiCAKNSt_qq9ch_c8k3BqUowtmz5KX35eQV-seybJCQgsMxrlXIs/s400/December+10%252C+2011+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This month we met at Mitra and Esmaeil's home. Mitra always puts on those extra special touches that make everything look so pretty. I don't have her gift. When it's my turn to host, I'm lucky if my house is clean! Just look at all the beautiful Christmas touches Mitra added to her dining room.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD1GzmyDtbq7xzH0hNq9N3tQEXBA7WLb4a4jSLioWMMBipYFo6tNepVCH7xUByijNTvXtG2L6Tei4jAPlnCHEByafKN4ejHSR_vFkSi-ZvlfELc93cQhwbVp1zkxQWh_U74W1PCnOmyA/s1600/December+10%252C+2011+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD1GzmyDtbq7xzH0hNq9N3tQEXBA7WLb4a4jSLioWMMBipYFo6tNepVCH7xUByijNTvXtG2L6Tei4jAPlnCHEByafKN4ejHSR_vFkSi-ZvlfELc93cQhwbVp1zkxQWh_U74W1PCnOmyA/s400/December+10%252C+2011+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
She also froze pomegranate seeds in ice cubes and added them to a simple pitcher of water making it look so pretty and festive! What a clever gal, she is!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYQCkYWkoTV-Flr3nmt-H6XmWII453mqQsySvCgph6REzpukyWlkpzBn78pX9CTgsr_6heididvsAsX48VsqPs6GeS2J0whRcU9wxiHFYIZT0rpByFAeEHbdoS7QN9QVvYf9QF0ClA0k/s1600/December+10%252C+2011+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYQCkYWkoTV-Flr3nmt-H6XmWII453mqQsySvCgph6REzpukyWlkpzBn78pX9CTgsr_6heididvsAsX48VsqPs6GeS2J0whRcU9wxiHFYIZT0rpByFAeEHbdoS7QN9QVvYf9QF0ClA0k/s400/December+10%252C+2011+003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Just look at this array of interesting (and beautiful) dishes. Mitra made the bowl of yogurt in the front--it's a good accompaniment to the chicken. Farzaneh made the bowl of tabbouleh in the back, one of my favorite salads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9wA1EqChtZA3Ph0vHkC79fuOeTh5SZXjpJ52fRO4IeJI5RSo8mpSPwxmnm5iYg0Yo-Fwu6SaaxfdLazNvKy0DQE86jvDX84L0_BdB9Buboc4G7f2C0Bk-0nJBm-3PRD-p2UwWWpOfBM/s1600/December+10%252C+2011+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9wA1EqChtZA3Ph0vHkC79fuOeTh5SZXjpJ52fRO4IeJI5RSo8mpSPwxmnm5iYg0Yo-Fwu6SaaxfdLazNvKy0DQE86jvDX84L0_BdB9Buboc4G7f2C0Bk-0nJBm-3PRD-p2UwWWpOfBM/s400/December+10%252C+2011+008.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Have you ever seen chicken drums this pretty? Mitra removed the skin for all us cholesterol-conscious folks before seasoning and baking them. They were uber delicious!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20o5hliAA8U-ZpZVAvF0j-yHV9uApY0pwolzvLQRkc-27jZf01rNWsTvpqHuqW__rXoHc4WawhDmKYYHGHZqwtRPqORbFPrzD1GQGa8W6G1YYiAGQuP3z9ldvsvj0URhndpo5BZcsRT8/s1600/December+10%252C+2011+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20o5hliAA8U-ZpZVAvF0j-yHV9uApY0pwolzvLQRkc-27jZf01rNWsTvpqHuqW__rXoHc4WawhDmKYYHGHZqwtRPqORbFPrzD1GQGa8W6G1YYiAGQuP3z9ldvsvj0URhndpo5BZcsRT8/s400/December+10%252C+2011+004.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Mavosh formed these cutlets with rice, onion and ground beef before dipping them in bread crumbs and frying them. Mmmmmm--so tender and tasty!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2woAlxzTUtCM1WeMor7OsERMLsFy6KbZxVnth7HqxkNnILyXVT3RZ43PyvnPAFG8g4wdQADsRzz0MSXMJ1nAh4CN9yq9NLQc8iZhIJ74v_8HIce-JWrZ1MO2zKCAs67RREx7OxfRc81A/s1600/December+10%252C+2011+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2woAlxzTUtCM1WeMor7OsERMLsFy6KbZxVnth7HqxkNnILyXVT3RZ43PyvnPAFG8g4wdQADsRzz0MSXMJ1nAh4CN9yq9NLQc8iZhIJ74v_8HIce-JWrZ1MO2zKCAs67RREx7OxfRc81A/s400/December+10%252C+2011+005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Mitra made this fancy platter of rice--by adding lima beans, dill and saffron for flavor and color.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1b8VPwBIm65W_TX9GEtnw9y5WjD3FRiIPhYhI3_D5d200fvtyVYJZ4J57HFyrj6RkG_EB18gDCLvE6GNENVI8kBspjtc8xhl06kmvpKoN2ZQBoCyK4DFh_vmtxFt_nUedxBeFBG-Ts0/s1600/December+10%252C+2011+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1b8VPwBIm65W_TX9GEtnw9y5WjD3FRiIPhYhI3_D5d200fvtyVYJZ4J57HFyrj6RkG_EB18gDCLvE6GNENVI8kBspjtc8xhl06kmvpKoN2ZQBoCyK4DFh_vmtxFt_nUedxBeFBG-Ts0/s400/December+10%252C+2011+006.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Mitra also experimented with quinoa--she added raisins, currants, and spices to give this dish a wonderful flavor. If you haven't already guessed by now, Mitra is a gourmet cook! She's been trying to teach me how to cook some of her culinary delights, but I'm a slow learner. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OY29Ed0rrjLLl04X6UA4v-wReTArWUwPImyusQ53t29_gckZ2znAMz1d4q63o7y8ScD_60rOxa6DjUAoGHu2ur5ayMkWG6aaglu-lNbtMkHXz2FlFVa5m3yLDHa-3I2YWos-cJuFYi4/s1600/December+10%252C+2011+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OY29Ed0rrjLLl04X6UA4v-wReTArWUwPImyusQ53t29_gckZ2znAMz1d4q63o7y8ScD_60rOxa6DjUAoGHu2ur5ayMkWG6aaglu-lNbtMkHXz2FlFVa5m3yLDHa-3I2YWos-cJuFYi4/s400/December+10%252C+2011+007.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
And what did I contribute? Just a plain ol' platter of fresh vegetables and dip that weren't even worthy of a picture--trust me! <br />
<br />
Grateful for my Persian and American friends,<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-42640904333990119092011-12-04T10:12:00.001-08:002011-12-04T11:55:47.529-08:00It's Starting to Look a Lot Like Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz3CLBxEZVNn38Fl6-3fw6FL8F0JdDd_33w39W_ZFLtQwGwb-J0JmqdYkBUpsenx9wOqMbt1cX_uZZQxNPwlVjIL0ic07VMC-0hfFbEXRJvHfgtI73L2RIrs-oRRXFbAqAxUDDGSk85A/s1600/December+3%252C+2011+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcz3CLBxEZVNn38Fl6-3fw6FL8F0JdDd_33w39W_ZFLtQwGwb-J0JmqdYkBUpsenx9wOqMbt1cX_uZZQxNPwlVjIL0ic07VMC-0hfFbEXRJvHfgtI73L2RIrs-oRRXFbAqAxUDDGSk85A/s400/December+3%252C+2011+001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Santa's helpers: Ezra (Indonesia) and Tae (South Korea). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First you feed them...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m3UXGcRd58zwp2RVw3d4xBNG22_QooQnG8mNJFpkwnkYj6ZHdUg5eafL6exdfUiBXq3cNRyQadEHsBilmAOl0Wu8Y38ygIIytdOp4gHuChB-74AU28YtE_Pq3bz5pQAQ6M4I2yjVuao/s1600/December+3%252C+2011+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m3UXGcRd58zwp2RVw3d4xBNG22_QooQnG8mNJFpkwnkYj6ZHdUg5eafL6exdfUiBXq3cNRyQadEHsBilmAOl0Wu8Y38ygIIytdOp4gHuChB-74AU28YtE_Pq3bz5pQAQ6M4I2yjVuao/s400/December+3%252C+2011+003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...then you get them to <i><b>build</b> </i>the tree! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the past I'd take my students an hour north to Arlington where there's an excellent choice of Christmas tree farms, and we'd cut our own. But every year <i>little critters</i> managed to hitch-hike home with us. Three years ago one of those critters spun its own <i>Christmas</i> <i>decoration</i> between the angel atop the tree and the ceiling, and that did it for me! The very next year I switched from <i>cut your own</i> to <i>build your own</i>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS8k1iWpRu262RtcNCnfuoV47n6V8u5k0oHb9DQSzEIRTa8GbY7pN4baRrwCPYT0HPmXgWGCrNLmC1qcmGyhO6SzK4heX_RSpU4mPMo59HH3rT9htt6MIEwJ6wdio0UAah6SBU8aa_h4/s1600/December+3%252C+2011+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS8k1iWpRu262RtcNCnfuoV47n6V8u5k0oHb9DQSzEIRTa8GbY7pN4baRrwCPYT0HPmXgWGCrNLmC1qcmGyhO6SzK4heX_RSpU4mPMo59HH3rT9htt6MIEwJ6wdio0UAah6SBU8aa_h4/s400/December+3%252C+2011+004.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ezra hangs the last decoration on the tree.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeUH5QaQbLOUgAPEYSQAJwgQsggE3VF9jOkzCEWyGWTQSRQu_X5CcK6Hyhi0tbjmyAGZr7etqfc1fIuOAUNDop-A2FwHbpYdA4u7oC_A3PDKqez6vybR5UTRkggTu4SaO5cpHpPKot9U/s1600/December+3%252C+2011+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeUH5QaQbLOUgAPEYSQAJwgQsggE3VF9jOkzCEWyGWTQSRQu_X5CcK6Hyhi0tbjmyAGZr7etqfc1fIuOAUNDop-A2FwHbpYdA4u7oC_A3PDKqez6vybR5UTRkggTu4SaO5cpHpPKot9U/s400/December+3%252C+2011+005.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then Tae exclaimed, "I've always wanted to hug a Christmas tree!"</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnB1xJQ5McMfMM-OmIeDF5V3gVNhHEmYsoXihob_gqs2ThS0GXFmCzNjHpJjFo5bjkYF6EuraDUoLC3h160whFxYxHYtAeOq3V08sONqfFUXwEK93-_2cOshiikco08OcWI0_w8zLv88/s1600/December+3%252C+2011+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnB1xJQ5McMfMM-OmIeDF5V3gVNhHEmYsoXihob_gqs2ThS0GXFmCzNjHpJjFo5bjkYF6EuraDUoLC3h160whFxYxHYtAeOq3V08sONqfFUXwEK93-_2cOshiikco08OcWI0_w8zLv88/s400/December+3%252C+2011+016.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tae and Ezra even strung Christmas lights outside for me! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkaqyVxvd_d1wzCQb6OU4aDVnZd7AbI7wdMQRUYRqgnohIT7K8FV6iRmgdUtCT6aJPE18pO1Fj4LKSrh4bdQiBml15cfpNcDInZef3kPo0uy5OPSoz-k7V7zjgT9r0nFCBM_e4S6b4Z0/s1600/December+3%252C+2011+007.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/AVvXsEjOkaqyVxvd_d1wzCQb6OU4aDVnZd7AbI7wdMQRUYRqgnohIT7K8FV6iRmgdUtCT6aJPE18pO1Fj4LKSrh4bdQiBml15cfpNcDInZef3kPo0uy5OPSoz-k7V7zjgT9r0nFCBM_e4S6b4Z0/s400/December+3%252C+2011+007.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Santa's helpers were awarded chocolate brownies, ice-cream and sparkling cranberry juice</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for all their labors.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK9SBvGIRDTllG_bBytn-AZtmTZDnrblmCqqETfeivxPdjjL42UMpwnQO8owWmt1BIzgVCFthV-CaMY_2PJ9LgZCXlDeGmkrW5yXgLK26aXNHPerjd6qEW8P5OodbOXCEGFKLCJLIhrM/s1600/December+3%252C+2011+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK9SBvGIRDTllG_bBytn-AZtmTZDnrblmCqqETfeivxPdjjL42UMpwnQO8owWmt1BIzgVCFthV-CaMY_2PJ9LgZCXlDeGmkrW5yXgLK26aXNHPerjd6qEW8P5OodbOXCEGFKLCJLIhrM/s400/December+3%252C+2011+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tae: "Yes, Santa, I've been a good boy all year!" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Oh, it's starting to look a lot like Christmas....<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-83183703108076222512011-11-12T13:00:00.000-08:002011-11-13T02:21:01.195-08:00Natives Rival TransplantsSometimes steady autumn rains turn our foliage into a soggy-brown mishmash, but this year our weather has been perfect and color abounds. One might even suspect a coloring contest going on here: <b><i>Natives</i></b> rival <i style="font-weight: bold;">transplants! </i><i>(Natives--those trees indigenous to Washington. Transplants--those showy specimens we buy from nurseries.) </i><br />
<br />
Of course our native Washington trees will never equal their colorful eastern cousins in states like Vermont, Massachusetts, New York or Pennsylvania, never-the-less, I've been impressed with our natives this year. If you click on each photo below, the larger size might better portray what I'm trying to show.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
There is a stretch of freeway that I take to work where native maples flank both sides of the road. Their magnificent beauty this year has been a daily distraction making it hard to stay focused on my commute! This photo doesn't begin to do them justice! If I could have found a safe place to stop, I would have framed a better view.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQnOss60O3tG_pdJGAomoQeha8eC3pEpqMF0cGZXJADF1L4KY0HPLw6sdBppd2f4YzDFyKlvUmOa3IGbmV4iHnYvhuiXEPMUeUrsuDEKeWp7SdsZ46PM5Q7r59sf72QtBrnZSdIL1AWI/s1600/November+4%252C+2011+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQnOss60O3tG_pdJGAomoQeha8eC3pEpqMF0cGZXJADF1L4KY0HPLw6sdBppd2f4YzDFyKlvUmOa3IGbmV4iHnYvhuiXEPMUeUrsuDEKeWp7SdsZ46PM5Q7r59sf72QtBrnZSdIL1AWI/s400/November+4%252C+2011+016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This morning I took my simple point-and-shoot camera with me on my morning walk. Below is a view of the native trees in my neighborhood. Those colorful trees at the end of the street are transplants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TY48iTcn1bIqyrVqe7lyay59vU9JH268yawOtoY_D7fqwtwO2kMnwW_CfwNe84fdMkpPn1b63BqI5A88m6mAqE6CRHSFUvbfi6phCDK799XDUwSHS99LIVAby6rfTput0X8Ka-1IvSg/s1600/1+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TY48iTcn1bIqyrVqe7lyay59vU9JH268yawOtoY_D7fqwtwO2kMnwW_CfwNe84fdMkpPn1b63BqI5A88m6mAqE6CRHSFUvbfi6phCDK799XDUwSHS99LIVAby6rfTput0X8Ka-1IvSg/s400/1+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, I'll admit our yellow natives don't have quite the 'zing' of those red transplants, but this year I give them an 'A' for effort!
