tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9960674463512542502024-03-14T00:37:18.007-04:00Bella BluegrassLife with StripesSuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-31298832668591290362010-07-08T20:41:00.005-04:002010-07-08T21:15:50.953-04:00No Lack of Fur<div align="center"><br /><strong>Ode to a Shedding Cat</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>by Marea Needle</strong><strong><br /></strong><strong></strong><strong><br /></strong><br /></div><p align="center">I think that I shall never see</p><p align="center">A cat that sheds as much as thee.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/TDZ0apc5xuI/AAAAAAAABF4/kk1c9ahxHf0/s320/06_06_10+022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491704796777400034" /></p><p align="center">Thy fur that sticks is all around</p><p align="center">On chairs, on mats in little mounds.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/TDZ0aag1NAI/AAAAAAAABFw/o45m2iwRriw/s320/06_06_10+021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491704792767345666" /></p><p align="center">I sweep the floor, you shed some more.</p><p align="center">I wash the rug and you just shrug.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/TDZ0Z0kwXBI/AAAAAAAABFo/s_XD7COYQ6M/s320/06_06_10+020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491704782583258130" /></p><p align="center">You should give thanks I tolerate that,</p><p align="center">Or you would be a crew-cut cat.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/TDZ3_bR4XWI/AAAAAAAABGA/oGO8ijBxKAI/s320/1_13_10+043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491708727163116898" /><br /></p><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-57742944465849979662010-05-06T20:33:00.003-04:002010-05-09T22:06:02.257-04:00Classified Information<p align="center">For a little over a year, I was out of a job. It's a tough economy in which to be job-hunting, and the search got to be a little daunting at times.</p><p align="center">Fortunately, Bella was always happy to lend a hand. Or paw, as the case may be.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S-Ng_e1y0fI/AAAAAAAABFY/V4w97z9CbSg/s320/01_29_10+088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468321016284631538" />And while I didn't find my current job in the classifieds, I do find my current job in the classifieds. </p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S-Ng9v2qhoI/AAAAAAAABFI/mhCHGDk7eGc/s320/01_29_10+098.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468320986491946626" />Wait . . . what?</p><p align="center">What I mean is that I'm currently working in the classified department of a small newspaper. But I didn't find the job in the classified section. Go figure.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S-NhAiFWW_I/AAAAAAAABFg/IX-rO4A_Pzg/s320/01_29_10+094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468321034335050738" />I'm happy and grateful to have a job again.</p><p align="center"><em>Hey, as long as you can buy cat food, I'm good.</em></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S-Ng-Tr1qqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/TR_HMhxxCbg/s1600/01_29_10+093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S-Ng-Tr1qqI/AAAAAAAABFQ/TR_HMhxxCbg/s320/01_29_10+093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468320996110215842" /></a><br /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-53788722890017084862010-03-17T14:07:00.007-04:002010-03-17T14:49:22.612-04:00Green GreetingsImagine my surprise when I came downstairs this morning and found Bella wearing this.<br /><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S6Eb1F7VqFI/AAAAAAAABE4/IKjf8OPcobE/s320/03_17_10+054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449667623033088082" />I was surprised mostly because I wasn't aware that Bella was an Irish cat. However, she is a cat that tends to celebrate a lot of holidays, so I guess it only makes sense.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S6EcCgztLyI/AAAAAAAABFA/NWCQ6_fkU0M/s320/03_17_10+058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449667853587132194" /></p><p>Of course, as soon as I saw the shirt, I felt compelled to go put on my own leprechaun-inspired garb.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S6Eau63Tg8I/AAAAAAAABEo/cNoZ1SVjOC8/s320/03_17_10+070.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449666417472537538" />Bella knew what was coming . . . a mother-daughter picture in matching shirts. She groaned and rolled her eyes.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S6EauGrC1QI/AAAAAAAABEg/JNYbL-j6RuY/s320/03_17_10+057.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449666403462468866" />But (sort of) complied in the end.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S6Eb0dPUG2I/AAAAAAAABEw/A6V6e7JV-Zo/s320/03_17_10+065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449667612111018850" />Happy St. Patrick's Day!</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-52535762559435989222010-02-01T16:22:00.001-05:002010-02-01T16:56:56.192-05:00Moving<div align="center">Bella and I are moving. We're leaving our wonderful apartment with its checkerboard kitchen floor and great balcony for birdwatching. We're leaving behind so many beloved family members and friends. We're heading south. We have close family down there, and hopefully the job market is just a tad better than it is in Michigan. </div><p align="center">Moving can be tough on cats. They don't tend to like change. But the moving process can also be rather adventurous - I mean, there are boxes in which to crouch,</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S2UGgzl2LxI/AAAAAAAABCo/zPUAvDz6KpQ/s320/01_29_10+054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432755686166900498" />and on which to climb;</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S2UGhuDauUI/AAAAAAAABC4/AYydL-65hcs/s320/01_29_10+078.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432755701860186434" />Storage bins in which to get trapped,</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S2dGft6hx7I/AAAAAAAABEQ/CMK7zzFifVU/s320/01_29_10+148.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433388986160760754" />and magazine organizers in which to stuff oneself.