tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80267826561605765362024-03-15T19:30:20.303-04:00LIFE WITH LYNNSharing my small town life with my husband, family, friends, faith, <br> two adorable Ragdoll cats and one very silly Yorkie!Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-6196866661287991332015-07-09T21:02:00.001-04:002015-07-16T22:53:19.316-04:00FOR MY HUSBAND WITH LOVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My husband and I were high school sweethearts and we have truly shared our entire lives together. We married young, worked hard, made a home, and raised two beautiful children.<br />
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We made a promise many years ago to love each other forever, and I'm proud to say that we have kept that promise through all the ups and inevitable downs of life.<br />
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He had a serious health scare recently; thankfully he is doing well and we have been told we can expect a full recovery. But during that scary, difficult time, I realized even more how much I love him, need him, and could not live without him.<br />
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I made this video as a tribute to him. Thank you for this wonderful life we share together. I love you forever.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/r3gX35fT1rc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r3gX35fT1rc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Song is "Beautiful Man, Beautiful Boy" by Karen Taylor-Good; "Perfect Work of Art" album.)</span></div>
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-52876824371739938852015-07-07T20:01:00.000-04:002015-07-07T20:04:21.242-04:00LOLOL!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XU_9yi6xvRs" width="420"></iframe><br />
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OMW!!! This YouTube video just <b>CRAAAACKS</b> me up!<br />
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This (previously miserable) little tot obviously LOVES Katy Perry's song, Dark Horse, and makes no apologies about it. I totally understand... I really like the song too.<br />
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HOWEVER... I can only hope when that song is played at Zumba class, that I show a LITTLE MORE restraint! Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-59396157253667921082015-02-08T20:36:00.001-05:002015-02-08T20:44:27.583-05:00LOL! (I think?!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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OK... I'm not sure WHAT to think about this short video.</div>
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On one hand, it IS adorable, and this little girl does seem to have such a sweet, tender heart.</div>
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On the other hand, I think maybe mom and dad ought to stick to HAPPY movies, only!</div>
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This seems a bit like... torture! </div>
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Your thoughts?!</div>
Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-58805942582225376232015-01-19T20:24:00.000-05:002015-02-09T10:43:25.609-05:00Makin' Bagels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ56K7K1Uj0-A_dpYLHoP-aMrtHkwadq7gJ57w2-0to7TmmnycyAYNjobEEOSK3G4MNQvny1c8nkgZDGMs5zLYjZh8z3yBMmfqjlXTYjONz7C5S0YYpfypKBvun6imnKDZwKnONHbGgLHZ/s1600/18-done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ56K7K1Uj0-A_dpYLHoP-aMrtHkwadq7gJ57w2-0to7TmmnycyAYNjobEEOSK3G4MNQvny1c8nkgZDGMs5zLYjZh8z3yBMmfqjlXTYjONz7C5S0YYpfypKBvun6imnKDZwKnONHbGgLHZ/s1600/18-done.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a cold and blustery day in PA... a good day to be inside. My husband was out of town. It was a day off work for my dear daughter and me. It was a perfect day to try our hand at... making bagels!<br />
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We LOVE Panera bagels, especially the Asiago ones and the cinnamon toast ones. But we don't live near a Panera. So unless we wanted to drive a distance (which we didn't), we would have to make our own.<br />
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We did a little research, read and compared recipes and finally decided on <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2012/02/homemade-asiago-cheese-bagels/">THIS ONE</a> (Asiago) and <a href="http://www.bunsinmyoven.com/2014/03/31/cinnamon-crunch-bagels/">THIS ONE</a> (Cinnamon Crunch). <br />
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We convened at my house and got started:<br />
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Brody had his faced washed and was ready to get busy.<br />
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As usual, the cats were excited and involved... #sarcasm<br />
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Double checking the recipes:<br />
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Beautiful new KitchenAid mixer did a wonderful job mixing up the dough. </div>
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But nothing beats hand kneading!</div>
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Our dough raised beautifully!</div>
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Dough shaped into 13 rounds. Starting to look like bagels now!</div>
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Short break for a belly rub:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Awww thanks Sissy! You know the BEST spots!"</td></tr>
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Next the bagels got boiled for a few minutes...</div>
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Grating the cheese...</div>
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Ready for the oven now...</div>
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Sprinkled with the cheese and baking in the oven.</div>
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Smelled soooooo good!</div>
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TA DA! Beautiful finished Asiago bagels! #AsGoodAsPaneras #MaybeEvenBetter</div>
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Next up, the Cinnamon Crunch bagels. (We were pros by now!)</div>
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Then kitchen tidied up...</div>
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Two happy (and just-a-little-tired) bagel loving' girls:<br />
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We divided the bagels and darling daughter went home.</div>
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All told, about 4.5 hours, start to finish...</div>
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The cats were EXHAUSTED!</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8026782656160576536%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-KgTTPnRPpUk%252FVL2li2f00NI%252FAAAAAAAADeM%252FnC_DANdZ42Y%252Fs1600%252F11-done.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 215px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2442px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8026782656160576536%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-KgTTPnRPpUk%252FVL2li2f00NI%252FAAAAAAAADeM%252FnC_DANdZ42Y%252Fs1600%252F11-done.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 215px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2442px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8026782656160576536%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5880594258222537623&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-g1L3tOYhnys%252FVM0Rgo9MulI%252FAAAAAAAADgg%252FR956mFvMP8c%252Fs1600%252FEXHAUSTED-done.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7566px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8026782656160576536%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5880594258222537623&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-g1L3tOYhnys%252FVM0Rgo9MulI%252FAAAAAAAADgg%252FR956mFvMP8c%252Fs1600%252FEXHAUSTED-done.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7566px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-9365235542923600692015-01-01T17:42:00.000-05:002015-01-03T17:48:36.553-05:00A Brand New Year...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have such a love/hate relationship with a new year. On one hand, I always shake my head and wonder, "How can it be? Another whole year, gone!" I brood a little over how fast the years seem to fly by. Remember how loooooong a year seemed when we were children? I want that feeling back!<br />
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But... on the other hand... I really like the start of a new year. Although I tend to think more in terms of the day's resolutions, not the year's... I can't help but feeling like the new year stretching out ahead is full of promise and excitement. Like a beautiful new book, just waiting to be opened and filled with new experiences and new memories, I can't wait to see what the year will hold. <br />
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I hope to continue to grow and learn. I hope to become wiser, kinder and more compassionate. I hope to better show my family and friends that I love and adore them more than words can say. And YES, I hope to lose five pounds!<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-10842964003709295362014-12-06T12:14:00.002-05:002015-04-11T18:43:14.453-04:00BRODY, ONE YEAR LATER (Or, Why It is Dangerous to Make Decisions When You are Depressed!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you read <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/08/bringing-brody-home-part-3.html">THIS POST</a> or <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/08/getting-ready-for-brody-part-2.html">THIS ONE</a>, then you know that an adorable Yorkie pup joined our family last year.<br />
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He was 3 pounds when we got him, and now he's full grown and tipping the scales at a whopping 6 pounds. And short of a human baby, never have so few pounds changed our lives!<br />
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A little pre-Brody background... we were happy <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2010/10/update-on-boyz.html">CAT PEOPLE </a>with two gorgeous Ragdoll cats. We could go away for the weekend (or a couple of weeks) and those independent, self-sufficient felines would be fine in the care of a friend or house-sitter. ("Oh, hi. Were you gone?")<br />
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Now if you know me, you know that I am typically content and optimistic. I am not prone to depression. For this I am extremely grateful. But I broke my foot last year (that sorry post is <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/07/happy-friday.html">HERE</a>) -- and during those 3 very long, very difficult months, life was very hard. I got depressed. I was hard-to-please, miserable and unhappy. <br />