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__dIOJE1o8JqD-G4pDQkXNm-wb82eSdYg6w-eg0RUWCdzms2S7VwdLgSnd6awcXEfTj4DyCVUrDgJv1S8prgpM5yQAwJTY30m0XorbAIj3zEFK8A7XewsxSIx9Eyk2kRMrwfS191QSTg/s1600/4Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__dIOJE1o8JqD-G4pDQkXNm-wb82eSdYg6w-eg0RUWCdzms2S7VwdLgSnd6awcXEfTj4DyCVUrDgJv1S8prgpM5yQAwJTY30m0XorbAIj3zEFK8A7XewsxSIx9Eyk2kRMrwfS191QSTg/s400/4Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Even on this grey November day, splotches of native color brighten the shady woods near my home. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUOCbGCv9FrQKRQaNr91y-8KO3Buu5NDU9RWWDsDA7ozlzOz7f7kKfJz8eWunQyoxdmI7hBqg_jAZaBCoLvOu4J10EBRL5bplpkfXEbF9FkGMPIZKfatWX5Fat0n4I4jZ4b53AgWoO_I/s1600/2+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUOCbGCv9FrQKRQaNr91y-8KO3Buu5NDU9RWWDsDA7ozlzOz7f7kKfJz8eWunQyoxdmI7hBqg_jAZaBCoLvOu4J10EBRL5bplpkfXEbF9FkGMPIZKfatWX5Fat0n4I4jZ4b53AgWoO_I/s400/2+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Here native maples drop their color over a tangle of ivy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aHtBnurxSa-hhrMN2b1E9I97HUAYBtWJ35-y9QZbOeKiseXsadJ082sOqz9sdWq6MlzGgdOggpTvF_8szRLXeAf9-aiCsXo7sq-iq78J5-4bL-nON3uiovj4FwH77R-gYY5X-t-R8NI/s1600/6+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aHtBnurxSa-hhrMN2b1E9I97HUAYBtWJ35-y9QZbOeKiseXsadJ082sOqz9sdWq6MlzGgdOggpTvF_8szRLXeAf9-aiCsXo7sq-iq78J5-4bL-nON3uiovj4FwH77R-gYY5X-t-R8NI/s400/6+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
In this contest of color, a maple transplant grows beneath a trio of native birch. And yes, I will admit in this photo the transplant wins--hands down!
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hKdV76CtxW62rdy34bZZh8YNlCAvh01pqu4R0bvVEUFuhj48pkMaEIA3AmNrG1koQHQGFiVWsDF6o9IAOcRQg_q0RE7TE7m86hRbIk2La7FolE25gg1pFWaGCjSE4hV5Ir2Yb5GDsWU/s1600/8+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hKdV76CtxW62rdy34bZZh8YNlCAvh01pqu4R0bvVEUFuhj48pkMaEIA3AmNrG1koQHQGFiVWsDF6o9IAOcRQg_q0RE7TE7m86hRbIk2La7FolE25gg1pFWaGCjSE4hV5Ir2Yb5GDsWU/s400/8+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Yet, even though their color is more subdued, I still believe there is a subtle splendor in our native species that rivals the colorful transplants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhZD0jvnzUyWBlDg8FfIqSBtQcXDlbK8liulDhyphenhyphenPh0Rh75G27q1OjKThytBW-IegREb9ss14qpDXNTouGRF0v5Q0S-ycEQ5dy8x8LfIjNThd6oeTRqH-HKbZpr0WIXWIjtqMlB91ORGc/s1600/9+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhZD0jvnzUyWBlDg8FfIqSBtQcXDlbK8liulDhyphenhyphenPh0Rh75G27q1OjKThytBW-IegREb9ss14qpDXNTouGRF0v5Q0S-ycEQ5dy8x8LfIjNThd6oeTRqH-HKbZpr0WIXWIjtqMlB91ORGc/s400/9+Colorful+Fall+-+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Appreciating our autumn this year....<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-13518676697614430482011-07-20T23:29:00.000-07:002011-07-20T23:29:49.484-07:00Summer in the Pacific Northwest...INSTALLING Summer…<br />
<br />
███████████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░░ 44% DONE.<br />
<br />
Install delayed…..please wait.<br />
<br />
……Installation failed. Please try again.<br />
<br />
404 error: Season not found.<br />
<br />
…..Season “Summer” cannot be located.<br />
<br />
The season you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable in the US states of Washington and Oregon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/T1_6Nu5UIQw/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/T1_6Nu5UIQw&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/T1_6Nu5UIQw&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1_6Nu5UIQw"></a>Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-80610041427465807882011-06-07T04:56:00.000-07:002011-06-07T04:56:48.209-07:00Blossoms and Bumblebees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT41kYSOJN7QHqcC3UT5ESf4UxbhCXoEs4NjPr7Ma0uvtSzY5bCogREEsEcvMRbWIo8zPCQIwtuElJhOSLuCXvarorMmsAA5ZPzgweIF-CoftlYxJWU6AW6u0-dlYNy_pY1Ng3zVcWbFc/s1600/Work+and+Solace+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT41kYSOJN7QHqcC3UT5ESf4UxbhCXoEs4NjPr7Ma0uvtSzY5bCogREEsEcvMRbWIo8zPCQIwtuElJhOSLuCXvarorMmsAA5ZPzgweIF-CoftlYxJWU6AW6u0-dlYNy_pY1Ng3zVcWbFc/s320/Work+and+Solace+030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a lucky shot with my simple point and shoot camera!</div>Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-44796743166306318512011-06-07T01:03:00.000-07:002011-06-07T01:03:33.634-07:00A 'Peace' of Solitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVrPe09ZIArmv7fnVjIsDqNoAWsiF2ZHjDHPBQG1jKGG77IiCogKWMmWnFBd5fvOQaM2zSqLLmk3onTkywKQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Once in awhile a busy mama needs the peacefulness of solitude. I am thankful for this little piece of creation near my home where I can go to commune with God and come away refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to face the day.<br />
<br />
Peace and Blessings,<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-61065318012865417322011-05-31T02:46:00.000-07:002011-05-31T02:46:10.994-07:00May's Mish-MashHere's a mixture of miscellany from the month of May!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGsJ1MvAWmV_uPmj54SDsmFRkrUxkrswzUmkyYtmooT5ol_c6uDQLluLir_t-50yScdQLio8Kv5jPojcwBkDUKiIdQNl-ICrzA9vt6bQ9IeWxwMvROc35c71c2O-h3Hy_pvrUMMJaYO0/s1600/Hyun+Wook+and+his+Mom++May%252C+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGsJ1MvAWmV_uPmj54SDsmFRkrUxkrswzUmkyYtmooT5ol_c6uDQLluLir_t-50yScdQLio8Kv5jPojcwBkDUKiIdQNl-ICrzA9vt6bQ9IeWxwMvROc35c71c2O-h3Hy_pvrUMMJaYO0/s320/Hyun+Wook+and+his+Mom++May%252C+2011.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hyun Wook, my former homestay student from South Korea, and his mother visited for a couple of days en route to his brother's graduation from Berklee College of Music in Boston. It was wonderful seeing them again! Hyun Wook has the distinction of staying the longest in my home--six years--while he completed the intensive English program and then his associate's and bachelor's degrees. During that time his <a href="http://hometotheworld.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html">family</a> made several visits and his <a href="http://hometotheworld.blogspot.com/2009/02/guitar-virtuoso.html">brother</a> also lived in my home for a year. Yes, the Cho family is very special to me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">* * * * *</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLloAOS8qF-bnBfC3v2479L0MfUDH3ljjp-fe9xHFJETcTueFoUYWrUB77DDB6qUar4Sr3dFLRa7FQchG6stowhzSB7FFWE55u478KQTssob-CqyPeDaAhdCCejqPb34FsJkpTRKcRx0/s1600/May+30%252C+2011+This+and+That+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLloAOS8qF-bnBfC3v2479L0MfUDH3ljjp-fe9xHFJETcTueFoUYWrUB77DDB6qUar4Sr3dFLRa7FQchG6stowhzSB7FFWE55u478KQTssob-CqyPeDaAhdCCejqPb34FsJkpTRKcRx0/s320/May+30%252C+2011+This+and+That+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This is what happens when you have a soggy spring and an old, kaput lawn mower! If you're thinking that looks pretty pathetic, I totally agree!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcejd1wDhp-PTeAdwJfH58XfS-d-4ilBXAYMSBl4SJMgpuM56RYrWXSeiyO0PvLg4DYYfSrJ50HYq9fkcegeW6xuVbxWSif3VtCu5c17lMj215J3DdIeBjJWL6gkWQv0M7R-B83ZxkY2I/s1600/May+30%252C+2011+This+and+That+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcejd1wDhp-PTeAdwJfH58XfS-d-4ilBXAYMSBl4SJMgpuM56RYrWXSeiyO0PvLg4DYYfSrJ50HYq9fkcegeW6xuVbxWSif3VtCu5c17lMj215J3DdIeBjJWL6gkWQv0M7R-B83ZxkY2I/s320/May+30%252C+2011+This+and+That+003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>So, I splurged this month and bought this fancy little machine! The old mower had left me frustrated and cranky, not to mention totally humiliated more often than I wanted to remember. Repeated yanks on the cord extracted mostly whimper-whumpfs from the mower, and I'd end up dragging it down the street until I found a neighbor with some muscle. This new, self-propelled mower starts with a key--let's me save face AND my sanity.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wIFJbeBo0tXv_IYp5zrPM-fhn_zS18Ga2FCuULf0R4hX8onGRRip_5Vr55fCL3nAEDS4szJq_hwosKjWrUMSzg5Wi1hfkhuZEmKdnN0-jcFD-iMkxVKgERsvJmR7jOd_KrD6c0azn9k/s1600/Azaela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wIFJbeBo0tXv_IYp5zrPM-fhn_zS18Ga2FCuULf0R4hX8onGRRip_5Vr55fCL3nAEDS4szJq_hwosKjWrUMSzg5Wi1hfkhuZEmKdnN0-jcFD-iMkxVKgERsvJmR7jOd_KrD6c0azn9k/s320/Azaela.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've got lots of pretty flowers in my yard, but my yard is not pretty. The weeds have been growing gangbusters and it's been too cold and rainy to do anything about it. Well, that plus I've been too tired.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_tF_XV9B_rS1fO_inOn9zvi-ainE7An9Z6seoriRF0iwQLvskAX0_TEQPpglBEr3iCOEVjeK8Rc4ilVf_LXdeABMwrF_B1mHUBrg-q54dTNd5wYSNdHIpVcfPY2u_803Z-JPRrMXVzM/s1600/Forget-me-nots+and+candy+tuft+under+the+blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_tF_XV9B_rS1fO_inOn9zvi-ainE7An9Z6seoriRF0iwQLvskAX0_TEQPpglBEr3iCOEVjeK8Rc4ilVf_LXdeABMwrF_B1mHUBrg-q54dTNd5wYSNdHIpVcfPY2u_803Z-JPRrMXVzM/s320/Forget-me-nots+and+candy+tuft+under+the+blueberries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Does anyone know the names of these flowers? I think the yellow is called candy-tuft, but what are those blue flowers? Weeds? They just voluntarily planted themselves in my yard and I just kindly let them! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">* * * * *</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-foAdE0XLvlRvp8ExL88qptT-D3CSOKHHhY0b-ANgrefVcPDRyDMyGx-OrmCnqmhPUz_jFUvOf5kQ8KWYNeWK7v4qHVDFV-B-Ukqvxf05nOSOTkqSzLoD9m8s-c44PoahOzJZ3dPDBQ/s1600/May+30%252C+2011+This+and+That+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-foAdE0XLvlRvp8ExL88qptT-D3CSOKHHhY0b-ANgrefVcPDRyDMyGx-OrmCnqmhPUz_jFUvOf5kQ8KWYNeWK7v4qHVDFV-B-Ukqvxf05nOSOTkqSzLoD9m8s-c44PoahOzJZ3dPDBQ/s320/May+30%252C+2011+This+and+That+050.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I'd like to pick a bunch of these gorgeous lilacs to bring into the house, but this bush has completely gotten out of hand! All the blooms are way up at the top--about 15 feet or so!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZQ8FBYoLVHpLwiCUXrjU8YZIRM9AWkjzCuZe-PQFShn7iYUu5yIMi4ZriMYevo_-n0pA4RrS9l7yuRr3gt66JltpP6A1b-4y41cHs3XX31UfTiwDjpN4D-1H2p_G_kpw8S6FMoCv64o/s1600/May+30%252C+2011+This+and+That+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZQ8FBYoLVHpLwiCUXrjU8YZIRM9AWkjzCuZe-PQFShn7iYUu5yIMi4ZriMYevo_-n0pA4RrS9l7yuRr3gt66JltpP6A1b-4y41cHs3XX31UfTiwDjpN4D-1H2p_G_kpw8S6FMoCv64o/s320/May+30%252C+2011+This+and+That+049.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My golden chain tree looks quite nice in this photo, but it is really sprawling out of control and needs some serious pruning. Obviously, I have some major yardwork to do this summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">* * * * *</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BoTRZPokj-UmFjwJtaS0kZPTxAvlSUNKCEhg2ZhESgwKI0L1DVanusXEkQ6uHREcfiJubF6cPi-_KP4kCJIJCwfEDdODf4IyCJTdkHkk2P5uzPXAbE4FP8XK49qmCqaGBVJQCsanXzE/s1600/Tonight%2527s+Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BoTRZPokj-UmFjwJtaS0kZPTxAvlSUNKCEhg2ZhESgwKI0L1DVanusXEkQ6uHREcfiJubF6cPi-_KP4kCJIJCwfEDdODf4IyCJTdkHkk2P5uzPXAbE4FP8XK49qmCqaGBVJQCsanXzE/s320/Tonight%2527s+Dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally, here was tonight's dinner. It's been eons since I made taco salad! I couldn't remember what ingredients to use, so I did a quick Google search, but none of those recipes sounded like the taco salad I remember my mom making, so I combed the recesses of my memory and came up with the following: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 ears of corn, lightly steamed, then sliced off the cob</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 basket of cherry tomatoes, cut in half</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 bunch scallions, chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 can olives, sliced </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 avocado, diced into 1/2 inch chunks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1 pound hamburger, cooked, crumbled, fat rinsed off with hot water and then seasoned with 1 rounded teaspoon each of cumin, chili pepper and paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2 cups ( approx) of corn chips broken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the dressing I mixed a little mayonnaise and salsa together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I put everything into a very large bowl and mixed it all together. It turned out to be simple, yet very filling . Actually, it tasted quite good. Some shredded cheddar cheese would have made it even better.</div><br />
