tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79735660292927218282024-03-05T16:25:49.346-08:00Quantrell QuipsAngie Quantrell quips about life and its quirks, quandaries, and quests.Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.comBlogger648125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-88326883835032936822016-10-27T17:15:00.002-07:002016-10-27T17:15:38.265-07:00I'm Moving!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN76RO9OcwhC3oYJQmS4kFH2ZAvUr2cw6U2hnaI00-ER3KXJIRiMKCfmbvu2zzszFwLI6N2hsvjaBolQlWOVxh5I6nNIx8rSZkBTO9o9p0ndUS9AywNgwR7iSbGHs0Ne1hT4yW9z_eVxI/s1600/DSC_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN76RO9OcwhC3oYJQmS4kFH2ZAvUr2cw6U2hnaI00-ER3KXJIRiMKCfmbvu2zzszFwLI6N2hsvjaBolQlWOVxh5I6nNIx8rSZkBTO9o9p0ndUS9AywNgwR7iSbGHs0Ne1hT4yW9z_eVxI/s400/DSC_1203.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A person who has 3 blogs said, "Really? Three blogs? Why? How do you manage all of those blogs? How do you keep up?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That person is me. I have 3 blogs and things are crazy. I can't write witty or brilliant or informational posts for all 3 and do a good job at it. I can however, run out of time, ignore certain blogs due to other deadlines, post lackluster tidbits, or spend time fretting about not having time to keep all 3 flowing well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To remedy this situation, I am moving and narrowing my blogs down to just one. </span><a href="http://www.angiequantrell.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Join me here.</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I so enjoy getting to know you and sharing my life with you. Please head on over to my new (old) landing spot so we can keep in touch. My new (old) blog is a work in progress just as my other 2 blogs have been, but I am steadily making improvements and sprucing up the old pad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks so much for your support over the years. See you at my new (old) home. I'll put on the tea and we'll have a chat.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.angiequantrell.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See you at my new blog home.</span></a>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-10406714198265828342016-10-17T13:51:00.000-07:002016-10-17T13:51:47.578-07:00Rock or Fish? Haiku<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutPSlDgLwdLg6rHEkpVHOofTF036DlZmiSE7UWq3dFY-2CxcAHds43JOwXkUBoofhkikPqPJqprn9zOcbLKFgPm8CkxeiWp7e2_R-8D4RWTQd_teTz-I7m5tkqlBHj7Zvc4jz2byh-DPZ/s1600/untitled+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutPSlDgLwdLg6rHEkpVHOofTF036DlZmiSE7UWq3dFY-2CxcAHds43JOwXkUBoofhkikPqPJqprn9zOcbLKFgPm8CkxeiWp7e2_R-8D4RWTQd_teTz-I7m5tkqlBHj7Zvc4jz2byh-DPZ/s400/untitled+%25282%2529.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Angie Quantrell</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See the face?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Swimming amidst the wet sand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rocky bed for fish.</span></div>
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<em>- Haiku and Photo by Angie Quantrell</em></div>
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<span id="goog_783745309"></span><span id="goog_783745310"></span><br />Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-83694525149501485242016-10-17T13:26:00.001-07:002016-10-17T13:26:15.181-07:00First Steps in Missions ~ Chapter 1 Activity Extension Ideas for Preschoolers<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WbgRwZqKmWRhYTd9N574W4cFBVFQoMzO1Ye_Zow9IhDT0J01KpkT8Y1lpHAnnpRNLNp_ALOr2hfi0_kFi6XEhInFCV5fNG5sIeHF1TZY_1KjeZyQfmhNkxV_tpFF1cxlrrkyh-U6y5uv/s1600/DSC_1191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WbgRwZqKmWRhYTd9N574W4cFBVFQoMzO1Ye_Zow9IhDT0J01KpkT8Y1lpHAnnpRNLNp_ALOr2hfi0_kFi6XEhInFCV5fNG5sIeHF1TZY_1KjeZyQfmhNkxV_tpFF1cxlrrkyh-U6y5uv/s400/DSC_1191.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Steps in Missions, Ideas and Activities for Preschoolers and Teachers, Volume 22</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Angie Quantrell </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/AngieQuantrell" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@AngieQuantrell</span></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm so excited about <em>First Steps in Missions</em>! This resource has 12 months of ideas for activities teachers can do with preschoolers to teach them about missions around the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite activities in Chapter 1 is Washing Clothes (page 9). Chapter 1 focuses on the Philippines. Some families in remote areas of the Philippines wash clothes in rivers. While I wouldn't want to wash our laundry in the river because it sounds like a lot of hard work, I am fascinated and admire the many families who must use local resources to wear clean clothes. I also know preschoolers enjoy water play.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Washing Clothes activity suggests preschoolers wash clothes in two plastic tubs. One tub should have smooth stones for washing and the other have clean water for rinsing. Set up a drying rack for clothes to hang while they dry. My favorite tool for preschoolers from this activity? BAR SOAP!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you know how many fun activities you can do with BAR SOAP? Maybe some of the children you come into contact with have never used BAR SOAP. Think about it. We are a culture committed to cleanliness. This often comes in the form of hand sanitizer, liquid soap dispensers, and all sorts of gels, sprays, and goop. BAR SOAP is a great resource for preschool (and other age level) rooms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fun with BAR SOAP</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>1. Car Wash.</strong> I just did this with my grandson. Fill a plastic tub with warm water and put it on a thick towel. Use toothbrushes dipped in the water and raked across BAR SOAP to clean the cars. Rinse in water and drive on the towel to help cars dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>2. Rock Scrub.</strong> This is one of my favorite summer activities, but you can do it anytime. Kids will rewash the same rocks for hours at a time. All you need is a tub of water, a variety of rocks (I like to use rocks big enough so little hands can grip them), BAR SOAP, and toothbrushes. You have a rock washing station. This can later transform into a rock painting station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>3. BAR SOAP Boats.</strong> Any old BAR SOAP will float, but experiment to find your favorite brand. Open up BAR SOAP, use a screw driver or butter knife (no sharp tips) to scoop out a center (you can skip this step), and add toothpick flags. Have boat races in the bath tub or sink. Get clean and have fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These activities show that one can use just about anything to have fun. Let's get creative!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhMv4yd8_9k1HQYO5bF_9NKE_Z36BbGDOputuzQx7wUj_Klv7-fVDNCigcbmtbBU0-xXJexfZaVkAubfVzN50bAaOldxDrmmk9ul4CeOHa32SMlH5pI9zvXwVsCehCh7Mb0JObBwtgaFB/s1600/DSC_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNhMv4yd8_9k1HQYO5bF_9NKE_Z36BbGDOputuzQx7wUj_Klv7-fVDNCigcbmtbBU0-xXJexfZaVkAubfVzN50bAaOldxDrmmk9ul4CeOHa32SMlH5pI9zvXwVsCehCh7Mb0JObBwtgaFB/s400/DSC_1189.JPG" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you would like to order your own copy of <em>First Steps in Missions</em>, call 1-800-968-7301 or visit <a href="http://www.wmustore.com/">www.wmustore.com</a>. Thanks!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXYN7uuTO18iuTuSue6Ydw7j3n_rMsq7y5OoKNhy9XRc5Ka_6kFmKKNTdjJOJxE5kfF8Fby1wV5K6y0K4R0jvWgQNZ2d9Y5e2DckmRcSKVFbgdYeYlxEFn2pLlaBIWlBk5gQdDT5ZJ5ty/s1600/DSC_1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXYN7uuTO18iuTuSue6Ydw7j3n_rMsq7y5OoKNhy9XRc5Ka_6kFmKKNTdjJOJxE5kfF8Fby1wV5K6y0K4R0jvWgQNZ2d9Y5e2DckmRcSKVFbgdYeYlxEFn2pLlaBIWlBk5gQdDT5ZJ5ty/s400/DSC_1192.JPG" width="350" /></a></div>
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Thanks for visiting. Feel free to share these ideas with your friends. </div>
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I hope to see you again soon.</div>
<br />Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-61020700787239097052016-09-28T10:24:00.000-07:002016-09-28T10:24:00.994-07:00Meet My New Book ~ First Steps in Missions<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhO6q6cOWBXGp2Fywbj07jaiJQ0iDhNaiZMuZJTL8_dvY51TSzNNgSK4xnLPRsGcbG2kQIfF40kZvKCU0UTUBwEHJdXXrv_zG6m2FaHrfr3KDDhlwbkq365zOv8HpW57FA3AexwF9myY/s1600/DSC_1189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhO6q6cOWBXGp2Fywbj07jaiJQ0iDhNaiZMuZJTL8_dvY51TSzNNgSK4xnLPRsGcbG2kQIfF40kZvKCU0UTUBwEHJdXXrv_zG6m2FaHrfr3KDDhlwbkq365zOv8HpW57FA3AexwF9myY/s400/DSC_1189.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Steps in Missions, Ideas and Activities for Preschoolers and Teachers</td></tr>
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by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm honored to announce the release of <em>First Steps in Missions, Ideas and Activities for Preschoolers and Teachers, Volume 22</em>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What? You already have a copy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">True. It was available in late summer. I was barely available. Thank you for going on without me and getting your copy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My honey and I were eyebrow deep in cleaning, packing, sorting, storing, and donating our belongings. Why? We sold our home. I should say, God sold our home. In 3 days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That was a quick sale and left us with no free time to do anything. Except move.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Never fear, we are not homeless. Many of you have already seen the pictures. We are full-time RV'ers living in a solid (though you can feel it move when walking inside), warm (we hope), and quite spacious RV with our 2 crazy kitties. The excitement and adventure is fantastic! Let's just not mention the period of adjustment, shall we?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the midst of this transition, <em>First Steps in Missions</em> was released. I'm very excited to see this work in print.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In honor of this project, I am going to take a monthly walk through each chapter and area of the world, choose my favorite activity, and flesh out additional ways to use the activity with preschoolers. So much fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><strong>Coming soon:</strong> September fun in the Philippines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you would like your own copy, I'm thrilled to direct you on the right paths. </span><a href="https://www.wmustore.com/first-steps-in-missions-vol-22" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First Steps in Missions, Volume 22</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by!</span><br />