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I decided I neeeeeeeeeded a puppy because a puppy would make me happy. A puppy would cuddle in my lap (those dang cats weren't being nearly solicitous enough!) A puppy would give me sweet puppy-kisses. (Those dang cats weren't giving me nearly enough attention.) A puppy would greet me at the door with a happy, wagging tail and joyfully come when I called him. (The dang cats NEVER wag their tails [LOL] and lord knows they NEVER come when they are called!) I envisioned errands and enjoyable, leisurely walks with a devoted puppy by my side. (Those dang cats hate leaving the house.)<br />
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In other words, in my uncharacteristically unhappy state of mind, I decided that a puppy would simply solve all my problems. Any attempts by my reasonable husband to tell me otherwise fell on my two deaf ears. I was convinced that The Perfect Puppy would change my life, make me happy, heal my foot, end hunger, stop crime, cure AIDS, balance the federal budget, and bring world peace. <br />
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So I started looking for a puppy (<a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/08/expecting-brody.html">HERE</a>). I spent every spare minute in my favorite living room chair, bad foot elevated, Mac in my lap, obsessively researching puppies and breeders. (I know you find that hard to believe, right?) Well, I found him. And I wanted him. And at that point, neither hell nor high water could have stopped me. And as soon as I was able to put weight on my foot, I flew to Missouri to get him.<br />
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But this post is not really about Brody's story. Or even Brody himself, for that matter. <br />
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No, this post is about MAKING DECISIONS WHEN YOU ARE DEPRESSED! Because I am here to tell you that within DAYS of being able to walk again, the depression lifted. It was rather amazing, actually. I could literally feel the crushing weight slipping off my shoulders. The last 3 months quickly began to feel like a COMA that I had now miraculously awakened from. <br />
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I had "known"at the time that I was depressed, of course, but it wasn't until I was looking back in hindsight that I realized HOW VERY depressed I had been.<br />
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So then what happened? Well, when I woke up out of my Depression Coma and looked around -- I HAD A DOG! Egads, how did THAT happen?! A DOG?! WHY do I have a dog?! I'm a cat person! I'm also a busy person! I don't have TIME for a dog! And I don't know a THING about dogs! What in the world am I going to do with a DOG???! OMG, WHAT WAS I THINKING?!<br />
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Which is the point of this post: I WASN'T THINKING. At least not thinking "clearly". And in my depression-fog I made a decision that now commits me to 15 years or so of 24/7 doggie-parenthood.<br />
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Thankfully my husband ADORES Brody, and actively shares in his care. Thankfully Brody is small (in my compromised state of mind I could have gotten a Mastiff or a Newfoundland!) and is (as far as canines go) pretty easy to live with.<br />
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But the point is... I made a decision that I would probably have NEVER MADE had I not been depressed. Which was kinda scary and very sobering.<br />
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So the moral of this story is that the experts knew what they are talking about when they tell you to never make an important decision when you are depressed or grieving or otherwise emotionally compromised. <br />
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This experience has been quite eye-opening for me. And thankfully, all I ended up with was a dog. I think about people who are depressed who walk out of their marriage, quit their jobs, gamble away their life savings, or any number of other equally horrifying scenarios.<br />
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Now please don't misunderstand: I love my little dog. (In fact, he is curled up beside me on this chair where it all began, sleeping like an angel with his little head in my lap.) I am thankful that he is healthy, good-natured and adorable. And he does love me. He is always so happy to see me, he gives me sweet puppy-kisses, he is a tail-wagger and cuddler of epic proportions. In many ways now I can't imagine my life without him.<br />
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HOWEVER... all that being said, it has not been without a LOT of challenges and adjustments. But that's another post for another time... <br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8026782656160576536%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1084296400370929536&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-wCDzqwhXDzg%252FVIM9CxnINlI%252FAAAAAAAADbE%252F91hr2OW__lY%252Fs1600%252FIMG_3744-done.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1586px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8026782656160576536%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D1084296400370929536&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-wCDzqwhXDzg%252FVIM9CxnINlI%252FAAAAAAAADbE%252F91hr2OW__lY%252Fs1600%252FIMG_3744-done.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1586px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-19496424716126955682014-04-11T18:56:00.000-04:002015-04-11T18:56:22.373-04:00BEER BREAD!<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
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Have you ever heard of Beer Bread? Do you know about this? Have you ever had it? Have you ever MADE it?!<br />
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If you answered yes, yes, yes and yes, and are thinking something along the lines of, "Um, duh, of COURSE..." then apparently it's ME that's been living UNDER A ROCK?<br />
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Well, if that's the case, then let's just say I am so glad to finally be seeing the LIGHT OF DAY!<br />
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Because... Beer Bread = my newest addiction! I simply cannot get enough of it! <br />
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It all started innocuously enough. Thumbing through the latest <a href="http://www.penzeys.com%20/">Penzey's catalog</a> (which is a different post for a different time, but suffice to say that I LOVE PENZEY'S!) and one of the recipes caught my eye. "Beer Bread? Hmmmm... interesting. Never heard of it. Looks good. Well, I have flour... salt... sugar... baking powder... and a 12 oz. bottle of Dos Equis... I'll try it." <br />
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An hour later I was one happy, happy girl! <br />
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It is DELICIOUS! Tastes like a yeast-bread, but fast and easy like a quick-bread. (No time-consuming rolling, kneading, punching down, kneading again, punching down... oh no! Just MIX, pour, bake!) The batter looks like a biscuit batter, which is truthfully the taste/texture I was expecting. I was wrong! I pleasantly surprised with the moist, rich finished bread. This is NO biscuit, babeeee! <br />
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(By the way, if you don't like beer, let me assure you that there is little to no "beer taste"!)<br />
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The picture at the top of this post was my first loaf of Beer Bread, and I have made it several times since. It is consistently and deliriously delicious hot out of the ovan, warm, room temperature, or toasted. It is delicious by itself, or as a sandwich. It is delicious in a box, with a fox... in a house with a mouse... oh, never mind, I'm sure you probably <a href="https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091118215339AAG8bjF">get the idea</a>! <br />
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So this was the page that changed my life:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxJ5jD68U0d3eoFB-d6b1CgESJJlkL9ok-KRrdQwCalEd-b_NWH8i1jRRhOVXiT3OX_691vhfWshu0b6M_1c4tCAEk20QLe-ehbF62a8MCmrtQFp_NFe4MQuMnDnGvPG_Sudl6yLcTtwy/s1600/PENZEYS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxJ5jD68U0d3eoFB-d6b1CgESJJlkL9ok-KRrdQwCalEd-b_NWH8i1jRRhOVXiT3OX_691vhfWshu0b6M_1c4tCAEk20QLe-ehbF62a8MCmrtQFp_NFe4MQuMnDnGvPG_Sudl6yLcTtwy/s1600/PENZEYS.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started looking around and soon realized that there are a LOT of beer bread recipes floating around the internet (and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>)... but I'm feeling fiercely loyal to the Penzey's recipe! <br />
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Althoooooough, I will say that when I saw The Brown-Eyed Baker's <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2014/04/09/bacon-and-cheddar-beer-bread/">"Bacon and Cheddar Beer Bread Recipe"</a> recently, I thought, "Now that's an idea I can get behind!" (That was after my first thought of, "Aha! She loves Beer Bread, too!") <br />
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It is pretty much the same *basic* recipe as the Penzey's one, just a few small tweaks. It, too, is DELICIOUS! Here is my loaf, made just last night:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKsRvIsYQ-ciRrEKpZv_rd3p3Q3ENkzWw0qN801DE6BJzODzjSCTivynnVgGxXnHdhM6hvuBNmkr6sfUO6UFHFm9KlSZ9tjRXSZolUZ7xIbWrEjtqabrVzWgCHE1GZn9pPn2pypggWHBf/s1600/Bacon+cheddar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKsRvIsYQ-ciRrEKpZv_rd3p3Q3ENkzWw0qN801DE6BJzODzjSCTivynnVgGxXnHdhM6hvuBNmkr6sfUO6UFHFm9KlSZ9tjRXSZolUZ7xIbWrEjtqabrVzWgCHE1GZn9pPn2pypggWHBf/s1600/Bacon+cheddar.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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If anything could improve that basic recipe, it was bacon and cheddar. Ohmyguuuudnessohmyguuuudness!<br />
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This will be phenomenal tomorrow morning, 2 slices toasted with an egg in between. All the elements of a breakfast sandwich in only two steps! Very excited!<br />
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For your own beer bread baking pleasure:<br />
The basic Penzey's recipe can be found <a href="http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/recipes/r-penzeysBeerBread2.html">HERE</a>. <br />
The bacon/cheddar variation can be found in the Brown Eyed Baker's post <a href="http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2014/04/09/bacon-and-cheddar-beer-bread/">HERE</a>.<br />
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Enjoy! And please let me know when YOU become a Beer Bread fan too!<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-42283112173174687562013-12-23T20:12:00.001-05:002014-05-01T16:40:26.696-04:00SUSTAINABILITY -- ONE YEAR LATER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJozQaJEQXzduRN_71e0RFQQqa974g3aE0bPYnxL6b4bKiGt08f0wfhupHvl0N0nx5PtVM0jGGkNv6Y8MJeXezgltLYmYYRwY0FKfenilieXqHkNOsClxl1CGtdTVzb5upYHhyphenhyphenb50b_JK/s1600/f1d16635c572ae60aa9c96d2bed5f732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJozQaJEQXzduRN_71e0RFQQqa974g3aE0bPYnxL6b4bKiGt08f0wfhupHvl0N0nx5PtVM0jGGkNv6Y8MJeXezgltLYmYYRwY0FKfenilieXqHkNOsClxl1CGtdTVzb5upYHhyphenhyphenb50b_JK/s1600/f1d16635c572ae60aa9c96d2bed5f732.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a><br />
