tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67857679244163951422024-02-18T23:18:36.262-06:00Fursdon HouseFursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-8329677530143084262022-01-24T19:25:00.001-06:002022-01-24T19:25:52.466-06:00<p><b> </b><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi Everyone!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you're all doing well and surviving this crazy weather we've been having!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I wanted to show you my latest creations. I've taken up the challenge by Anne Brooke for her #52tagshannemade she did in 2021. I wanted to do it last year, but life kept intervening! So I decided to do it this year and so far, I'm on track. Hopefully I'll be able to keep that up. Here's how it works. Each week, Anne sends out "prompts," and the idea is that you create a tag following whatever the prompt is. And by year's end, you have 52 tags of your very own. Some might use them or give them away, but I'm planning to keep mine and either keep them in a book of some kind, or display them somehow on a wall. Anyway, I've just completed Week # 4, for the 4th week in January 2022! And here they all are:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdN23eZe16zf1F7jwu_83nxko2j2zzLO34Brzhucw3nic160uAl8H-Ni98ioYA79OZ8w8nDhgrE7mVNGswkT-MTBSodCLIKHQQUSw1xVVN401R1eDaCyBHCBKMCXVIaEViPF3JIOaDpnHawXIKgJatNPxX00lV7_LW1WOKXBUcuFqFzuAX1h-jIPpY=s3216" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1755" data-original-width="3216" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdN23eZe16zf1F7jwu_83nxko2j2zzLO34Brzhucw3nic160uAl8H-Ni98ioYA79OZ8w8nDhgrE7mVNGswkT-MTBSodCLIKHQQUSw1xVVN401R1eDaCyBHCBKMCXVIaEViPF3JIOaDpnHawXIKgJatNPxX00lV7_LW1WOKXBUcuFqFzuAX1h-jIPpY=w640-h350" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpAvqUeQlcVR3Tjr5JHee5bFfQZ_RatCxvPNhC9pf8h_NT76b6Jyife-FTgZRi1GG2bWFjUqCVeL6x6MXd7RwtwJNo6btmtC6cb02pel-mfA8UmkjfcgTcdOozwZgOt_xE4_d1MugnFsMlv9yF0r8GtMdXDSq0XAj0EI-zsVv7N_YZ2SgzwUs4eEiX=s2335" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2335" data-original-width="1554" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpAvqUeQlcVR3Tjr5JHee5bFfQZ_RatCxvPNhC9pf8h_NT76b6Jyife-FTgZRi1GG2bWFjUqCVeL6x6MXd7RwtwJNo6btmtC6cb02pel-mfA8UmkjfcgTcdOozwZgOt_xE4_d1MugnFsMlv9yF0r8GtMdXDSq0XAj0EI-zsVv7N_YZ2SgzwUs4eEiX=w426-h640" width="426" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">This is Tag #1 for the first week in January, and the prompt was: White.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I personally don't care much for white; I do prefer various shades of creams, though. And I want all the tags to be identical in shape and color. I also plan to use softer colors if at all possible. The overall look I'm going for is something that looks "peaceful." I hope that makes sense. Fortunately, I was able to make all 52 tags from scrap cardstock</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">! And the base material is a lovely piece of Irish linen, which I think will go well with all the tags....maybe! 😊 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">For this tag, I've used antique and vintage lace and these precious vintage buttons. Aren't they adorable? And tiny too! One of the buttons, the one on the bottom, still had it's original thread in it, so I matched it with some of my own thread for the other three buttons. It's the perfect color to "appear" vintage.</span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjTX5HyfkgKOw8jNNYWAjU86eBoePfeJrJFTCDa6sTrWJTtCtMvk08_3ohGj_9qz9iBTea7i6082v5YhM5UsxB5u3EkjlbVe93pS63ZGZXFei74APCXOhncWAi7q2AfhWr9g-IP-Sl7UTr_S7RZVJq1l485qAm4cLVFcAoL2i1I1GcI3MBTmhUpZdi=s2161" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="2161" data-original-width="1404" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjTX5HyfkgKOw8jNNYWAjU86eBoePfeJrJFTCDa6sTrWJTtCtMvk08_3ohGj_9qz9iBTea7i6082v5YhM5UsxB5u3EkjlbVe93pS63ZGZXFei74APCXOhncWAi7q2AfhWr9g-IP-Sl7UTr_S7RZVJq1l485qAm4cLVFcAoL2i1I1GcI3MBTmhUpZdi=w416-h640" width="416" /></b></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">This is Tag </span><a class=" xil3i" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/2/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="0">#2</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> and the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> tag prompt was: Hearts</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I learned a lot when I was creating this tag and also Tag </span><a class=" xil3i" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/4/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="0">#4</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">. For one thing, I finally realized that it's been almost 20 years since I've done any embroidery to speak of! And my eyes don't see as well, and my fingers aren't as nimble as they were 20 years ago! My DMC threads are at least that old, but probably more, and my embroidery needles are all gone! It's very sad but I'm going to take one for the team on this one and. . . . <i>go buy some of those yummy threads I've seen people using! </i>😀 Some new embroidery scissors are already on their way, as well as needle threaders. I also bought some new reading glasses! So I'm almost set! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">I used my DMC threads in these soft green and pink colors. I drew the shape of the heart on the fabric using a stencil. Then, I stitched around it in green. I drew ivy here and there and stitched that in green, with little pink flowers.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFfZQ09HhhXjopUdGWPT_6pnVC2h_13cHTDk_6jH3rGANVxt_zRa2em170d_imvpphcUPsUWTcJOudv3v9ho9udvSv5daQ4CEApEj_BRvLxQBYR6lqBfma2u0dKhibAcI7RQFueO92Zto3h8qCNw6kD0mamhm4QDRmtkQLILnF5HTL_yzQpatVkaHW=s2439" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="2439" data-original-width="1653" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFfZQ09HhhXjopUdGWPT_6pnVC2h_13cHTDk_6jH3rGANVxt_zRa2em170d_imvpphcUPsUWTcJOudv3v9ho9udvSv5daQ4CEApEj_BRvLxQBYR6lqBfma2u0dKhibAcI7RQFueO92Zto3h8qCNw6kD0mamhm4QDRmtkQLILnF5HTL_yzQpatVkaHW=w434-h640" width="434" /></b></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">This is Tag </span><a class=" xil3i" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/3/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="0">#3</a> and the<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> prompt was: Scraps!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">This one was a lot of fun because I have LOTS of scraps. I save fabric and lace scraps as long as they are at least one inch square (though I have saved smaller pieces if it's something special). I searched through all my lace scrap bins and found these lovely pieces. Then, I determined how they looked best arranged and glued them down on the base fabric of Irish linen. Voila! I think it was more fun because it was less exacting. But that's also the beauty of this project. It's nothing too involved, but just enough to give you a little nudge to create something small. And if you take longer, then so be it. 😀</span></p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFmEHICwqCplQUpLirtuaxctVt7_fuf1p6Ebv8itsU97uXX1h-R85SzK_QL0oQ8w_yj7sR4lRqwX9djqTFlpTuEJhubIyxrPG_Ton1Sr4MEy9NBK7qKg70Nh2H1aIg_x_ZcpC6fZdNuIBeszUeOCtdR7NYu7eayNQENuPbFBDEe8E7XE6e6tkpMz7h=s2686" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="2686" data-original-width="1703" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFmEHICwqCplQUpLirtuaxctVt7_fuf1p6Ebv8itsU97uXX1h-R85SzK_QL0oQ8w_yj7sR4lRqwX9djqTFlpTuEJhubIyxrPG_Ton1Sr4MEy9NBK7qKg70Nh2H1aIg_x_ZcpC6fZdNuIBeszUeOCtdR7NYu7eayNQENuPbFBDEe8E7XE6e6tkpMz7h=w406-h640" width="406" /></b></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">This is Tag </span><a class=" xil3i" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/4/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="0">#4</a> and the prompt was Fly Stitch. <span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> I'm actually going to redo this one because I want the colors softer. I also need more practice with fly stitches! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; text-align: left;">This way, you can hopefully see my progress in the next one I do! I love lavender and my sweet husband grows it in our garden every year. He's a fan of lavender too. And I've also pressed quite a lot of it too! They make great journal cards and tags. Lovely scent! 😀</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Well, that's all for now. I hope you've enjoyed this post. I'd love to hear what you think. And I'll be putting up a video about them on YouTube shortly. The link for that will be: </span></span><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/h6-31KsE9xI" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/h6-31KsE9xI</a> And my Instagram link is: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">https://www.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">instagram.com/ fursdonhouse</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many thanks and may God bless. Jan</div><p></p>Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-41287633455682412862022-01-16T16:57:00.000-06:002022-01-16T16:57:28.537-06:00Happy New Year 2022!! <p><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi Everyone!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I've come to the conclusion that Blogger no longer sends out notifications of my posts to people even though they have subscribed to my blog! Quite irritating! And I'm not sure how to go about fixing this because I'm not that computer literate. So I've decided that until I can figure out how to make it work, I'll just announce new blog posts periodically on my YouTube channel, and put a link there as well. Oh well, there certainly are worse things that could happen, so I'll count my blessings. Here are some recent pictures I've taken!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDbWrHBVURT6U8FBRmHvDoDCEZFaXRbURHQMvj_p6UxLDdyeHf9XU5klq6w7HjohEf4TOZtnu6ca1CVG3uH-YPGDd3BDzZz85sI88_jwoz9bN7o5fE8mX5y0_gc6bEsfob5nd6NjNZF-mcfsbq9oa3JOD7XeqQbl_SGmO6hC3UxgE2xv5mFsx4yhHW=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDbWrHBVURT6U8FBRmHvDoDCEZFaXRbURHQMvj_p6UxLDdyeHf9XU5klq6w7HjohEf4TOZtnu6ca1CVG3uH-YPGDd3BDzZz85sI88_jwoz9bN7o5fE8mX5y0_gc6bEsfob5nd6NjNZF-mcfsbq9oa3JOD7XeqQbl_SGmO6hC3UxgE2xv5mFsx4yhHW=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This picture was taken on January 1st!! It's my Lenten Roses in bloom! I was amazed, but very happy to see them. And that's Brer Rabbit in the background, overseeing everything. Fortunately for him, he's concrete. Otherwise, Dundee - our very old (17+ years) and still very active cat, would have eaten him by now!! 🐈</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGO090rC7XienFn1wOr1f80eNSezVIOg8w4HRqU_z5kQmGDdRjWOANUM_4Dtth77XMShRClX6GGI4DT1TLi04zzxAW0mslMmh4FVz3xjxPHykWoaA8XgbMvUXOMHMBVPWXefV3wbcStxDd3qCphuGmuvdgMJyKgZ3BiQj6G_NYSNceAIKv-F-19oL7=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGO090rC7XienFn1wOr1f80eNSezVIOg8w4HRqU_z5kQmGDdRjWOANUM_4Dtth77XMShRClX6GGI4DT1TLi04zzxAW0mslMmh4FVz3xjxPHykWoaA8XgbMvUXOMHMBVPWXefV3wbcStxDd3qCphuGmuvdgMJyKgZ3BiQj6G_NYSNceAIKv-F-19oL7=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another New Year's Day picture of one of our Dogwood trees! Before we had any, I never realized they have red and bluish-black berries in the winter! And did you know there are 19 varieties of Dogwood trees? It's also our Alabama State Flower. Now you know!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj0yZJwRoNAznTCSk2oZGkndSDWrJ3Aqzb3EWrqGOEPWYONlGRU8_wdABUtzwa6sACu5C8yG3DWOF9dhVjwo6u8R_cIxpvhjjLglOsTMy6PkEQtStl-Z7WbEG7DG7y9IT0Mlcm5HykOIajiDmcskuVF2Ml7c-uM1ZSR2WAz4S7gD_bafNCdhSTsdRA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjj0yZJwRoNAznTCSk2oZGkndSDWrJ3Aqzb3EWrqGOEPWYONlGRU8_wdABUtzwa6sACu5C8yG3DWOF9dhVjwo6u8R_cIxpvhjjLglOsTMy6PkEQtStl-Z7WbEG7DG7y9IT0Mlcm5HykOIajiDmcskuVF2Ml7c-uM1ZSR2WAz4S7gD_bafNCdhSTsdRA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These next four pictures were taken in time sequence and shows what happened on the evening and morning of 2 and 3 January, here in Madison, Alabama! </span><span style="font-size: large;">This particular picture was taken at 8:59 pm, 2 Jan. I looked out our front door and couldn't resist grabbing the camera. Everything looked so peaceful. I also love how the lights glow from the houses in the background.</span></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/a/AVvXsEiYjw4EyDVEZeYk6do-9UIMkbr4R4eTcvt072aBvJ6GeFQFlYy8wXr21dFuKWx9KmF_9u85jvqOvUN5fzikDNUOu4kidxcjzFG4K3JmFGqV2dYofjE2jQvjyIK49uxVqNEFUC5IqxUpEI_Vc8kEiDJUwvjARt58HlZE8ztvPytaesbu3LFkK6PHCOcy=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYjw4EyDVEZeYk6do-9UIMkbr4R4eTcvt072aBvJ6GeFQFlYy8wXr21dFuKWx9KmF_9u85jvqOvUN5fzikDNUOu4kidxcjzFG4K3JmFGqV2dYofjE2jQvjyIK49uxVqNEFUC5IqxUpEI_Vc8kEiDJUwvjARt58HlZE8ztvPytaesbu3LFkK6PHCOcy=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Taken at 9:30 pm, 2 January! Yes, it was coming down pretty fast and getting quite a good accumulation. The last time we had snow like this in Alabama was about 4 years ago. I think this picture would make a great Christmas Postcard!</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhADSbrQYcKmT9xw9OAcietUMZIxIH0hmhp4cWqiO0vzEqjg4VK4RP6_d0Q1jfYgGuaPzf1n1OpIpQ0TXOzERxebIc5YF6dFWyfnkX4QucaW4C3UPkfxjdRNXSpsrh2TY6XqVJrqUqHAWtrto2r3lizL63jefVMPhk_BhGes7-pgQeLxrwIqeFHkTJp=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhADSbrQYcKmT9xw9OAcietUMZIxIH0hmhp4cWqiO0vzEqjg4VK4RP6_d0Q1jfYgGuaPzf1n1OpIpQ0TXOzERxebIc5YF6dFWyfnkX4QucaW4C3UPkfxjdRNXSpsrh2TY6XqVJrqUqHAWtrto2r3lizL63jefVMPhk_BhGes7-pgQeLxrwIqeFHkTJp=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was taken at 10:08 pm!! Sadly, the trees that look like umbrella shapes are actually dead. They're Weeping Cherry trees and we've had three of them for about 26 years now. This past summer, they started looking quite scraggly and we asked an expert about what was needed. He asked how old they were, and then told us he was amazed, because Weeping Cherries usually only last about 20 years at best!! Of course, Nigel Fursdon not only has a green thumb; both of his hands are totally GREEN!! He even grew raspberries one year, quite successfully, and they usually only thrive in much cooler climates that you find up north!. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivl-uud9Qk1GF6nPCOZ269WaOjWDrhgKkEaH6f3My0KLotWwbG0YJkIUxa40cnjkZ5KEP7mZV8mpIxT5pgNVxNe0wKiGNWBO3XN7FhuJBj411dydgdKsdEjkFGTSrRxr4pKe7D7VCcP9PnBc7nTsBzYnKW45tDqcc8y_5JluTRcwpe2NxvTWjW8MuL=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivl-uud9Qk1GF6nPCOZ269WaOjWDrhgKkEaH6f3My0KLotWwbG0YJkIUxa40cnjkZ5KEP7mZV8mpIxT5pgNVxNe0wKiGNWBO3XN7FhuJBj411dydgdKsdEjkFGTSrRxr4pKe7D7VCcP9PnBc7nTsBzYnKW45tDqcc8y_5JluTRcwpe2NxvTWjW8MuL=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the final picture taken at 9:51 am, on 3 January. All in all, we got about 4 1/2 inches here, while other surrounding areas received a lot more! Admittedly I love the snow when it gets this deep. It seems as if all the chaos and noise of the world is calmed and soothed by such heavy blankets of snow. </span></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/a/AVvXsEj-9tANDCW0PZoVXEF69HYpsKKy34RaG6_xHbPPaYarH53FIruBgs3IdbmReem5jE4Oo7N3v8G4b_WDb6JRGe4IOuOJ4i_lBEI5QO2ZlTovXSeHnbkihIangj0OU2m_jWGgBZQK2gfc3q4BAQXU0rmyFoKFICnO7ll1mE5WnZATQht9L5eEGeMp6Ebt=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-9tANDCW0PZoVXEF69HYpsKKy34RaG6_xHbPPaYarH53FIruBgs3IdbmReem5jE4Oo7N3v8G4b_WDb6JRGe4IOuOJ4i_lBEI5QO2ZlTovXSeHnbkihIangj0OU2m_jWGgBZQK2gfc3q4BAQXU0rmyFoKFICnO7ll1mE5WnZATQht9L5eEGeMp6Ebt=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I turned 62 on 4 January! And what a surprise I had! I've always been very blessed having Nigel as a husband. He gets me flowers for any special occasion, and even when I've returned home after a trip! For birthdays, we usually go out to dinner some place nice, and that afternoon, at 4:00 pm, we were going to a favorite German restaurant of mine. However, about 3:00pm, Nigel told me the restaurant had called and said they were having some difficulty and would we mind waiting until 5:00 pm to come to dinner. I agreed of course, but when we got there, Nigel started walking toward a booth that was already occupied. I couldn't see who it was seated there until Nigel moved to the side and I realized it was my Mom! Then he told the waitress we needed a bigger table since one more person was coming. Naturally I asked, but he said it was a surprise. So I kept wondering who it might be, but couldn't think of any one person that might come. Only couples. Finally, after about 10 minutes, I looked behind myself to see my very best, best, best friend of all time - Sherry Craig!! Sherry lives in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (about 2 hours north of us) and the reason for the delay that had us eating at 5:00 pm rather than 4:00 pm was that Sherry was delayed getting away. She wasn't even entirely certain she'd be able to make it because they also had a lot of snow, actually more than we did. Anyway, I bought the ruse hook, line and sinker!! And without reason if the truth be known because (1) had I thought about it, I would have remembered that this particular restaurant did NOT take reservations and (2) Sherry had already intimated she might try to come down within a few days or so! I guess turning 62 fried some of my brain cells. 😀 </span><span style="font-size: large;">But I have to say, it was the loveliest birthday I've ever had!!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwdXKS6A2YJwHnOTf0tBm3V94yKvd_eRErMHuF4-_dSVAJj6GERezqXD4telgInZKbh5ft3amrdDK6Qhkgz8JS0NcqSsqO0e2R58qGdfYynYPAMdQuPyuMuV0h0VJtp_Om4nXgqSoBMQszfZC8iv-uIAI5rTAARuGRb2TV5P537P6E_vau1zNwsmf_=s1383" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwdXKS6A2YJwHnOTf0tBm3V94yKvd_eRErMHuF4-_dSVAJj6GERezqXD4telgInZKbh5ft3amrdDK6Qhkgz8JS0NcqSsqO0e2R58qGdfYynYPAMdQuPyuMuV0h0VJtp_Om4nXgqSoBMQszfZC8iv-uIAI5rTAARuGRb2TV5P537P6E_vau1zNwsmf_=w500-h640" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Isn't he the cutest pudgy bird?!? I took this picture on 7 January. The snow had cleared and I had walked out of the house to take the trash out. On my return to the front door, I looked up and saw him! He was SO STILL! So I quietly went back inside as quick as I could and grabbed my camera. He still hadn't moved when I returned, so I was able to get several pictures. Apparently he isn't suffering from "miss a meal colic" as my Dad used to say! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, that's all for now. I hope you're all enjoying this new year 2022. It's certainly come in with a bang for us! Take good care and may God bless.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Hugs! Jan<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-58407657555837009922021-12-24T21:10:00.000-06:002021-12-24T21:10:32.520-06:00Merry and Blessed Christmas 2021!! <p>Hi Everyone! Yes, it's Jan from Fursdon House - finally!! The last time I updated this blog was on 4 June 2019!! I had no idea it had been this long, but I was reading someone else's blog the other day and was really enjoying myself. This, in turn, got me to toying with the idea of not only rejuvenating this blog, but trying my best to REALLY use it as a means to visit with all of you! So here's my first attempt! Not sure where it will lead, or if it will be successful, but here goes anyway.</p><p>As you can see from the title, it's Christmas Eve here in Madison, Alabama. The weather has been lovely today and very NON-Christmassy, if I may say so. We've had a high today of 66°F, and it's currently 64°, although Google assures me that it "feels like 63°". So there you have it! It's about 5:00 pm as I write this, and it's almost completely dark outside, so I can see the reindeer lit up on the lawn. It's the only outside decorations we did this year and instead of our usual "tree in every room" on the inside, we only put up two trees, the Nautical Tree and the Vintage Kitchen Gadget Tree. To be perfectly honest, we've had so much going on the past few months, and Nigel and I were both very sick earlier this month with upper respiratory infections, which I think is what people used to call "a nasty cold"! Ick! But we're mostly recovered now! </p><p>So. . . . here we go! This first post will show the few Christmas decorations we put up this year. And as we go along, I plan to update you on all that's been going with us the past couple of years, as well as all the "current events"!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIRGTv2ROv6AU4ssswQ_7YpJSBSl5MeW9NPkJWbLtH0oBuxAnRz3iLYFXSs5uroat9a2hypySAVarv9AZuzLv0LhNnnbX9lfETfIUyCjMR-MiHM-G-xn4ts3aN565h2gTLSza4FRYjyzNy4FG2r3RDplDhSOTcjv9IcRdl1CJ-mZAu3ImGp3ZxWoTt=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIRGTv2ROv6AU4ssswQ_7YpJSBSl5MeW9NPkJWbLtH0oBuxAnRz3iLYFXSs5uroat9a2hypySAVarv9AZuzLv0LhNnnbX9lfETfIUyCjMR-MiHM-G-xn4ts3aN565h2gTLSza4FRYjyzNy4FG2r3RDplDhSOTcjv9IcRdl1CJ-mZAu3ImGp3ZxWoTt=w609-h640" width="609" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Nautical Tree - Nigel's favorite!</div><div style="text-align: center;">On this tree we showcase all the seashells we've collected over the years from all the islands and countries we've visited. This year, we added shells and coral we picked up in Key Largo, Florida. I also included a large sand dollar, which hubby Nigel found on a recent scuba diving excursion with our granddaughter, Isobel, in the Atlantic Ocean, 25 miles off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We've got several sand dollars, but only those we've found washed up on beaches and a few made into ornaments that we purchased. But Nigel picked this one up off the Atlantic Ocean floor, so I think it's particularly special.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSEow19JuvxQyVQ4HHvTVux5939y3t4wtixzxb_4mOgG9EDydhvEFvEEB3R9Ai423GleH4Kp3jZgLAHdE9toyKlyun69gwuKzotSCi5SfY2UZGTY0-q7Qgfjb8p0hwtuB2IkOlR1engymVJnfN12-uHl0hzkXXm_hFRch3vGZr02SspoXe59OymLft=s3315" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3315" data-original-width="2365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSEow19JuvxQyVQ4HHvTVux5939y3t4wtixzxb_4mOgG9EDydhvEFvEEB3R9Ai423GleH4Kp3jZgLAHdE9toyKlyun69gwuKzotSCi5SfY2UZGTY0-q7Qgfjb8p0hwtuB2IkOlR1engymVJnfN12-uHl0hzkXXm_hFRch3vGZr02SspoXe59OymLft=w456-h640" width="456" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This greeting card led to the creation of the Nautical Tree!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> In May 1997, Nigel (who was active duty Army at the time) was sent on a one-year tour to South Korea, up on the DMZ. Having found this box of Christmas cards (which I was so pleased with) and to keep my mind off how much I missed him, especially at Christmas time, I decided to create a tree that would commemorate Nigel's love of the ocean and all things "nautical". So I gathered all the shells we'd collected up until that time and decorated a tree with them. Did you know that shells are hard as rocks?!?! I discovered this when I tried to pierce holes in all these muscle shells so I could hang them on the tree! I ended up using a heavy hammer and a large nail, and pounding small holes through them on the garage's concrete floor! My hands were sore for a couple of days afterward, but it was worth the work! I also found Hawaiian type leis made of small sea shells at Michael's, which I carefully took apart and rejoined to each other, creating the shell garland! It's certainly evolved over the years since and quickly became one of Nigel's favorite trees! Here are some close-ups of some of our favorite ornaments:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV2dAcpc3oY3dJczG5a1ZKj3WvRs7nE8w24Yes8TsfTybgzjlWCEaKtcnrPTxrMtaBUc2sM3r6292b4t8x-TJzxNjUIpwmNUEsCLxp4Jd_icRCyfEdmP5U8SGReuJO7PgumOgn3dRV1v3tyNGhsc5ikSwCDaLblFSptoFrV-pVrLXIeHX9JvgzFau0=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4032" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV2dAcpc3oY3dJczG5a1ZKj3WvRs7nE8w24Yes8TsfTybgzjlWCEaKtcnrPTxrMtaBUc2sM3r6292b4t8x-TJzxNjUIpwmNUEsCLxp4Jd_icRCyfEdmP5U8SGReuJO7PgumOgn3dRV1v3tyNGhsc5ikSwCDaLblFSptoFrV-pVrLXIeHX9JvgzFau0=w400-h236" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scuba Diving Santa!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nigel's absolute favorite ornament! We have two on the tree, one for him and one for my granddaughter Isobel, my two Master Divers. Kind of funny when you consider I can't even swim and I PANIC when water gets in my face!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN66ff7QG7Otz2xxKyxDHmt31vvq4K_yExi9QFzlXYQo5ENNqmM327NaxMAcNxk7c1mKAUEsywBBJpcun0Oa6__he5Vy3B9NIaP9AzJz2nP6jfOrxMqcXWBRueTxOAeKBT0kYxM0nQYUXxzoIMYx0uokfV8t28KuVyycgARLdyNH5uTGvaV2RNLm7l=s2327" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2327" data-original-width="2093" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN66ff7QG7Otz2xxKyxDHmt31vvq4K_yExi9QFzlXYQo5ENNqmM327NaxMAcNxk7c1mKAUEsywBBJpcun0Oa6__he5Vy3B9NIaP9AzJz2nP6jfOrxMqcXWBRueTxOAeKBT0kYxM0nQYUXxzoIMYx0uokfV8t28KuVyycgARLdyNH5uTGvaV2RNLm7l=w360-h400" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Sand Dollar Nigel found on the Atlantic Ocean floor a few months ago!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8_dto1kgG8FF1SZsOIE2OjdgtX2oYIc0tPFhUPm5oEmANgbITflu7Jlx1KTIz-oiFnsNx1W9W_jlt8KCc3kbbxszcWsqUOnzt3sUxRpRxwRAVorineEMQ08m8wsm1aHZ0XNlyGEwQ55PPmvz5kHymN57Wdar67osEGgOCCfji9fwbRTDbmMYmYszW=s3848" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2562" data-original-width="3848" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8_dto1kgG8FF1SZsOIE2OjdgtX2oYIc0tPFhUPm5oEmANgbITflu7Jlx1KTIz-oiFnsNx1W9W_jlt8KCc3kbbxszcWsqUOnzt3sUxRpRxwRAVorineEMQ08m8wsm1aHZ0XNlyGEwQ55PPmvz5kHymN57Wdar67osEGgOCCfji9fwbRTDbmMYmYszW=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A wooden crab from Roatan, Honduras!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMjlnRP3_pNl8R6akd82WZDiYZhdIf-0mrUHSo49BaW0zjZyUOPxfDZD0da7VylO3rNu-bLMkCYZmmVUHVQqPb74LewqKJnkyZY94oE5kgYLT9nfFah0e9_gz4Fu1XX0dvlUJg80pmfhWc63DhLuvGWj7x3B0DIaTemZbeTQMlKEEOOdgdAKK2dPqq=s3050" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3050" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMjlnRP3_pNl8R6akd82WZDiYZhdIf-0mrUHSo49BaW0zjZyUOPxfDZD0da7VylO3rNu-bLMkCYZmmVUHVQqPb74LewqKJnkyZY94oE5kgYLT9nfFah0e9_gz4Fu1XX0dvlUJg80pmfhWc63DhLuvGWj7x3B0DIaTemZbeTQMlKEEOOdgdAKK2dPqq=w396-h400" width="396" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mushroom Coral</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love it's absence of color and it's intricate pattern. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It almost looks like a lace ruffle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTSyRqzjShaOkwo_qUQ3A4oPkJbdXSHJuPC5RUZrpPhfgBJz3HKDf2H_dVWnhjMIpX8aQHPCluerLrD56SkbSjs8w52s8i11s3-jT6RWuF2cRJhi1l-skgtO0ll0ISvkJvwMht6wJdpcC8gwhBwslt6zj_yCf8pysMKjFoHzaniwWnbUcAmcALPPLy=s3284" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2821" data-original-width="3284" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTSyRqzjShaOkwo_qUQ3A4oPkJbdXSHJuPC5RUZrpPhfgBJz3HKDf2H_dVWnhjMIpX8aQHPCluerLrD56SkbSjs8w52s8i11s3-jT6RWuF2cRJhi1l-skgtO0ll0ISvkJvwMht6wJdpcC8gwhBwslt6zj_yCf8pysMKjFoHzaniwWnbUcAmcALPPLy=w400-h344" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lion Fish</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nigel and Isobel went lion fish hunting when we were in Roatan, Honduras a couple of years ago. I'd never heard of them, but they're fabulously beautiful, as you can see. However, their "spines" are venomous. So you have to be very careful catching them. The "lion fish hunts" are formed to try and control their population in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Because they're native only to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, they have no known predators in these other areas where they were inadvertently introduced and their population is exploding. Just so you know - they taste DELICIOUS!! Similar to lobster!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLjswbrkAdlvJS7N-eTQIdGp0BRRhYRUeFAoscwLjnqH8N3iThYRWVT7nwkrFeGd879_4F1BRsTx3-mLh_sn2nPwXlfEvgNDJoyUH56qno5kvvqG5-fKrVEh21GXbM6O79ob6Qv0ovosNET9cL749QxEghu7MD6wATHY1MP6GhsFcC4hAqXD5AFFoy=s2457" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2170" data-original-width="2457" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLjswbrkAdlvJS7N-eTQIdGp0BRRhYRUeFAoscwLjnqH8N3iThYRWVT7nwkrFeGd879_4F1BRsTx3-mLh_sn2nPwXlfEvgNDJoyUH56qno5kvvqG5-fKrVEh21GXbM6O79ob6Qv0ovosNET9cL749QxEghu7MD6wATHY1MP6GhsFcC4hAqXD5AFFoy=w400-h354" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Red Coral </div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't it beautiful? I love the intricate patterns of it!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioHu4kqvYV3Ovf-WOoY9qCVD7jy9cq4ICcuJ9Hh1tjZ7OeIeaNLk9OvODw6YvdG4smkLI7lKzl-37zdDcn6ccM7NFoFfmMlIGvulcMGyE1VbWjWSgbmWvwJ3fiEoINiRdfRU9p9rmlLoFvBcVzeVF-2lD-QqvMV-DVp7LZlHU25f1vWyWMeHiibI0M=s3416" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3416" data-original-width="2466" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioHu4kqvYV3Ovf-WOoY9qCVD7jy9cq4ICcuJ9Hh1tjZ7OeIeaNLk9OvODw6YvdG4smkLI7lKzl-37zdDcn6ccM7NFoFfmMlIGvulcMGyE1VbWjWSgbmWvwJ3fiEoINiRdfRU9p9rmlLoFvBcVzeVF-2lD-QqvMV-DVp7LZlHU25f1vWyWMeHiibI0M=w289-h400" width="289" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This shows how hard sea shells are;</div><div style="text-align: center;">this is a carving of a turtle on a shell.</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/a/AVvXsEgQ53eIQNjXGu4OXGmZgwBjYrrUOcbcTx2KcmhhQE27WCEhOlCaKRZsd-VQCFoY0uim9mP5H9UWtLoJmL494rxjq4pGzgRQgj6-CrJWqCThitrlqhZy_SICr4SqHsyeLqoXd3cZ2NuhBvM25ALMau5vaAJzfEGwFWMTeU0Q6W3lPV22dINHpm0cQSdG=s4011" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2685" data-original-width="4011" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ53eIQNjXGu4OXGmZgwBjYrrUOcbcTx2KcmhhQE27WCEhOlCaKRZsd-VQCFoY0uim9mP5H9UWtLoJmL494rxjq4pGzgRQgj6-CrJWqCThitrlqhZy_SICr4SqHsyeLqoXd3cZ2NuhBvM25ALMau5vaAJzfEGwFWMTeU0Q6W3lPV22dINHpm0cQSdG=w400-h268" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">One of the MANY ships we've collected over the years, ranging in size from a couple of inches to a couple of feet! Like I said earlier, Nigel loves all things nautical! I like to say we have a whole fleet of ships!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjq9K9FFuy_mlUutQoAM4kiSTggBcRPNB0bsv6YERGeZvq7EsWEOvgzwcOalEcIL3u7W241XJ6K3OWffoxgHFRFS-hLKOY3VBiMIwolQeCA8Sz_jwJmpz2UXEP6ujriaokXOxPq8nw3F6ZeR6zTCTjD0NluHSNsoIcfod5EdnztbEx6BNDNW9oekAWq=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjq9K9FFuy_mlUutQoAM4kiSTggBcRPNB0bsv6YERGeZvq7EsWEOvgzwcOalEcIL3u7W241XJ6K3OWffoxgHFRFS-hLKOY3VBiMIwolQeCA8Sz_jwJmpz2UXEP6ujriaokXOxPq8nw3F6ZeR6zTCTjD0NluHSNsoIcfod5EdnztbEx6BNDNW9oekAWq=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kitchen Christmas Tree - Jan's Favorite</div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;">I started this tree after I inherited many of my Gran's kitchen items. I love vintage pieces, especially those used in the kitchen, but I didn't have any way of showcasing them. This "tree" actually began life as a "wreath", but over the years I've collected so many fun and interesting items that I have enough for a tree now! I'm particularly fond of the vintage pieces with red and green painted wooden handles (perfect colors for Christmas!) This year, I decided to use my authentic goose feather tree to display everything, rather than one of my traditional trees. I like how you can see all the different items so easily, whereas they were all "lost in the greenery" on the more traditional tree. </p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">By the way, please don't get the idea I love to cook because I actually hate cooking! I consider myself an "adequate" cook, but I certainly don't enjoy cooking. Whenever we've had large family gatherings, the other women did the cooking while I was quite happy to do the clean-up afterward! Okay, it may sound weird, but when you're cleaning up, you don't have to concentrate on much of anything. Here are some of my favorite pieces:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqDRMTLdTwQuVPh0xkQeaJQObAmPQpMxpkXyU9bWWQ95LUaqUzcV7n3YpaglJ3wus2PacLxCJdshHa-YCSOBjN-yFtAZruD2HPJ03qsri7aE9zsCZcOlvqIR-NZpLa3wk2DVmn_FQ-twK1G02Frhq6JDEjclxszTQC5jYSHZaLb2423ehDoC89uegV=s3280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2714" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqDRMTLdTwQuVPh0xkQeaJQObAmPQpMxpkXyU9bWWQ95LUaqUzcV7n3YpaglJ3wus2PacLxCJdshHa-YCSOBjN-yFtAZruD2HPJ03qsri7aE9zsCZcOlvqIR-NZpLa3wk2DVmn_FQ-twK1G02Frhq6JDEjclxszTQC5jYSHZaLb2423ehDoC89uegV=w331-h400" width="331" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Gran's Biscuit Cutter</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't tell you many times I saw Gran using this biscuit cutter when I was growing up. It's one of my fondest memories! She made homemade biscuits for most breakfasts and often for supper as well! And she was fast too! I love how the color has become worn over time from so much use!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid2D5VDs8ftTALms9ZHU4T82Xp0v3P9u5dQrKMeSJMOvk-mksyqAz0Nu-Ijp2FFDTPCgv9mWvjBRNYd9EarSl5CT5ZVNiPgpHEtMRGnfv3n8Dl-T28qt4BlzjhZZqDfsJkQU11qAMzQ7OSkXLz0dH6BKFkq8gXUNYJd3dt6flIAewEIOwOjx9UEQVF=s2736" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="2096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid2D5VDs8ftTALms9ZHU4T82Xp0v3P9u5dQrKMeSJMOvk-mksyqAz0Nu-Ijp2FFDTPCgv9mWvjBRNYd9EarSl5CT5ZVNiPgpHEtMRGnfv3n8Dl-T28qt4BlzjhZZqDfsJkQU11qAMzQ7OSkXLz0dH6BKFkq8gXUNYJd3dt6flIAewEIOwOjx9UEQVF=s320" width="245" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gran's Measuring Spoons & a Mini Metal Ice Tray</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is another fond memory I have of Gran, when she was baking and using these slightly warped plastic measuring spoons. I think she told me she got them too close to the stove burner, hence the warp! But she never wasted anything and they still measured correctly, so she kept using them!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I got the mini metal ice tray this year when we were visiting my oldest daughter, Laura, in Fort Worth, Texas. Do any of you remember those old metal ice trays? Then we went to plastic ones, which were much easier to use. Now we have the ice dispensers built into our fridges if we're lucky enough to have one! We had what I called "single" metal ice trays and we also had a large "double" tray. But I'd never seen one this small! It measures 6" x 3", with ice cube slots about 3/4 of an inch square!! The only thing I could think of was that it was used in a home bar for cocktails! And it was quite "the thing" to have cocktails in the 1950's and 1960's.</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/a/AVvXsEhMWz0OT8yB0RgeSYyIaV6D-VrI6KbKWCiif7_p3ux5lEWYbBbr5gJA11xHDh1E-CZch76J0icODVd8kN6crlCoaShdlm--0hsEkLa-h5-PabH8nF6FoTlvamV27_mwtuoFy-4AP82Jj9EpdjkJZfuXIbryqxSlAcG6wJ_nQDs_YPfwD5h6kUBqmTvG=s3915" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3915" data-original-width="1876" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMWz0OT8yB0RgeSYyIaV6D-VrI6KbKWCiif7_p3ux5lEWYbBbr5gJA11xHDh1E-CZch76J0icODVd8kN6crlCoaShdlm--0hsEkLa-h5-PabH8nF6FoTlvamV27_mwtuoFy-4AP82Jj9EpdjkJZfuXIbryqxSlAcG6wJ_nQDs_YPfwD5h6kUBqmTvG=w306-h640" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is a glass baby bottle!! I've seen a picture of my Mom sterilizing glass baby bottles in the kitchen! NOT a fun chore!! When I had my girls (in 1981 and 1985), you could still get glass bottles, as well as plastic ones in various pastel colors. But the preferred method - at least by ME!! - were the clear plastic Playtex bottles with the plastic "sleeve" liners that you filled with milk. I was thrilled to find this large Pyrex bottle, and I later found a smaller one made by Tuffy! If I remember correctly, the nipples were made of rubber and the "thing" that held the nipple in place was made of black plastic.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL5JDseHT_Fpng0QGv0TZhQMxD9kdgURGFIMR7DAxz_FCsQW1_FUZFo9YgtsShfuUjwq_WL6E2TOqLB_6Nqf2l9A6gGOAkriRfTmT-MCSo3rrPouByW2puAghwaE7AeRWH5k2E7LXtPyCd4WxNidCcAip3q0YMDwWBDvEDBKSb34H4g8hWXdKiFtCq=s2720" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2720" data-original-width="1820" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL5JDseHT_Fpng0QGv0TZhQMxD9kdgURGFIMR7DAxz_FCsQW1_FUZFo9YgtsShfuUjwq_WL6E2TOqLB_6Nqf2l9A6gGOAkriRfTmT-MCSo3rrPouByW2puAghwaE7AeRWH5k2E7LXtPyCd4WxNidCcAip3q0YMDwWBDvEDBKSb34H4g8hWXdKiFtCq=w428-h640" width="428" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyone who knows me well knows I'm not only a chocoholic; I'm a Hershey's Chocolate Chocoholic!! So I was quite pleased to find this large metal Hershey's Cocoa tin!! As a matter of fact, I made a batch of fudge earlier today using my Hershey's Cocoa. However, the "tin" has been replaced by plastic! 😕</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhiwTr1rDGMH75A0u9MjnriZPU2HY-hxnd15DFoSXex9ouiljmSHLqGGEhvqWcyEmxEOoa2t7yk77TOMRk6dcMH4Rj3oiOlYHepNlndr4l8DEIRlSVeJD58JrsCfIcQ9V_HHu6Wci7wnghdZ8OJdb1RloSmVP49qltO10FVuCha2CNN4k2j7SSadW5=s3383" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3383" data-original-width="1821" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhiwTr1rDGMH75A0u9MjnriZPU2HY-hxnd15DFoSXex9ouiljmSHLqGGEhvqWcyEmxEOoa2t7yk77TOMRk6dcMH4Rj3oiOlYHepNlndr4l8DEIRlSVeJD58JrsCfIcQ9V_HHu6Wci7wnghdZ8OJdb1RloSmVP49qltO10FVuCha2CNN4k2j7SSadW5=w215-h400" width="215" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a saying in our family. If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla, put in at least double that amount!! When we were visiting Roatan, Honduras a couple of years ago, I bought a large bottle of vanilla that was made locally!! Delicious!! And it tastes MUCH stronger than what we normally use here in the States.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhumyUIhj1s2NkQyhRTHEpCSs1OOhWJMwPzOCd85t6LuNYMsAgj8a3XH4995pAhNYx05adOtTCYJXTIvVDvhe3TrX6aDpt5--qsI4A640cDdiEdf-2dEA5QKRV_qS0bmon_woyfiR4cxAupVBv-fBMuQpygaH18EZgGA0-U0xLpw_FjkKtj3wV6XAVB=s3114" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3114" data-original-width="1944" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhumyUIhj1s2NkQyhRTHEpCSs1OOhWJMwPzOCd85t6LuNYMsAgj8a3XH4995pAhNYx05adOtTCYJXTIvVDvhe3TrX6aDpt5--qsI4A640cDdiEdf-2dEA5QKRV_qS0bmon_woyfiR4cxAupVBv-fBMuQpygaH18EZgGA0-U0xLpw_FjkKtj3wV6XAVB=w400-h640" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I was MUCH younger, Santa gave me a Suzy Homemaker Oven for Christmas! I was thrilled and LOVED making little cupcakes. Although this isn't the one I had, it's identical to it. Sweet, lovely memories!!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiETkF-pER-ZsTD58qhWWSLKZKiYEiH_yVXrdN2Hl9jtgNuNm3GANFo4O5Sixln73duRJyDbYD89eBd3rfRmevfxygCDCdaccOqBhZMunV692yS9gXzkfilV_69wSvSBI_DZRkKpeQgheQasIoGwT8tOLJFAELMN1kz5-AcHGahx-dd-bml6Uba-74=s2744" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2744" data-original-width="2103" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiETkF-pER-ZsTD58qhWWSLKZKiYEiH_yVXrdN2Hl9jtgNuNm3GANFo4O5Sixln73duRJyDbYD89eBd3rfRmevfxygCDCdaccOqBhZMunV692yS9gXzkfilV_69wSvSBI_DZRkKpeQgheQasIoGwT8tOLJFAELMN1kz5-AcHGahx-dd-bml6Uba-74=w306-h400" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have a very large collection of these vintage metal cookie cutters. Some, like this one, have attached metal handles and others have attached wooden handles, all painted in my favorite green and red colors!</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/a/AVvXsEhDHIXYh5ga7itD75-fHLtO6kiKbd8bnjCQ2L-7urxfhXTKhnfA3DlB0zSlHLGFC8icnOTsVUdnF98lHWmTmPciWXT0Yv7nFJfNo-qJ0th5jBjHqWLVWGsAYW07j2QB1z2PJW-DRlz65QAXpqN044JhSKRYeruTtgjlFdOXySpIsbGiiESe5oR5_hkp=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDHIXYh5ga7itD75-fHLtO6kiKbd8bnjCQ2L-7urxfhXTKhnfA3DlB0zSlHLGFC8icnOTsVUdnF98lHWmTmPciWXT0Yv7nFJfNo-qJ0th5jBjHqWLVWGsAYW07j2QB1z2PJW-DRlz65QAXpqN044JhSKRYeruTtgjlFdOXySpIsbGiiESe5oR5_hkp=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the baby spoons I used when my girls (now 40 and 36 years old) were little!! I have another one that has a longer, slender "bowl" that I use in my studio. There's nothing quite so precious as spooning rice cereal into a baby's mouth, watching them spit it out, then trying to "scoop" it from their chin and put it back in!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkqdKXr_dlpWgcFoQgL4n59jKEd5jmG7ltjGQdPvjlJRihHIim5i-ATssOcas0Qdfrmy0biQByt6v4oGBZ-Dxwp31oFa48Fgzud8MlWjukIt5V5_pfduLb9wDxcPy5IhetvueHBFqRTpxizNidksl_6JnsBFqSJoDxwICEvbhuyu5CWOv-fvRkXM94=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkqdKXr_dlpWgcFoQgL4n59jKEd5jmG7ltjGQdPvjlJRihHIim5i-ATssOcas0Qdfrmy0biQByt6v4oGBZ-Dxwp31oFa48Fgzud8MlWjukIt5V5_pfduLb9wDxcPy5IhetvueHBFqRTpxizNidksl_6JnsBFqSJoDxwICEvbhuyu5CWOv-fvRkXM94=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although not the original one we had when I was little, we had a cookie cutter just like this angel. Notice how the "handles" evolved from being separate but attached to the cutter to becoming part of the overall cutter design. I like the others best!! That red handled "thingy" on the right is a vegetable peeler!!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfkIy3f-FAVk192-bCaeuNW8qqR1fdJNp58V9OvbdLlSc5EFU21lKAYrnovmR854CrEHkhBADtvbeFKqE2PFraMm6i2hiZ5rtv5PuLpxpsizd8DXwdHNMiFUAVCs21dGjzMxUt8pVyJpBKffykiXRE-Pw84CNj4H4HxcC1rZW5jHbalZR1i4On8cez=s2951" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2716" data-original-width="2951" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfkIy3f-FAVk192-bCaeuNW8qqR1fdJNp58V9OvbdLlSc5EFU21lKAYrnovmR854CrEHkhBADtvbeFKqE2PFraMm6i2hiZ5rtv5PuLpxpsizd8DXwdHNMiFUAVCs21dGjzMxUt8pVyJpBKffykiXRE-Pw84CNj4H4HxcC1rZW5jHbalZR1i4On8cez=w400-h369" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The green glass "thingy" was part of a coffee percolator! It sat down into the top of the lid and I remember watching the coffee percolating up into the top, over and over, until the coffee was brewed. Our new Keurig coffee machines aren't nearly so much fun to watch, or to listen to! Just saying!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved the red wooden handled scoop; always useful! And the glass ornament shaped like what we called "hard ribbon candy" brings back many happy memories, as my grandparents (especially my PawPaw) LOVED it! I personally didn't care for it AT ALL. Then again, it wasn't chocolate! Again, just saying!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfcM9B1A6bf76IrdkZkCHdrJyxrdrcZ3hNof_j3yJ2v5-lrs88d-HivbcvITHU6hUu7KMLM5SQH5CriWx2TUdzGYRAgN2cUEDrABddLus8aM5kZ3XIbEuX1LTFR2C15veFR6r7Z2CRJ5JfBdd6H0Mq-x8dAC1E7NbbYILR3TmneQsECV_kanN83k18=s3076" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2093" data-original-width="3076" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfcM9B1A6bf76IrdkZkCHdrJyxrdrcZ3hNof_j3yJ2v5-lrs88d-HivbcvITHU6hUu7KMLM5SQH5CriWx2TUdzGYRAgN2cUEDrABddLus8aM5kZ3XIbEuX1LTFR2C15veFR6r7Z2CRJ5JfBdd6H0Mq-x8dAC1E7NbbYILR3TmneQsECV_kanN83k18=w400-h272" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Birthday Candle Holders! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I was little, I remember my Mom taking me to a bakery and letting me pick out a cupcake for my birthday! And on top of that cupcake was a little pink bird candle holder, with a candle inside it! I was probably around 5 years old and I was completely entranced! Now, flash forward about 50+ years. I was looking for something (can't even remember what) on Etsy when I happened to come across two original sets of these candle holders! Talk about a trip down memory lane! I had completely forgotten about that trip to the bakery, but all of a sudden the memory came flooding back to me! Lovely memory!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, that's it for now! Goodness, I'd forgotten how much time it takes to get the proper pictures loaded and write up the various and sundry things I want to share with you. I hope I haven't bored you. My goal - at least at this point - is to update the blog about once a week. So.....let's see how long I can keep it up this time, shall we?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you for all your support and encouragement. Remember, I love hearing from you too so please leave a comment and share your own stories with me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take good care and have a merry and peaceful Christmas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">May God bless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-43089921811444830872019-06-04T08:48:00.000-05:002019-06-04T08:48:44.379-05:00Lace and Fabric Folio Style Journals!!Hi Everyone!<br />