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S2UHYoufq9I/AAAAAAAABDQ/SoS1AUS-_6g/s320/01_29_10+154.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432756645323058130" />Best of all are the empty bookcases - they're great for lounging.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S2UHX_ojwwI/AAAAAAAABDA/4YLO_LY2P4w/s320/01_29_10+081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432756634292306690" />And if you get up high, away from your everyday circumstances, sometimes you can get a different perspective.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S2UHvRkTgJI/AAAAAAAABDY/RdFu3OU9XTQ/s320/01_29_10+158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432757034243293330" />Yep, change can be hard for cats, and it's almost always hard for this human. But I'm trusting it will be good.</p><p align="center">Jeremiah 29:11</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-45373110279435935832010-01-12T21:25:00.001-05:002010-01-12T21:28:43.185-05:00Choosing Chairs<div align="center"></div><p align="center">Not all chairs are created equal.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0vzA8Y6JJI/AAAAAAAABCA/-b11h-Uuj0E/s320/12-15-09+035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425697373634045074" />Take the Palma Colonial Occasional Chair, for instance (Pier 1 named it, not me). It has a certain style...a certain panache. A certain...je ne sais quoi.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0vzAVcMpoI/AAAAAAAABB4/TbsCYFfeABs/s320/12-15-09+034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425697363178858114" />But I don't find myself sitting in it very often. If I have a choice between a comfy couch or armchair and this chair's hard bamboo slats, you can guess what I'm going to choose.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0vy_8dC2zI/AAAAAAAABBw/FgJ16DzVIlU/s320/12-15-09+033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425697356471524146" />As you can see, Bella feels similarly.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0vzWB-6InI/AAAAAAAABCI/zp3K0seUObA/s320/12-15-09+036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425697735912858226" /><em>If anyone needs me, I'll be on the couch.</em></p><p><br /></p><p></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-69619989440518579532010-01-06T21:50:00.007-05:002010-01-07T12:24:06.373-05:00Late Christmas Greetings<div align="center">I know we're into the new year, but hopefully the internet has room for a few more pictures of pine boughs, sparkling lights, and shiny packages.<br /></div><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0VNQkKIaMI/AAAAAAAABBA/SyTvnM9AtG8/s1600-h/01_01_10+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0VNQkKIaMI/AAAAAAAABBA/SyTvnM9AtG8/s320/01_01_10+020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423826273217046722" /></a>Oh, and eager, inquisitive cats.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0VNRq7tgGI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Rp6nEUYdwvE/s320/01_01_10+015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423826292215480418" /></p><p align="center">'Cause I've got pictures of all that in spades.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0VNRByC7xI/AAAAAAAABBI/qNAi7vxsgag/s320/01_01_10+013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423826281169088274" /></p><p align="center">Bella and I feel a little chagrined about not getting our Christmas cards out this year.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0VPfKdRC1I/AAAAAAAABBY/ehkiARXbwOg/s320/01_01_10+016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423828723039275858" />Can you tell?</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0VPfW-wPfI/AAAAAAAABBg/tVilOKejhbQ/s320/01_01_10+025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423828726400957938" /></p><p align="center">So please forgive us, and accept our belated Christmas greetings and sincere wishes for a blessed 2010!</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/S0YVwHOKhjI/AAAAAAAABBo/ere9-miEQUI/s320/01_01_10+030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424046717530703410" /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-85934593886839731462009-11-29T22:43:00.003-05:002009-11-29T22:50:46.906-05:00Thankful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SxM_8WFvcCI/AAAAAAAABA0/_4GYmhjCIfE/s1600/11_29_09+046.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SxM_8WFvcCI/AAAAAAAABA0/_4GYmhjCIfE/s320/11_29_09+046.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409737883356459042" /></a>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-65720205530794850662009-11-10T18:25:00.007-05:002009-11-10T20:48:37.033-05:00On my toes<div align="center"><br />I love having a cat.</div><p align="center">Of course I love having a cat. My cat is Bella, who has been scientifically proven to be the best cat in the universe. But beyond that, I love having a cat simply because it keeps me sharp...quick-witted. Steel-nerved.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Svn4M-mJ_KI/AAAAAAAAA_0/UtUECTf_AnU/s320/006_11_09+033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402622129852775586" />You never know where the cat is going to turn up.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Svn4NbQ14LI/AAAAAAAAA_8/pYZO2cS5qy0/s320/006_11_09+034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402622137548005554" />You can be going about your everyday business,</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Svn_KQZc9kI/AAAAAAAABAc/HjyygF5c55M/s320/11_06_09+022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402629779673118274" /></p><p align="center">and if you have a cat like mine, it can show up out of nowhere. Some people might find it disconcerting. But look at this sweet face! I can't think of a time when I haven't been thrilled to see this face.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Svn_Jvv0GXI/AAAAAAAABAU/LxO6jOUf2bY/s320/11_06_09+021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402629770908539250" />Well, okay.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SvoRsPUXG9I/AAAAAAAABAk/8VD6DsptdT8/s320/4_18+003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402650154708179922" />ONE time. But just once.