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If you read <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2012/12/sustainability-or-to-go-distance-my.html">THIS post</a> and <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2012/12/sustainability-part-2.html">THIS one</a>, then you know that a year ago my husband and I enjoyed a 2-week vacation at a very beautiful all-inclusive resort in Mexico. It was two weeks of pure pampered bliss, and one of the best vacations we had ever taken.<br />
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It was also, quite simply, a vacation that changed my life. How so? Let me explain:<br />
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Once we arrived, my husband was busy right away exploring the resort, the pools, the beach, the restaurants, the activities... on the other hand, I was exhausted and all I wanted to do was sleep. And honestly, that is mostly what I did the first few days. <br />
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When I woke up on the morning of our 4th day there, it took me a few minutes to recognize the wonderful feeling of being rested! It was actually a rather shocking revelation, and definitely made me think, "If it takes me THREE DAYS to get rested up from just LIVING, then something needs to change!"<br />
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So I re-examined my life and my priorities, and decided then and there that when I got home, I would implement changes to hopefully prevent that kind of bone-crushing exhaustion from ever "taking over" again. <br />
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And that's what I did. <br />
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In ways large and small, I took practical steps to make my daily life more *sustainable*. Of course there were certain obligations and responsibilties that didn't change (my job, my home, my husband!) and we could all use more hours in a day, but I was surprised by all the things that I could shift or rearrange. And by the difference these changes would make.<br />
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At the top of my list was, clearly, the goal to get more sleep. That is hard for me, but I made it my #1 priority change. I am now in bed typically 8 - 9 hours before I need to get up. That difference alone has been staggering! Of course that means better evening planning, so that I have everything done that needs done well ahead of bedtime.<br />
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Another strategy was our evening dinner. Meals and good food are important to us, but we began doing a lot of our cooking on the weekends, instead of cooking every evening. These weekend menus are fun to plan, very versatile, and great for mixing and matching all week long, for EASY, delicious weeknight dinners. <br />
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I tried to become more aware of not wasting time... keeping better lists of groceries and errands and combining trips so that more could be accomplished in less time, etc.<br />
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I continue to monitor myself... paying attention to my comfort level and my limitations. I realize that adjustments and "tweaks" will probably be ongoing. My mantra remains "sustainability", and not ever allowing that deep rut of exhaustion to take over.<br />
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What have I gained? More time with my husband, my family, my friends. More time to read, play with my pets, relax. More long baths, more long walks, more time to think and play and enjoy the things that matter most.<br />
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What tips or strategies do you have for keeping your lifestyle sustainable?<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-62035912505034698482013-10-29T20:59:00.001-04:002013-10-29T21:12:08.906-04:00NATIONAL CAT DAY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLG1SvZm1kzAsBqeqzUGDZI3bJLGcIRlwlTjWVtSRERCz4-X4nVqE5UGZnj8NhNronlz0PLUaVzZgfLXDHduChktnFrtXjdcCi0w_z2Yp34iByFwlcgdR_RlEFyUb_XmSsxbFtZ6HSTtC/s1600/We_Adore_Cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLG1SvZm1kzAsBqeqzUGDZI3bJLGcIRlwlTjWVtSRERCz4-X4nVqE5UGZnj8NhNronlz0PLUaVzZgfLXDHduChktnFrtXjdcCi0w_z2Yp34iByFwlcgdR_RlEFyUb_XmSsxbFtZ6HSTtC/s400/We_Adore_Cats.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today, October 29, is National Cat Day. It's a day to recognize and honor the wonderful and wacky feline members of our world.<br />
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Some fun CAT FACTS:<br />
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1. In North America, cats have become more popular as pets than dogs. Nearly 73 million cats are kept as household pets vs. 63 million dogs. <br />
2. A cat can jump up to 5 times its height per jump.<br />
3. Outdoor cats have a lifespan averaging only 3-5 years; indoor cats can live to 16, or more!<br />
4. Cats are the mammals with the largest eyes.<br />
5. Cats have 24 more bones than humans.<br />
6. Cat's pregnancies last about 9 weeks. Most litters have 4-6 kittens.<br />
7. Each side of a cat's face has 12 whiskers. Cats use their whiskers to measure openings, indicate mood, and for general navigation.<br />
8. A fingerprint is to a human what a nose is to a cat.<br />
9. Want to call a hairball by its scientific name? Next time, say the word "bezoar"! (As in, "Why yes, there's another BEZOAR on my bed!")<br />
10. Cats sleep on the average of 16-18 hours a day. Of their time awake, approximately 1/3 of it is spent grooming themselves.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Cat Facts from <a href="http://animal.discovery.com/pets/cat-facts.htm">DID YOU KNOW</a>...)</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/boTKqWePWjM" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Here are a few ways to celebrate National Cat Day:<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Reprinted in part from <a href="http://www.baxterboo.com/fun/a.cfm/5-ways-to-celebrate-national-cat-day?utm_source=Backyard%2BNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Backyard-2013-10-29">Baxterboo</a>.<span id="goog_836739703"></span><span id="goog_836739704"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>) </span><br />
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1. ADOPT A CAT. Do you have room in your home for a homeless kitty? Visit <a href="http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?location=80231&animal=Cat&primary_breed=&age=&gender=&distance=&pet_name=">Petfinder.com</a> to find available cats for adoption near you. If you can't adopt, encourage others to do so or sponsor one at a shelter. Consider fostering cats as an alternative to help several cats and kittens.<br />
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2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAT. If you are a cat guardian, guard them well with updated vaccines, quality food and yearly check ups. Also, if you haven't spayed or neutered the cats under your care (either house cats or feral) please do so to keep more cats from contributing to shelter populations.<br />
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3. PLAY WITH YOUR CAT. Cat behaviorists suggest playing with your cat at least 15 minutes a day for mental and physical exercise. This keeps cats in shape and emotionally well balanced. It can reverse problem behaviors! This is particularly important for indoor cats and cats that used to be outdoor cats. Cats need to experience the daily "hunt" to feel all catty inside. This includes stalking, catching and "killing" a cat toy. This technique is best created with fishing pole type toys. Well-exercised cats are less likely to exhibit behaviors that get them sent to shelters.<br />
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4. DONATE TO YOUR FAVORITE SHELTER. Cats and cat shelters have it rough. Because of severe cat overpopulation, nearly 7 out of 10 cats in shelters are euthanized. Consider getting involved by volunteering your time and money at your local shelter where your resources can really make a difference.<br />
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My husband and I are happy and honored to share our lives with our two wonderful cats, Boo and Bentley. We love them so much! They make us laugh and smile every day. They also keep us humble. It's pretty hard to start thinking TOO MUCH of yourself when you live with cats!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EcVQ0PujCUfc0uF0hn86AmYhcEUpFBe6YasXFvr2GLMihn8kAv-NGgsTe9_oIe_CY-68DHIPCFQVJPelZrGw3sv8dD89hjkcetoTyg7JovG1Ti_MmJpsHFWJE9q36vqgGExh3gRxvg6S/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EcVQ0PujCUfc0uF0hn86AmYhcEUpFBe6YasXFvr2GLMihn8kAv-NGgsTe9_oIe_CY-68DHIPCFQVJPelZrGw3sv8dD89hjkcetoTyg7JovG1Ti_MmJpsHFWJE9q36vqgGExh3gRxvg6S/s400/IMG_0083.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boo Radley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bentley Edmund Spencer</td></tr>
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Do you have a special cat (or two...) in YOUR life?<br />
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-43347555806535202022013-09-09T20:32:00.001-04:002013-09-10T16:41:28.679-04:00WEEK NIGHT WONDER - Jalapeño Popper Quiche<br />
Just look at this glorious bowl of mixed hot peppers, fresh from the garden! Oh, yum! The POTENTIAL!<br />
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I love hot peppers... and making jalapeño poppers is one of my favorite snacks. <br />
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But it was a Thursday evening and we needed DINNER, and this recipe, <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2011/08/jalapeno-popper-quiche.html">"Jalapeño Popper Quiche"</a>, from <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/">Closet Cooking</a> began dancing in my head! If you have seen my recipe for <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2012/04/week-night-wonder-reuben-casserole.html">Reuben Casserole</a> or <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2012/05/week-night-wonder-cheryls-pepperoni.html">Pepperoni Pizza Soup</a>, then you know how I love to take favorite, familiar flavors, shake them up and turn them into something unusual. THIS recipe, using all the ingredients of <a href="http://cnsnews.com/news/article/recipe-cream-cheese-stuffed-jalapeno-poppers">jalapeño poppers</a> was right up my jalapeño-lovin' alley!<br />
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AAAAND... it was QUICK. It was EASY. It was DELICIOUS! Because of all that, it earned a well-deserved post as a "Week Night Wonder"! <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">JALAPEÑO POPPER QUICHE</span></b><br />
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A cheesy quiche with all of the flavors of jalapeño poppers including cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeños plus a crispy crust!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px;">Servings: makes 6 servings</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8026782656160576536" name="TOC-Ingredients"></a>Ingredients</span></h5>