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Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-10828332102210802822016-09-28T09:53:00.000-07:002016-09-28T09:53:29.761-07:00Hello, Friends!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJTNYRydUolu3WwVV_puVaPUo6X44Hq82GUFZtYQz-MiUbyppUbv-6fcBJUScPwGsFQ0dzfbZi6xAo7uvgTIODG6D8lLPM9v-VVsIjl76TCqtehQC2wBNRY7JOIy56EEVyJ7eYuHWRo8/s1600/DSC_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJTNYRydUolu3WwVV_puVaPUo6X44Hq82GUFZtYQz-MiUbyppUbv-6fcBJUScPwGsFQ0dzfbZi6xAo7uvgTIODG6D8lLPM9v-VVsIjl76TCqtehQC2wBNRY7JOIy56EEVyJ7eYuHWRo8/s400/DSC_1121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I should say (<em>to myself</em>) welcome back!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is a photo of what's kept me from my KID KANDY and picture book posts. It has been THAT crazy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, forward and onward. Come on over and join me at my <a href="http://www.bookblabbyabooklover.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Book Blab Blog</a>. Try saying that 3x fast in a row.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's read some books!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Autumn!</td></tr>
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Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-2585101746672637332016-09-26T19:06:00.002-07:002016-09-26T19:06:48.857-07:00Day 29 of RV Living: Plastic Sinks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBKA8PaH9u3TJx_35F2WHHmzsu-HLqAPXXLRUswLeRhAYzcE5IzrzkmI5Y70yJrQVnqDItImx6YkOl2Q5e7cAhgE_Fv_gG5GslrbjDTxzEXJsagh10qDwFMxhqVGxENFNbxva9fXbq3Op/s1600/DSC_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBKA8PaH9u3TJx_35F2WHHmzsu-HLqAPXXLRUswLeRhAYzcE5IzrzkmI5Y70yJrQVnqDItImx6YkOl2Q5e7cAhgE_Fv_gG5GslrbjDTxzEXJsagh10qDwFMxhqVGxENFNbxva9fXbq3Op/s400/DSC_1188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic sinks and all - it's the RV life!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">RV sinks are plastic. Did you know that?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>Why</em>, you ask, <em>is this even important</em>?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The last several days, 5 to be exact, we've had to boil water to do dishes in the plastic sink. Dirty dishes require hot water. Plastic sinks do not. The whole process was a delicate balance between boiling water and cold tap water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We had to boil water (in the electric teapot) because the gas was off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The gas was off because the carpet got flooded.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The carpet was soaked from the leaky hot water tank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The hot water tank leaked because it had a tiny hole.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">It's a wonderful thing that we have an extended warranty. First, for the microwave that decided to retire early after only 3 days of us living in the RV. Second, for the leaking and flooding hot water tank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Kevin's trip number 2 (not including the shopping trip and picking up of said RV) back to Broadmoor RV Superstore in Pasco where the customer service was phenomenal resulted in a brand new hot water tank and assorted necessitites required for repair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Kevster strikes again! After a few phone conferences with the service center manager, we are back in the hot water business. Thank you, Kevin and warranty and Skylar of the Superstore, for excellent customer service and my hot showers and soapy dishwater.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The plastic sink thanks you as well.</span><br />
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Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-22956356894411282272016-09-14T09:59:00.002-07:002016-09-14T09:59:30.143-07:00It's the RV Life for Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p8bUIFkTGP9wfGAxTN8q2sxYGpC_hA_CLM5OVFpDN0nUnnZ0mnng8oF1coQhnvR1Ke3zjdnHaZ9olHSSQwyPsHFTjZZLFaXN2-M85N4AKBRWcU7qEx8P6htF06egGjMH9kIc_UBlNB-n/s1600/DSC_1121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5p8bUIFkTGP9wfGAxTN8q2sxYGpC_hA_CLM5OVFpDN0nUnnZ0mnng8oF1coQhnvR1Ke3zjdnHaZ9olHSSQwyPsHFTjZZLFaXN2-M85N4AKBRWcU7qEx8P6htF06egGjMH9kIc_UBlNB-n/s400/DSC_1121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We live in an RV.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's recreational vehicle for you wondering about the abbreviation. Our tenement on wheels is like the Big Green Rolling Turd in the Robin Williams movie <strong>RV</strong>. Without the backed up sewer, ripped off awning, and Class A drive-and-walk-around feature.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our RV is the type you drive in, unhook, set up, and drive away.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Quantrells are on an adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Phase 1</strong>: Complete - The house is sold. Closed. Done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a chance to say "Thanks" to our 2 fantastic realtors, Stephanie Blehm and her son Kenny Blehm! They did a fantastic job. And they survived Kevin. I mean <em>our process</em>. Wink, wink.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sorry, Kenny. Mabel thinks your card is tasty!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Phase 2</strong>: In Process - Live full-time in RV. Settle cats and selves in for the winter. Learn to grocery shop often for not much at all (no space). Wear the same clothes all the time (no space). Store rubber stamping supplies (no space). Eat outside with guests (no space).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Search for property and research choices.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Phase 3</strong>: In the Future - Build small home (tiny is too minute) on out-of-town property.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our lives in a nutshell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been great so far. Things did get a little tense every now and then (sorry, honey). We relieved ourselves of many possessions. That felt good. Now we can see what we <em>really</em> need to survive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An outdoor catio is a definite NEED. Poor kitties have adjusted well, but opportunites for exercise in the RV are limited. And, well, I just need them-who-love-outside-time to be out in the fresh air. <em>Soon, babies, daddy will have it all done.</em> It's going to be great! I'll post pictures when it's complete.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pumpkin season is here, and despite the lack of space indoors, the big beautiful world beyond the RV walls has plenty of space to display my favorite seasonal produce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Anyone else out there living in an RV? Who else loves kitties, pumpkins, and fall? I'd love to hear your thoughts.</em></span><br />
Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-46679924317723363892016-09-12T18:38:00.002-07:002016-09-12T18:38:06.184-07:00Tornado Choices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFuy26zCcktLCQJn_BFZsHBWvwrN367QrSPFbR6BvHkNJZYkxnRPpQtyXLwLB9_aNX7DVn8noZxnrvUxNHO45eUQ0YfQ6A3SxclKx2ohe5nYSuD2khUCGZzYrzgA0npBQYZcobuTF7Lu2/s1600/DSC_1113+Monet+the+escape+artist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFuy26zCcktLCQJn_BFZsHBWvwrN367QrSPFbR6BvHkNJZYkxnRPpQtyXLwLB9_aNX7DVn8noZxnrvUxNHO45eUQ0YfQ6A3SxclKx2ohe5nYSuD2khUCGZzYrzgA0npBQYZcobuTF7Lu2/s400/DSC_1113+Monet+the+escape+artist.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SO many events and changes going on in our lives right now, I'm having a difficult time choosing what to share. Let me just be honest and tell you that I've been avoiding posting just because of the vast plethora of options.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There. Got that off my chest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It may take me months to fill you in. Or just a day. Let's see, shall we?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Life in Quantrell Land has been tornado-like in the sense that every day has been consumed with a whirlwind of activities, decisions, stressors, excitement, responsibilities, and cat fur. Truly. At times, we just had to grab something - anything - and hang on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But it's ALL good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Because now, we are living in the RV full-time with 2 insane cats. Which if you want some more truth, makes us the insane ones. 2 shedding, clawing, racing, sneaking, messy, loving, snuggly kitties. In. A. Small. RV.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This classifies as an adventure for sure. I kid you not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When folks used to show up late for church spouting, "The cows (dog, birds, chickens, pigs, horse) got out and we had to chase them down," I would nod in agreement. But now I REALLY understand the stress and anxiety produced by such an event!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MONET, the sneak, wants out. Not just a little want, but an all-consuming desire of wanting out. Of the RV. The problem is Tiger, who is resident cat on the property. Tiger is very territorial and has been seen chasing off and beating up other cats. She's a sweetheart to adult people, but not other cats. So we don't want the girls out unless we can protect them from each other.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MONET, who cares she thinks. I want out. So she watches the door and our feet and if the door is open, ZIP, there she goes. Oh, the anxiety and interesting language on our part! She is having a great time, but we are watching for the arrival of Tiger and trying to lure the naughty girl back in...