Well, that's the mish-mash. for May.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Homestay Mama<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-5206814026246856742011-05-06T01:36:00.000-07:002011-05-06T01:36:20.117-07:00Mount Vernon Tulips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">For my birthday this year (in April) we went to the tulip festival in Mount Vernon. I love tulips!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JBvdrOwyKG-nbnQFa9TAbDq7bjHepxYj3u1LMu62YrOiycEK1p5YZ48Tdp7IekyAbCwN1R4bnlBmbfEX_nyhBLhKV51rbnPx4YAf3_excRLf5WC8FOc3jXiRMM7CkW3YPtO5akon8dc/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JBvdrOwyKG-nbnQFa9TAbDq7bjHepxYj3u1LMu62YrOiycEK1p5YZ48Tdp7IekyAbCwN1R4bnlBmbfEX_nyhBLhKV51rbnPx4YAf3_excRLf5WC8FOc3jXiRMM7CkW3YPtO5akon8dc/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+067.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are always acres and acres of tulips in a rainbow of colors. The tulips draw people from around the world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6QPqtrQFcYB96I_fSUo_x-QO3myF6RH3HMgB5jnrIoAO6vIKsZ3mqkRDHopKREHWQ2bnb8z7dPIdbwYgKYvq1kDGlK7bmRn-T035GTNERUkDwF_iIa8gGUwMpzZPh5KWt2bl3grSpOc/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6QPqtrQFcYB96I_fSUo_x-QO3myF6RH3HMgB5jnrIoAO6vIKsZ3mqkRDHopKREHWQ2bnb8z7dPIdbwYgKYvq1kDGlK7bmRn-T035GTNERUkDwF_iIa8gGUwMpzZPh5KWt2bl3grSpOc/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Toshi and the crowds of people in the background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTOTXzW_HK_6O6FEjnOL9Wl1OfozaJU4SsDRmhUPpJWujIKOOiHdpKlclBTMB8S13gnwch768n3JHLaSbAg-K4NsJ3BnHpwqzEHqCbbW1D_0wQvbftJCs65YEuzwRcuO_TeJzux-x8RE/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTOTXzW_HK_6O6FEjnOL9Wl1OfozaJU4SsDRmhUPpJWujIKOOiHdpKlclBTMB8S13gnwch768n3JHLaSbAg-K4NsJ3BnHpwqzEHqCbbW1D_0wQvbftJCs65YEuzwRcuO_TeJzux-x8RE/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this color combination.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPZ6AlVPUZrPNuDrCTqYz9ocP4j4Es0YBSzJhKSzRiNjQr3JLU_i33dQM5gjcoEoXDl1bW7cwvEaIqKg-yjXxVW67kVNZqWINZDLMYPv18SWt0IOAlhfm4CvR-5USyBE6glVER4_rp2w/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPZ6AlVPUZrPNuDrCTqYz9ocP4j4Es0YBSzJhKSzRiNjQr3JLU_i33dQM5gjcoEoXDl1bW7cwvEaIqKg-yjXxVW67kVNZqWINZDLMYPv18SWt0IOAlhfm4CvR-5USyBE6glVER4_rp2w/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Tae and Toshi out in the fields.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IxlWIbO-hbijmXEsVpUoUzfyOheV6SxEx-IXaxVWrD_beZBqbnM_Zn0P0UyWAcH6kUGhGOZ3xuYyAJeZLM3fSQgh8B2A5si109zjlGaBJUP8wsjLnFpQ1k-kS7YBz8PYQ7VqdB6SrgY/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IxlWIbO-hbijmXEsVpUoUzfyOheV6SxEx-IXaxVWrD_beZBqbnM_Zn0P0UyWAcH6kUGhGOZ3xuYyAJeZLM3fSQgh8B2A5si109zjlGaBJUP8wsjLnFpQ1k-kS7YBz8PYQ7VqdB6SrgY/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Red tulips are my favorite. I especially like this photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXECWnSpmVv9LlOqDRUb_ZMi5kCOFGQIwZOIoyktlYeS7dHG8vr_eUP0AVE0848lp3FFU0X3A7gwOJJYfqXKD-lUFa_DuHlWHBL2vwuX0JQvuWeCJ7P9U7yBCHcofCOsGhdwy7FwphUiU/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXECWnSpmVv9LlOqDRUb_ZMi5kCOFGQIwZOIoyktlYeS7dHG8vr_eUP0AVE0848lp3FFU0X3A7gwOJJYfqXKD-lUFa_DuHlWHBL2vwuX0JQvuWeCJ7P9U7yBCHcofCOsGhdwy7FwphUiU/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">More colors with the Mount Vernon hills in the background.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqOxgnWD-tlw_clrFeNY3tdy5AqhirNfeCUURcX6zbmAQCqAeNGLxQei6wciqNoNGL31PLupIWuMpwLUcRqZv1byEj7neiOT2cSWpjNnvq4kYTq4h6m8ZYI41RJ_C1S8vI89GJz4GxtQ/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqOxgnWD-tlw_clrFeNY3tdy5AqhirNfeCUURcX6zbmAQCqAeNGLxQei6wciqNoNGL31PLupIWuMpwLUcRqZv1byEj7neiOT2cSWpjNnvq4kYTq4h6m8ZYI41RJ_C1S8vI89GJz4GxtQ/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Tulips with an unusual shape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzynK2sYbB9NYDreDImqxzb4jQNnYL-OLvG6ae8hOfvJzTzDhWocVZBaZP9AWeLzbNp_Czy8F5EUaHF7M5sYBQqTJnGnl7ORVp0p7msDhUGgp96Vuw4HosWfVxKPQ6dOdb6Re01uUkLQ/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzynK2sYbB9NYDreDImqxzb4jQNnYL-OLvG6ae8hOfvJzTzDhWocVZBaZP9AWeLzbNp_Czy8F5EUaHF7M5sYBQqTJnGnl7ORVp0p7msDhUGgp96Vuw4HosWfVxKPQ6dOdb6Re01uUkLQ/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+033.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Patriotic tulips and grape hyacinths.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAdY_kpC-Md5rWl_ip8l81eM1iv1_WJCshNcKBRW7AwzU8Q5oGk8mNuHTBlI5BKRGewbLpgmRcFaqTytZikSc21tEESJ6rFvxRAxigLE92JJkSMtqwchjtbBnbwb2GHnf6UpiKj3We2g/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAdY_kpC-Md5rWl_ip8l81eM1iv1_WJCshNcKBRW7AwzU8Q5oGk8mNuHTBlI5BKRGewbLpgmRcFaqTytZikSc21tEESJ6rFvxRAxigLE92JJkSMtqwchjtbBnbwb2GHnf6UpiKj3We2g/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Love this colorful tulip bed--just look at that shimmering florescence. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWkDl1K2kiv1yra1V5FM7VMIRpsVJMO55BNl5Omx7RdMWPA2ixP_OqkhKt2tDrhB8J0hKfOsImDsi09UxJgC9Y8DqPUQhvV8Fg8IXP6Srb-uQ86l8E2CqqpKevvIzU6_Lpk-ewZRHc4w/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWkDl1K2kiv1yra1V5FM7VMIRpsVJMO55BNl5Omx7RdMWPA2ixP_OqkhKt2tDrhB8J0hKfOsImDsi09UxJgC9Y8DqPUQhvV8Fg8IXP6Srb-uQ86l8E2CqqpKevvIzU6_Lpk-ewZRHc4w/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I'm awestruck with the huge variety of colors, shapes and sizes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_KHyOwWuLWoPNKNgNxOYX99iL9NLo28a3fpQDNKIicBR9DkWtFZUx_FSFkzMgDd2nTnERavVl4DD9cfkXbCKWPZYKbSZcSXr2Ce1Q_g1yA68RZeiQHU6nI0_FM5rsiDlr5Zan6geEiM/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_KHyOwWuLWoPNKNgNxOYX99iL9NLo28a3fpQDNKIicBR9DkWtFZUx_FSFkzMgDd2nTnERavVl4DD9cfkXbCKWPZYKbSZcSXr2Ce1Q_g1yA68RZeiQHU6nI0_FM5rsiDlr5Zan6geEiM/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Toshi and Tae by the windmill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg_ZLdZXFrZ93jRIg7z1dZpKfe9J9420Ja4AjH9QuptRou2gj4b7g6eGKybMLYH1xnb85GnSr1D22DEbluqolngCUEV8Dpb8pBkGk8pdQC0hwNTtdrfvlVhF9TNdbUWid1LhVWv2VUJo/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYg_ZLdZXFrZ93jRIg7z1dZpKfe9J9420Ja4AjH9QuptRou2gj4b7g6eGKybMLYH1xnb85GnSr1D22DEbluqolngCUEV8Dpb8pBkGk8pdQC0hwNTtdrfvlVhF9TNdbUWid1LhVWv2VUJo/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+051.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our trip to the tulip festival was part of my birthday present. Tae and Toshi also bought a cake from the Korean Bakery near my home. Their cakes are just the way I like them--not overly sweet--</div><div style="text-align: center;">and they are so pretty. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGiRNyOWBqf1s9gT5b4-Q_quxyxf98s5TLoBsAeEqu1KLI527XGnYI8f8v6atsH3IPeEgv5QhOntrlIyjdQPdV9tHtcZfh-sbGYw0kvZHs7FuAD7aAWnV_1tB3Rd6WUwa-uSCIyNp4gY/s1600/Birthday+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGiRNyOWBqf1s9gT5b4-Q_quxyxf98s5TLoBsAeEqu1KLI527XGnYI8f8v6atsH3IPeEgv5QhOntrlIyjdQPdV9tHtcZfh-sbGYw0kvZHs7FuAD7aAWnV_1tB3Rd6WUwa-uSCIyNp4gY/s320/Birthday+Cake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Toshi bought my birthday card and made sure all my homestay students signed it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I had no clue he was doing this. What a wonderful surprise!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLBo722qqNBr9ZhsNosdZVpdR0kDGsSPac6BDosVJXtML_SM1K0itXkBc-fFmwMAr1LgjC-o4BZ448klO1wMFzZwGNpGmrKKWxLlF33MB8fDJHLF_n1R_wqrWaMKlsC3iGNyYVnLolNc/s1600/Birthday+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLBo722qqNBr9ZhsNosdZVpdR0kDGsSPac6BDosVJXtML_SM1K0itXkBc-fFmwMAr1LgjC-o4BZ448klO1wMFzZwGNpGmrKKWxLlF33MB8fDJHLF_n1R_wqrWaMKlsC3iGNyYVnLolNc/s320/Birthday+Card.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Just look at their sweet messages! They make this mama's heart sing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SFvvBG12UtMNSW7uyE0PoO7_3_20dCS2uiG7y2YNCjXqrKlHieDPKrZdGU0SDNX9smBuoW5Ko_ViowhN1VZhSYq46C82JVH1BaQPQq7jVxlX1ycM1JbFyNFQ-3A1p6A3seSAReksAwY/s1600/Copy+of+Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SFvvBG12UtMNSW7uyE0PoO7_3_20dCS2uiG7y2YNCjXqrKlHieDPKrZdGU0SDNX9smBuoW5Ko_ViowhN1VZhSYq46C82JVH1BaQPQq7jVxlX1ycM1JbFyNFQ-3A1p6A3seSAReksAwY/s320/Copy+of+Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+074.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a most wonderful birthday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzXZZZdSAiLKkLMTsQHc29D79yuSCOdIyLzigzM5lLUpeoETQlvOr3pf8Sj18Jcg6yYCzOK7z1eN9eFzKUXfAd8Vwb0kF6UlvNfFPbqxDqpj2PWwN-JSc4ZCHo46q2OFp64r0Ks7V0ws/s1600/Happy+BD%252C+Sue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzXZZZdSAiLKkLMTsQHc29D79yuSCOdIyLzigzM5lLUpeoETQlvOr3pf8Sj18Jcg6yYCzOK7z1eN9eFzKUXfAd8Vwb0kF6UlvNfFPbqxDqpj2PWwN-JSc4ZCHo46q2OFp64r0Ks7V0ws/s320/Happy+BD%252C+Sue.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But that's not all! For the rest of my birthday present, Tae organized a kitchen clean-up. He emptied the trash and cleaned the kitchen with a little help from Toshi. What a thoughtful young man!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvrhuA1Tz88qrJbPh2E5Wg4NYHs-wPIdOD5WlTdBSHMFY6KHMBB-rLLH9_gq23KwSZAu-P3lXe8n9XG8ExZ8HnFnM9UgFqxRIBbCXzOSKTsmClLehdhRaTOFedX-lQQ8iF7tvBZ20YQ4/s1600/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvrhuA1Tz88qrJbPh2E5Wg4NYHs-wPIdOD5WlTdBSHMFY6KHMBB-rLLH9_gq23KwSZAu-P3lXe8n9XG8ExZ8HnFnM9UgFqxRIBbCXzOSKTsmClLehdhRaTOFedX-lQQ8iF7tvBZ20YQ4/s320/Tulip+Festival+in+Mt+Vernon+2011+081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think I'm one very lucky (and a little spoiled?) homestay mama!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-21187977351815808972011-04-12T01:05:00.000-07:002011-04-12T01:05:02.219-07:00Come See Me, Gramma Sue!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Nothing can top being a grandma!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div>My first granddaughter is a gift from God. You can read my first post about her <a href="http://hometotheworld.blogspot.com/2011/02/hurrier-i-go.html#comments">here</a>.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXnxdbW5RCrXzETPxz7laAMmNPdoyPkAOy3UjwywUHm8B8bKYoYB18IhFhILqsnRAEPEsy7VPLPz4K1jJPLtj9dzOmskV7OOC43wpYGd2SWa2Gx9qikIiAAiub-XLVBdA20DelMVxmqQ/s1600/Malak%252C+%2528age+2%2529+Houston%252C+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXnxdbW5RCrXzETPxz7laAMmNPdoyPkAOy3UjwywUHm8B8bKYoYB18IhFhILqsnRAEPEsy7VPLPz4K1jJPLtj9dzOmskV7OOC43wpYGd2SWa2Gx9qikIiAAiub-XLVBdA20DelMVxmqQ/s400/Malak%252C+%2528age+2%2529+Houston%252C+2010.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Malak is a happy little 2 1/2 year-old who bubbles with energy and laughter. Today she called me all the way from her home in Saudi Arabia. I was on my lunch hour; she was ready for bed. I asked her how she was in English--she told me all about her day in Arabic. I don't know Arabic. But, the excitement and enthusiasm in her voice made my day--especially when she sang the ABC song that I had taught her back in October.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fQvu88aAkyYSNyHe_dI3Vtk515MqzVnJRwPjvNxZTzlm2UomGU4r8BGvCJP7C04SvPO2M0HxZbxyAhfKusHEb6rJ27_HBSatmZXTO8VZMfhBbkl39JfvVe52ccuBrfkPWkqZmMnJblU/s1600/Mohamed%252C+Zahra%252C+Malak%252C+Areej%252C+2010+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fQvu88aAkyYSNyHe_dI3Vtk515MqzVnJRwPjvNxZTzlm2UomGU4r8BGvCJP7C04SvPO2M0HxZbxyAhfKusHEb6rJ27_HBSatmZXTO8VZMfhBbkl39JfvVe52ccuBrfkPWkqZmMnJblU/s400/Mohamed%252C+Zahra%252C+Malak%252C+Areej%252C+2010+029.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Before she hung up, [with her mommy's help], she said in English, "Come see me, Gramma Sue."<br />
<br />
"I'm coming, my darling. Only eight more months and Gramma Sue will come see you in Saudi."<br />
<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Gramma Sue <br />
<br />
[aka, Homestay Mama]Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-33122628366380591212011-04-02T18:41:00.000-07:002011-04-02T18:41:27.373-07:00Cooking is Innate in Men!Cooking is not my 'thing.' I do it because I have to. <br />
Men are better cooks. I swear they are. It's innate in them. <br />
<br />
I will admit that I can make some pretty good pancakes, but my omelettes burn on the bottom. Every time. <br />
<br />
Toshi doesn't cook--doesn't even make sandwiches. The most I've seen him do is put a bag of popcorn in the microwave! <br />
<br />
So anyhow, this morning I was late getting breakfast on the table. Toshi was starving--well, not literally--but he stood staring into the refrigerator. I could tell he was very hungry. <br />
<br />
"Toshi, if you'll help me, we can have breakfast real soon." <br />
<br />
"OK," he hesitated, "but what can I do?" <br />
<br />