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I've been very busy lately, as the following pictures can attest! I finally decided to create my first lace and fabric journal and, as usual, I didn't have an ironclad plan in place.....just a couple of ideas in my head. Well, it turns out I should have had more of a plan because by the time I was nearing its completion, it was already over 8 inches thick!! Just a wee tad cumbersome and not exactly the easiest way to write in a journal!! So I went back to the proverbial drawing board and came up with the idea of separating them into six individual folio journal packets! And that's what they ended up as.<br />
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These are the pictures of the fronts only; I've also included the YouTube channel where you can see a "video flip through" that shows each page, background on how I created them, etc. Hope you enjoy them! Here we go!!<br />
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Journal #1</div>
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YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/vVp4Au2LXXQ</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCoiy6eSlofdzYeWPS-sqahmHjfsLvufybOFslSuT0Ld3vaYlAsAnn7pnd51iDXfJRiN3dCG04UIPviyyEDxjAmaZuZUOyoI0u2MXqaupzqi_QUTPlQLRe_3MbYXKAo1xZMMlV5-vKso/s1600/IMG_20190603_164006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCoiy6eSlofdzYeWPS-sqahmHjfsLvufybOFslSuT0Ld3vaYlAsAnn7pnd51iDXfJRiN3dCG04UIPviyyEDxjAmaZuZUOyoI0u2MXqaupzqi_QUTPlQLRe_3MbYXKAo1xZMMlV5-vKso/s640/IMG_20190603_164006.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Journal #2</div>
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YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/QE0mb6jdNdE</div>
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Journal #3</div>
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YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/ACL7shqMhGo</div>
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Journal #4</div>
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YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/0hz3DPl3cXs</div>
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Journal #5</div>
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YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/_vg_cBG5SNo</div>
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Journal #6</div>
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YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/-wFGrKlsJUo</div>
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I'm so excited! As of this morning, only two are left for sale!! That's less than 12 hours after posting them! I was half thinking I was nuts to do what I did, much less expect them to sell. But I kept having so much fun making them that I decided to just keep on going! I enjoyed making these so much more than making full journals! Perhaps that's what I'll focus on for awhile! Like I've always said, never boring at Fursdon House!!</div>
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SO.......I hope you're all having a lovely Tuesday morning and I pray you all have a blessed week! </div>
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Many, many thanks for stopping by! </div>
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May God Bless, Jan</div>
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Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-91138759809884101502019-05-05T20:16:00.001-05:002019-05-05T20:16:44.986-05:00Another Laptop Cover!!Hi Everyone!<br />
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Okay, so I'm obviously on a roll here, not only with blogging, but also with laptop covers! <br />
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So.....after suffering through the minor catastrophe of putting a hole in the other (more fragile) laptop cover (see my last post), I decided I should make a "sturdier" one for everyday laptop use and keep the "more fragile" one for another project that's whirling around in my head (more on that after it stops whirling and settles!).<br />
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Anyway, I loved the "lace" idea so I decided to try and adapt it to "sturdier" type. Fortunately, I had three Battenburg lace placemats that I'd purchased from a thrift shop a year or so ago for about $2 each if I remember correctly. I used two and a half placemats total for this cover, and I'm quite happy that it's sturdy enough to withstand even my clumsiness! (which is saying a LOT!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8i6mX0igQWEGoebUwC7uV58iLcm_woEO9QRNigPMfWS9D3YKZzbzz4lZalVLAQhyqlotzz5L2YtG8glBKMi4dPD-JPRT-sUFUXMHxEhJW5z2wQ2VMDEjhndhK2_lb-sx-wiIwxWrxo4/s1600/IMG_20190505_193319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8i6mX0igQWEGoebUwC7uV58iLcm_woEO9QRNigPMfWS9D3YKZzbzz4lZalVLAQhyqlotzz5L2YtG8glBKMi4dPD-JPRT-sUFUXMHxEhJW5z2wQ2VMDEjhndhK2_lb-sx-wiIwxWrxo4/s640/IMG_20190505_193319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's how I did it:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIumAu_8EV5LbwDLGbPkDrpFcVlNZxOWnPhDdqEj0OLsHpZ5ZqGRqkZmCGoZWQQnEfEDSExnktS4si0SJcRx6rohc1e-hdN0iaeN7T3PSlisUvWJt3XJ4_3zVDjsUkHtYc0ox5tJ9_wU/s1600/IMG_20190502_194925741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIumAu_8EV5LbwDLGbPkDrpFcVlNZxOWnPhDdqEj0OLsHpZ5ZqGRqkZmCGoZWQQnEfEDSExnktS4si0SJcRx6rohc1e-hdN0iaeN7T3PSlisUvWJt3XJ4_3zVDjsUkHtYc0ox5tJ9_wU/s640/IMG_20190502_194925741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Okay, forget "start to finish". I didn't take as many pictures as I thought I had. At any rate, this is one of the three placemats. However, all four edges were surrounded by a strip of plain cotton with a rolled hem edge on each placemat. But I didn't like it, and it made it too large for the laptop, so I probably spent about two hours removing it by cutting around each flower edge. Hint....use small scissors! They're great for this type of thing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCbe2tuRYBZXEgtda_z_DTmqZ_yM574XEpg9800XIp30p-AIQyTzuRErvipbhMppYMKAsLkJu6XHEP3X35h2jZBEAgdSZo3gj7uGNeA7xkpjK3fVPwHlWj9B5SpWV2a249XQvQ9T909c/s1600/IMG_20190502_193854938_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCbe2tuRYBZXEgtda_z_DTmqZ_yM574XEpg9800XIp30p-AIQyTzuRErvipbhMppYMKAsLkJu6XHEP3X35h2jZBEAgdSZo3gj7uGNeA7xkpjK3fVPwHlWj9B5SpWV2a249XQvQ9T909c/s640/IMG_20190502_193854938_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the stage where I was checking to see how to line up and attach the "flap" closure (from the half of the third placemat) to what would be the back placemat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElahkwLiFQvx7G9aVqxOX8S0yzn1tq3eIJYNYvrkFj1zBVw5nKzBJuDNX82UETsbOeKXUHcokgP3bqIPh25JBTOYhb2KCSAdH94OfwhzRUfSQknL0RGjD5v93QVIlHpYKuCYFCyh478U/s1600/IMG_20190504_093717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElahkwLiFQvx7G9aVqxOX8S0yzn1tq3eIJYNYvrkFj1zBVw5nKzBJuDNX82UETsbOeKXUHcokgP3bqIPh25JBTOYhb2KCSAdH94OfwhzRUfSQknL0RGjD5v93QVIlHpYKuCYFCyh478U/s640/IMG_20190504_093717.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This shows where the flap was stitched to the back placemat. Sorry, but I don't have a picture of the top placemat. It's identical, of course, and I just lined it up on top of this piece. Once pinned in place, I stitched along the two sides and the bottom, following the outside of the flower design. This created a "pocket" with a "flap" overhang closure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFtb2reUoVsXZxDlho8uMi-cq9YGw6dumaKt-nDg58Zg4l5RxyJepcNKZmxDDWFfBTJv00Qhodn2t-_J1F_YnXZCtG-lvusWGiEwL5r1NgtRUaVSqb7A3JM0g1lWW3K0bUgNZeYwORos/s1600/IMG_20190505_193138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="1600" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivFtb2reUoVsXZxDlho8uMi-cq9YGw6dumaKt-nDg58Zg4l5RxyJepcNKZmxDDWFfBTJv00Qhodn2t-_J1F_YnXZCtG-lvusWGiEwL5r1NgtRUaVSqb7A3JM0g1lWW3K0bUgNZeYwORos/s640/IMG_20190505_193138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is why I LOVE coffee staining fabric!! And it worked beautifully! This shows both top and bottom placemats sewn together along the two sides and bottom (following the outline of the flower decoration), with the "flap" closure sewn onto the bottom placemat, and draped over the front.</div>
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I prefer coffee staining, although on occasion I'll use hot tea to stain fabrics, journal paper, etc. Coffee is usually cheaper, and I think quicker! I use a teapot full of boiling water, poured into a large bowl, and I had about half a cup of the cheapest instant coffee I can find. Then I placed my "pristine white" cover into the bowl and swished it around with a metal spoon, letting it sit for about 30 minutes or so. This depends on how dark you want it; leave it in less if you want a paler color. I usually don't rinse my cloth because that takes some of the dark pigment out, so I just wrung it out, then ironed it dry. The heat from the iron helps "set" the color permanently. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C9pDFcQFNw-cmLRjIBR-w0bhHAzhrPl2UADknp1rL9yQovM2xXsP2XMdziWEcVtOQZeWSTNTNMzblvGndAnHb2goXCS6m5lOBa9jdDokFvPbLUbFASL0Ug_FNTNOrmYxrvg0yEfYRYI/s1600/IMG_20190503_094247777+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9C9pDFcQFNw-cmLRjIBR-w0bhHAzhrPl2UADknp1rL9yQovM2xXsP2XMdziWEcVtOQZeWSTNTNMzblvGndAnHb2goXCS6m5lOBa9jdDokFvPbLUbFASL0Ug_FNTNOrmYxrvg0yEfYRYI/s640/IMG_20190503_094247777+%25282%2529.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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It suddenly occurred to me (about time too!) that I didn't have any cushioning fabric in the cover to protect the laptop! That was a big "DUH"!! moment, I can tell you. Oh well, put the thinking cap on and see what I can come up with. Ah Ha!! I had this fabric, which is sort of a thick "batting", but it's a close weave. Anyway, I just cut out a rectangle long enough to go around the laptop top and bottom, folded it in half, then stitched up the sides to create a "pocket" (a protective pocket at that!!). :-)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7-XsJQC9CmU15rIGyQjZUNkhsW60cTfj-oOLBTdgwJEfyWW0A-9Ll1ID1IjspQXNBgkzfma_bCd4DXrHKc3u1U6ABvehdfHQKFnKHsXXOlx4m5460IzNj94CPCSEzz_0OE08d0ZkCuQ/s1600/IMG_20190505_193241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1600" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7-XsJQC9CmU15rIGyQjZUNkhsW60cTfj-oOLBTdgwJEfyWW0A-9Ll1ID1IjspQXNBgkzfma_bCd4DXrHKc3u1U6ABvehdfHQKFnKHsXXOlx4m5460IzNj94CPCSEzz_0OE08d0ZkCuQ/s640/IMG_20190505_193241.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I slipped it inside the cover to test for size, then I trimmed a couple of inches off the top edge so that it would sit just below the top of the lace placemat decoration (i.e., so you couldn't see it). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktnI3stpvwUICRbDDdt5f3fDD209ZTidjlvyPDssAChZFzTX_6jrSIaQxKBN0W4ct5xP6vZpVz6yNuowrpO_VE31pM7CRPkvZDsgVHVHmCsxxq1SAQik6TmyXi01QCcxntpyFWXbcWoI/s1600/IMG_20190505_193256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1600" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktnI3stpvwUICRbDDdt5f3fDD209ZTidjlvyPDssAChZFzTX_6jrSIaQxKBN0W4ct5xP6vZpVz6yNuowrpO_VE31pM7CRPkvZDsgVHVHmCsxxq1SAQik6TmyXi01QCcxntpyFWXbcWoI/s640/IMG_20190505_193256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This shows the protective "pocket" sitting inside the cover, just below the top, out of sight. I didn't have to stitch it down because it was a snug fit. However, if I discover that it's slipping later on, I can always tack it down in the corners.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7C6wZclwYzLG7igD3_KGJ4ZpaWzaXM8Um2se-6kJ-8nMMx3duhluAVE9P6J1qbvICE44dQxsZ95inuEJtzaWv3q2_BMZBBJRAXIkN9NOjGRvTLIjRPh7RXBTPgCfWbyvNUXFZ09Kz14/s1600/IMG_20190505_193213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7C6wZclwYzLG7igD3_KGJ4ZpaWzaXM8Um2se-6kJ-8nMMx3duhluAVE9P6J1qbvICE44dQxsZ95inuEJtzaWv3q2_BMZBBJRAXIkN9NOjGRvTLIjRPh7RXBTPgCfWbyvNUXFZ09Kz14/s640/IMG_20190505_193213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here the cover is, with the protective pocket inside, just BEGGING ME to decorate it!! Honest! I actually heard it begging! And it took me awhile too! I kept coming up with all kinds of things, but I finally made up my mind and .........</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8i6mX0igQWEGoebUwC7uV58iLcm_woEO9QRNigPMfWS9D3YKZzbzz4lZalVLAQhyqlotzz5L2YtG8glBKMi4dPD-JPRT-sUFUXMHxEhJW5z2wQ2VMDEjhndhK2_lb-sx-wiIwxWrxo4/s1600/IMG_20190505_193319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8i6mX0igQWEGoebUwC7uV58iLcm_woEO9QRNigPMfWS9D3YKZzbzz4lZalVLAQhyqlotzz5L2YtG8glBKMi4dPD-JPRT-sUFUXMHxEhJW5z2wQ2VMDEjhndhK2_lb-sx-wiIwxWrxo4/s640/IMG_20190505_193319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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VOILA!!</div>
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The lace on the flap cover at the top is an antique remnant that I glued in place, then stitched the small chain of pearls in place over the top edge.</div>
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The five flower clusters on the base are also antique, which I glued in place. </div>
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Years ago, I went with my mother-in-law to Scott's Antique Market, in Atlanta, Georgie. It's held monthly, over the first weekend. And they have <i><b>everything and anything</b></i>. It's two huge buildings (previously warehouses), with "stalls" and vendors selling everything from .....well, just everything. That's the best way to describe it! And I found one vendor selling large bags of fabrics which you couldn't pick and choose from. You just bought the bag, lock, stock and barrel, without being able to go through the bag. I took a chance (it wasn't expensive; maybe $10). And I came away with some of the most beautiful laces, trim, ribbons, etc., that I've ever seen. And most of it was vintage and antique pieces. That's where these two pieces (above) came from, as well as the lace table runner remnant (from the previous post)! Talk about hitting the jackpot! I was in a "happy fabric coma"! :-)</div>
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So..........there you have it! My second, and sturdier, laptop cover!! I know these aren't the best instructions in the world, so let me know if you have any questions and I'll help all I can.</div>
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Hope you've had a lovely weekend and I hope you'll have a lovely week!</div>
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May God bless. Jan</div>
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<br />Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-77025157097598258692019-05-03T16:35:00.001-05:002019-05-03T16:35:12.251-05:00Antique Lace Laptop CoverHi Everyone!<br />
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Okay, so it's taken me a year to get back to blogging! But I have a good excuse. Actually, I think it's a great excuse. I've been doing YouTube videos and making journals and journal pages, cards, tags and envelopes. I've put the link to the right of the screen; just click on the image there, which is some journal cards I've made.<br />
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But today, I wanted to do a "blog tutorial" of sorts, rather than a video, of how I made my antique lace laptop cover. Before I do that though, I want to give full credit to CRISSIE CROSSER, of Crissie's Attic on YouTube. Crissie did a tutorial that was just great. It was SO EASY to follow that I literally made my own laptop cover in about two hours! So please check out her two video tutorials, and I'll put a link below for you.<br />
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So, let's get started!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFXWIe_In6L_FaPHjcPBAuclx_kRnYg5tU4dOox0MYWNG8sAbp7SPvW5BgHmEgOeKwvSJkcyDBIG2RXl-Od3jeSP27MeienvHL-AFMMMDTMHUufaBL-QHFQppnFJUS8iL6NCl4VRCe9M/s1600/IMG_20190503_124923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoFXWIe_In6L_FaPHjcPBAuclx_kRnYg5tU4dOox0MYWNG8sAbp7SPvW5BgHmEgOeKwvSJkcyDBIG2RXl-Od3jeSP27MeienvHL-AFMMMDTMHUufaBL-QHFQppnFJUS8iL6NCl4VRCe9M/s640/IMG_20190503_124923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the finished cover! Again, this only took about two hours to complete, start to finish! Admittedly, mine looks completely different from Crissie's, but I followed the same pattern and instructions. My intent was to have a cover that resembled Crissie's "tattered lace" one. However, when I went searching for lace scraps, I came across this stunning lace table runner remnant. I've had it for years, so it was a pleasant "surprise" to be able to finally use it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3Iu9XVo1lFI7eOLEcdczqBnZXjCnOwRWls5IwtNG8BhRncF5P1lm0UPlIApxPrTUnH80I0Vw-SWplqKECWMnl8wy91x34cg0OQC-lR2EDdpdN3yoPEbYnnDb9nOSPZY9pzzBJhmn7_g/s1600/IMG_20190503_124949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3Iu9XVo1lFI7eOLEcdczqBnZXjCnOwRWls5IwtNG8BhRncF5P1lm0UPlIApxPrTUnH80I0Vw-SWplqKECWMnl8wy91x34cg0OQC-lR2EDdpdN3yoPEbYnnDb9nOSPZY9pzzBJhmn7_g/s640/IMG_20190503_124949.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the reverse side. Isn't it lovely? How could I NOT use it?! And the really neat thing was that it was exactly the width I needed!! So this goes down in my book as "it was meant to be"!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI5h6Uk_sssMLjiieRE-6JHczsqO1BpbtZYlybQRC0I-aeeHKW7mgrrssJ9g6qlSuDPYGy-ORTECXFFJvVG3UioKjEsFx3XiGclvz-Qy2FTXXG5vCRu-5rmzszAOC_ZXR8NViE2CjV1w/s1600/IMG_20190405_095148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="855" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHI5h6Uk_sssMLjiieRE-6JHczsqO1BpbtZYlybQRC0I-aeeHKW7mgrrssJ9g6qlSuDPYGy-ORTECXFFJvVG3UioKjEsFx3XiGclvz-Qy2FTXXG5vCRu-5rmzszAOC_ZXR8NViE2CjV1w/s640/IMG_20190405_095148.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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The first thing you want to do is determine how big your cover needs to be. I just used an old piece of quilted fabric I had, which was thick enough to provide sufficient protection. Using my laptop as a guide, I wrapped a cloth tape measure around it to determine how much length I needed to go all the way around the piece (both sides), including enough to form a "flap" on the front, as well as how wide I needed. Then I cut my quilted fabric to those measurements. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbijdk-sOg7B8ZG7LniVMsT9yAsk_umjXCcfKjSZlPZidW_-xeDeKwtbbgs9igPH0d6Rut0qZO79HrnGJLIlDl8Hq_aBlfXjsfrzwc9_BiV6tUAEmItvAkq_gX35uIqHmP5TkVzjsq7c4/s1600/IMG_20190405_095221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="818" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbijdk-sOg7B8ZG7LniVMsT9yAsk_umjXCcfKjSZlPZidW_-xeDeKwtbbgs9igPH0d6Rut0qZO79HrnGJLIlDl8Hq_aBlfXjsfrzwc9_BiV6tUAEmItvAkq_gX35uIqHmP5TkVzjsq7c4/s640/IMG_20190405_095221.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
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I cut out another piece of medium weight interfacing the same size as the quilted piece. This helps add structure to the overall piece, as well as providing additional protection. Stitch these two pieces together around all four sides, leaving your edges raw. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcyFNgKv0u3ocbbC6FOXHYhZA5UlEQD9YGraeiHv4PPYiZsjPk7wXfIK_obwVJ1EUzGaspZFbiNLzotYEs_Nb6gFgAwppZN3o16msWlLNl8wenwafv11DrLfW1_-tL-sa2zHcdRpCg5Q/s1600/IMG_20190405_095335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcyFNgKv0u3ocbbC6FOXHYhZA5UlEQD9YGraeiHv4PPYiZsjPk7wXfIK_obwVJ1EUzGaspZFbiNLzotYEs_Nb6gFgAwppZN3o16msWlLNl8wenwafv11DrLfW1_-tL-sa2zHcdRpCg5Q/s640/IMG_20190405_095335.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also like to "test" my measurements at this point, to make sure I have sufficient fabric. Math and I don't always get along, so I follow the old adage of "Measure twice (or three or four times), then cut once" (hopefully). In this picture above, you see that I've wrapped the two pieces around the laptop and I have plenty for a fold-over flap closure.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYwOzFk8fMTifx8smZ9N8FEYoZzwhXWdeKauYrOwlcEuqI_5ip9o6lsHSmNUq80a3bhtYYrKZBRfxBN2kTXHUSu3ItmBdRvV4hv_uiOYQ-Ga6J1PgImlm_4LF0ocWmMu321z8xypQ6Xo/s1600/IMG_20190405_095411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="869" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYwOzFk8fMTifx8smZ9N8FEYoZzwhXWdeKauYrOwlcEuqI_5ip9o6lsHSmNUq80a3bhtYYrKZBRfxBN2kTXHUSu3ItmBdRvV4hv_uiOYQ-Ga6J1PgImlm_4LF0ocWmMu321z8xypQ6Xo/s640/IMG_20190405_095411.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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Because my table runner was only a remnant and not long enough, I decided to use two layers of lace. This would be a great way to use an old damaged lace tablecloth!! As luck would have it, I still had some of this lace (pictured above) left over. Believe it or not, this "lace" was originally a shower curtain that I found at Wal-Mart years ago! They only had the one piece, and I've used it in many projects over the years. To get the size I needed, I just laid my quilted piece of fabric over it, then cut around it, and included about an inch and a half over on all sides. I think using two panels of lace added to the richness of the piece!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNdtkZWMufH-VxQQ7YXMBB5wCC0TGBXlgxzzmzAATbm8VWpCs3cDjBZk0FvexOqw7xxsdNV3BVyh0uXEu0QqzbQqc1IO6Ezvgpcpn8TWKh6R5ahE-5QGtQj6pP4XMMXMSl3tTa7lCk_Q/s1600/IMG_20190409_161302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="788" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNdtkZWMufH-VxQQ7YXMBB5wCC0TGBXlgxzzmzAATbm8VWpCs3cDjBZk0FvexOqw7xxsdNV3BVyh0uXEu0QqzbQqc1IO6Ezvgpcpn8TWKh6R5ahE-5QGtQj6pP4XMMXMSl3tTa7lCk_Q/s640/IMG_20190409_161302.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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I then folded the lace over the edges of the quilted piece on three sides (top and both sides), and stitched it down. I wanted to leave the bottom "fringe" visible, so instead of turning it down, I just top stitched the lace onto the edge of the quilted piece to hold it in place.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAlBVDu3ryysDrACbBEFz2CybfMs-ZYTVPqIDB8bPuLkBh0ibp_JSWnToNdLx9I7gcdR_Hcgfh8AU5nMuml-hh3oHPkswoS4CfYXaX4iZDFrMChNz1VViffVeELNCflqrZ4IAEDjS9D8/s1600/IMG_20190409_170004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="788" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAlBVDu3ryysDrACbBEFz2CybfMs-ZYTVPqIDB8bPuLkBh0ibp_JSWnToNdLx9I7gcdR_Hcgfh8AU5nMuml-hh3oHPkswoS4CfYXaX4iZDFrMChNz1VViffVeELNCflqrZ4IAEDjS9D8/s640/IMG_20190409_170004.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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This is a reverse shot of the picture above. In Crissie's video, she makes it even easier by leaving all the edges raw, rather than folding lace over it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01Jf37zOHfm04amzb8X24CHkwVUXGHbvZL5WC3oncIjsWEYU_aeMjj2Ock55ttu5ApIUwjk7XvCFWFqP3uacr60LvTEaDHmQtsTsYWwmF0iJPVaZMqoUIjLW613d9Fvt_NjLjqka9k1s/s1600/IMG_20190405_095620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01Jf37zOHfm04amzb8X24CHkwVUXGHbvZL5WC3oncIjsWEYU_aeMjj2Ock55ttu5ApIUwjk7XvCFWFqP3uacr60LvTEaDHmQtsTsYWwmF0iJPVaZMqoUIjLW613d9Fvt_NjLjqka9k1s/s640/IMG_20190405_095620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This picture shows why I wanted to leave that bottom "fringe" showing. Isn't it beautiful? Even as it is now, it looks lovely. But wait.....we're not finished yet!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1auOXYOM_qz77au4UBxLh3_x8_xvv6cl5ulbGZ0sxP0Ne68n3l_fCh4b13q1U4odNLFwIc7en-KQWUKXpunyZxcd7XU-4e6env5l49dKVVe7crfT_aXlDmT9lJ_ruPgRRTFeyjuT-k4k/s1600/IMG_20190408_223501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="887" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1auOXYOM_qz77au4UBxLh3_x8_xvv6cl5ulbGZ0sxP0Ne68n3l_fCh4b13q1U4odNLFwIc7en-KQWUKXpunyZxcd7XU-4e6env5l49dKVVe7crfT_aXlDmT9lJ_ruPgRRTFeyjuT-k4k/s640/IMG_20190408_223501.jpg" width="354" /></a></div>
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I layed the quilted piece down flat, then pinned the lace remnant over the top. I then stitched all the way around the lace remnant. I also stitched along some of the major "decorative" lines on the remnant center, to ensure it wouldn't slip out of place. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pJTrt48PBTjLEwhu6usj-61E_A7qyeHKCpaolptQuuAm_xcuNfYdxRx6vomNEKx2CEeqSg5BJDYe8a64OusIamJMnaUyOPmYmMJSIqayZGTIC5b09UxLc9elY3Xp0FqP-ceZJl6PpbU/s1600/IMG_20190405_095817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1425" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pJTrt48PBTjLEwhu6usj-61E_A7qyeHKCpaolptQuuAm_xcuNfYdxRx6vomNEKx2CEeqSg5BJDYe8a64OusIamJMnaUyOPmYmMJSIqayZGTIC5b09UxLc9elY3Xp0FqP-ceZJl6PpbU/s640/IMG_20190405_095817.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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Decide the placement of velcro if you want them, and stitch them to the upper and lower corners. HOWEVER, I have since removed these velcro pieces you see in these pictures because I determined that the flap was long enough to stay closed without the Velcro. And let's face it, it looked ugly! :-)</div>
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I then brought up the bottom of the quilted fabric piece, about two thirds of the way, pinned the sides together and topstitched them, creating an "envelope" for the laptop to sit inside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_X7qqmLb4k97eV7tsusVo6z7Ob1f8EK_gMzCKyYw6UOzt1NfCgwIDo2b2eG2ZwCKEbzrd0zzubGt1-p3u2GJbcDWU-UuNrdJYdGeSfhRS8wQKfPGJnr0O_zEHnOibSZPkYkMepZv97I/s1600/IMG_20190405_095858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_X7qqmLb4k97eV7tsusVo6z7Ob1f8EK_gMzCKyYw6UOzt1NfCgwIDo2b2eG2ZwCKEbzrd0zzubGt1-p3u2GJbcDWU-UuNrdJYdGeSfhRS8wQKfPGJnr0O_zEHnOibSZPkYkMepZv97I/s640/IMG_20190405_095858.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the picture of the cover without the jewelry piece attached.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDsBJi5chFZzpBKW5NXFEAZg45Zs4ziwe0-9YO1O96upB3V6bv4RCUlW3wSvztJPxGzupIeh26Cu6PtvUWgSRt1KCrp3kxjyDxJY9wakBxsIRX7jJRoAiiKgLPHDgGG0xNvDY6c962js/s1600/IMG_20190405_095750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDsBJi5chFZzpBKW5NXFEAZg45Zs4ziwe0-9YO1O96upB3V6bv4RCUlW3wSvztJPxGzupIeh26Cu6PtvUWgSRt1KCrp3kxjyDxJY9wakBxsIRX7jJRoAiiKgLPHDgGG0xNvDY6c962js/s640/IMG_20190405_095750.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a picture of the reverse cover.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwdoEoWfE0itfQYslWXSDmuMQEuluPJoQ-E829Vs3Iyb6yQsM1mXmn_e0qoGhQO1trJVf2PQiMNR36llUWwdwW6Xo3BZaB65veiNW-cEXGhxXwmkoV4Gn3X2eJdd_-B3j1kxdzy0oUSg/s1600/IMG_20190405_100007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwdoEoWfE0itfQYslWXSDmuMQEuluPJoQ-E829Vs3Iyb6yQsM1mXmn_e0qoGhQO1trJVf2PQiMNR36llUWwdwW6Xo3BZaB65veiNW-cEXGhxXwmkoV4Gn3X2eJdd_-B3j1kxdzy0oUSg/s640/IMG_20190405_100007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this is a picture of the cover with the jewelry finding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHskr7HCFPmujKdaAngcL5CwCGwTlc6Ah9t6jKSpwqI4F7BHv2xa5r9vLd3N5hfkNYwY3cIZSOzulEtPzVg2_kpvsPkXXMdpwIbMb8kgIbkcLo6h6GRm3_E0abH3gwMnqoNCRD0JIp1os/s1600/IMG_20190503_155518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1600" height="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHskr7HCFPmujKdaAngcL5CwCGwTlc6Ah9t6jKSpwqI4F7BHv2xa5r9vLd3N5hfkNYwY3cIZSOzulEtPzVg2_kpvsPkXXMdpwIbMb8kgIbkcLo6h6GRm3_E0abH3gwMnqoNCRD0JIp1os/s640/IMG_20190503_155518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a close-up of the jewelry finding. It's just plastic or perhaps resin, but it looks like antique ivory! I found it several years ago at Hobby Lobby and it had a round metal disc glued onto the back, for it to be made into a necklace. I removed the metal backing and, because it has small holes toward the end of the "leaves", I was able to sew it onto the laptop cover rather than glue it. I didn't want to ruin the fabric with glue if I changed my mind later and wanted to remove it.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">NOW......</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> HERE'S A WORD OF WARNING!!!</span></b></div>
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Using old lace is very, very TRICKY!! Because it's VERY, VERY OLD, it is also VERY, VERY FRAGILE!! And must be treated with GREAT, GREAT CARE!!! How do I know this, you ask?</div>
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Well, here I was, pleased as punch with my "new" antique lace laptop cover. I had it displayed on my secretary (Furniture, that is; not a person!). I was SO PROUD!! Which of course was my DOWNFALL!! Some hours later, when I decided to look something up on the internet, I went over to said lovely antique lace laptop cover and, without thinking, quickly took hold of the flap and yanked!! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">OUCH!!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">😢😢😢😢😢😢😢</span></div>
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Said lovely antique lace laptop cover now had a large ripped hole in the bottom right edge!!!</div>
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I was heartbroken! I only had a very small piece of the remnant left over, not enough to redo the cover. So I mulled over it, cried over it, mulled some more, then added brooding to the mix.</div>
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It took me about three days to come up with what I HOPED was a solution. Using the very small piece of table runner I had left, I METICULOUSLY cut out the three remaining leaves and the two remaining "curly boot" shapes that just happened to still be a part of the design, then I glued them down over the torn place on the bottom right, as well as other places I considered to be "pressure points" or "weak areas". And here is the finished piece!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSnZnOvmRiyQg7zpvwvGom_Lw_0baPknTiG6qF7ZjBHOThMU1WniF_bBoqaibK5nKFh4_Fnw4nsHAZIKBSSRG-G5rfkpkHu8Ms0fB964OL9x_SGagvmKPU71aOmhkExS2Z4qH0MnGLkU/s1600/IMG_20190503_124923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSnZnOvmRiyQg7zpvwvGom_Lw_0baPknTiG6qF7ZjBHOThMU1WniF_bBoqaibK5nKFh4_Fnw4nsHAZIKBSSRG-G5rfkpkHu8Ms0fB964OL9x_SGagvmKPU71aOmhkExS2Z4qH0MnGLkU/s640/IMG_20190503_124923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Compare this picture to the one below and see if you can tell where I added the additional pieces!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkJpSn2gvcBSCCaI30WuUFXhHJKRiFPnHzMlm8pp_GGfhFMoPZZfiQdVimxqJW3UEJ3-8w9O3VZWU6ne-s2YzrcdlsvO8zYKxDF4pVFZgaO2F_aeENy9lGbQ_a01K-KtiBe0863r8n20/s1600/IMG_20190405_095858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkJpSn2gvcBSCCaI30WuUFXhHJKRiFPnHzMlm8pp_GGfhFMoPZZfiQdVimxqJW3UEJ3-8w9O3VZWU6ne-s2YzrcdlsvO8zYKxDF4pVFZgaO2F_aeENy9lGbQ_a01K-KtiBe0863r8n20/s640/IMG_20190405_095858.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look on the very bottom of the flap hanging down. No "curly boot" cut-outs on this one!</div>
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Now look just a bit higher, on both sides of the lower flap. No "leaves" on these areas either!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSnZnOvmRiyQg7zpvwvGom_Lw_0baPknTiG6qF7ZjBHOThMU1WniF_bBoqaibK5nKFh4_Fnw4nsHAZIKBSSRG-G5rfkpkHu8Ms0fB964OL9x_SGagvmKPU71aOmhkExS2Z4qH0MnGLkU/s1600/IMG_20190503_124923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSnZnOvmRiyQg7zpvwvGom_Lw_0baPknTiG6qF7ZjBHOThMU1WniF_bBoqaibK5nKFh4_Fnw4nsHAZIKBSSRG-G5rfkpkHu8Ms0fB964OL9x_SGagvmKPU71aOmhkExS2Z4qH0MnGLkU/s640/IMG_20190503_124923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So the moral of this story is.......don't be proud!</div>
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Just be happy with the gifts God has given you and use them wisely. </div>
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And don't yank on old lace! It does NOT appreciate it one bit!! </div>
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Hope you enjoyed this "blog tutorial". I much prefer writing than talking in a recorded video. However, I also love watching and listening to videos too. So now I've done both!</div>
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Here's the link for my video "flip through" (not a tutorial):</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzK9YST_pjA&t=6s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzK9YST_pjA&t=6s</a></div>
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And here's a link to the two videos Crissie Crosser did, which are tutorials (and fabulous ones at that!!)</div>
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<a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yh7nyV6RuI" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yh7n...</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and
</span><a class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope yt-formatted-string" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqbiTEJpWvI" spellcheck="false" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqbiT...</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Roboto, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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Hope you have a lovely day and a FABULOUS weekend!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Take care and may God bless!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jan</i></span></div>
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Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-51821110808485307822018-06-06T08:34:00.001-05:002018-06-06T08:34:45.541-05:00A Tour of Fursdon House Studio!<br />
Hi Everyone!<br />
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I was looking around the other day in my studio and decided it needed a proper clean-up, sort of a spring cleaning if you will. So after a couple of days cleaning, I started thinking about how beautiful everything was, how fortunate I am, and also how appreciative I am that Nigel built it for me.<br />