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last Sunday, to connect you to what I was sharing, she did it again. Kevin was being nice to the moth and trying to get it out (before MONET, the best moth-catcher west of the Mississippi, ate it). MONET saw the open door - a mere 3-4 inches - and zip, she was out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Church day. Big luncheon to prepare. Stuff to take (we still forgot the meat and cheese). A wonderful guest speaker to hear. Responbililty to get there first to unlock the building. And we had a loose cat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I understand, all of you chasing-of-escapees people! Arrrggghhhh!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We won. This time. Even made it on time (except the meat and cheese, which had to arrive with our son).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So goes our tornado lifestyle. Adventures around every corner and open RV door.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the way, RV doors are difficult even when not dodging the cat. Narrow, steep, metal shaking steps. I cringe just waiting for one of us to biff the landing and go sprawling face down in the gravel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">But for now, we are good. It's ALL good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Because He is good.</span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-25632125124840987112016-09-07T10:14:00.000-07:002016-09-07T10:14:02.655-07:00Happy to See This!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPSPwKwFIAePL23BdPpAbqc8eUVBWngWKHc7J_RtpuE9QWn8DnhTiycl90J1k-FFliSb-t87M4v_J7f-rEqimeMsgZRGKn71qdyInDoPMmPOV071sQIemD9lIzw9CJNYOqLR9KVYhwokL/s1600/DSC_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPSPwKwFIAePL23BdPpAbqc8eUVBWngWKHc7J_RtpuE9QWn8DnhTiycl90J1k-FFliSb-t87M4v_J7f-rEqimeMsgZRGKn71qdyInDoPMmPOV071sQIemD9lIzw9CJNYOqLR9KVYhwokL/s320/DSC_1111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to see this new article, Into the World, in <em>Missions Mosaic</em>.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has been a whirlwind summer!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Selling our home, moving into an RV, fixing the RV set-up, sorting belongings, giving away stuff, acclimatizing the kitties to living in said RV, learning how to cook in an RV, . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The list is much longer, but just that much lets you know why I have been lost in cyberspace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On to fall. The dust is settling, and in just a few more days, we will have only 1 home to care for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Writing is back on the menu, boys! </em>(Can you name that movie reference? Comment below!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine_oOCSo_44ncf0E3eCf89KVLRPKEJkdO8GMzLQi9qLzUlAXxxhbxn3HDApUozaSYg24wQRdfbbPQZMRgTM7iNW-ISoGJ0mU2gt_r6ycZo3Hn8YVdNDhSHjp3mJrpdxEhl_EkV0RJ1Ng9/s1600/DSC_1110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEine_oOCSo_44ncf0E3eCf89KVLRPKEJkdO8GMzLQi9qLzUlAXxxhbxn3HDApUozaSYg24wQRdfbbPQZMRgTM7iNW-ISoGJ0mU2gt_r6ycZo3Hn8YVdNDhSHjp3mJrpdxEhl_EkV0RJ1Ng9/s320/DSC_1110.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Into the World</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Here is something I'm happy to see, rewards from past labors. I love this magazine, <em>Missions Mosaic</em>, and am honored to write for Woman's Missionary Union in several different areas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You might want to check them out <a href="http://www.wmu.com/" target="_blank">here.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Missions Mosaic</em></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Happy reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Back to the chaos.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-15111618456382845732016-08-17T13:44:00.002-07:002016-08-17T13:44:54.246-07:00The Most Excellent Painting Tool<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR3PAd1xjBX1Z5NUgDPz37IZ1Idb93Ws3H5yVFc4ChTilYtl20FMmFsYeREbe7dPIIN9GEV4IstQYxnuyu18_Dfijj7p09p9fr3n9yOhDNN5n7c0JJL0Tcn_oIeAOeb4bd7-eGO5XIaJD/s1600/DSC_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHR3PAd1xjBX1Z5NUgDPz37IZ1Idb93Ws3H5yVFc4ChTilYtl20FMmFsYeREbe7dPIIN9GEV4IstQYxnuyu18_Dfijj7p09p9fr3n9yOhDNN5n7c0JJL0Tcn_oIeAOeb4bd7-eGO5XIaJD/s400/DSC_0992.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly painted, with assistance from my kitchen drawer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I just finished repainting our shoe shelf with a fresh coat of clean paint. Now it's ready for storing shoes at the RV. Welcome to our shoe-free zone. Come on in, but plant the shoes right here!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We've used the shoe rack for years and it's been very handy to keep most of the shoes off the ground. But it was ugly. Add paint.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The problem was the paint. Color (secluded garden) was lovely, but as it hadn't been used in years since the Blue Door Table was painted, the ingredients had separated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">So there I stood, mixing with one of those silly wooden sticks they give you at the hardware store. I think it would have taken hours. It would've been faster to drive to Lowe's and ask them to remix it for me - at least a 45 minute round trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Hmmm, how could I assist and speed-up this remixing process?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Aha! I needed to sacrifice a kitchen whisk. That should work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Oh boy! Work it did! I LOVE my new discovery of the most excellent painting tool. I whisked that paint right back into shape. Perfect!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7VE5frsd4zeJ9_kvKW4uN8iw0P9XZmcimBo1bHztuYAzjrjkgVi2nE7AgORpf5ELnwlLR5OdADtIp_h6xS7zjmmgdWKJFCqQ7-WRWcBz3-XO3gC6DM7jpVhzTl3Xc75mN4Z_BU5FZGZ8/s1600/DSC_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7VE5frsd4zeJ9_kvKW4uN8iw0P9XZmcimBo1bHztuYAzjrjkgVi2nE7AgORpf5ELnwlLR5OdADtIp_h6xS7zjmmgdWKJFCqQ7-WRWcBz3-XO3gC6DM7jpVhzTl3Xc75mN4Z_BU5FZGZ8/s400/DSC_0993.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new favorite painting tool - a whisk!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Maybe you've already had this idea, but for me, it was original. Guess I should check out the rest of the kitchen section before I take on any more painting projects.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">What's your favorite painting tool?</span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-75224626789662503362016-08-15T19:35:00.001-07:002016-08-15T19:35:07.665-07:00Do You Remember Free Towels?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zmsdKUu5QfdswJzeaFvPlL5BJj5Vb3Ag3ERl2m5Lft8EPyUsJqx7TThGUavlXRXzoxELxK68sQb2aut-_2qrE3jja-S04e6E3V3UkX_rPG2TuqieNutiRLJF3yOGKBTt8UJqxeq7btpy/s1600/DSC_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zmsdKUu5QfdswJzeaFvPlL5BJj5Vb3Ag3ERl2m5Lft8EPyUsJqx7TThGUavlXRXzoxELxK68sQb2aut-_2qrE3jja-S04e6E3V3UkX_rPG2TuqieNutiRLJF3yOGKBTt8UJqxeq7btpy/s400/DSC_0988.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
<br />
I don't usually dwell on where my towels originated, other than to contemplate how old the ratty ones are and consider if it's time for a towel shopping bonanza.<br />
<br />
As all but the last few ancient, ragged towels are happily ensconced in the RV, awaiting our arrival, we are making due with some threadbare specimens.<br />
<br />
No remaining borders, faded designs, frayed edges, thin fabric - this is the state of the towels piled in the cupboard. If my sister saw them, she would zoom straight as the crow flies to a nearby department store and stock us up with new fluffy towels.<br />
<br />
But sister, never fear. We have plenty of good towels. They are just living in our other home.<br />
<br />
Tonight, as I dried off with one of the antique versions, tiny in size but amazingly colorful, I had a flashback to when towels came free.<br />
<br />
In detergent boxes! Do you remember those little plastic encased free towels? I'm not entirely sure that this blue floral number is not one of those freebies. It's still in use, at least 25 years later.<br />
<br />
After an online search, I found several old detergent brands that offered free face cloths, knives, glasses, and towels. Breeze sounded familiar, but the images I saw only offered face cloths. Bonus advertised a full sized towel, but that name doesn't ring a bell. How fun to look at the old packaging, all the way back in the late 1950's and 1960's.<br />
<br />
Wait! I found it. Breeze is one of the detergents that included free towels. Check out my Pinterest board (For the Home) and scroll to see the Breeze box. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/angiequantrell/" target="_blank">Angie's Pinterest Boards</a><br />
<br />
Ahh, memories. I truly am not old enough to buy detergent in the 50-60's, but let's try the 70's. Back in the good old days. . . free stuff when one went shopping!<br />
<br />
I still love free!<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear your memories. Were you ever the recipient of free towels? Glasses? Dinnerware? Green stamps (you could buy all sorts of wonderful items with green stamps)?<br />
<br />
Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-37716931801688135532016-08-10T21:00:00.000-07:002016-08-10T21:00:19.756-07:00My New Favorite Packing Tool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0zhnJkm-NlmS4celLiYPSi3LWWlm2_VQUsWwQXSx05Ps1nd7NAEaqDeL9FdKHTEk_EcWD4BYKvd9RWwn08wg0QQkvmPR18CMSmyYIqzkrA0gjYphIXwhHK4AGifnx065ierMIp4mMxlP/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0zhnJkm-NlmS4celLiYPSi3LWWlm2_VQUsWwQXSx05Ps1nd7NAEaqDeL9FdKHTEk_EcWD4BYKvd9RWwn08wg0QQkvmPR18CMSmyYIqzkrA0gjYphIXwhHK4AGifnx065ierMIp4mMxlP/s400/IMG_0956.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This girl has some hard-to-wrap-and-secure items.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enter plastic wrap. It's my new favorite packing tool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only can I easily see what is packed inside the wrapping, the items are secure (should a moving <em>earthquake</em> occur and miniature items move around), the glass is held firmly in place, cords are stuck together instead of trailing around, and I always have plastic wrap on hand.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a win-win strategy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're welcome.</span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-9071378101356091892016-08-08T18:38:00.001-07:002016-08-08T18:38:44.136-07:00Moving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qkOj_KqcYwV7eivTsiK5MjPxduBGsncLgBD13VnoYtkh7RhFhV0Y9Akq8uDRIbHmC6Drd9KBjwH4_270HwWCJhXjpmSlFxhmyFiY1euKRX5_IunLJ8LJ6jB0CQUvPP_ZTis7ouAJYQUQ/s1600/DSC_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qkOj_KqcYwV7eivTsiK5MjPxduBGsncLgBD13VnoYtkh7RhFhV0Y9Akq8uDRIbHmC6Drd9KBjwH4_270HwWCJhXjpmSlFxhmyFiY1euKRX5_IunLJ8LJ6jB0CQUvPP_ZTis7ouAJYQUQ/s400/DSC_0981.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The box that was filled with flyers listing our home as FOR SALE is empty. That doesn't mean we are done with this whole moving process. Not at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For instance, as I tidied and prepped, boxed and bagged, I discovered that I had 3 of those old fashioned hair dryers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know the ones. The type that comes in a hat-type carrying case, with a long hose leading from the base to the plastic hat, and the lovely plastic hat that one puts on over curlers. Or, in my case, over my plastic bag wrapped deep conditioned hair. It really works.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpBRhVTuD2Mnr85WqI-dvM0F0ZbOWYGWwF-bxmUIeLPHFfmo4-ciEg3tm0DVew7MVP9nDmulnw9J3ow_ficlGCrH1OIZAchbO0T3WJr_bjpVng-xBSfpiYv8GBp8ZK_DRENBf1g3xMB0c/s1600/DSC_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpBRhVTuD2Mnr85WqI-dvM0F0ZbOWYGWwF-bxmUIeLPHFfmo4-ciEg3tm0DVew7MVP9nDmulnw9J3ow_ficlGCrH1OIZAchbO0T3WJr_bjpVng-xBSfpiYv8GBp8ZK_DRENBf1g3xMB0c/s400/DSC_0986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But 3? Who needs 3 hair dryers of that sort? Last time I checked, I only had (and still have) 1 head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What can I say? This scenario has been repeated several times with different items as I've cleared out closets, drawers, and cupboards. Hoarder? Yard sale hound? Bargain monster?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I prefer to call myself a <strong>collector</strong>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The good news is, we can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. Piles of this and that for various people have mostly been sent to their new homes. The debris is disappearing a little more every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The adventure continues! How to fit everything we need - or think we need - into an RV. It's a never-ending puzzle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hair dryer anyone?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ96sYK5mPqu6MMP9UqG7FbWCVLZkE-GjyUTWk9-K_6ZTN0PSJikpXSobJ5bf64f0ZTnm2ZWCIdCkLBkJxY4pYmRg26HRPwH8SgImO4ex6SWS-LJYMWbMmnsmFrJ6xP0Q7EBd0bRUUBf3s/s1600/DSC_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ96sYK5mPqu6MMP9UqG7FbWCVLZkE-GjyUTWk9-K_6ZTN0PSJikpXSobJ5bf64f0ZTnm2ZWCIdCkLBkJxY4pYmRg26HRPwH8SgImO4ex6SWS-LJYMWbMmnsmFrJ6xP0Q7EBd0bRUUBf3s/s400/DSC_0985.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-33768997184859630642016-08-05T13:54:00.001-07:002016-08-05T13:54:18.975-07:0054 Years Later - Nana Finally Gets Someone Who Resembles Her<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSb1O8E4W1H0RuGlwQZnoEwx-QUTBOLVBuZlB9db9l16AUQmKmWiOEYNQDmht-_iY_ORjflzaqvz8ohH3vDyYyXdL4_GJUDAOVI-DJ8ym513ZVio0m-tGnlr5Hw1TEphvLPUBAZ51PzA6/s1600/IMG_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSb1O8E4W1H0RuGlwQZnoEwx-QUTBOLVBuZlB9db9l16AUQmKmWiOEYNQDmht-_iY_ORjflzaqvz8ohH3vDyYyXdL4_GJUDAOVI-DJ8ym513ZVio0m-tGnlr5Hw1TEphvLPUBAZ51PzA6/s400/IMG_0937.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little baby Angie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Actually, it is 53 years - until my birthday in November. Why am I making myself older than I am???</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A tiny baby girl was born 53 years ago. When that girl was married, she had 2 children, a boy and a girl. Neither resembled her. YES. She was there for the birth, so she knows they are hers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Much later, the boy and girl both married their lifemates and produced wonderful grandchilden. None of which looked even the slightest bit like the Nana. Rather, they looked like mommy or daddy or this cousin or that one, or even aunties and uncles. No one resembled short little Nana.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until now. <em>Nana giggles and rubs her hands together with glee.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Little Autumn, the youngest princess, coming in at barely 3 months old, finally shows signs of having something in common with the Nana!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Autumn's eyes look like Nana's eyes. A family resemblance - how nice for me! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispmKT1ixAPdv1fE-GabqxkT5lIllyvHkhw86vggqGN1uJfn60hDFhM89e6t6sSo2sWibflV9k1ryzPrBwsOhYNwhW4TJx95xKd8znBuyugN_IdFPPFiFXYR2R4yy8LWCg9rEePl_0PyRq/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispmKT1ixAPdv1fE-GabqxkT5lIllyvHkhw86vggqGN1uJfn60hDFhM89e6t6sSo2sWibflV9k1ryzPrBwsOhYNwhW4TJx95xKd8znBuyugN_IdFPPFiFXYR2R4yy8LWCg9rEePl_0PyRq/s400/IMG_0907.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Autumn and her Nana eyes! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Nana is happy with even the slightest hint of "she has my eyes." I would be fine if she had Papa's height and not my lack. Actually, I am very happy that she is healthy. A slight resemblance is just eye-cing on the cake. <em>Wink, wink.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yippee for grands.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Do your children resemble you? How about those grands?</em></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOlr5QyWr0nlzxz-Vthzdlc9h_W3XMYNpGgM8ZnPkmOkQlifD1VaRq8LxeTK_3tzuTuSFIchOXieqJkn5eQXk1Mp23n7wIgzetOG3KovAOien3XbBacCpfpU9j7FXYa2hPQNmIH6qJjzA/s1600/IMG_0887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOlr5QyWr0nlzxz-Vthzdlc9h_W3XMYNpGgM8ZnPkmOkQlifD1VaRq8LxeTK_3tzuTuSFIchOXieqJkn5eQXk1Mp23n7wIgzetOG3KovAOien3XbBacCpfpU9j7FXYa2hPQNmIH6qJjzA/s400/IMG_0887.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just chatting with my Nana. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-54527644094431215042016-08-04T14:18:00.002-07:002016-08-04T14:18:52.780-07:00Early Pumpkin Harvest<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIL9pJCBaWL3dUBzoNFiozvTCWGAVK4eBCeiJQ3QQMVbMrqvSRq_s1WNGvV9T0-hHskhPz7xH0p2SO303Itqq7kY5-jI1lLKhMfmxgxUvc9taixrE49IVHicMS22ikjeqATSvcK7cG5Duc/s1600/DSC_0973+8+pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIL9pJCBaWL3dUBzoNFiozvTCWGAVK4eBCeiJQ3QQMVbMrqvSRq_s1WNGvV9T0-hHskhPz7xH0p2SO303Itqq7kY5-jI1lLKhMfmxgxUvc9taixrE49IVHicMS22ikjeqATSvcK7cG5Duc/s400/DSC_0973+8+pumpkins.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe and gorgeous</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I harvested 8 pumpkins this morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's August. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Harvesting pumpkins in August just does not sound right. Especially when it will be around 90 later this afternoon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not right at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Extenuating circumstances encouraged me to wade deep in the bristly pumpkin patch and knee high grass to grasp my favorite orange fall buddies. Er, I mean, signs of the season. Sure, I talk to my pumpkins. And those dratted slugs and squash bugs. I do admit to speaking kindly to my pumpkin pals. Not so much with the vermin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doesn't everyone talk to their plants and garden inhabitants? No? Hmmm.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Slugs.</strong> They were eating HOLES in my pumpkins! I rolled one large pumpkin over and a huge spotted slug, probably 3-4 inches long when stretched out, was coiled comfortably in the blossom end hollow. UGH. Tiny little slime booger slugs were creeping all over as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Odd. Spring. Weather.</strong> We had the weirdest spring. That is all I can blame on the extremely early crops. It was very warm, very hot, and then very cold. Plants in my area don't know what to do. Except grow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Squash bugs.</strong> I've been so busy packing up the house, I missed recognizing the sign of yellowed leaves that indicated I had extra special garden pest visitors. Why, those hungry little insects have moved right in!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Orange.</strong> These pumpkin babies were colorful and ready to visit my porch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Snip, snip, tug, and off we went away from hungry mouths to the safety of shade and protection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Fall (in August) here we come!</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>How is your garden growing this year?</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJrMz_kFpsOoE8NxLiNgojhcWT1FZWxCsQJGpfL3Mx4j0MxtQJpHpuf_RuZfNiYN7Fe9pt_VB7TWyVBNOKG31usXKUVzBI4gB3sFo_tG21nqYh9iWIAKWfXceyQhCHyWAXbHBCUhAMgWd/s1600/DSC_0975+pumpkin+close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJrMz_kFpsOoE8NxLiNgojhcWT1FZWxCsQJGpfL3Mx4j0MxtQJpHpuf_RuZfNiYN7Fe9pt_VB7TWyVBNOKG31usXKUVzBI4gB3sFo_tG21nqYh9iWIAKWfXceyQhCHyWAXbHBCUhAMgWd/s400/DSC_0975+pumpkin+close+up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-73343869663746444342016-07-27T12:50:00.000-07:002016-07-27T12:50:52.505-07:00Favorite Summer Recipe ~ Stuffed Squash<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdRgM3uBfqjYugi9yDDh62BCvr71G2prdwIXwGu8qx128S68K3J_B_TvvzAGINaqxqnVQ-oP_vn81W0mfspx-Z4VG6iKcqxJDZFDEKdyDxWwiDPgzQK21Fr6PlHSNzUb7X9Q7SZFZ8xbq/s1600/DSC_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdRgM3uBfqjYugi9yDDh62BCvr71G2prdwIXwGu8qx128S68K3J_B_TvvzAGINaqxqnVQ-oP_vn81W0mfspx-Z4VG6iKcqxJDZFDEKdyDxWwiDPgzQK21Fr6PlHSNzUb7X9Q7SZFZ8xbq/s400/DSC_0928.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy stuffed squash, a summer favorite!</td></tr>