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SvoRslwoV_I/AAAAAAAABAs/cw-GAl8Z4jI/s320/4_18+006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402650160732329970" />Thanks, Bella...</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Svn5GQ-CEtI/AAAAAAAABAE/FMk_R3XEPx8/s320/11_06_09+028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402623114037301970" />for keeping me on my toes.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Svn5GjlTTYI/AAAAAAAABAM/WMuwWoyQzy4/s320/11_06_09+030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402623119033847170" /></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-13199606281097242892009-09-09T11:25:00.000-04:002009-09-09T11:30:01.546-04:00Kitty LitBella and I are enjoying spending some time with our family down south, and Bella is having fun exploring a new house. Her grandparents have a houseful of books, and Bella, literary cat that she is, feels right at home.<p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Spw6mamneNI/AAAAAAAAA-w/RXPzZcBUsNo/s320/08_31_09+024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376236486824261842" />On her list of things to read are some of her Papa's commentaries. He has, oh, probably 1,000 of them.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SqfJZt_TrpI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/UvtkSrfElQk/s320/09_09_09+009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379489723596385938" />That's going real well.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Spw5c9aI6yI/AAAAAAAAA-g/OZuzkJvFY1c/s320/08_31_09+025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376235224856849186" />She's also planning to read some of her Mimi's Miss Read and Jan Karon books. And The South Beach Diet.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SqfI_v4zy5I/AAAAAAAAA_A/4M8jloFTkhc/s320/09_09_09+010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379489277429402514" />Clearly, she's making all kinds of progress.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Spw5cd7SvdI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/99J_vGpNWSA/s320/08_31_09+022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376235216405970386" />There are all kinds of historical books she's dying to get her little furry paws on.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SqfJATf5VQI/AAAAAAAAA_I/Bd0LLRX-TVU/s320/09_09_09+012.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379489286988584194" />But it's hard to get started when there are so many new surfaces on which to nap.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Spw5bx9UTOI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/tdqKuoXHjao/s320/08_31_09+020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376235204603301090" />It's OK Bella . . . you sleep; I'll read.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Spw5db4-3eI/AAAAAAAAA-o/2ul7gy2BZzc/s320/08_31_09+028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376235233039277538" /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-38618434497553530962009-08-31T15:59:00.005-04:002009-08-31T16:40:39.263-04:00Playdate<p>Bella spent a lot of time yesterday with her cousin, Lizzie.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpwyZxyz3zI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/nob92_4g6eo/s320/08_31_09+047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376227473618100018" />Lizzie thought Bella would look smashing in a necklace that she (Lizzie) had made for a doll. She was kind enough to loan it to Bella, but after thinking about it, she decided that she'd make another necklace so that Bella could have her own.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Spwyam6FsuI/AAAAAAAAA9g/6SM_hf-5ZbI/s320/08_31_09+033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376227487875707618" />Of course, this necessitated measuring Bella's neck for a perfect fit.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpwwFaJs1kI/AAAAAAAAA9A/-NAY8y3awh0/s320/08_31_09+052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376224924651017794" />With the measuring tapes out, Lizzie felt compelled to measure the rest of Bella, too. She's around 33 inches long, including her tail. Only about 9 inches shorter than Lizzie.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpwwE904YII/AAAAAAAAA84/-iyXHjYQqo8/s320/08_31_09+054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376224917047500930" />Bella was very cooperative (if not enthusiastic), for the most part.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpwwFzv6UAI/AAAAAAAAA9I/V0sbM9080N8/s320/08_31_09+050.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376224931522170882" />She did find it necessary to take a brief break from the playdate and rest under the bed for a while.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpwzUhuAnxI/AAAAAAAAA9o/VpgUyyUeI2E/s320/08_31_09+034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376228482915278610" />She came back, though. I mean, who could resist these eyes?</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpwwEqGAKLI/AAAAAAAAA8w/hNAtX0Jer5c/s320/08_31_09+056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376224911750604978" />All in all, Bella had a grand time playing with her cousin, and now has a taste for jewelry that she didn't have previously. Which is fine, so long as she doesn't ask for pierced ears...</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Spwyac44jDI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/3gVf8xNwCQQ/s320/08_31_09+032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376227485186296882" /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-6390449436243637442009-08-22T11:06:00.006-04:002009-08-22T14:02:06.636-04:00Road Trip<p align="center">Earlier this week, Bella and I took a 600+ mile road trip to visit our family. Bella is an unusually good traveller, and didn't utter a peep the entire trip. Like most traveling cats, she spent a good amount of time in her cat carrier.