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<li>1 (9 inch) pie shell, lightly pre-baked</li>
<li>1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature</li>
<li>2 jalapenos, diced (seed them if you prefer less heat)</li>
<li>1/2 cup milk</li>
<li>1/2 cup cream</li>
<li>[I added 1/2 of an onion diced small and 2 cloves of garlic minced]</li>
<li>5 large eggs, lightly beaten</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1 jalapeno, sliced</li>
<li>1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated [I used more]</li>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8026782656160576536" name="TOC-Directions"></a>Directions</span></h5>
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<li>Spread the cream cheese over the bottom of the pie crust and sprinkle on the diced jalapenos.</li>
<li>Heat the milk and cream [and onion and garlic] over medium heat until just before it boils, about 5 minutes and pour it into a large bowl.</li>
<li>Pour the eggs into the heated cream while stirring constantly.</li>
<li>Mix in the paprika and salt.</li>
<li>Pour the mixture into the pie plate and bake in a preheated 350F oven for 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Remove from oven, arrange the jalapeno slices on top, sprinkle with cheese and bake until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown, about 15 minutes</li>
</ol>
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If you can take THE HEAT (LOL!), I totally recommend this recipe! <br />
It's a definite *YUM!*<br />
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Do you have a week night wonder that YOU love?<br />
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-89641192137082822882013-08-24T13:09:00.000-04:002013-12-23T20:40:38.121-05:00PART 3: BRINGING BRODY HOME <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySy_pbTvXPdRMQuwqXprsCv3H9CmS6qYSy80m3qAaT1p8xZSHB71bYCJPTURX7vgmycdk0AsxvEeyAbhpHEVbsubKfQFngYvvf-1K1Akm-1ySgxq2DKuVT4E1IC4Gn4bInpUr5HO-B3y-/s1600/IMG_3885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySy_pbTvXPdRMQuwqXprsCv3H9CmS6qYSy80m3qAaT1p8xZSHB71bYCJPTURX7vgmycdk0AsxvEeyAbhpHEVbsubKfQFngYvvf-1K1Akm-1ySgxq2DKuVT4E1IC4Gn4bInpUr5HO-B3y-/s400/IMG_3885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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He's heeeeeere! And we are so happy with him, we are just bustin' buttons!<br />
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If you read <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/08/expecting-brody.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/08/getting-ready-for-brody-part-2.html">HERE</a>, you know that we made plans to add a Yorkie Pup from Deb Sillers of <a href="http://www.amazingyorkies.com/">AmazingYorkies</a> to our family. We could have had him shipped but neither my husband or I could stand the thoughts of it! So I made plans to fly from <a href="http://www.pitairport.com/">Pittsburgh</a> to <a href="http://www.flykci.com/">Kansas City, MO</a> (and back!) on 8/13/13 to pick him up myself. <br />
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Since we live two hours from the Piitsburgh airport, and since I had to be at the airport by 6:00 am, my husband and I went the night before and stayed at the <a href="http://pittsburghairport.place.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html">Hyatt</a>. I got up early the next morning and hopped on the 5:45 shuttle to the airport. Hubby spent the day toolin' around Pittsburgh, with plans to be at the airport that night at 8:00 pm -- when I got back WITH BRODY!<br />
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I flew PIT to Dallas/Fort Worth, and Dallas/Fort Worth to MCI (Kansas City, MO):<br />
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I was a little nervous. I had 4 flights that day, without any extra time to spare. One delay could have thrown off everything! But guess what?! Every flight went WITHOUT A HITCH and I arrived at Kansas City right on time. I was texting Deb and my husband furiously!<br />
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I walked off that plane and Deb was waiting for me, with the most precious puppy I have ever laid eyes on! I did almost cry!<br />
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Once I had Brody in my hot little hands, I wasn't quite as worried about flight delays, etc. By that point, at least Deb could get back to her regularly scheduled life (LOL!) and of course, I HAD BRODY! I updated my husband:<br />
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Brody was a champ. His day had started early, too... Deb had bathed him that morning and they had a two hour drive to the airport, too. Then he waited in the airport with Deb and her two friends till some crazeee woman (me!) scooped him up and smothered him with hugs and kisses!!! <br />
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My longest layover (2.5 hours) was in Kansas City (the BEST time for the longest layover -- I'm tellin' you, it was ALL PERFECT!) so it gave me a chance to start getting to know Brody. His sweet personality was already shining through. He was everything Deb had promised, and more!<br />
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In Kansas City, I even had time to get a quick lunch. Which was good, 'cause by then I was staaaaaarving!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Brody didn't eat or drink, though -- and the poor baby did throw up three times. But he never complained; he was an ANGEL the whole time. I was falling more in love by the MINUTE!</span></span>
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<span style="text-align: center;">So now with my precious cargo in tow, I boarded my last two flights. Kansas City to Chicago O'Hare and Chicago O'Hare back to PIT.</span><br />
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Brody was SOOO good! With his carrier stowed safely under the seat, at my feet, and under my watchful eye EVERY SECOND, he slept quietly on both flights. Not a PEEP out of that precious boy THE WHOLE TIME!<br />
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We arrived back at PIT at 8 pm -- right on schedule -- and Daddy was waiting for us there. He was so happy to finally meet Brody!<br />
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We had a two hour drive home, and Brody slept most of the way. I texted Deb to let her know we were almost home. I was starting to get concerned that Brody hadn't eaten A THING since Deb fed him breakfast that morning. Deb suggested that I scramble him an egg with cheese when we got home. So that's what we did... and he ate almost the whole thing! <br />
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Introductions with Boo and Bentley went very well, as I was sure they would. Bentley was especially curious!<br />
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I took the next week off work to spend time with Brody and help him get settled in. He has been nothing but a JOY and a DELIGHT. He is sweet, mellow, loving, and just a little feisty! We are so happy with him!<br />
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I took him to the vet and he got a perfect check-up. He weighs 3.6 pounds, and Deb expects he will probably be about 6 pounds full-grown. But believe me, there are 100 pounds of personality in that little body!<br />
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And, OH -- he's such a SNUGGLER! He likes napping with me. And you KNOW I love THAT!<br />
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I'm telling you... I couldn't be happier with this little guy. Stay tuned for LOTS more pictures and updates!<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-31325835764723181792013-08-10T19:15:00.001-04:002013-08-24T20:51:08.481-04:00PART 2: GETTING READY FOR BRODY <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs7ovFvAAB8kCaQ5CCIMFLZTJOm_w05xwoDDuF7hJByeKPs9E9xLWHkLyPn041H9DaAskVo3VRRDGHLHHhBJ-IcjX3ccBscfo4oS_u9ZfC0nhwfQkSnf77PnB9K5o-YkDWw_GmNB3Roka/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-10+at+3.33.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgs7ovFvAAB8kCaQ5CCIMFLZTJOm_w05xwoDDuF7hJByeKPs9E9xLWHkLyPn041H9DaAskVo3VRRDGHLHHhBJ-IcjX3ccBscfo4oS_u9ZfC0nhwfQkSnf77PnB9K5o-YkDWw_GmNB3Roka/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-08-10+at+3.33.03+PM.png" width="252" /></a></div>
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If you read my <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/08/expecting-brody.html">last post</a>, then you know that my husband and I recently chose a Yorkie pup to add to our family. I hope our darling Raggies, <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2011/03/boo-one-adorable-raggie.html">Boo</a> and <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2011/06/bentley-aka-squeak-update.html">Bentley</a>, agree that it's a good idea, LOL! I've tried to tell 'em, but those scalawags just don't seem to be listenin'... !<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW3snSHOH95YypYu11cN5sYNX-NpCPeU4efT-FJOfxIB_LXDeT8d5jMTgAsmbNMFRWOUMHbxXWiAeFmae9MLn1eAZexXpsmmaBCM-N_nsxMRpgnVqgc_AJr7ULVUsVB5IjnmECXi3M3Bm/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQW3snSHOH95YypYu11cN5sYNX-NpCPeU4efT-FJOfxIB_LXDeT8d5jMTgAsmbNMFRWOUMHbxXWiAeFmae9MLn1eAZexXpsmmaBCM-N_nsxMRpgnVqgc_AJr7ULVUsVB5IjnmECXi3M3Bm/s320/IMG_0883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHv04UPH0cUVJ4JUcXrY5Ball1Kv1MhTxnT-BEgQq6fROAlCI-8cCUSe2jB4s6VhvcsKSaHKX_M_y_VF3ODZUXdb3MDHPzemF9NVCkiA3a8LWwdVKtc1zBZ6vUSRrHYyfBHWUZBMjGMg2/s1600/IMG_3698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHv04UPH0cUVJ4JUcXrY5Ball1Kv1MhTxnT-BEgQq6fROAlCI-8cCUSe2jB4s6VhvcsKSaHKX_M_y_VF3ODZUXdb3MDHPzemF9NVCkiA3a8LWwdVKtc1zBZ6vUSRrHYyfBHWUZBMjGMg2/s320/IMG_3698.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bentley (aka "Squeak")</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH28dLYlWl043QjdVM-gF_VlWrS35qVc1RMbums5FWiAFTHsMd3ppr845cTkgu6NS3RuPjxwQ45ZpbJyAD-KISxkggYK6KKecAf6Hv76RZUyKO6yx2NgevWFwlh40yLCNpCrHltViwn19/s1600/IMG_2271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH28dLYlWl043QjdVM-gF_VlWrS35qVc1RMbums5FWiAFTHsMd3ppr845cTkgu6NS3RuPjxwQ45ZpbJyAD-KISxkggYK6KKecAf6Hv76RZUyKO6yx2NgevWFwlh40yLCNpCrHltViwn19/s320/IMG_2271.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two lazeeeee Raggies...</td></tr>
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Funny story: My husband and I had been gone a few hours this morning and when we came home, both kitties were sitting side-by-side in the kitchen, looking very serious and expectant. Husband says (in his best "kitty voice"): "So, is today the day, Mom? Huh? Huh? We hear ya' talkin'!" I craaaaaaacked up!<br />
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So I'm pretty rusty in the Dog Care Dept. We haven't had a dog in YEARS... not since Sasha, the German Shepherd/beagle mix rescue that grew up with our kids. I also had NOTHING for a new pup. (What does a new pup need?! Well... LOTS of stuff! Food, treats, chewies, toys, a carrier, dishes, harness, leash, collar, tags, a puppy play pen... you get the idea!)<br />