"Break 6 eggs into this glass measuring pitcher, then get the egg beater out of the drawer and beat them until they are well mixed and a little fluffy." I seeded and chopped a plum tomato, a couple tablespoons of an orange sweet pepper and three green onions. <br />
<br />
"OK."<br />
<br />
"Now put the skillet on the stove and turn the burner to medium. Pour in about a tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle a couple drops of water on the oil. When it starts to sputter, the skillet is ready." I stirred the pancake batter. <br />
<br />
Pop, sputter, crack! "I guess it's ready now."<br />
<br />
"Yep, sounds like it. Now pour the eggs into the skillet and sprinkle the chopped veggies over them. Then shake some salt, pepper and a little onion powder over the top." I flipped a couple pancakes.<br />
<br />
"Like this?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, that's good. OK, now put the lid on the skillet and turn the heat down to simmer." I flipped more pancakes. Toshi warmed some maple syrup in the microwave and set the table.<br />
<br />
When the pancakes were done, I lifted the lid to check on the omelette. It was ready. I cut it into wedges and loosened it around the edges, then gently lifted out the first couple of pieces. They came out too easy. Nothing was sticking to the pan. Nothing was burned. The bottom of the pan was clean as a whistle! <br />
<br />
Amazing! My omelettes never turned out like this! Never!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MDHKUKrUD4g4OWqaRhVUwz1cCF_PgrLU2yS9sVcxs7E-C78LfQI1rYQ4ZAJoZPRAz5xnq3StyimUvmukRlD8C6FGuEmIHQJfI7Ogw6jPbRK8FGzrDaSJi4nOx4uUItt5eoIC-u8VKAg/s1600/Toshi+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MDHKUKrUD4g4OWqaRhVUwz1cCF_PgrLU2yS9sVcxs7E-C78LfQI1rYQ4ZAJoZPRAz5xnq3StyimUvmukRlD8C6FGuEmIHQJfI7Ogw6jPbRK8FGzrDaSJi4nOx4uUItt5eoIC-u8VKAg/s400/Toshi+011.jpg" /></a></div><br />
See? I told you cooking was innate in men and now I offer these pictures as proof!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIejYyabIRCWk7B2mwHOKvLoSjnpVZkmTbGsnqekpi-8TPfGQQwzuWgziuBVzX6QmjdzuP5SoNi8efN6vCoLQy2K1cf3ponzFRcEQ9uDaAz4FUtASracHTG9F0rev6qNjPHsiwIRA8Iho/s1600/Toshi+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIejYyabIRCWk7B2mwHOKvLoSjnpVZkmTbGsnqekpi-8TPfGQQwzuWgziuBVzX6QmjdzuP5SoNi8efN6vCoLQy2K1cf3ponzFRcEQ9uDaAz4FUtASracHTG9F0rev6qNjPHsiwIRA8Iho/s400/Toshi+012.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Toshi was pleased. And, I was humbled. Next time I'm going to watch how he does it and learn from him!<br />
<br />
Bowing to the next great chef...<br />
Love,<br />
Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-39276490754432493662011-03-26T02:43:00.000-07:002011-03-26T02:48:02.433-07:00Helping Japan One Pin Badge at a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVNkqL9hURtqPV7uPScuBeqgWYM5ehkd3CZSJucDTIvN1VyIJ0Kjv7FvwcOpmAREiFxwGxzBeI5mFScTY9mjAcxPbQFZZawKZm24MtRmCAP8FSdFt2UL2IoIK51TbmBpwUbj0TsFizMQ/s1600/i_332311038647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVNkqL9hURtqPV7uPScuBeqgWYM5ehkd3CZSJucDTIvN1VyIJ0Kjv7FvwcOpmAREiFxwGxzBeI5mFScTY9mjAcxPbQFZZawKZm24MtRmCAP8FSdFt2UL2IoIK51TbmBpwUbj0TsFizMQ/s400/i_332311038647.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
March 11, 2011 at 2:46 p.m. will forever be etched in my memory! Sadness engulfed me as I learned about the earthquake, tsunami and radiation leak that devastated the northeastern coast of Japan on that day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtPXAbZsZ7ZfSfq3EYKLNw_UMQgKOfGWa-nll55WIeQgbmTq7kPq11ghr5n0uUMPa30d_F53nPkSCQKxt_zG3J8Sedtf9q7x9Rr669Zanre9yGZdEnr8xE2Qe6SVJ61sbemaXh-a2EDI/s1600/i_332161038628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtPXAbZsZ7ZfSfq3EYKLNw_UMQgKOfGWa-nll55WIeQgbmTq7kPq11ghr5n0uUMPa30d_F53nPkSCQKxt_zG3J8Sedtf9q7x9Rr669Zanre9yGZdEnr8xE2Qe6SVJ61sbemaXh-a2EDI/s400/i_332161038628.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
What about Toshi's family? Were they alright? And what about all my former Japanese homestay students--all thirteen of them? Where were they when this triple whammy slammed Japan? Were they alright? Or, were they--God forbid--among the tens of thousands who perished? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojFeAnrRTvuuGszCVBy81TFwbcWf8Dz3h7IGdzthVkC5I_JemVK1tgRTvkPIUyMSDHkrNaqBuhYJSkm2okRPuaa6S3GFFB1TNcv-0Ah8H2W2lNSNuI8N2Huv0K9sth_knZKwWgnNXQyY/s1600/i_332031038615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojFeAnrRTvuuGszCVBy81TFwbcWf8Dz3h7IGdzthVkC5I_JemVK1tgRTvkPIUyMSDHkrNaqBuhYJSkm2okRPuaa6S3GFFB1TNcv-0Ah8H2W2lNSNuI8N2Huv0K9sth_knZKwWgnNXQyY/s400/i_332031038615.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
We quickly learned that all of Toshi's family were safe--their house received a few cracks from the earthquake, but nothing major. They live far enough inland that the tsunami didn't touch them. Thank God!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwFjEkyQDPZYPNucmlegDgUxY5udEX4yqitlpSEOkNzLoNrrlgdZBktuN_5iaVzfksxyubVIQ9zR1riE_-33WhK1IwpPkP3yTsNSGNbe1hGOsh4yWwwFEfULa6Cc2pSmr1qUJPszRybc/s1600/i_33514l_332261038622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwFjEkyQDPZYPNucmlegDgUxY5udEX4yqitlpSEOkNzLoNrrlgdZBktuN_5iaVzfksxyubVIQ9zR1riE_-33WhK1IwpPkP3yTsNSGNbe1hGOsh4yWwwFEfULa6Cc2pSmr1qUJPszRybc/s400/i_33514l_332261038622.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
I've also heard from two of my former homestay students. One lives in Tokyo and the other lives in Kyoto and neither were affected. Praise God for that good news, also! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg2k1hRCA0iRjbuFWmIZIl_KZmAggncRpgHP9B8BTEHk-_A5vxVt_1-LwFfy7pFWw-k1uSgwFLuXMayXhiunPOdkNud0XUsnygHcQ94E5E79mnXsbtyzVtLEVW7L5QlvMxdOm2ucnTxY/s1600/i_332001038616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg2k1hRCA0iRjbuFWmIZIl_KZmAggncRpgHP9B8BTEHk-_A5vxVt_1-LwFfy7pFWw-k1uSgwFLuXMayXhiunPOdkNud0XUsnygHcQ94E5E79mnXsbtyzVtLEVW7L5QlvMxdOm2ucnTxY/s400/i_332001038616.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
But, I continue to worry about my other eleven homestay students. And, my heart still aches for those I don't even know who lost their family, their homes, their livelihoods--literally everything! Their needs are staggering! I want to help. But how?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusdk0SFa1Qqa1fBgJcpfdOfk6EWueCJcF90FuYzk3AlcgnyD5gEun9J0h8NkoPVpSKgyxAGtVJJwUzPzb3gL-jtTcAxAd6zrCnfnfhqJXW902h-gxQDkYk7gmhNQNOv3IcJovKFdWPtg/s1600/i_332111038623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusdk0SFa1Qqa1fBgJcpfdOfk6EWueCJcF90FuYzk3AlcgnyD5gEun9J0h8NkoPVpSKgyxAGtVJJwUzPzb3gL-jtTcAxAd6zrCnfnfhqJXW902h-gxQDkYk7gmhNQNOv3IcJovKFdWPtg/s400/i_332111038623.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>One of my former homestay students is married, living in New York City and working on his medical degree. His wife (from Japan) has a master's degree in art. Today I received this e-mail from him....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1GIhLh110c2e5MZdow8SwH4Uhs15IfZMZT5J_jxeXu1kEbIUd6Qiigq_OzWMiLSMyNwCQovzmmHeNIegXZRD2UxC-2vp8VUlODBE19FmBne3Xq-ZkJBHw5Kks2bfTsN_MGsZpkCxppo/s1600/IMG_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1GIhLh110c2e5MZdow8SwH4Uhs15IfZMZT5J_jxeXu1kEbIUd6Qiigq_OzWMiLSMyNwCQovzmmHeNIegXZRD2UxC-2vp8VUlODBE19FmBne3Xq-ZkJBHw5Kks2bfTsN_MGsZpkCxppo/s400/IMG_1285.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<i>"My wife is helping a non-profit designer group to support the aftermath from the Earthquake, Tsunami and Radiation disaster in Japan. Each artist has designed and produced a pin badge at their personal expense. The designers will donate profits from the sales of their pin badges to the American Red Cross for the casualties in Japan. <br />
<br />
Their web store launched this week, and about 40 buttons were sold yesterday. We hope to continue raising funds to help the people of Japan in need.<br />
<br />
Please, visit our site to support our cause by pasting the following into your browser or clicking the link: <a href="http://hopejp.wazala.com/">http://hopejp.wazala.com/ </a><br />
<br />
If you could spread the word to your family, friends or colleagues through any type of communication medium like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Personal Blog or e-mail; we would be grateful. Thank you for taking the time to read this email and for your contribution." Ryan and Kanako</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLnJ2xW4ogg3qeNwVKNjA8yC7jcTzHuKm80jhl6wwo097qT5Szy7DGi_NuGe5GejOFoeWI-vYwBowT5u4ZYSeY2T_JhMFvmSzH60AGXs3tM3BACxEH9Syb8B7PErrItx8v7FySsnjjRk/s1600/i_332171038631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLnJ2xW4ogg3qeNwVKNjA8yC7jcTzHuKm80jhl6wwo097qT5Szy7DGi_NuGe5GejOFoeWI-vYwBowT5u4ZYSeY2T_JhMFvmSzH60AGXs3tM3BACxEH9Syb8B7PErrItx8v7FySsnjjRk/s400/i_332171038631.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
I was thrilled with this unique way to help! By buying these pins badges, I'm helping the people affected by this disaster. By wearing these pin badges on my lapel, I can bring attention to this unique & worthy effort and be reminded to keep hope alive as I pray for my homestay students and the people of Japan. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RueWzCmUg6c-mYuGSkDPPhPXF9xigdQFsgLDOefX2Q8CHbox32VugwFelifUQzt1fYd2ufYADeHVqDEGoaUxQHP7B0nixMEnMDeDbtorl2YJkkgTIQclWxji7nPENwXpOWYTkxH82H8/s1600/i_332011038632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RueWzCmUg6c-mYuGSkDPPhPXF9xigdQFsgLDOefX2Q8CHbox32VugwFelifUQzt1fYd2ufYADeHVqDEGoaUxQHP7B0nixMEnMDeDbtorl2YJkkgTIQclWxji7nPENwXpOWYTkxH82H8/s400/i_332011038632.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
There are many more designs on their <a href="http://hopejp.wazala.com/">website</a>. I hope you will check them out and place an order if you can. Every little bit will help. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0j97Mt0qmKCEY5u0mQYFDaWMIatEq8O1ljIzyPQHz97F-ypcDR3_STNBRmRPR3-OrLsv06S3H_g9Y_6fq7Ix_mETj2fTf3Sy8du-Y6qacV8Xg1e1sOnNl60kHwJoF2tPHbsoyjM4BqI/s1600/i_331991038612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0j97Mt0qmKCEY5u0mQYFDaWMIatEq8O1ljIzyPQHz97F-ypcDR3_STNBRmRPR3-OrLsv06S3H_g9Y_6fq7Ix_mETj2fTf3Sy8du-Y6qacV8Xg1e1sOnNl60kHwJoF2tPHbsoyjM4BqI/s400/i_331991038612.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>Also, I hope you will continue to pray for the people of Japan as they face the daunting and overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3Wf2L4cvpNk4zImmgsLN5LTZ4iUduVeWBU-cGJylS_oJvwl_eeOQRDzoOxJVL_Jjge9e7yBowrDShzT10uuH1EL5R8qE75bnU1QnYr3flVowjG-eiJqesUXY1zKYpFKygHnufmp_0rk/s1600/i_332051038620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3Wf2L4cvpNk4zImmgsLN5LTZ4iUduVeWBU-cGJylS_oJvwl_eeOQRDzoOxJVL_Jjge9e7yBowrDShzT10uuH1EL5R8qE75bnU1QnYr3flVowjG-eiJqesUXY1zKYpFKygHnufmp_0rk/s400/i_332051038620.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOzXZxIdeDVcb9aTgf4tTB5N9bJLZStc5YkxKFcOKx0fRHVDzuXOqgUh-r2v_u1yZZutBpM0bunY3aMgDaY9knhNsFaNqVesf2iZu8NMey3re6RwdI9-vQ3vo7n2mw3t0B9l1Z0k4xio/s1600/i_332021038627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOzXZxIdeDVcb9aTgf4tTB5N9bJLZStc5YkxKFcOKx0fRHVDzuXOqgUh-r2v_u1yZZutBpM0bunY3aMgDaY9knhNsFaNqVesf2iZu8NMey3re6RwdI9-vQ3vo7n2mw3t0B9l1Z0k4xio/s400/i_332021038627.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-69294911119862609892011-03-22T23:54:00.000-07:002011-03-22T23:58:50.907-07:00Cause for CelebrationMay I brag a little?<br />
My homestay students are very smart young men! They are the creme de la creme! They study long hours. They ace their exams. And, at the end of each quarter, they come home with top grades. <br />
<br />