</p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpAKGeRQeGI/AAAAAAAAA8o/Jk_oEjWI29I/s1600-h/08_20_09+127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpAKGeRQeGI/AAAAAAAAA8o/Jk_oEjWI29I/s320/08_20_09+127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372805461773940834" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">However, Bella is no ordinary cat, and didn't seem content to just sit there. I sensed that she really wanted to be part of the whole experience. She wanted to drive . . . I could just feel it. And since she had to suffer the indignity of a harness and leash, I thought she deserved a turn at the wheel. </p><p align="center"> <img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpAKFONa3DI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/YQEOOhdPWFI/s320/08_20_09+123.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372805440283008050" /></p><p align="center">Of course, her legs are pretty short, and reaching the pedals would present somewhat of a problem. But I figured she could at least steer. She was very serious about the whole thing. She's seen those Toonces videos, and was determined to redeem the reputation of feline drivers. She kept her eyes on the road pretty much the whole time. </p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpAKF6d7g0I/AAAAAAAAA8g/LVboslw56Y0/s1600-h/08_20_09+126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpAKF6d7g0I/AAAAAAAAA8g/LVboslw56Y0/s320/08_20_09+126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372805452163416898" /></a><br /></p><p align="center"> Pretty much.</p><p align="center"><em>Hello, catnip factory!</em></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpAKFg5oL3I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/vcxo_1vIoU0/s1600-h/08_20_09+125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SpAKFg5oL3I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/vcxo_1vIoU0/s320/08_20_09+125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372805445300268914" /></a><br /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-52682625112654735522009-08-01T19:54:00.000-04:002009-08-01T20:49:24.487-04:00Stretch<p align="center">According to the website "Curious Cat Central,"*</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/STrfit8qlzI/AAAAAAAAAsI/KghX_ntDGaU/s320/12_04+034_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276775700960548658" />Cats have 26 more vertebrae in their spines than humans do.</p><p align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/STrfhywUgyI/AAAAAAAAAsA/5fVC-R98CaQ/s1600-h/12_04+030_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/STrfhywUgyI/AAAAAAAAAsA/5fVC-R98CaQ/s320/12_04+030_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276775685071078178" /></a></p><p align="center">No kidding.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/STrfhWvwSkI/AAAAAAAAAr4/jyBm1sbbe5A/s1600-h/12_04+029_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/STrfhWvwSkI/AAAAAAAAAr4/jyBm1sbbe5A/s320/12_04+029_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276775677552511554" /></a><br /></p><p>*http://www.curiouscatcentral.com/feline_facts.html</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-1692258704375480122009-07-03T11:51:00.007-04:002009-07-03T14:34:34.362-04:00Cleaning GreenI've recently begun to "clean green." I know there are lots of products out there available to buy that will aid in this area, but with almost no effort, you can make your own. And for a HUGE savings. Actually, to be perfectly honest, my frugality was what got me on the bandwagon, but I also think that it's important to use as few harsh chemicals as possible. <p>OK, so the first thing I tried was <strong>laundry detergent</strong>. Here are the things I used:</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sk43o56frqI/AAAAAAAAA7Q/IGVoHd0e3Js/s320/5_30+089_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354278182870560418" />1 bar of Fels Naptha soap (I found it in with the other bar soaps) $1.29</p><p>2 cups Washing Soda (The whole "Arm & Hammer" thing might make you think this is just a giant box of baking soda, but it's not. I found it in the laundry aisle) $2.99</p><p>2 cups 20 Mule Team Borax (I think this was in the cleaning aisle. I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to refer to it by the full name "20 Mule Team Borax" throughout this post. Simply because mules make me laugh.) $2.99</p><p>Oh, and 2 cups of sharp cheddar, grated.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sk43pQmRccI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/cbJyNgq1iD0/s320/5_30+093_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354278188959756738" />Just kidding. Basically, all you do is grate up the soap (and yeah, seriously, don't eat it) and then mix it with the washing soda and 20 Mule Team Borax. Once you've mixed it up, put it in the blender in small batches and pulse it a few times to really blend it.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sk43pqQnNsI/AAAAAAAAA7g/8IVtJx9FyVY/s320/5_30+105_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354278195848230594" />Use one tablespoon for each large wash load. This recipe is good for 96 loads, and it costs approximately $2.90. Yeah, compare that to Tide.</p><p>Two things to note: your laundry won't have that nice, perfumed scent. It just smells clean. I'll admit that I kind of miss the added fragrance. But I'll sacrifice the smell for the extra cashola in my wallet. </p><p>Also, this detergent won't lather. But rest assured, it IS getting your laundry clean.</p><p>All right. Recipe numero deux. Dos. Whatever.</p><p>This is for <strong>all-purpose cleaner</strong> - I keep a bottle of it in my kitchen, and also one in my bathroom. </p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sk44y8ncXlI/AAAAAAAAA7o/2llXDGfQIyk/s320/5_30+107_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354279454906277458" />Into a clean 32 oz spray bottle (you can get these at most Dollar Stores), put:</p><p>2 teaspoons 20 Mule Team Borax ("Ho, there, Sal!" *whip cracking*)</p><p>4 tablespoons white vinegar</p><p>1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap (I got this at my local health food store. It comes in a variety of scents - I got lavendar) $5.99...but it'll last forever</p><p>Then add 24 oz hot water. Shake it well (also shake before each use). I'm not crazy about having my apartment smell like a pickle factory, so to cut the vinegar smell, I added 5 or 10 drops of essential oil. You can use tea tree, cinnamon, lavendar, pine or eucalyptus oil. I used