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Actually - if you want the REAL story - he built it for himself, as a sort of potting shed, even though he had already installed French doors on the thing!! Anyway, at the time, I kept all my crafts in the spare bedroom, which dearest husband never really cared for. He thinks bedrooms should look like.....well.....bedrooms!! Hmmm......Oh well, we all have our faults! 😉<br />
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Anyway, one day while I was working in my "bedroom studio", Nigel came in and very casually asked me if I thought I could get all my crafts inside his almost completed "potting shed"!! Well, you can imagine my reaction! After picking myself up off the floor, I immediately assured him that "Of course it will!! Are you serious? I mean, really serious?" <br />
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Actually, I had no idea if it would all fit or not; I just knew that I'd make it work one way or the other!! I had seen pictures of artists' studios in magazines, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever own one for myself!!<br />
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And there you have it! The rest was history! Although I do have to elaborate a little. As you can imagine, I was just thrilled to have it "as is", but I should have known Nigel had other ideas. So off we went to the local Home Depot (Nigel's home away from home!!) and we picked out tile for the floor (I was going to settle for a carpet remnant!) and paint for the walls (in my favorite aquamarine, which he doesn't really care for)! And then.....yes, it gets even BETTER!! ---- we went over several design changes he could incorporate, which included two loft areas! Yes, I'm SPOILED!! And NO, I'm not sharing him with anyone!! 😊<br />
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Anyway, the result was FABULOUS!! But I'm just slightly prejudiced. So judge for yourself!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbrjkB5xGUssRDRvNKZsyOQJ0cRf3rLCe7WjfIElSwDKp9-PTDiLghnkVbnlbqZ8s6JBeonlCfbAIiE4tnmzJdmcxJV-WcNI36dgbC5GVP4K9vCXLYcb8Anc56cFhKarvqEyB99boaEE/s1600/IMG_20180606_070834099_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbrjkB5xGUssRDRvNKZsyOQJ0cRf3rLCe7WjfIElSwDKp9-PTDiLghnkVbnlbqZ8s6JBeonlCfbAIiE4tnmzJdmcxJV-WcNI36dgbC5GVP4K9vCXLYcb8Anc56cFhKarvqEyB99boaEE/s640/IMG_20180606_070834099_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fursdon House Studio!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nigel built this himself! No architect. No help. Just Nigel and his amazingly creative mind!! The only part he didn't do was the metal roof. He wanted to emulate his favorite Windsor architectural style (his family does hail from England, after all!). To achieve this, he covered the walls in some kind of metal netting, then spread mortar all over it (i.e., the metal "net" gave the mortar something to adhere to). He can give you a much more detailed (and correct) description. 😊 Hey, at least I didn't use the word "thingy" or "whatchamacallit"!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, he also created the walkway, as well as hand carving the rock and making the steps leading inside!! The next photo shows off the rock steps better!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here we are, in Fursdon House Studio. We'll start with a counter-clockwise view!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In this picture, you can see my hand-made sign on the door, which was nothing more than a purchased bulletin board from Hobby Lobby, along with wooden letters that I just adhered to the board with Elmers. Immediately to the right of the door, you can see a tall cabinet. My grandfather built this himself and I cherish it! It holds all my bins of ribbons and trim!! Okay, okay......it holds MOST of my ribbon and trims! It originally had a screen door attached, but I've removed it for easier access. It's stored behind it should I want to put it back on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the ladder!! Yes, it's multi-colored because I was determined NOT to go with the ordinary!! I've thought of changing it out to something else, but haven't taken the plunge yet. Besides, it took FOREVER to paint. Poor Nigel - he just kept walking past me as I was painting it, shaking his head in wonder! Let's just say his tastes are ...... quieter? 😏 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And where does this ladder lead you might ask? To my two loft areas of course!! And Nigel being the wonderful husband he is, and knowing how graceful his wife is NOT, he installed a metal rod that runs the length of the base of both lofts. He attached two heavy duty hooks on the top end of the ladder, which don't show up in this picture but which literally drape over the metal rods and secure the ladder. It isn't connected permanently, so I can move it from one side of the room to the other. This area is perfect for storage, as you can well imagine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The metal shelf in the corner is where I store some of finished shop items (i.e., my tea cozies, aprons, etc.), as well as projects "in the making".</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a better view of one of the lofts. The chandelier was from my brother. Can you believe it - he was going to throw it out!! Fortunately, I came to its rescue!! I took off all the glass prisms and ropes of glass trim, and they're all stored on that three-tiered table. I'm quite convinced that one of these days, I'll come up with some way to use them! Until then, I love just looking at them! And when I'm being really good, I put chubby little candles (about 2 inches in diameter) on all the spindles where the lights originally sat. It looks lovely when lit, but talk about heating up the place!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not to mention the fire hazard, which Nigel was quick to point out! So practical!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A closer look at the tiered table! Yummy! A favorite of mine. I love "tiered" pieces! And my sewing desk. It was an old desk that the girls used when they were little, which I just repainted. The front did have an opening to it, but I needed some place to store my stamps where I could see them (i.e., out of sight, out of mind). So sweet husband cut me a piece of plywood, to which I adhered strips of pre-painted white trim that serve as narrow shelves - perfect for stamps and die cuts!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can also see some of the Williamsburg style fruit plaques on the wall that I make for my shop. This wall constantly changes; that's the great thing about peg board!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another view of the desk and the corner of all the metal shelves located on the back wall. I made the sewing machine cover for my granddaughter's sewing machine, but she's kind of outgrown the "crafting bug" for now, so I confiscated it for myself. The cover, not the bug; I already have the bug and that sucker is embedded!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That shirt started life out as a very plain one that I heavily embellished with lace, buttons, beads, etc. I've thought about selling it, but I just like looking at it. So there it hangs!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1TiOLijPYguhW-L2Fvpe2hMox-OrivSngOwkT97PKwSREuUdwC-lJy_dhFylqN4YoN7fXc8DYN5QIW8uFc2MF-9wscl8X5EFrX1NBZ1puzYbVdXsUKlxRr32LivnHy_cwXB2zpnTNOs/s1600/IMG_20180527_165230130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1TiOLijPYguhW-L2Fvpe2hMox-OrivSngOwkT97PKwSREuUdwC-lJy_dhFylqN4YoN7fXc8DYN5QIW8uFc2MF-9wscl8X5EFrX1NBZ1puzYbVdXsUKlxRr32LivnHy_cwXB2zpnTNOs/s640/IMG_20180527_165230130.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A good view of the shelves that hold all my "bits and bobs", as well as the drawers underneath that hold all my fabrics. M</span><span style="font-size: large;">ost of the "bits and bobs" came from thrift shops, yard sales and bargain stores, or were given to me by very generous and wonderful friends and family!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The apron is one I literally just finished and was photographing it for my online shop at Etsy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the top left, you can see a child's dress on a mannequin. My mother-in-law gave me this. It's beautifully hand-embroidered and is from about 1900!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The limb is one from the Monkey Puzzle tree! I love it's gnarly look! And no, I didn't cut it off. A thunderstorm last year hit a tree beside it, and a huge branch fell off on top of it. I was able to save several pieces and I'm happy to report that the Monkey Puzzle has rebounded nicely!! Behind it sits the small heat/air unit I purchased before I retired (when I could still afford things like that!). Before that, I just relied on a fan and a heater, but Alabama weather - especially in the summer - is just too humid to be comfortable for any length of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh, the fun I have in here!! The table is one my Mumzie gave to me! The base is from an old Singer Sewing Machine. Both my grandmothers used sewing machines like that so I was quite happy to have it. Every time I look at it, I'm reminded of Gran and Grandma, as well as how much sewing has changed over the years! And that bench used to belong to my Gran. I love it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMt2R5bH_nR5cEBlmsGWpTfgpRA_y1Y5eAGRNLC6gcTMSEkF1JZmNgbB1vlXr46MwXFBVgjFC8mGeyqK3yXaPgGboZhmttWDzsvlAndxOmkbCptMr48c6ltTnbZuEvJU2Twg8tFB240A/s1600/IMG_20180527_165743538_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMt2R5bH_nR5cEBlmsGWpTfgpRA_y1Y5eAGRNLC6gcTMSEkF1JZmNgbB1vlXr46MwXFBVgjFC8mGeyqK3yXaPgGboZhmttWDzsvlAndxOmkbCptMr48c6ltTnbZuEvJU2Twg8tFB240A/s640/IMG_20180527_165743538_TOP.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another similar view, this one showing the beautiful purple "Fairy Dress" that I found at a thrift shop for my granddaughter when she was little. She loved it and wore it over and over. I loved it too, so much so that I couldn't part with it, so it gets a place of honor here so I can see it all the time! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That little bear in the frame (immediately to the right of the dress) is one that belonged to my oldest daughter. She's 37 now!! How time does fly!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Turning the corner again, this shows off the Singer Sewing Machine trestle better! The plastic bins behind that hold all my paper crafting supplies, which I'm about to take off on a new venture for my shop - but more importantly, for ME! I'm going to try my hand at making elaborately decorated journals! More to follow, so stay tuned!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Almost finished! I love looking at all the artwork my granddaughter made for me when she was little! </span><span style="font-size: large;">The felt alphabet hanging was one I made for her. Or I should say, remade. My aunt had the original, which had a dark blue background, which I believe she found at a thrift shop. I always admired it so when dearest granddaughter made her appearance in the world, I knew I had to make one just for her!! Inside each pocket is an object that begins with the letter on the outside of the pocket (i.e., a mouse for the letter M, etc). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that I have two new grandsons, I'll have to redo it a little because little hands have lost a couple of the pieces! 😊</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can also see my "Wreathus Bulbus Maximus". I had great fun making it and I keep it up all the time. It's made entirely from vintage glass Christmas balls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well folks, that concludes my little tour of Fursdon House Studio! I hope you enjoyed it and maybe even found some inspiration for making something crafty!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have a lovely and blessed day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span></div>
<br />Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-25290529890364429842017-12-05T13:32:00.000-06:002017-12-05T13:37:59.094-06:00Merry Christmas 2017 and Happy New Year 2018!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Gingerbread Men!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_m5bmUsX8Q6PTr9U2GqrXlYoj8zyIrO9UL-PawGsALvYZKWblTC9CPsvNoYaxS96zn8fpbnj8nvDrFpSIABzl4XfSE0dqMmWhQH4bMoeDE3QEnuFTR5rXGF7bNNuwMeMFWRRPYebgMo/s1600/IMG_20171205_132253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_m5bmUsX8Q6PTr9U2GqrXlYoj8zyIrO9UL-PawGsALvYZKWblTC9CPsvNoYaxS96zn8fpbnj8nvDrFpSIABzl4XfSE0dqMmWhQH4bMoeDE3QEnuFTR5rXGF7bNNuwMeMFWRRPYebgMo/s640/IMG_20171205_132253.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Everyone! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, after almost two weeks of being sick, that included a trip to the local Emergency Room, I feel like I'm beginning to get better!! Which is good, because we leave for our Christmas Caribbean Cruise in less than two weeks! YIKES!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I wanted to share my latest project with you. Fortunately, I finished this before Thanksgiving! I made these for a very dear friend and I'm so glad I didn't procrastinate this time! Whew!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So.......GINGERBREAD MEN!! And not just any gingerbread men, mind you. These are made out of .....wait for it.....wait for it.....cinnamon (duh!), glue (Yes, glue!) and applesauce!!! By the way.....NO, they are NOT edible!! But they smell DIVINE and they last for years!!! Reminds you of those cinnamon brooms they always put in the stores right about now! Here's the recipe!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3 cups cinnamon</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 cups applesauce</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2/3 cups white school glue</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Additional supplies</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Whole black peppercorns</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Chopstick (or similarly shaped object)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*White puff paint</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Gloves (if desired)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Gingerbread cookie cutter</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Cooling rack</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Wire or old-fashioned hairpins (Cut into small "U" shapes, about</span><span style="font-size: large;"> half an inch long. These will be inserted into the head for </span><span style="font-size: large;">hangers.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Wire cutters</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Cool, dry space (These will need to air dry on the cooling racks </span><span style="font-size: large;">for about five days!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSpLWDVvJoKiqIBszA4rI1Z-64mCKYLjr3xhujZ4vb4hzB6nCd6yEVjiNM-7esunH2dh2dBl-qS7uw24Z4tBdr8tGPfJbXUta3jvn4hIdCOxk6llAOcE8tFOXadwxSLjXHLxVNoN4IMY/s1600/IMG_20171110_121009634+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSpLWDVvJoKiqIBszA4rI1Z-64mCKYLjr3xhujZ4vb4hzB6nCd6yEVjiNM-7esunH2dh2dBl-qS7uw24Z4tBdr8tGPfJbXUta3jvn4hIdCOxk6llAOcE8tFOXadwxSLjXHLxVNoN4IMY/s640/IMG_20171110_121009634+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Directions</u>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mix the cinnamon, applesauce and glue in a metal or glass bowl, then remove from the bowl and knead the mixture until it turns into a firm "clay" consistency.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD4N23CzDiscLxLR0_xO6Qbz2c8SYD8YYT62v2Sb2W5h9DPul0Z54Z8grNhFWsD31xC2bZ8Tx24dsJHOO6q2UEJui9NST-GEGOuo_5iAZlpVqBSiGZ8lml9WhBj4eDEo-IISu9KHPUmM/s1600/IMG_20171111_134544040+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD4N23CzDiscLxLR0_xO6Qbz2c8SYD8YYT62v2Sb2W5h9DPul0Z54Z8grNhFWsD31xC2bZ8Tx24dsJHOO6q2UEJui9NST-GEGOuo_5iAZlpVqBSiGZ8lml9WhBj4eDEo-IISu9KHPUmM/s640/IMG_20171111_134544040+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Refrigerate for about half an hour to chill, then roll it out to about 1/2" thickness. Try to be as consistent as possible with the thickness. Also, use cinnamon to dust the surface of your area and the rolling pin, to keep everything from sticking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Using the cookie cutter, start cutting out gingerbread men. I usually just pinch off enough dough to roll out one or two at a time. Remember to sprinkle cinnamon on your cookie cutter too, to keep it from sticking. Lay the gingerbread men on a cooling rack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once you've laid out all your cut gingerbread men, take your chopstick and and carefully press indentations (not going all the way through) to make space for the eyes, a nose, and four buttons on his tummy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Sq2hfgS4cm3Wq3aJIDpKyaHAS8MN1Qw5iagl0dy2U6sBv-o4X2s9T2P9ufOWNxQTpGM1ovpcMTzxbfl_QFPuGEj5GYynx1teYUSncqNfe-G8z_Z_Yy-4-Cu7DBF3XTsMtT2qz-oeu9k/s1600/IMG_20171110_132554551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Sq2hfgS4cm3Wq3aJIDpKyaHAS8MN1Qw5iagl0dy2U6sBv-o4X2s9T2P9ufOWNxQTpGM1ovpcMTzxbfl_QFPuGEj5GYynx1teYUSncqNfe-G8z_Z_Yy-4-Cu7DBF3XTsMtT2qz-oeu9k/s640/IMG_20171110_132554551.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Carefully insert the "U" shaped wire into the top of the center of the head until just enough remains at the top to run a hanger or thread through for hanging on the Christmas tree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now you get to WAIT! Like five days worth of waiting, though sometimes it only takes 4 days. It just depends on your home temperature, etc. The gingerbread men will start to turn a slightly paler color when they're dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once dry, put dabs of glue into the small indentations made earlier, then place whole peppercorns into the indentations. This will make the eyes, nose, and buttons! The glue will dry clear, so don't worry if it doesn't go into the indentations perfectly. Now take puffy paint and outline the gingerbread men as desired.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5sLOntJHVYRySqON4WgKKNfPRbq9LmM-iQpDQeLJEIA64ZIyVuzMfz37qmLPhLuLVE4NiDkWAsDevRhWhZCSEqVsig7JLtc74_hKJZ3yAbq94tXgsY-zMjqZYJd4tR0iQUI7yd1UYVc/s1600/IMG_20171205_132253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5sLOntJHVYRySqON4WgKKNfPRbq9LmM-iQpDQeLJEIA64ZIyVuzMfz37qmLPhLuLVE4NiDkWAsDevRhWhZCSEqVsig7JLtc74_hKJZ3yAbq94tXgsY-zMjqZYJd4tR0iQUI7yd1UYVc/s640/IMG_20171205_132253.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can either wait until the glue and peppercorns dry before painting, or just do one right after the other. The picture taken above shows painting before all the glue dried, which is why you can still see it in some areas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I mentioned earlier, these literally last for years. All you have to do is store them carefully in an air-tight container. I've had some of mine for about 5 years now. The cinnamon smell eventually starts to lessen, so instead of making more, you might just put some cinnamon oil on them to "liven them up" after a few years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Each recipe makes about 20-22 gingerbread men. And t</span><span style="font-size: large;">here you have it! Gingerbread men for the holidays!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ5V4RVMcoKrvkW71txVUrTtW2KPXLpIAyq4byBc2JKY_szBdOHyt51Xqra8ZkgJTVnWWoC4vjJo32Yy9j54hiMQGga8KuaLBj6LGJ-eUFHgJFQhqaME6jGiooqyMs01hJDsbzQBTUjM/s1600/IMG_20171114_114621908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZ5V4RVMcoKrvkW71txVUrTtW2KPXLpIAyq4byBc2JKY_szBdOHyt51Xqra8ZkgJTVnWWoC4vjJo32Yy9j54hiMQGga8KuaLBj6LGJ-eUFHgJFQhqaME6jGiooqyMs01hJDsbzQBTUjM/s640/IMG_20171114_114621908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope each of you have a lovely Christmas season and a happy New Year 2018!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">May God Bless,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span></div>
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Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-17829660779697301452017-10-18T15:49:00.000-05:002017-10-18T15:49:10.127-05:00Happy Halloween! BOO!!!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I've been having an absolute blast decorating for Halloween and for my Halloween Lunch this Saturday. So for those of you who can't make it, here's what I've been doing!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-W0JY01ac35i3t0FuY5p1xpPBEhkB1sD-g1TgrFlOFrOAPOS1uCh5oc6GiPNXOSCvL8S4IfTv3x_gJ5YNj8XR6gJmweOx8nNKprfp0XBnKIgLF3fFKLd-EmyFPeYNTC5C7aOWmHbStw/s1600/IMG_20171018_130020617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-W0JY01ac35i3t0FuY5p1xpPBEhkB1sD-g1TgrFlOFrOAPOS1uCh5oc6GiPNXOSCvL8S4IfTv3x_gJ5YNj8XR6gJmweOx8nNKprfp0XBnKIgLF3fFKLd-EmyFPeYNTC5C7aOWmHbStw/s640/IMG_20171018_130020617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE these shelves! They're so much fun to decorate! Nigel made them for me when we first bought the house 26 years ago, to order, when we first moved in because I have this </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">thing</i><span style="font-size: large;"> about books! What was your first clue? 😃 I say "to order" because I didn't want any metal strips to show. However, I wanted the shelves to be movable. So my wonderful and very patient husband, who has spoiled me rotten over the years, drilled holes every six inches from top to bottom, with a depth of three holes from front to back. He then made little wooden dowels to go into the holes, which is what the shelves rest on. This allows the shelves to be adjusted in just about any configuration I can think of!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now THAT is LOVE!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nK_grp3xbEz35tWxUlQVhTJc0AOh1gXuohUbcbfoVFfHCdz0uV32dB-E_oUYzfb7eKwl_uCKeF4z7SdGwiLgEMDRDMlWE46_npe_4G1c4tmF5wH1iJ9wRmpcI5kkaj_mbbqfe5mjDwo/s1600/IMG_20171016_105434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nK_grp3xbEz35tWxUlQVhTJc0AOh1gXuohUbcbfoVFfHCdz0uV32dB-E_oUYzfb7eKwl_uCKeF4z7SdGwiLgEMDRDMlWE46_npe_4G1c4tmF5wH1iJ9wRmpcI5kkaj_mbbqfe5mjDwo/s640/IMG_20171016_105434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I made this garland of postcards out of vintage style Halloween postcards (which I found in a book when I was 18, so they really are vintage!! Ha Ha). I ran a thick line of glue around all the edges of each card, then sprinkled on the glitter very heavily. That was a mess, I can tell you!! I then punched holes in the tops and ran a long, orange ribbon through them for hanging. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwt-LDcsg0clS1X7OQtuyk8ubQbtke41BQdEnMNa0dT5YfGMZ3-bXfiqyGXnY5rGcD1tnZh2FUSZL8YEGMC53zFYCmAXCS6-R-yA7PdGQvD5AWXGXGESZltBRmayVwjR8HRwtALLaYoQ/s1600/IMG_20171016_105522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwt-LDcsg0clS1X7OQtuyk8ubQbtke41BQdEnMNa0dT5YfGMZ3-bXfiqyGXnY5rGcD1tnZh2FUSZL8YEGMC53zFYCmAXCS6-R-yA7PdGQvD5AWXGXGESZltBRmayVwjR8HRwtALLaYoQ/s640/IMG_20171016_105522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">I love the old graphics on these cards!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHI5KP580ofPA-2QsHVlvN6N1bDFhDmqBiSEAstz49n2myAFmLpGExMPe3eHrmP8obZ503btRqR93n4_RX0UAEH4C4grr5TJLTU9fB08SoLAMoLkPMNzDhgJdh8QfY1Cxcp5tlQ5_kZk/s1600/IMG_20171017_115503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="699" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHI5KP580ofPA-2QsHVlvN6N1bDFhDmqBiSEAstz49n2myAFmLpGExMPe3eHrmP8obZ503btRqR93n4_RX0UAEH4C4grr5TJLTU9fB08SoLAMoLkPMNzDhgJdh8QfY1Cxcp5tlQ5_kZk/s640/IMG_20171017_115503.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my Santos; her name is Lucia. This picture (above) is</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> when she's being very, very good!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1MjgzlkvK2MfJPr9DIKAAQ7qEFniMcDUjhHuBi7WFrx8bVxpay-cDOHoEk6_2RjLh9XKH6m7ta7dKMn1gjPLgVmu4YgSAnOfDAhMyccDD45ZLAJ3SGWNQOXkWCaF_WFnq8T5yu7FyL0/s1600/IMG_20171017_115540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="515" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1MjgzlkvK2MfJPr9DIKAAQ7qEFniMcDUjhHuBi7WFrx8bVxpay-cDOHoEk6_2RjLh9XKH6m7ta7dKMn1gjPLgVmu4YgSAnOfDAhMyccDD45ZLAJ3SGWNQOXkWCaF_WFnq8T5yu7FyL0/s640/IMG_20171017_115540.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And this is a picture of Lucia when she "gets her freak on"!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUe-TwKUylU-7VeSBIkPh-uOzZ-7sjvJGaZWqFhjS4rLco0V0Ck4o4Rh2fMtUY4FS3Ou3PbwSfDnb5WGG756oWRMv-IHTXDwDsJEY7z3N2K-CKiG6Vh0X0PLiQckAOW9XbDSD9vCIzj4/s1600/IMG_20171017_115608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="924" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUe-TwKUylU-7VeSBIkPh-uOzZ-7sjvJGaZWqFhjS4rLco0V0Ck4o4Rh2fMtUY4FS3Ou3PbwSfDnb5WGG756oWRMv-IHTXDwDsJEY7z3N2K-CKiG6Vh0X0PLiQckAOW9XbDSD9vCIzj4/s640/IMG_20171017_115608.jpg" width="369" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A close-up. Lucia was originally painted a drab olive brown, so I painted her dress a lovely robin's egg blue. Then I got bored with that and painted her dress a creamy white, which I think I prefer. I made her Halloween hat a couple of years ago, using a cardboard cone which I decorated with ribbons and buttons. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraLKV-DdM3-hpswjH_RbUEcx7EBmYb8OU-porTjcnb-F57rM9V00d5TG74kQaW4rel511J2RHHIYOmPlnaaloT8Fv1yS76YfwNFcNQNSkhpKLFLScX2PQIg2yfG0qizb7J6jDy6qFB1I/s1600/IMG_20171017_115756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="805" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraLKV-DdM3-hpswjH_RbUEcx7EBmYb8OU-porTjcnb-F57rM9V00d5TG74kQaW4rel511J2RHHIYOmPlnaaloT8Fv1yS76YfwNFcNQNSkhpKLFLScX2PQIg2yfG0qizb7J6jDy6qFB1I/s640/IMG_20171017_115756.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of many witches floating around the house!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggANHLSgKSfsBI0-1CtJDTnoLAKp_uMwoIRBxcvAxx7z8ZW8e3OJwhUhgd94n6Q77-5ON0IjUDFhtsn6_RBVpo5qkE7N7npGZSHdqsKUfU3MBJ3D6AU2Mgp3kLsbmDSoO9q187H0cs_Y/s1600/IMG_20171017_115818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggANHLSgKSfsBI0-1CtJDTnoLAKp_uMwoIRBxcvAxx7z8ZW8e3OJwhUhgd94n6Q77-5ON0IjUDFhtsn6_RBVpo5qkE7N7npGZSHdqsKUfU3MBJ3D6AU2Mgp3kLsbmDSoO9q187H0cs_Y/s640/IMG_20171017_115818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">These little darlings belonged to the girls, when they were growing up. Notice the cat slippers on the one on the left!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3yJ1HsH3bAJWQfiHehRhE7-rgS-PzlW0MHtyMmGR2aElc7WWZ_ePBmdjH_jnQ7LweA07MW6ikxX873_oPkMNSwMH3oHpXGGhTw6crAcFZKR7PeyOOBcq9sd1hyjHRH1r7nFDoRAJsaU/s1600/IMG_20171017_115841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1350" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3yJ1HsH3bAJWQfiHehRhE7-rgS-PzlW0MHtyMmGR2aElc7WWZ_ePBmdjH_jnQ7LweA07MW6ikxX873_oPkMNSwMH3oHpXGGhTw6crAcFZKR7PeyOOBcq9sd1hyjHRH1r7nFDoRAJsaU/s640/IMG_20171017_115841.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also love greeting cards! Isn't this one cool? I've thought of making some of my own like it, but I've been too lazy!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi8WKs2ulB2_Ag9EXZUMcVIOPYCH7K0vwLOk4WPbW9HISpxEZd3hoacj9gSStdsu4C8tUNzTe6lqUMw4xt7YWgSYwrP6Y1PstpG8D_evl9oERwAS2gaxf_Cd2mTEKMQ7dhYZ_2xaQR3I/s1600/IMG_20171017_115901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi8WKs2ulB2_Ag9EXZUMcVIOPYCH7K0vwLOk4WPbW9HISpxEZd3hoacj9gSStdsu4C8tUNzTe6lqUMw4xt7YWgSYwrP6Y1PstpG8D_evl9oERwAS2gaxf_Cd2mTEKMQ7dhYZ_2xaQR3I/s640/IMG_20171017_115901.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aren't these cards fun? I just found the one on the left, which was too funny to pass up. The one on the right was used as an invitation years ago, to Isabel's Girl Scouts Halloween party!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKooxqXICXxTcqh8iSZbUODM1OukX1Ard31OFYERxD_BXzjSV7sZb3c9M_RlBB1Y4_YP5xA8abYTemEw1sgIySXMCYnTf43cdg2vGL2R50sKgFdO9FsVGdZJzxNhzuW5-XjaUrmx1OFA/s1600/IMG_20171017_121600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKooxqXICXxTcqh8iSZbUODM1OukX1Ard31OFYERxD_BXzjSV7sZb3c9M_RlBB1Y4_YP5xA8abYTemEw1sgIySXMCYnTf43cdg2vGL2R50sKgFdO9FsVGdZJzxNhzuW5-XjaUrmx1OFA/s640/IMG_20171017_121600.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a card Laura sent me years ago; I've always loved it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV_lih1FutQJXvlYjy_a-tqjy3Xua9DBeVa5uy0gHa7GI0k7eMUs16X6zNOeQuEaTSaPryCKFVSpTH6n6FIzyTAeLNCiGpsiv30x1qC16Rb_3v_AUK0ccjmKEyx0Ib0Jp3NzrSEctljo/s1600/IMG_20171017_121643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV_lih1FutQJXvlYjy_a-tqjy3Xua9DBeVa5uy0gHa7GI0k7eMUs16X6zNOeQuEaTSaPryCKFVSpTH6n6FIzyTAeLNCiGpsiv30x1qC16Rb_3v_AUK0ccjmKEyx0Ib0Jp3NzrSEctljo/s640/IMG_20171017_121643.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another witch, a decorated pumpkin, and bottles of NASTY stuff!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtjQ5qXhBvIPW-I1_zR8Snu_QYeGHbiBgN5Kh7Dg8nu7cVZo2MjjcEjUDm_Qfv0RNiDlPdf1fsZ06CJaheb6fORzfIVCXtA9gtJ1-oVhc_qX8pL8QJDYr6goPthfSVHYMw5A4vID0VU4/s1600/IMG_20171017_120218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1293" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtjQ5qXhBvIPW-I1_zR8Snu_QYeGHbiBgN5Kh7Dg8nu7cVZo2MjjcEjUDm_Qfv0RNiDlPdf1fsZ06CJaheb6fORzfIVCXtA9gtJ1-oVhc_qX8pL8QJDYr6goPthfSVHYMw5A4vID0VU4/s640/IMG_20171017_120218.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aren't these bottles fun? I bought the labels years ago, then put them on bottles I had collected. Now you know why I need a studio, to put all this "stuff" in that I collect over the years!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpzOxsi2Ngo8RbJ8crVb2s0S3ckoSJRqTQg3CXgG5lHy8Gw5olyk98af-jL2y3kCEY2JQ2RInLFE1zI-M4C1R8H1nvafxtnNiAu3IMzu_Ld3OwqjxntNIPDXFlZvrrPLoJs0A-7opnRE/s1600/IMG_20171017_120917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpzOxsi2Ngo8RbJ8crVb2s0S3ckoSJRqTQg3CXgG5lHy8Gw5olyk98af-jL2y3kCEY2JQ2RInLFE1zI-M4C1R8H1nvafxtnNiAu3IMzu_Ld3OwqjxntNIPDXFlZvrrPLoJs0A-7opnRE/s640/IMG_20171017_120917.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A close up of the pumpkin! I got it on sale at my favorite store - T.J. Maxx!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl2v-kRY_0T__m8KZ3cwg35t8qxdXKfzzLns3HFnBU-qnk06sw23RHlUSLJac-tptWzCKxnUxt1HPyNwOpYW36MvSg5SeUWoQOerS_e2MY1-3jG_KcQMkv6sKCyRLMlDaFB6xaIBgLyA/s1600/IMG_20171017_120410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1426" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUl2v-kRY_0T__m8KZ3cwg35t8qxdXKfzzLns3HFnBU-qnk06sw23RHlUSLJac-tptWzCKxnUxt1HPyNwOpYW36MvSg5SeUWoQOerS_e2MY1-3jG_KcQMkv6sKCyRLMlDaFB6xaIBgLyA/s640/IMG_20171017_120410.jpg" width="570" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cardboard houses Isabel and I decorated with glitter and glue!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_G13or5h2KrCz6BPYPVbBkULc_FyB_5yDeXkNMfot5BFACzk0znajeacagtGmq4csFrDfpOThQA3lgx2HcbcdEnykr2k2I1Qg3q5dmh_-WZmxEqlq-obgx9S9uAfjxMV5jFhd40RRo8/s1600/IMG_20171017_120936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1527" data-original-width="1600" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_G13or5h2KrCz6BPYPVbBkULc_FyB_5yDeXkNMfot5BFACzk0znajeacagtGmq4csFrDfpOThQA3lgx2HcbcdEnykr2k2I1Qg3q5dmh_-WZmxEqlq-obgx9S9uAfjxMV5jFhd40RRo8/s640/IMG_20171017_120936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you look closely at the picture, you'll recognize Isabel when she was about 10 years old. I found a picture of her that was the right size, cut out the head, and glued it to the picture already there when I purchased it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphoEokS0RcxIeO9kZTiADoxk3E5PGHy6GbDMtloU1y_JuELHlC4O0SfMexCAelsrGLtpTx2Db0o4f1Ds5dHHTcSZRtILpazTQoDmlWhbAVjrMXtHP3HUL5-P-UGA3iujxNyp05oQ_bzk/s1600/IMG_20171017_120951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="691" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphoEokS0RcxIeO9kZTiADoxk3E5PGHy6GbDMtloU1y_JuELHlC4O0SfMexCAelsrGLtpTx2Db0o4f1Ds5dHHTcSZRtILpazTQoDmlWhbAVjrMXtHP3HUL5-P-UGA3iujxNyp05oQ_bzk/s640/IMG_20171017_120951.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hickory, dickery dock. The mouse ran up the clock. But when he ran down, he made a big frown, cause there was a bat and a cat! A good thing I don't have to work for my living any more, cause a poet I'm NOT!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rmb_jBKzuZhiNXVWu9H8AK-eHjqRD0S5awlbZpYBhosJIBbLt9bz0TSl7HTDL81nxzMkbgLN-6BPgWfYu32X4FT0LN3ajoFYoiFcNWNRLSaeeqqDr4OGxkli9jUY8SiLZphQYPGtUVQ/s1600/IMG_20171017_120736045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rmb_jBKzuZhiNXVWu9H8AK-eHjqRD0S5awlbZpYBhosJIBbLt9bz0TSl7HTDL81nxzMkbgLN-6BPgWfYu32X4FT0LN3ajoFYoiFcNWNRLSaeeqqDr4OGxkli9jUY8SiLZphQYPGtUVQ/s640/IMG_20171017_120736045.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bats in the belfry! Or rather, on the stairs, and several other places too! A great place to buy decorations cheap is the Dollar Store, where these came from years ago! And they came 10 in a package, just for $1.00!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-4jCjBj972PfmaJwM5v8cVDHvfzDZntKJNvEl3qysS0Y4fSco-JFg0jl8iPZre01q1xw7RW6ZL2qnavsdZ7B_Rvey3JVweRBJz4TH2THp2HuBw7cbWMWMpKtujpXgzgCE42DobVcK9A/s1600/IMG_20171017_121033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="925" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-4jCjBj972PfmaJwM5v8cVDHvfzDZntKJNvEl3qysS0Y4fSco-JFg0jl8iPZre01q1xw7RW6ZL2qnavsdZ7B_Rvey3JVweRBJz4TH2THp2HuBw7cbWMWMpKtujpXgzgCE42DobVcK9A/s640/IMG_20171017_121033.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Obviously I need to keep a cleaner house!! 😁</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yikes!! Blood splatters!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj3UEBKouhr990eyYeQ-asXBVDa-mtdY2Taq20WfTVKD-uVAvQwd-wtNhH1RiuI0qZjBTMHsYJb7dqbACALM7wc1hyh4G7v_REN7o15K66-9k45L5dM4c8nbc_yLK673TlH6ZkvJjt-A/s1600/IMG_20171017_121015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="926" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHj3UEBKouhr990eyYeQ-asXBVDa-mtdY2Taq20WfTVKD-uVAvQwd-wtNhH1RiuI0qZjBTMHsYJb7dqbACALM7wc1hyh4G7v_REN7o15K66-9k45L5dM4c8nbc_yLK673TlH6ZkvJjt-A/s640/IMG_20171017_121015.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Creepy crawlies are everywhere!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOF9PDlG7VH_IYg6xdowR7Htob_7ExDPB4tI4IjC4KnTyrrJsx1A5WiIuobaKoGR_bmEzmmvH2BwGd6pKdB3ih1WrCD2Hs41G8LGnwWObdkjrXBcSgd0RNgDDH61WYeqB4RfpyiTCtnU/s1600/IMG_20171017_115700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1099" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOF9PDlG7VH_IYg6xdowR7Htob_7ExDPB4tI4IjC4KnTyrrJsx1A5WiIuobaKoGR_bmEzmmvH2BwGd6pKdB3ih1WrCD2Hs41G8LGnwWObdkjrXBcSgd0RNgDDH61WYeqB4RfpyiTCtnU/s640/IMG_20171017_115700.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just hanging around!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMjXGE4-FwYAMCR45RJT8uU_Oi2eVKb4vXU9WKwggZGtSNSRsBFkitXXZV3VwMEL6NohMe127SDNLvDEnds3q3SFb_gvNsChVcPyGdTPgtTuzAjp2ppU8gobRiSpvP5LbJ_GNuEzTfRA/s1600/IMG_20171017_115630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1549" data-original-width="1600" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMjXGE4-FwYAMCR45RJT8uU_Oi2eVKb4vXU9WKwggZGtSNSRsBFkitXXZV3VwMEL6NohMe127SDNLvDEnds3q3SFb_gvNsChVcPyGdTPgtTuzAjp2ppU8gobRiSpvP5LbJ_GNuEzTfRA/s640/IMG_20171017_115630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cute little ghouls in the grandfather clock! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so I'm giving my age away here, but I LOVED Betwitched, with Elizabeth Montgomery, when I was growing up!! So when I saw this Barbie of her, I had to get her! Just had to! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another great area to decorate! This is where I hang all the girls' old art work! Lots of fun to decorate for Christmas too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Boo!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhv22Rp_NIaSqRUUK1x4BRgqDmc-IhQ_F5uybpLe5Qa1f2SJJJWbmbaO3rLcv9HtVJn4X7U_T9q33ewAcgFsctH86bYBPTdoCBsrGaT0IlTPUhjUOw3InvgG63dV81NSewMSZwjRZQsbM/s1600/IMG_20171017_120042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1433" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhv22Rp_NIaSqRUUK1x4BRgqDmc-IhQ_F5uybpLe5Qa1f2SJJJWbmbaO3rLcv9HtVJn4X7U_T9q33ewAcgFsctH86bYBPTdoCBsrGaT0IlTPUhjUOw3InvgG63dV81NSewMSZwjRZQsbM/s640/IMG_20171017_120042.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Isabel decorated this Scooby Halloween house for me! Scooby was her favorite cartoon character when she was little, so we always try to include him in decoration themes when we can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love this bucket; just cheap plastic wrapped in white felt! If I get really motivated, I thought of making little Halloween bags, using this as a sample!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2c38xXY-fKGpnYgbj1gZxHp8tSoGAWWW5Vt3lubqTyKXCk90Kc5RYoHp1oQffOXuGEBcyIzWOX6rg0cwWNYAwwSiS4BFdVPFHnAZmYq8_V8P2ftEfdCG7ef_u12kn5RHsv0BIVA-dbAk/s1600/IMG_20171017_115939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="649" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2c38xXY-fKGpnYgbj1gZxHp8tSoGAWWW5Vt3lubqTyKXCk90Kc5RYoHp1oQffOXuGEBcyIzWOX6rg0cwWNYAwwSiS4BFdVPFHnAZmYq8_V8P2ftEfdCG7ef_u12kn5RHsv0BIVA-dbAk/s640/IMG_20171017_115939.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Doesn't everyone have ghost pirates hanging on their walls? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFFi4aaPgZ27cOy3uf6onjxnQWUEDcRBnwAnz2qlvuqn-8bxKI28xBtK2GIIsHjjfYEYhHxCFNbg0mxoWuRbr0JPLvIZbjnb-v8Ab3KlUc7emmPGzogpEoEmznvjdV7IwOtPRGpend4U/s1600/IMG_20171017_115955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1209" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFFi4aaPgZ27cOy3uf6onjxnQWUEDcRBnwAnz2qlvuqn-8bxKI28xBtK2GIIsHjjfYEYhHxCFNbg0mxoWuRbr0JPLvIZbjnb-v8Ab3KlUc7emmPGzogpEoEmznvjdV7IwOtPRGpend4U/s640/IMG_20171017_115955.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is Hortense! I found her on sale at Christmas time a couple of years ago! Not bad for $10.00!! But you should have seen the looks I got when I was carrying her out the store, while everyone else had Christmas decorations! Her eyes also light up if I remember to put batteries in!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxmHqqp7lavovjAS7XhpOzys_7l7_06efML0Fchyphenhyphenq9b6XPu33VVqhbiAPOEKkeUunLK62mn9RB4pmO_PxnKGcH-j7Ui-QyAiabZ5nVmS8VaFV3d28Sy2VCA2pzntSwfEzajrDUdWkZv8/s1600/IMG_20171016_110614316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLxmHqqp7lavovjAS7XhpOzys_7l7_06efML0Fchyphenhyphenq9b6XPu33VVqhbiAPOEKkeUunLK62mn9RB4pmO_PxnKGcH-j7Ui-QyAiabZ5nVmS8VaFV3d28Sy2VCA2pzntSwfEzajrDUdWkZv8/s640/IMG_20171016_110614316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">What can I say? The witch is definitely in the house!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-BRoys3bdUIY09e7XjzQIXGFCj_geBXGHtDHWQ3jYO6FOlKtCMLJn4XGIO0dGBprAMuNvP_BIQsgBYth1y2CpiIqqj_M3GlqNIFxWHe6m3oKRmegtwkB3ekw86H70LV_YWKAAz3O1DY/s1600/IMG_20171016_110625199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-BRoys3bdUIY09e7XjzQIXGFCj_geBXGHtDHWQ3jYO6FOlKtCMLJn4XGIO0dGBprAMuNvP_BIQsgBYth1y2CpiIqqj_M3GlqNIFxWHe6m3oKRmegtwkB3ekw86H70LV_YWKAAz3O1DY/s640/IMG_20171016_110625199.