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Here's SOME of the stuff I've gotten... still waiting on a few boxes yet from Amazon and PetSmart! <br />
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And they better come soon because he is coming home Tuesday! <br />
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"How is he getting home?" you ask. Well, I am flying to MO to get him, of course! ;o)<br />
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YES, YES, I know he could have been shipped. His <a href="http://www.amazingyorkies.com/">breeder</a> has done that before and she had every confidence that he'd be fine. My daughter had every confidence that he'd be fine. But let me tell you, if you are EVER thinking of having a pet shipped, DO NOT google, "pets flying in cargo." Even my husband said, "We can't let him fly alone in cargo! He's so leeeetle!" <br />
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So I got busy and found a flight from PIT to MCI (Kansas City, MO) and back in one day that worked for his breeder and wasn't too terribly, dreadfully awful (I leave PIT at 7:25 am and return to same at 8:00 pm)! Keep your fingers, toes and eyes crossed for NO DELAYS or problems, though... I don't have a minute anywhere to spare!<br />
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So that's the story! Little Brody comes home on Tuesday, 8/13/13, hand-carried and riding in the airplane cabin with me. I am soooo happy and excited. Lots of pics will follow... I promise! STAY TUNED!<br />
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<b>*Only 3 MORE SLEEPS!!!*</b><br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-9624302755215136962013-08-09T20:08:00.000-04:002013-08-24T20:49:31.367-04:00PART ONE: FINDING BRODY<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmGtoUu9ZLNvANmm5hqCGjn-feXkGpuOJCpVlkbyUUimM8JkV0e_KkJYJ37SesB-WALEzm0s7gGbPjLrY1DXEZXtoreM_Be6wRD1wtsLbKOceIZGY8LQmTWd13EXLv8tRR4AnERiruRzT/s1600/rainam065+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmGtoUu9ZLNvANmm5hqCGjn-feXkGpuOJCpVlkbyUUimM8JkV0e_KkJYJ37SesB-WALEzm0s7gGbPjLrY1DXEZXtoreM_Be6wRD1wtsLbKOceIZGY8LQmTWd13EXLv8tRR4AnERiruRzT/s320/rainam065+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brody</td></tr>
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If you have been following this blog at all lately (or read <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/07/puppy-fever.html">THIS</a> post) you know that I've had PUPPY FEVER for awhile now! <br />
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It didn't help matters when my dear daughter got her wonderful standard poodle puppy, <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/05/grand-puppeh-or-introducing-jack.html">Jack</a>. It just sent me into puppy fever overdrive! <br />
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Compounded by the dang fractured foot (see posts <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/07/happy-friday.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/07/walking-again.html">HERE</a>), which meant a LOT of time feeling sorry for myself and sitting on my butt cruising the internet... where I discovered all sorts of neat things. A <a href="http://www.poodleforum.com/1-poodle-forums/">forum for poodle lovers</a>... a <a href="http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/">forum for Yorkie lovers</a>... and oh, breeders, breeders everywhere. Now if you read <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2010/03/welcome-bentley.html">THIS POST</a> awhile ago, you know that I'm not a total newbie to Breeder-World, although my past experiences have only been with cats. <br />
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Well, I learned right away, it's similar in the doggie world. And frankly, again, it is shark-infested waters! There are <a href="http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?A=1448">backyard breeders, puppy mills, and puppy brokers</a> everywhere. And believe me when I tell you that there are FAR MORE bad (or mediocre) breeders out there than excellent ones. GOOD breeding is VERY hard work, with very little financial pay-off. Sadly, most people are far more interested in making money at the animals' expense than working selflessly to BETTER their breed. But don't get me started!<br />
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So... first I (finally!) chose my breed -- deciding on a <a href="http://www.akc.org/breeds/yorkshire_terrier/index.cfm">Yorkie</a>. Like poodles, they don't shed and they don't (typically) have that doggie odor. Also like poodles, you can "fussy-groom" them OR just keep them clipped short (which is what I plan to do.) Yorkies simply don't need the "space" that standard poodles need; and their size makes them easier to take places and travel with. Plus they simply *can't* counter-surf, LOL! Yorkies are <a href="http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/yorkshire-terrier">smart, sassy, sweet, loving little dogs</a> who don't seem to know they are small! <br />
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Next I narrowed down my search to several breeders who met my exceedingly high expectations and standards. Most excellent breeders have waiting lists, so it's not uncommon to have to wait for one of their pups. But I got lucky when Deb Sillers of <a href="http://www.amazingyorkies.com/">Amazing Yorkies</a> (in Fairfax, MO) had just what I was looking for *when* I was looking. (My criteria: a healthy, well-bred, well socialized pup, no preference of gender, not a "teeny-tiny", affectionate, confident, laid back; not nervous or high-strung.) Deb said that she had a pup that met all my criteria (in fact, she was saving him for the show ring)... but she must have liked me (LOL!) because she offered him to me. I was ECSTATIC! <br />
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Deb has been amazing -- so friendly, helpful and knowledgable. It has been a pleasure to get to know her. We have been in touch OFTEN (I hope I haven't been a PEST... gulp!) She has sent me photos, a video, frequent reports and updates. No question went unanswered. <br />
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My husband and I have named him Brody and he is almost 5 months old. Deb has had him vet-checked, neutered, micro-chipped, and all vaccinations. He's ready for us, and we are ready for him; he comes home on Tuesday! *Happy dance!* <b>STAY TUNED FOR PART 2!!!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoxGYzYh__wO4H0w83SYqOJTz14ubUDXXp5840wqWwY7C3j5yNwM0Vanmfy8vJL5yt3fQvSZ_CQ9TdWi_FnfgkBSTQXXRPyb55-Dr3kOhGdRiCuYef2D-o0y73PNZ5u0xwGxmU0poRd5n/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoxGYzYh__wO4H0w83SYqOJTz14ubUDXXp5840wqWwY7C3j5yNwM0Vanmfy8vJL5yt3fQvSZ_CQ9TdWi_FnfgkBSTQXXRPyb55-Dr3kOhGdRiCuYef2D-o0y73PNZ5u0xwGxmU0poRd5n/s320/IMG_2676.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brody </td></tr>
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-79295030670325710232013-07-26T22:19:00.001-04:002013-07-27T11:31:28.490-04:00Walking Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGoJde-8mn8VgAum120pELAjKbi8yKwSY5F5MkAAxN9EJLtIlB0V-pNGjVah9WOifg1N6Vv8WmO5Tb5npP9xdb5jXlCG44lMbFQo1hbsaD-58p2C4P6vPzbFjPmrMoLgP-Qm4G6byBB9Z/s1600/WalkShoes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGoJde-8mn8VgAum120pELAjKbi8yKwSY5F5MkAAxN9EJLtIlB0V-pNGjVah9WOifg1N6Vv8WmO5Tb5npP9xdb5jXlCG44lMbFQo1hbsaD-58p2C4P6vPzbFjPmrMoLgP-Qm4G6byBB9Z/s400/WalkShoes2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well, I saw the ortho doc this week and got his OK to start walking! YESSSSS! I get to DITCH the crutches, AND the scooter (buh bye, Sassy!), and ambulate again on my own two feet (albeit with a little difficulty and a slight limp.) But ahhhhh, it's still wonderful!<br />
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For those of you who might've missed <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/07/happy-friday.html">THIS</a> post, I broke my foot 8 weeks ago (rushing down the basement stairs, missed the last step, went down hard, heard a <a href="http://www.footvitals.com/bones/jones-fracture.html">SNAP</a>. That's never good!) <br />
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It's been a LOOONG two (non-weight bearing) months, let me tell you. Limitations I would have never dreamed of... the entire last two months have been exhausting and yes, even somewhat depressing. So yeah, I did a little happy dance at the doctor's office... I feel like I got my life back!<br />
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The footy is still a little *tender* and not completely healed, so the doc said to "take it easy" and "no recreational walking" for at least another month. I'm OK with that. Just being able to be back on my own two feet is nothing less than heavenly! Believe me, I will never take MOBILITY for granted again!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.springfieldhospital.org/ResourcesforHealthierLiving/WalkingForHealtherLiving/tabid/188/Default.aspx">HERE</a></span><br />
<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-91993291392766436232013-07-16T20:48:00.000-04:002013-07-16T20:48:20.558-04:00FOREVER CAT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfU3Ol3JKU49PdAgZZf6QdEjYNmB3yb5xDWGRHLQr0TFVPbW9DjHEK8HXW6ZPcfSd95lGDQSm7VAQ-QM_yg8U4W9s_btxF0wDwfvRzjvRn-b7VJhJXmBVABOk2g9klcoz8ORQuFsmmCpg/s1600/1004440_10151596336113197_46177876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAfU3Ol3JKU49PdAgZZf6QdEjYNmB3yb5xDWGRHLQr0TFVPbW9DjHEK8HXW6ZPcfSd95lGDQSm7VAQ-QM_yg8U4W9s_btxF0wDwfvRzjvRn-b7VJhJXmBVABOk2g9klcoz8ORQuFsmmCpg/s400/1004440_10151596336113197_46177876_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-77909722185396165832013-07-12T20:42:00.000-04:002013-07-13T10:16:07.007-04:00HAPPY FRIDAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg6BCN_VZ4tp7KnGinJCeQGzgZYGTNL5mLdPq7rYlGQJ4fJ24WlXXQCkLaRsTeloo-BZRXlHUZqz_76zVQW9blLoaqYxCToRe1gMDwN1A2n964EsmEBaJ-0Bb5rskfWM4ZvhMNCJ84Cw1/s1600/Happy_Friday.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg6BCN_VZ4tp7KnGinJCeQGzgZYGTNL5mLdPq7rYlGQJ4fJ24WlXXQCkLaRsTeloo-BZRXlHUZqz_76zVQW9blLoaqYxCToRe1gMDwN1A2n964EsmEBaJ-0Bb5rskfWM4ZvhMNCJ84Cw1/s320/Happy_Friday.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank goodness it's FRIDAY! It has been a long week for me. I hope your week went well and that your weekend is slooooow and wonderful!<br />
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It looks to be glorious weekend here... in fact, the whole next 7 days look picture perfect! Justlookit THIS weather report:<br />
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I plan to spend my weekend laying low and taking it easy. I haven't wanted to be a sad sack or complain (LOL!) but I guess I'm gonna confess... I BROKE MY FOOT! Yup... on May 31... rushing down my basement steps... missed the last step... my flip-flop rolled and took my right foot with it. Down I went (HARD!) and husband (nearby) heard the bone snap.<br />