Rosemary, because that's what I happened to have. In addition to imparting a refreshing smell, these oils are also natural disinfectants. So bonus. A bottle full of this costs about 5 cents to make. FIVE CENTS, PEOPLE! Compared to - what is it? - $2.99 for a bottle of Fantastik? All of the cleanliness, and none of the harsh chemicals for a FRACTION of the price. Whew. I'm getting excited. </p><p>One final recipe. No pictures of this one because it's so easy and boring. It's for <strong>daily shower spray</strong>. In yet another clean 32 oz spray bottle, mix 8 oz of hydrogen peroxide with 16 oz of water. Hydrogen Peroxide is highly acidic and can be reactive, so don't add essential oils to this mix; I have no idea what would happen. Maybe it would blow up the bathroom. I'm not a scientist, so I just don't know. Anyway, spray this stuff on your shower walls daily, and watch them sparkle. I actually can't vouch for this product, because I haven't used it consistently, but I know people who say it works fabulously. If you have a little mold or mildew in the shower, you can spray some of this stuff on it, let it sit for a bit, and then scrub it with an old (obviously) toothbrush.</p><p>In some locales, it may be difficult to find the Fels Naptha soap and the Washing Soda. I was able to find everything (except the liquid castile) at my trusty local Meijer store (although I got the 20 Mule Team Borax ("Whoaaaa, Francis!") at Wal-Mart because it was $1 cheaper), but I realize the magic of Meijer is limited to the midwest. So you may have to shop around a bit (you can get everything on Amazon, but you'll end up paying more than you would if you bought locally).</p><p>Anyway, happy (and healthy) cleaning!</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-85302779841384791692009-05-15T14:20:00.003-04:002009-05-15T22:46:08.412-04:00A Tale of Two Laptops<div align="center">I have two laptops. This one...</div><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sg2wwvyENSI/AAAAAAAAA6I/ly6n-eILIGw/s320/4_30+016.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336115485010572578" /></p><p align="center">And this one.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sg2wwoDf1kI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/ubQILdjZiK4/s320/4_30+019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336115482936202818" /></p><p align="center">This one is brownish with black markings.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sg2ww-pFNpI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/31D8RS8G0wc/s320/4_30+012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336115488999421586" /></p><p align="center">This one, too.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sg2y6E9jdbI/AAAAAAAAA7A/T2eDsGoDPY8/s320/4_30+025.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336117844337980850" /></p><p align="center">This one has built in wi-fi.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sg2x7iFXmbI/AAAAAAAAA6o/itX6KsgnHT8/s320/4_30+008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336116769823627698" /></p><p align="center">This one...well, it doesn't exactly have wi-fi, but it does have some sort of mysterious connectivity capability.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sg2y6QJz65I/AAAAAAAAA7I/Bpny8WEmegw/s320/4_30+018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336117847342181266" /></p><p align="center">I like them both a lot.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sg2y52-VSWI/AAAAAAAAA64/80Gfost3qeo/s320/4_30+017.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336117840583149922" /></p><p align="center">But I love this one.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sg2x7QB47FI/AAAAAAAAA6g/EinxYYAP_WI/s320/4_30+022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336116764977196114" /></p><p align="center">Bella, you'll always be my favorite laptop!</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-87058192463072853752009-05-11T09:55:00.001-04:002009-05-11T18:06:12.554-04:00Ode to an Old School<p align="center">It tears me apart when old buildings are torn down. Schools especially. I love old school buildings. </p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SfvKfXZ5ocI/AAAAAAAAA6A/XHfk3zKfPLw/s320/4_25+036.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331077224130519490" /> A beautiful old school building in my neighborhood is slated for demolition. It has been vacant for the last year or two, and the public school system recently sold it to a private school system. This school was built in 1925, so it understandably would need major renovation. And the school is huge; it has much more space than the private school would ever need. So it only makes financial sense to tear it down and start over. But still, I hate to see it go.</p><p align="center">Because they just don't build schools like this anymore.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu4V66qXNI/AAAAAAAAA4g/ueJF46HfDLU/s320/4_25+008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331057270655179986" />Tell me that you wouldn't be inspired to learn after walking through this Byzantine entrance every morning. </p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 229px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu6LWpf3OI/AAAAAAAAA5I/K1zKfI7J5Rs/s320/4_25+034_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331059288144076002" />And look at gorgeous detail between these windows. To the new school's credit, they are going to salvage and use as much of the old beauty as possible.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu4WW_SlnI/AAAAAAAAA4w/O8ZXUErL0FM/s320/4_25+009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331057278190786162" />The kindergarten room in the elementary wing had a number of treasures. There was a large (about 12x5) built-in fish pond. It's dirty now, but I can just imagine it clean and sparkling, with the fountain flowing and the fish darting here and there. A lady who'd been a student there some 60 years ago remembered how her class had taken naps around the fish pond. Can you imagine how peaceful? Listening to the fountain and resting on your little mat...