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">True story here: When Isabel was very young, Nigel had her <i>convinced</i> that I actually rode a broom! Gotta LUV the man! So one day, as we were driving down the road, completely out of the blue, Isabel asked me what would happen if my broom broke. "Simple", I said. "I use the vacuum cleaner!! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmLusCWYYXqpRDUmekixpObq6U76vSGIooeAG-JPk4DM8_u4DFB0fqGJ0yyLNZwNUwdmMbIQ4fv1CJ0oLZvc3PSynIH_XeUJyLeHszsv9FppkKAPgX35wzU7wtSckyVhczTeROgRpDIY/s1600/IMG_20171016_151204806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmLusCWYYXqpRDUmekixpObq6U76vSGIooeAG-JPk4DM8_u4DFB0fqGJ0yyLNZwNUwdmMbIQ4fv1CJ0oLZvc3PSynIH_XeUJyLeHszsv9FppkKAPgX35wzU7wtSckyVhczTeROgRpDIY/s640/IMG_20171016_151204806.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A fun hat cause I need to look the part when I'm riding my broom! The two canisters were two cheap brass candlesticks that I spray painted black, then glued two glass jars from the Dollar Store on top. Got that idea from Pinterest!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTOKkNt6tzeX9XWMiK92Fap5X3EuAWLDmuJtp9F8CMBrAkwSn3CYDLDI9XRuO42lTmyfLi1QXtDYczz09Y8AP1HoeRY2HaJ-Yrg-GrbPIA1F7b9ekZqfvkcf7E2T7upNiVDGiaE33IOk/s1600/IMG_20171017_121409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTOKkNt6tzeX9XWMiK92Fap5X3EuAWLDmuJtp9F8CMBrAkwSn3CYDLDI9XRuO42lTmyfLi1QXtDYczz09Y8AP1HoeRY2HaJ-Yrg-GrbPIA1F7b9ekZqfvkcf7E2T7upNiVDGiaE33IOk/s640/IMG_20171017_121409.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our original German Kitchen Witch!! And the orange "pumpkin rocks" were a project Isabel and I worked on years ago. You pick out rocks that can "stand up". Paint them orange, then paint on faces. Somewhere I have white "ghost rocks", but I couldn't find them anywhere! Oh well.....sounds like I need to make more!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL4BoNNMLft-brur5-W1BXRyaOzj-tJQxp6iprdMDnAZzXVOEZOEdhtm9de9Iwm9C5qGm0voJJAW03Me2ShlDjVzwfXJWUYYpYFP9EW5dJz7E41_8facST8V7Y6HIpuVHPFkygXYibrs/s1600/IMG_20171017_111603280_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbL4BoNNMLft-brur5-W1BXRyaOzj-tJQxp6iprdMDnAZzXVOEZOEdhtm9de9Iwm9C5qGm0voJJAW03Me2ShlDjVzwfXJWUYYpYFP9EW5dJz7E41_8facST8V7Y6HIpuVHPFkygXYibrs/s640/IMG_20171017_111603280_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are decorations my Mom made when I was a kid and also ones the girls made when they were kids!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zbEOZjbIg1sw7hqYXFPsHdjlnUFrxcZQsxi00lVFOzVoA5X7wugcTU_hh9FoXuxkwy8cRMh6CIgGARzujS7b3eKgAUSbD4B_9vej_tK-K7UTsAKWQ4oKSlJ4CtE9JnPP6zNFcgQU77g/s1600/IMG_20171017_122213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zbEOZjbIg1sw7hqYXFPsHdjlnUFrxcZQsxi00lVFOzVoA5X7wugcTU_hh9FoXuxkwy8cRMh6CIgGARzujS7b3eKgAUSbD4B_9vej_tK-K7UTsAKWQ4oKSlJ4CtE9JnPP6zNFcgQU77g/s640/IMG_20171017_122213.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the cat bag I made Isabel, to go along with her cat costume she wore when she was about five years old!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> She looked SO CUTE! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pure fun! I've shown close-ups below!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBg9pRI7GTSBhbe8UrplrFxYeUfquGuCL6HPf06hL-mVqjvJ1KUzfH3gx4zSUdHuhbtznAX6dV09Rxk1nPm9JzzylN5vPvV4PcHJRGr5jIpkLUdfKFW2zO0BxYTvJfoOQqZSEfzWqZ0w/s1600/IMG_20171018_150448981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBg9pRI7GTSBhbe8UrplrFxYeUfquGuCL6HPf06hL-mVqjvJ1KUzfH3gx4zSUdHuhbtznAX6dV09Rxk1nPm9JzzylN5vPvV4PcHJRGr5jIpkLUdfKFW2zO0BxYTvJfoOQqZSEfzWqZ0w/s640/IMG_20171018_150448981.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't she sweet? I love the little mask she has, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the pumpkin bucket actually swings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Can you guess the Fursdon Family slightly dotes on cats? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyB-KKw-j7yGMxuY_cNLILxOKdfloBXFKDYVMwPphtJ_dpoCZdgkhO6y8ZW9Dy5V2kGleFbqPFzbw_-4rsevdya-wJIlOtv2CYLa-I2rs97Lf_5h9G16M1bchbA_d9zhdBX_wl6hikEUQ/s1600/IMG_20171017_122046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="926" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyB-KKw-j7yGMxuY_cNLILxOKdfloBXFKDYVMwPphtJ_dpoCZdgkhO6y8ZW9Dy5V2kGleFbqPFzbw_-4rsevdya-wJIlOtv2CYLa-I2rs97Lf_5h9G16M1bchbA_d9zhdBX_wl6hikEUQ/s640/IMG_20171017_122046.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">My precious little dragon! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">And the bag he carries swings loose too!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChx9O5siPS5eZBsFOn43v0KhErGP2PjP22rfJ-q6hJwsTf8Cs9LssFwtqAhTmxLjyp0zNVANAiX9PJIN8-c9VHZGPmikv3c_5BbAqTMpcH_beK7HyO_3n4jdylALHqpffvUbBXURl91g/s1600/IMG_20171017_122103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="678" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChx9O5siPS5eZBsFOn43v0KhErGP2PjP22rfJ-q6hJwsTf8Cs9LssFwtqAhTmxLjyp0zNVANAiX9PJIN8-c9VHZGPmikv3c_5BbAqTMpcH_beK7HyO_3n4jdylALHqpffvUbBXURl91g/s640/IMG_20171017_122103.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Three peas in a pod!! I should put tiny pieces of candy in their bags! And I LOVE their thin stick legs!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T4I7_hhPKIb0uSR8bbOOsqDCQMdmOJmZs55m2UaKw9MFcr3NTlPjsjXfeVT6F5f_h7FcX88tbf9809kLcJUJTWwGMJmyAwNx_YbaxPXjdLqB6sKKpPkeMMAtIx3aK0pAvEVfVUUkE64/s1600/IMG_20171017_121428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="835" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-T4I7_hhPKIb0uSR8bbOOsqDCQMdmOJmZs55m2UaKw9MFcr3NTlPjsjXfeVT6F5f_h7FcX88tbf9809kLcJUJTWwGMJmyAwNx_YbaxPXjdLqB6sKKpPkeMMAtIx3aK0pAvEVfVUUkE64/s640/IMG_20171017_121428.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, just hanging around!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7KCml2fT28X_plR_bEh7BfjAD_ANGRPkvylIAXltkEjtCjb5zusW0Wo_qaCBvJEvylXb6CLvwL6Xdn_5ySmXwRKEHj3cWsiiyn4AMmHwW1oMQLlNdSNaD-KTY4nupIycckP_ho32q5A/s1600/IMG_20171017_121517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1122" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7KCml2fT28X_plR_bEh7BfjAD_ANGRPkvylIAXltkEjtCjb5zusW0Wo_qaCBvJEvylXb6CLvwL6Xdn_5ySmXwRKEHj3cWsiiyn4AMmHwW1oMQLlNdSNaD-KTY4nupIycckP_ho32q5A/s640/IMG_20171017_121517.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some people have stockings hanging on mantel;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> we have skeletons hanging on ours!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulZ45e5KgmfwfsSetPWsOa47DulOZ4uR_U_Mbenx-yaH7quWcIqsHM64z4jfcRdKCOkshxdObG3umC4MCuUb_Nghzlyqcq8dooYQRll9qZk2wr4H8VfJ5lzqE1063sQ3_K9NjNig22dc/s1600/IMG_20171017_120305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="687" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulZ45e5KgmfwfsSetPWsOa47DulOZ4uR_U_Mbenx-yaH7quWcIqsHM64z4jfcRdKCOkshxdObG3umC4MCuUb_Nghzlyqcq8dooYQRll9qZk2wr4H8VfJ5lzqE1063sQ3_K9NjNig22dc/s640/IMG_20171017_120305.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fun Mr. Cat!!</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBV_Zl_4mPohrnfB9hICQjZPvcZzvoN8Box-lklVUEsYimYQrVN984En54RcXCL_RcRqjv0K2DjT4FcKEFqAOPPf3WOfGaT7KUOuIir35LgrJHSnG33rAzkDQ74HaF4uNEm6QpcEPq_M/s1600/IMG_20171017_121252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1361" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBV_Zl_4mPohrnfB9hICQjZPvcZzvoN8Box-lklVUEsYimYQrVN984En54RcXCL_RcRqjv0K2DjT4FcKEFqAOPPf3WOfGaT7KUOuIir35LgrJHSnG33rAzkDQ74HaF4uNEm6QpcEPq_M/s640/IMG_20171017_121252.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">I really do need to work on my housecleaning skills! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bugs are everywhere!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeR4q9yauxSLz1kl6n0Vkrjq-sE4O6H0AITmlNIyVjChkSbTPypL5_NNy18gJlpH8XwmRuBn3mIEhfJEt5ocWKPFYhU-8e30NhDzb-N1WaqyEC1uGOq4m7Sg3JVbSg1vhPH6E0zAEX_I/s1600/IMG_20171017_121312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="822" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeR4q9yauxSLz1kl6n0Vkrjq-sE4O6H0AITmlNIyVjChkSbTPypL5_NNy18gJlpH8XwmRuBn3mIEhfJEt5ocWKPFYhU-8e30NhDzb-N1WaqyEC1uGOq4m7Sg3JVbSg1vhPH6E0zAEX_I/s640/IMG_20171017_121312.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Eeeekk!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TrpbCUJ_t8HqC44jCKwHXgKLsjaAEUtV5uNqlEJQqPOzyeqwtgkDXncZ9jWZex-I_xRPdU3nEuVpD-yHA2LvP1FEqA0aLroxvdoBV_239x3yLesnHDTc1aS9S8hngs-dbh3qCKpRoOM/s1600/IMG_20171017_122440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TrpbCUJ_t8HqC44jCKwHXgKLsjaAEUtV5uNqlEJQqPOzyeqwtgkDXncZ9jWZex-I_xRPdU3nEuVpD-yHA2LvP1FEqA0aLroxvdoBV_239x3yLesnHDTc1aS9S8hngs-dbh3qCKpRoOM/s640/IMG_20171017_122440.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I HATE SPIDERS!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOONy3hsmKgOJ6oKtSPP_XxcRR3sqEslyLVSgiITGrkXoAHJK5X7iL6A0eOdlfV2HKZTAw7M-it7L_hPZu3xpS8NZTV2ctCZBwKjrhPZbKaSN45vnG6qQkpnr6i80XrYmL7kSVM1s40s/s1600/IMG_20171017_120616250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVOONy3hsmKgOJ6oKtSPP_XxcRR3sqEslyLVSgiITGrkXoAHJK5X7iL6A0eOdlfV2HKZTAw7M-it7L_hPZu3xpS8NZTV2ctCZBwKjrhPZbKaSN45vnG6qQkpnr6i80XrYmL7kSVM1s40s/s640/IMG_20171017_120616250.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just hanging around, minding my own business!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV0eSfmHFBKGj7e0qJymhe-lBWSj9XEgcQbv7SyE-np66HSxclVkf_o-6pQ3XuWSg44V-ObuGBHxXEi12q8nlxkVZgxA574XELtsqITdQ_-gvsOIsE7oREygB2reAJO_8EfJtmRfJJYg/s1600/IMG_20171016_110803530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV0eSfmHFBKGj7e0qJymhe-lBWSj9XEgcQbv7SyE-np66HSxclVkf_o-6pQ3XuWSg44V-ObuGBHxXEi12q8nlxkVZgxA574XELtsqITdQ_-gvsOIsE7oREygB2reAJO_8EfJtmRfJJYg/s640/IMG_20171016_110803530.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A piece of history here - This sink came from Valerie's antique shop years ago. It was discovered in a walled off portion of a house in London that had been bombed during WWII. Because repairs were so expensive (if even possible because of the shortage of materials at the time), the owners simply walled off the small bathroom. It wasn't discovered until the 1990's, when renovations were being completed on the house!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQ38pYDh3CzVvkJJF93Eq9IjhAwtMviRzdjqjIk7BYfhw288BPEVYW8h8WMj6GkeOHDAU195Fa7XUij3OkWg2W7TdLt9bb3ahH0KxFpOiqXyhFR5Jj7GYu1KdaumS_kfHzhrkbfwXql4/s1600/IMG_20171017_122228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1600" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQ38pYDh3CzVvkJJF93Eq9IjhAwtMviRzdjqjIk7BYfhw288BPEVYW8h8WMj6GkeOHDAU195Fa7XUij3OkWg2W7TdLt9bb3ahH0KxFpOiqXyhFR5Jj7GYu1KdaumS_kfHzhrkbfwXql4/s640/IMG_20171017_122228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whenever I look at this scene, I'm reminded of Cinderella!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTr7Ura-By2yFfKHdP71BNGsUm-v07UX9ccDqFzcrlzwYRg7aZqUU2Hsc5OFQhOb0iaM7UtESlHq4HmuxMf5YplRZwDt9U2NkKmRs3HcS9GSX9AzN7EaO79HEBrWJFmp12Kko5Wwxz-c/s1600/IMG_20171017_121207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixTr7Ura-By2yFfKHdP71BNGsUm-v07UX9ccDqFzcrlzwYRg7aZqUU2Hsc5OFQhOb0iaM7UtESlHq4HmuxMf5YplRZwDt9U2NkKmRs3HcS9GSX9AzN7EaO79HEBrWJFmp12Kko5Wwxz-c/s640/IMG_20171017_121207.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More creepy crawlies! Years ago, I dried flowers from our garden and then framed them. They're still holding up pretty good!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OBbINTTbeApRsUxbAF6mTy5l4GGk3tmiekPF2cpSP1VlLhRbCAaZIolxHZVEMpTizDmvBuQX023TE49jKwpl1_iI3ngTlaVEcXf9CpMbw0E8XP5v4yq0VUtQ0YeZkgf4QK_AFACiKAY/s1600/IMG_20171017_120337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="1600" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OBbINTTbeApRsUxbAF6mTy5l4GGk3tmiekPF2cpSP1VlLhRbCAaZIolxHZVEMpTizDmvBuQX023TE49jKwpl1_iI3ngTlaVEcXf9CpMbw0E8XP5v4yq0VUtQ0YeZkgf4QK_AFACiKAY/s640/IMG_20171017_120337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Would you believe this tree used to be white? And it was originally designed to hold jewelry! Weird, but there it is. So I took matters into my own hands and change things up a bit!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoegX8AnDk33NYk4Apwufmbuv6NJthwIgRk1UXd1hW-pZDwanMf228TZJ4AVhUyBc0B5qgZkTJt9AFnpTXLPL9o7zL4R8i5GnybBn6zdQAsIx_ec_-kjXfHehCpOUMJu8PBCZlD3FjBa8/s1600/IMG_20171017_121815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoegX8AnDk33NYk4Apwufmbuv6NJthwIgRk1UXd1hW-pZDwanMf228TZJ4AVhUyBc0B5qgZkTJt9AFnpTXLPL9o7zL4R8i5GnybBn6zdQAsIx_ec_-kjXfHehCpOUMJu8PBCZlD3FjBa8/s640/IMG_20171017_121815.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">These small houses are an</span><span style="font-size: large;">other project Isabel and I worked on years ago! However, I think we got bored with them. The idea was to put scary pictures in the windows. Oh well.... I also have a very large cake box (about 3 feet square) that came in the shape of a house. It held Isabel's birthday cake when she was about 7 years old. That Halloween, she and I painted the box black, with a dark purple glittery roof, and we pasted ghost pictures in the windows. I think its up in the attic somewhere. The glitter gets on everything and it takes up a LOT of space, which is why it didn't make it out!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkXcxxdexmrHXK1d8_FsXexROFf7_XfsBpeYXWHI4rAf9avvkeVruPyYvCFnnV5HIvb-wX3Km2U878HXpGsZgsWkBLu26CDnHBcVBPgXUaztPDwj3GcoFjfoOEPTVis1vieVspMl5LT0/s1600/IMG_20171017_121718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkXcxxdexmrHXK1d8_FsXexROFf7_XfsBpeYXWHI4rAf9avvkeVruPyYvCFnnV5HIvb-wX3Km2U878HXpGsZgsWkBLu26CDnHBcVBPgXUaztPDwj3GcoFjfoOEPTVis1vieVspMl5LT0/s640/IMG_20171017_121718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Blood splatters! Eewww!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGDhbjbdhav8UKry6pPPLBta2KEFuk0zi81h5EPnu9gnxbp1Oqb_gHpa4K5a3b0p0lxPiJQwSUJW0m8ieOGV8GATET-1Nmha-LNbqQ4rvjUrxyHupQAhGVzoziuYX5jmbe9fnUVyDtkc/s1600/IMG_20171017_121734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1101" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGDhbjbdhav8UKry6pPPLBta2KEFuk0zi81h5EPnu9gnxbp1Oqb_gHpa4K5a3b0p0lxPiJQwSUJW0m8ieOGV8GATET-1Nmha-LNbqQ4rvjUrxyHupQAhGVzoziuYX5jmbe9fnUVyDtkc/s640/IMG_20171017_121734.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Okay, so I have fun with blood splatters! What can I say?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTldBKBirstC2Nof0JISNKjwDmntpClJvfle_J6rEgh9l7-TqLPbibz4HTh7YSPoH_zh7Qp2XH_NVZQI7d4UkwYUdY5jlNf1-7ddtWqjDNpvrBVG_78iiQjwjvLUktXosUcaIH94szmMY/s1600/IMG_20171017_121800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1229" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTldBKBirstC2Nof0JISNKjwDmntpClJvfle_J6rEgh9l7-TqLPbibz4HTh7YSPoH_zh7Qp2XH_NVZQI7d4UkwYUdY5jlNf1-7ddtWqjDNpvrBVG_78iiQjwjvLUktXosUcaIH94szmMY/s640/IMG_20171017_121800.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blood is everywhere! Except on my shower curtains and window valance! I made them from drapery panels (on sale of course), then I sewed various doilies on them which I had saved over the years. Another cool idea from Pinterest!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaczRtGPXOdOKTG2zIFUFPT2I27mjtpQRby4ASCw10FiSsPboSxX3WCvfVxQskRZL9XO0bHaWeEdq2zkXmHfEGhHtPAPHXizzoHJNKvpMWXbvwIgMm8bxUnfG1BGzJZ4kgEBsUsQl8RE/s1600/IMG_20171016_110902811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaczRtGPXOdOKTG2zIFUFPT2I27mjtpQRby4ASCw10FiSsPboSxX3WCvfVxQskRZL9XO0bHaWeEdq2zkXmHfEGhHtPAPHXizzoHJNKvpMWXbvwIgMm8bxUnfG1BGzJZ4kgEBsUsQl8RE/s640/IMG_20171016_110902811.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">T. J. Maxx to the rescue again! The limbs are bendable and it also gives me a space to hang some of the items that Isabel and I made.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Good grief! I think that's it! Actually, there are some things I didn't include, but I got tired of taking pictures! So.......here's wishing each of you a spooky, fun filled Halloween!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">BOO!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span></div>
Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-83071180163996041082017-09-30T20:01:00.000-05:002017-09-30T20:19:55.028-05:00NEW TEA COZIES!!<span style="font-size: large;">Having the day to myself (Nigel and Isabel are diving all weekend), I decided to get my act together and make some more tea cozies. And here they are:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFcPywcdFFpXwxEGI5JsM6jr1ZkB5QYT5rVTH2j5XTdYmcTKeHXwlzl5thveTxvl7zWzL3Qm_cagRZqlJeVoI9jQpl_59Z1FAzf7DR4lzaT570KC92B1bUy7FUp_Gect5TKjfCEKZ_vY/s1600/IMG_20170930_114427209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFcPywcdFFpXwxEGI5JsM6jr1ZkB5QYT5rVTH2j5XTdYmcTKeHXwlzl5thveTxvl7zWzL3Qm_cagRZqlJeVoI9jQpl_59Z1FAzf7DR4lzaT570KC92B1bUy7FUp_Gect5TKjfCEKZ_vY/s640/IMG_20170930_114427209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I usually only make one of a kind, sometimes two, but I fell in love with this bee/crown/wreath motif and decided to do four of them! I even had enough left over to do some small tea towels to go with them!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRulYSTzlFXgMLJ0Qo7qwcVerPir6cv-dpEkwU8N7axd-5Ouvq7YFg_aLSgnt2_yOgtboVXnmDv3M2egK7EfSh1JBxXurTqSW9rx3tDUsUHomryIlOI3pp2h76UwEypAmEZ_ufq7LRWOA/s1600/IMG_20170930_134242732_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRulYSTzlFXgMLJ0Qo7qwcVerPir6cv-dpEkwU8N7axd-5Ouvq7YFg_aLSgnt2_yOgtboVXnmDv3M2egK7EfSh1JBxXurTqSW9rx3tDUsUHomryIlOI3pp2h76UwEypAmEZ_ufq7LRWOA/s640/IMG_20170930_134242732_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tea's on!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQscxlqfWIwl_SsgvV0ZJIYHFxhPpXAFv4lnMVtgrTkaqsh2AMcWWifefx9AJ6bN4eKdu3aZCkO4r3xoY_3TlnP8jWIaprUhMH5EfQQe80IhmZ5dmVQEzV4Z2KJweFNgNCFDXH2CUNA2I/s1600/IMG_20170930_155830755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQscxlqfWIwl_SsgvV0ZJIYHFxhPpXAFv4lnMVtgrTkaqsh2AMcWWifefx9AJ6bN4eKdu3aZCkO4r3xoY_3TlnP8jWIaprUhMH5EfQQe80IhmZ5dmVQEzV4Z2KJweFNgNCFDXH2CUNA2I/s640/IMG_20170930_155830755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also fell in love with this rooster so I made two cozies of him!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgxHqkZ6BL3ivT6NM21nyReyVBAvlRhqG9xHLBD6tAgMN4H5CbMXyeEPddYta_UpJnEwAqOB03Qf50CJcz4ftC8wTNYl7SfYH8mulK-FKvhd0oPBzzu6h22VccRkqwEXbOuC-hlqnMn4/s1600/IMG_20170930_162205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1600" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgxHqkZ6BL3ivT6NM21nyReyVBAvlRhqG9xHLBD6tAgMN4H5CbMXyeEPddYta_UpJnEwAqOB03Qf50CJcz4ftC8wTNYl7SfYH8mulK-FKvhd0oPBzzu6h22VccRkqwEXbOuC-hlqnMn4/s640/IMG_20170930_162205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing like waking up to a great cup of tea in the morning. Or taking an afternoon break with a cup of tea. Or.....oh well, you get the picture!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTWqg6FF_nn8SzYwkPQTdR0DWHCM2KkpoJcHsrH4DcrsbN2jx5VZoXT5DTUaqX1MO75vR6oY2O5wS5u_YHu2QJooj_rI-nJheVWIFF8Rsjrq556fwkATHnNEDQMFKWsnTgzQ_r6YzmrY/s1600/IMG_20170930_160255620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTWqg6FF_nn8SzYwkPQTdR0DWHCM2KkpoJcHsrH4DcrsbN2jx5VZoXT5DTUaqX1MO75vR6oY2O5wS5u_YHu2QJooj_rI-nJheVWIFF8Rsjrq556fwkATHnNEDQMFKWsnTgzQ_r6YzmrY/s640/IMG_20170930_160255620.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love the bead work on this rooster. Just couldn't pass him up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, that's it for now. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take care and may God bless! Jan</span></div>
Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-45870663454027910082017-09-28T12:37:00.001-05:002017-09-28T12:37:30.020-05:00A Sampler Project!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Just completed another project! This one is a sampler of sorts. I love small detailed work, so I decided to put together a bunch of "smalls" and see what I came up with! And here are the results!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AsAv3tW7j-OpCAKcazN1haO4E6GJOj9X7QQ99_tVxKQF6D9TiWwmLm7WjPrk5oeC6nzPZai4vu9iIMkpfTBelc8W7Mm9XxrO4_FJHRhLExRuc_u8MF8376NnsIR1v_YCufcrrllIaQc/s1600/IMG_20170926_082528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1175" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2AsAv3tW7j-OpCAKcazN1haO4E6GJOj9X7QQ99_tVxKQF6D9TiWwmLm7WjPrk5oeC6nzPZai4vu9iIMkpfTBelc8W7Mm9XxrO4_FJHRhLExRuc_u8MF8376NnsIR1v_YCufcrrllIaQc/s640/IMG_20170926_082528.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I fastened all the little smalls on an old (but clean!) placemat I've had for ages. I LOVE it when I can use something that I've had for awhile! The next thing is to decide if I want to hang it from a ribbon just as is, or if I want to frame it. I'll probably go with framing because it keeps the dust off, etc., and preserves it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I have to get started on decorating the house for Halloween!! When I was going through some of the decorations, I pulled out this little gem:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECTR7wdslwMd7s8QsFemav8qRAqMVxiGHEBn8ewFh5QjcIKdKpLQZQDwrBOQ6Cqpxjo9SScQI7dOXagAL2X22imJTIxBFV9ZckWs5bltrc2pn0zk60DrI6ibCtHZKHTD1JOhfDk6bB1s/s1600/IMG_20170928_122444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="952" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECTR7wdslwMd7s8QsFemav8qRAqMVxiGHEBn8ewFh5QjcIKdKpLQZQDwrBOQ6Cqpxjo9SScQI7dOXagAL2X22imJTIxBFV9ZckWs5bltrc2pn0zk60DrI6ibCtHZKHTD1JOhfDk6bB1s/s640/IMG_20170928_122444.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made this little Trick or Treat bag for Isabel when she was just a little tyke; she just had her 15th birthday this week if that tells you anything! She was dressed up as a black cat, so naturally I had to come up with an appropriate bag for her to carry! I got the idea from a magazine; can't remember which one now. It's all done in different colors of felt; just cut out shapes stitched onto a black piece of felt in the shape of a cat's head. And the nice thing about it is that the stitches are large and should be easily seen, as opposed to tiny and hidden! Much easier to work with!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every time I look at it, I'm reminded of how sweet she looked - a little, red haired black cat!! I've thought over the years I might do more of these, in the shape of pumpkins, mummies, ghosts, and perhaps other types of animal heads, and sell them in my online shop. Not sure if I'll ever do it, but it's fun to dream!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone is having a lovely day! May God Bless!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span>Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-74908224824470829372017-09-19T10:32:00.000-05:002017-09-19T17:14:08.988-05:00HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!! BOO!!!<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I know it's been over a year since I've posted; 19 months to be exact, but who's counting?! But I got the urge to do "something on the blog" and I love to teach, so here I am.......getting ready for Halloween!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm having a Ladies Halloween Lunch in a couple of weeks. I already had some fantastic Halloween party invitations that I'd found in a thrift shop a couple of years ago. Here they are below:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xzd9mLRgpbleCRIrQj2i3IToKfSCnc-Z3aiTMt-uUHGbZ9Brd7Y7AGcH-w0JMTgCjsG6NhduV6HLQujIcrUGg85Q4vUnmRJdVgbe4jvZGICuSdm9Ij1-AZ_FXAA32dj84VPE0yJ6Y0w/s1600/IMG_20170918_130331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1090" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xzd9mLRgpbleCRIrQj2i3IToKfSCnc-Z3aiTMt-uUHGbZ9Brd7Y7AGcH-w0JMTgCjsG6NhduV6HLQujIcrUGg85Q4vUnmRJdVgbe4jvZGICuSdm9Ij1-AZ_FXAA32dj84VPE0yJ6Y0w/s640/IMG_20170918_130331.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fantastic deal! Yes, that price is what I paid for them - </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Eight Martha Stewart cards for .50 cents!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I knew I'd use them "some day" and that day finally got here!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd2dsLzm6Znyqvn3wzxkvLPPjswFsP9nYhJ7RM42AmaSeHMkdoRloanm3aO9wqDirR_ni_v_Z_GLatDzhVMmHhS8xsBpIH2iXTOYuXlWwJLS-2q3AcDlzedfig9aqULhYdNNGBLrwKkE/s1600/IMG_20170919_095157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1312" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd2dsLzm6Znyqvn3wzxkvLPPjswFsP9nYhJ7RM42AmaSeHMkdoRloanm3aO9wqDirR_ni_v_Z_GLatDzhVMmHhS8xsBpIH2iXTOYuXlWwJLS-2q3AcDlzedfig9aqULhYdNNGBLrwKkE/s640/IMG_20170919_095157.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, I didn't have enough cards. Hmmm.....what to do? I couldn't find </span><span style="font-size: large;">anything already made that I was satisfied with. </span><span style="font-size: large;">What to do? What to do? I know...make my own!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> And here they are:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN4W1j4ViC21rDZ8uViABFtxXtQZzRtMdi_7MNb8fVccW7YV4upB3pDA2WjDEefqe9TfVyyB6b14V4Qqk29KysPeMUtJlQWo8BnwLCIEmgmrDnQytBQ-FqPi2rKL5ZekhOiHh8xQREjY/s1600/IMG_20170918_130249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN4W1j4ViC21rDZ8uViABFtxXtQZzRtMdi_7MNb8fVccW7YV4upB3pDA2WjDEefqe9TfVyyB6b14V4Qqk29KysPeMUtJlQWo8BnwLCIEmgmrDnQytBQ-FqPi2rKL5ZekhOiHh8xQREjY/s640/IMG_20170918_130249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Not quite as fancy, but I LOVE them! Here's how I made them: Found myself at Michael's (how sad) and I just started looking at everything Halloween related (since they didn't have any Halloween party invitations). I came across quite a lot of "stuff". I thought about stickers and smaller items, but I knew I'd have to buy a lot of them to make enough to fit on blank cards, and that would be too expensive! The people at Michael's probably thought I was crazy, because I kept going back and forth and comparing this and that, etc. And finally I found this: </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggel3tpFQoT2UGBXNbgRzRAR4vBEfCg24H20l2DMMoAQoIwWRqAeJIiwFSge66Neoz5koPQr4raC8ke85L_QsPgW9o6Eg-PgbhewxohrePAGwNrLE6YgqPcwvW_YHfo-E27KIVErZWBLE/s1600/IMG_20170918_130129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggel3tpFQoT2UGBXNbgRzRAR4vBEfCg24H20l2DMMoAQoIwWRqAeJIiwFSge66Neoz5koPQr4raC8ke85L_QsPgW9o6Eg-PgbhewxohrePAGwNrLE6YgqPcwvW_YHfo-E27KIVErZWBLE/s640/IMG_20170918_130129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's a banner of cats that had battery operated lights that would make the cats' eyes glow. It was on sale (YEA!!!), which was great because the original cost was $20.00. To make sure the cats weren't too big for the envelopes I'd chosen, I carefully took them out of the package and compared their size. It just fit! (Another YEA!!) So here's what I did:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is what the cats looked like, joined at the head with little punch out tabs for their eyes. So I carefully cut them apart and punched out the eyes and this is what I came up with:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgWkDGGOh8tFn7bmskL_10hVPCe3pNJUXv3JG-pCWBy8JjhVUJSgeqrPwAni3uQidEDOUKAjTCrPx_09bP2AVg-d8l8jiStYntRNEBsOVOfr4AwVdljHiPW-SevtL1zmSk9hW2lxIv4U/s1600/IMG_20170918_130229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgWkDGGOh8tFn7bmskL_10hVPCe3pNJUXv3JG-pCWBy8JjhVUJSgeqrPwAni3uQidEDOUKAjTCrPx_09bP2AVg-d8l8jiStYntRNEBsOVOfr4AwVdljHiPW-SevtL1zmSk9hW2lxIv4U/s640/IMG_20170918_130229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aren't they cute?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOSC1QkU8_i3jS2LYU3Qlf0MHn7k6xpvEEFd3d9KNw_JSJD0WYXFQtO67WOcHSEiNhUwp955fork7cbcms-DUPlphBLcCg0dOxhepy8HqntPA-w8m7Vj-PEKl9WYTsVTqRy2SHnY2VkI/s1600/IMG_20170918_130405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOSC1QkU8_i3jS2LYU3Qlf0MHn7k6xpvEEFd3d9KNw_JSJD0WYXFQtO67WOcHSEiNhUwp955fork7cbcms-DUPlphBLcCg0dOxhepy8HqntPA-w8m7Vj-PEKl9WYTsVTqRy2SHnY2VkI/s640/IMG_20170918_130405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's what was left of the package, which I've just put aside for "another project"!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDX-EligTPuZ0wVMTSMhkS3RknDnmv1YVRqqkLdCtJPX_sUKpqvfGOdcbF0SjAz334KbWNWLeqe55M6mD1ZOT0YPEZ77Q4Qj7j9wUorrMw384BpudoFaqhH8alA-ILgHJiEElMm8fHLs/s1600/IMG_20170918_130249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="1600" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDX-EligTPuZ0wVMTSMhkS3RknDnmv1YVRqqkLdCtJPX_sUKpqvfGOdcbF0SjAz334KbWNWLeqe55M6mD1ZOT0YPEZ77Q4Qj7j9wUorrMw384BpudoFaqhH8alA-ILgHJiEElMm8fHLs/s640/IMG_20170918_130249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found blank cards and envelopes that had an insert, which is where I'll put the party</span><span style="font-size: large;"> information on, and I'll just paste the cat in place! </span><span style="font-size: large;">Ta Da!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The thing to remember here is to "look outside the box" and also compare, compare, compare! </span><span style="font-size: large;">The size is extremely important because you don't want to spend too much on stickers and stuff. And the difficulty with stickers is that you need a certain "theme". That's why I kept going back to these cats! And I also had to make sure I could separate the cats, which was easy since they were made out of paper. But these are things you need to consider on your search!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So....there you have it! Halloween cards with character!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Halloween!! BOO!!!!</span></div>
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<br />Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-16493354624048408822016-02-24T20:44:00.002-06:002016-02-24T20:44:33.382-06:00Latest Adventures!!<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Just wanted to share a few pictures with you on what I've been working on! Let me know what you think!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKqlCm_rcjsySh6c2EZPotXy1dWhag9aX9aiosiztDr1Y1wjsrD-AvXOvECxSW7DFf-6n2f-WxcMkhsOuNQppDfE6JDdyCKVP7CykhVyAK4ryZGdUCtmohR48RvjGhi-9AHfRjqnBdqk/s1600/Fursdon+House+Sign+for+Booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKqlCm_rcjsySh6c2EZPotXy1dWhag9aX9aiosiztDr1Y1wjsrD-AvXOvECxSW7DFf-6n2f-WxcMkhsOuNQppDfE6JDdyCKVP7CykhVyAK4ryZGdUCtmohR48RvjGhi-9AHfRjqnBdqk/s640/Fursdon+House+Sign+for+Booth.jpg" width="473" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> At University Pickers, we're all anxiously awaiting the new addition. I only have a few shelves there now, but I plan to have an entire booth once everything is finished. Hopefully this will be no later than April. In anticipation of this, I've created a "sign" for the booth. I LOVE burlap and linen with cream! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before I go any further, I have to give my granddaughter Isabel special credit here. She and I were at Hobby Lobby, looking for the letters for the sign, and I found all of them but one - the "U"!!!! Aaarrrrggggghhhhhh!!! Isabel heard me grumbling and asked what was wrong. When I told her what the problem was, she double-checked to make sure I just hadn't missed seeing it. As luck would have it, there was only the one "U", and I needed two "U's". </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Isabel looked at the letters I had already picked out, then she picked up the "H" and says, "Why don't you just cut off the top part of this "H", turn it upside down, and make it into a "U"? At first, I couldn't see what she was talking about. Then all of a sudden I saw what she meant! Now is this cool, or what?!? I'm SO PROUD of her!! So check out both "U" letters above and see if you can spot the <u>very slight</u> difference!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGc8y4iVggo_leY6RBQxPa_Oz2wrwzRJcKtLa3eI50Yq13IsOQhpFog3gIyxOS_FkJnl5le5HjZ2r8bL0VPKMJet4DdKrRWqMlFhyY_11ua-aeCeBtJz3Ar715fwfl-FmFVoIhEibxwfw/s1600/Stool+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGc8y4iVggo_leY6RBQxPa_Oz2wrwzRJcKtLa3eI50Yq13IsOQhpFog3gIyxOS_FkJnl5le5HjZ2r8bL0VPKMJet4DdKrRWqMlFhyY_11ua-aeCeBtJz3Ar715fwfl-FmFVoIhEibxwfw/s640/Stool+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Here's a "tired old stool", which had a very "blah" looking cushion on it. But with a little paint and new fabric, it's got a new lease on life!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJeOO2nbZha2RihyX2oGAmWq_YE8pfARH2ZfpIaMmLSjixmFJvdzCkQ9EVjpcCb5jUfg9E_hLcpUjmFDEZEr242fKGsIoX_7v7_xUhWR1gQrs229oALGF9q5b7NrZA5O-HKEyoWBC5V8/s1600/Stool+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJeOO2nbZha2RihyX2oGAmWq_YE8pfARH2ZfpIaMmLSjixmFJvdzCkQ9EVjpcCb5jUfg9E_hLcpUjmFDEZEr242fKGsIoX_7v7_xUhWR1gQrs229oALGF9q5b7NrZA5O-HKEyoWBC5V8/s640/Stool+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Ta Da!! What do you think?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO45U_WOQjOW_tNNdICzEUWaQeyfpRZBAjbwrivLnlWxIGah5ztGyFmUfHWgQy-uqKdA1q0qxm3MovkmqE0ijMCC2MkDWmYdaOGLIigU6-Y0YwreQZmX3i_swAIom522Q7XttzfNocge0/s1600/Stool+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO45U_WOQjOW_tNNdICzEUWaQeyfpRZBAjbwrivLnlWxIGah5ztGyFmUfHWgQy-uqKdA1q0qxm3MovkmqE0ijMCC2MkDWmYdaOGLIigU6-Y0YwreQZmX3i_swAIom522Q7XttzfNocge0/s640/Stool+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I LOVE it! This will be put up for sale in the booth, once I have the booth, that is! Patience is not one of my better virtues!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuVNFBzKbuy0OkxInBpQQidbb-ZzEnSXwWhyphenhyphenq5s37HM39uYwE_514T4JiI0l7mlHHqzqA-rtzDZ50AhynUG5o2-o_nO1xq1ar4ix2hsJt0ixY9HWlsdx7iXUbi4H4uGWdAMxr2a8dcoA/s1600/Wedding+Cake+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuVNFBzKbuy0OkxInBpQQidbb-ZzEnSXwWhyphenhyphenq5s37HM39uYwE_514T4JiI0l7mlHHqzqA-rtzDZ50AhynUG5o2-o_nO1xq1ar4ix2hsJt0ixY9HWlsdx7iXUbi4H4uGWdAMxr2a8dcoA/s640/Wedding+Cake+Collage.jpg" width="484" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I've been trying my hand at collage, and this "cake" is what I came up with! I was inspired by a greeting card I saw about a year or so ago, and I loved the "cake" theme. So I gathered antique, vintage and new laces, pearl beads, vintage leaves salvaged from an old corsage, and a few other "bits and bobs" and.....Voila! I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do with this one. I made another one about a year ago for a very dear friend of mine. But instead of gluing it onto a canvas, I sewed hers onto a tea cozy I made. So let me know if you have any new ideas for it!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjkmqJWVRnXeAAv1EnFhwV7FQuMNytOuHVOEZy8yrRk1DKxmvN2lbW2_9yod1HlljVCjtzvgs76qsv3RdmhJUrDAqiT6VoW8rp-TXz4Nbi6E5iMsM9vZxxkX5sJA-6EAnIXzK5GEy_Gg/s1600/IMAG1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjkmqJWVRnXeAAv1EnFhwV7FQuMNytOuHVOEZy8yrRk1DKxmvN2lbW2_9yod1HlljVCjtzvgs76qsv3RdmhJUrDAqiT6VoW8rp-TXz4Nbi6E5iMsM9vZxxkX5sJA-6EAnIXzK5GEy_Gg/s640/IMAG1290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Did someone say chocolate? That's strange! I could have sworn I heard somebody say chocolate. Oh well......CHOCOLATE!!! There!! I said it! Only these little darlings are <strong><span style="font-size: large;">NOT</span></strong> chocolate!! Can you believe it? And even though I'm creating Easter items for sale, I'm not sure I can let these two go. They look so yummy, I may just keep them for myself!! Oh darn!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerYQzTf7tzbwAA2WmF4zNlTjzNjb3nUAW98J99kph5uULkixk64FAkxJG97-uPS9sgylFFWBsKGdjI6WcZlq6ThgruWZ3_1u_984DBeUd2uSRZzvg6ukmnViB6TLJeWkKY1HZwK6jYpU/s1600/IMAG1281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerYQzTf7tzbwAA2WmF4zNlTjzNjb3nUAW98J99kph5uULkixk64FAkxJG97-uPS9sgylFFWBsKGdjI6WcZlq6ThgruWZ3_1u_984DBeUd2uSRZzvg6ukmnViB6TLJeWkKY1HZwK6jYpU/s640/IMAG1281.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Speaking of Easter rabbits, what do you think of these? I had SO MUCH FUN making them!! And yes, these are for sale, although admittedly, I'm keeping one set for myself!! I love to decorate for the holidays!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB2X1tEIkdmEub3hkMAfL2B7aeMQHQE9kymvB5nkxKnhXHKkJiKakh9SE0r6PlO5QYQO_5CD9L5kp-WYIX6zLO1_Mi2ODHt5asRF22n5AkUmg9WnKgnD64seH0Qb1BLxqekP-jskuKQ8/s1600/IMAG1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibB2X1tEIkdmEub3hkMAfL2B7aeMQHQE9kymvB5nkxKnhXHKkJiKakh9SE0r6PlO5QYQO_5CD9L5kp-WYIX6zLO1_Mi2ODHt5asRF22n5AkUmg9WnKgnD64seH0Qb1BLxqekP-jskuKQ8/s640/IMAG1299.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Quiz time! So.....I had two of these candle sticks and they were both "weathered brass", but I decided to give at least one of them a face lift. And now I think I prefer the white one. So let me know what you think.....should I paint the other one white, or keep one of each for the booth? Decisions! Decisions!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBVvMhFhx_MtAZf1-TnJFqCMH5xmbIrnOtt7hNc1GiTrGCxrPU59jma-GJACZsWoF74O2d9UWqSxAO6bTgml6o6fTP01KShst7OqFnO4NzFeXp4CPDb1d4NX0UChMqEio4VVnvFgPQaQ/s1600/Santos+Lucia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBVvMhFhx_MtAZf1-TnJFqCMH5xmbIrnOtt7hNc1GiTrGCxrPU59jma-GJACZsWoF74O2d9UWqSxAO6bTgml6o6fTP01KShst7OqFnO4NzFeXp4CPDb1d4NX0UChMqEio4VVnvFgPQaQ/s1600/Santos+Lucia.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Do any of you remember my Santos, Lucia? I first posted about her in August 2012, when I bought her from a local antique shop. But I've never been one for somber colors.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZf2ns36X4J9XzBxmCaQc579_xmPS3aUBqVwfF2eS9LPMqpcJV9KQuFmlJLwdmncZ-cRUwv7DHKO5FLwitBbHzyVXiltPSyJmxZj7_cssz9hJjwGBXScVQcf8IMQFlFRs2feKn6dwCm4/s1600/Santos+Lucia+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZf2ns36X4J9XzBxmCaQc579_xmPS3aUBqVwfF2eS9LPMqpcJV9KQuFmlJLwdmncZ-cRUwv7DHKO5FLwitBbHzyVXiltPSyJmxZj7_cssz9hJjwGBXScVQcf8IMQFlFRs2feKn6dwCm4/s640/Santos+Lucia+A.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">So I painted her as you see above with the robin's egg blue. But never one to leave things in one place too long, I decided to put her wings back on and give her another update - this time in cream - which is FAST becoming my favorite color!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44f6iLBwQDN0vJopF1vvy2oc1rF7ssaX523PaUrE15do_b19zr6KspQanP6qcg_Efhd7Ae5mgj4CWtPiXjCQRtXyBcXVWHg_hPhL5_HKaomkqCvvNm63pbQq2OMeoR3Wka6DV4FQpdqI/s1600/Santos+Lucia+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44f6iLBwQDN0vJopF1vvy2oc1rF7ssaX523PaUrE15do_b19zr6KspQanP6qcg_Efhd7Ae5mgj4CWtPiXjCQRtXyBcXVWHg_hPhL5_HKaomkqCvvNm63pbQq2OMeoR3Wka6DV4FQpdqI/s640/Santos+Lucia+1.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">She looks MUCH happier now, even if I say so myself!!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK5AyaNQ6pT1xzL5pj3o0bkA5Ut5W0nJv8k3VVUY0W7eB6YyFvDfgXLITzW4kjF89X62uYUKQMl1-PuTMkF7KeqLuXpmt66AiC4Ypq9_9Eke-EWNNTJxCxrcEzDdXM3Vl9hlndXzbWBY/s1600/Santos+Redo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaK5AyaNQ6pT1xzL5pj3o0bkA5Ut5W0nJv8k3VVUY0W7eB6YyFvDfgXLITzW4kjF89X62uYUKQMl1-PuTMkF7KeqLuXpmt66AiC4Ypq9_9Eke-EWNNTJxCxrcEzDdXM3Vl9hlndXzbWBY/s640/Santos+Redo.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">And here she is, in full regalia, including the crown I made for her!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXOhL7GQcWyPg8xg9yoW2lyT6LPjh-ktxNIuuTG0N9iIqy5absUIU0hCniIK4Zvht7doI_gFICN6f0Z4psPhKXohznqy9-9TStlSk_NQDlMWJ-zDvZqAFcvHR6aqmMy7IJnb4bFOu0w0/s1600/Metal+Lamp+-+Before+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXOhL7GQcWyPg8xg9yoW2lyT6LPjh-ktxNIuuTG0N9iIqy5absUIU0hCniIK4Zvht7doI_gFICN6f0Z4psPhKXohznqy9-9TStlSk_NQDlMWJ-zDvZqAFcvHR6aqmMy7IJnb4bFOu0w0/s640/Metal+Lamp+-+Before+Picture.jpg" width="371" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Isn't this cool? Daughter Laura gave it to me! It had been sitting outside on her deck for a year or so, and had been covered with what looked like.....well, for lack of a better word.....NASTY!! Well, I just couldn't let it remain in that dreadful state, so the first thing I did was remove the six glass panels (not shown in this photo). And then we had a <strong><u>very thorough</u></strong> cleaning with bleach! And here it is.....all nice and clean and ready for remodeling!! So I'll have to remember to show the "end result" in another post. Cause this is all I have for you now!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Oh...Yes, I had noticed that I have two different sized fonts in this post, but for some odd reason, it isn't letting me change it to all one size. Oh well.....:-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I hope you're all having a lovely week!</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">May God bless! Jan</span></div>
Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-91331334794772259442016-02-13T11:13:00.003-06:002016-02-13T11:13:51.375-06:00RE-juvenating, RE-purposing, RE-vitalizing.......RE-TIREMENT!!!!<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I've FINALLY retired!!! Two weeks ago and I still don't have a new blog post out, so today is the day!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The biggest news - in addition to retiring of course - is that an article of mine was published in one of my favorite magazines - Stampington and Company's Altered Couture!!!!! I can hardly believe it!! Check out the badge on the right and it should take you there. I'm SO excited. It's my first publication in a national magazine! And the best part about it was that it featured a lace tablecloth my Gran made years and years ago which I "repurposed" into a lace shawl! So in a very real sense, Gran got published too! Just click on the badge to the right. When you get to the link, my article is the sixth picture shown underneath the main magazine cover! EXCITED!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Goodness, so many things have changed in the past few months. I no longer have a booth at Hartlex Antique Mall. It just wasn't a good "fit" for me because I want to do more creative things, rather than just have antiques and vintage items. Having said that, it's a wonderful place to shop for antiques in Huntsville! Many thanks to Leslie and Mark for all their help!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still have my Etsy shop, which has been doing really well the past several months. Tea cozies have been selling like crazy!! My badge for this is on the right also. And now I'm at University Pickers!!! I only have a few shelves right now, but we're expanding (almost doubling in space!) so within two months or so, I should have a booth there. If anyone is interested in being a vendor, just go to their Facebook page (University Pickers) and it will give you information about this. Here are pictures of my current shelves:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm8DCkefLK1X8jHKjyKQB62SAFO3bp5Rt3FTEok287eycwXusUKo3fcBOLtCOfw4U4JP20hlo7tHy_XaPyfAydAzWqXRQrD564jvRs_gOO8gGOnCFRhz1ZRM45r19uHwzr6r06nLFXGo/s1600/Shelf+1+at+UP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNm8DCkefLK1X8jHKjyKQB62SAFO3bp5Rt3FTEok287eycwXusUKo3fcBOLtCOfw4U4JP20hlo7tHy_XaPyfAydAzWqXRQrD564jvRs_gOO8gGOnCFRhz1ZRM45r19uHwzr6r06nLFXGo/s640/Shelf+1+at+UP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some rejuvenated. Some vintage. Some hand-made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">LOTS of fun!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEcDFNxDZwu7MFnDj3lMWRdsS1SZjSzAP-4OhdJh5sqfkW_6LBht6CJ9nrPm_q4dMVuNNiRpcEV5V4z5fU9nzY-rRsaZ2_yCbfsnf3y2m3NJNxZGYFLKuOnq5mZe5T5JVylRAQDxdQiw/s1600/Shelf+2+at+UP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEcDFNxDZwu7MFnDj3lMWRdsS1SZjSzAP-4OhdJh5sqfkW_6LBht6CJ9nrPm_q4dMVuNNiRpcEV5V4z5fU9nzY-rRsaZ2_yCbfsnf3y2m3NJNxZGYFLKuOnq5mZe5T5JVylRAQDxdQiw/s640/Shelf+2+at+UP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I love angels too! And needlepoint!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, I've been creating and repurposing new items the past couple of days for Easter. Here are some of my Easter Cloches:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVg8-F4mMz8_MT0gH39Bq4RxXxZevzMTERsGLklZx6G4ZyaPImeJflUu6QtnPvJ8It18zz3EMWZ0NRhyphenhyphen6cN0F1AOyMSL80eSKINlc7KbKo_CImGKsaCaXgaoipNkNwVc1pafsCEbjldM8/s1600/Easter+Cloches+-+Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVg8-F4mMz8_MT0gH39Bq4RxXxZevzMTERsGLklZx6G4ZyaPImeJflUu6QtnPvJ8It18zz3EMWZ0NRhyphenhyphen6cN0F1AOyMSL80eSKINlc7KbKo_CImGKsaCaXgaoipNkNwVc1pafsCEbjldM8/s640/Easter+Cloches+-+Large.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See what you think of this little guy! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOpID_jEMuN3gtrsFMFsj5RZl5POdG3qY10K1kQimUIPbOkzVb77poIlCzAR-M-nwQQNtf8oTJFSnvVnE8dKOCgHqPZlZfxnK9uwGf6VnGGtA9bTzEdl4mMZYkBlFKc_HQNLyAsfbt04/s1600/Mini+Cloche+With+Baby+Duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOpID_jEMuN3gtrsFMFsj5RZl5POdG3qY10K1kQimUIPbOkzVb77poIlCzAR-M-nwQQNtf8oTJFSnvVnE8dKOCgHqPZlZfxnK9uwGf6VnGGtA9bTzEdl4mMZYkBlFKc_HQNLyAsfbt04/s640/Mini+Cloche+With+Baby+Duck.jpg" width="382" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't he precious!! And here are a few other items:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiM_iKuDyzQbJ7Xt-_0n20h0cEcoXkNyUEDjMsh7GnyuIA52Mpzb-Xk7Z5zORnsEAwzJPI7r4vE0DXtVyeC0_GMYwd1T2LRIKEDY5a-5R_McL4YZiHIC1wDJvzr262aoPMT1-pJl6Uvt0/s1600/Chicken+Dish+With+Eggs+Inside%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiM_iKuDyzQbJ7Xt-_0n20h0cEcoXkNyUEDjMsh7GnyuIA52Mpzb-Xk7Z5zORnsEAwzJPI7r4vE0DXtVyeC0_GMYwd1T2LRIKEDY5a-5R_McL4YZiHIC1wDJvzr262aoPMT1-pJl6Uvt0/s640/Chicken+Dish+With+Eggs+Inside%2521.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell there's a surprise inside? I have several of these chicken dishes at home</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> and they're just as sweet as they can be!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E31xiorW_dlUbRYtEbbK6aKCRWM_QGXgVawUSD7C8XVlOgTWKFkHrlkmEfrAOMIAQsjBhMAtj_Tgh8zZg7OSWoSBDPbLThCtesQiNEVdpiAO0cJ0htZKokHxtdNdZtJT5bA_f6GoxBM/s1600/Metal+Nest+With+Bird+and+Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E31xiorW_dlUbRYtEbbK6aKCRWM_QGXgVawUSD7C8XVlOgTWKFkHrlkmEfrAOMIAQsjBhMAtj_Tgh8zZg7OSWoSBDPbLThCtesQiNEVdpiAO0cJ0htZKokHxtdNdZtJT5bA_f6GoxBM/s640/Metal+Nest+With+Bird+and+Eggs.jpg" width="382" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">This little darling bird and nest used to be terrifically boring until I revitalized him into his current sweet state!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9psVX2sK_wPIJpmwNPD-fclgCiGOJIiA0v0PGHv0lz65xJJuRsK4Gys5qI3p_t6FiMe2Ww6L6Ngu4EJQk0jjDXV-oFBBf-_kiYFs_7LMTSR0S4vHt8dUs8jsRJGZqgP-hpzeeo-Od4mI/s1600/Rabbit+on+Pedastal+With+Eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9psVX2sK_wPIJpmwNPD-fclgCiGOJIiA0v0PGHv0lz65xJJuRsK4Gys5qI3p_t6FiMe2Ww6L6Ngu4EJQk0jjDXV-oFBBf-_kiYFs_7LMTSR0S4vHt8dUs8jsRJGZqgP-hpzeeo-Od4mI/s640/Rabbit+on+Pedastal+With+Eggs.jpg" width="382" /></span></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE rabbits, and Easter eggs, and pastel shades too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Can you tell? </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1qKh9mnyb2vIeOZCj_xZitBwlTMLEOq8T1-ko0xFpotSQqmHhfmT39QFJA3f1HmT4WuQcRIaj2ajB3iu_U9GOBUgW4EZWuZYJlAq_7TQJ9wCgfIlwNJPFksCrj8bHUYxN5KJxpd7CIk/s1600/White+Metal+Basket+with+Duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1qKh9mnyb2vIeOZCj_xZitBwlTMLEOq8T1-ko0xFpotSQqmHhfmT39QFJA3f1HmT4WuQcRIaj2ajB3iu_U9GOBUgW4EZWuZYJlAq_7TQJ9wCgfIlwNJPFksCrj8bHUYxN5KJxpd7CIk/s640/White+Metal+Basket+with+Duck.jpg" width="382" /></span></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another re-do. This was once a very tired looking silver plate</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">basket that I spray painted</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> and added a little Easter whimsy!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yoBnnq7oBzjsxrvMAi5XghSNaDzugn-yW5CNdwUU7hKX3zCMx7HrpIakkjeU5y7PC7OXBMQ9WJGnfmvKM51EqlKdze_A4BE31NdxmJ0ZsgcC-6rGTiPR6nrt576ivjHuN3LvQlKCe80/s1600/Peter+Rabbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yoBnnq7oBzjsxrvMAi5XghSNaDzugn-yW5CNdwUU7hKX3zCMx7HrpIakkjeU5y7PC7OXBMQ9WJGnfmvKM51EqlKdze_A4BE31NdxmJ0ZsgcC-6rGTiPR6nrt576ivjHuN3LvQlKCe80/s640/Peter+Rabbit.jpg" width="382" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peter Rabbit himself. Eggs anyone?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, that's it for now. I have to get tags written up for these, and then into University Pickers they go on Monday!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May God Bless, Jan</span>Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-24811750493933334822015-09-04T18:18:00.000-05:002015-09-04T18:18:24.435-05:00Fursdon House - New "Shop"<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I've done it now! I've officially opened up a booth to sell antiques, vintage items, and my handmade items (i.e., my tea cozies, fabric hearts, etc.)!! It's at the new Hartlex Antiques and Interiors on University Drive. Here's their web site; it's really lovely and it's HUGE!!! </span><a href="http://www.hartlexantiquesandinteriors.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.hartlexantiquesandinteriors.com/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And here's my booth:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvgVjKGBwa2ZGd9MuU5DyZywhlHS1ODFOAQaakS-oTztVEIquH6XTOVeYQv1vUi32HycjyShaVg1d8xJULvuCOHwkrUv_tJ74QwXU4sBTlMpQsXZmzG_Iw72q_lYOHJbIZyts2FKH5uw/s1600/Fursdon+House+Booth+at+Hartlex+Open+Market.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvgVjKGBwa2ZGd9MuU5DyZywhlHS1ODFOAQaakS-oTztVEIquH6XTOVeYQv1vUi32HycjyShaVg1d8xJULvuCOHwkrUv_tJ74QwXU4sBTlMpQsXZmzG_Iw72q_lYOHJbIZyts2FKH5uw/s640/Fursdon+House+Booth+at+Hartlex+Open+Market.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There are two showrooms at the new location. One is for the finer, "high end" antiques and the other is called The Open Market, which is where I'm located. I've spent the past several evenings making tags, working on an inventory list, cleaning, etc. Then early this morning, my sweet husband and sweet son-in-law (bless them both!!) moved all the large pieces in and I brought in the "smalls". Then I spent the next several hours putting everything in place. After fine tuning it all............Voila!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've ALWAYS wanted a shop of my own, and now that I'm planning on retiring at the end of January 2016 (God willing), I decided to take the plunge and see if this is something I want to pursue. This is in addition to the on-line shop I already have, located here: </span><a href="http://www.fursdonhouse.etsy.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">www.fursdonhouse.etsy.com</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I realize I'm probably insane, taking this on now while I'm still employed full time, but I decided it's "now or never". At any rate, I don't think I'll be bored any time soon!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep me in your prayers!! I'm certainly going to need them!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May God Bless! Jan</span>Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-60856944461599651302015-08-11T17:23:00.000-05:002015-08-11T17:23:13.447-05:00Sad day? Bake a cake!! And make it CHOCOLATE!!! From scratch!!! Not from a box!!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Well, that pretty much sums up what I'm feeling today. My oldest girl child is returning to Afghanistan today and I was feeling a little low. So....what to do? You guessed it! I pulled out my all-time-favorite chocolate cake recipe, which by the way was given to me by said child's Godmother, Virginia Lavender, who got the recipe from her Aunt Mary back in the 1920's or so! And it is D.E.L.I.C.i.O.U.S.!!! Not too sweet, and very moist. As a matter of fact, it isn't even served with frosting! It's baked in a Bundt pan, then all you do is sprinkle Confectioner's Sugar liberally over the top when it's cool to the touch! Okay, okay.....stop twisting my arm! Here's the recipe:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>Aunt Mary's Old New England Recipe for Chocolate Cake</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3/4 cup Crisco shortening, softened (plus enough to grease the pan)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 3/4 cup granulated sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3 squares of melted baking chocolate (I use Baker's brand)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4 eggs, brought to room temperature, then beaten (Poor eggs!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 3/4 cup cake flour (I use Swan's Down)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3/4 cup of 2% milk (But....it's better if you use whole milk, and out of this world if you use </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">heavy whipping cream, so choose your poison!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3/4 teaspoon of baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pinch of salt (Sorry, I don't know what the official equivalent of a "pinch" is so you'll just have to "pinch" some! I crack myself up!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Confectioner's sugar (Some people call this powdered sugar.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Directions: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Grease a Bundt pan liberally. Do NOT rely on cooking spray! Trust me on this! I speak from experience! Then liberally flour the pan and set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Cream the soft shortening with the sugar, then add the melted chocolate and the poor beaten eggs. Set this aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In a large mug, add baking soda and salt to the milk and stir.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Add the milk mixture and the sifted cake flour alternately to the other ingredients, stirring well after each addition. I usually do this in about three turns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Pour the mixture into the Bundt pan, evenly spreading it around. Pop it into an oven that's been pre-heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for approximately 40 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The cake is done when a narrow knife inserted in the center comes out clean. I have a cake tester thingy that I use for this; it looks like an 8 inch long thick needle with a handle on the end. It works great and.....better yet, it was cheap!! But.....back in the day, they used broom straws (hopefully cleaned!) so use whatever you normally use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">After it's done, remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert it upside down onto a large serving plate. When it's completely cool, sift confectioner's (powdered) sugar liberally over the entire top!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Sit down with a nice, hot cup of tea or......a tall ice cold glass of milk! And E.N.J.O.Y.!!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here is a photo of said cake, AFTER it was attacked by a pack of starving buzzards!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's wishing you all a lovely Monday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">May God bless! Jan</span></div>
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Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-52626363866723898972015-07-08T18:58:00.000-05:002015-07-08T19:13:05.723-05:00I'm Back!! Hello? Are you there? Anyone? Knock! Knock!I've been sitting here, looking at this blog for half an hour now, wondering how in the blue blazes I'm ever going to get started again!?!? Let's face it; the last post was in January 2014 for Heaven's sake!! So...........how do I get started again? Tell you what . . . . I'll just start typing and see where that leads. Poor you! That is, if anyone is still out there!<br />
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The BIGGEST news is - God willing - I'm retiring in January 2016!! I'm almost afraid to put it into print because I don't want to jinx it! I've always been told that I'll know when it's time. And if I have any choice in the matter, the time is NOW (Okay, 30 January 2016, if I <em>must</em> wait!). I have the usual <em>List of Things to Do After Retirement. </em>Are they the same as yours? Mine are:<br />
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1. More time creating items for my on-line shop, <a href="http://www.fursdonhouse.etsy.com/">www.fursdonhouse.etsy.com</a>, which of course includes more time on this blog and Facebook, to help promote said shop! I've got ideas out the ying yang of things I want to make, things I've already made and need to get posted, etc. etc. etc. By the way, I wonder what a "ying yang" is? Hmmmmm.........oh well, I digress. Back to the list!<br />
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2. Learning how to be a "housewife" for the first time in 35 years of marriage! I know this sounds slightly old-fashioned, but I've never been a housewife only and, quite frankly, I'm looking forward to it! I think! And being a housewife encompasses the following on my ever growing list:<br />
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a. Clean my house - from stem to stern, top to bottom, sideways, forward and backwards, and everything in between. There! I think that about covers it! And by cleaning, I mean going through every drawer, every closet, every shelf, every little nook and cranny - to sort through, purge, organize, and ......well, you get the picture. Ever since we stopped moving with the military, we've been accumulating. And trust me - I <em><u><strong>can</strong></u></em> accumulate!!<br />
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b. Cooking.................did I <em>really</em> say that? Oh well.............It's not that I'm a bad cook. I'm a decent one as cooks go. I just <em><strong><u>HATE</u></strong></em> doing it!! So no grand promises on this one! I've always loved to bake, but cooking is just a <strong><em>C.H.O.R.E..............</em></strong>and it's a <strong><em>B.O.R.I.N.G.</em></strong> one at that!! But I'm hoping that by some miracle, I might actually learn to like doing it - at least a little more than I do now. Hey, miracles do happen, you know!! Like I said though - <strong><em>NO PROMISES!!</em></strong><br />
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Okay, that's enough for the housewife bit. Now on to something more exciting!! <br />
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3. Revamping my screened in porch. We have lots of wicker out there, in various shades of tan and brown.....ugh! I've been thinking along the lines of Victorian white wicker, which I L.O.V.E., but not a stark white. I'm thinking of a warmer, creamy white, which should look great with all those cushions I bought a few years back.<br />
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4. Gardening........did I <em>really</em> say that too? Yikes! What's gotten into me?!?!? I mean, gardening wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for the Alabama State Bird (AKA The Mosquito), or the nasty Alabama humidity, or the dirt and grime, or the muscle aches and pains, or the sunburn, or..........Okay, okay......no HUGE promises on that one either. But I'm determined to help Wonderful Husband, who is the TRUE gardener of this family. I figure I'll go out about 7:00 am every morning, and work an hour or so. Well.....it sounds good in theory at any rate!<br />
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5. I did plan on taking my alarm clock and SMASHING it to ITY BITTY BITS!!! But then I wouldn't be able to get out and garden at 7:00 am every morning. Hmmmmmm................ :-)<br />
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6. Start going to the grocery store in the middle of the day!! And...........TAKING MY TIME!! I usually go after work (Ugh!), or on my preciously guarded weekend time, then racing through it like the Indy 500, getting the same old things I always get because it's faster and easier, then wondering why I don't like to cook much! <br />
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Okay.....enough of this list thingy. It's getting old. So here are some photos I've taken recently (or rather, in the last year!), and most of these are listed on my Etsy shop at <a href="http://www.fursdonhouse.etsy.com/">www.fursdonhouse.etsy.com</a> . Now, if I can just remember how to load photos on this thing! Hmmmm........let's try THIS!<br />
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Hey! It worked!! Check these out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgp5xaPAIGAcW1-S_HJQZkA4D5dVJDR6X5WU-A6dkxPm1tumNxaM8jylVI53K_4Kc9YJTJFmrul9I0WL0EiymyplviK_NeIOxIQzqX7-l-GqaIgH2yBZKmEZmR-5IrR6sNsfO2Qr6duE/s1600/Lace+Cake+-+Let+Them+Eat+Cake+and+Tea+Too%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgp5xaPAIGAcW1-S_HJQZkA4D5dVJDR6X5WU-A6dkxPm1tumNxaM8jylVI53K_4Kc9YJTJFmrul9I0WL0EiymyplviK_NeIOxIQzqX7-l-GqaIgH2yBZKmEZmR-5IrR6sNsfO2Qr6duE/s1600/Lace+Cake+-+Let+Them+Eat+Cake+and+Tea+Too%2521.png" /></a></div>
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"Let Them Eat Cake"</div>
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This is a fabric collage I did awhile back, called .....you guessed it! Let Them Eat Cake! It consists of vintage and new laces and beads, vintage paper leaves, and a few other "bits and bobs". I created the whole thing on a canvas board thingy that's about 8 x 10 inches. As you can obviously see, I haven't framed it yet. I think I'm reluctant to because I like to see it and touch it whenever I walk into the studio. And you can't get that tactile feeling when it's in a frame. But I just L.O.V.E. it. I'm thinking of incorporating them into some of the tea cozies I design. I did make a tea cozy with a similar design on it for a sweet friend of mine; turned out pretty cool! I'll try to find a picture of it. Or perhaps I'll just add them to my Etsy shop "as is", or framed. Who knows. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zb0WBvxml-9v8xBYhWavIEijEjKyC-zsYADw2Zp_-G0DCkSMfPWb7MKoiJ1GFMsdWL5_l0AWgsl3ke8qf1L1PRaptk2uymFMw20NfkX7tDnvWKrzlsy4Ox0niNvDGkFr3dfg9V2jE8w/s1600/%257BF429E370-91A0-4FAC-B5FE-1C2A7DBABD82%257D-DSCF0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zb0WBvxml-9v8xBYhWavIEijEjKyC-zsYADw2Zp_-G0DCkSMfPWb7MKoiJ1GFMsdWL5_l0AWgsl3ke8qf1L1PRaptk2uymFMw20NfkX7tDnvWKrzlsy4Ox0niNvDGkFr3dfg9V2jE8w/s640/%257BF429E370-91A0-4FAC-B5FE-1C2A7DBABD82%257D-DSCF0231.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another collage! The base is a vintage linen place mat and I've just had fun adding bits and pieces, some new and some vintage, as well as a little embroidery. Although it's currently listed "as is" in my Etsy shop, I'm thinking of incorporating it into something else, like having it as a front panel of a sewing machine cover. Lots of plans and little time! Such is everyone's plight though! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUTR3SFUiA5a0Emo2PNLeKk70r48wWnlU-4TxsHjG-3Dv06UCpT7mBMxz3QsjOAn9wjESOsg3yNYzUIlQYT-v4zZGhyZEc7x_YB-tIRaXGpDrI71fV3DcD2dnbn9shFe2K6_mR93jnuU/s1600/0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUTR3SFUiA5a0Emo2PNLeKk70r48wWnlU-4TxsHjG-3Dv06UCpT7mBMxz3QsjOAn9wjESOsg3yNYzUIlQYT-v4zZGhyZEc7x_YB-tIRaXGpDrI71fV3DcD2dnbn9shFe2K6_mR93jnuU/s640/0.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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A sweet little brooch I made, using antique millinery flowers, lace, and tiny fresh water pearls. It has a pin back on the reverse. My first try and I have to admit, I was rather pleased with it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWdJLMseEe-DlE14W16OoGaTJAfK88eRYOGe0D_2QakjvVbnxIofn05Svn1T2oshyphenhyphenm4lIJfahgN7TPMkrruZA8FcEhuted5Lb-WIzvih0qsS90HFIK3SXXbrHlunUbiHrzD4Q3K-bx1I/s1600/IMAG0673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWdJLMseEe-DlE14W16OoGaTJAfK88eRYOGe0D_2QakjvVbnxIofn05Svn1T2oshyphenhyphenm4lIJfahgN7TPMkrruZA8FcEhuted5Lb-WIzvih0qsS90HFIK3SXXbrHlunUbiHrzD4Q3K-bx1I/s640/IMAG0673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had great fun making this fabric strip banner for a friend of mine. She commissioned it for her granddaughter, to hang in her bedroom. It ended up about 4 1/2 feet long and, as you can see, was a "Symphony in PINK!!" It was very easy and ripping those strips of fabric was GREAT therapy!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SgZqGU1c1_YLU46Z51_pl5BnBL_ODs22epFz7O9A2MhVq2axpHp4ify9eAKFKyDx7s4i7Eie6eAhoIvRR4Q8FUSKyCfUWKL12g6uCGlbxkhLyxfuuePV3pj7m4QHiTkHMsP9aX4X62g/s1600/Tea+Cozies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SgZqGU1c1_YLU46Z51_pl5BnBL_ODs22epFz7O9A2MhVq2axpHp4ify9eAKFKyDx7s4i7Eie6eAhoIvRR4Q8FUSKyCfUWKL12g6uCGlbxkhLyxfuuePV3pj7m4QHiTkHMsP9aX4X62g/s640/Tea+Cozies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some of the latest tea cozies I've made; I've done others as well. I've come up with an improved method of making them, which I'm very excited about. Cuts down on the time and is actually easier to stitch. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLyU0Fbv3ZcUCNOhiaruFoYrYlqrR6a_hL7RIAUgbbtGrKO4zhz6YyLuJHRQLtYVrx6P-V_dGWUtUJR2A-PQWCpVqALZpNw-sbyNNq5RuQlaC0lflSysjdktLTOXVN6_DT_bACEhH27E/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLyU0Fbv3ZcUCNOhiaruFoYrYlqrR6a_hL7RIAUgbbtGrKO4zhz6YyLuJHRQLtYVrx6P-V_dGWUtUJR2A-PQWCpVqALZpNw-sbyNNq5RuQlaC0lflSysjdktLTOXVN6_DT_bACEhH27E/s640/1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One last photo for now. These are hearts I've created. They're generally about 7-8 inches long by 5-6 inches wide, and each one has a hanging cord. I love to hang these on the fronts of large pieces of furniture, instead of tassels. The heart shape is one of my favorites! <br />
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Well, that's it for now. I need to get this posted. Hopefully you haven't fallen asleep!<br />
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Love and Blessings to All!<br />
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Jan of Fursdon House<br />
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<br />Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-55140970086108919842014-01-25T17:11:00.001-06:002014-01-25T17:11:15.462-06:00Creative Play<div style="text-align: left;">
Wanted to try out my new camera - my birthday present from Wonderful Husband! Thank you wonderful husband!! Of course I haven't read any of the instructions yet, but I just kept pushing buttons until it <em>seemed</em> to work. I can just picture my technically inclined eldest daughter cringing as she reads this!! :-) Anyway, here's what I've been up to lately............</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0q0UEQhAz9EKEgZrK4KguSiP8HgmIY_S4oDsbQbTcdvNFnLtSG0pAUVEnK8oB0BmDdh4O8LEXS3LMdJbuYazaphJzFG5hRI1iRoHT14_aZXN3Ra0xQ0wumRZybulYqImDyQ5kkg70lI/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0q0UEQhAz9EKEgZrK4KguSiP8HgmIY_S4oDsbQbTcdvNFnLtSG0pAUVEnK8oB0BmDdh4O8LEXS3LMdJbuYazaphJzFG5hRI1iRoHT14_aZXN3Ra0xQ0wumRZybulYqImDyQ5kkg70lI/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+008.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I was reading one of my favorite magazines, the October 2013 issue of Somerset Life,</div>
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when I came across the following article, by Sarah Hawkings:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tQKKLMy0ztfQA6nXndZ4ptyC-_yjlZpJJYnbLHL4OKRS_CAfPISLmJUCIJ2mb8SNfJag5RO4OxDG1hkiGMPIoerTB9yNzFqaTLrExg9UDSeZHyMZFFI4M-Y37ECoKewVIcWE4dBxHA4/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tQKKLMy0ztfQA6nXndZ4ptyC-_yjlZpJJYnbLHL4OKRS_CAfPISLmJUCIJ2mb8SNfJag5RO4OxDG1hkiGMPIoerTB9yNzFqaTLrExg9UDSeZHyMZFFI4M-Y37ECoKewVIcWE4dBxHA4/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+005.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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She gave a tutorial about covering small journals with vintage blankets,</div>
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embellished with trim, buttons, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNLcaaelgWs6hNg_pCXgTQyYPRviCfqzU-5dhfYtEH-ghHQ6_6U4I_q-GUaFXN1QiysxkLARcbbsaT0goGBmjG_nLfsUfSINFAbKu1rI4rUUfBo1ixe4fLkS7ua4Tgifhf9bVpnCvPIo/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNLcaaelgWs6hNg_pCXgTQyYPRviCfqzU-5dhfYtEH-ghHQ6_6U4I_q-GUaFXN1QiysxkLARcbbsaT0goGBmjG_nLfsUfSINFAbKu1rI4rUUfBo1ixe4fLkS7ua4Tgifhf9bVpnCvPIo/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+007.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aren't they beautiful? <br />
So I got to thinking about ........</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wUPvdPIqszxYs-hxRynEA4LhHLNN_Hujkghi9_DkOm6jcXewILo3pLZzKrXyTzzUXlj0KVw2gEbeoLWtuwLBBoxPXioW_wliWscW2Srb-qBO2964M0GteoPk3yZq9NNszV73dDAFUGM/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wUPvdPIqszxYs-hxRynEA4LhHLNN_Hujkghi9_DkOm6jcXewILo3pLZzKrXyTzzUXlj0KVw2gEbeoLWtuwLBBoxPXioW_wliWscW2Srb-qBO2964M0GteoPk3yZq9NNszV73dDAFUGM/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+004.JPG" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
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my VERY PLAIN journal. I've already filled it up, but I'd been wondering how best to change</div>
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it into something a little more appealing to look at. So that's just what I did!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33zFfMYpk0DPPZuXH-S67EYkz8l4OHndSbwMrDbL9UhYZUATP5CDzRyVG6U_kGdBhhLXZoVBun5E1t52wsIgskV0W8_gj1gTQETKhBJy7BrHSGkIU7YfnXKtTan8WkpXTVprVooud_bw/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh33zFfMYpk0DPPZuXH-S67EYkz8l4OHndSbwMrDbL9UhYZUATP5CDzRyVG6U_kGdBhhLXZoVBun5E1t52wsIgskV0W8_gj1gTQETKhBJy7BrHSGkIU7YfnXKtTan8WkpXTVprVooud_bw/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+002.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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Ta Da! </div>
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Of course, it isn't nearly as nice as the ones Ms. Hawkings made, but this is my very first one after all! And now that I have the hang of it, I plan to do a lot more. You see, I have diaries and journals dating back to the 5th grade and they're all in a huge variety of shapes, colors, sizes, etc. However, if I covered them all with the same base fabric above, but used different fabrics for the embellishments, they would still be unique, but also have a more unifying look. And why is this important you may ask? Well, I admit it, I'm a trifle O.C.D. Okay, okay, I'm a LOT O.C.D. And I just thought it would look really great, displaying all my journals in one place - sort of a stroll down memory lane!</div>
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I only have about 15 more to go! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRiVTriTTUrghhswCHuGKox6IiyKxXRtmPN8g1EiVstnLFxr17MIYnxoo6JP2d3atCIO4AmWExc7BUrmSgpHznOH5RCNXF9H-AVJaLd0V-lz0PSLKUdMlUpzNYW-WrQCFjMoVmTIDmso/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRiVTriTTUrghhswCHuGKox6IiyKxXRtmPN8g1EiVstnLFxr17MIYnxoo6JP2d3atCIO4AmWExc7BUrmSgpHznOH5RCNXF9H-AVJaLd0V-lz0PSLKUdMlUpzNYW-WrQCFjMoVmTIDmso/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+011.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Also last fall, I was re-reading an article by Marianne Ford that I'd cut out of a magazine some time ago. It was in the Holiday 2011-2012 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. Ms. Ford gave a tutorial on creating quilted strips of fabrics, adding a bit of <em>bling</em> to them, then connecting them together like old-fashioned paper chains. You can see in the picture above that she used hers as a tree garland.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLio_aWFmGq86InTnHrUxt8wLxlZxZHVeJvP9TKaq190EYYQ8WZ4BLD2ZeGubenK9hdGyqoNmbJ3pj21pPsm8axwGbt-rhPtnBqdpk8mEYeJOpE4-8A1i8nFxj7TzkWHaVbURthMygID0/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLio_aWFmGq86InTnHrUxt8wLxlZxZHVeJvP9TKaq190EYYQ8WZ4BLD2ZeGubenK9hdGyqoNmbJ3pj21pPsm8axwGbt-rhPtnBqdpk8mEYeJOpE4-8A1i8nFxj7TzkWHaVbURthMygID0/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+010.JPG" height="248" width="640" /></a></div>
Well, I don't mind following others up to a point, but I also want to put my own spin on things too. So I decided to make fabric chains that I could drape up and over curtain rods and doorways. The ones above are just a few of the ones I've made so far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYc0MuHEs8_I8kpvdYUc_9Co6p11EnTOkuXAaWrprLi-hf2FaFPlQH6ZZen-mrW3DmrQrWfHZRrPenHYfoebE54eR2OKBRBPBwjIkeLlG19gqufWKgA2QJamBe-_xSBZqivgTOBdh_Rs/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYc0MuHEs8_I8kpvdYUc_9Co6p11EnTOkuXAaWrprLi-hf2FaFPlQH6ZZen-mrW3DmrQrWfHZRrPenHYfoebE54eR2OKBRBPBwjIkeLlG19gqufWKgA2QJamBe-_xSBZqivgTOBdh_Rs/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+016.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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This shows a little better what I'm talking about. I currently have about 10 feet of "chains".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Xk1ED7MaRClFpTYy48jifYcredKYRQrvWPrfrgolHxz2gUHnmq7pU95V6x-Z_pzt01FZO6qSRoPctnYWBz8olZer3SSQ8FeA63iTAfgt9TJr46Fq6NBcP7Y8xTXJxa5hcHB7rV9_IYk/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Xk1ED7MaRClFpTYy48jifYcredKYRQrvWPrfrgolHxz2gUHnmq7pU95V6x-Z_pzt01FZO6qSRoPctnYWBz8olZer3SSQ8FeA63iTAfgt9TJr46Fq6NBcP7Y8xTXJxa5hcHB7rV9_IYk/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+013.JPG" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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The best thing about these is that its "hand work", which I love to do much more than machine stitching. And if I get bored with it, I can just put it down and do something else (<em>like creating journal covers</em>!) The next best thing about them is that they're SO MUCH FUN to make!! I get to do what artist Mary Ann Moss refers to as "Commando Sewing" by not having to stick to tried and true sewing rules. The idea here is just to let your imagination fly - along with the buttons, beads, fibers, and anything else you can think of to add a little more color and texture!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmxwXPgcyFrwTlIRMH4MGtnBAUdjFK45OddBvXTPH7NKHQC8WSLj1fb3IQj1CBCZhIdZ_-RKwbPR_Wq0OpVefUN_fySkwABdpoKPZh_U5uO4E-L82qwWaVUl7DNLYZirS8nI9cnc4tFQ/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmxwXPgcyFrwTlIRMH4MGtnBAUdjFK45OddBvXTPH7NKHQC8WSLj1fb3IQj1CBCZhIdZ_-RKwbPR_Wq0OpVefUN_fySkwABdpoKPZh_U5uO4E-L82qwWaVUl7DNLYZirS8nI9cnc4tFQ/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+015.JPG" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each strip is connected by snaps (my own addition) which makes them easier to put together</div>
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or take apart, easier to store, easier to make into different lengths, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKRBDpQzrDB1ysP80cNeN9zCpNKvnR6tb9chu_2QtOH7uOAvGCsSnsx7wXK-NHfyyL7QasiZYiu8WA7VDhwgL3qgaGHP91uoVS6WAv99yus8ekI1uYHbReJhlO16nFUp58y-0Y4TumFI/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKRBDpQzrDB1ysP80cNeN9zCpNKvnR6tb9chu_2QtOH7uOAvGCsSnsx7wXK-NHfyyL7QasiZYiu8WA7VDhwgL3qgaGHP91uoVS6WAv99yus8ekI1uYHbReJhlO16nFUp58y-0Y4TumFI/s1600/Blog+Posting+for+25+January+2014+014.JPG" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
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And because a lot of hand stitching is involved, I can work on them during my lunch break at work -</div>
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when I need something to get my mind off of ......WORK!! I also thought about doing some in cream colors, sort of a soothing cool palette for summertime décor.</div>
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Well, there you have it! My latest and greatest! As you can see, it's never boring at the Fursdon House! BTW - If anyone would like me to scan these two articles and send to you by e-mail, just drop me a line at <a href="mailto:FursdonHouse@aol.com">FursdonHouse@aol.com</a>.</div>
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And MANY THANKS to both Ms. Hawkings and Ms. Ford, for giving me and others a great way to add a little more creativity into our lives!</div>
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May God Bless, Jan</div>
Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-13752173592581066552014-01-17T16:39:00.002-06:002014-01-17T16:39:56.387-06:00MONSTER HUGE Christmas Posting!!!!I took a HUGE amount of pictures over the Christmas season, because I wanted to put them on the blog. Then I forgot about them!! I also got caught up in the "busyness" of everything going on. At one point, I thought about just deleting them, but now I've decided to plague everyone with them instead! So here goes.......<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuVKZl-BgOolKsvQZE3LsI1diQ84tAW-0rZTOOWY7yWgXdFyl_K1_95mRM80iaDbh0RqQ6XqSaNypuOQOzV8ndX348_mn_1hZCUz-hszfkj_acqGk2ipwdoyNf7QSi4VC-z5mQi_7kXI/s1600/Christmas+2+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuVKZl-BgOolKsvQZE3LsI1diQ84tAW-0rZTOOWY7yWgXdFyl_K1_95mRM80iaDbh0RqQ6XqSaNypuOQOzV8ndX348_mn_1hZCUz-hszfkj_acqGk2ipwdoyNf7QSi4VC-z5mQi_7kXI/s1600/Christmas+2+003.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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My pride and joy!! It's an authentic German goose feather tree!! I've wanted one (a large one that is) for years, but could never afford one. But this year, I found one at a GREAT price, so I decided this year it would be MINE!! Of course, Nigel calls it a "Charlie Brown" tree because it's so sparse looking. But it holds more than you think!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW609VrdR8I6cxD0z70z1eL9JXDNl2g2uSOHBFhMsZWg_5Pk7Essnl90V9yTtrKEmP0oV1uzuZDi67wJs_ghoRRllwXncTDANX7iQpZmL7lEPE8i5ObDOgD9Ihj-k7vz-RShQeKKR_aGI/s1600/IMGP7760+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW609VrdR8I6cxD0z70z1eL9JXDNl2g2uSOHBFhMsZWg_5Pk7Essnl90V9yTtrKEmP0oV1uzuZDi67wJs_ghoRRllwXncTDANX7iQpZmL7lEPE8i5ObDOgD9Ihj-k7vz-RShQeKKR_aGI/s1600/IMGP7760+-+Copy.JPG" height="640" width="260" /></a></div>
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Of course, we were more than a little nervous when I first set it up. Definitely looked a little bare! And I began wondering if I'd made a terrible mistake. But my BFF Sherry told me not to worry about it; just decorate it only with things I truly loved!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b2lIzOncVUJzxd86rvM0XJ2-WO5J-Df9P4GsNEQGqvA-L1Yxp4ElZvomz_BGU-q_dNmR0zR0KipQh6gt5QmE4KmDpqjhWYIBOD9X83PSyzToV6VIzrt9BFesg9Fiz8Hps5yZ0ksIUbY/s1600/IMGP7777+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3b2lIzOncVUJzxd86rvM0XJ2-WO5J-Df9P4GsNEQGqvA-L1Yxp4ElZvomz_BGU-q_dNmR0zR0KipQh6gt5QmE4KmDpqjhWYIBOD9X83PSyzToV6VIzrt9BFesg9Fiz8Hps5yZ0ksIUbY/s1600/IMGP7777+-+Copy.JPG" height="640" width="282" /></a></div>