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by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ahh. The bounty of summer awaits my growling tummy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Though I am posting this recipe today, I made this dish several weeks ago. Due to the odd weather this year and very early and hot spring temperatures, the produce schedule is very early or entirely off schedule! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I know. But we take what we get and have a fancy meal. I also acknowledge that I post this recipe in some form almost every year. It is <em>that </em>good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This year, on July 1st (so early), I harvested a zucchini and a yellow squash plus wax and green beans. So delish!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffing for the squash</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Stuffed Squash</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 pound ground turkey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">washed and chopped green and wax beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2 squash, washed, cut in half lengthwise, and scooped out</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 can of black beans, rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 can of diced tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 carrot, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1 onion, diced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2-3 garlic cloves, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1-2 cups chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">parsley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">crushed peppers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Mrs. Dash</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">onion powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">grated cheddar cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4SGu6QPVqwpp1KDrKyiFtYIILbKeXXYJt8BiwbVOfbkjtuH4bmm6huqpyLo_ATKo1BNchJ2f3tnMOFl__Pjh-SRyIJMZ6zPIiniE0MQo9rggu7vTNYaO-BJ4AhMzpzI2YZ_G17nnoQQL/s1600/DSC_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY4SGu6QPVqwpp1KDrKyiFtYIILbKeXXYJt8BiwbVOfbkjtuH4bmm6huqpyLo_ATKo1BNchJ2f3tnMOFl__Pjh-SRyIJMZ6zPIiniE0MQo9rggu7vTNYaO-BJ4AhMzpzI2YZ_G17nnoQQL/s400/DSC_0926.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prepped squash. I sometimes like to add olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper before I stuff them.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. Saute onion, garlic, and carrot in olive oil. Add turkey meat to brown it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. After turkey is browned, add black beans, beans, tomatoes, and spices (to your taste). Add enough chicken broth to make a thick mixture. Let cook until bubbling and fragrant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3. Stuff peppers with stuffing. I love them full and overflowing. You will probably have leftovers, which makes a tasty soup or casserole base. Sprinkle with grated cheese.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4. Place on parchment paper covered cookie sheet and bake for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees. Check often as you near the end of your cooking time to make sure squash ingredients are not overcooking. We like a crispy cheese topping, so we let them cook the full time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">5. Remove and enjoy!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuXtOZxwMENkZtUev6XrviEnzgMIfQX_SkYISOFCttt7LMc6-mP-VtTA1rjLUNxFZJEZslgt6N5tGuugrdMCrD4fRBV80V98BVqvAOqPghlQq7A5-VxEmoVHCP7GtAQIL0ucopc0is0pz/s1600/DSC_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuXtOZxwMENkZtUev6XrviEnzgMIfQX_SkYISOFCttt7LMc6-mP-VtTA1rjLUNxFZJEZslgt6N5tGuugrdMCrD4fRBV80V98BVqvAOqPghlQq7A5-VxEmoVHCP7GtAQIL0ucopc0is0pz/s400/DSC_0927.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the oven.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You can add almost anything to this dish. If I have quinoa, it goes in the mix. At times I've added broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms - you name it, I've probably had it in my stuffed squash.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>I just love summer gardens and their tasty treats, don't you? What's your favorite summer dish?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-34441588574820696402016-07-26T13:59:00.002-07:002016-07-26T13:59:36.029-07:00Thinking in 12's ~ RV Living<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkPNyou_bZqSHqwKTH-KqsXKuTTh_wbHDzkH5CGeUG0Qc2DC25RK-jE6QJRWIGpTQrwVSDOe5aonxz9rpRVwZP6CAfNmX-ADLqbo4XPRj4HPwvdNwbuQSggZWQ1_-N26hP3EosxDwjJ8L/s1600/DSC_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkPNyou_bZqSHqwKTH-KqsXKuTTh_wbHDzkH5CGeUG0Qc2DC25RK-jE6QJRWIGpTQrwVSDOe5aonxz9rpRVwZP6CAfNmX-ADLqbo4XPRj4HPwvdNwbuQSggZWQ1_-N26hP3EosxDwjJ8L/s400/DSC_0956.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12's become significant...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">by Angie Quantrell</span> <a href="http://www.angiequantrell.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Lately, I've been thinking in 12's.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">12 towels (the hubby uses many each week, plus there are the grands . . .)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">12 dish clothes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">12 sets of silverware (in case we have company)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">12 wash clothes (we are messy)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I don't know why 12 seems like such a good number. Except 12 towels will hold us if I can't get to the laundry for a bit. Dishes shouldn't be a problem, though we do go through them each day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I am a 12th Fan (<strong>Go, Seahawks!).</strong> Maybe that's the influence of 12.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A dozen. That usually means good things. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">A dozen eggs, donuts, months in a year . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hmmm. 12's were always the hardest for me to remember when it came to multiplication facts. I still have to think hard (or cheat) to figure out 12's.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Moving into an RV trailer is a huge commitment. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The storage space. Oh, boy. I mean the lack of storage space. That is the challenge. But we are up for adventure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">To end on a positive note, let's have a list of 12 great and wonderful reasons to live in an RV!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. Life will be one big adventure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. It will feel like camping. all. the. time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3. We can move our house any time we want a change of scenery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4. Less square footage means less area to clean!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">5. Change. Change is good. Change makes you think outside of the box in which you currently reside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">6. Weeding. This is necessary to reduce personal effects to a sufficiently tiny amount that they fit inside the RV.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">7. Cooking requirements will force creativity!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">8. Potential for blog posts (the good, the bad, the ugly) will increase exponentially the longer we abide in each other's hip pockets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">9. The porch. Sitting under the awning enjoying the evening quiet (and chatter of young grands) will be exquisite.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">10. Free time! No sense in shopping - there's no place to put it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">11. Clothing choices will be easy each day. With a limited wardrobe, it's recycle outfits over and over again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">12. Fairy tale living. It's true! I will be snuggled up to my honey in our home sweet home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">13. And for the baker's dozen - Living in an RV will get us ready to live in our small home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Now. That being said . . . I'd love to hear your RV living suggestions, tips, and strategies! Pretty please!</em></span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-27152388364823105962016-07-22T15:13:00.002-07:002016-07-22T15:13:49.060-07:00Rubber Stamping Amidst Chaos<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHmN7u3qv_-C6Nobv7pTBXARbusZ6OSnaaJJzt1ZIuYgi-JBtDsMTH1sq46k3_qBqC8_NmGaElpC_L52No1Gf_3m3B_k-tfqtykJ2lQyL_7uobjKpNIX7WkFvyBRmvWXRO3O43UQ1jJn9/s1600/DSC_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHmN7u3qv_-C6Nobv7pTBXARbusZ6OSnaaJJzt1ZIuYgi-JBtDsMTH1sq46k3_qBqC8_NmGaElpC_L52No1Gf_3m3B_k-tfqtykJ2lQyL_7uobjKpNIX7WkFvyBRmvWXRO3O43UQ1jJn9/s400/DSC_0969.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50 card total. I think it's a record low, but they are so pretty! </td></tr>
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By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.angiequantrell.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Distracted? Yes. But still productive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">These are the cards I stamped while visiting my college friend and co-stamping nut. I mean hobbyist.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Despite the multiple phone calls, texts, and emails that transpired due to the pending sale of our home, I was able to squeak out a tiny bit of concentration which allowed me to create greeting cards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's what we do. This process works best when we are together, as our ideas bloom and feed off of each other. Our stash of rubber stamps, tools, papers, and supplies is doubled when we pool our resources. Life events are discussed, food is enjoyed, and cards are produced.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">A win-win situation, even when one is selling a house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I suppose I should apply this special superhero focusing power (<em>giggle, giggle</em>) to my picture book writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes. I really must.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Regardless of exterior distractions and influences, I need to be seated in the computer chair and producing manuscripts (or editing or submitting or querying). This shall become increasingly interesting when my office, chair, desk, and computer space becomes that of the RV dinette.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Whatever will the two gray girls do? Cause havoc and sleep on my papers. Without a doubt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Onward and upward.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKXy5CazwMRTzEoqdiaPAftJUC9Jtbjfaj8ekTFH7wxk1iMi0BcvuPUqwvTmWVViOHM7dSXDwOxn0kFizqo66P9pDPFyvgJ_ORs-T4kdqne93HWMCsXrk4ZtdsDr0bZ8_mzUPtl1G8KR_/s1600/DSC_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKXy5CazwMRTzEoqdiaPAftJUC9Jtbjfaj8ekTFH7wxk1iMi0BcvuPUqwvTmWVViOHM7dSXDwOxn0kFizqo66P9pDPFyvgJ_ORs-T4kdqne93HWMCsXrk4ZtdsDr0bZ8_mzUPtl1G8KR_/s400/DSC_0977.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Meow, meow, Mommy! Get writing!" says Monet.</td></tr>