</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SfvBpIsb3uI/AAAAAAAAA5w/0sBmjOjDgxs/s320/4_25+037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331067496375770850" />There was also a fireplace in the kindergarten room. Kind of an odd element for a kindergarten room. It has the same mosaic tiles as the fish pond.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu8CLIBUAI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/3theWEC_ips/s320/4_25+039.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331061329455304706" />But if you look closely, you can see Dutch scenes in the tiles. A girl in wooden shoes walking over a dike. Dutch houses. A dog cart. </p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 106px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SfvH3J_wT6I/AAAAAAAAA54/E23EwtcPS5k/s320/4_25+039_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331074334313172898" />Here's another nod to Grand Rapids' Dutch heritage in the stained-glass window in one of the doors (the other door had a hallowe'en motif). </p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SfvBo2uqYdI/AAAAAAAAA5o/RlTR3Li_6Xk/s320/4_25+040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331067491553272274" /></p><p align="center">The drinking fountains were flanked in marble. The restrooms were marble, too. Apparently, students would organize impromptu quartets in those bathrooms, because the acoustics were fantastic.</p><p align="center">There were these kinds of doors at the ends of the halls. I love those arched windows!<br /></p><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu8CV4uJmI/AAAAAAAAA5g/uWggH2ipopA/s1600-h/4_25+043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu8CV4uJmI/AAAAAAAAA5g/uWggH2ipopA/s320/4_25+043.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331061332343924322" /></a><br />I wanted to take home ec when I was in school, but my school didn't offer it. This school had 8 little mini-kitchens. I can't believe I didn't get a picture of the adorable little under-the-counter vintage refrigerators. It was neat to hear people talk about their memories; one older man said as he walked through, "I made macaroni and cheese in this room! And I didn't burn it!"</div><div align="center"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu6KQXnYqI/AAAAAAAAA44/4NO_9NEEfR4/s1600-h/4_25+064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu6KQXnYqI/AAAAAAAAA44/4NO_9NEEfR4/s320/4_25+064.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331059269278589602" /></a><br />Like I said, this place was huge. At one point it housed 2,000 students K-12. It's so large that at about a football field's distance away, I still couldn't get the whole thing in the frame (this is the back of the school). It's far too big for the new school, which I think will only have 300-400 students. But it was a beautiful, impressive structure while it lasted.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu4WPVvLzI/AAAAAAAAA4o/dLOqGmGqU_I/s1600-h/4_25+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfu4WPVvLzI/AAAAAAAAA4o/dLOqGmGqU_I/s320/4_25+006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331057276137451314" /></a><br /></div><p align="center">Rest in peace, old school.<br /></p><p align="center"></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-14346023779951953472009-04-30T19:19:00.001-04:002009-04-30T20:19:06.634-04:00Fashion Rules<div align="center">I heard on TV the other day that it's OK to wear white shoes year-round, now. You can forget the whole "only from Memorial Day to Labor Day" thing. I heard it straight from the mouth of noted fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi. </div><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfo9zxcucCI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/yF-wWl_vSVQ/s320/4_30+003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330641068602847266" />That was a big relief for someone in this household, who sports white shoes every month of the year.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sfo9zux8P4I/AAAAAAAAA4Q/whDBX6v0omU/s320/4_30+001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330641067886526338" /></p><p align="center"></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-74795849614879073862009-04-25T17:17:00.003-04:002009-04-25T22:41:46.845-04:00Run Bella, RunYesterday I caught Bella in this pose. It can only mean one thing. She’s doing leg stretches.<div align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SfPJPbibZeI/AAAAAAAAA4A/BVDttOqaSw4/s320/4_25+002_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328824051036808674" /><br />Okay, two things. She’s doing leg stretches and she’s about to go out for a jog.<br />Well, actually, three things: She’s doing leg stretches, she’s about to go out for a jog, and she’s training for the upcoming Fifth Third River Bank Run!<br />I can’t tell you how excited I am over this development. While I love Bella’s chub, for her health, she really could stand to lose a few. And I think training for a 25K is just the ticket.</div><div align="center"><br />But wait a minute. What’s this about?</div><div align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SfPJPqmLqZI/AAAAAAAAA4I/C_sROJve-eg/s320/4_25+010_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328824055079086482" /><br />Oh, cooldown, probably. Better be.<br /><br /><br /></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-30433229118169192192009-04-20T00:09:00.008-04:002009-04-20T00:43:31.578-04:00Chalk Flood<div align="center">There's a kid in Grand Rapids who organizes these occasional "urban experiments" in the downtown area. I think the first one was a giant pillow fight. Then last fall, there was a zombie walk. I was completely oblivious to the pillow fight, so I missed that event. I'm not a big fan of the undead, so I passed on the zombie walk. However, Saturday was the Grand Rapids Chalk Flood, and while I'd sort of forgotten about it, I happily stumbled upon it on my way home from the zoo.</div><div align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sev9RL9ElJI/AAAAAAAAA34/7KaKu8cIw_A/s320/4_18+026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326629456004289682" />Rosa Parks Circle and the surrounding blocks were covered with the pastel doodles of artists of all ages.