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So....first came my beaded fruit garlands. Makes it look like a candy tree!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrSwEG0b7zKr2ZDsSoe5nPgFKGz6ItOcjJjL87zoORjbMu7w3D3USWFE_5wxL4pdVxc7LQ_EdgpqEY_ZM-qJVT8nN6bY0xJ2hLdaQPv4PW66xtcG4MOsafc3uDl01MZE43zfMcloMmyw/s1600/Christmas+2+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrSwEG0b7zKr2ZDsSoe5nPgFKGz6ItOcjJjL87zoORjbMu7w3D3USWFE_5wxL4pdVxc7LQ_EdgpqEY_ZM-qJVT8nN6bY0xJ2hLdaQPv4PW66xtcG4MOsafc3uDl01MZE43zfMcloMmyw/s1600/Christmas+2+003.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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After I started putting my favorite ornaments on it, I really got into the swing of things and it came out like this! It's definitely not "everyone's cup of tea", but it's certainly MY cup of tea!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6ABgmBYFdEGd8m4arYc3GhJydvkpt6HnpYj6pIgTc9yaRZ_4uUQ1g35mnajE12czjyUt1xI_PMLWLuNjU8Fd8W7GIqXhyGZMjCqT4ToOagC8uZWQPwpl9kNVwlgIMWakjaH7x_lo6rc/s1600/IMGP7905+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6ABgmBYFdEGd8m4arYc3GhJydvkpt6HnpYj6pIgTc9yaRZ_4uUQ1g35mnajE12czjyUt1xI_PMLWLuNjU8Fd8W7GIqXhyGZMjCqT4ToOagC8uZWQPwpl9kNVwlgIMWakjaH7x_lo6rc/s1600/IMGP7905+-+Copy.JPG" height="640" width="532" /></a></div>
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Always first ornament on the tree - stitched by my grandmother.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamyBH4TEVC8z0slK98rRfohBIOVmVycoiRliQmhoJJjCMlhUDTbjhI0dh7Lqk01rICTQPs2L5dputw9QMHKf3DJXt0v3fzcYg4_qG84TpX3-NYPoVeLgoBi0Bxm-RWDwAKguHkdRxDwI/s1600/IMGP7944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamyBH4TEVC8z0slK98rRfohBIOVmVycoiRliQmhoJJjCMlhUDTbjhI0dh7Lqk01rICTQPs2L5dputw9QMHKf3DJXt0v3fzcYg4_qG84TpX3-NYPoVeLgoBi0Bxm-RWDwAKguHkdRxDwI/s1600/IMGP7944.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next three ornaments to go on are these three terra cotta ornaments!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cYZ2zZ0wmLha4tr1xBgrAgEV9vD31NBQwChOoOjGuY-P1bzv0ikbCcKUoAHvotIpQtIm6QorqslSHP37gXZQM5h1x9E7IJaIe3ZHGI9M8b-FKdDDKXxgTFiXDqVI9XWu5Nn6LXJW4DI/s1600/IMGP7948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cYZ2zZ0wmLha4tr1xBgrAgEV9vD31NBQwChOoOjGuY-P1bzv0ikbCcKUoAHvotIpQtIm6QorqslSHP37gXZQM5h1x9E7IJaIe3ZHGI9M8b-FKdDDKXxgTFiXDqVI9XWu5Nn6LXJW4DI/s1600/IMGP7948.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nigel gave them to me for my 19th birthday present! He's bought them in England and thought I might like them. When he got back from England, in addition to these ornaments, he proposed!!</div>
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Little did he realize how much of a Christmas Decoration NUT I'd turn out to be later in life!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH53Og8f3nG3bhXMnJoKcOj1El0A_vZ1GMwFR_g_20HbDrH7KE1vXlAMFwj3jCvCF6_fypb2kfHaym_giQivKXQw5cSRa5C54VrQt5Ahg5Q180AK1TN3JwfEXrJvRRllA2H_rfUuVlHNM/s1600/IMGP7908+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH53Og8f3nG3bhXMnJoKcOj1El0A_vZ1GMwFR_g_20HbDrH7KE1vXlAMFwj3jCvCF6_fypb2kfHaym_giQivKXQw5cSRa5C54VrQt5Ahg5Q180AK1TN3JwfEXrJvRRllA2H_rfUuVlHNM/s1600/IMGP7908+-+Copy.JPG" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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Nigel is ALWAYS working on the house, inside and outside, so I thought this ornament was particularly appropriate for him!</div>
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Auntie Doreen Abraham knitted this little mail box for the girls when they were little. The flag actually raises up and down, and inside is a letter the girls wrote to Santa one year!<br />
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Back in my cross-stitching days, I made this one for myself.</div>
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From a very dear, sweet friend of the family - Ginny Lavender - who was both my girls' Godmother.</div>
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Another one I cross stitched. Good thing about cross stitching is that it's relatively inexpensive and you can do little things as well as very large things!</div>
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This is the angel my sweet mother-in-law, Valerie, gave to me the year my Gran died.</div>
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Laura created this in school - a French medallion </div>
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The First Christmas ornament for Laura, born in 1981, in El Paso, Texas</div>
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The first year Christmas ornament for Elizabeth, born in 1985, in Wiesbaden, West Germany</div>
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I cross stitched this when I was first learning, and I created the pattern myself. This was the year Nigel got a pair of water skis, and he tried very hard to convince me that it was easy. I knew better!!</div>
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A Santa face, made by Isabel, tracing her hand on paper.</div>
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Not a "usual" Christmas ornament, but then.....who's "usual"? My Dad ALWAYS wore Old Spice after shave lotion. When I found this little plastic sample bottle, I knew just where it was headed to!</div>
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One of Isabel's baby rattles! We called her Busy Bee when she was little!</div>
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Another "home improvement" ornament for Nigel, from Home Depot.</div>
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Another "unusual" ornament. This little monkey was among some of my Dad's things we found, after he passed away in 1998. </div>
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For Nigel's English ancestry! Nigel's Mom (Valerie) found this on a shopping trip to England and brought it back for me. Nigel was the first one in his family born in the U.S., in Denver. Both his parents are English.</div>
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To represent my "Southern roots" - a cotton boll angel!! When I was a young girl, we had a field of cotton on our farm. And in case no one has ever told you, picking cotton is ..... M.I.S.E.R.A.B.L.E.!!</div>
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Between the mosquitoes and the cockleburs, you were covered in scrapes and bites!</div>
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The "world" - given to us by Ginny Lavender. She said we needed something to represent all the traveling we did since Nigel was in the Army!!</div>
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This was a gift card holder! Of course, for me, it was the perfect ornament for Nigel!</div>
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A beautifully hand-stitched ornament Laura brought me back from Afghanistan, where she was stationed with the Corps of Engineers for two years.</div>
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Ooopps!! Santa's underwear!! Can't a guy get a little respect around here!?!?</div>
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Another knitted ornament from Auntie Doreen</div>
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One of Isabel's early pieces of art - a fuzzy worm!!</div>
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My Mom painted this ceramic ornament for me. </div>
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And my Aunt Pat painted this one for me.</div>
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When we were first married, Nigel had a little red Volkswagen, so when I saw this ornament, I knew it had to go on our tree! That little car was a great one too!</div>
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One of three wooden geese, hand carved in Germany. We got the three of them our first year in Germany, in 1982, at one of the Christmas markets held on the town square of Mannheim.<br />
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Another one painted by my Aunt Pat; she's been on my tree for years and years!</div>
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A pine cone angel, made by Elizabeth when she was a little tyke!! When she was a teenager, she would beg me to (1) Not put it on the tree, or (2) Put it in the very back where no one could see it. You see how well that worked!!<br />
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One of several pieces we always referred to as "God's Eye" that Isabel made for me.</div>
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Cute clothespin reindeer that Pat made for the girls when they were little.</div>
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A rather well-loved, worn little box ornament that once belonged to my Gran.</div>
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For the first several years we were married, we had no money at all. That's when I learned to cross stitch. This ornament came in a little kit from Wal-Mart! </div>
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One of my granddaughter Isabel's first Christmas ornaments - it's a little book about "The First Christmas", given to her by her paternal grandparents Jim and Lorrie</div>
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A very dear, sweet friend, Jadene Navarro, made me this little ornament years ago. She died of breast cancer in 1995. I miss her.</div>
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Angel topper made by Isabel</div>
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When Laura was little, someone gave her a "popper" toy from Fischer Price. Laura loved it, but I hated it because it made SO MUCH RACKET!! So when I saw this ornament, I couldn't pass it up! </div>
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A cute popsicle stick reindeer made by Isabel</div>
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Another reindeer head, made by Elizabeth if I remember correctly</div>
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When I was little, I always wanted a Barbie doll, but we couldn't afford one. Instead, I was given a Midge doll. I think Midge was Barbie's cousin. She had long brown hair and freckles, just like me. Wish I could find a Midge doll!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknqCVt5lOU3DHW3AJYgVuMAS6_De-drBchT_imXyhYhJ4rI9KcF-FIKAddetuN5zUraSe-8NgP-36roO0LQw2YQXZFUOg0pFCDIjJ0S7zCLQxxOI-FTENnq859rRX15oR0B7MQxf-bSY/s1600/IMGP7983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknqCVt5lOU3DHW3AJYgVuMAS6_De-drBchT_imXyhYhJ4rI9KcF-FIKAddetuN5zUraSe-8NgP-36roO0LQw2YQXZFUOg0pFCDIjJ0S7zCLQxxOI-FTENnq859rRX15oR0B7MQxf-bSY/s1600/IMGP7983.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Nigel is known for ALWAYS having coffee to drink, so when I found this Santa, I knew it had to come home with me. It's designed for putting incense underneath the seat he's sitting on, and smoke comes up out of the coffee pot, like steam, when its lit.</div>
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My Snowmen!!</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVXj12-38P_gZc3TVL73GvqTapAg-G-p_VyplQokACaSVT7y0vhyphenhyphenokts87H_vQUDTP_kjzYPgxzGhzfyqHpN30J19OrqaY908VdGOk7rBUcuccrP4nhJFhHr7qOrQYypSiLl33sebzl4/s1600/Christmas+2+006.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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The Welsh Dresser - a favorite place for our pewter collection, and at Christmas, the perfect backdrop for my collection of Santas and bottle brush Christmas trees! Following are close-ups!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ_EPXxHMCwLL0IYNeID0knltCH2V4z_kF7zq5xU4gSf3wG9gtjISge_TfLbMhoKdqH3fvQDbEfzb-U4CgxXZVlcHLn0_UhAWFsxlNRwuZRErWWMn4B53DLX62-XRqryhO_zUXxtxixI/s1600/IMGP7800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQ_EPXxHMCwLL0IYNeID0knltCH2V4z_kF7zq5xU4gSf3wG9gtjISge_TfLbMhoKdqH3fvQDbEfzb-U4CgxXZVlcHLn0_UhAWFsxlNRwuZRErWWMn4B53DLX62-XRqryhO_zUXxtxixI/s1600/IMGP7800.JPG" height="640" width="518" /></a></div>
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These look vintage, but they're actually new!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDPeL5lNohRH6MVjgie2zbD-vDvoUAIKnRZ2phLPf2o4SDRpmIHTuxJDGBU9xlIEJoBsb_3UAk7w8ZdBq5ogBcYkZcU0npi4s19MuBECeGVibojxuZKpPiy5YnyfxLtZ6o3n6MQfg2bI/s1600/IMGP7803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDPeL5lNohRH6MVjgie2zbD-vDvoUAIKnRZ2phLPf2o4SDRpmIHTuxJDGBU9xlIEJoBsb_3UAk7w8ZdBq5ogBcYkZcU0npi4s19MuBECeGVibojxuZKpPiy5YnyfxLtZ6o3n6MQfg2bI/s1600/IMGP7803.JPG" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
Mr. and Mrs. Claus, by Jim Shore, a favorite artist of mine.<br />
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Vintage chenille Santa and tree</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb0clxixb18IVu77LJpiMKMKoGIX3RkASy1yxCJ5Wum1YKi0Z8nL3y-II-rjr2JGouxbgnrE-vtcvmY8r3lYgWoyg57dRyPSAI9XhbZG1a0mXcFO_2aCidKbUl551qza0mCnEqrZCvmc/s1600/IMGP7809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcb0clxixb18IVu77LJpiMKMKoGIX3RkASy1yxCJ5Wum1YKi0Z8nL3y-II-rjr2JGouxbgnrE-vtcvmY8r3lYgWoyg57dRyPSAI9XhbZG1a0mXcFO_2aCidKbUl551qza0mCnEqrZCvmc/s1600/IMGP7809.JPG" height="446" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've collected the trees and Santas over the past 20 years or so. The one to the far left was found in July one year, completely forgotten about, laying in a jumble of other odds and ends. That is - until I rescued him!! The one on the bottom right belonged to my Gran.<br />
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The white bottle brush trees are more rare than the green ones, so I was especially pleased to find this one, along with the felt Santa one year. </div>
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I love the trees with the ornaments in them.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_-rWaOYdqfCjlLbFjna8VXobaT8rmDBbaJtRErMd_Vb65irVZDRpbJUAU-7bfqDxw-3D6eXiASe0keBkjqRf6lDXgGi9dWGzxIKGYyV_5aFgiw_hjDq6Kt9zOvuuKuYjJuNSHuYaSJ4/s1600/IMGP7814.JPG" height="640" width="392" /></div>
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This last year, I bought an assortment of antique and vintage cotton spun miniature fruit, which I then glued into my trees. I LOVE the effect it gives them. You can also use small new pieces of fruit, or new miniature ornaments. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOgzk1zIfuu6k7juH2Weojwb23wAJHr3FzjE6123gyU-9k3azm3bbJI1-7W-pqFBzMbCoIQp6fcVE60qLPa0bZqtzftDdAldQqj-TpgI-wQm1EBL9wioWiZ8h3tHmIMt8247o-Dfm7-w/s1600/IMGP7828.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></div>
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Occasionally I'll admit to having too many Santas.......but NOT very often. </div>
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The French doors, leading to the deck. Next year, I plan to use a 4-foot cream colored tree I have and decorate it with these white cotton batting ornaments, and other Victorian style ornaments. One can never have too many ideas, can they? I mean.....the idea is to have fun, right? </div>
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Santa Village, in the kitchen garden window.</div>
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My Kitchen Tree!! I've had great fun with this tree, and this year, it went to a larger size tree that my Mom had. Following are some close-ups of the ornaments on it. They're fantastic!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8floQbmGR4SYMsgUKvajxZ3ANo-Uj_QPOuTW0pfGqZQ0ajylFUt4Y8FVhfZuQOriwZF5m0-2rCRVf3gay6-lEk3CJKxln9x7nQO7ZRUu6NzIOX1mRLf_lSAtEHv8nuhfwheWkNn8Qvmc/s1600/IMGP7858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8floQbmGR4SYMsgUKvajxZ3ANo-Uj_QPOuTW0pfGqZQ0ajylFUt4Y8FVhfZuQOriwZF5m0-2rCRVf3gay6-lEk3CJKxln9x7nQO7ZRUu6NzIOX1mRLf_lSAtEHv8nuhfwheWkNn8Qvmc/s1600/IMGP7858.JPG" height="640" width="398" /></a></div>
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My favorite ornament - the three-tiered basket, holding all sorts of Christmas goodies!!</div>
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I just HAD to have a tea kettle!!</div>
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Aren't these utensils cute?!</div>
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A miniature hanging pot rack!</div>
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Every cook needs an apron - especially at Christmas!! The small redware plate on the right came from a trip to Winston Salem, NC.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA73W2RIkkt_IkdyEmEtn2AvVEkbXoemTxuDX0-KIqbiGpno8sOvHqEHvn16Xi5_oT0pSMwYl8WdzP0msb3-xhyphenhypheneAhb9RSnAPcXSCADa2_dzHZYVEOhnH0rJzd_2eqj1kArgM8Io0j-YQ/s1600/IMGP7873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA73W2RIkkt_IkdyEmEtn2AvVEkbXoemTxuDX0-KIqbiGpno8sOvHqEHvn16Xi5_oT0pSMwYl8WdzP0msb3-xhyphenhypheneAhb9RSnAPcXSCADa2_dzHZYVEOhnH0rJzd_2eqj1kArgM8Io0j-YQ/s1600/IMGP7873.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've had Mr. Mouse, with his Gingerbread Man, for years! He's an old favorite.</div>
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I keep Hallmark firmly in business. But when the ornaments are this precious, how can you resist?!?!</div>
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If the woman has an apron, the man has to have one too. And the miniature cookie cutters and utensils above and to the side are also adorable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu5raBgrhVf0FSIYYF8HkgW6qI0EWCWsQQPHr3h5Axm8WFFeLlrW7sb3f62ahN_sbXilsQ1yv-dHdpAPIJOft1f3ys5KNvngpCqypHkzu1Yg_LkfBw2SK3vNnVYotyD-4MHcR__NwdQU/s1600/IMGP7877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmu5raBgrhVf0FSIYYF8HkgW6qI0EWCWsQQPHr3h5Axm8WFFeLlrW7sb3f62ahN_sbXilsQ1yv-dHdpAPIJOft1f3ys5KNvngpCqypHkzu1Yg_LkfBw2SK3vNnVYotyD-4MHcR__NwdQU/s1600/IMGP7877.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now I ask you - don't these look R.E.A.L.??? Couldn't possible resist them!!</div>
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I love blue and white porcelain, and I love tea. So this one was a natural!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0FncG7PJorZsjzB8OXdGnf8QEPOWOGSPGgZO0CbFsog7xsbXEF435U0vo2kR3KfDhDmUscsu_r9fO4wjhMMvMKfB4Wp97Mo8uRcNyzZJxtjiSInNHqD83bMDHoSwII8DXr-Bsz1DlXw/s1600/IMGP7885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0FncG7PJorZsjzB8OXdGnf8QEPOWOGSPGgZO0CbFsog7xsbXEF435U0vo2kR3KfDhDmUscsu_r9fO4wjhMMvMKfB4Wp97Mo8uRcNyzZJxtjiSInNHqD83bMDHoSwII8DXr-Bsz1DlXw/s1600/IMGP7885.JPG" height="640" width="496" /></a></div>
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I also love my sweets!!</div>
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Goes nicely with my blue and white tea pot above! </div>
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Sweet utensils, and the Gingerbread man ornament is made from a mixture of . . . . cinnamon, apple sauce and white glue (like Elmer's). Weird yes? I found the recipe years ago, and they last a long time, and smell divine!! You just mix it all together, roll it out, cut out the shapes, and let them air dry! The whole house smells like cinnamon when we make them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpr_9CjxxFRFP84k39qSPD5VARhq3BFlu34MtbPG6wTvQkly3X2T1C-IHipiJC2PBri7qJ7YQ00K88b2g2cbFyl_fH1xFvAYyNUI7dGFDC_eleFFttnB_30cCiLZAKgDb5M7ASFZJPnQ/s1600/Christmas+2+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpr_9CjxxFRFP84k39qSPD5VARhq3BFlu34MtbPG6wTvQkly3X2T1C-IHipiJC2PBri7qJ7YQ00K88b2g2cbFyl_fH1xFvAYyNUI7dGFDC_eleFFttnB_30cCiLZAKgDb5M7ASFZJPnQ/s1600/Christmas+2+015.JPG" height="556" width="640" /></a></div>
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My kitchen wreath! It has "regular size" utensils, some of which belonged to my Gran, and some I've purchased over the years. I've also put the girls' baby spoons on it, though they don't show up.</div>
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Every woman needs a man in the kitchen, helping out!!!</div>
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Mr. and Mrs. You-Know-Who!!</div>
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The gingerbread house Isabel made this year and the tree she and Mom made about two years ago!</div>
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Another Jim Shore favorite - my Nativity</div>
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A new way to decorate the chandelier! Berries, greenery and red glass balls</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4533j3CVTmbl4Gf34WH_2HxMY0lJx0urJRyWrksfdSUtMiiEIuBtgYQs_eN4BxiaNMoYNI55wUiwCl7PfyDAN9C1CBYUW6MPR_AIQXAhyOg60YpmE1edH2ChNZqvPNryAggknCbBrmhE/s1600/Christmas+2+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4533j3CVTmbl4Gf34WH_2HxMY0lJx0urJRyWrksfdSUtMiiEIuBtgYQs_eN4BxiaNMoYNI55wUiwCl7PfyDAN9C1CBYUW6MPR_AIQXAhyOg60YpmE1edH2ChNZqvPNryAggknCbBrmhE/s1600/Christmas+2+056.JPG" height="262" width="640" /></a><br />
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I call this Fursdon Harbor!! It was Nigel's Christmas present to me in 2002 (I think he wanted it for himself as much as he wanted me to have it, but don't tell him I told you so!!)</div>
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The Nautical Tree</div>
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I created this tree in 1998, when Nigel was stationed in Korea and couldn't come home for Christmas. I had to keep myself busy, so I took sea shells I'd collected for many years, spent a LOT of time punching holes in them with a hammer and nail, then hung them up! The "garland" is multiple strands of shell leis I found at Michael's that I strung together. Perfect for what I needed!! Of course, it's grown over the years, but following are some "nautical ornaments" also on the tree.</div>
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Another favorite by Jim Shore</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMj4skAL0FyfUa3peDSfcePKrLErFgE5XVPXatbx1iX-xmszfsAJyg6l2ULyOvoZhIeRRN7MdZ_m69erND-u0juU_gxjcQnn_VySqw83woX47rsZ5ITvvD3tk3A1RA21Fv-eLDl0XFruA/s1600/Christmas+2+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMj4skAL0FyfUa3peDSfcePKrLErFgE5XVPXatbx1iX-xmszfsAJyg6l2ULyOvoZhIeRRN7MdZ_m69erND-u0juU_gxjcQnn_VySqw83woX47rsZ5ITvvD3tk3A1RA21Fv-eLDl0XFruA/s1600/Christmas+2+071.JPG" height="640" width="576" /></a></div>
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I wonder where we found this ship? Hmmmm.....</div>
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Nothing like a natural looking turtle, huh? Okay, so I have a little fun. Although I don't have pictures of it, I also have a 3-foot Margaritaville tree, that has really wild creatures on it, like crocodiles on skates, and sharks with fiddles. Honest!!!</div>
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Ever seen one of these at the ocean?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmYTavX-D0xOrmSXcVOj2Ri7HSGmNw4fGPiQ4XUsPJuGPg45xRxMVguk6C1oeU3pUGqcuHemJFimmlC_t5s_cRUihWz1VKhKvpmvnFH9ow_Th0P67Tax2MawFKd9322kgdV9HRI0SQ7I/s1600/Christmas+2+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmYTavX-D0xOrmSXcVOj2Ri7HSGmNw4fGPiQ4XUsPJuGPg45xRxMVguk6C1oeU3pUGqcuHemJFimmlC_t5s_cRUihWz1VKhKvpmvnFH9ow_Th0P67Tax2MawFKd9322kgdV9HRI0SQ7I/s1600/Christmas+2+075.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lovely little sailboat!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyepye73dggvyz5chGDbv3eVGIc3smrBVtZugw5AbWIF4oe2TiwDWWwcxLwBH606kMhecDU7lDlv6aW6sZcvTKOuaefZtYwLY_JosNJXISZhj5dPMgoI09PFzvh5l0U7E8C2yTrxBFRs/s1600/Christmas+2+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyepye73dggvyz5chGDbv3eVGIc3smrBVtZugw5AbWIF4oe2TiwDWWwcxLwBH606kMhecDU7lDlv6aW6sZcvTKOuaefZtYwLY_JosNJXISZhj5dPMgoI09PFzvh5l0U7E8C2yTrxBFRs/s1600/Christmas+2+077.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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A Jim Shore sailboat, about to be attacked by a GIANT colorful fish!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xCtBKfZvS2VIYGkfuhpRv3dInQaVMEBzWKpmTKduxvYLfHTM_AUdxZeVCQ7CHsTo-9rMSYbdgrgcDQCr11SKnM7-QcIrFWpwXnNvLrOOEToLtIiB-FYtlbT_aLII7LX4F-3zYfM6qcA/s1600/Christmas+2+079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xCtBKfZvS2VIYGkfuhpRv3dInQaVMEBzWKpmTKduxvYLfHTM_AUdxZeVCQ7CHsTo-9rMSYbdgrgcDQCr11SKnM7-QcIrFWpwXnNvLrOOEToLtIiB-FYtlbT_aLII7LX4F-3zYfM6qcA/s1600/Christmas+2+079.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Didn't know Santa had a sailboat, did you? Well, as you can plainly see, he does! So there!!</div>
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A new way of decorating the curtains over the door windows.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztlEMS_MNgJq0XSYcKKltJRJWv20jLtO0FaC0t2FDD03ygLMKXCxm4EAFujHF7BvjsS5O2gI_lKusJAX0s6f_jWDnmZVaKLjEWLlxVsnoO7-01Rnyg6KaFIG-OY5CqTAYX0xsbj6SEYg/s1600/Christmas+2+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztlEMS_MNgJq0XSYcKKltJRJWv20jLtO0FaC0t2FDD03ygLMKXCxm4EAFujHF7BvjsS5O2gI_lKusJAX0s6f_jWDnmZVaKLjEWLlxVsnoO7-01Rnyg6KaFIG-OY5CqTAYX0xsbj6SEYg/s1600/Christmas+2+057.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now HOW did this picture get in here? Can't imagine! This is Isabel making macaroni and cheese. She's becoming quite the good cook!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Gx8ikA0rs0AUMG41bcZZHKGVSq_HESE5MPH5iqYwcxNnR9zfMp9ffywubPC9bKdNcHYYqGlkAsITm1RJesNkuCyrEbwWz8FF2-JJK2v525ekvKSZDsbqjoRD-B7CGaKczzid2ouuzG4/s1600/Christmas+2+098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Gx8ikA0rs0AUMG41bcZZHKGVSq_HESE5MPH5iqYwcxNnR9zfMp9ffywubPC9bKdNcHYYqGlkAsITm1RJesNkuCyrEbwWz8FF2-JJK2v525ekvKSZDsbqjoRD-B7CGaKczzid2ouuzG4/s1600/Christmas+2+098.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Though I don't have a picture of the whole tree, the following ornaments are on .....you guessed it.....<br />
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The Cat Tree!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJyR4XRhdi_YqqHU2Nm-7HuUDMvJKMApqK3-GufJwaB_XZc_FV-Gp2mMAPWCgP-7qV114lZZzWA_1o0ZHFtMiZ7fhY0yvxPn25tkU_02CVj-TNi-TjzQM306OiPI-T0tDDJXyLxvBegk/s1600/Christmas+2+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJyR4XRhdi_YqqHU2Nm-7HuUDMvJKMApqK3-GufJwaB_XZc_FV-Gp2mMAPWCgP-7qV114lZZzWA_1o0ZHFtMiZ7fhY0yvxPn25tkU_02CVj-TNi-TjzQM306OiPI-T0tDDJXyLxvBegk/s1600/Christmas+2+102.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Jim Shore Cat</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMChaHkNXIMu-MHObPxAs9BhLBNP7HO0nV_0fN-g9bDH4Kag3g12-Pykytuhc4fj1aIdRRDIBY2azmzET-SuWsBCYrzRudpJH1v-iPKefIOEzbTJRZq28qugV9WZwqlVsGnLu6oYeTLdM/s1600/Christmas+2+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMChaHkNXIMu-MHObPxAs9BhLBNP7HO0nV_0fN-g9bDH4Kag3g12-Pykytuhc4fj1aIdRRDIBY2azmzET-SuWsBCYrzRudpJH1v-iPKefIOEzbTJRZq28qugV9WZwqlVsGnLu6oYeTLdM/s1600/Christmas+2+104.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is what Dundee looked like when he was a kitten! At the end of the post, you'll see what he looks like now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ5qmp_PDXfdEl_9Qw5xIES0NePB-ac5DrvCGvQ5gkhitXtA9RHOUMB2yfaxy0OXHksQLC9PPTroxPJeEnrEv1h0J2k6RXLf8u0f7xvIMXroRyfFJnJpjxAMWatXwYZnpcbEHH2CJ1EQ/s1600/Christmas+2+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ5qmp_PDXfdEl_9Qw5xIES0NePB-ac5DrvCGvQ5gkhitXtA9RHOUMB2yfaxy0OXHksQLC9PPTroxPJeEnrEv1h0J2k6RXLf8u0f7xvIMXroRyfFJnJpjxAMWatXwYZnpcbEHH2CJ1EQ/s1600/Christmas+2+105.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
If you didn't know better, you might get the impression that the Fursdon Family likes ........CATS!!!<br />
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Even weird looking cats!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOGbyMEWk3_RCfdi5CYMe1KY1SD_jJqENC9C6MtNOxFsEpPwiC4cjrDYLMK1o4Oi38VOBciC4GyeQNo9A5Tr1LJe8O2VVJxoQw35xdqH1Yo_yqOIExPseJUtxQC2nNACgMOfIiPhfWxQ/s1600/Christmas+2+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOGbyMEWk3_RCfdi5CYMe1KY1SD_jJqENC9C6MtNOxFsEpPwiC4cjrDYLMK1o4Oi38VOBciC4GyeQNo9A5Tr1LJe8O2VVJxoQw35xdqH1Yo_yqOIExPseJUtxQC2nNACgMOfIiPhfWxQ/s1600/Christmas+2+107.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Okay, VERY weird looking cats!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIw8QQKklulNGJqO0lL4Cb5p0lZGf_d2adwqWAtsaWukrMj1sMRi1jmhSkIeu5hRSQDSjLVVUtx2RewI0kl5CV3QxQuZxpKHf-Joli473RO4aI-tPyVRPXbFLO9lmjWsD7GBMLMA0yog/s1600/Christmas+2+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIw8QQKklulNGJqO0lL4Cb5p0lZGf_d2adwqWAtsaWukrMj1sMRi1jmhSkIeu5hRSQDSjLVVUtx2RewI0kl5CV3QxQuZxpKHf-Joli473RO4aI-tPyVRPXbFLO9lmjWsD7GBMLMA0yog/s1600/Christmas+2+108.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Another Jim Shore Cat</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbh0TdwHokwx9xZ0hjqim_xgNY3B8Ttcwg6KhB5lmoMNi5FFhIDtZB9HRKkWE0194LZ_O0NvXHZM6PmLTfnCMulK4TRN78EnJuhYFNUa-iKMBnW0YMe9CdKZz4akQj8B2muObiKLeXTA/s1600/Christmas+2+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbh0TdwHokwx9xZ0hjqim_xgNY3B8Ttcwg6KhB5lmoMNi5FFhIDtZB9HRKkWE0194LZ_O0NvXHZM6PmLTfnCMulK4TRN78EnJuhYFNUa-iKMBnW0YMe9CdKZz4akQj8B2muObiKLeXTA/s1600/Christmas+2+109.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've heard of cat heads, but this is ridiculous!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUN4mL-lpi2tT_rdvmsH1wywke24nUBFfFjyXHs6xZ49GBegMoiwGcxjOaOjV-nfN4RCWZl7O3PgvXCEE6M9Tewuh7QPJogRqe6y0jorV5OmS-h_-cL3-N-yM_J860AoFKbHOYjVJDjM/s1600/Christmas+2+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNUN4mL-lpi2tT_rdvmsH1wywke24nUBFfFjyXHs6xZ49GBegMoiwGcxjOaOjV-nfN4RCWZl7O3PgvXCEE6M9Tewuh7QPJogRqe6y0jorV5OmS-h_-cL3-N-yM_J860AoFKbHOYjVJDjM/s1600/Christmas+2+110.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't tell Isabel, but I took this sleeping cat from her doll house! Ssshhhhh......he's sleeping!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchdIuvfhX1kyTT8IzwMu57FMN3eZDr001ZAPJMKoOGVISaoB4dmcovEVqw0Iw2X9FNBoPO05gakiPCg6OWFZoD-Ylkeasd_-vN6pT-V0V9iqZhWZktYewWqvRnTTOzDClC2UaInE-oQU/s1600/Christmas+2+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchdIuvfhX1kyTT8IzwMu57FMN3eZDr001ZAPJMKoOGVISaoB4dmcovEVqw0Iw2X9FNBoPO05gakiPCg6OWFZoD-Ylkeasd_-vN6pT-V0V9iqZhWZktYewWqvRnTTOzDClC2UaInE-oQU/s1600/Christmas+2+112.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little chap belonged to my Gran</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMGHX2IrnSF-vBwZ1sXsK_ye2In3QenfSYd6k2YCvZHKAUodD_DAbldrFwD8iiZ9aj6PIbVNcftBMtZNszR-Adb6J5sg_Lsl4yQsCSik-3GmTMubxLsevU_NIl_35kPF9uIfEWFoEztI/s1600/Christmas+2+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMGHX2IrnSF-vBwZ1sXsK_ye2In3QenfSYd6k2YCvZHKAUodD_DAbldrFwD8iiZ9aj6PIbVNcftBMtZNszR-Adb6J5sg_Lsl4yQsCSik-3GmTMubxLsevU_NIl_35kPF9uIfEWFoEztI/s1600/Christmas+2+113.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hey, I can't help it if they make weird cat ornaments! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4yzqdkVZhFRPV4TtE1GNOUEaatjwGZqJcFxbNg_fkt_pO8-SQn_Fth8Br_seqz5aNDOTpZKpsDtDFpIooVDGXpEBWwbp_75iU4dxslY1vpt9hkG18_vZGpm1PX0gFjELkjQ26LOZaDM/s1600/Christmas+2+115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4yzqdkVZhFRPV4TtE1GNOUEaatjwGZqJcFxbNg_fkt_pO8-SQn_Fth8Br_seqz5aNDOTpZKpsDtDFpIooVDGXpEBWwbp_75iU4dxslY1vpt9hkG18_vZGpm1PX0gFjELkjQ26LOZaDM/s1600/Christmas+2+115.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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A favorite! We had a cat once, named Maxwell Smart. He was named this because........well, he acted just like Maxwell Smart!! And this cat looked just like one of the multitude of predicaments that our Max found himself in!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBn6c5BOT3HSsRPy1D56Zq33ImegLblZlBZyehv6jPuYzOVwZ_aLXcDZjWEbmnHDZTIpEo4jthjtUh-0T1X276eXbTsyZlteJczlI4C8XbfgXQgKtqOBnr89oVcPOQiZMHiMJDnP5EHw/s1600/Nigel's+Military+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBn6c5BOT3HSsRPy1D56Zq33ImegLblZlBZyehv6jPuYzOVwZ_aLXcDZjWEbmnHDZTIpEo4jthjtUh-0T1X276eXbTsyZlteJczlI4C8XbfgXQgKtqOBnr89oVcPOQiZMHiMJDnP5EHw/s1600/Nigel's+Military+tree.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Nigel's Military Tree!! And what do you put on a military tree?</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAhpQCIqF0dTMIf_heDnVTiAoilILfoscjX4G-NY3WkXLKo8CkMozTJC6II7I612WmH_KPc5jy-K8N95Pdydo6ZSVSpKI-3eqQSOYyC6KiHXrVHvFEwgqEJN_s8UeF5YzWpQCAExGVac/s1600/Christmas+2+125.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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Medals, toy soldiers, tanks, military patches (this one is a replica used in WWI), and......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-PeR9NtaUnIGzbhxKZQRlDb5AHcoii1kkDdhJZaXLqWYMj8dRKuk3bKJOqgQnCSBOmch9wMLdzzrdzJXnsQc2j6sn94_HN_S_41sRdm3LNrlgcRgTxFccPO1TiDXepoWlRNd1xvXdSE/s1600/Christmas+2+126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-PeR9NtaUnIGzbhxKZQRlDb5AHcoii1kkDdhJZaXLqWYMj8dRKuk3bKJOqgQnCSBOmch9wMLdzzrdzJXnsQc2j6sn94_HN_S_41sRdm3LNrlgcRgTxFccPO1TiDXepoWlRNd1xvXdSE/s1600/Christmas+2+126.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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actual military patches that Nigel wore over the years, and some of the ear plugs he deployed with, and toy jeeps and tanks, and......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx1EkffuzT6Yp4c5x6BuJ2h0ktp3Fuw3hXEFrToKbSNIsZevRjyptc-ZqvsO0fizu4INE_eWiO3A4sJvJEySctYgZPDe1ssCNpZmeWk8snXqkQAWwO14yRF0IcVTLYjz9vatG3zHHFnk/s1600/Christmas+2+127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx1EkffuzT6Yp4c5x6BuJ2h0ktp3Fuw3hXEFrToKbSNIsZevRjyptc-ZqvsO0fizu4INE_eWiO3A4sJvJEySctYgZPDe1ssCNpZmeWk8snXqkQAWwO14yRF0IcVTLYjz9vatG3zHHFnk/s1600/Christmas+2+127.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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unit crests and insignia Nigel word, and medals he was awarded, and more unit patches, and...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1_mL-wd6y5iesW2-ix3orcaIAhhJGbcm_3V0qI9_gjonLU6-fZTc2JIOxz9L7NA1pKMK5zWRhxIJYo4yQoMcE-rxSKvCvakUT6CSLpbXjNOIWqMR93FGfdwDOEpJVBFhWsBfM17Bgc8/s1600/Christmas+2+128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1_mL-wd6y5iesW2-ix3orcaIAhhJGbcm_3V0qI9_gjonLU6-fZTc2JIOxz9L7NA1pKMK5zWRhxIJYo4yQoMcE-rxSKvCvakUT6CSLpbXjNOIWqMR93FGfdwDOEpJVBFhWsBfM17Bgc8/s1600/Christmas+2+128.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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more unit patches, and buttons (which his ingenious wife strung together), and......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsryKWd_rqkNovoGkhZB7PkdBk4joEIs44RSTKsBkNh0y5xO1yYGLmP5G7jj4Eg55UVO5pe2wTo7KfoQ8iyWtNkXIs2lidHRn7UW1bwFMdkU87QoBuNLNoveMrTQmEn9yPnQPMOTIBMc/s1600/Christmas+2+129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsryKWd_rqkNovoGkhZB7PkdBk4joEIs44RSTKsBkNh0y5xO1yYGLmP5G7jj4Eg55UVO5pe2wTo7KfoQ8iyWtNkXIs2lidHRn7UW1bwFMdkU87QoBuNLNoveMrTQmEn9yPnQPMOTIBMc/s1600/Christmas+2+129.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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name tags, more medals, patches, and toy planes (Army for Nigel and Air Force for our girls).....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG1JF5jBT1Af3ozZLlkVOiN4rCIib2Htu-PC4QJTsTdJbbK3e4SiX1mZrWyL_WBcX8IEHIakYriv9m8WjVPH-hxezXm9J0wKQHQMRy_YL0zRHva00gYOLZfyVN1LtvgHm8UEniXFa2rk/s1600/Christmas+2+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaG1JF5jBT1Af3ozZLlkVOiN4rCIib2Htu-PC4QJTsTdJbbK3e4SiX1mZrWyL_WBcX8IEHIakYriv9m8WjVPH-hxezXm9J0wKQHQMRy_YL0zRHva00gYOLZfyVN1LtvgHm8UEniXFa2rk/s1600/Christmas+2+130.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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More medals (hey...he was a GOOD SOLDIER!!!) (actually, he was one of the BEST), and.......</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTV4UDwHUe_0uXui-2GvLKNRi9IcHNPYxhtbw1kNm7Zu2nC9XVpEibXxXVvxjQ-YDzF_viXuL0hD6cFolqRU3Sa7ga8It6Gc3kUuol-8RR8E-0o5w_1jjyJQIayfQOt1AHeaQIbPslWE/s1600/Christmas+2+131.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></div>
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"dog tags" and more unit patches (his favorite, which was The Big Red One).....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKEiugACNhKNWKHoAygpsW-KnoZCaF-cfg3_4Y__mNo0W9MkV_dAeD3iWMphLFJWSAuj2JSYUDNcmadFx3SlqjnWxngTznrHNPwW0x3HB1hciHt4Iuf0WjvLX24kmFmoNebM7UvlKkDg/s1600/Christmas+2+132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKEiugACNhKNWKHoAygpsW-KnoZCaF-cfg3_4Y__mNo0W9MkV_dAeD3iWMphLFJWSAuj2JSYUDNcmadFx3SlqjnWxngTznrHNPwW0x3HB1hciHt4Iuf0WjvLX24kmFmoNebM7UvlKkDg/s1600/Christmas+2+132.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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and a device that opens cans, etc., (the silver "thing" at the top of the picture) which I think Nigel calls a P-38.......and</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0NGqB3dBbEMaI4cUhrR-l_CIik5SaKxNo-eZvSomIvdItKNfE6n0DZP-wKS7hiRVi6x4ySQ6JbL2uKHYnDgYZ5slCznATYca3tjcB5PRMG8qfMYckpcilgyOdeGP830s35EapsPKFao/s1600/Christmas+2+135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0NGqB3dBbEMaI4cUhrR-l_CIik5SaKxNo-eZvSomIvdItKNfE6n0DZP-wKS7hiRVi6x4ySQ6JbL2uKHYnDgYZ5slCznATYca3tjcB5PRMG8qfMYckpcilgyOdeGP830s35EapsPKFao/s1600/Christmas+2+135.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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a camouflage sewing kit (the half moon shaped "thingy") and a shell casing, and more medals.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYKEFfhM3zl-8vE8s4is21gUDR624Z86mc0lbaJJLGH_YQJgYOve7qZdcHcnVioIKC9XHhiOxJ5NVD048EKO04NXoCC_dic8jjwyQq-Ozgxrk9wQVgw0JmBWMIkcKDUvb1LSEGFgO8tg/s1600/Christmas+2+137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYKEFfhM3zl-8vE8s4is21gUDR624Z86mc0lbaJJLGH_YQJgYOve7qZdcHcnVioIKC9XHhiOxJ5NVD048EKO04NXoCC_dic8jjwyQq-Ozgxrk9wQVgw0JmBWMIkcKDUvb1LSEGFgO8tg/s1600/Christmas+2+137.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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and his small flashlight he deployed with, and....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4BDohyC0ad2pJ2H1sxSLZZknwWKg_vybkUG-kxXKH68bH1B_gMwVgZJhpgHXkKauPDxz105r1iQRCHSIe24IrmA8SEFlddzSGyXXqjTcbtD3xn3F0gjCMMx9m2eLKZvrTi-BUodLjVo/s1600/Christmas+2+133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4BDohyC0ad2pJ2H1sxSLZZknwWKg_vybkUG-kxXKH68bH1B_gMwVgZJhpgHXkKauPDxz105r1iQRCHSIe24IrmA8SEFlddzSGyXXqjTcbtD3xn3F0gjCMMx9m2eLKZvrTi-BUodLjVo/s1600/Christmas+2+133.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The topper, which of course is.....Old Glory!! These are the three flags that the girls and I were waving to him when he first got off the bus, straight home from being deployed</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSfnnBp6MP7M4uN-8SH_xpbJZDUVmbQbDdWT3VZHERbvoxMxA8m6XUn-i9ATyP8aECvcfDjMkCOC3Fpg7x4Zum13NqyZ7K0jQb60NQ7Ej65ffKWpdicb8MTzS8-TuUm-4yrIP3W9WgC0/s1600/Christmas+2+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSfnnBp6MP7M4uN-8SH_xpbJZDUVmbQbDdWT3VZHERbvoxMxA8m6XUn-i9ATyP8aECvcfDjMkCOC3Fpg7x4Zum13NqyZ7K0jQb60NQ7Ej65ffKWpdicb8MTzS8-TuUm-4yrIP3W9WgC0/s1600/Christmas+2+148.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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A new addition this year - a Chinese carved corner cupboard. So......I had to break it in correctly so it would get used to the Fursdon House at Christmas time!</div>
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Lousy photos, but here are some close-ups</div>
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This village was the first one Nigel gave me for Christmas, when we were in Nuernberg, Germany, about 30,000 years ago! Do you detect a pattern here?</div>
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A beautiful scene (you'll have to trust me on this, due to the lousy photography)</div>