This is Toshi from Japan. He is a junior at our local University majoring in psychology. With a major like that, you can imagine his classes are pretty tough. On top of that he's studying in a class full of Americans and English is his second language. He burned a lot of midnight oil this past quarter, studying and writing 'umpteen' papers. Many nights on my way to bed, I noticed the light in his room still shining out from under his door. Today he got his grades for last quarter--straight A's in all his classes! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIPWuTqKrOEGmXX-YBUcvitZI8RiwPI9LzwNO4Oc2ak29bIpZsts1OeEFVcsNDmVYlRaAMQwNfDO7mc7S9vlvNjBGHelosgqQCZ9D_QzzCPTtib9j4EZ0zhZcZ9mTih8Xd7kZQiaTIqs/s1600/Cause+for+Celebration+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIPWuTqKrOEGmXX-YBUcvitZI8RiwPI9LzwNO4Oc2ak29bIpZsts1OeEFVcsNDmVYlRaAMQwNfDO7mc7S9vlvNjBGHelosgqQCZ9D_QzzCPTtib9j4EZ0zhZcZ9mTih8Xd7kZQiaTIqs/s320/Cause+for+Celebration+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is Abdul from Saudi. Three months ago he came to Seattle to learn English at the local University. When he first arrived, I used simple English words and he used his translator a lot. But he's been learning by leaps and bounds! We can now carry on a normal conversation and he no longer needs the translator. He has just graduated from ESL level one to ESL level two. I am truly amazed at his progress!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHLQZMjFx_3ZmhhtVyOhnSPvbH7BojPbjMe5qJv_lKy8896Gf2Nhutigz9gOwpKEMOEqYawUWc6I3g8jkciJXgH2T-HpkrJVFBlozhuud8e0C5NfXvH37xSy4MfAtbfJXvC_1jlkKoUU/s1600/Cause+for+Celebration+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQHLQZMjFx_3ZmhhtVyOhnSPvbH7BojPbjMe5qJv_lKy8896Gf2Nhutigz9gOwpKEMOEqYawUWc6I3g8jkciJXgH2T-HpkrJVFBlozhuud8e0C5NfXvH37xSy4MfAtbfJXvC_1jlkKoUU/s320/Cause+for+Celebration+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So bring on the ice cream! This is cause for celebration!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVhOpsljfwfZ4JHTJL7rUKOeinZGpPqmXSA_K5zk0FAZWyAqXlPGzver8wRbJqR2XhU0YbhXkVzw2F9yXdeHclATqXFeu-A_gub_dmLAq9fPZRaiEKGA9IqP_mU11L5Xj940kmeApGeI/s1600/Cause+for+Celebration+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVhOpsljfwfZ4JHTJL7rUKOeinZGpPqmXSA_K5zk0FAZWyAqXlPGzver8wRbJqR2XhU0YbhXkVzw2F9yXdeHclATqXFeu-A_gub_dmLAq9fPZRaiEKGA9IqP_mU11L5Xj940kmeApGeI/s320/Cause+for+Celebration+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Congratulations, Abdul and Toshi, you are the best! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Your very proud Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-67439776119771886662011-03-20T21:47:00.000-07:002011-03-20T21:47:32.836-07:00A Big HindranceI've been trying to blog. Honest, I have. <br />
Scout's honor. <br />
<br />
But, I've run into a big hindrance....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JgVEDiL7U5mh_pMuWUOI_kJNBrnAOtj_dx8WVcb97rq9C5UadFjoqTaX2UyilqvLTxIOKcnuE-1ixvY-2kIWp2DBEtHR8LnNRCdsTkDH9JMRpabEOzvApzpOikFFmeRrgkNnp4irwyE/s1600/Trying+to+Blog+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JgVEDiL7U5mh_pMuWUOI_kJNBrnAOtj_dx8WVcb97rq9C5UadFjoqTaX2UyilqvLTxIOKcnuE-1ixvY-2kIWp2DBEtHR8LnNRCdsTkDH9JMRpabEOzvApzpOikFFmeRrgkNnp4irwyE/s320/Trying+to+Blog+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>a black, hairy, twelve-pound hindrance!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeA7fYMTw53h0Dq_gIBPYtNO8MHJhYbCFeetCZtNR0RnPRaemZSZnhyphenhyphen5gYyUt_AtAY_HhLem4C1lyYJjbgGEQNmLLLmy6nm4Xb-R077FmfNEw8uB7L-iqmH82RAE4gfT8a7QFrQCkPJk0/s1600/Trying+to+Blog+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeA7fYMTw53h0Dq_gIBPYtNO8MHJhYbCFeetCZtNR0RnPRaemZSZnhyphenhyphen5gYyUt_AtAY_HhLem4C1lyYJjbgGEQNmLLLmy6nm4Xb-R077FmfNEw8uB7L-iqmH82RAE4gfT8a7QFrQCkPJk0/s320/Trying+to+Blog+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Notice Teddy Bear's head and left paw in the next three pictures....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-1AgACoZA6SQDjOr6qm46M1Gn6gB9q5HLFfGR2rEIO81u8Hwal-3fuIccXW-m3Nivg-kNYoH5ZWvlCWbW9ZnNCMWUT79AlMyktl0w6Q9hhsg30nPAaO4qsKyYsTkcK8wBLbPPAh7jCg/s1600/Trying+to+Blog+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-1AgACoZA6SQDjOr6qm46M1Gn6gB9q5HLFfGR2rEIO81u8Hwal-3fuIccXW-m3Nivg-kNYoH5ZWvlCWbW9ZnNCMWUT79AlMyktl0w6Q9hhsg30nPAaO4qsKyYsTkcK8wBLbPPAh7jCg/s320/Trying+to+Blog+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>as he adjusts his position.... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFmoskOgH6DxDchFq-7Sj-u7fQuwOb-622G0_0_292-HXgGcLkltkksftvELz5G-FfjCg804Nu0fCPCwKUW5Hw12j8rxm7_RYrP3XZkppnY80POTQ3mRhUvklKmx4FiUbWmcyTaepti4/s1600/Trying+to+Blog+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFmoskOgH6DxDchFq-7Sj-u7fQuwOb-622G0_0_292-HXgGcLkltkksftvELz5G-FfjCg804Nu0fCPCwKUW5Hw12j8rxm7_RYrP3XZkppnY80POTQ3mRhUvklKmx4FiUbWmcyTaepti4/s320/Trying+to+Blog+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>to find a more comfortable spot!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKKcsnVcyq3bztgkOPB-GkEfh1XRZx2Vzuvfbl9aAH-DTSxJbSC1JXw35qX6jbdgou94OG6X8JHR2SKL91ceoVheKwH7_UgmuKTQnD_KjsaSC-yT_0Ld7ebicqVQs1LycS3zq-Bf-wdE/s1600/Trying+to+Blog+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMKKcsnVcyq3bztgkOPB-GkEfh1XRZx2Vzuvfbl9aAH-DTSxJbSC1JXw35qX6jbdgou94OG6X8JHR2SKL91ceoVheKwH7_UgmuKTQnD_KjsaSC-yT_0Ld7ebicqVQs1LycS3zq-Bf-wdE/s320/Trying+to+Blog+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>"Hey, where are you going?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzQVDqk28GGH7xYq0i1Inh6JAswt_9ffKMX5CnuiO6CqMDK6EOFfSPFLBjJeoOJcrIkJYhf8aXilGQXZzFaPuA0TORUtQZcH-c4oVmnd4wYAEJiZtdaC_R-xCZ7ykJ7iZzb6Lg-HKs8M/s1600/Trying+to+Blog+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVzQVDqk28GGH7xYq0i1Inh6JAswt_9ffKMX5CnuiO6CqMDK6EOFfSPFLBjJeoOJcrIkJYhf8aXilGQXZzFaPuA0TORUtQZcH-c4oVmnd4wYAEJiZtdaC_R-xCZ7ykJ7iZzb6Lg-HKs8M/s320/Trying+to+Blog+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm giving up. I'll try again next week... or next month....or whenever I get another break in my busy schedule.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-57798095199342973792011-02-12T02:02:00.000-08:002011-02-12T03:20:05.229-08:00The Hurrier I Go...It doesn't seem possible that eight months have passed since my last post!<br />
So much has happened--so much to write about--so little time! <br />
No, make that NO TIME!<br />
<br />
And, still I have no time, but I'll leave you with a few pics.<br />
I wish I could write more.<br />
Maybe in another month, or two, or.....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtJZ2Wu3zU8iSsPO4z_7szEIW6hMT6KvH50BjN4sdCDKYWrj3RNXLkHEYs9iXMIoQzl641wbo7JXSVaHbGzybnzX910acQ4VKr0UDf6HBnU0n_c4pYy-SXZYjy0_UQam0HXtkt-cjXjg/s1600/Gramma+Sue%252C+2010-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtJZ2Wu3zU8iSsPO4z_7szEIW6hMT6KvH50BjN4sdCDKYWrj3RNXLkHEYs9iXMIoQzl641wbo7JXSVaHbGzybnzX910acQ4VKr0UDf6HBnU0n_c4pYy-SXZYjy0_UQam0HXtkt-cjXjg/s400/Gramma+Sue%252C+2010-2.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">'Gramma Sue'</div>"Gramma Sue"--that name is music to my ears. This picture was taken November 1, 2010, the night I returned home from a week in Houston helping my former Saudi homestay student and his wife after the birth of their second daughter. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIS7KSEe5c0LTwXdUAsNYlWwbG6HTmR9thpV4HGQcppR74q5Ht7u0sK0hmczr8yyGY1ivYvlHKS2GDKb7m3lhiIuNd9Cx31hJs3km2ZfHvklPx62m-LHTnYD1NWdQSrSdhVU1XBWoYsc/s1600/Malak-little+angel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIS7KSEe5c0LTwXdUAsNYlWwbG6HTmR9thpV4HGQcppR74q5Ht7u0sK0hmczr8yyGY1ivYvlHKS2GDKb7m3lhiIuNd9Cx31hJs3km2ZfHvklPx62m-LHTnYD1NWdQSrSdhVU1XBWoYsc/s400/Malak-little+angel.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>This is Malak, their firstborn. I also helped them when she was born in Houston back in 2008. Now she is two years old and sooo cute! And smart! We had a lot fun together! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1WTR4-bJ_DWncvOJ2FIoifW_fyuJBOVB2Z443XMxQVMN68psnkKMdtAdsn4N5KdX0xsVa7NMAoJgPg0CiKmuXk1IovM40XsWeGjNJgl2BlXNgtwFxNmedIeZEcqniCmBUoT8eTdKf2I/s1600/Areej%252C+age+4+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1WTR4-bJ_DWncvOJ2FIoifW_fyuJBOVB2Z443XMxQVMN68psnkKMdtAdsn4N5KdX0xsVa7NMAoJgPg0CiKmuXk1IovM40XsWeGjNJgl2BlXNgtwFxNmedIeZEcqniCmBUoT8eTdKf2I/s400/Areej%252C+age+4+days.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is Areej at 4 days old. She's so calm and laid back. What a little sweetie. I only wish I could have stayed longer! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *</div><br />
Now go back to the first picture and check out the plaque on the wall behind me. I bought that back in 1970, from a little country store in Pennsylvania. It's an old Amish saying:<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><b>"The hurrier I go, the behinder I get!" </b></span></blockquote>....which describes my life to a "T"! [sigh] and is the real reason why I haven't posted in eight months! <br />
<br />
I hope it won't be eight more months before I can post again, but if it is, I hope you won't forget me! <br />
<br />
Hurrying off to my next task.........<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-65987624085296101682010-06-10T22:35:00.000-07:002010-06-11T00:59:56.292-07:00Please Don't Forget Me!I haven't been visiting my friends in Blogland lately--much to my dismay! And sadly, neither have I been posting anything in my own two blogs. Not that I don't want to. I really miss all of you! And, I have lots to tell you. But either I've slowed down considerably in my old age, or I've heaped way too much on my plate! Actually, it's probably a combination of the two. All I know is that there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. So, I've hired one of the girls in my neighborhood to come help me every Saturday for the next three months!<br /><br />The slightly warmer weather plus the abundance of rain has precipitated prolific weed growth in my flower beds this Spring. It's also encouraged my lawn to grow from 'newly mowed' to 'past my ankles,' in less than 48 hours! OK, so I exaggerate a little, but not by much--as you can see in this photo.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjGE_uZG92Vu6mlfPOeeCIJw71EnxDN7WFZC7nNDwQ19rS7hMtxANzDGO8F_6Ki3_EvSYV8Ic7_v4T3YiHWpiCLtyTekBSWa1t0ipOrktwHfvfAi6aNEsF0rnr3duiDqo72tOi6iVqng/s1600/YardWork.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjGE_uZG92Vu6mlfPOeeCIJw71EnxDN7WFZC7nNDwQ19rS7hMtxANzDGO8F_6Ki3_EvSYV8Ic7_v4T3YiHWpiCLtyTekBSWa1t0ipOrktwHfvfAi6aNEsF0rnr3duiDqo72tOi6iVqng/s400/YardWork.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481406848224881314" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, it's been an unusually rainy Spring, but we hope some positive thoughts, a clean deck/lawn furniture and some potted flowers will attract some warmer, sunnier weather!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EOgIJ2621gj2ijVPc3NSb-2YmSdXdLLRDpxRmzCCwfIyMHXFLG3o0seKZ94kXY4twGI8Fz4bpMGq6I_lMZDieCuIH8aj0youuVFszsilPN2_VkTZI_HNxlg_trMVxG1jOYL12WwdJ4s/s1600/YardWork+008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EOgIJ2621gj2ijVPc3NSb-2YmSdXdLLRDpxRmzCCwfIyMHXFLG3o0seKZ94kXY4twGI8Fz4bpMGq6I_lMZDieCuIH8aj0youuVFszsilPN2_VkTZI_HNxlg_trMVxG1jOYL12WwdJ4s/s400/YardWork+008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481406573981498946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_CJPpFX87yQTnlLrljF_vfmjwjjUmH5Dbq3FJ0c_NuLRMLxV32FTJUWo9wm_0VvasGS9Sbo2TSTAVhia2D5ayYbD6g6TE7grZdfY8RFQ8s9z3SB8zzSI274XMnZJkhYb-Br74ES6UrI/s1600/YardWork+009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_CJPpFX87yQTnlLrljF_vfmjwjjUmH5Dbq3FJ0c_NuLRMLxV32FTJUWo9wm_0VvasGS9Sbo2TSTAVhia2D5ayYbD6g6TE7grZdfY8RFQ8s9z3SB8zzSI274XMnZJkhYb-Br74ES6UrI/s400/YardWork+009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481406566349352370" border="0" /></a><br />One of my neighbors has asked if he can rent half of my two-car garage. The extra income will come in handy, but clearing out half of the stuff in my garage is going to be the 'mother' of all challenges!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PeSsBM1JxwGHvNqJtMVjACzMq0hROmyHppvdHBhtarQozNFVy4iXqEda7MOM1nDdJhtJi-4fGHAR510aLpaSAankR3_uOJetgDAcwCy3qWr3svfOroej5o5SaUCcGrkpvMV2L_1j_Sw/s1600/YardWork+010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PeSsBM1JxwGHvNqJtMVjACzMq0hROmyHppvdHBhtarQozNFVy4iXqEda7MOM1nDdJhtJi-4fGHAR510aLpaSAankR3_uOJetgDAcwCy3qWr3svfOroej5o5SaUCcGrkpvMV2L_1j_Sw/s400/YardWork+010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481406551770906306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpOiNj2JgSbaNNUAzGOVPeqx9ZNM1yJFkP6jmTFCGGvw2wP_yhZZSdZdwMTKsXovFTr70DEWxWvk6fRJWK-Mdw3wXbkxtqDKkGCJyaR6EAHpQLgrwnQsNVnVQ-HObz65ZAYhQQ8eGREw/s1600/YardWork+011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpOiNj2JgSbaNNUAzGOVPeqx9ZNM1yJFkP6jmTFCGGvw2wP_yhZZSdZdwMTKsXovFTr70DEWxWvk6fRJWK-Mdw3wXbkxtqDKkGCJyaR6EAHpQLgrwnQsNVnVQ-HObz65ZAYhQQ8eGREw/s400/YardWork+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481406547458157298" border="0" /></a><br />Where does all this stuff come from anyway? I just cleaned my garage a year ago, didn't I?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGYSxyeh16754PIa1WxNJFLeae71A1IfBKtB4r73wX1TIApQqyCV9tW0yqKvwqOH5TmcmpopoHiLSa1kA-c4_s5Nt_FT9wAxjLcA7efLiuyUqgeZ0c0pMDAPN3jvbfrNPUiOJ79yUeYg/s1600/YardWork+012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGYSxyeh16754PIa1WxNJFLeae71A1IfBKtB4r73wX1TIApQqyCV9tW0yqKvwqOH5TmcmpopoHiLSa1kA-c4_s5Nt_FT9wAxjLcA7efLiuyUqgeZ0c0pMDAPN3jvbfrNPUiOJ79yUeYg/s400/YardWork+012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481406534249748690" border="0" /></a><br />Anyhow, that's why I haven't visited your blogs lately, and why I probably won't be coming around for awhile longer! But, I promise I'll be back. So please don't forget me.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-91901663849592749092010-05-09T23:49:00.000-07:002010-05-10T03:19:44.363-07:00I got tagged!