</div><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sev7K6MoJJI/AAAAAAAAA3w/pNp-PCca8x8/s320/4_18+035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326627149135226002" />It was a gorgeous day for it. There was such a fun, festive atmosphere downtown. Lots of flowers.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sev7KX82h0I/AAAAAAAAA3o/fhBmH9vGS3w/s320/4_18+033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326627139942254402" />Lots of color.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sev7KCf59aI/AAAAAAAAA3g/nQsUeJPWTVQ/s320/4_18+030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326627134183699874" />30,000 pieces of sidewalk chalk + A Lot of People = pretty sidewalks.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sev7J6qMYiI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/jJzfIQExFhs/s320/4_18+018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326627132079366690" /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-12523596661135012692009-04-13T00:44:00.002-04:002009-04-13T12:44:43.177-04:00Dark Lights<p align="center">There's nothing like a carnival for bright lights. </p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SeNlEou7p2I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/mqfMx8Uufiw/s320/3_11+135.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324210314810206050" />Bright and cheerful as these pictures are, for some reason, carnivals (particularly at night) always seem sort of vaguely sinister to me.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 243px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SeNkNIxCqqI/AAAAAAAAA3A/Lyr6KtwbmTQ/s320/3_11+133_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324209361336314530" />It's a notion that's been reinforced by TV . . . it seems like on TV, horrible things always happen on ferris wheels, and fun houses are a near-guarantee for an awful experience.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SeNlETnpHeI/AAAAAAAAA3I/mO12fEzrdWE/s320/3_11+131_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324210309142486498" />This little parking-lot carnival had its own share of minor drama while I was there . . . the carnival lights weren't the only lights flashing. Three cruisers were there, and the policemen were detaining a group of older teenagers for who knows what. It only solidified my suspicions that carnivals are shady places.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SeNkM90UVVI/AAAAAAAAA24/Lj-LJW6YQCc/s320/3_11+142_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324209358397265234" />Sno-Cone, anyone?</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SeNkMkKbrQI/AAAAAAAAA2w/IaNRFB9_vnE/s320/3_11+132_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324209351510699266" /></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-79942058265373154182009-04-11T20:45:00.000-04:002009-04-11T20:47:27.013-04:00Happy Easter!<div align="center">Bella was only too happy to dress up in her Easter finery.</div><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SeEy5eurIlI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/eHXBshYPn90/s320/3_11+162.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323592197611397714" />She was, however, a rather reluctant Easter Bunny. I guess one set of ears is enough for this cat.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SeEy53NQdSI/AAAAAAAAA2o/-SSMeqOiYfY/s320/3_11+155.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323592204182123810" />Hope you have a blessed Easter!</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SeEy5jpg3QI/AAAAAAAAA2g/fPZ9egiB7bg/s320/3_11+160_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323592198931930370" /></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-1053681257419949002009-03-11T20:30:00.000-04:002009-03-11T20:54:10.133-04:00Ribbons<div align="center">Bella loves ribbons. The other day I tossed a bunch of ribbons at her, and the effect was rather amazing. She sat there for a full 10 minutes, purring loudly and casting grateful glances my way. Every so often she would reach out and pat the ribbons with her giant paw. Finally, she heaved a completely contented sigh and drifted off to sleep, no doubt dreaming fantastical, ribbon-filled dreams.</div><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SbhV7D4pNNI/AAAAAAAAA2M/BpIzNrj4hB4/s320/3_11+082_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312090233627030738" />In Pride and Prejudice, which of the Bennet girls was it who was always going on about ribbons? Was it Lydia, or Kitty?</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sbgz4Fz3DpI/AAAAAAAAA18/fO37UL-Rm5U/s320/3_11+086_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312052799208885906" />I want to say Kitty.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sbgz3hUHaiI/AAAAAAAAA1s/VwD83RnpOzw/s320/3_11+088.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312052789412063778" />But it might have been Lydia.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/Sbgz3ysXdHI/AAAAAAAAA10/1jLiO15aZFM/s320/3_11+087.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312052794077181042" />We have no Lydia here, but I can tell you that THIS Kitty is mad about ribbons.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SbhV6eqNclI/AAAAAAAAA2E/JYxYf0wKWGQ/s320/3_11+080_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312090223634379346" /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-6462064613034062402009-03-05T20:47:00.005-05:002009-03-05T22:08:31.876-05:00Cat Bling<div align="center">I recently ran across some of my childhood jewelry. Being a girl, of course Bella wanted to model my old necklaces.</div><p align="center">I always liked this silver butterfly.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SbCD3SMW62I/AAAAAAAAA0c/opGdm0w3z3Y/s320/2_8+040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309888946469530466" />A cat wearing a cat! Bella thinks wearing Garfield's likeness is pretty hilarious.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SbCD3_szA1I/AAAAAAAAA0k/2P0hKANAvGM/s320/2_8+049.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309888958685184850" />This bear was a favorite. In fact, I wore it for my 4th grade school picture, along with a fabulous burgundy jumpsuit. Too bad the pendant flipped around and all you could see was a label proclaiming "Genuine Copper."