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Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Church</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlROLV0Eug6WdBxXBP9i35LjIj_2d31oXrRuL1JJmhSobHgSpwHf_N_crwlI4e4GeR7_YXzqDkzPj6QXyaAAx9HVgRDqmlEOycZNUn9ENfgpBggnns3ppRmsNiNvVebfZCACL9Pf5nwY/s1600/Christmas+2+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlROLV0Eug6WdBxXBP9i35LjIj_2d31oXrRuL1JJmhSobHgSpwHf_N_crwlI4e4GeR7_YXzqDkzPj6QXyaAAx9HVgRDqmlEOycZNUn9ENfgpBggnns3ppRmsNiNvVebfZCACL9Pf5nwY/s1600/Christmas+2+162.JPG" height="640" width="540" /></a></div>
The Williamsburg style fruit plaques I made a few years ago. I love the look of the real thing, but I HATED the waste of real ruit. So, I did the next best thing, and used ....what else....FAKE!! I've thought seriously about making these to sell on my Etsy site (that is, if I ever get back to my Etsy site). Anyone have any input about that idea? I'd love to hear from you! I've also got ones done with red apples and greenery. They're fun to make, and best of all, they're also easy to make!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Uc3CpU8kFLlLjnBHCcv2Y6g-_kTznDwGgC4el9BtyoLTQ4GdLHz-b4v7VrSl3UIofOnZ9szOo-qFGr0MYX29KQZIog3DLJQdHdRCDG3vjTcrhELhV3E4BPx6_h0DMb60PTYQXnHC__k/s1600/Christmas+3+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Uc3CpU8kFLlLjnBHCcv2Y6g-_kTznDwGgC4el9BtyoLTQ4GdLHz-b4v7VrSl3UIofOnZ9szOo-qFGr0MYX29KQZIog3DLJQdHdRCDG3vjTcrhELhV3E4BPx6_h0DMb60PTYQXnHC__k/s1600/Christmas+3+004.JPG" height="640" width="420" /></a> </div>
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Vintage Jewelry Tree</div>
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This very special tree only has jewelry worn by my two grandmothers, Irene (known as Gran) and Zella (known as Grandma), and my great Aunt Arlie. No other piece of jewelry is allowed on it. I made this about 10 (?) years ago, as a way to show off all the vintage jewelry I'd inherited from these three lovely ladies!</div>
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The stair case! Turns out rather nice I think. </div>
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Dundee, getting cat hair all over the nice, freshly dry cleaned velvet tree skirt. Naturally!</div>
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"Mom, what are you doing?"</div>
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Okay Mom.....hurry up already with the picture taking! I have a nap to get back to!!</div>
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Whew!!! FINALLY got through all these pictures. Are you still awake? Hey.....wake up!! </div>
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Well, that's it for now, as I'm sure many of you are snoring.....so have a lovely NEW YEAR 2014!!</div>
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With Love and Blessings! Jan</div>
Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-42144728626264065382013-11-09T23:17:00.000-06:002013-11-09T23:17:42.875-06:00GIRLS ONLY WEEKEND!!!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a short post. Isabel and I are visiting my first and ONLY best friend, Sherry Craig, at her home in Murfreesboro, Tennessee! It's a "Girls Only" weekend and we were determined not to do anything we didn't want to.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJGN2aK5vJurgSQlJygJ_9hIgPBqAuBh3_tGLBOXHCPIRfJPcdddXU2cp23TM59_ntOIo_YNvNMv75-AgKKSpcnNy0dOe3h6Rhr_QGS4pxmkEpePdye2ZQ3XQyYUwG076OHdj9ipSGIc/s1600/Sign+to+Amberglen+Drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJGN2aK5vJurgSQlJygJ_9hIgPBqAuBh3_tGLBOXHCPIRfJPcdddXU2cp23TM59_ntOIo_YNvNMv75-AgKKSpcnNy0dOe3h6Rhr_QGS4pxmkEpePdye2ZQ3XQyYUwG076OHdj9ipSGIc/s640/Sign+to+Amberglen+Drive.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the sign to her street!!Isn't it pretty?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've spent the day, and evening, being ABSOLUTELY LAZY!! It's been GREAT! We've read books and magazines, watched movies, ate cheesecake and pizza, and Isabel shot some hoops of basketball (because she's more energetic than we are)!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few pictures of the fast fading summer that I wanted to share with you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCZqje_sF0BzjQIdSruLPe3k9I0HeE_L3EHrcSTzTDh4FcAvhw3KHRZI29l2HEs2CrjDkpFCb1H3DJqY8rYek7lRlNr-mYuSnR8Z4ALHo_TZg3Uy2Z9K6GXnwRAn0ThVk0G6tNoufBA8/s1600/Swing+with+Leaves+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCZqje_sF0BzjQIdSruLPe3k9I0HeE_L3EHrcSTzTDh4FcAvhw3KHRZI29l2HEs2CrjDkpFCb1H3DJqY8rYek7lRlNr-mYuSnR8Z4ALHo_TZg3Uy2Z9K6GXnwRAn0ThVk0G6tNoufBA8/s640/Swing+with+Leaves+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A sad bench!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3UXCoUkiU59v8Z5jWbgZWiDMSSRf3Mp_bWQ-KycczUpU-oJWokVNkZCbX9kO6T5Ojb3AELCUTKdH4_ybQMwmrHdivseVaKzJBiehGesVAvCfJ5VMG7amXCO6jvX2CMNaakeilllh8s8/s1600/Chairs+Around+Fire+Pit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3UXCoUkiU59v8Z5jWbgZWiDMSSRf3Mp_bWQ-KycczUpU-oJWokVNkZCbX9kO6T5Ojb3AELCUTKdH4_ybQMwmrHdivseVaKzJBiehGesVAvCfJ5VMG7amXCO6jvX2CMNaakeilllh8s8/s640/Chairs+Around+Fire+Pit+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aren't these chairs lovely?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, that's it for this post. Hope you're all having a lovely weekend! I'm getting back to the movie - National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets. It's fabulous!! Goodnight!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jan</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span>Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-39531422004302600962013-10-31T18:26:00.003-05:002013-10-31T18:26:54.554-05:00Halloween at Fursdon House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Halloween Everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isabel is growing up so fast. Not so long ago, she wanted to be a princess, and a pretty witch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> But this year, she wanted to be a pirate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> She's been planning this outfit for months!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think it turned out really well!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">She decorated this pumpkin last night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I especially like heart shaped tail!! </span></div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafXT6stUxhoMFK6TcJ7zSMGuxtQLwaIUFcrBtPAg_NHkWskHOPN3z_0eM0WUXKv93b2dkSB0bFxYVlNwwwq2dPi6y6garVVHHm1Jnyl0bU96U9p78KtuyS7qes3y7x2TrxMBIeJ53ZSc/s640/Santos+Lucia+in+Halloween+Garb.jpg" width="239" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Santos Lucia all dressed up and ready for Trick-or-Treating! I made this Halloween hat for her last year, and I've also made her a crown. But I'm thinking she probably needs a Christmas Chapeau!! What do you think? Hmmmmmm........sounds like yet another project coming on!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope everyone has a Halloween full of Spooky Fun!!! </span></div>
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Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-81912910031128167492013-10-26T21:04:00.001-05:002013-10-26T21:04:08.544-05:00Pretty Pennants!!<span style="font-size: large;">I made these pennants a couple of years ago, put them away, then forgot all about them! Sometimes I wonder about me!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well....I found them the other day, tweaked them a little - and decided they're far too pretty to be tucked away, so I hung them on my studio table.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsC52DXoFXZLSIQo6DjKOcyJBFz5RkE_aRXi3v5DBH4ML_dlNehdP3qsS0beB1Ay8KhlhIIfgwdWkghoKK5-sr9WrzT0YWSuCJUjFCY00v8bXar2eOiggmU8Ie_Oydq4DoxHW0ZEA138/s1600/Whole+Pennant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsC52DXoFXZLSIQo6DjKOcyJBFz5RkE_aRXi3v5DBH4ML_dlNehdP3qsS0beB1Ay8KhlhIIfgwdWkghoKK5-sr9WrzT0YWSuCJUjFCY00v8bXar2eOiggmU8Ie_Oydq4DoxHW0ZEA138/s640/Whole+Pennant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If I was smart, I'd make these part of my blog banner! But I'd have to take better photos first! Hmmmm........do I detect a new project on the horizon? Groan! Not another one!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have to admit, these were so much fun to make! I just kept pulling stuff from "hither and yon", including some waste cardstock for the base. Then I stitched pretty cardstock on top, then started gluing and sewing! Following are some close-ups of the individual pennants.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8raascVNiyz_xPc28o4mAhj-0p3-UhJ71Qi4AJSIlTEMRz-KQRROZVzex2Lzttce7NQiugV-256Cc0KuNq2mCYIHJ6cAAlayiVBOHklmB5Fy_eHDo4DEGgfPqsrCOtgbqF0clzeeWVqc/s1600/pennant+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8raascVNiyz_xPc28o4mAhj-0p3-UhJ71Qi4AJSIlTEMRz-KQRROZVzex2Lzttce7NQiugV-256Cc0KuNq2mCYIHJ6cAAlayiVBOHklmB5Fy_eHDo4DEGgfPqsrCOtgbqF0clzeeWVqc/s640/pennant+1.jpg" width="556" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCPIB5tXPMcNl1b7yee58QpOE6HFL_Ay5hEFYw6OdtPFR37XpQ6NF7-FAr23lF0gBneQtaeMYiL0dNdijdtkg_6mzX6j2y2NehSdqgEYxIROdEBL-SdeMrysYrNks7qD5nN0b9eGrk0A/s1600/Pennant+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCPIB5tXPMcNl1b7yee58QpOE6HFL_Ay5hEFYw6OdtPFR37XpQ6NF7-FAr23lF0gBneQtaeMYiL0dNdijdtkg_6mzX6j2y2NehSdqgEYxIROdEBL-SdeMrysYrNks7qD5nN0b9eGrk0A/s640/Pennant+3.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSWKD8ugWATrlzZdDWm6WBTh4JWaO_sMGpmi7KU6MWYgNybtmwzwrYn7U_CECU0fUxOyoGEeYmoBadVTy4gdXjPcgT0HI1pqU0GMJcoTqVXJx6_Kc2bO28EjGt4FzMJCooZ-rcqy_lho/s1600/Pennant+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSWKD8ugWATrlzZdDWm6WBTh4JWaO_sMGpmi7KU6MWYgNybtmwzwrYn7U_CECU0fUxOyoGEeYmoBadVTy4gdXjPcgT0HI1pqU0GMJcoTqVXJx6_Kc2bO28EjGt4FzMJCooZ-rcqy_lho/s640/Pennant+6.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now how did Isabel get into this blog post?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I have to brag on her though. She's in the middle of chopping walnuts for the banana bread she made all by herself!! Growing up so fast!!! BTW - the banana bread was AWESOME!!</span></div>
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<span id="goog_1702123402"></span><span id="goog_1702123403"></span><br />Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-78734499765275389692013-10-26T20:42:00.001-05:002013-10-26T20:42:19.465-05:00Creating a Unique Scrapbook of Our Trip to Rome<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wanted to show you how I created a really unique scrapbook for all the photos we took in Rome. I don't know what it is, but I can't ever seem to just accept things as they are (such as using an ordinary scrapbook) without adding my own twist to it. And this project was no exception! Besides, this allowed me to use up some items I already had, so it was also economic and eco friendly! At least that sounds good, doesn't it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First I wanted to show you what I already had on hand. It was two of these large retail furniture books (shown below) which my mother-in-law Valerie gave to me from her shop. She told me she just knew I'd "make something spectacular out of them". And I think I did! Thanks Valerie!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhPQYkcojqJ2IuGxMBrhky4GZeIvlw12gyj7gLyfz4lNFx7-JzW0B7bnAKrSl6c_2tkHZGbq6NB-EuQNtiFpi-oxJfk7tkes9nlucYSxHAIAFR45CTYDWikGhY1kgU2n74ZzgXFLIR64/s1600/00000+Scrapbook+and+S+STeps+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhPQYkcojqJ2IuGxMBrhky4GZeIvlw12gyj7gLyfz4lNFx7-JzW0B7bnAKrSl6c_2tkHZGbq6NB-EuQNtiFpi-oxJfk7tkes9nlucYSxHAIAFR45CTYDWikGhY1kgU2n74ZzgXFLIR64/s640/00000+Scrapbook+and+S+STeps+002.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It measures about 12" x 12", and it was about 1 1/2" thick. In addition to a book of any size you prefer to use (I'm thinking of old text books from thrift shops), you'll need the following supplies:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Mod Podge (AKA: white goo)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Sand paper, fine grit</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Small paint brush (a disposable 1" brush is what I use; they're cheap ($1 at Home Depot) and I usually get several painting sessions out of them before throwing them away)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Wax paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Double-sided sticky tape (or other sticky medium of your choice)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Paper towels</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Craft knife</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Small self-healing mat</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Scrapbook paper of your choice (I used a pattern called "Old World", which I thought was particularly appropriate!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Decorative paper (I used tissue paper, only because I already had this beautiful tissue paper on hand and I was determined to see if I could get it to work. But when I make another one, I'll probably use wrapping paper because it's MUCH easier to work with.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Scissors</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Patience!! (This was the only thing I ran short of! I already had everything else!!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Using your craft knife, with the self-healing mat underneath to keep you from cutting too many pages, go through your entire book and slice away pages. You want to cut as close to the binding as you can get, until you get an equal amount of pages removed to balance out the book. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This sounds weird even to me, but what you're actually doing is removing enough papers evenly throughout the book to make room for scrapbook papers. Depending on how many pages you want left to scrapbook on will determine how many pages to remove. For my book, I removed about 4-5 pages, left 2 in, removed another 4-5 pages, left 2 in, and so on until I got through the whole book. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Don't worry if the book looks a bit skimpy after all the cutting. Remember, scrapbook paper is usually thicker and it will also have photos and memorabilia attached, so you want to make sure you have plenty of room for everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hint: You can always cut fewer pages out at this point, then if you find you need more room later on, cut out more pages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Next, measure the size of one of the pages left inside the book. Then cut out scrapbook papers in these same dimensions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Using double-sided tape (or any sticky medium of your choice), adhere the scrapbook papers onto the front and back pages of all the remaining pages in the book. Make sure your corners are adhered well together, as they will take the most abuse while you're looking at the scrapbook in its finished state. As for me, I get a little tape happy, so I taped all my pages together around the three outside edges. Now you can see how fast your book is beginning to fill up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4. With your sand-paper, lightly sand the front and back covers of the book. This will help your decorative paper adhere better. Wipe away all grit and dust with a damp cloth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Insert wax paper sheets underneath the covers of the book to protect the inside pages. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6. Start with the back cover of the book first. This gives you a little "OJT" before you go to the front and most important part of the scrapbook. Measure the size of the cover, minus the binding. Now add 1/4 of an inch on the top, bottom and outside edge measurements.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7. Using these dimensions, cut out decorative paper in the same size.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8. With your paint brush, liberally coat the cover of the book with Mod Podge. It doesn't matter if you get some goo on the binding. This will be covered up later. This is what mine looked like:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeKxBA2D6Ejs3G5ecpo4HsG3WklhAK5t7FS2DZ_aNzHyXPbQUu8a3U_XX49wJuV3WiFlCUtUJOGeGcfRFjuQQOeEv08ovf74SbwMKWpsn_yhGfFfpJ1sC4dXFZcadXAcNbKmOiH7n9GI/s1600/00001+Scrapbook+and+S+STeps+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeKxBA2D6Ejs3G5ecpo4HsG3WklhAK5t7FS2DZ_aNzHyXPbQUu8a3U_XX49wJuV3WiFlCUtUJOGeGcfRFjuQQOeEv08ovf74SbwMKWpsn_yhGfFfpJ1sC4dXFZcadXAcNbKmOiH7n9GI/s640/00001+Scrapbook+and+S+STeps+003.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9. Carefully place the cut decorative paper, centered, on top of the wet cover. Working from the middle of the book to the outside edges, smooth out the paper and remove any air bubbles or creases. You should have 1/4 inch of extra paper on the top, bottom and outside edges. Fold this extra paper over the edges and glue or tape to the inside of the cover.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. With wax paper in place to protect your inside pages, liberally coat the top of the decorative paper with Mod Podge, then allow this to dry at least 24 hours (this is where the patience comes in). This is what mine looked like using tissue paper:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Q8U5V9dY-uTbqADHw91ozPqTQm5IvEug3NZCmu2BO-Eyn0wSlUbC974JIOcDoxKbPCBfYqn3oXfHNpRL2gGiBXyrXAAky55A2tzXgxoi765AgfQFxp8soYVpolJfGTsTfaKBgjnv21c/s640/Scrapbook+003.JPG" width="524" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the front cover. As you can see, I also cut out the word "ROMA" (how the Italians refer to Rome) in contrasting paper, then added it to the top of the cover. I have to admit though - I was a little apprehensive at this point because it wasn't looking all that grand!! I also made the mistake of doing my front cover first (DUH!), so I had no "OJT". But I decided to just forge ahead and see what turned out. BTW - doesn't this tissue paper look awesome? Very "Romanesque" I thought! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVlTWVgoTMSJ1P4kT3sq9kGhQ7VELoTouKoFgwrWBn-6zhIhJr4l1ELxSt6TEMQmt9b3OUdgLSGdZN224kmCLbX8rmjlQMmulSDafLk7mEdGB9JCsLvgkDTw-Bz8t_b6wTUPb-gnqLO4/s640/Scrapbook+005.JPG" width="544" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the back cover, with one layer of tissue paper that's been Mod Podged one time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">11. After the cover is completely dry (but not before 24 hours), once again liberally coat the top of the decorative paper with Mod Podge. And, once again, allow this to dry at least 24 hours. More patience required! Aaarrrrgggghhhh!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">12. Repeat this entire process for the front cover of the book. And even more patience is required! </span><span style="font-size: large;">It could be worse though....because I was using thin tissue paper, I had to use two layers, Mod Podged one at a time, so the design would be sharp enough. The fun part was getting the two papers to line up so the picture would be clear! Okay, so I'm nuts!! What else is new?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">13. When the front and back covers are completely dry, measure the binding of the book, adding one or two inches. This allows the paper that goes on the binding to overlap the paper on the front and back covers of the book by one half to one inch on either side (whichever you prefer). You can use the same paper as you used for the front and back covers, or you can use contrasting paper. Since I was using thin tissue paper, I just let my front and back covers overlap, which worked out fine for this particular design.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">14. With your paint brush, liberally coat the outside of the binding with Mod Podge. Now place the paper, centered, on top of the Mod Podged binding and smooth the paper out like you did before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">15. Let this dry at least 24 hours. Then.......yes, you guessed it......repeat the process once more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once everything is completely dry, you can now add photos and memorabilia to your inside pages! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Following are some of the completed pages, to give you an idea of the types of paper I used, the way I laid out photos and memorabilia, etc.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wqe39C-suftK15EWHbJ426sMVDp4YLG5ucppaINmUIemdytD25o9_z3wCDm582hXgWYKPq-ek26TLSXzko7wZSELClJ1993XvIaGRc7YaqWF6D-FvrJWXaZtxEQJqabFVsA0rMARNOs/s1600/Scrapbook+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wqe39C-suftK15EWHbJ426sMVDp4YLG5ucppaINmUIemdytD25o9_z3wCDm582hXgWYKPq-ek26TLSXzko7wZSELClJ1993XvIaGRc7YaqWF6D-FvrJWXaZtxEQJqabFVsA0rMARNOs/s640/Scrapbook+017.JPG" width="582" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This inside cover included a watercolor I did of a small koi pond, located at the back of our hotel. I had grand intentions of doing several watercolors, but this is the only one that actually made it out of my head and onto paper! I also like rough looking edges, so I rubbed them with distress ink.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3TqjiAjQbSY0oDgTKDpqHd-o43VVRABZnm2M9nGYfkjWW86xsPu1CoI95FJ7z1hEedR2WlyB67GXYrxjjAxHYtu71LPRYse4zK64XmvlPdJ4rC9oxSE75E3-AibVUV7GcP01iwPEEVw/s1600/Scrapbook+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3TqjiAjQbSY0oDgTKDpqHd-o43VVRABZnm2M9nGYfkjWW86xsPu1CoI95FJ7z1hEedR2WlyB67GXYrxjjAxHYtu71LPRYse4zK64XmvlPdJ4rC9oxSE75E3-AibVUV7GcP01iwPEEVw/s640/Scrapbook+018.JPG" width="636" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I LOVE these scrapbook papers! I've used them on several projects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4WOwYkfeUqJ9OgWcCza9eL9n5kiSN18u6sTE_cJgCkfUpCkq-i4yQJMgDZRO4wrMsJHpQDEv4lSSkAPvmfVU3Mnh3lTzG36G6KFlrRHCS_rchvobIhbyNu3XHMFzyJsBCB1nMJ8XrzU/s1600/Scrapbook+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4WOwYkfeUqJ9OgWcCza9eL9n5kiSN18u6sTE_cJgCkfUpCkq-i4yQJMgDZRO4wrMsJHpQDEv4lSSkAPvmfVU3Mnh3lTzG36G6KFlrRHCS_rchvobIhbyNu3XHMFzyJsBCB1nMJ8XrzU/s640/Scrapbook+081.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don't think I've showed these coins anywhere else, so I wanted to make sure I included them in this posting. They're replicas of coins that were used in Rome's heyday!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMKtICNO2WAv5QZOeeeCok4Xe_wRIig8G_AxLUqA1hCus7BN1ZAcqW6fKazdFxBbkgaINU20TXsxV8Z8DlwPvke_nhRBv46qvhwWw55ki3I6piJ0PBG0NiFPOguCFOwySsbp1uMJt-U8/s1600/Scrapbook+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEMKtICNO2WAv5QZOeeeCok4Xe_wRIig8G_AxLUqA1hCus7BN1ZAcqW6fKazdFxBbkgaINU20TXsxV8Z8DlwPvke_nhRBv46qvhwWw55ki3I6piJ0PBG0NiFPOguCFOwySsbp1uMJt-U8/s640/Scrapbook+021.JPG" width="544" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Amazing ceilings inside the Vatican!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYfzYEuVn-1e6VIpiWPDSVX-pSt56-Vij8s4I79FvmyXlsv_5zdhoxT7dSP-_4UBRnYsOl9mFg9D4GUG6XE9Il49vDHkXHLyFyR6iZO-Gv8EwwAYk3KjISrvo4mXa1RQySnlQwoVtZ1w/s1600/Scrapbook+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYfzYEuVn-1e6VIpiWPDSVX-pSt56-Vij8s4I79FvmyXlsv_5zdhoxT7dSP-_4UBRnYsOl9mFg9D4GUG6XE9Il49vDHkXHLyFyR6iZO-Gv8EwwAYk3KjISrvo4mXa1RQySnlQwoVtZ1w/s640/Scrapbook+019.JPG" width="574" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More photos of my camera shy granddaughter!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgRdgC7tEKAwPM7A_8TKDXIjBRdyp57cm3YPh6xkzBXehc2PP2LEIXXHGq7NtrXghEkWHofcfsH7I3JtGqi_fUBtbz9UUfS6TwUpbdMIdp82ujMDnJjvpeMDI8ByOXZbK1GKadvaK9_k/s1600/Scrapbook+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgRdgC7tEKAwPM7A_8TKDXIjBRdyp57cm3YPh6xkzBXehc2PP2LEIXXHGq7NtrXghEkWHofcfsH7I3JtGqi_fUBtbz9UUfS6TwUpbdMIdp82ujMDnJjvpeMDI8ByOXZbK1GKadvaK9_k/s640/Scrapbook+029.JPG" width="572" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This life-sized marble status of horses pulling a chariot was FABULOUS!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnIIKCNCB_kt1gLeB2_GtVyWfH_mUE2toCUKZtqUfyUQL3JBAvfdfznX0qkwMSfkE7m6aIg1WFXeaejdBW5RW-AV5a845QZa9Q2qETR2yK1fgAGSgvhRfkAgn8815-YaljbPrh76CXmo/s1600/Scrapbook+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnIIKCNCB_kt1gLeB2_GtVyWfH_mUE2toCUKZtqUfyUQL3JBAvfdfznX0qkwMSfkE7m6aIg1WFXeaejdBW5RW-AV5a845QZa9Q2qETR2yK1fgAGSgvhRfkAgn8815-YaljbPrh76CXmo/s640/Scrapbook+038.JPG" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Postcards from the Keats-Shelley House Memorial. I taped them down individually, on their left side, in graduating positions, so they open up like a booklet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnZCCTxMCVj9vE1EkfXT2KS8xSxItRC9WbLnYf3kLMinLW9wBphmnUcPqwcsnLvIbxOYZb4M3TmeYy2y7kzt-QSVBeLDOc3YnbId0XHbTSHBxRp98HX2snUJO-KPrqtFjz09hid3u7yw/s1600/Scrapbook+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnZCCTxMCVj9vE1EkfXT2KS8xSxItRC9WbLnYf3kLMinLW9wBphmnUcPqwcsnLvIbxOYZb4M3TmeYy2y7kzt-QSVBeLDOc3YnbId0XHbTSHBxRp98HX2snUJO-KPrqtFjz09hid3u7yw/s640/Scrapbook+059.JPG" width="538" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have many GREAT postcards, and I especially like these over sized ones!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy5Zs3TJmL1rhOgXpGeOTfiP9Jb0xXYHL6c-vbmB8zhVuTrNCeHZTAh6OfN4tDnmNs2lwfJs1I57lrVMZ0tor19XY5as3Ab4cpSagMGlfnPW-hOpWzjVBCMy0b1Bn3bfNdthsuaarVnE/s1600/Scrapbook+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy5Zs3TJmL1rhOgXpGeOTfiP9Jb0xXYHL6c-vbmB8zhVuTrNCeHZTAh6OfN4tDnmNs2lwfJs1I57lrVMZ0tor19XY5as3Ab4cpSagMGlfnPW-hOpWzjVBCMy0b1Bn3bfNdthsuaarVnE/s640/Scrapbook+075.JPG" width="578" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the top left, you can see rose petals I saved from the bouquet my sweet husband gave me upon our arrival at the airport! He also had two bouquets, of paler pink roses, for Laura and Isabel. Now is that sweet or not!?!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uCOVdEeceLXdPkDwV0nls9fGH5xPViYumUREUWJe5_Ho1vJp1FT-l_Ug-bSOYvrUdKqQX6d3mD__Lmt3C-RR0YUWKTRrBbzaCIqREYai4YeTX7a_iqPLdbIQwMdZrMVM7syIJF-g2EU/s1600/Scrapbook+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uCOVdEeceLXdPkDwV0nls9fGH5xPViYumUREUWJe5_Ho1vJp1FT-l_Ug-bSOYvrUdKqQX6d3mD__Lmt3C-RR0YUWKTRrBbzaCIqREYai4YeTX7a_iqPLdbIQwMdZrMVM7syIJF-g2EU/s640/Scrapbook+085.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is a little notebook I carried everywhere with me, to jot down information as we went on various tours and sites. Laura said I looked like "a nerdy tourist", walking around and taking notes. But by doing it this way, I was able to remember a lot more than I otherwise would have. The old memory isn't as good as it used to be!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN0HroRUIkZrdePoyyLqgCF-lfBR_NWv6rKQQAS7ZptbvXtZClX6LtE9_W8_M_V3wmRyktf4EJRmfNMh0x8SlFNfqKpXa-4zTHEEWI6DJ72q_A08cDU0puD-e2gcY_ZOgZ8_TqEDCdcM/s1600/Scrapbook+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmN0HroRUIkZrdePoyyLqgCF-lfBR_NWv6rKQQAS7ZptbvXtZClX6LtE9_W8_M_V3wmRyktf4EJRmfNMh0x8SlFNfqKpXa-4zTHEEWI6DJ72q_A08cDU0puD-e2gcY_ZOgZ8_TqEDCdcM/s640/Scrapbook+078.JPG" width="590" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The inside back cover. I loved this photo I took of a marble statue of a man holding a tablet in his arms. He seemed so earnest about what he was pointing to, so I gave him the map of the city to talk about. I found the little golden glass pebble (at the top right) at the train station that ran beside the Colosseum. So it HAD to come along and get into this scrapbook.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, that's it. I have to admit that now I've gone through all these instructions, I realize I went to an awful lot of trouble, when a simple purchased scrapbook would have worked just fine. HOWEVER, that being said, I'm extremely pleased with the outcome and I know my scrapbook is truly one of a kind. So when all is said and done, I've decided it was well worth the time I invested in it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hmmmm.......maybe I should put this last paragraph up at the top of the post, to warn people ahead of time? Ha Ha Too late now!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">CIAO!! Jan</span></div>
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Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-16503079948015000222013-10-17T21:34:00.001-05:002013-10-17T21:34:29.786-05:00THE ARCH OF CONSTANTINE AND THE COLOSSEUM<span style="font-size: large;">We're nearing the end of our trip, but I saved what I consider to be the best for last!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">THE ARCH OF CONSTANTINE</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUmWbPUvq2kDxi2rgGwnX8uW4wxnNPORNBvyvkGaPjWIbC7O4TArqk9Bw-ttKbOK3o-Vi_DR_jaVmIqa_eBzngsMJjmcp3-2HfmOgMGl_F1W10dOmxz91Ll8vMP3M6DRQ7n2g6dI2IUE/s1600/Colosseum+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUmWbPUvq2kDxi2rgGwnX8uW4wxnNPORNBvyvkGaPjWIbC7O4TArqk9Bw-ttKbOK3o-Vi_DR_jaVmIqa_eBzngsMJjmcp3-2HfmOgMGl_F1W10dOmxz91Ll8vMP3M6DRQ7n2g6dI2IUE/s640/Colosseum+017.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The Arch of Constantine was built to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine over his rival, Maxentius,in the year 312. Again I say - let me look this good even at my puny age!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4F9coqubiD4t8weVtmJbhmFgBhBDAlJnB2QU-Vx557YTYN3CTLfAmais3RoDMrxAruQRR8q1Xn-N0IrB0lX40IWdFvqQ2doDQz1-LtaCqdrgGpYkd21Qv1E7dEpxD-NunosnLZEauQw/s1600/Colosseum+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4F9coqubiD4t8weVtmJbhmFgBhBDAlJnB2QU-Vx557YTYN3CTLfAmais3RoDMrxAruQRR8q1Xn-N0IrB0lX40IWdFvqQ2doDQz1-LtaCqdrgGpYkd21Qv1E7dEpxD-NunosnLZEauQw/s640/Colosseum+018.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> There is a legend that before the battle, a cross appeared to Constantine and the voice of God told him, "With this sign you will win." So Constantine had all the shields and beams of his army decorated with crosses. He then attacked Maxentius, and won.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv4XH___eAxTJM4HOvnthyE0P5o5JjnHXW3YFTgaSg74C1NeCsPTSfmx_DebJ63AXa9MFkiBh0CZw9r378wGBRkrZHStqIj_jLtKoZAEgmXmHjPscudE_8v3dvHkB1IsbNhFBewX6V0c/s1600/Colosseum+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv4XH___eAxTJM4HOvnthyE0P5o5JjnHXW3YFTgaSg74C1NeCsPTSfmx_DebJ63AXa9MFkiBh0CZw9r378wGBRkrZHStqIj_jLtKoZAEgmXmHjPscudE_8v3dvHkB1IsbNhFBewX6V0c/s640/Colosseum+019.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> So....why aren't there any crosses on the arch itself? Well.....I hate to burst anyone's bubble, because it did sound fabulous when I first heard it, but the legend was started much later, when Rome became a Christian city.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYOP59zBrl57xHiDozzrSpoIoIkIVZuMWkBL2KaYX4YxopwSV-J33KO2cShCyZSeLXSyggac2mkzrFrCO-xRvG5CQ03u0jiaASj6_izu4qM7pSlAe8rgVJojjyniGXXehSP-IVzGzFkg/s1600/Colosseum+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYOP59zBrl57xHiDozzrSpoIoIkIVZuMWkBL2KaYX4YxopwSV-J33KO2cShCyZSeLXSyggac2mkzrFrCO-xRvG5CQ03u0jiaASj6_izu4qM7pSlAe8rgVJojjyniGXXehSP-IVzGzFkg/s640/Colosseum+020.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> So....what is Emperor Constantine best known for? He legalized Christianity in 313, and from that time on, the persecutions of Christians stopped. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJUr41q5vcivO9Jrp-oJ7J-foCVWN8bCDUhyphenhypheneNgoYPEqOxVBgYyceccwLXuGvt-wUnypJqS_ruio4_s-gNK8wozX4iDwrOnsLyWbqqJqL9HQvM42dKCeiGk5OW3CMorox9ujbZAS3GFU/s1600/Colosseum+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJUr41q5vcivO9Jrp-oJ7J-foCVWN8bCDUhyphenhypheneNgoYPEqOxVBgYyceccwLXuGvt-wUnypJqS_ruio4_s-gNK8wozX4iDwrOnsLyWbqqJqL9HQvM42dKCeiGk5OW3CMorox9ujbZAS3GFU/s640/Colosseum+021.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Most people think Constantine was a Christian when he passed this law. He wasn't though; he didn't become a Christian until later. But he believed that everyone had a right to practice their own religion, including Christianity, and that's why he legalized it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And now............(drum roll please)</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">T H E C O L O S S E U M</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, let me start by saying that nothing, and I mean N.O.T.H.I.N.G, will prepare you for your first sight of the Colosseum. I've read about it for a great part of my life and I knew it was big. Okay fine, huge then. But it's grandeur, even in its condition now, is enough to literally boggle the mind!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfGsl4dn2qq4PrSV6HzUSJsahQuRUuROu13T0Uhlk_iZC8g0EO7dbAhLn22QL_ynpL9-yHNhrgprs8FFMF8A49OelHuScaoWDAyTmKZKQh7-56nREpoOP1axrAAvQ4k2FNUq4bXy2koY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfGsl4dn2qq4PrSV6HzUSJsahQuRUuROu13T0Uhlk_iZC8g0EO7dbAhLn22QL_ynpL9-yHNhrgprs8FFMF8A49OelHuScaoWDAyTmKZKQh7-56nREpoOP1axrAAvQ4k2FNUq4bXy2koY/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived at the sight by underground train, so our first glimpse was as we were coming up to street level. My first thought was, "What's that shadow?" Because the sun was high and hot when we got on the train. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3l_iBPmW1Qj6mXaCkuhNcqLYNCF3Gxul6WlcRo1x6AuMOqi2C8qLyoSyXXMzm-VDOFuCuYy1b2sK0DkD-W80NrFIS0MzWVYUYutoF9c-z3vgyk1CfjelUxMa4JCvIZrQX7rGW_8N-lI/s1600/1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3l_iBPmW1Qj6mXaCkuhNcqLYNCF3Gxul6WlcRo1x6AuMOqi2C8qLyoSyXXMzm-VDOFuCuYy1b2sK0DkD-W80NrFIS0MzWVYUYutoF9c-z3vgyk1CfjelUxMa4JCvIZrQX7rGW_8N-lI/s640/1a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">And there it was......At first, I literally could not see either end of it, nor could I see the top of it. It was just this giant, MEGA-HUGE monument and it literally stopped me dead in my tracks. I only wish I could convey to you just how amazing it is, but my poor camera (and its operator) simply don't stand a chance!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BUkh-Mtftmkgvs0inCT2ttb6a1BxalgWrTJBrx1IFkmGCB4Q3ouaC9cZZ5QetubxwiBUjasfSIFtQKvEo71i4eqERdTYUPJqMwU9XLVyTP84-Evw67RNJMN_xHg8IoVNeBJO5Lhjae0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BUkh-Mtftmkgvs0inCT2ttb6a1BxalgWrTJBrx1IFkmGCB4Q3ouaC9cZZ5QetubxwiBUjasfSIFtQKvEo71i4eqERdTYUPJqMwU9XLVyTP84-Evw67RNJMN_xHg8IoVNeBJO5Lhjae0/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When it was first built, it stood at the very edge of the city. Now it is literally surrounded by Rome.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDKb6-pmQP5YL0uN3K15QYinu7OclLZWaNiG5Z6C8MjOUA-lqNYS-1vL5cxIpJ37fg96WaMvWFGH1rDEj0JFSZTXacBfckIjD-SkYR6vZGhPwqAVJGVz_VJ_OF0U9qaswKhFozeKDjvA/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDKb6-pmQP5YL0uN3K15QYinu7OclLZWaNiG5Z6C8MjOUA-lqNYS-1vL5cxIpJ37fg96WaMvWFGH1rDEj0JFSZTXacBfckIjD-SkYR6vZGhPwqAVJGVz_VJ_OF0U9qaswKhFozeKDjvA/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Standing at the base and looking straight up, you can get a small idea of the size of it and its grand proportions.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVUH6-c-wNqLMeoya-GQ5l9noS_Dp84Vy928ZZIT311Bg-zSJWoV8rOinS2Qb90iqYrnVn1Qi7eZotDy7A4uXGBHbMfpZ3_0DcaMVtxaBaX2IeD1STPgYQqZ7ADTjgyGh43vBWkfByEc/s1600/5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVUH6-c-wNqLMeoya-GQ5l9noS_Dp84Vy928ZZIT311Bg-zSJWoV8rOinS2Qb90iqYrnVn1Qi7eZotDy7A4uXGBHbMfpZ3_0DcaMVtxaBaX2IeD1STPgYQqZ7ADTjgyGh43vBWkfByEc/s640/5c.jpg" width="480" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some reports I read said it took only 8 years to build, and others said it took 10 years. Regardless, it was an amazing feat to accomplish!! As a matter of fact, in my school days, the Colosseum was considered one of the 7 wonders of the world! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf9jyJbE3EXX9seAnbVqPv4h2eLf5tpUoaKRkytF-9j2-gF0x75zUn-ndZTTyq1WBvbB3j4TdqeOPj78uocB1MPA8cmwgP_dS5nQQrOgGok2moa-usVEgN_wyNFDjHcfD0LbeSHqRRT8/s1600/6+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf9jyJbE3EXX9seAnbVqPv4h2eLf5tpUoaKRkytF-9j2-gF0x75zUn-ndZTTyq1WBvbB3j4TdqeOPj78uocB1MPA8cmwgP_dS5nQQrOgGok2moa-usVEgN_wyNFDjHcfD0LbeSHqRRT8/s640/6+(2).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Colosseum was used for gladiator fights, the hunting of wild animals, and .........was sometimes flooded by underground pipes in order to reenact sea battles!! Remember - there was no television, no sports events, no public entertainment to speak of back then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Construction began by Emperor Vespasian, to offer "panem et circenses" (free bread and games) to the citizens of Rome. This photo is what you see upon entering the base of the building.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9PNtgWLC7tDLEx24XzjkU6TuekjLFSkZDcMii691m1MP4UbphmKw7hQJglmr3ZV0SV7HnqwjXY7YjDp0GJbBHeHjAtzMRKwGRuVQCGCB8tN83SMHn2uOpU-LbFQNPYBFHCiP0HFY5sM/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9PNtgWLC7tDLEx24XzjkU6TuekjLFSkZDcMii691m1MP4UbphmKw7hQJglmr3ZV0SV7HnqwjXY7YjDp0GJbBHeHjAtzMRKwGRuVQCGCB8tN83SMHn2uOpU-LbFQNPYBFHCiP0HFY5sM/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The gladiator fights continued until the year 405, and hunting until the 6th century. During the Middle Ages, the stone was removed and used to build churches and palaces.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1961jbsS2CeDiv9fuLKR1qprqF9nzBM4DWCHZ0rMPvheF_inNEbzy6IaL5ckBFFXkSrpQqAypfIU8OgaNfSuBqlLvysPfQrkwcEslpnlzrTo5pPthyphenhyphenpZCLJK80E6GiV1oizwmhAVtRQ/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1961jbsS2CeDiv9fuLKR1qprqF9nzBM4DWCHZ0rMPvheF_inNEbzy6IaL5ckBFFXkSrpQqAypfIU8OgaNfSuBqlLvysPfQrkwcEslpnlzrTo5pPthyphenhyphenpZCLJK80E6GiV1oizwmhAVtRQ/s640/3.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">300 tons of iron was used for clamping the stone to the Colosseum. When the iron was removed, it created all the holes you see in the outside walls. The large part of the building on the right is actually an inside wall; the part on the left of the photo is what's left of the outside wall. Initially, this outside wall went around the entire circumference of the building.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAQoL5b8pZAgJdftc8tByATcKq8nTrN2l71IBDPY6D3Z3DvLXGiC2vVj02wN6m_0jaIVqYmQLIeb6HQpQYQ8MQLUO8A3fPeg3jRViYluHvTvfgNVG56fqB2NtOMH-EMpnuQ2dj9ugoUo/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXAQoL5b8pZAgJdftc8tByATcKq8nTrN2l71IBDPY6D3Z3DvLXGiC2vVj02wN6m_0jaIVqYmQLIeb6HQpQYQ8MQLUO8A3fPeg3jRViYluHvTvfgNVG56fqB2NtOMH-EMpnuQ2dj9ugoUo/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Stunning, isn't it? There is a photograph in one of the books I bought, dated1865, that shows this entire lower level completely covered in silt from the flooding Tiber river. In the photo, it actually looks like a dirt floor and none of this lower level was visible. Excavation began at the end of the 20th century.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA4xS7VgiGCIBbOFRI_ZGRfc4wcxlnvM1FIubWWhtAdn8RXVeFMFwQWJRz7XAEK0dhhmmrU_gMYwcP3Z7uY3SZsYE_Dggg3SVr27Btltlna5RcQjd5S8UEaK5hlRnJnceDCDCVLMWeJ8/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtA4xS7VgiGCIBbOFRI_ZGRfc4wcxlnvM1FIubWWhtAdn8RXVeFMFwQWJRz7XAEK0dhhmmrU_gMYwcP3Z7uY3SZsYE_Dggg3SVr27Btltlna5RcQjd5S8UEaK5hlRnJnceDCDCVLMWeJ8/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The area to the left, where the people are standing, shows the excavation of the lower level. It was in the lower level that slaves were kept, gladiators trained, and animals were caged.