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Went to the ER where they iced and x-rayed the poor swollen hurty foot and then pronounced it duly fractured. A 5th metatarsal fracture, thank you very much. Put a temporary cast on it and gave me a pair of crutches. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3o1Zwow_AhfDohUx2beIH2x7DIsKKK4_jUFRXMX80JUV_lcIGd34QhH_pp7qHy-pxd8-gwJvKr68mtLYkopsHFQwHWAEhajluku6_damH_JGPR8ED5bWH8yYeIX37yXsbQArFE-4NinnL/s1600/IMG_3091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3o1Zwow_AhfDohUx2beIH2x7DIsKKK4_jUFRXMX80JUV_lcIGd34QhH_pp7qHy-pxd8-gwJvKr68mtLYkopsHFQwHWAEhajluku6_damH_JGPR8ED5bWH8yYeIX37yXsbQArFE-4NinnL/s320/IMG_3091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few days later the ortho doc took off the nasty cast (THANK GOODNESS, that thing was heavy, primitive and barbaric) and gave me a hard-soled "post surgical" boot to wear, and strict instructions to STAY OFF THE FOOT! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PePnjp_HckoRkt-ZSEeR6NXYnx-8YJ0kqH0AzXxAlJIHJSobRZrRM2Z3p5133PPq97rVrEBQLATHn8gotEGiNnff-5HRmvr-nIgIS239Oy_Ywin3lXaNFZFgpbNNaPMFNwwMTVeyYJWO/s1600/IMG_3117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PePnjp_HckoRkt-ZSEeR6NXYnx-8YJ0kqH0AzXxAlJIHJSobRZrRM2Z3p5133PPq97rVrEBQLATHn8gotEGiNnff-5HRmvr-nIgIS239Oy_Ywin3lXaNFZFgpbNNaPMFNwwMTVeyYJWO/s320/IMG_3117.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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You're jealous aren't you? You want one, too, don't you?! Yeah, I admit, that shoe is a LOOKER. (Too bad you have to bust your foot to get one, huh?!)<br />
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OK, I'm klutzy. I admit it. If I weren't klutzy I probably wouldn't have fallen down the steps and be in this mess. So picture me tottering around on crutches. It was not a pretty sight. In fact, I couldn't do it. I really tried. But there was just no way! I was on my way to breaking my neck!<br />
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ENTER (drumroll, please)... Sassy the KNEE SCOOTER! Oh yeah, I'm a'rockin' and a'rollin' now!<br />
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A "knee scooter" you ask? YES, a knee scooter! For ankle and foot injuries, babeeee! And guess what, my insurance is even paying for the rental. (I had to buy the snappy bag... it's a "mobility bag" for walkers and wheelchairs, but it fits!) Look out, I am scootin' in style NOW, LOL!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAocvtxZE-NEpQTnGB7obRQzYj87vmemr80QGWZe2BWnjf9WSCvuexi0L8t4UKfXBUgQSDZ3X7Notom4faW2_n8bb0-fRsbfxr361n8eKPtyU27Xp_8tAVpilwBX1B3n3jGmPJTgTMCEBz/s1600/IMG_3265+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAocvtxZE-NEpQTnGB7obRQzYj87vmemr80QGWZe2BWnjf9WSCvuexi0L8t4UKfXBUgQSDZ3X7Notom4faW2_n8bb0-fRsbfxr361n8eKPtyU27Xp_8tAVpilwBX1B3n3jGmPJTgTMCEBz/s320/IMG_3265+2.JPG" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at work!</td></tr>
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So a 5th metatarsal fracture can be a pesky and typically very slow healing fracture. It's been six weeks today and I'm still non-weight bearing. I'm starting to get depressed. I feel like I am missing my whole summer.<br />
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Let me tell you, life gets very difficult when you can't walk!<br />
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The simplest things become mammoth. Driving? Nope. Laundry? Nope. Vacuuming? Nope. Cooking? Nope. Shopping? Really???! Hahaha! Forget gardening, home projects, exercising, evening walks. I can barely shower, get dressed, go to the bathroom... NOTHING is easy. Everything is a production. It's grueling and I am so exhausted at the end of the day, I practically FALL into bed.<br />
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But all things considered... it could've been worse, and I'm grateful it wasn't. And me and Sassy, we are a team and I'm doing OK. <br />
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But lemme tell you again, this is NO FUN at all. So <b>BE CAREFUL ON THOSE STEPS --THEY'RE TREACHEROUS!</b><br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-3377366811580934742013-07-06T14:32:00.002-04:002013-07-26T19:35:20.413-04:00PUPPY FEVER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've got puppy fever! If you read <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2013/05/grand-puppeh-or-introducing-jack.html">THIS POST</a> you know that I recently became Grandma to Jack, an ADORABLE red standard poodle puppy. OH! He is just the BEST. PUPPY. EVER!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JACK, 3.5 months old</td></tr>
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And I have been *thinking* about adding a dog to our family for awhile now. (Me and dear husband, and the two pampered Raggies.) But so many choices, and so many CHANGES... dogs are not as EASY as cats!!! <br />
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Dogs NEED things that cats just sneer at, LOL! Dogs need POTTY TRAINED! They need crates and fences and daily walks and river runs and licenses and other foreign stuff! They get into the garbage, counter surf, chew shoes, bark at noises, drool (sometimes), need bathed and groomed and checked for ticks!<br />
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I'm not sure I'm really READY for a pup! Maybe I should wait... THINK ABOUT IT some more... you know, be sensible and logical and practical and rational... YES, that's just what I'll do. <br />
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But IF I was ready... (JUST SAYIN'... !)<br />
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I'd want a brown standard poodle pup... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNPx__5wn34zRJ13ymNGhPPVlLqcX7oBDgKNb4W20m_3hqy_BvLIUrpTMjnymrdEUHEI9MeiWPklOW-SOBhMgeFupk1k8b2TOFG8dhzTk5qkxI6kYLSWHIG5Yc0m_tsn7k3R8ojrxAnaz/s1600/Lolli's+pups+at+7+weeks+old+2013+022.JPG.opt409x306o0,0s409x306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNPx__5wn34zRJ13ymNGhPPVlLqcX7oBDgKNb4W20m_3hqy_BvLIUrpTMjnymrdEUHEI9MeiWPklOW-SOBhMgeFupk1k8b2TOFG8dhzTk5qkxI6kYLSWHIG5Yc0m_tsn7k3R8ojrxAnaz/s320/Lolli's+pups+at+7+weeks+old+2013+022.JPG.opt409x306o0,0s409x306.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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OR... a Yorkie! I've never had one but I have been enchanted with them for years! This is my friend's adorable Yorkie, Chewy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-WYdSVJ1eKDL1FEuv1tJGVmAQfCtDS67E0dbpKTd9z5lNe3mZ4TlNIgCI6wK1E1RP4AvUmHOFsYGwu2P9xpPnSoHz29WiMzbSuu1I6WLg6zQgdzqsBajlOR3r58A23_e3vIU4shSPbaK/s1600/Image-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-WYdSVJ1eKDL1FEuv1tJGVmAQfCtDS67E0dbpKTd9z5lNe3mZ4TlNIgCI6wK1E1RP4AvUmHOFsYGwu2P9xpPnSoHz29WiMzbSuu1I6WLg6zQgdzqsBajlOR3r58A23_e3vIU4shSPbaK/s320/Image-1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Talk about *the long and the short* of it... could two breeds BE more different?!!<br />
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SOMEONE... help me!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images credits: <a href="http://springerclanstandardpoodles.com/">Top photo</a>, <a href="http://www.hawkersmagicalredstandardpoodles.com/lolli-and-sarge-pups.php">Bottom Photo</a></span>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-50368186287269874832013-05-27T13:09:00.001-04:002013-07-06T14:14:54.507-04:00GRAND-PUPPEH! (Or, Introducing Jack!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited! We have a new addition to our family and his name is Jack. Jack is a 9 week old red standard poodle puppy and he is 100% adorable! ♥ Belonging to my daughter and her husband, that makes Jack my grand puppy. (Sigh. All my grand babies have four legs and fur... none of the human variety... yet.)<br />
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My daughter and her husband have 2 kitties, Buster and Remy. Buster is a big tiger boy, almost 20 pounds. He acts all tough and MACHO MANLY but he's just a soft and sweet momma's boy at heart. <br />
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Remy is smaller, and such a character. She talks more than most people. She's always meowing about something. She is very friendly and loving (with a feisty streak)!<br />
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My son has a cat, Loco, who has been his trusty and loyal companion for years. And you guys know I've got my two wonderful and handsome Ragdoll cats, Boo and Bentley We are definitely a family of cat lovers, pure and simple.<br />
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"So how did you come to have a puppy then?" you ask. Well, the simple answer is that Kendra had been thinking for awhile about adding a dog to her family... we met a puppy and fell in love -- and the rest is, as they say, history!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio73IgUdLiqx85Dj16uSrZKY9osoClk0bJThK42sckmecxPg7fOPRopp5j1iSbhIM4JwmryAGYP6Vdr8XBefCs-20TiQRHmEOSzQ0fwOKjE9-CHpxrqGsscwlfLu88EJ7MBXYgZeuMQnOE/s1600/IMG_2957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio73IgUdLiqx85Dj16uSrZKY9osoClk0bJThK42sckmecxPg7fOPRopp5j1iSbhIM4JwmryAGYP6Vdr8XBefCs-20TiQRHmEOSzQ0fwOKjE9-CHpxrqGsscwlfLu88EJ7MBXYgZeuMQnOE/s320/IMG_2957.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Kendra and Jack</td></tr>
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The story: My husband and I were visiting my sister recently in Arizona (a great vacation - but that's another post for another time!) and met her friend LeeAnna Springer of <a href="http://springerclanstandardpoodles.com/">Springer Clan Standard Poodles</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ63rbakDrxof3eCkW24NzGbhr9rduxzqkcas3HutlNxzlXrzlHgDwEF_iWR6gNeMAMrbI6Zu3UUMrE-we_pWhwOLfk2l1rtYRxVjXXCbSaxa2rGxNEd5oeRmvq6Mx9Qmid8CM97wxBcR0/s1600/all-pups-on-the-waterfall-8-weeks-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ63rbakDrxof3eCkW24NzGbhr9rduxzqkcas3HutlNxzlXrzlHgDwEF_iWR6gNeMAMrbI6Zu3UUMrE-we_pWhwOLfk2l1rtYRxVjXXCbSaxa2rGxNEd5oeRmvq6Mx9Qmid8CM97wxBcR0/s400/all-pups-on-the-waterfall-8-weeks-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springer Clan Puppies</td></tr>
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LeeAnna breeds standard poodles, and I was very impressed with both her practices and her dogs. I came home excitedly telling my daughter about the visit. Well, didn't Kendra get to see for herself, up close and personal, when LeeAnna flew to the east coast shortly afterwards to pick up a puppy (Charlee) that she was buying to eventually add to her own breeding program. We got to spend some time with LeeAnna and that delightful puppy. Hmmm... the message was coming through loud and clear: these dogs are simply wonderful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20wjtB3CmVsxSyUh2uLjbkhEN1SKwBc44K_ZwMZlSqqK4i8v32g3Ea7A13b2R5xBY7EZltX1LJA3TXyTh_7khPe0GWoQhtEdUkgk-he18LXZ_ChKIInH7dK9LLsY1w1ub_1V1fIPE09Nl/s1600/IMG_2601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh20wjtB3CmVsxSyUh2uLjbkhEN1SKwBc44K_ZwMZlSqqK4i8v32g3Ea7A13b2R5xBY7EZltX1LJA3TXyTh_7khPe0GWoQhtEdUkgk-he18LXZ_ChKIInH7dK9LLsY1w1ub_1V1fIPE09Nl/s320/IMG_2601.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springer Clan Charlee (Jack's sister!)</td></tr>