<div align="left"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" >I got tagged by Katie at <a href="http://tatersmamastakeonthings.blogspot.com/2010/05/joining-in-on-photo-tag-challenge.html">Tatersmama's Take on Things</a> in the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Photo Tag Challenge.</span> The directions were:</span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" ><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1</span><span style="font-family:verdana;">) Go to your photo files, select the 8th photo folder.<br />2) Select the 8th photo in that folder.<br />3) Post that photo along with the story behind it.<br />4) Then challenge 8 blogging friends to do the same!</span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);font-family:verdana;" >Easy peasy!<br /><br />Maybe that's "easy peasy" for Katie, but it's downright embarrassing for me! You see, I have photos in my computer that are for my eyes only. Well, I might let <span style="font-style: italic;">very close</span> family members see them. But not the whole world!<br /><br />Unfortunately, I'm no spring chicken anymore.<br />Sigh.<br />The big 7-0 is approaching ever so fast. And it's <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">scary</span>!<br />That's a hard thing to admit, but I'm admitting it now so you won't judge me too harshly when you see the photo I have to post to meet Katie's challenge!<br /><br />Please promise you won't laugh, or snicker!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUzGjuPK2g28jVvqLm4EMP_tKWmTQUF0MRZ_428hnNH9xp44VQXNeWTrrn5hqVKYeY0HoSpabfY3AMvXk2NkS8vnjv_Yo8jG95-CoKirzXcmNOguj0RFepkDD0RO1DqMFsfmwDFyKRnw/s1600/100_0732.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUzGjuPK2g28jVvqLm4EMP_tKWmTQUF0MRZ_428hnNH9xp44VQXNeWTrrn5hqVKYeY0HoSpabfY3AMvXk2NkS8vnjv_Yo8jG95-CoKirzXcmNOguj0RFepkDD0RO1DqMFsfmwDFyKRnw/s400/100_0732.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469531415258009506" border="0" /></a>And now the story behind this photo.........<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQZEJA5rXk5vEg3rvrNOvtt2rrZPhL_1CBHviHipM3LbhIPNSgEJ694xfFhSLs43FCVJ9rARBXetOr-GmFH1ediqgcC93fXiSWIE-JVlraniuGE9duXYoV-nSqI9uorjbUS7Ae3BeEPA/s1600/100_0767.JPG"><br /></a>This is my youngest sister and me taken on Labor Day four years ago in her backyard swimming pool. She owns a farm in Oregon. They get more "vitamin D" where she lives than where I live up here in the city of perpetual rain--which is rather obvious from the color of my skin! I am so white, I glow in the dark; I glow in the light. Heck! You'll notice I even glow under water!<br /><br />Also, be glad, be very glad this isn't a video--because you're spared from seeing <span style="font-style: italic;">buffalo wings</span> in action!<span style="font-size:85%;"> (True confessions are so painful!)</span><br /><br />But the most painful part? My legs! You won't catch me in skirts. I wear long slacks or jeans all of the time, so it's easy to go days without shaving. Or weeks! Or even m..... <br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Dang it, Katie! This is downright mortifying. It ranks right up there with my most embarrassing moment!)</span><br /><br />The reason I even donned a swimsuit and jumped into my sister's pool that day was because it was unusually hot for September and it felt so good to cool off. I knew no one would see me except my sister and her daughter. And, I knew they'd still love me, hairy legs and all!<br /><br />So, now that I have no ounce of self-respect left, I'm going to tag these eight people:<br /><br />1. Gramma2Many at <a href="http://yestheyareallmine-mom.blogspot.com/">Yes, They Are All Mine</a><br />2. Karyn at <a href="http://candarbrygarden.blogspot.com/">CanDarBry Garden</a><br />3. Cee at <a href="http://ceelew.blogspot.com/">Cee Lew</a><br />4. Bridget at <a href="http://bridgetbeaver.blogspot.com/">Bridget Beaver is in Japan</a><br />5. Robynn at <a href="http://robynnsravings.blogspot.com/">Robynn's Ravings</a><br />6. Libby at <a href="http://libneas.blogspot.com/">Neas Nuttiness</a><br />7. Mountain Woman at <a href="http://redpinemountain.com/">Red Pine Mountain</a><br />8. Karen at <a href="http://karenzemek.blogspot.com/">My Funny Dad, Harry</a><br /><br />Just follow Katie's "easy peasy" rules above; then cross your fingers and hope your photo isn't as embarrassing as mine!<br /><br />Crawling into a hole now,<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Homestay Mama</span></div>Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-32453387720671530462010-04-17T19:54:00.000-07:002010-04-18T08:14:04.915-07:00Ree's Here!There just had to be a happier ending to my week. After losing my little Athena on Tuesday and getting the flu on Thursday, I needed some good news! Thankfully I was feeling much better this afternoon, so I got on my computer and started catching up with my blog reading.<br /><br />Oh. My. Gosh!<br /><br /><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/confessions/">Ree's here!</a> In Seattle. She's signing books right now!<br /><br />It was my chance of a lifetime. But was I well enough to go? I had taken my temperature at noon and it was normal. It was now 5:00 pm. I checked it again--still normal. Good! I figured I couldn't be contagious. Ree was just a couple miles away; I would kick myself forever if I didn't go!<br /><br />When I arrived, a rainbow hovered over Third Place Books. That was a good sign.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWOqu0A9s8ieIparqZj-jT-i_0h9kqPilefX2pFIOBqQ4L8jyz6AhDEvQmQyZMFiDz3XpsdKFlL7mxLU8QB8V2QO6HgaBFRI0-7sigld_sjkPAWSAEejRlHzLe_EJtD6wPOcic1T0YsA/s1600/Ree--Pot+of+Gold+under+the+Rainbow.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWOqu0A9s8ieIparqZj-jT-i_0h9kqPilefX2pFIOBqQ4L8jyz6AhDEvQmQyZMFiDz3XpsdKFlL7mxLU8QB8V2QO6HgaBFRI0-7sigld_sjkPAWSAEejRlHzLe_EJtD6wPOcic1T0YsA/s400/Ree--Pot+of+Gold+under+the+Rainbow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461306577562729058" border="0" /></a>The parking lot hadn't been this full in years!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHekpwgeDB5hL_SccPTxWDLyycsYswm4zorlIMa2s7BV3Ldh2QpkCWBqXHN7q4wPNClR7TAUGx7pBiLOt5_QrE0s0EWxFwDs03aLoyxPfTtDt5aJOdEXPignYegJefWuy2_vX3K7jnybs/s1600/LFP+Shopping+Center+Parking+Lot+FULL.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHekpwgeDB5hL_SccPTxWDLyycsYswm4zorlIMa2s7BV3Ldh2QpkCWBqXHN7q4wPNClR7TAUGx7pBiLOt5_QrE0s0EWxFwDs03aLoyxPfTtDt5aJOdEXPignYegJefWuy2_vX3K7jnybs/s400/LFP+Shopping+Center+Parking+Lot+FULL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461306400277393762" border="0" /></a>I went in, bought my book and got my ticket--"J." <br />Uff-Da! It was going to be a long wait!<br /><br />Then I saw Ree's daughter and her mother-in-law and asked if I could take their picture. They were both so nice and friendly! And relaxed, too. They were sitting at one of the tables in Third Place Book's Cafe.<br /><br />Ree's daughter is very tall for her age. It runs in the family, they told me. She is so cute, so mature, so wholesome-looking! She has a famous mother, but she didn't act stuck up in the least. Now that's a real testimony to the great parenting of PW and MM!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqZKRV3PV3CqkqzNgr8z3Ar4t1tBylS73aYZPRjEogrmNtMWWkjtZ-ym3J4lqEkJgHrx5FJhhWXdyALR4lH38tRFrjdcksppE5kJ1fgYFjyf4NW1d6HE0_zNi2r7fjv39CuiWnyCq4zs/s1600/Ree's+daughter+and+Mother-in-Law.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqZKRV3PV3CqkqzNgr8z3Ar4t1tBylS73aYZPRjEogrmNtMWWkjtZ-ym3J4lqEkJgHrx5FJhhWXdyALR4lH38tRFrjdcksppE5kJ1fgYFjyf4NW1d6HE0_zNi2r7fjv39CuiWnyCq4zs/s400/Ree's+daughter+and+Mother-in-Law.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461306385807863218" border="0" /></a>MM's mother was so easy to talk to! I could have chatted forever, but I felt that would have been a tad presumptuous and bad-mannered on my part, so I didn't.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW4yog576JMQu8eWp4rHD_JL0yzmhJ5lTkZsFeSIxOEDU8e0BFcB0xFQ6tuXPazIFG1z2mnnzTl0V-LyVXnbaCz15T-IjprjjWf740YyJttENc8mkPdN_fhyphenhyphen3lFQxOOUY3OfihqRLsjk/s1600/Ree's+MIL+and+MIL%27s+cousin,+cousin%27s+husband.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYW4yog576JMQu8eWp4rHD_JL0yzmhJ5lTkZsFeSIxOEDU8e0BFcB0xFQ6tuXPazIFG1z2mnnzTl0V-LyVXnbaCz15T-IjprjjWf740YyJttENc8mkPdN_fhyphenhyphen3lFQxOOUY3OfihqRLsjk/s400/Ree's+MIL+and+MIL%27s+cousin,+cousin%27s+husband.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461306390574866658" border="0" /></a>MM's Mom's cousin and her husband came up from Tacoma to see their relatives. I should have asked their names, but my mind was so giddy just being there, that I couldn't think rationally! While I was there another young lady at the same table gave me an extra ticket that had been given to her. It was an H! God was looking favorably upon me!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8nqEzmCNHRl_4P524KEOwQj62_Lmmiin-DD6_W8nJaALqtTztKvnLPmE0HhCda0tbdtisSpgJR1hMOh39T3WVAtaTnYgFAow_QaUoK_JtYCdFWRQdqOTUg2vdEbzT7FWnuiZ6ucnYqk/s1600/The+D+Line+snaking+through+the+bookshelves.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8nqEzmCNHRl_4P524KEOwQj62_Lmmiin-DD6_W8nJaALqtTztKvnLPmE0HhCda0tbdtisSpgJR1hMOh39T3WVAtaTnYgFAow_QaUoK_JtYCdFWRQdqOTUg2vdEbzT7FWnuiZ6ucnYqk/s400/The+D+Line+snaking+through+the+bookshelves.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461306373341567922" border="0" /></a>The lines snaked through the book shelves. Some people had waited a very long time.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN9pGyHRZk-Ed8y_qQgg9m6lBWhViVw7Jb9T1HWXJqElc2acgZa31EVqW7qLzslVz1w5nx5hjo0AandxpwgdYvo85S8L_lC9uLYBcHasVmuXVO1mWJrTpnkxjAsEtOKv_kEKqMajH5Y8/s1600/Ree's+Signing+at+Third+Place+Boooks.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkN9pGyHRZk-Ed8y_qQgg9m6lBWhViVw7Jb9T1HWXJqElc2acgZa31EVqW7qLzslVz1w5nx5hjo0AandxpwgdYvo85S8L_lC9uLYBcHasVmuXVO1mWJrTpnkxjAsEtOKv_kEKqMajH5Y8/s400/Ree's+Signing+at+Third+Place+Boooks.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461306361290210610" border="0" /></a>I don't know who these gals were, but I took their picture anyway. I wasn't sure whether I'd be so lucky later on and took as many pictures as I could. This was a little past 6:00 pm.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8s05wdfLoUBpfHlzXU1FnByJaDeWxNKLEEqw4rv1LYTevCWToQehV_NDzOgNocsy1-NETgVF40vRIcBp0NdALtNFalj4HP7TZwrLQsdUkoQWRTBHd-l0ALO9gfXd09Xml_w9zIPFT4Es/s1600/The+Pioneer+Woman+011.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8s05wdfLoUBpfHlzXU1FnByJaDeWxNKLEEqw4rv1LYTevCWToQehV_NDzOgNocsy1-NETgVF40vRIcBp0NdALtNFalj4HP7TZwrLQsdUkoQWRTBHd-l0ALO9gfXd09Xml_w9zIPFT4Es/s400/The+Pioneer+Woman+011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461351299890448050" border="0" /></a>I knew I had at least a two-hour wait before it was my turn, so I started to head home. But then I discovered my friend, Gramma2Many and two of her daughters. They had been there since 4:30 pm! They had the letter "I" and were playing Phase 10 to pass their long wait. We chatted awhile, then I went home and started writing my post.<br /><br />At 8:30 pm I went back. By now it was dark. Gramma2Many and her daughters were still playing Phase 10. I joined them and played a few rounds. And then they called my letter -- H.<br />My heart started racing! My spirits soared. I was going to meet the Pioneer Woman in person! Ree, the most famous blogger in the world who is young, beautiful, gifted at writing and always composed!<br /><br />Then to my horror, I discovered I had left my camera card at home in my computer! I raced back home!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEzlrfH5d0zn3m020qQ3OE0XlqZ7fkRVWSjwD-a1Bqkk2YqUve0yFMB9XIDuffi8bjOVPw33f3yqOw0If4BopR19yzhqRsffaYscdGMtMtaqIUOfn26ksKPM2263ol8EmVj5UQfesonM/s1600/The+Pioneer+Woman+002.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEzlrfH5d0zn3m020qQ3OE0XlqZ7fkRVWSjwD-a1Bqkk2YqUve0yFMB9XIDuffi8bjOVPw33f3yqOw0If4BopR19yzhqRsffaYscdGMtMtaqIUOfn26ksKPM2263ol8EmVj5UQfesonM/s400/The+Pioneer+Woman+002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461350988506468306" border="0" /></a>When I returned, the I's were in line. The bookstore lady most graciously let me in with the "I" group. I found Gramma2Many and her daughter and joined them in line.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_JIdWEJ1UvlBSPKrkvXWGWXH-gkjoMtu3vlobMihO-uihigy0looJCvOzd6PqXwZT2pJGZiBTT69H3iFxFsxkBSxahTydCgEEK2_3cuGohEgkAM6ywUnoQiRa5mgi4sUa9U1gaLVNuA/s1600/The+Pioneer+Woman+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_JIdWEJ1UvlBSPKrkvXWGWXH-gkjoMtu3vlobMihO-uihigy0looJCvOzd6PqXwZT2pJGZiBTT69H3iFxFsxkBSxahTydCgEEK2_3cuGohEgkAM6ywUnoQiRa5mgi4sUa9U1gaLVNuA/s400/The+Pioneer+Woman+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461350997015205202" border="0" /></a>Then it was my turn! It was 10 pm. I felt tongue-tied, but I'm sure I babbled like an idiot. On the other hand, Ree was very composed, gracious and charming! You'd never know she had been smiling and signing for five solid hours! She's an amazing woman and I had the privilege of meeting her! Wow!