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_JsW7O8YLaBgRONTBvI-IL5wl5vYc4ftmyteQEFghBA9vRGGwjruL818gHN4QEFvCzcQWs8T4X8bp_cDyzB2tcuYk3AioEMhPDa0tPYIUZU5h6_fsTD-E6k959w9Hv-nSC2q6iYYnUM/s1600/9a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_JsW7O8YLaBgRONTBvI-IL5wl5vYc4ftmyteQEFghBA9vRGGwjruL818gHN4QEFvCzcQWs8T4X8bp_cDyzB2tcuYk3AioEMhPDa0tPYIUZU5h6_fsTD-E6k959w9Hv-nSC2q6iYYnUM/s640/9a.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Close-up of previous photo</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX4ccZfPM6_P9FF9LhJn9aaIN7XaF-GDE4feCn9WkCDCYoveyWk_hzWPX20r2cneKPLJWTBau8ruwZYb07zY2ISP2UHcjKHw9zlwqs0tKtCTT2elOmAymNxmVO7Xht3RXwkxcSjdQMRA/s1600/Colosseum+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX4ccZfPM6_P9FF9LhJn9aaIN7XaF-GDE4feCn9WkCDCYoveyWk_hzWPX20r2cneKPLJWTBau8ruwZYb07zY2ISP2UHcjKHw9zlwqs0tKtCTT2elOmAymNxmVO7Xht3RXwkxcSjdQMRA/s640/Colosseum+011.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This gives you a good idea how wide it is;</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> we walked all the way around it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAJB-Ntape_6f4rkoH2qz5e4gbvzE1hh6htcKGUFPPT0zK8A_rct_wt4OTm4KeO97WDcXL4_pu6YvcpcXkmL35mz4NMUAqifp0V0pGS2yC8M6wy_oINcXDCoqbLgDFH7eaF4ZIeTeeeg/s1600/Colosseum+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjAJB-Ntape_6f4rkoH2qz5e4gbvzE1hh6htcKGUFPPT0zK8A_rct_wt4OTm4KeO97WDcXL4_pu6YvcpcXkmL35mz4NMUAqifp0V0pGS2yC8M6wy_oINcXDCoqbLgDFH7eaF4ZIeTeeeg/s640/Colosseum+012.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A good view of the underground area. When this was excavated, trap doors and elevators were discovered and it was this area that was actually flooded for mock sea battles!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaGFrKdCS7SnQ8dy4QhZquWig5vC0ycY2yKwWFC9MYVHRV9vmeSXDBcplGzv53MPKYt2pP5T3L1Un34IDbRifcethb8-49NcaxGa3sGwQx3EZV26bA_TZITJBO-iTI2GXNMMExFt_LQ0/s1600/Colosseum+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaGFrKdCS7SnQ8dy4QhZquWig5vC0ycY2yKwWFC9MYVHRV9vmeSXDBcplGzv53MPKYt2pP5T3L1Un34IDbRifcethb8-49NcaxGa3sGwQx3EZV26bA_TZITJBO-iTI2GXNMMExFt_LQ0/s640/Colosseum+013.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">There is a legend that as long as the Colosseum stands, Rome will stand. If the Colosseum falls, then Rome will fall.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj3j0GelLPamqo917MP5OYfXFa6VnQMEqOoP-6eOPtJwXV-LT1sL3dPeT7OZeQFhzEBA59fjYuhSIm5ra2odQmzp4oP6mClGxIs6hKWIsJPuDnz9lNfMd4p42-0c5NNARfZmHIW2yyaw/s1600/Colosseum+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAj3j0GelLPamqo917MP5OYfXFa6VnQMEqOoP-6eOPtJwXV-LT1sL3dPeT7OZeQFhzEBA59fjYuhSIm5ra2odQmzp4oP6mClGxIs6hKWIsJPuDnz9lNfMd4p42-0c5NNARfZmHIW2yyaw/s640/Colosseum+015.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">These structures reminded me of some gladiator helmets we saw.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtzKnBDVcMvTBPmkhpiedfWGq3kh0TpQkVCm_eH4h5WRTlj6mx7kj6jKWlNwv1_NonbobIkzN06zIvRvx6Z-DIQ8SaRPx3Y_ZoaHIlkFx6WeaBKu3FEwfYE2Y4E3h18qkcADV1sND3_w/s1600/Rome+Italy+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtzKnBDVcMvTBPmkhpiedfWGq3kh0TpQkVCm_eH4h5WRTlj6mx7kj6jKWlNwv1_NonbobIkzN06zIvRvx6Z-DIQ8SaRPx3Y_ZoaHIlkFx6WeaBKu3FEwfYE2Y4E3h18qkcADV1sND3_w/s640/Rome+Italy+084.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Colosseum could house up to 70,000 people at one time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFTvA3GW9QHhM-vYCPbyVvH5GYKvOAYwsSL7Q10kEOb__N0LGach23Wh242tRDnIhFA3AM8Ig3dAX94A0pha1qa1XKaRIZF6tqfnBgK-xDpsBTE6Y_v9lGBImMeu816vssxRbWv8zRMA/s1600/Rome+Italy+093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFTvA3GW9QHhM-vYCPbyVvH5GYKvOAYwsSL7Q10kEOb__N0LGach23Wh242tRDnIhFA3AM8Ig3dAX94A0pha1qa1XKaRIZF6tqfnBgK-xDpsBTE6Y_v9lGBImMeu816vssxRbWv8zRMA/s640/Rome+Italy+093.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, it is visited by three million people each year!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsTrQW4lWTqHkdkwUJjwHX-Yvx11pUcqXDEMPn94wYxt10qCTMViaxbx0h_zCg4qqFdZlN7XdmETMFZVsG-bU_i3VWaTgbig7gmwxwaZ34-RhwWWRdXfyTenfin573tpm3jhjgCMgBTE/s1600/Rome+Italy+094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsTrQW4lWTqHkdkwUJjwHX-Yvx11pUcqXDEMPn94wYxt10qCTMViaxbx0h_zCg4qqFdZlN7XdmETMFZVsG-bU_i3VWaTgbig7gmwxwaZ34-RhwWWRdXfyTenfin573tpm3jhjgCMgBTE/s640/Rome+Italy+094.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This reminded me of thatched roofs, but its volcanic rock.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZHJW3eJh90qQaIpQXQ1wPjfvdb1HPyvHSTkH3-_KhwjRTfzMB0zvi4vc2OKvQEttsV_FdYyytRVvG0khoeO50s_9LPL0shLWswSJnaRNTr-6QH8WaBx2BXyY7xugnsTmRGVeeUxmja4/s1600/Rome+Italy+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZHJW3eJh90qQaIpQXQ1wPjfvdb1HPyvHSTkH3-_KhwjRTfzMB0zvi4vc2OKvQEttsV_FdYyytRVvG0khoeO50s_9LPL0shLWswSJnaRNTr-6QH8WaBx2BXyY7xugnsTmRGVeeUxmja4/s640/Rome+Italy+095.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In 1744, Pope Benedict XIV consecrated the structure in memory of the Christians who were supposedly martyred in the arena. However, later research "suggests" that they weren't. Regardless, it allowed the Colosseum to be preserved.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoc4h4Lak43FYqYwGeEQZeFawsxoCAdGeMit3gGSjIjIlCKXzunp0QghdAdRrvWpH50NTt-IoMXQ1znnkY04YLxPg981V-9du8pzgkUdxAx82h0PsRDdshuMDFQoBUzfhdvn9EmgO2-Y/s1600/Rome+Italy+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoc4h4Lak43FYqYwGeEQZeFawsxoCAdGeMit3gGSjIjIlCKXzunp0QghdAdRrvWpH50NTt-IoMXQ1znnkY04YLxPg981V-9du8pzgkUdxAx82h0PsRDdshuMDFQoBUzfhdvn9EmgO2-Y/s640/Rome+Italy+096.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the only marble left at the site, on these few steps. However, in its prime, it was covered in marble! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSIWSACAGx7PIfsWW3cTtlGIeiuC5DxFfV36CFGxFa8VEXXYdp-B_8C3FiTUD0Oz3or8YM_Xg1NiICOghFJZVW8Z1HVz6S0P7Vz-g6_9WdGfMua3AKorKfCn2moXdQJRZ7NquNImGCF0/s1600/Rome+Italy+097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSIWSACAGx7PIfsWW3cTtlGIeiuC5DxFfV36CFGxFa8VEXXYdp-B_8C3FiTUD0Oz3or8YM_Xg1NiICOghFJZVW8Z1HVz6S0P7Vz-g6_9WdGfMua3AKorKfCn2moXdQJRZ7NquNImGCF0/s640/Rome+Italy+097.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Armed combat went on at the Colosseum for about 500 years. Criminals, slaves and gladiators fought each other, or wild animals, often to the death.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB08itI-ZsHhEuJOHtqrebufARKxoBNkkSelkBWL2y__S9nFtkX5EIZl8l7oV4clELv2KCaodlf7AF7BbXqHdT9W-WE7xMMXEDcCDf_QWqWTwo0MJSkG-RS8vam7a1yxCoPdZ66oZmvIQ/s1600/Rome+Italy+099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB08itI-ZsHhEuJOHtqrebufARKxoBNkkSelkBWL2y__S9nFtkX5EIZl8l7oV4clELv2KCaodlf7AF7BbXqHdT9W-WE7xMMXEDcCDf_QWqWTwo0MJSkG-RS8vam7a1yxCoPdZ66oZmvIQ/s640/Rome+Italy+099.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The spectators literally exercised the power of life and death over defeated combatants by waving handkerchiefs to show mercy, or showing a down-turned thumb, which meant death.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQVjsmDri3yPJxY0MkN96xV0QRgQ5Lq_BylCN6umVH1z9H6PZIuI3uXbZfEtG91BBPPbyzR6wLHpz6dtTjxZQYxkZCzEJlby_D1zAjpkNyi2t9oEjwEv4EP0kjbZIc76soHYgVShAe2o/s1600/Rome+Italy+101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQVjsmDri3yPJxY0MkN96xV0QRgQ5Lq_BylCN6umVH1z9H6PZIuI3uXbZfEtG91BBPPbyzR6wLHpz6dtTjxZQYxkZCzEJlby_D1zAjpkNyi2t9oEjwEv4EP0kjbZIc76soHYgVShAe2o/s640/Rome+Italy+101.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Even so, survivors' throats were often cut anyway, and the dead were poked with red-hot irons to make sure they were dead!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1no_cfBwSIrEi0LCg8donRpx3qlgDoZSGEXaZ6jvnu_ji5Vq-WmqD8PC5LtCcH_Y5iZCZ2SIGfUzp0fDu13XEZo9VziHT5I796OtC4JT8DpZg8q_rNDkklND70eIMv1_ZrLNQVy0qbA/s1600/Rome+Italy+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1no_cfBwSIrEi0LCg8donRpx3qlgDoZSGEXaZ6jvnu_ji5Vq-WmqD8PC5LtCcH_Y5iZCZ2SIGfUzp0fDu13XEZo9VziHT5I796OtC4JT8DpZg8q_rNDkklND70eIMv1_ZrLNQVy0qbA/s640/Rome+Italy+106.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Colosseum gets its name from the Colossus of Nero, which was a huge bronze statue of Nero, located nearby (now gone).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lScJenYwrqarO_qtKcADyhSpsZG8bQeUyl1QUceKEpCuy0fAXJHL0Gr9BgOciGJpQFra0twNLkM3ofu3_4qIR3GmDtU0Qsj5XmEXVL5-uOTT5VdEZUnXNpnCQSZUDF4mJ_W3yafkaJ8/s1600/Rome+Italy+107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lScJenYwrqarO_qtKcADyhSpsZG8bQeUyl1QUceKEpCuy0fAXJHL0Gr9BgOciGJpQFra0twNLkM3ofu3_4qIR3GmDtU0Qsj5XmEXVL5-uOTT5VdEZUnXNpnCQSZUDF4mJ_W3yafkaJ8/s640/Rome+Italy+107.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Seating was divided into four levels, and although entry was free, the areas for seating were regulated and strictly enforced by a special "official" who was employed to make sure people kept in their assigned areas.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QTzvW5HHZBiuWL1Dne9Mi3mNb6priAfpZvjvLwGvbWgvFW93ZyFNkqOe9n49a-lJV5DMJiVrN2Z8JfjBGI1FAqW-kFpy6VxAV8ymRzlNQD-iPKX46-xiUV7ruk7sKwpENucpjkS2Eyg/s1600/Rome+Italy+108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QTzvW5HHZBiuWL1Dne9Mi3mNb6priAfpZvjvLwGvbWgvFW93ZyFNkqOe9n49a-lJV5DMJiVrN2Z8JfjBGI1FAqW-kFpy6VxAV8ymRzlNQD-iPKX46-xiUV7ruk7sKwpENucpjkS2Eyg/s640/Rome+Italy+108.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As big as all this seems, it's literally only half of what is left of the original structure!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nF2BiQjGlRaBoy1SHZIyoYxj0TcINjRndFS2Bm6LD_AoUOvql-hugD_jb6s5KVHtWYM0js8Y4Pb0jdXIQM68OfO-07EWYTAXChbe8rQZaO1oN11eU9i4hf8TnaGKg_fj81d9FLlGBF8/s1600/Rome+Italy+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nF2BiQjGlRaBoy1SHZIyoYxj0TcINjRndFS2Bm6LD_AoUOvql-hugD_jb6s5KVHtWYM0js8Y4Pb0jdXIQM68OfO-07EWYTAXChbe8rQZaO1oN11eU9i4hf8TnaGKg_fj81d9FLlGBF8/s640/Rome+Italy+109.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At the opening of the Colosseum, there was a celebration that included the slaughter of 5,000 animals. This was followed by 100 continuous days of games!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78-1pgJDF5B7XJcghGwB1fegEGf-NZJIGvwBb08VWR-Ysp1q9YV304xolU645cU5oyc39WzYoG1G8wDyfcefzteTKFLv_T_YslIBGoULKWnucPf7kSjuJffFGSH4BhKQ22H5frr_KOKU/s1600/Rome+Italy+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78-1pgJDF5B7XJcghGwB1fegEGf-NZJIGvwBb08VWR-Ysp1q9YV304xolU645cU5oyc39WzYoG1G8wDyfcefzteTKFLv_T_YslIBGoULKWnucPf7kSjuJffFGSH4BhKQ22H5frr_KOKU/s640/Rome+Italy+110.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Gladitorial contests first took place in the 4th century. They started as a means to prepare soldiers for battle, to raise morale, and to harden them to the sight of death.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, we all know that, in time, the games became nothing more than sport.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvWo6Mmr2Jm06yZsJSLVrsQQQXu3qjqSLrAqGMCOS3m1vIXhvupMoR95ufCksQCdUluRghgNPDueJeBzJIuxweVQSadT4fpXRoZzDqv-3zN9dhzAPUQwUTs9KDuvUNXMq_RK_0Lh8y6A/s1600/zpfile000+(10)+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEvWo6Mmr2Jm06yZsJSLVrsQQQXu3qjqSLrAqGMCOS3m1vIXhvupMoR95ufCksQCdUluRghgNPDueJeBzJIuxweVQSadT4fpXRoZzDqv-3zN9dhzAPUQwUTs9KDuvUNXMq_RK_0Lh8y6A/s640/zpfile000+(10)+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The first and lowest level of seating was for the emperor and his imperial court, and high ranking officials.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHRMc7AWanUrwD8oUiiFBI6sw03bfHQM22P5ENqhx2Avot7tvNKYKaKyLYxKvyZi1jQOKzwo5yf2Ltsoz9dtWi40MRUyfuJ40ewA6cb_rjIxyfcXI2VBSJOPHia76f4KYOq5V2UK8www/s1600/zpfile000+(11)+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHRMc7AWanUrwD8oUiiFBI6sw03bfHQM22P5ENqhx2Avot7tvNKYKaKyLYxKvyZi1jQOKzwo5yf2Ltsoz9dtWi40MRUyfuJ40ewA6cb_rjIxyfcXI2VBSJOPHia76f4KYOq5V2UK8www/s640/zpfile000+(11)+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The second level of seating was for Rome's aristocratic families.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20GL69ADteMKY9XhaX-JrAgh7WHMxr2xH7u-XQGg5mv9O4rJ5DcSUlrahbP_U07wlkXDOiUTycCwTuWjzdlOLrux2AiDr1pRPablH1HEA7rhvON1x8b79zBGGg0usS6S9L1xKs4jvQ5w/s1600/zpfile000+(16)+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20GL69ADteMKY9XhaX-JrAgh7WHMxr2xH7u-XQGg5mv9O4rJ5DcSUlrahbP_U07wlkXDOiUTycCwTuWjzdlOLrux2AiDr1pRPablH1HEA7rhvON1x8b79zBGGg0usS6S9L1xKs4jvQ5w/s640/zpfile000+(16)+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The third level of seating was for the lower classes, and women were sent up to the very top.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GT_jMMYabHO5YLFmx5ihbhi-WJrKEhr5SJC0-RIyNZ-Q5Nb-CBWZO9rDpm8uyyo7D42PhIfsGRPC8_ClCDNnFkBGC1UiSpxVAmTNnJZ2Yla_nwiPvX8047HjN6UMUg_E2-6CdvLKSQo/s1600/zpfile000+(19)+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GT_jMMYabHO5YLFmx5ihbhi-WJrKEhr5SJC0-RIyNZ-Q5Nb-CBWZO9rDpm8uyyo7D42PhIfsGRPC8_ClCDNnFkBGC1UiSpxVAmTNnJZ2Yla_nwiPvX8047HjN6UMUg_E2-6CdvLKSQo/s640/zpfile000+(19)+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Fire was a frequent hazard down through the years because of all the wood that was used - for planking of the arena floor, in the scenery built for special games and events, and platforms that were used in the upper areas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The worst fire was in 217 AD. Damage was so extensive that the building was closed for 5 years, and it took another 22 years to complete the repairs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Archeological Service of Rome still works to preserve and restore the monument and hopefully recover additional information about its history. Unfortunately, when the first excavations of the underground level took place, a lot of information was destroyed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi8m0lnD_KxarT4ME6OrUd4za2ye9_w7O6aqsxgcoMh451jNpelAcNrLll-Odd1v1jMznTjkl51yX_xnkmLzuvZnMDbQdhvJXgnrsGVZAor9Bkp258VioXS_qNkaywoCJq87LB-8fMaM/s1600/zpfile000+(29)+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi8m0lnD_KxarT4ME6OrUd4za2ye9_w7O6aqsxgcoMh451jNpelAcNrLll-Odd1v1jMznTjkl51yX_xnkmLzuvZnMDbQdhvJXgnrsGVZAor9Bkp258VioXS_qNkaywoCJq87LB-8fMaM/s640/zpfile000+(29)+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Construction of the building allowed crowds to enter and leave quickly. And our modern day stadiums are designed after the shape of the Colosseum!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj__OktIbVdI29FyvAcUf4WtgW2Yj2jyiMp5MgbqZi378fXinMSKFJ1l2R0Q4tPWmlgboSF4Q4D4-lRg0lRe2vABXYTyeg7kas6RMEuR_7iAH_7zSBajoeS6pUe2ffDqoJI23R_NkSCtA/s1600/zpfile000+(30)+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZGkC8-yB_nWuYsGilms4Rjhq7oZGYKnP-i9J3g6w9rr3r8Trym5zM7iYLaDCjmlD_8VXW-hpTdyMJjVuFB59tzqfKPOTyJ3lbFqcGzom2mzU8R5vBSiigFvdmbtbL2sv_fKNA1fUlhM/s1600/zpfile001+(11)+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZGkC8-yB_nWuYsGilms4Rjhq7oZGYKnP-i9J3g6w9rr3r8Trym5zM7iYLaDCjmlD_8VXW-hpTdyMJjVuFB59tzqfKPOTyJ3lbFqcGzom2mzU8R5vBSiigFvdmbtbL2sv_fKNA1fUlhM/s640/zpfile001+(11)+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">A good view of the various levels of seating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A beautiful view of the Colosseum as you approach from the Roman Forum. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AlW9flKh3uFqNCBNZxGk_H8iuV9WTvE7RR6uANreMp88jyCjAWb5FcnkJd1cIWNgrY1qS9NBvrb8R1jBz7t2P11_DbCS8L19Gt5PGVrxtLtKsGYt-fHY_uF2Vsa3H66_CY2A1oFUzM0/s1600/zzzzzzz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AlW9flKh3uFqNCBNZxGk_H8iuV9WTvE7RR6uANreMp88jyCjAWb5FcnkJd1cIWNgrY1qS9NBvrb8R1jBz7t2P11_DbCS8L19Gt5PGVrxtLtKsGYt-fHY_uF2Vsa3H66_CY2A1oFUzM0/s640/zzzzzzz.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">One last view from the Forum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Other than the scrapbook I made, which I'll post about later, this concludes our trip to Rome. Hope you enjoyed it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">CIAO!!</span><br />
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Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6785767924416395142.post-26551883877957089222013-10-12T22:05:00.001-05:002013-10-16T17:28:05.445-05:00The Roman Forum<span style="font-size: large;">Hi Everyone! Ready for another tour of Rome? This time, we're headed to. . . . . . .</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Roman Forum</span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGtPz6ZMkilYx03e_vCdrK2ZGz9CytJy_BrdHbMArFqfPiQEQ779sLMNKlQbLpHQDcvHCj8jebKbq0wlzJ1LfESywyc-qZZ706elEqXoBm8Q_Y7qKt9DymkQIoYjAR15r18Q_y78erpY/s1600/zpfile003+(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGtPz6ZMkilYx03e_vCdrK2ZGz9CytJy_BrdHbMArFqfPiQEQ779sLMNKlQbLpHQDcvHCj8jebKbq0wlzJ1LfESywyc-qZZ706elEqXoBm8Q_Y7qKt9DymkQIoYjAR15r18Q_y78erpY/s640/zpfile003+(17).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Roman Forum was considered the political and civic heart of the Roman Empire. I personally liken it to Washington, D.C. This is the view of the Forum from the Colosseum. The word Forum means "central meeting area".</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x19-yJAgP1cJ_JWC9T1UH6gdJDaEChNfFn9uRNqOMzfwfEyNjeyy4-3lpryavHMZ6oUIUYlS6lh9NRZLHK37WfYheN54ivgntULPZnNrEfiQanFCmIDoTe5jR-eUfvbd0zEsXsR0wxs/s1600/IMG-20110801-00389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x19-yJAgP1cJ_JWC9T1UH6gdJDaEChNfFn9uRNqOMzfwfEyNjeyy4-3lpryavHMZ6oUIUYlS6lh9NRZLHK37WfYheN54ivgntULPZnNrEfiQanFCmIDoTe5jR-eUfvbd0zEsXsR0wxs/s640/IMG-20110801-00389.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I</span><span style="font-size: large;">t was at the Roman Forum, at The Rostrum, that Marc Anthony made his famous speech - "Friends, Romans, Countrymen...." after Julius Caesar's assassination.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv62UWFZdWfSFVdiyXxOc9m8TdIY_k2zWj4puowg-to-06DJJs6Zd129cH5MS4NKGbV8CldU2EhFHMT-dwt454MgXogJgVIDrBhcqTi_fQXL7QZXId6XeSZnHKZ4QPepKoIy7mwZCtXE/s1600/IMG-20110801-00420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv62UWFZdWfSFVdiyXxOc9m8TdIY_k2zWj4puowg-to-06DJJs6Zd129cH5MS4NKGbV8CldU2EhFHMT-dwt454MgXogJgVIDrBhcqTi_fQXL7QZXId6XeSZnHKZ4QPepKoIy7mwZCtXE/s640/IMG-20110801-00420.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">These three columns belonged to the Temple of Castor and Pollux, who were the patron gods of Rome. This temple had been the primary meeting place for the Roman Senate. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyOUOgqYMUaS-RaOJdnGrYEz00pAaZlfisRYcQv4BgQGUZvRl8HJoCP3AeSTlwjOz9nPo8splhs36LGGIY30OXUO4gzXHrn0GXPF7LOwGkCMtJzimHGcSIjt5BnvNy5KvuO3J6OovwUg/s1600/IMG-20110801-00358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyOUOgqYMUaS-RaOJdnGrYEz00pAaZlfisRYcQv4BgQGUZvRl8HJoCP3AeSTlwjOz9nPo8splhs36LGGIY30OXUO4gzXHrn0GXPF7LOwGkCMtJzimHGcSIjt5BnvNy5KvuO3J6OovwUg/s640/IMG-20110801-00358.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I overheard one tour guide say that these were storage areas. The guide commented that even back then, people always needed more storage than they had at hand.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSbg1zeftV_V6oDmH-7vXfTRzGwUZdizl6FhnAInz7YikgExiKqzZSYOsRd2LoDv1h85AZqjk9n8AFAq2a382En-I5qEYrWZ81rEzpcKaIWgO5qw7DFhUuY-W5Hx-SgUAFk7PJTYaxRc/s1600/Rome+Italy+135+(800x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQSbg1zeftV_V6oDmH-7vXfTRzGwUZdizl6FhnAInz7YikgExiKqzZSYOsRd2LoDv1h85AZqjk9n8AFAq2a382En-I5qEYrWZ81rEzpcKaIWgO5qw7DFhUuY-W5Hx-SgUAFk7PJTYaxRc/s640/Rome+Italy+135+(800x600).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">More storage areas. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin106dDSqjJLDfnOL1iUwJen_XEhFD9kUgujPZT0mwiqyyiVUtTrsthE0Aeb2HTp6hdpq4ASVXFneVKWTOeqqYH1ckGkJKx2S1QwGyWvkqeWNAMTWJvVCNGPIPubPheXRlBofOhiEQ8LQ/s1600/IMG-20110801-00367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin106dDSqjJLDfnOL1iUwJen_XEhFD9kUgujPZT0mwiqyyiVUtTrsthE0Aeb2HTp6hdpq4ASVXFneVKWTOeqqYH1ckGkJKx2S1QwGyWvkqeWNAMTWJvVCNGPIPubPheXRlBofOhiEQ8LQ/s640/IMG-20110801-00367.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">A labyrinth. Notice the trees in the background? These are typical of the Roman landscape.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5yK9-Mlc2Zv-L5rjnDC-6PUJRxq_Aozl15HJ6lQBp_dFzKetAA3s6wYe0z9mY3WkXAr_n4W4y-LzM4Wbn_HCeShc1GYIoz0jPqd0EIoxoA8ysY1P6-Xe8638ZKs3_u0No4i4Tn6TeLg/s1600/IMG-20110801-00395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5yK9-Mlc2Zv-L5rjnDC-6PUJRxq_Aozl15HJ6lQBp_dFzKetAA3s6wYe0z9mY3WkXAr_n4W4y-LzM4Wbn_HCeShc1GYIoz0jPqd0EIoxoA8ysY1P6-Xe8638ZKs3_u0No4i4Tn6TeLg/s640/IMG-20110801-00395.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> This is a view of the Forum from the Palatine Hill.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPAdvEqUBQ2Aaegho3PfOIG4o-vu1X3QMJjNzeqq6gIVJ7IA3qmL6H8vy8j68C6-7LTe3Sf8jx7bi6O8iaKk3heisMPeCHjgqrOdVGl_brVNYU-vbam7IpzInkvA5wLIpY9nNxudgQX4/s1600/Rome+Italy+141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPAdvEqUBQ2Aaegho3PfOIG4o-vu1X3QMJjNzeqq6gIVJ7IA3qmL6H8vy8j68C6-7LTe3Sf8jx7bi6O8iaKk3heisMPeCHjgqrOdVGl_brVNYU-vbam7IpzInkvA5wLIpY9nNxudgQX4/s640/Rome+Italy+141.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">A view of the Colosseum from the Roman Forum.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LiuhYniGXaMcjyvCsWThv3O0tS3WDSj1hF_CrhsVNjS9kFdIXG1RxXrCV54bovXtrfMiRci_9a0vkbJ5MP8ErpZQ8axg3b4LSoJqorg5SGUpViGrkwA9MSL5iIduD7BSmsheeBmTUqw/s1600/Rome+Italy+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0LiuhYniGXaMcjyvCsWThv3O0tS3WDSj1hF_CrhsVNjS9kFdIXG1RxXrCV54bovXtrfMiRci_9a0vkbJ5MP8ErpZQ8axg3b4LSoJqorg5SGUpViGrkwA9MSL5iIduD7BSmsheeBmTUqw/s640/Rome+Italy+134.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Another camera shy photo, as we're about to enter the Forum.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU-Fca3LXFdnGl6s0PLspnNsLVT4D6lCqNCYnj1tRDQENtRfscDh_cYv3h74pF8ZfXj5-5WnS_1KFJHT5GAlggcae_vcrNeYhdmY0ROpMBQq9GtNn-sUwYiAMxclXUHtaPHGWz8bjRpA/s1600/Rome+Italy+137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlU-Fca3LXFdnGl6s0PLspnNsLVT4D6lCqNCYnj1tRDQENtRfscDh_cYv3h74pF8ZfXj5-5WnS_1KFJHT5GAlggcae_vcrNeYhdmY0ROpMBQq9GtNn-sUwYiAMxclXUHtaPHGWz8bjRpA/s640/Rome+Italy+137.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Many of the areas were closed to visitors, as renovations and excavations are always under way in one area or another.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIIm8RmCn949W4VFKbC0kqXtvheWLa6fCtEruuGGsF54BIbhy4nvZ-wkuKXqp6VJ77gHsSsqHuLwBbvx7v_dtstLgaZ7CgboxhXi0JIjgIcCCt-S4mUUNCmOZcX4x1lA7hZotueWXfJ8/s1600/Rome+Italy+145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIIm8RmCn949W4VFKbC0kqXtvheWLa6fCtEruuGGsF54BIbhy4nvZ-wkuKXqp6VJ77gHsSsqHuLwBbvx7v_dtstLgaZ7CgboxhXi0JIjgIcCCt-S4mUUNCmOZcX4x1lA7hZotueWXfJ8/s640/Rome+Italy+145.JPG" width="480" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Forum started life as a marsh between the Palatine and Capitoline hills. Later, it became a rubbish dump! Then, when it was drained, a marketplace and religious shrines were created.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOeY0BGWY2zrYWSUfvWLtXhKzSFLC1EzdHyHyQ4qr-tYVZKYGUfwMrjCgCE2spS-_vZGDoR921pm0_Uj-o71b4h2faBqBiJRMhyvfYLFjZd7e6lYFf9e_EEynK3Q2w2WlbZFdOtXoTUk/s1600/Rome+Italy+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOeY0BGWY2zrYWSUfvWLtXhKzSFLC1EzdHyHyQ4qr-tYVZKYGUfwMrjCgCE2spS-_vZGDoR921pm0_Uj-o71b4h2faBqBiJRMhyvfYLFjZd7e6lYFf9e_EEynK3Q2w2WlbZFdOtXoTUk/s640/Rome+Italy+143.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">These three arches, known as barrel vaults, belong to the side of the Basilica of Maxentius. It was started in the year 306, by Emperor Maxentius, and finished by his successor, Constantine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuYt0N0gHLrEhwH9OPi4spnoRlzcENSexCcOJjNIl2cb3wysBMtUzvpI1gby3srgTYghSF4CiO56wuhQnMWRq-TO1FZRnyv6FhhEQd9zLLb5DfclhkGFiQ2-qrLw2n5aNEMY4IkKuKEw/s1600/Rome+Italy+147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuYt0N0gHLrEhwH9OPi4spnoRlzcENSexCcOJjNIl2cb3wysBMtUzvpI1gby3srgTYghSF4CiO56wuhQnMWRq-TO1FZRnyv6FhhEQd9zLLb5DfclhkGFiQ2-qrLw2n5aNEMY4IkKuKEw/s640/Rome+Italy+147.JPG" width="480" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This was originally the Temple of Antoninus and Faustine, but was changed into the Church of St. Lorenzo during the 17th century.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHWxLHAWoxLzkXC5BVEYDXG-185KSPQmftB5ckIPQpLWRr7Wlnk_Cp1fese5OI7s9tIrcGQ_njvA7STF1W-VEJktTaKVWyd1BgUl6Y0YjKs_rErF7gyfdj6v8ZIP7v5kIlF_VzsVHYeI/s1600/Rome+Italy+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHWxLHAWoxLzkXC5BVEYDXG-185KSPQmftB5ckIPQpLWRr7Wlnk_Cp1fese5OI7s9tIrcGQ_njvA7STF1W-VEJktTaKVWyd1BgUl6Y0YjKs_rErF7gyfdj6v8ZIP7v5kIlF_VzsVHYeI/s640/Rome+Italy+148.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">The last fresh water underground spring in the Forum, with small Koi. At one time, these springs were everywhere. Understandable, when you consider the whole area used to be marshland.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvO7M6qsJ2o0sj3ofFdYWtFygOc0u_bTuPUEJ37IF341EUgYC0qfz0hOp7x_o6NkyXMWEhh6Lm31VfxtrLvjzz0aW1B6dE6-iw_fcw_7J4ekX6KXF26VcTLYcqdC5YcumqUrVcUIJW7iY/s1600/zpfile002+(34).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvO7M6qsJ2o0sj3ofFdYWtFygOc0u_bTuPUEJ37IF341EUgYC0qfz0hOp7x_o6NkyXMWEhh6Lm31VfxtrLvjzz0aW1B6dE6-iw_fcw_7J4ekX6KXF26VcTLYcqdC5YcumqUrVcUIJW7iY/s640/zpfile002+(34).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Petrified coral at the base of the underground spring.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie24XZuPwulhyi3Dg4m6bQhsCU2SYl8Na6fKbKo_Olq_IKnajyiJXWnKDC4MepAGAzoq73O3IEQJ87uVSBg9E-N8zwj17MHHYKDPTQyxmH5KteH-UolYIVzPVJtZ3gLzWjijNjuMZeY24/s1600/Rome+Italy+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie24XZuPwulhyi3Dg4m6bQhsCU2SYl8Na6fKbKo_Olq_IKnajyiJXWnKDC4MepAGAzoq73O3IEQJ87uVSBg9E-N8zwj17MHHYKDPTQyxmH5KteH-UolYIVzPVJtZ3gLzWjijNjuMZeY24/s640/Rome+Italy+159.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrbXEDK_XEW_Ztcn6guxQhHdfW_PKxC0mq1PzSUAZHmtQCzvvfydyLPQrlXhnZl6JZ5XCWn52TL9lwDSRGhy5unQfTR7IUk2CScc0Iz4s06hvYXmXlNl6cmwJ7jdwVM7jQQsDpgHS9-A/s1600/Rome+Italy+160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrbXEDK_XEW_Ztcn6guxQhHdfW_PKxC0mq1PzSUAZHmtQCzvvfydyLPQrlXhnZl6JZ5XCWn52TL9lwDSRGhy5unQfTR7IUk2CScc0Iz4s06hvYXmXlNl6cmwJ7jdwVM7jQQsDpgHS9-A/s640/Rome+Italy+160.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQCuRgPG3M7Gx53i-Eh6LTqjSnA8VyeSdELaOuWvqFjVNkBFQBmO-9vSsW1cqZGV8kYZKtQrcu42qjuF4coJQP5OMKrox4CWZpZxtsbSLB6xbvHwTFw9MPWN_33bfBxebv4LQnfpk924/s1600/Rome+Italy+161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQCuRgPG3M7Gx53i-Eh6LTqjSnA8VyeSdELaOuWvqFjVNkBFQBmO-9vSsW1cqZGV8kYZKtQrcu42qjuF4coJQP5OMKrox4CWZpZxtsbSLB6xbvHwTFw9MPWN_33bfBxebv4LQnfpk924/s640/Rome+Italy+161.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Hey....wait for me!!! I just need one more picture!!"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKED6cFM4Gw1A-nxitPxUEuabMNzlDT8kQ9QSZrvFYjtgMK5xVxaNOk9YPNbhqEbyLoEMxxdHbu-WCc1l6UsoBfRN6bTWPfMHd1PwNoGGCH547Fzv2cIcPJ3o_2UjQMzq8NjMsN6HGFkE/s1600/zpfile000+(18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKED6cFM4Gw1A-nxitPxUEuabMNzlDT8kQ9QSZrvFYjtgMK5xVxaNOk9YPNbhqEbyLoEMxxdHbu-WCc1l6UsoBfRN6bTWPfMHd1PwNoGGCH547Fzv2cIcPJ3o_2UjQMzq8NjMsN6HGFkE/s640/zpfile000+(18).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">For some odd reason, I initially thought the Roman Forum was basically just a small area. But as you can see, it was the very heart of City of Rome.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kjHp_kEzyOwMuZQ95z_hb-SjsQdqi2w5W8VHtT74u35SBwF4WkwI7OKn8ep7z_sSph0I24BzsOdrxat1kgvj06q_c2WbuBN0jX8hEdHMwNrBXKT2mpcQJvQv4wTpXLWmthtEp9losQU/s1600/zpfile000+(32).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kjHp_kEzyOwMuZQ95z_hb-SjsQdqi2w5W8VHtT74u35SBwF4WkwI7OKn8ep7z_sSph0I24BzsOdrxat1kgvj06q_c2WbuBN0jX8hEdHMwNrBXKT2mpcQJvQv4wTpXLWmthtEp9losQU/s640/zpfile000+(32).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">More renovations. There were many areas which we couldn't get to on this trip, which Laura had been to when she was here the year previous, while she was on R&R from Afghanistan.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iG1xv-Fe85FwtHm663KGLiZE_nIfvtKfjUz0CnPW9sXgYnwtB7vPymWLoOk0J5dhyMqBi-5I6YtY2HmyWU7pDJ8Hx3eyS5ryFPQCPdfU17onwbAVslxp4dsinr4JfB7Ou3cRYthR4xo/s1600/zpfile000+(35).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iG1xv-Fe85FwtHm663KGLiZE_nIfvtKfjUz0CnPW9sXgYnwtB7vPymWLoOk0J5dhyMqBi-5I6YtY2HmyWU7pDJ8Hx3eyS5ryFPQCPdfU17onwbAVslxp4dsinr4JfB7Ou3cRYthR4xo/s640/zpfile000+(35).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7ZIieaDvtUxYCpLwMSSRZADXDISaYc9MVhSpKY45rz5EBiRjFJwdzajG0d4Iex43QnoAduje1HOInUqJkk_ooFmE2qz8B3XJuy3R17HgGmwVUjXT5pVSSAZ90J-QoaZp4UlBgBif9As/s1600/Rome+Italy+155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7ZIieaDvtUxYCpLwMSSRZADXDISaYc9MVhSpKY45rz5EBiRjFJwdzajG0d4Iex43QnoAduje1HOInUqJkk_ooFmE2qz8B3XJuy3R17HgGmwVUjXT5pVSSAZ90J-QoaZp4UlBgBif9As/s640/Rome+Italy+155.JPG" width="480" /></span></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Close-up of the statue from the previous picture, on the top left. Thank Heaven for zoom lenses!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHb9FDryFd2gDD29KhUuQFcblS2zVHJZcsNZWNo6kh7E86T20_24dbTsq8TnFzVY8XaF8m8CGSKnZzLC1eeS7emm5AFwuxDEPCSw0yf1j8jRwHjtCziusGP0TZ5QO0c1FAeiayveOoN0/s1600/Rome+Italy+154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHb9FDryFd2gDD29KhUuQFcblS2zVHJZcsNZWNo6kh7E86T20_24dbTsq8TnFzVY8XaF8m8CGSKnZzLC1eeS7emm5AFwuxDEPCSw0yf1j8jRwHjtCziusGP0TZ5QO0c1FAeiayveOoN0/s640/Rome+Italy+154.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stopping for a rest. It was very hot, and the humidity was even worse than what we get in Alabama! Notice on the walls, in the background are mosaics over 2,000 years old!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVw0hK8XAB5Ai6zY8HteZRy-IheE36vgIlcJG0EZjAED_xE5gyUCJ8-us0jPqWRHRt0yJgNl2WM6syd6v769MNfSP2y1BApouDlj2pYy-uMT2BAGZDjPw9g90bTdcl9J2yLkqRqtVqcg/s1600/zpfile000+(43).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVw0hK8XAB5Ai6zY8HteZRy-IheE36vgIlcJG0EZjAED_xE5gyUCJ8-us0jPqWRHRt0yJgNl2WM6syd6v769MNfSP2y1BApouDlj2pYy-uMT2BAGZDjPw9g90bTdcl9J2yLkqRqtVqcg/s640/zpfile000+(43).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">These structures that have been laid out in the areas where they would have stood. Looting has reduced the forum literally to ruins. At one time, anyone visiting Rome could pick up and take pieces of the Forum home with them as souvenirs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlaFGbgmxk15GT7qA9k9ypG-988-mLiUy5IA8OuVY9HFrZWyLwJu4rCMjPzTPlIJW2B5UVoHTqMhK6G_d2g_57ahwnJySuORhdqgoUAVHdKlki3qhJ0cmdcOOGGWbqz7nfcLQGFHhBGI/s1600/zpfile000+(46).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlaFGbgmxk15GT7qA9k9ypG-988-mLiUy5IA8OuVY9HFrZWyLwJu4rCMjPzTPlIJW2B5UVoHTqMhK6G_d2g_57ahwnJySuORhdqgoUAVHdKlki3qhJ0cmdcOOGGWbqz7nfcLQGFHhBGI/s640/zpfile000+(46).jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A sad picture of neglect now, but can you imagine how it must have looked all those years ago?!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwGPt1N4v_MdCtHhYlS6S-k8FuXpBEM3eGegM0rfeRGVkst2gvY2MnaLS2t_7nT8lzfJWLeVuCjuK38pak7M4fpdKB_xwyQWUS12btzpz6Eoz9_Af37sIeZEsZxGeg5r09g0Wy4V2Tx0/s1600/zpfile001+(33).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwGPt1N4v_MdCtHhYlS6S-k8FuXpBEM3eGegM0rfeRGVkst2gvY2MnaLS2t_7nT8lzfJWLeVuCjuK38pak7M4fpdKB_xwyQWUS12btzpz6Eoz9_Af37sIeZEsZxGeg5r09g0Wy4V2Tx0/s640/zpfile001+(33).jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Marble steps!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QrQuXYh6cw4gPTAMul6BGJ_WubpIQCb2HBAHYZByReYlxnMA3h_55FqlbxOA7BPa-tqE5FRPeP5anqxVcO2KZBDJRMB_N7Lqa4dbAOo3xt5eZCPTMafgUi7FfXSmt7sjZgvJOqYQoSA/s1600/zpfile001+(37).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QrQuXYh6cw4gPTAMul6BGJ_WubpIQCb2HBAHYZByReYlxnMA3h_55FqlbxOA7BPa-tqE5FRPeP5anqxVcO2KZBDJRMB_N7Lqa4dbAOo3xt5eZCPTMafgUi7FfXSmt7sjZgvJOqYQoSA/s640/zpfile001+(37).jpg" width="480" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ruins at twilight. The partial column on the left is marble.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVEfHKAG05ZVHaAEjia0y7JWN0pyvWaBzIbxGdrCmPh5x62HX2539ogaG8BvOn8uFcQTcFINp4YqrZtbwxPinxR2PcqIu1tEGO6FM6pBl2y6AmiHDv3ezOQO01-9k8lcRtHtpvFUw1Fo/s1600/zpfile000+(38).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNVEfHKAG05ZVHaAEjia0y7JWN0pyvWaBzIbxGdrCmPh5x62HX2539ogaG8BvOn8uFcQTcFINp4YqrZtbwxPinxR2PcqIu1tEGO6FM6pBl2y6AmiHDv3ezOQO01-9k8lcRtHtpvFUw1Fo/s640/zpfile000+(38).jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These are the bases of columns that once stood here.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ajn-HG6vEB74ef0Y-bKqL0ady06tskbg5ZSNpOFxRsxnvTIz4b6JSV1MHA1oN4ZKXsngKuNvBxKRFloiDjI0rZfA-vvPtmVtNoO6aQ-ErcDrpHFijP169hcdiI4iiF6lLZEXpF3LH_Y/s1600/zpfile001+(38).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ajn-HG6vEB74ef0Y-bKqL0ady06tskbg5ZSNpOFxRsxnvTIz4b6JSV1MHA1oN4ZKXsngKuNvBxKRFloiDjI0rZfA-vvPtmVtNoO6aQ-ErcDrpHFijP169hcdiI4iiF6lLZEXpF3LH_Y/s640/zpfile001+(38).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Close-up of the bases of columns.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QaJMeViKKFZdo6W6r0CTq45ogRITi6gXV7-tQ35qBOBjZehTp4On-FeEcJ3dYDJ6v8RSBApKqHlHaTXpkb1pYW7DGzCm3iPHDZV-yoF3Nt5Fyj-P5MWF6FHwKFviEPswnvYxSABchXg/s1600/zpfile001+(40).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QaJMeViKKFZdo6W6r0CTq45ogRITi6gXV7-tQ35qBOBjZehTp4On-FeEcJ3dYDJ6v8RSBApKqHlHaTXpkb1pYW7DGzCm3iPHDZV-yoF3Nt5Fyj-P5MWF6FHwKFviEPswnvYxSABchXg/s640/zpfile001+(40).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">One of the surprising things is that we would be walking along, and then suddenly, there in the dust, would be a piece of history - just sitting there! Quite an experience!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ44DNpL9ARFsmIv8S7VWzWEkN3NTEKX6ZnX8GTo-vVjVYLXYu0LMkmC1LC_Vw5plXJ8Mc6haYsvNClUIfaqMTK5KDrel-LaO-csIrxx2AblQQ1hZibVA0_-RkFXEBjo46eHEFCitMr38/s1600/zpfile001+(42).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ44DNpL9ARFsmIv8S7VWzWEkN3NTEKX6ZnX8GTo-vVjVYLXYu0LMkmC1LC_Vw5plXJ8Mc6haYsvNClUIfaqMTK5KDrel-LaO-csIrxx2AblQQ1hZibVA0_-RkFXEBjo46eHEFCitMr38/s640/zpfile001+(42).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM7dLhgUt8U6m-6-5N_s8R_xX9oOrhW0imn0sd7JF7u5FWVR-C0YFnAgLOgqtg1d8CR7HFwoZSmA4WHKZZp78FeOK-6I1ljKY4P2CXUMC1oW1Zrvi-zBwgAYvcGgkZGSxVGkPz6-xnPY/s1600/Rome+Italy+156+(800x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgM7dLhgUt8U6m-6-5N_s8R_xX9oOrhW0imn0sd7JF7u5FWVR-C0YFnAgLOgqtg1d8CR7HFwoZSmA4WHKZZp78FeOK-6I1ljKY4P2CXUMC1oW1Zrvi-zBwgAYvcGgkZGSxVGkPz6-xnPY/s640/Rome+Italy+156+(800x600).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Close-up of the previous picture.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsWlZ-llUfFonjPVjXcf-CrT7kcZDKmxG0JrOfKtJfHLXKrrvqngfdNH7-Gs-aZyDyy8Kr0xkQbV8G5_4i53WCw8KCuozvgl8ssne5MqqEv8SwzaRRWDLzpUcHOsEs-hl-lX1p9S7NBU/s1600/zpfile001+(45).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsWlZ-llUfFonjPVjXcf-CrT7kcZDKmxG0JrOfKtJfHLXKrrvqngfdNH7-Gs-aZyDyy8Kr0xkQbV8G5_4i53WCw8KCuozvgl8ssne5MqqEv8SwzaRRWDLzpUcHOsEs-hl-lX1p9S7NBU/s640/zpfile001+(45).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhZtV675iczYZDqQ1UvXclOPYlaV1qDMN4f4YVQJJEq4YFP4rsu7Wj1DA1WCDskA76J-gtikNxSMphkVFH0t55ichni1LoYZT5X4B3YDOpgDpJmnTe7Vc0GUXABEEflMojGrmVu8w2lo/s1600/zpfile002+(28)+(800x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhZtV675iczYZDqQ1UvXclOPYlaV1qDMN4f4YVQJJEq4YFP4rsu7Wj1DA1WCDskA76J-gtikNxSMphkVFH0t55ichni1LoYZT5X4B3YDOpgDpJmnTe7Vc0GUXABEEflMojGrmVu8w2lo/s640/zpfile002+(28)+(800x600).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO1HiAXKm02nKelzUPP0KcXzeOpIbQhPkbaSp16aIxuVqqe02-SmYBVLVQlCRVLhkdgpueu5kfP4XhGyUMy4O7uNw5DF9nL-c7RnN0K3tH7rDqquHBLnpakRvaaUh9fMPQDOHb1twMvw/s1600/zpfile002+(30).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO1HiAXKm02nKelzUPP0KcXzeOpIbQhPkbaSp16aIxuVqqe02-SmYBVLVQlCRVLhkdgpueu5kfP4XhGyUMy4O7uNw5DF9nL-c7RnN0K3tH7rDqquHBLnpakRvaaUh9fMPQDOHb1twMvw/s640/zpfile002+(30).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">My Fashionista Granddaughter!! We bought the hat from a street vendor as we were entering the Forum.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaKbvFypSdrGlw6HNuAL3to-L24XjJxACh1bQ1DzggYbcS46PoxIpFlhuewXF4KREEXLiduWk2tlRsA-mhKE2axc6qMBOvvTqJpHDrVSHpYzofOw4nehf2OTv41RlshNf0pG1Ix2h_0s/s1600/zpfile002+(38).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaKbvFypSdrGlw6HNuAL3to-L24XjJxACh1bQ1DzggYbcS46PoxIpFlhuewXF4KREEXLiduWk2tlRsA-mhKE2axc6qMBOvvTqJpHDrVSHpYzofOw4nehf2OTv41RlshNf0pG1Ix2h_0s/s640/zpfile002+(38).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1e2F5QWXTOMBwYM5scJfsNwCqp10axJiw3MTpKSVqLRr6pcPDzCoiWH8GYCnXzn5VkP1x-BcbbKCVxFdvCR95tj-t9SgYLaXMZG0_SpSHb8o38MlEkkz8fvLq2WJlJWwOJ348SFyamw/s1600/zpfile002+(40).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1e2F5QWXTOMBwYM5scJfsNwCqp10axJiw3MTpKSVqLRr6pcPDzCoiWH8GYCnXzn5VkP1x-BcbbKCVxFdvCR95tj-t9SgYLaXMZG0_SpSHb8o38MlEkkz8fvLq2WJlJWwOJ348SFyamw/s640/zpfile002+(40).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqGeZLbDtwseRYejCeTR-AEIkVDJIY3P5V3SX1bCYozrvhZUePywnB4Dd-kHUUpXtDR58wexVSLQUodh5DmpHhdH3pvS7twp83EjhO2tLCkXh7qC1WkQIfifJhp0gsblFp021HSoqBDs/s1600/zpfile002+(43).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVnKA4QkgBtAWlrpzKMSMyCLhGq_NFo5Wa-365rSeOcy2ciW4k5c8MJxyM6EohEKW8l9lVXbEz0KBm2sNaLtkgWjVDr420B5xpJVbFUBEDNpE5gWEjempuKKUWF9hd7dGrrA6QALkQOE/s1600/zpfile003+(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVnKA4QkgBtAWlrpzKMSMyCLhGq_NFo5Wa-365rSeOcy2ciW4k5c8MJxyM6EohEKW8l9lVXbEz0KBm2sNaLtkgWjVDr420B5xpJVbFUBEDNpE5gWEjempuKKUWF9hd7dGrrA6QALkQOE/s640/zpfile003+(17).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Another view of the Forum entrance, from the top of the Colosseum.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUqEZr_bFQqGkwsioo2TNkhUdWUaUjzKOI1EgQrIB2JaipM7ucTmEnGKWE1KyN9T5hajLNSiFRHgNBy2lBKb-Ur8_ML3fSDcPv5UlyutaWHuOJu6a_mVCjBpJd5ywJK_iPA1TfVhxwSw/s1600/zpfile003+(18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUqEZr_bFQqGkwsioo2TNkhUdWUaUjzKOI1EgQrIB2JaipM7ucTmEnGKWE1KyN9T5hajLNSiFRHgNBy2lBKb-Ur8_ML3fSDcPv5UlyutaWHuOJu6a_mVCjBpJd5ywJK_iPA1TfVhxwSw/s640/zpfile003+(18).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Another view from the Colosseum.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWJG7dQiXw83yUu4Umkv464OZ46_6pa96wDpZzXS-U1nUEOt0iqZg7gXDaaXQTAWK6Yf_KurElzHGkbX_EEyrBusdZu8XPCZQeNv9FgWwvfW2ZQMhB57eUtZCtlHC6mFxweO7aEqeHX8/s1600/zpfile003+(28).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWJG7dQiXw83yUu4Umkv464OZ46_6pa96wDpZzXS-U1nUEOt0iqZg7gXDaaXQTAWK6Yf_KurElzHGkbX_EEyrBusdZu8XPCZQeNv9FgWwvfW2ZQMhB57eUtZCtlHC6mFxweO7aEqeHX8/s640/zpfile003+(28).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CNheDfdCXjaWeLh2ejcZPRW3Wy7B9FflngA-Y2-1jwgXGNqCcKZt0BjoYqU_GXPvvCrRrtHtCTLXRECPy1PMXx67TOZGAw-k7j5sSDsqGKo1KA_vbxi1K_56-vPgheMUH0AsBW8Fyl0/s1600/zpfile003+(32).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CNheDfdCXjaWeLh2ejcZPRW3Wy7B9FflngA-Y2-1jwgXGNqCcKZt0BjoYqU_GXPvvCrRrtHtCTLXRECPy1PMXx67TOZGAw-k7j5sSDsqGKo1KA_vbxi1K_56-vPgheMUH0AsBW8Fyl0/s640/zpfile003+(32).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Renovations to shore up and prevent further ruin. As you can imagine, it is a massive undertaking, considering the age of Rome.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's it for the Roman Forum. If you ever get a chance to go to Italy, this is one of the many places you won't want to miss.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">CIAO!!!!</span></div>
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Fursdon Househttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07882587138306216501noreply@blogger.com0