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So my daughter realized that she had found her breed. LeeAnna didn't have any puppies available, but Kendra contacted Charlee's breeder (<a href="http://www.seminole-standard-poodles.com/Home.html">Seminole Standard Poodles</a>), and there was one pup from the litter still available, a little red boy. Bonus time: this breeder was within driving distance to us -- SCORE! Long story short, we picked up little Jack in West Virginia on Friday. He is just as sweet, mellow, laid back and adorable as his sister Charlee. Everyone who meets him falls instantly in love. He is just irresistible!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw32VQni1RaXJkO0wQQCSWozxOdyrWTIS9Y6ur3K23Dmg7u1GVqUSPbfzqxuzbXjwz3FKHW8Oi8HxlnblYU1lXlaPvCDAOc6KIb-5zJqIHhyphenhyphenn8w2e8WAm-Yg69D4xp-GUmIHaHhnNaF9NI/s1600/IMG_2685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw32VQni1RaXJkO0wQQCSWozxOdyrWTIS9Y6ur3K23Dmg7u1GVqUSPbfzqxuzbXjwz3FKHW8Oi8HxlnblYU1lXlaPvCDAOc6KIb-5zJqIHhyphenhyphenn8w2e8WAm-Yg69D4xp-GUmIHaHhnNaF9NI/s320/IMG_2685.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack and his daddy</td></tr>
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So if you are new to standard poodles, like we were, here are some fun facts:<br />
<ul>
<li>Standard poodles are a medium-to-large sized dog.</li>
<li>Full grown males typically weigh 45 - 70 pounds; females usually a little smaller. Height 15" (or more) at shoulders.</li>
<li>The coat is either curly or corded; they come in all solid colors including black, blue, silver, gray, cream, aprocot, red (like Jack and Charlee), white, brown, or cafe-au-lait. </li>
<li>They are a long-lived breed, with a typical life expectancy of 12-15 years (or more).</li>
<li>They usually love the water. The name poodle comes from the German word, "pudel" which means to splash in water. </li>
<li>Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. They do not have that typical "doggie odor." </li>
<li>The standard poodle is proud, graceful, noble, good-natured, enjoyable and cheerful. </li>
<li>Some of the poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. </li>
<li>They are loving and highly intelligent, considered to be one of the most trainable breeds.</li>
<li>Generally easy to please, comical, friendly toward strangers, and excellent with children; good with other animals. </li>
</ul>
From: <a href="http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/standardpoodle.htm">DogBreeds.com</a>; <a href="http://www.welovepoodle.com/standard-poodle-facts/">Standard Poodle Facts</a>; <a href="http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Standard_Poodle">Dogster.com </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAUOAYEUa2R31FkwMZZdQzaA6-ilPbHLydh7MQ1gOyZpWmTV9sS8WRjmlY_uIRgufLBXRo62Uxm7xzUnzrrWiBh84wpIUv8zu4FSq2VZN8jHOASFTwl46pliRV41OcJAsPHdt3hZaklOf/s1600/IMG_2985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAUOAYEUa2R31FkwMZZdQzaA6-ilPbHLydh7MQ1gOyZpWmTV9sS8WRjmlY_uIRgufLBXRo62Uxm7xzUnzrrWiBh84wpIUv8zu4FSq2VZN8jHOASFTwl46pliRV41OcJAsPHdt3hZaklOf/s320/IMG_2985.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Kendra doesn't especially love the fancy, pom-pom, froo-frooey show-style poodle clip that most of us think of when we hear the word "poodle" (and honestly, neither do I!) <br />
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She plans to keep Jack groomed in a sporting clip or puppy clip style. Look <a href="https://files.nyu.edu/ahk291/public/Standard%20Poodles%20%20Appearance.html">HERE</a> for details. Squeee -- TEDDY BEAR!!!<br />
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Last picture of Jack... for now!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7Lf18fa4IQ9CbZIquKGQAKNfChsnnJlCgaRuwkGSAJd8feZ3eh6tSmFEHVxl6HsWcCF6RkyWkS8naAige8KCZAXTUzaiMUC_3mx-qe3qoHi5xw5UxY1NIVCUFosgoQeu7-kQrMUqijn7/s1600/IMG_2716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7Lf18fa4IQ9CbZIquKGQAKNfChsnnJlCgaRuwkGSAJd8feZ3eh6tSmFEHVxl6HsWcCF6RkyWkS8naAige8KCZAXTUzaiMUC_3mx-qe3qoHi5xw5UxY1NIVCUFosgoQeu7-kQrMUqijn7/s320/IMG_2716.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping PUPPEH!!! Is there anything cuter?! ♥</td></tr>
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-37122162178727248812013-05-16T15:03:00.001-04:002013-05-27T14:12:08.921-04:00DOG LOVER'S HALL OF SHAME -- LOL!A friend (thanks, Cathy!) sent this to me and it just cracked up me and my husband. <br />
Sooooo funny!<br />
Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-53253015622900215052013-04-24T20:04:00.000-04:002013-05-25T21:02:47.716-04:00Ahhhh... Welcome, Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a long, cold winter here in PA, and I am always so happy to see the first flowers of spring. <br />
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In my yard, the <a href="http://www.almanac.com/plant/crocuses">crocus</a> is always the first to bloom. Long before the daffodils or tulips even think about coming up, and sometimes even through a layer of snow, this sweet, cheerful (tenacious) little flower just seems to say, "Welcome, spring!<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-61911862894787575862013-02-03T19:37:00.000-05:002013-02-03T21:37:50.552-05:00Black Plague (aka Flu) Survival Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/">CDC has been warning us</a> that the flu is especially virulent this year, and is now sweeping the country. Hospitals and emergency rooms across the nation are filled to the brim with very, very sick people. We are being told, Get a flu shot! Wash your hands! Avoid unnecessary crowds! Well, guess what? I am here to tell you that I have done all that and I. Still. Got. "It".<br />
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And I am also here to tell you that the flu this year is not for wimps. If you get it, my friend, buckle up and hold on tight, you are in for a ride. <br />
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A little back story. My dear husband got sick a little over a week ago. Symptoms were bad but not bad enough, apparently, to convince him to go to the doctor's. He was down and out for about a week, and still isn't quite up to par. Honestly, it was probably the flu, but as I said, we had no professional confirmation of that!<br />
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On Tuesday of last week, I woke up feeling *sick*. Not sick enough to stay home from work, but certainly sick enough to give it some serious consideration. Took some Tylenol, drank lots of juice and tea, and made it through the day. Wednesday was actually a little better, and I was smugly patting myself on the back for getting that flu shot and for having such a good immune system. Hahaha. (Lesson #1: Never express feelings of smugness. Never!)<br />
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BAD night Wednesday night and byThursday morning I was in full flu mode. Fever, chills, sweats, nausea, miserable nasty barking hacking non-productive rib-breaking head-exploding cough (I hhhhhated that cough), body aches, abdominal pain, throbbing headache, you name it, it hurt. By Thursday night I was in the ER for some relief, ANY relief, because life as it was at that moment was not worth livin'!!! <br />
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So that was several days ago and thankfully I am on the upswing. But in case any of you are suffering from something similar, I hope my tips on surviving the <strike>Black Plague</strike> flu will prove helpful!<br />
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But first of all, and in the interest of full disclosure and giving-credit-where-credit-is-due, by far the biggest help I got came from my dear husband and daughter. Husband was barely on his feet himself, and yet still so sweet and solicitous. And putting herself straight in the path of DANGER, dear daughter risked her own life and limb to help out, too. And she did it all with a smile, and without a Hazmat suit. My utmost love and appreciation both of them -- thank you and xoxox! <br />
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Hopefully you have your own mate and kid(s) to help you, too!<br />
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And here was the rest of my flu survival pack:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dMa8NZL3DfbzprkgspxjprMMddr_F5E7gNW4PWHC_9FVPQxowpEG2NxJ7sohKdrLh_JSVIdbk6JXa0HIoYqwsOQDzog1qllV66LiAr9HKKErAzX2N1Y3AuQjqMJI502JahEWweDdeATR/s1600/IMG_1787.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dMa8NZL3DfbzprkgspxjprMMddr_F5E7gNW4PWHC_9FVPQxowpEG2NxJ7sohKdrLh_JSVIdbk6JXa0HIoYqwsOQDzog1qllV66LiAr9HKKErAzX2N1Y3AuQjqMJI502JahEWweDdeATR/s400/IMG_1787.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br />
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YES, those are Clorox wipes and yes, just call me MONK! If it was even close to being a solid surface in this house, it has been wiped down. More than once. OK, OK, more than twice. <br />
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As a <a href="http://aem.asm.org/content/32/6/757.full.pdf">natural antiviral</a>, I also swear by (purple) grape juice. (Red wine is good too, but ya' can't stay snookered for 5-7 days, and besides, it interacts with the medicines that you are gonna need!!!) Green tea with honey and lemon was good and helped with the cough. Lots of Kleenex (Puff's Plus, please). Ricola. Advil. Zyrtec. And the wonder drugs I got in the ER: Zofran (for nausea) and Tessalon Pearls (for cough) were amazing; they were (almost) worth the 3 agonizing hours spent there -- and the high copay! <br />
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Also in my flu-fighting arsenal is Pepperidge Farms Cinnamon Swirl bread. Cinnamon-Raisin works, too (but plain Cinnamon is what DD got me when she made the emergency run to the grocery store and pharmacy.) It makes the bestest toast EVER and for 2 days was all I could even THINK ABOUT keeping down.<br />
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Also in my flu-fighting tool kit is my wonderfully soft velour <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/nap-plush-eyemask?bkeid=compare%7cmercent%7cgooglebaseads%7csearch&mr:trackingCode=8ACAEFAC-3E30-DF11-AE5B-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla&mr:ad=18719948604&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:filter=48899812044&gclid=COGUruium7UCFQ2i4AodYR8AcQ">Brookstone Sleep Mask</a>, which was a very appreciated gift from my sister, Laurel. I LOVE that maskie! And when your head is throbbing and every light within a 10 mile mile radius feels like a laser beam straight into your eye, it is a godsend, I assure you! It's also nice even without a headache and you are trying to sleep in the daytime. And if you have the flu, you will be doing a lot of sleeping. I promise you this. <br />
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The next thing that I found very helpful was Netflix on my iPad. Oh yeah, babeeee! Not every hour in bed can be spent sleeping, you know. I watched old TV shows like Frasier and Monk, but comedies made me laugh, which made me cough, which made me cranky, so I mostly stayed with dramas (but nothing too serious; I was already teetering at death's threshold myself, right?!) so old reruns of The Glades and Dr. 90210 fit the time-passin' bill nicely.<br />