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Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-91462818118464700902016-07-21T10:03:00.000-07:002016-07-21T10:03:21.624-07:00The Silverware Drawer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicPTrRXz3AGmZFQhe0W869EF553mV5W17FHbtz1sz27Bhy3b8vPgGzHL62xeXEIyV3C65V55EQF-2FzllEgWfpimj38G8_JZ7SGFgKVteBSZM8atuTqwUE7H5wis0ye4KGu441zLo3nDZ/s1600/silverware+drawer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiicPTrRXz3AGmZFQhe0W869EF553mV5W17FHbtz1sz27Bhy3b8vPgGzHL62xeXEIyV3C65V55EQF-2FzllEgWfpimj38G8_JZ7SGFgKVteBSZM8atuTqwUE7H5wis0ye4KGu441zLo3nDZ/s400/silverware+drawer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I loosely say <em>silverware</em>, though there is probably only 1 or 2 pieces that actually contain silver. Utensil ware is so much less exciting and refined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This is what happens when one steals the silverware basket to check and see if it fits in the RV drawer. Which it does, but only in one of them. So that drawer is now the official holder of utensils.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Not to get too deep here, but this drawer neatly - I mean chaotically - represents my life at present. <strong>Transistion</strong>. What that really means is that there are plenty of opportunities for untidiness, cleaning out the cobwebs, decluttering, and paring down life to what is really important.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- Things appear to be a jumbled mess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- We have to dig around to find what we need. But that leads to . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- Glimpses of treasured items and favorite memories.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- Everything feels topsy turvy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- So many pieces, but they can't all go with me. Sorting becomes necessary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- I want to get cracking and put it all back in order.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- But I don't have time. Yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- The search and rescue approach to gathering dining necessities is in force.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">My life looks like my silverware drawer. But that's just outside appearances. All is well, and in time, all will be sorted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">In the meantime, <em>why not enjoy the adventure</em>?</span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-83869626868735648002016-07-19T19:29:00.002-07:002016-07-19T19:29:28.902-07:00He Sold the House While I Was Gone!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhaTwqHBXdU5ZixIPq9OU7OehAPSOZ7FarkfsAJXVcIeTXGzDcF8d4QRWVmQrR9veVviAQrxcPE5UoLwm35xvEC1lUeuWoTnESvFuVSIq1GDxLSevZuaGgDGPoYZySwa2njIgoSXzQhy9/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhaTwqHBXdU5ZixIPq9OU7OehAPSOZ7FarkfsAJXVcIeTXGzDcF8d4QRWVmQrR9veVviAQrxcPE5UoLwm35xvEC1lUeuWoTnESvFuVSIq1GDxLSevZuaGgDGPoYZySwa2njIgoSXzQhy9/s400/DSC_0104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colors from our garden</td></tr>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">By Angie Quantrell</span> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Go on vacation, buy an RV trailer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Go to see my friends, the hubby sells the house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>What next?</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The rest of the story . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">When we sold our first home, I was at a conference in New Mexico with some wonderful ladies. Kevin repeatedly called me, updating the news and asking questions. Finally, his calls took on a list-like look.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">"Honey, I sold the fridge."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">"Honey, I sold the boat."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">"Honey, I sold the . . ."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">In desperation, I turned to my ladies, who were totally tuned in to the situation. "I've got to get home before he sells the kids!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Many, many years later, the story is similar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Last week was vacation. We enjoyed a few days with my cousin. We shopped for RVs but didn't find one we could live in for any length of time. We discussed in great detail EVERY single option of selling our home and finally beginning our bucket list plan to build a small home. And I mean EVERY detail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">After returning home, we made an appointment with our realtor to ask questions and prepare to sell. That was Thursday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The following Monday we met again and listed the house. The signs went up and photos were taken.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Tuesday was the realtor walk through day, so I loaded up the cats and headed to the other Quantrell's for most of the day. Not only did several realtors visit our home, we had a showing with a different realtor. Just as I was putting quiche in the oven, we received a text for another showing. We quickly ate, grabbed the cats, and vacated the premises.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">On Wednesday, I headed to visit college friends, leaving Kevin in charge of the home selling adventure. Kevin was texted for yet another showing. This one lasted almost 2 hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">On Thursday morning, we received an offer! After another already scheduled showing later that day, paperwork was completed, and we accepted the offer for our home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Guess where I was? Not at home. I was with friends on the other side of the mountains. Texts flew back and forth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">"We got an offer."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">"We are meeting to discuss the deal."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">"You need to sign these papers."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I really need to not leave my husband at home alone! There's no telling what he is planning on selling next . . .</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Providing all goes well with the various sale-of-home proceedings, we will soon be living the RV life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>I guess that means we really are old Nana and Papa grandparents. (And we love it!)</em></span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-49787998881485568592016-07-11T21:03:00.001-07:002016-07-11T21:03:57.398-07:00Time Flies When You're Having Fun <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-K6Rta_XJHNg1UtTKumo2IgNpWGK1fuZ5QyArWs6LroqAoZOudx7yY4_x20R-X-mB4BBXdTm-Fm_WUlZjewhyphenhyphencTBe7cvNUbtU4mZbeL5RZERzodvDYP4SAWswewhhLJpg62W9ZdhRWTe/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-K6Rta_XJHNg1UtTKumo2IgNpWGK1fuZ5QyArWs6LroqAoZOudx7yY4_x20R-X-mB4BBXdTm-Fm_WUlZjewhyphenhyphencTBe7cvNUbtU4mZbeL5RZERzodvDYP4SAWswewhhLJpg62W9ZdhRWTe/s400/IMG_0753.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love locks at Chambers Bay Park</td></tr>
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By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's true. Time flies. But not only when you are having fun - though those particular minutes, hours, and days seem to sleep more easily through our fingers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I've found that time. Just. Flies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">For instance, my honey was on vacation last week. There were just not enough hours in the day! We . . . </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-thbKLXuR0z5FM2uqvf2vkEYdCKmq2o1qbnKvlGqDjzGafgtxxMZGD-rIpJ-Nf_WgvF-HrQQ2VxSa527urCmJN8Tps7bGEy6-F6f3wbznWIRYP9PPLGBoHmgSNrsPXDzJhZLW2Rr8Rgvw/s1600/IMG_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-thbKLXuR0z5FM2uqvf2vkEYdCKmq2o1qbnKvlGqDjzGafgtxxMZGD-rIpJ-Nf_WgvF-HrQQ2VxSa527urCmJN8Tps7bGEy6-F6f3wbznWIRYP9PPLGBoHmgSNrsPXDzJhZLW2Rr8Rgvw/s400/IMG_0757.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a wonderful time. I think maybe they were embarassed by us!</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- traveled to see my cousin in the Tacoma area where we ate, hiked, visited, walked, sipped coffee, ate some more, and watched exploding fireworks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- shopped for an RV trailer as a part of our long term plan to build our own small home</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- returned home and cleaned house with much attention given to fine detail</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC1orCNRkt6TEsDGIGuZ_ilbUxQydFyHmPgLiIoFC2F75oKtf1jhDCSPMnik845EV9QAHVZHa2bDgppuZ2J28aIDPv5YL8rw1jKxdxmqLOdWCt_wsGZxZXEdRSfx8Q6OxEY0lqdI_QZn4/s1600/IMG_0800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC1orCNRkt6TEsDGIGuZ_ilbUxQydFyHmPgLiIoFC2F75oKtf1jhDCSPMnik845EV9QAHVZHa2bDgppuZ2J28aIDPv5YL8rw1jKxdxmqLOdWCt_wsGZxZXEdRSfx8Q6OxEY0lqdI_QZn4/s400/IMG_0800.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the first hike we got lost. This was our trick for choosing the correct path on the next hike.