</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SbCD4brhWBI/AAAAAAAAA0s/YTfmIH9X8Ak/s320/2_8+043.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309888966196025362" /></p><p align="center">And of course Strawberry Shortcake. What little girl didn't have a Strawberry Shortcake necklace in the early 80's?</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SbCM7OMpWKI/AAAAAAAAA00/TcGqAeHnWQU/s320/2_8+052.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309898909721122978" />Truth be told, Bella's only real use for Strawberry Shortcake is this sort of thing. But don't tell anyone.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SbCM7qEQyLI/AAAAAAAAA08/Ov3emoGswFo/s320/2_8+058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309898917202151602" /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-39254467893809083172009-02-14T13:48:00.005-05:002009-02-14T14:12:40.487-05:00Happy Valentine's Day<div align="center">Last night, I made Bella a sweater! It's pink: perfect for Valentine's Day. She loves it!</div><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SZcVnMx3fKI/AAAAAAAAAzc/wQalpBS6LC8/s320/2_14+026_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302730849441512610" /></p><p align="center"><em>Ha! If she thinks I love this thing, she is seriously deranged.</em></p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SZcVneW0WXI/AAAAAAAAAzk/7cOI7GiTcrA/s320/2_14+027_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302730854159898994" /></p><p align="center">I didn't actually knit it myself; I cut up a thrift-store sweater and stitched it together using these instructions: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/40669/how-to-make-a-recycled-dog-sweater</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SZcW1NFKpoI/AAAAAAAAA0E/OX9Frv2I144/s320/2_14+032.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302732189552256642" /><em>I wonder how long it would take to knaw apart the sewing machine cord? Then this could <strong>never happen again</strong>.</em></p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SZcW0-xqTHI/AAAAAAAAAz8/TpUTa3sMi00/s320/2_14+031.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302732185712348274" /></p><p align="center">Bella and I want to wish you a very happy Valentine's Day!</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SZcVnnJiXLI/AAAAAAAAAzs/3PnFmU4IjzU/s320/2_14+016.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302730856520113330" /></p><p align="center"><em>Yeah, okay, Happy Valentine's Day. Now can somebody help me out of this sweater?</em></p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SZcW0nMSssI/AAAAAAAAAz0/6FRC4Xhfi88/s320/2_14+015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302732179381596866" /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-86667054326600665092009-01-21T22:28:00.003-05:002009-01-21T22:30:06.668-05:00Wildlife<div align="center">It seems like there might be a raccoon living in my apartment.</div><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXfccRS1IHI/AAAAAAAAAxY/8y23-Tv7-0c/s320/10_31+075.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942265234137202" />Or I may just have been distracted while shopping and totally missed the fact that this is one of those "Daniel Boone" style skirts.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXfccEamkyI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/8zJVkjut1Wo/s320/10_31+074.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942261777077026" />Or it's possible that Bella just likes hanging out under the drying rack.</p><p align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXfccwA96kI/AAAAAAAAAxg/S0w882Dx41M/s320/10_31+077.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942273480714818" />We report, you decide.</p><p><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXfcdG7DcHI/AAAAAAAAAxo/BpD81n6QgsI/s320/10_31+080.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293942279629926514" /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-996067446351254250.post-53762596306874374682009-01-17T21:33:00.002-05:002009-01-17T21:35:08.627-05:00Birthday Girl<div align="center">Today is Bella's 7th birthday! She was pretty enthusiastic about opening her presents (a little catnip sprinkled in the wrapping helped to encourage her).</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKH2D9KUJI/AAAAAAAAAxI/gRJAURU08I0/s320/1-17a+011_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292441874958274706" />One present was a chirping catnip chickadee. </div><div align="center">He looks pretty pitiful when he lies on his back like that.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKH1prEWKI/AAAAAAAAAxA/7dlmzY_lVHk/s1600-h/1-17a+027_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKH1prEWKI/AAAAAAAAAxA/7dlmzY_lVHk/s320/1-17a+027_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292441867903064226" /></a><u><br /></u></div><div align="center">Her other present was a mouse attached to an elastic string. She seems pretty enamored with them both.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKH1ezCTKI/AAAAAAAAAw4/v5aaEgIUVP4/s320/1-17a+044_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292441864983694498" /></div><div align="center">Party food? Of course. One of us ate this:</div><div align="center"> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKBSab_iVI/AAAAAAAAAww/83sv7B3T-P8/s1600-h/1-17a+060_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKBSab_iVI/AAAAAAAAAww/83sv7B3T-P8/s320/1-17a+060_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292434665448114514" /></a><br />And the other ate this:<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKBSMiwLKI/AAAAAAAAAwo/urRKTkmyXsw/s320/1-17a+067_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292434661718371490" />Happy Birthday Bella!</div><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKBR4oE3pI/AAAAAAAAAwg/ZK7VqjmT-EM/s1600-h/1-17a+070_edited.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_umOQBo82onM/SXKBR4oE3pI/AAAAAAAAAwg/ZK7VqjmT-EM/s320/1-17a+070_edited.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292434656371990162" /></a><br /></p><p></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10415224626498252020noreply@blogger.com2