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And now for the last (but definitely NOT, as they say, the least!) two items in my Survive-the-Flu kit. If you don't have something similar to these in your home already, I recommend that you RUN, not WALK to the nearest location where you can procure them, because believe me, they were completely INVALUABLE to my recovery:<br />
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My two darling Raggies, Boo and Bentley:<br />
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Those guys never left me! And OH, the purrs and cuddles I got from them did more than any ol' Zofran or Tessalon Pearls to speed my recovery, I am SURE! They seemed to know I was sick, and they were both *right there*, the whole time. Who could ask for more?!<br />
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So if you find yourself chopped off at the knees by the flu... hopefully these survival tips will help you. And in the meantime, try to avoid it, OK? You know, wash wash wash your hands, stay outta unnecessary crowds, and don't forget to (Clorox) wipe, wipe, wipe!!! <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top map credit of the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm">CDC</a>. Bottom picture credit <a href="http://louiselarsen.blogspot.com/2013/01/flu-map-2013-national-and-state-flu.html">here</a>.</span>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-51656758586540994242013-02-02T08:35:00.000-05:002013-02-02T08:38:09.037-05:00LOL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-42605775222848621252013-01-17T07:00:00.000-05:002013-01-26T22:09:39.388-05:00Missing my mother... one year later.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January 17, 2013. Today is the <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2012/01/amazing-grace.html">one year anniversary</a> of my mother's death.<br />
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If you missed earlier posts about my wonderful, warm-hearted, fiesty, always sassy/sometimes brassy, totally endearing, blingtastic, fiercely-loving mom, please look <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2010/09/day-26-funny-true-story.html">HERE</a>, <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2010/08/memory-jar.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://lifewithlynnb.blogspot.com/2010/09/day-14-old-photo.html">HERE </a>for some of my favorite "[Amazing] Grace" stories.<br />
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Someone recently said simply, "Grace was quite a gal." Yeah... she was. She really was.<br />
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It's hard for me to believe she's been gone a year now. A whole year without her? How can that be? <br />
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We were very blessed and fortunate that she had 88 wonderful, healthy years. That was a gift that I am thankful for every day. She was living independently in her own apartment, active, driving, visiting with friends, and enjoying her life until she got sick in mid-November, 2011. She died 2 months later, on January 17, 2012 -- in my home, with Hospice support and family caregiving. <br />
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I think of her every day, and although I am grateful for all the years and memories we had together, I miss her every day -- so very much. And I know I always will.<br />
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I thought about her when my daughter graduated summa cum laude with her Master's Degree in Social Work. Mom would have LOVED to have shared in that. She was always so proud of each of her 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grand-children. None of them ever had a greater fan.<br />
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I thought about her when my sister and my daughter and I traveled recently to Maryland to visit our other sister. My mom would have LOVED that. She'd have probably gone along, too, the Queen Bee Riding Shotgun. <br />
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I thought about her when my husband and I recently spent two weeks in Cancun; I made a <a href="https://www.icloud.com/journal/#9;CAEQARoQGGhPQQDxQk492OGNGwonlQ;9FC5DD0A-4E52-405C-8F67-BE8CE55D2D3B">Photo Journal </a>of that vacation and since my mother ADORED photos, she would have LOVED that! <br />
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I thought about her when my sisters, our husbands and I recently made plans for an upcoming Arizona vacation together. Mom probably wouldn't have gone along on that trip (in her later years she really shied away from flying) but she would have been thrilled that "her girls" were vacationing together, and she would have expected (and received!) daily updates (phone calls AND emails), and of course a copy of every photo any of us took.<br />
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I think about her every time I have spaghetti with really chunky meat sauce; it was her all-time favorite food EVER. In fact, sometimes I make spaghetti (with really chunky meat sauce) -- just because.<br />
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I miss her when something good happens because she would have rejoiced with me in that wonderfully unselfish way that only mothers can.<br />
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I miss her when something is troubling me, because she always patiently listened to me, and genuinely shared any sadness I felt. <br />
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I miss her when I have a question about my dad, or my grandparents, or about how things were in our family before I was old enough to remember... those kind of questions now will always remain unanswered. <br />
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I miss her when something silly happens, or I read or hear an especially funny joke. She loved to laugh. We had the same quirky sense of humor, and she and I would frequently *CRAAAACK UP* over things that other people barely found funny. <br />
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I miss her whenever I see bright, glitzy, over-the-top scarves and jewelry. She LOVED that, and she had a totally inimitable style -- colorful and unique (and always sparkly!) I think of her hundreds of times every day.<br />
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Life changed a year ago when she died, and it's sad and sobering to know that it will never be the same. But yet, in many ways, she still lives on, in me and my sisters... and in our children. Those thoughts, along with the many memories, photos and letters I have and cherish are what help me to live without her. <br />
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I love you and I miss you, Mom. So very, very much. <br />
And I always will.<br />
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-27292780861241256582013-01-01T20:37:00.001-05:002013-02-03T20:21:52.936-05:00Feelin' (and sharin'!) the DROPBOX looove!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, it's true -- I am a bit of a gadget girl, a techie junkie. I love my Mac, my iPad and my iPhone . I love apps of all sorts and sizes. And I LOVE Dropbox!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are already a Dropbox user, then you know how great this li'l free app is -- and you can probably skip this post. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">But if you are not YET a Dropbox user, oooooor<span style="line-height: 20px;"> if you joined but never downloaded it to your computer or device yet</span>, then stay with me, babeeee, I'm gonna convince you why you neeeeeeeeeeeed this!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OFb0NaeRmdg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Basically, Dropbox is free, safe, cloud storage (a hard drive in the sky, baby!) And that's good. But what's even better is that whatever you put in your Dropbox will sync across ALL your devices (in record, warp, speed cyber time!) That means your PC or Mac, your phone, and your tablet or iPad.<br />
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So, in practice, what does this all mean? It can mean lots of (good!) things. <br />
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Example #1: You are cruising the web on your computer and find a recipe you want to try. You save it to Dropbox. When you get to the grocery store, the recipe is waiting for you on your phone. <br />
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Example #2: You are working on a document on your work PC; you save it to Dropbox before you head home. Later that night, on your home computer, you open up the document from Dropbox and pick up where you left off. <br />
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Example #3: You keep all your important pictures and documents in Dropbox, and if your computer ever crashes, that stuff is safe! safe! safe! (I still have an external hard drive back-up, but several of my friends don't -- they only use Dropbox. But I'm a super-duper-safety kind of a girl!)<br />
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There's also an optional "share" feature in Dropbox, that allows you to select certain folders that other Dropbox users can also see. <br />
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Dropbox is awesome because it works on both Mac and PC, iOs devices (like iPads, iPhones, iPods), as well as Android devices! <br />
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Dropbox is free, and there are no catches or fine print. When you first open a Dropbox account, you are given 2GB of free storage. You can "earn" more storage in several ways; but one easy way to earn more storage is to refer friends. And that's a two-way benefit, because the referrer AND the referree BOTH get extra space! <br />
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Yes, as my lovely niece, <a href="http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/">The Daring Librarian</a> pointed out in her <a href="http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2011/11/dropbox-it-like-its-hot.html">blog post last year</a> singing of Dropbox praises, it's kinda like a pyramid scheme of free, fun goodness!!!<br />
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So, if you think Dropbox is something you'd like to try, then sign up using this referral link:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://db.tt/BezHGsFe">DROPBOX FREE EXTRA SPACE! </a> </span>(NOTE that this link does not expire, so even if you are reading this months -- or more-- after the date of this post, you can still use it to gain more initial Dropbox sign-up space!)<br />
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Once you register -- and have downloaded and installed Dropbox on at least your computer -- YOU will get the extra bonus space, and I will, too. <br />
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Please feel free to share your Dropbox stories and tips, too... comments always welcome!<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8026782656160576536.post-22266274434896587392013-01-01T06:58:00.000-05:002013-01-21T19:01:45.491-05:00Welcome 2013...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02304252436229734597noreply@blogger.com0