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- decluttered, packed boxes, moved furniture, and prepared our home for sale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- shopped again for an RV trailer - and purchased a lovely used model that we pick up on Saturday where we will attend a class on how to make everything work</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- washed windows and removed cobwebs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- spackled and touched up painted walls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- filled the garage with boxes, bags, and large items for storage and donation</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVA9785uX6prS70kVtR7iFh3xO8THguJjIxCkVRgjg41zi3RSWsLtSl89peMT95QilSdJQx9dZUbq2IHJ1_NGircw4b2DBo9A3tsjiAS0IZnC3AbaplrHP8smJpA7lR8bqNy6Y6umGkx8/s1600/IMG_0803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVA9785uX6prS70kVtR7iFh3xO8THguJjIxCkVRgjg41zi3RSWsLtSl89peMT95QilSdJQx9dZUbq2IHJ1_NGircw4b2DBo9A3tsjiAS0IZnC3AbaplrHP8smJpA7lR8bqNy6Y6umGkx8/s400/IMG_0803.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Titlow Beach at low tide</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- spent hours talking on the phone with various service providers and business people, asking questions and learning the ropes about selling and building homes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">- and finally, put our home on the market</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are exhausted! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The above schedule did not allow time for reading email, blogging, writing, or any other creative endeavor. I barely had time for grocery shopping, but we were getting hungry and I had to cave and make the trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The fun continues tomorrow. The gray girls and I are banished for 4 hours while realtors visit and walk through our home. I think Monet, Mabel, and I will visit some grands. Won't that just make their day fantastic? The grands will love it. The cats, not so much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Oh, friends, I could have used you.</em> At the least we could have stopped for a bit and sipped a cup of tea. Rest and relaxation. Do consider a visit soon so we can catch up. I may not have furniture, but I always have hot water and tea.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_38uA5QMXWChZltd1HE0bV42UshvikGCGwWns4J3Kkyyr6lXJrokHWh5YWpzpKvA6tvrmHgPLn8KtFjYbLHlcK38wjV5m681-wDORWNkz6O0vk8soxXkjaY-jGs5O5kggeAtIPLx-u1n9/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_38uA5QMXWChZltd1HE0bV42UshvikGCGwWns4J3Kkyyr6lXJrokHWh5YWpzpKvA6tvrmHgPLn8KtFjYbLHlcK38wjV5m681-wDORWNkz6O0vk8soxXkjaY-jGs5O5kggeAtIPLx-u1n9/s400/IMG_0782.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireworks on the 4th</td></tr>
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Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-84430929632954401002016-06-29T19:13:00.001-07:002016-06-29T19:13:05.910-07:00Fourth of July Craft Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn87gHbOaLbjnQcC2X-093fK3V2PiDUyBl_MuQY0yu5wi-sX9vKQ7VpgXo_pdquA7HtaKwv83KVnW-jOH_jwIr6MX79ZqIjM-15xdNim73enNohKP9m18Ih3kzv_7IICTBPgEjGghI6dN/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrn87gHbOaLbjnQcC2X-093fK3V2PiDUyBl_MuQY0yu5wi-sX9vKQ7VpgXo_pdquA7HtaKwv83KVnW-jOH_jwIr6MX79ZqIjM-15xdNim73enNohKP9m18Ih3kzv_7IICTBPgEjGghI6dN/s400/DSC_0868.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khloe with her Fourth of July flag ~ it was kind of heavy!</td></tr>
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By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pinterest wins! This Fourth of July craft project turned out adorable.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The grands loved it as well, though they really wanted to just paint all over the old barn wood plaque. That would be a project for a different time. This time, Nana wanted some resemblance to a flag. It was on OLD barn wood after all, and that stuff is hard to come by.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">That being said, use any wood you like. Or cardboard or a piece of canvas. With just a little help, you will be ready to celebrate the birth of our nation in style!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB-xOJx-QHBCueTfK6vOYieWjATNv7Qthg4Cp0nkM89s5YqnXSUW5el0SD_2C7N0xDUEzGwRDkFLV27lph7dxpHvdnb9ySyofpMvWClIcPw81NQuRKtit4cOgoRihHuSQOz-QIWdPX98g/s1600/DSC_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrB-xOJx-QHBCueTfK6vOYieWjATNv7Qthg4Cp0nkM89s5YqnXSUW5el0SD_2C7N0xDUEzGwRDkFLV27lph7dxpHvdnb9ySyofpMvWClIcPw81NQuRKtit4cOgoRihHuSQOz-QIWdPX98g/s400/DSC_0837.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Audrey adding white stripes to her Fourth of July flag.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Fourth of July Flag Craft</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Materials:</strong> wood, acrylic paints (red, white, blue), plastic containers to hold paint, paintbrushes, apron or old clothes, wire</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Tools:</strong> saw, drill, wire cutter, broom</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0TjS2kpXLIIIP3-9HvhMQXWf7q7NGreYiJLSgbbnoElJLc2f9uPk3LbquaFyqjABXttf2qsoXAB33wIQTIOh_V59G2pe4rlp23TpOgpEuwZrHlM3ikJK0KUdgeCobVIiktlBPBq1-efO/s1600/DSC_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0TjS2kpXLIIIP3-9HvhMQXWf7q7NGreYiJLSgbbnoElJLc2f9uPk3LbquaFyqjABXttf2qsoXAB33wIQTIOh_V59G2pe4rlp23TpOgpEuwZrHlM3ikJK0KUdgeCobVIiktlBPBq1-efO/s400/DSC_0856.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donavyn is done with his flag and enjoying a freeze-pop on this nearly 100 degree day! UGH</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">1. Cut a rectangle from the wood. Drill two holes in the top for wire.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">2. Use a broom to dust off the sawdust and dirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">3. Squirt each color into a container.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4. Help do the handprint. I held each child's hand and thickly painted it with blue paint. I also helped place the hand and held it down until I had rubbed it all over. Wash!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrYU7uuQMUazXQS7BXWLvctumXp3BnDjoRcLceJtkt4YqMwPVokJKLEnKQlYekxPhDg6sW8vEC7KdzyKzW5dz2jlLj-0eycCOP9tdAqQt1bZweCbaLTTD0pxfkoD7ev31kEUsvPBbGFgf/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsrYU7uuQMUazXQS7BXWLvctumXp3BnDjoRcLceJtkt4YqMwPVokJKLEnKQlYekxPhDg6sW8vEC7KdzyKzW5dz2jlLj-0eycCOP9tdAqQt1bZweCbaLTTD0pxfkoD7ev31kEUsvPBbGFgf/s400/DSC_0866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayden working on his white stripes.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">5. We did red stripes first, making sure to leave big spaces for the white. For older kids they can pretty much be told where to start the stripe and they will be fine. My younger guys needed a little more assistance. Normally, I would just let them paint however they wanted, but these were on barn wood...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">6. Add the white stripes between the red.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">7. Dry. Loop wire through the holes and twist together to form a hanging loop.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolU3hAE07gFPrNq_JZqrudofZZ7EqZlrPTdGPW633G5lVLgi96lL1FauHYUY18nGCNgkx3zEXtlHAF1Tl0D_y5uYTKMVr29U1laBHwMHTiBwMvOqwhkyCS6ndOEp_LgBrzu4ovuaVc7Ar/s1600/DSC_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiolU3hAE07gFPrNq_JZqrudofZZ7EqZlrPTdGPW633G5lVLgi96lL1FauHYUY18nGCNgkx3zEXtlHAF1Tl0D_y5uYTKMVr29U1laBHwMHTiBwMvOqwhkyCS6ndOEp_LgBrzu4ovuaVc7Ar/s400/DSC_0869.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Happy 4th of July, America!</span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-13308203163168476942016-06-27T14:06:00.002-07:002016-06-27T14:06:48.883-07:00I Work at Home ~ Encouragement from a 7 Year-Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_T39VrGnHUJlqZsvKJXM4EJzjqzczgXy0OwIMkeqV98AKemJHkqnQ2i3SXRk3CdXPXTiFCTL21zoYBiTYMX_QYT7myvLglpVZgM8vkRCYA-jC-JK_N0sFR5NVt8c8QJs0FSRreh7OjJR/s1600/DSC_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_T39VrGnHUJlqZsvKJXM4EJzjqzczgXy0OwIMkeqV98AKemJHkqnQ2i3SXRk3CdXPXTiFCTL21zoYBiTYMX_QYT7myvLglpVZgM8vkRCYA-jC-JK_N0sFR5NVt8c8QJs0FSRreh7OjJR/s400/DSC_0775.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comments from the peanut gallery...</td></tr>
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<br />
by Angie Quantrell <a href="http://twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I work at home.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm sure some people think I just goof off, sip coffee, play in the backyard, eat bon bons, and read great books.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">It's true. I do those things. Occasionally. Or maybe even almost daily.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But I also work. At home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Last week, my grands and great-niece and their adult caregivers (mom and Nama) hit the road to visit Owen Beach at Pt. Defiance Park near Tacoma, Washington. As the road trip one-way was about 3 hours, there was plenty of time to talk. This conversation came from the way-back seat of our van.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Nama:</strong> Audrey, are you talking to grandma (via Face-Time)?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Audrey:</strong> Yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Nama:</strong> Is she at work?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Audrey:</strong> No, she doesn't work. She just goes in her office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><strong>Hayden:</strong> (Looking incredulously at Audrey) Nana does that! She works in her office. (Now looking at me) Nana, you write books in your office!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Long-distance-front-seat-to-backseat high five!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes! He gets it. I am working in my office. I do have a job. I don't make much money right now, giving credence to the term "poor starving author," but I am working.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">This writer felt very pleased and encouraged by the voice and total belief in the voice of a 7 year-old boy. He believes in me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>Who encourages and believes in you and your life's work?</em></span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-70044574993010279902016-06-24T12:55:00.000-07:002016-06-24T13:00:55.641-07:00Going to the Beach in Washington<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxhAnFUfKYre8c7YcBJ8IveG1qOS2Fd6AZZ9eiZTzEmA4Ft2If_rmGmZAKuxESCoAoafrSqxYCf8MC2c4lMoI-5f8bRop_-KckUIK6YKlLwj3NQebq-MEJwhkVQxczduioY5_ffDZNNkh/s1600/DSC_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxhAnFUfKYre8c7YcBJ8IveG1qOS2Fd6AZZ9eiZTzEmA4Ft2If_rmGmZAKuxESCoAoafrSqxYCf8MC2c4lMoI-5f8bRop_-KckUIK6YKlLwj3NQebq-MEJwhkVQxczduioY5_ffDZNNkh/s400/DSC_0794.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayden, 7, at Owens Beach, Pt. Defiance, WA. The gray? Rain. Sheets of.</td></tr>