<br /><br />What a wonderful blessing at the end of a very hard week!<br /><br />PW, you're the best! I'm so glad you came to Seattle and that I got to meet you! Today you saw our rain. I am wishing sunshine for you tomorrow--with a view of our beautiful mountains.<br /><br />Have a wonderful and safe journey.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-26860768391169343902010-04-15T20:19:00.000-07:002010-04-15T22:16:33.596-07:00ATHENA<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Athena, 1999 - April 13, 2010</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj212KNjnFOODfaiRiX60bdPJ-lYVDCnl0HRDLNeHdevYa1GkTwrpKiBMo7Gayzt3x4LDVb_shddMq23jKQoTyvLukWsZnJXkmSqOlcQb62QZXNsDCdoRunurKX11v_0m-GZecF1fHJK7A/s1600/2.+Athena+and+her+Mommy,+2001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj212KNjnFOODfaiRiX60bdPJ-lYVDCnl0HRDLNeHdevYa1GkTwrpKiBMo7Gayzt3x4LDVb_shddMq23jKQoTyvLukWsZnJXkmSqOlcQb62QZXNsDCdoRunurKX11v_0m-GZecF1fHJK7A/s400/2.+Athena+and+her+Mommy,+2001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460591380003222994" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Athena and Mommy, 2001.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIziDY5K6mMDvV6KlKaiB_nr6AeyUHzoucehUpKu03rPsXTXqnnQArhac7GCovbsMhQEjhU3XQUBPdCjUCIxNszpt3NrUJvIMjseZckUHv3-tCqnCYQ2x4blgmq2WbhCPbXpT2Jdsu9M/s1600/Naughty+Athena,+2004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIziDY5K6mMDvV6KlKaiB_nr6AeyUHzoucehUpKu03rPsXTXqnnQArhac7GCovbsMhQEjhU3XQUBPdCjUCIxNszpt3NrUJvIMjseZckUHv3-tCqnCYQ2x4blgmq2WbhCPbXpT2Jdsu9M/s400/Naughty+Athena,+2004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460591376778148402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Naughty Athena! 2003</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBj55AGPp54-v4INAZNQ3rDUA0yJq25Q_O-YuP6-N1FPSB_T2jc2krkUu3d7c4Bsy0_YBUrPmlkZJPQQ-HfdUIL4wBgGyY_wCBjnG5Icg2Zud8FMk8xKM7Qw3fmTDx5iqT7pJk0UNnYg/s1600/Fooled+by+a+faux+lizard,+2003.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBj55AGPp54-v4INAZNQ3rDUA0yJq25Q_O-YuP6-N1FPSB_T2jc2krkUu3d7c4Bsy0_YBUrPmlkZJPQQ-HfdUIL4wBgGyY_wCBjnG5Icg2Zud8FMk8xKM7Qw3fmTDx5iqT7pJk0UNnYg/s400/Fooled+by+a+faux+lizard,+2003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460591361383253890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Fooled by a Faux Lizard</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6YYi3bp3i4_UjsIPkwgPElMyvUWdl54IbX6ZBUMBw3Xwy6Yl7g8YviZ7hDVquaMl8V9g3YO_eEwgNfec70uuoNlgcBt3LjDHa0zaqT9pFF8yLrJLJK6E5rKEOpz67osX9ofkaxKQfKk/s1600/24.++Athena+spooked+by+the+box%21.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6YYi3bp3i4_UjsIPkwgPElMyvUWdl54IbX6ZBUMBw3Xwy6Yl7g8YviZ7hDVquaMl8V9g3YO_eEwgNfec70uuoNlgcBt3LjDHa0zaqT9pFF8yLrJLJK6E5rKEOpz67osX9ofkaxKQfKk/s400/24.++Athena+spooked+by+the+box%21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460591359445450322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Spooked by the moving box!' 2004</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr3fEM4bDx4QRbAynifHfKOcUm-D98mxS1c9wD0CvbSK1uocaHYDTtAAuiYgDJwxtQ0b3YfEUhUpD7kFiuHbomuuRV220rZNr5PS-Zgt91ni8RTTktc0zOPBQQgw7g8xJ_i4UZ3MpWhQ/s1600/Athena,+2005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr3fEM4bDx4QRbAynifHfKOcUm-D98mxS1c9wD0CvbSK1uocaHYDTtAAuiYgDJwxtQ0b3YfEUhUpD7kFiuHbomuuRV220rZNr5PS-Zgt91ni8RTTktc0zOPBQQgw7g8xJ_i4UZ3MpWhQ/s400/Athena,+2005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460599403749690130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">You don't see me! 2005</span><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlMnv4Jz4Wx12Mcgl-4SCL2TjgGKxfi2-VZKW47PLq_MJeEbO9h2khRm6CXGoQv6QrCa5HLvRUtY449mD0HathlYMB9YPEGNgC9LCNPCrOB2m4VQ7Uzt48d2_g25zn73rd3yf6m-6GTQ/s1600/Ki-Bum,+Athena+and+Hiro.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlMnv4Jz4Wx12Mcgl-4SCL2TjgGKxfi2-VZKW47PLq_MJeEbO9h2khRm6CXGoQv6QrCa5HLvRUtY449mD0HathlYMB9YPEGNgC9LCNPCrOB2m4VQ7Uzt48d2_g25zn73rd3yf6m-6GTQ/s400/Ki-Bum,+Athena+and+Hiro.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460591344912900322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Ki-Bum, Hiro and Athena, 2007</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2jY1HD8O282X_UJ_bLkTyh_OA2ejhHzBvQu6OeDKDDCvdGozu5FLSsZrVc3Wzy7OF5yNMrtXM_Y85euhoVUtX305TPiTKzZJX3VWVSGfg-7a4WB7Ezc6vrGrQH4M6vhNt4-KsoMXbW0/s1600/4.++Athena+likes+Hyun-+Wook,+2007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR2jY1HD8O282X_UJ_bLkTyh_OA2ejhHzBvQu6OeDKDDCvdGozu5FLSsZrVc3Wzy7OF5yNMrtXM_Y85euhoVUtX305TPiTKzZJX3VWVSGfg-7a4WB7Ezc6vrGrQH4M6vhNt4-KsoMXbW0/s400/4.++Athena+likes+Hyun-+Wook,+2007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460590260757545778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Athena and Hyun-Wook, 2007</span><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXr6qCbhS6z6fBV2W1eTO2-ez7Pqw8nJiymUrQUde_Bt5FJxvQyRIPxtsGmEVEhbdQIVTpIrkn9k4W4ozXcE08Q7W_5o2ROI4js5WYnL5Qd7ElhKFM2wiTlsgUf0fO4Bg8mb-_zbwCaY/s1600/6.++Contentment,+2008.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 373px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXr6qCbhS6z6fBV2W1eTO2-ez7Pqw8nJiymUrQUde_Bt5FJxvQyRIPxtsGmEVEhbdQIVTpIrkn9k4W4ozXcE08Q7W_5o2ROI4js5WYnL5Qd7ElhKFM2wiTlsgUf0fO4Bg8mb-_zbwCaY/s400/6.++Contentment,+2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460590253838728802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Contentment, 2008</span><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffn7lHZjARyw7fPJzYqW-IiPuCWpgpTZaAzHSn_l1PyVnw10w2AkhpfG4sgE0OY29zDLQjMq5eBSwdv_QCFtqYpgcXeFXBaro-P859I7RqU3WcG1FiFRCBE24zdT6XjOtGsrZsrqYgk0/s1600/5.++Athena%27s+favorite+place.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffn7lHZjARyw7fPJzYqW-IiPuCWpgpTZaAzHSn_l1PyVnw10w2AkhpfG4sgE0OY29zDLQjMq5eBSwdv_QCFtqYpgcXeFXBaro-P859I7RqU3WcG1FiFRCBE24zdT6XjOtGsrZsrqYgk0/s400/5.++Athena%27s+favorite+place.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460590246741092802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Athena and Mommy, 2009</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBStekqkW4u8gousKLzh1tGbzdIjPscvN6wFPwxqrbg4u1mSMsx9RaAflcbIoqHRx3hSvccHnurtGMb6Tr_Oq_RWAI47DLs3jpimOn7PYxnNEgLjrC0hwZ3Unf33uST43idtT_lot1Fg/s1600/1.++Athena,+2007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBStekqkW4u8gousKLzh1tGbzdIjPscvN6wFPwxqrbg4u1mSMsx9RaAflcbIoqHRx3hSvccHnurtGMb6Tr_Oq_RWAI47DLs3jpimOn7PYxnNEgLjrC0hwZ3Unf33uST43idtT_lot1Fg/s400/1.++Athena,+2007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460590238102220290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Portrait of Athena</span><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O8E8HvwTKwXoeMAsqAhhFUOz0SEtzRhwA4ou_Z7CU8Btm5gM2Y_KHF0HH1xmHJ4bnkJ9QDyha0W1Lqh9iOMQM0TRMchKN85sZIme1HnPGMyPObQQ4_YD9OEa2xLOugulu1RUKqNbEww/s1600/Athena+%27s+final+resting+place,+2010.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3O8E8HvwTKwXoeMAsqAhhFUOz0SEtzRhwA4ou_Z7CU8Btm5gM2Y_KHF0HH1xmHJ4bnkJ9QDyha0W1Lqh9iOMQM0TRMchKN85sZIme1HnPGMyPObQQ4_YD9OEa2xLOugulu1RUKqNbEww/s400/Athena+%27s+final+resting+place,+2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460590229080138818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"> Under the Deck - Final Resting Place, 2010</span><br /></div>Homestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-27876183021726826212010-03-12T16:55:00.000-08:002010-03-15T22:34:14.949-07:00PW's Cat Photo Assignment<span style="font-style:italic;">3-15-2010 Sad update--please read the paragraph at the end.<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />The Pioneer Woman had a cat photo assignment recently and I felt like submitting a photo of my Athena, but when I found out it would require signing up for a Flickr account which in itself required opening/having a yahoo e-mail address, I decided it would be easier to post Athena's picture here! Fewer people will see it, but that's OK with me! <br /><br />I love this picture of her. Look at those eyes!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e_YmZ1R5WR-rjGFmc0EZPuaiVoWWkGbjki8T6TraoaVuOnDsq3_0wL_9I_BybO0bgo-rXfqA-23HcOKy_FN8O67p1vCxKXSH2rnkIg7ru0JuCk26vY1EhjA2fZUIIYtTErYmZJ17r2s/s1600-h/100_0764.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e_YmZ1R5WR-rjGFmc0EZPuaiVoWWkGbjki8T6TraoaVuOnDsq3_0wL_9I_BybO0bgo-rXfqA-23HcOKy_FN8O67p1vCxKXSH2rnkIg7ru0JuCk26vY1EhjA2fZUIIYtTErYmZJ17r2s/s400/100_0764.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447917888736770914" /></a><br /><br />I thought you also might like to hear Athena's story. She was born in Washington state (I'm guessing) in the summer of 1999. She had just weaned what was probably her first litter of kittens when she came to live with me. But I'm getting ahead of my story.<br /><br />My previous cat had been a beautiful Himalayan with the coloring of a Siamese. Puff had the silkiest of fur and the most gorgeous blue eyes. But at 13 years of age, she started getting sick--kidney failure--and I finally had to put her down, which broke my heart! It was December 1999,when one of my homestay students dug a hole for me in the frozen soil under the deck and we laid Puff to rest. I put a paver to mark her grave and when spring came I planted primroses over her grave. Then I vowed I would never own any more pets. <br /><br />But one day in May of 2000, Barbara, one of my dear friends who lives out in the country about an hour north of me, called and begged me to take a stray cat who had taken over her carport. Putting two and two together, Barbara guessed that someone had gotten this cat as a cute kitten, but when she ended up pregnant, they no longer wanted her and dumped her along side the road. She'd had her kittens in the woods, and then being a smart mother, knew she was going to need to find food for herself in order to sustain her little ones, so she went foraging and found a 'gold mine' in Barbara's carport--a big dish of cat food that she soon commandeered for herself, and a place for a new nest for her kittens where she brought them one by one. Then she posted "keep out" signs around the whole carport and wouldn't let Barbara's cats even come near their own food dishes! What audacity! <br /><br />"As soon as she weans her kittens, please take her," Barbara begged me. "She is terrorizing my cats and I can't keep her!"<br /><br />I didn't want another cat, but I couldn't say no to my dear friend. So a few weeks later, one of my homestay students and I went to Barbara's home to pick up this unwanted cat. <br /> <br />"What shall we name her?" I asked him on the way home. <br /><br />"How about Athena," he said. "I think Athena means the goddess of love."<br /><br />However, we soon found out that Athena's temperament was anything but loving! She was small for her age, and she was feisty! After looking up her name on the Internet, I found out Athena was the Greek goddess of war! So my Athena had been aptly named after all!<br /><br />Now fast forward to today. Athena is 11 years old. She is still stubborn, still rules the roost and sometimes drives me crazy! For example, she insists on eating her wet cat food with her right paw (she refuses to eat dry food!). She scoops it out of the dish, and brings it to her mouth. When she's through, she does several quick flicks of the wrist to get the remaining food off her paw, then walks away leaving gravy footprints across the hardwood floor onto the area rug where she finally sits down to clean her paw. There is always a big mess around her dish and little flecks of gravy in a 6 foot radius--on the glass patio doors, on the front of the refrigerator, on the basket holding the potted Chinese money tree, on the bar stools.....<br /><br />So, last summer I moved her downstairs to my home office just off the back of the garage. It is nice and warm in my office. It has a large window with a sunny southern exposure. She preferred to be upstairs in my bedroom, but she eventually adapted. Now the kitchen stays clean, but my office has become crowded with cat bed, cat toys, litter box, food and water dishes, and of course the perpetual mess around her dish. <br /><br />So, last week I finally got the brainy idea to have my nephew, Josh, install a cat door in my office door, a high shelf at one end of my office for her bed, and a permanent shelf under the window. I figured that should make both of us happy. She could sleep in her comfy bed up on the shelf, or she could sit by the window and watch the goings on outside. Or, she could exit through the cat door into the garage to eat and poop. Finally, my office would stay clean and Athena's mess would stay in the garage. A win-win solution for sure!