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By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When in Washington (the state), going to the beach may look different than going to the beach in other locations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">For instance, one may need to wear a winter hat at our beaches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEM92BqB3n6aVJEFHtNtXZ_WpjbdhfOVtJHxLhwMWw1FqZB5_Ojk028nt7bhGBkHq2g6XwEaYYTDMxbBS2HPnMKztVTRPb2bn2_1DTviYAto2ue95PvT1aQEnfGqEYImx5re0fINf1zG4/s1600/DSC_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEM92BqB3n6aVJEFHtNtXZ_WpjbdhfOVtJHxLhwMWw1FqZB5_Ojk028nt7bhGBkHq2g6XwEaYYTDMxbBS2HPnMKztVTRPb2bn2_1DTviYAto2ue95PvT1aQEnfGqEYImx5re0fINf1zG4/s400/DSC_0775.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hayden, Audrey, and Khloe sporting layers, hats (including winter), and beach tools.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Sweatshirts may be required.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">You will get wet. With rain more than salt water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Barnacles and tiny crabs abound.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Picnics are held under shelter. Or you eat wet food.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0IHzb6_0byGU2-5F745x5ZxBpm-FFOVTW0v7eB9LC_pzrqlMTABtDqPG5r4JC6L_iCerSCiCxDvZO-ddfP6jcsQHxfiAa9-a6Ttzsj8R716_vLhgicbhyZM8_iNCHZRaePxyMMeN9g1Y/s1600/DSC_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0IHzb6_0byGU2-5F745x5ZxBpm-FFOVTW0v7eB9LC_pzrqlMTABtDqPG5r4JC6L_iCerSCiCxDvZO-ddfP6jcsQHxfiAa9-a6Ttzsj8R716_vLhgicbhyZM8_iNCHZRaePxyMMeN9g1Y/s400/DSC_0782.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnics under shelter keep the food dry.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Seagulls will peck open unattended packages and ruin the cookies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Sand will be discovered in odd and stayed-in-the-van-how-did-sand-get-there places.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">You will bring too many things in order to plan for any type of weather.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ekh4avVYiH771L35fc4-H_wh8FT6pbne5lwQMmyHnYPKV0LyTmW2DZgsv0JaJYdJLoOtfs8JdgsUodpco1_VOWNWAz-nwXwdF4Qkrc-fVPVhyphenhyphenzxJdIzLLu86f5KAThUKB8r-JhJyOYRs/s1600/DSC_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ekh4avVYiH771L35fc4-H_wh8FT6pbne5lwQMmyHnYPKV0LyTmW2DZgsv0JaJYdJLoOtfs8JdgsUodpco1_VOWNWAz-nwXwdF4Qkrc-fVPVhyphenhyphenzxJdIzLLu86f5KAThUKB8r-JhJyOYRs/s400/DSC_0791.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gage, 1. The same beach and same age when Hayden first went to the beach.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">You will take home more than you bargained for. Some of those things will smell after a day or so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Laundry and deep cleaning will be necessary once you get home.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiucJVPYMcGgUVDuscoJz4_LZuQgDMpYyz35kHmqOW9Z9rXjm4srr6fMdawLKkX_Hk2GODkzFBpoG8SIN7M_panSmSSP1I4kmpQDLG0t8sREJ3K37WeLLu5LTuJbfwe0es7rKvmrOIv5Rd/s1600/DSC_0802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiucJVPYMcGgUVDuscoJz4_LZuQgDMpYyz35kHmqOW9Z9rXjm4srr6fMdawLKkX_Hk2GODkzFBpoG8SIN7M_panSmSSP1I4kmpQDLG0t8sREJ3K37WeLLu5LTuJbfwe0es7rKvmrOIv5Rd/s400/DSC_0802.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He who wanted to throw himself into the water. Or eat sand. It was hands-on-Gage for one adult at all times.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Wet, cold, damp, briny kids smell just like that in the close confines of a van. Wet. Damp. Cold. Briny.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Umbrellas are often in use.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lcjS9-0z8U7XVLPXWj9VpnTJ_vE0n-UeDEDem8urGuQxMwUkC8YR_aYvmju_sdgyUJ0VG5rcaHeMIxV3-YaZyqaafOdmSj9jOMzajzZ3CexDE50cIejC_WGChuvw8uTdGecPIpniHUe5/s1600/DSC_0809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lcjS9-0z8U7XVLPXWj9VpnTJ_vE0n-UeDEDem8urGuQxMwUkC8YR_aYvmju_sdgyUJ0VG5rcaHeMIxV3-YaZyqaafOdmSj9jOMzajzZ3CexDE50cIejC_WGChuvw8uTdGecPIpniHUe5/s400/DSC_0809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the little feathery barnacles? The openings are ones that are feeding.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">One might wear a camera around the neck, but it will be covered with a plastic grocery bag that is tied tightly to keep out the rain. And sand. And stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Water sandals are the perfect shoe. Waterproof and protective against stones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Seals will wonder what you are doing. Bald eagles will soar, seagulls will annoy, ferries will pass, squirrels will steal, raccoons will beg, deer will graze.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ1FG6izItk0P8ZXyewC9shccnMxtZh5EZN1yYk8ZKRmoQHKDZA7SF-YJtGLVMqo2iWXyWHiHpadEEFhHUlJi3JVtlY39R4odPgaZx7TLvmL61802TSJr-wCY8Y18rDHJ_u4RQqy01ZCj/s1600/DSC_0813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQ1FG6izItk0P8ZXyewC9shccnMxtZh5EZN1yYk8ZKRmoQHKDZA7SF-YJtGLVMqo2iWXyWHiHpadEEFhHUlJi3JVtlY39R4odPgaZx7TLvmL61802TSJr-wCY8Y18rDHJ_u4RQqy01ZCj/s400/DSC_0813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at wildlife.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Those dead looking rocks with barnacle crusts are not dead. Just put them in a bowl of ocean water and see what happens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Strangers are kind. They may even bring a new crab specimen and seaweed clump for investigation.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F83ZOKVKnPqomd9Q8suAM4T2XkvXG_qaLoFSz44iZR_gQzqpGyMb9njXCYIyNh8fAZH-DGZAXFg3pxo2zQeGKpq0-ILCZo9sLV3mcBB80kTbvUrtZV2OdeLhfDh_aUep4hFJ6iUivxG4/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F83ZOKVKnPqomd9Q8suAM4T2XkvXG_qaLoFSz44iZR_gQzqpGyMb9njXCYIyNh8fAZH-DGZAXFg3pxo2zQeGKpq0-ILCZo9sLV3mcBB80kTbvUrtZV2OdeLhfDh_aUep4hFJ6iUivxG4/s400/DSC_0815.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our barnacle and crab observation project.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">On rainy days, you will mostly have the beach to yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">You can still get sunburned if it's raining and cold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">If you want to go to the beach, go. Sunny or rainy, windy or stormy, the beach is a wonderful destination. Just know that our beaches will not resemble southern beaches (most of the time). The water will not be warm. Body extremities will turn blue. Noses will run.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">But it will be the beach.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l78cULDmpE5H7HtTCHYhe3aNZQVssAjW1d4pqJ5QM1jAiLRvyjRCBwMncUzZw2xCL__rug9nj_-IE9f2w4MlnmaG44BU3gBh-iVpxY3HpOFJr1FEoAxFafj6WAVXJml38PWBKCdSAVrl/s1600/DSC_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1l78cULDmpE5H7HtTCHYhe3aNZQVssAjW1d4pqJ5QM1jAiLRvyjRCBwMncUzZw2xCL__rug9nj_-IE9f2w4MlnmaG44BU3gBh-iVpxY3HpOFJr1FEoAxFafj6WAVXJml38PWBKCdSAVrl/s400/DSC_0807.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The group - minus the photographer who quickly unwrapped the camera for a quick shot.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Layer up, my dears. Or at least plan for a variety of beach weather. This is the life of Washington beaches.</span>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7973566029292721828.post-22966233093708923542016-06-22T15:20:00.001-07:002016-06-22T15:24:48.139-07:00What's Your Fragrance?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3Bn8dw2URMOG7ArxwaLQk4-7ggUKoUnuSNxERlRSgHou9icpqEQ8XDctRjGuZiKiOjPmy1SDJjpWo0z4YfH0Co0ppPYB5F2Ux7YX392-eVBZs1eSTfqaXYLCvaONybAfVUXeza81xH5S/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3Bn8dw2URMOG7ArxwaLQk4-7ggUKoUnuSNxERlRSgHou9icpqEQ8XDctRjGuZiKiOjPmy1SDJjpWo0z4YfH0Co0ppPYB5F2Ux7YX392-eVBZs1eSTfqaXYLCvaONybAfVUXeza81xH5S/s400/DSC_0132.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender, my signature flower</td></tr>
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By Angie Quantrell <a href="http://www.twitter.com/angiequantrell" target="_blank">@AngieQuantrell</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few days ago, I was reading in 2 Corinthians, chapter 2. Immersed in the words, it took me a moment to realize that I was reading with a scent in my nose.</span><br />
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Tantalizing wafts of fragrance swirled through my thoughts.<br />
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<em>"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,"</em> (2 Corinthians 2:14-15, ESV).<br />
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As the words I read floated through my mind, they were accompanied by the memories and aroma of lavender.<br />
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Lavender.<br />
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In my heart, Christ (and therefore God) has the refreshing, calming, soothing, and beautiful fragrance of lavender. He smells like lavender! The Peace that fills my soul and permeates my life is that of lavender. <br />
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Quiet. Peace. Reverence.<br />
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Is it no wonder that lavender is one of my favorite blooming herbs? I am drawn to lavender as the bees, seeking scent and beauty. I gently brush my fingertips along the flowers and attempt to capture the faint scent. Or I crush and bruise petals and stem between these wretched fingers, forcing the flowers to release their fragrance. For my benefit.<br />
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Isn't that what happened so long ago? He was crushed and bruised, all to release the gift of His life, the fragrance of salvation. But that was not just for me. Rather, it was for all of us.<br />
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The fragrance of lavender.<br />
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Do you read with your nose? What fragrance is God to you?<br />
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<em>Oh, to smell like lavender to those around us.</em>Angie Quantrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07474213906615736834noreply@blogger.com0