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8Bv6DaH7UpruyfspwcvRHDa86CYml1gp3FpdCRB9mlf29OY8I8yYoJmE4R3NW11-c-QxYsDfZ_9MDTkprJCMoCOYhYHQXTUEDZ4I1oafnaEDSyVVaAtlX_luO3sF7omM6scOUq85gZc/s1600-h/March+2010+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8Bv6DaH7UpruyfspwcvRHDa86CYml1gp3FpdCRB9mlf29OY8I8yYoJmE4R3NW11-c-QxYsDfZ_9MDTkprJCMoCOYhYHQXTUEDZ4I1oafnaEDSyVVaAtlX_luO3sF7omM6scOUq85gZc/s400/March+2010+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448002844059307762" /></a><br /><br />Not! <br />Athena hated the cat door--refused to have anything to do with it! When I tried to teach her to use her head to push the plastic flap open, she braced her paws against the sides of the door and wouldn't budge. So I pushed her through the door into the garage. She ran and hid, and no amount of calling would entice her to come out. <br /><br />The next day I noticed she was limping. Oh, no! What had I done? Guilt and remorse washed over me like a quick drenching rainstorm. I took her to the vet who examined her but couldn't feel any broken or misplaced bones, so she prescribed a low dose of pain medicine. But when Athena didn't get better and refused to eat for 3 days, I took her back. The vet took x-rays and did blood work. No broken bones, nothing out of joint, her thyroid, kidneys lungs and heart were fine. But there was indication of soft tissue inflammation in her right elbow. The vet ordered complete bed rest. Very little walking, absolutely no jumping and no going outside! She wanted her confined to a cage for two weeks--a soft-sided cage so she wouldn't try to get out--where she had her food, bed and litter box close by. <br /> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUzrX9qHqd3qxbR5gLb3aHHov8QYmijVwTbia6XTpKQ2YWc6G-z9pZck2BGOk4YUHl6pgbEkNPy_x3nPnJ0_qpA2goRYncownfCIo-jfeEqQz60WSERumhfMJDFTlIR4cX_9rsVm_7Mw/s1600-h/Athena's+hospital+bed.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUzrX9qHqd3qxbR5gLb3aHHov8QYmijVwTbia6XTpKQ2YWc6G-z9pZck2BGOk4YUHl6pgbEkNPy_x3nPnJ0_qpA2goRYncownfCIo-jfeEqQz60WSERumhfMJDFTlIR4cX_9rsVm_7Mw/s400/Athena's+hospital+bed.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448002820707457554" /></a><br /><br />So that's where she is today--in her hospital bed back in my bedroom so I can keep an eye on her. Athena is happy with this arrangement and she's loving all the pampering. Maybe it's my imagination, but she seems to be milking this for all it's worth! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki_GRI4Xu5XZmQIXo1-w91HzOGFpk74Tdc0ki3RlTvCYGwMULp5_2HJ_rmi0DJkijzlgsSOvN0Il5BAaO18ddbPaudZwzkuIuA2ttf8ZLJQQLcbj6Dbz1VRdkymwBKI5FTa1Se1tpGAk/s1600-h/Athena+inside+her+hosopital+bed+%232.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki_GRI4Xu5XZmQIXo1-w91HzOGFpk74Tdc0ki3RlTvCYGwMULp5_2HJ_rmi0DJkijzlgsSOvN0Il5BAaO18ddbPaudZwzkuIuA2ttf8ZLJQQLcbj6Dbz1VRdkymwBKI5FTa1Se1tpGAk/s400/Athena+inside+her+hosopital+bed+%232.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448002835605953522" /></a><br /><br />She's a smart one, my Athena!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">UPDATE: Yesterday Athena wouldn't eat or drink anything. She was also walking with even more difficulty. But now it was her right hind leg giving her problems. So back to the vet we went again today. What they were seeing now, they said, was not a soft tissue injury at all. They are pretty sure she has cancer--and it's affecting the nerves on her entire right side--the nerve impulses aren't able to connect between her brain and her leg muscles, so when she tries to walk, the right side won't coordinate/cooperate with her left side. I think it's just a matter of time now. They hydrated her and gave her a steroid injection. That did improve her appetite and she ate a can of food tonight. She's sleeping in her favorite spot in my office right now while I'm on the computer. I'll take her back upstairs to my bedroom when I go to bed. I'm praying that God will take her quickly so she doesn't have to suffer through a lot of pain. My emotions are too raw right now to put her down. But if I sense she is in a lot of pain, I'll have to. As you can imagine, things are kinda hard for me right now! <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span></span> <br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-83193503542769319612010-03-10T22:35:00.001-08:002010-03-10T23:23:09.784-08:00In the PinkPink is popping up everywhere in Seattle this month, and it is beautiful!<br />It's popping up at the park...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqSCJEvYGr3wg5eb5FvTS28GMmupqIPbZ45SvFPKnOpvk91tkY_SSpq2W83kJOLV0Bx6iGUzFNO1mKuIfjzlIDv2PMQ4DEZ0HCWAQUV0jkNLw9wFTHUmRxvE4XLj3Vb-EDZ85zBaQBGU/s1600-h/1.+pink+in+the+park+close-up.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 388px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqSCJEvYGr3wg5eb5FvTS28GMmupqIPbZ45SvFPKnOpvk91tkY_SSpq2W83kJOLV0Bx6iGUzFNO1mKuIfjzlIDv2PMQ4DEZ0HCWAQUV0jkNLw9wFTHUmRxvE4XLj3Vb-EDZ85zBaQBGU/s400/1.+pink+in+the+park+close-up.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447263910197219426" border="0" /></a><br /></div>and lining the streets...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm_dovMCdeFYx6lacPXQUHZwUROSZDVgB4vW9X91M4Fg1UOwdAqPLU6xM0sTFNsj-FzpnY8v5M2fsKfBRZ76mjf7rzX3xkF7igNaJ6rvfZqhKPMH0nCNaYPPHzptJWppsSv8_iI9fPZg/s1600-h/2.+pink+%233.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm_dovMCdeFYx6lacPXQUHZwUROSZDVgB4vW9X91M4Fg1UOwdAqPLU6xM0sTFNsj-FzpnY8v5M2fsKfBRZ76mjf7rzX3xkF7igNaJ6rvfZqhKPMH0nCNaYPPHzptJWppsSv8_iI9fPZg/s400/2.+pink+%233.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447261913262156850" border="0" /></a>It's cascading from branches...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DO-eiysaBgdcdDsKcvwgl8BOi-YK7oHlbaX9fGeRXJoN5dlJiTcEG6jK9XxWr9fyoKKg2Cil8jrTR7e2muC7kVopDIAqnS-K9XUsMAEVG6_X7qhqjDDi7E8o3VO59-L0JTshGobATg0/s1600-h/3.++pink+closeup+%232.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5DO-eiysaBgdcdDsKcvwgl8BOi-YK7oHlbaX9fGeRXJoN5dlJiTcEG6jK9XxWr9fyoKKg2Cil8jrTR7e2muC7kVopDIAqnS-K9XUsMAEVG6_X7qhqjDDi7E8o3VO59-L0JTshGobATg0/s400/3.++pink+closeup+%232.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447261904517098498" border="0" /></a>clustering in bushes...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhqJLFpqfabonCEBQ0S3tMN_H8Gow3nGSCbdOEkPtaqWSkFbB9dHDl_mIe9lx8RuXqzmdx5_S4StJwAuFpYcocEIigIh_lQwIqihl78q2ZasQP-9JXWHQ0y8g9XkabKQul7ZAJgo4a10/s1600-h/4.+pink+daphne.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhqJLFpqfabonCEBQ0S3tMN_H8Gow3nGSCbdOEkPtaqWSkFbB9dHDl_mIe9lx8RuXqzmdx5_S4StJwAuFpYcocEIigIh_lQwIqihl78q2ZasQP-9JXWHQ0y8g9XkabKQul7ZAJgo4a10/s400/4.+pink+daphne.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447261632607297650" border="0" /></a>playing hide and seek among the leaves...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWEWa-4fTidViFNb4tROCB347isg03n8P-e7eWmbm_xz8f1-Bg9eJT8HY099i34upIGFB8hd51juRwgKmuKJI6xKX34EOniTfkQBER5K2V2B1dI4Tqj2aYwFWouPixtEioqcrkcg57TM/s1600-h/a.+pink+camelia.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFWEWa-4fTidViFNb4tROCB347isg03n8P-e7eWmbm_xz8f1-Bg9eJT8HY099i34upIGFB8hd51juRwgKmuKJI6xKX34EOniTfkQBER5K2V2B1dI4Tqj2aYwFWouPixtEioqcrkcg57TM/s400/a.+pink+camelia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447268907978294354" border="0" /></a><br />and, creeping along the ground...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjR1MzYiLTe-4bUbJSFNbLiPcdWpaY1-wUAFzgI5S8zgoAz20aNwX5RH60xPrMbD_QErxh0EzAu-eNTOu-fS5e9Tqalc_E3flJIEV6_bCylONO6T-038VHA9iDivKrALJlRhJ1ayneBQ/s1600-h/5.+pink+heather.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjR1MzYiLTe-4bUbJSFNbLiPcdWpaY1-wUAFzgI5S8zgoAz20aNwX5RH60xPrMbD_QErxh0EzAu-eNTOu-fS5e9Tqalc_E3flJIEV6_bCylONO6T-038VHA9iDivKrALJlRhJ1ayneBQ/s400/5.+pink+heather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447261621114826114" border="0" /></a>Pink is popping up in flower beds...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ-xmtrRmJRQyHJHUlX-2y6RJ6AWgiBINy-_VbgZXR9Y02pH7K6SXIKx62ycq1Hs0YRfNfailxKx5Cj0CjRclQTZDbwTMEqfLblNm5lELsGcYFGUvPhkBv6Ce7-GFy7daZUNgxtCkKlY/s1600-h/6.+pink+hyacinths+%234.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ-xmtrRmJRQyHJHUlX-2y6RJ6AWgiBINy-_VbgZXR9Y02pH7K6SXIKx62ycq1Hs0YRfNfailxKx5Cj0CjRclQTZDbwTMEqfLblNm5lELsGcYFGUvPhkBv6Ce7-GFy7daZUNgxtCkKlY/s400/6.+pink+hyacinths+%234.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447261610312612786" border="0" /></a>in everyone's yard, but mine! I'm out of touch with my neighbors. My yard is yelllow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOR4vtbPsO_KXfWFPlvR41YDvGMiGJqcxJHAILi9fcpV8F8K92zpDmlcUGA2iitOUL0dxvf72QuTbv4f7FBlLSmNEcZkjNohbAyVe3B48KsKMljcVZYv-E4DK8vgipEjs9hc-0Xfn7vks/s1600-h/7.+yellow+forsythia.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOR4vtbPsO_KXfWFPlvR41YDvGMiGJqcxJHAILi9fcpV8F8K92zpDmlcUGA2iitOUL0dxvf72QuTbv4f7FBlLSmNEcZkjNohbAyVe3B48KsKMljcVZYv-E4DK8vgipEjs9hc-0Xfn7vks/s400/7.+yellow+forsythia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447261601842545986" border="0" /></a>But my kitchen is in the pink!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgsLNXzFHDinV-0ZQC5tVO-8e-7cO8D-w_u6Xh5Nwk6ORnoId9bNSdqUDimKq-SAPhNmDUWXSgyY0I3UzRwPBN7GYEzrYnnCePMVVxdbP6rig9Cs_3RG5fEDJneQCBG89T9mwsnITYvY/s1600-h/8.+pink+african+violets+and+pink+polka+dots.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgsLNXzFHDinV-0ZQC5tVO-8e-7cO8D-w_u6Xh5Nwk6ORnoId9bNSdqUDimKq-SAPhNmDUWXSgyY0I3UzRwPBN7GYEzrYnnCePMVVxdbP6rig9Cs_3RG5fEDJneQCBG89T9mwsnITYvY/s400/8.+pink+african+violets+and+pink+polka+dots.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447261591025070210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Enjoying our early spring, <br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5632311059639965557.post-40103157888076270632010-03-04T23:16:00.000-08:002010-03-05T00:07:01.325-08:00Meeting LacieYou may remember this photo of my nephew and his wife, Josh and Bridget and my friends, Cheri' and Ron. Josh and Ron remodeled my kitchen several years ago and I wrote about it in <a href="http://hometotheworld.blogspot.com/2009/05/finally-finished.html">this post</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJPXIW-YMtJWM9COKhbD4Nep1qd-U2FxYClsm98qslOnOyfAiHCYXUDadLqOB2a5Kj7jlfcCouJx0jqfg2CzzOYpgHDW8k4w9EsGSHf4u6VfoLaYs8-t4FH7xKaf_lxhWlyrvnvQOduo/s1600-h/Josh+and+Bridget.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVJPXIW-YMtJWM9COKhbD4Nep1qd-U2FxYClsm98qslOnOyfAiHCYXUDadLqOB2a5Kj7jlfcCouJx0jqfg2CzzOYpgHDW8k4w9EsGSHf4u6VfoLaYs8-t4FH7xKaf_lxhWlyrvnvQOduo/s400/Josh+and+Bridget.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445044997054969218" border="0" /></a><br />You may also remember <a href="http://hometotheworld.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-weekend-in-oregon.html">this post</a> about Bridget's baby shower.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlAShEE6tMlxhKrHT3zZbtJz3sAa8BP3w0B0THxL9XmXpFKZyp8IPzQPMMBqI80LKUnH0-L3nIRkALtctz4_VhoE570kfEoDP59Z6IVpPPkQi6vIUBxs9FRlIXPsuukHYVM9lTDNnZp8/s1600-h/Homestay+Mama+to+the+World+305.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlAShEE6tMlxhKrHT3zZbtJz3sAa8BP3w0B0THxL9XmXpFKZyp8IPzQPMMBqI80LKUnH0-L3nIRkALtctz4_VhoE570kfEoDP59Z6IVpPPkQi6vIUBxs9FRlIXPsuukHYVM9lTDNnZp8/s400/Homestay+Mama+to+the+World+305.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445047852074228370" border="0" /></a><br />Well, this week they came back to visit me and I finally got to meet my new little grand-niece, Lacie, who is now nearly seven months old!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu_uj8f_7dkstOf45fxqTgbBbZBt5HsfcUQf5J0T2JTldk2upF7fjEEN_JPDwQ2AtyOw-IEmuW8fBDmswH03oYh2Yc-NJGznW1ZaXw7hKaNGCN0U0hCXexRYdp7TYhyerNq4ip76tjB4/s1600-h/Josh,+Bridget,+Lacie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu_uj8f_7dkstOf45fxqTgbBbZBt5HsfcUQf5J0T2JTldk2upF7fjEEN_JPDwQ2AtyOw-IEmuW8fBDmswH03oYh2Yc-NJGznW1ZaXw7hKaNGCN0U0hCXexRYdp7TYhyerNq4ip76tjB4/s400/Josh,+Bridget,+Lacie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445057788553062386" /></a><br /><br />Lacie is a real sweetie. She's got a genuine sparkle in her eyes and the cutest of grins! She laughs a lot and cries only a little when she's hungry. What a good baby she is! I think it helps that Bridget is a stay-at-home Mom and that Josh spends a lot of time with Lacie, too.<br /><br />Josh also did a few handyman jobs around the house for me while they were here this week, and for that I am most grateful!<br /><br />We had a wonderful visit!<br /><br />XOXOXOXO<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Homestay MamaHomestay Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04760739583890418503noreply@blogger.com4