tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64638801472390430732024-03-13T14:33:44.242-07:00URBAN MOUNTAIN TRADERSmama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-5527983590055176572017-11-29T15:29:00.000-08:002017-11-29T15:31:25.156-08:00The Great Pumpkin Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm a nature lover and use natural materials over the fake alternatives. My way is naturally beautiful and biodegradable. Yes, I spend money every year on decor but I also support the small farmers in my area. </div>
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When my eldest son was visiting he commented on how delicious those pumpkins are roasted. He and his friends ate some that they threw on the hot coals of a camp fire and roasted. So the day after Thanksgiving I brought them in and put them in the basement to store them. They usually just end up in my compost pile.</div>
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I cut the white one open today and it is by far the meatiest pumpkin I've ever encountered. It took some time and muscle just to cut it open. I thought I would just cut it and roast it for dinner but there was so much of it that I made pumpkin, potato soup and it's delicious. </div>
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I made 2 big pots of the soup and still have this much leftover (below). I'm freezing soup, and taking some to my parents. I was thinking how it would be a great way to get our small town "Home of the Pumpkin Vine Nature Trail" to come together and have a community outreach/contest to see how many pumpkins we can make into food for a homeless shelter, or to feed the school children. We have to teach them how delicious vegetables can be! Something we can all work on for next year.<br />
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If you have any great recipes for pumpkin besides pie and soup, please share your ideas. If you want to try my soup recipe here it is:</div>
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<b>Halloween Pumpkin Soup!</b></h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">10 pounds of pumpkin cut into chunks<br />2 white potatoes also cut into chunks<br />2 white onions chopped<br />2 carrots chopped<br />thyme<br />chicken stock or water</span></h3>
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Sauté the onions and add the carrots and cook for a few minutes, then add the pumpkin and the stock. I had one quart of stock and added enough water to cover the squash. Add salt and pepper and a teaspoon of thyme. Cook until soft. Let cool for a little while then process in a food processor. Top the soup with roasted pumpkin seeds to serve.</div>
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mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0Middlebury, IN 46540, USA41.6607115 -85.70511160000000941.281015 -86.350558600000014 42.040408 -85.0596646tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-7388014116125866062017-09-10T12:47:00.001-07:002017-09-10T12:47:23.968-07:00Sunday Morning Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I was raised in a Christian home and went to a Catholic school where we went to church everyday, except Saturday, and on that day we went to confession. Then I raised my children in a pacifist church that taught love and compassion and how to utilize the gifts you were given. I walk every morning but on Sundays I try to go someplace out of the ordinary. I pass churches full of people on my walks, or today an Amish home full of people praising God. I'm not against church but I find myself more motivated by the peace I find each morning to have a more intimate relationship with our maker. The one who created such a beautiful earth for us to live on with such an abundance of plant life and food. It's easy to be thankful and full of gratitude when you are walking in such a peaceful place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then in the midst of chaos in Florida, Montana, Texas etc, and on the eve of 9/11, sometime it's hard to know what to pray for. It's sad when you loose your place in this life that you created for yourself and family, a home. In the big picture it's very simple...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most importantly save the people. Give them courage and strength to endure whatever it is that's coming. Houses and stuff can be replaced. They really are not that important in the big picture. I pray that you enlighten us and fill us with the knowledge to know what to do in time of a crisis, or how each of us can help. I pray that in the midst of all this devastation that the people that we are prejudice against come to our rescue so that we have a change of heart, and accept everyone who is different. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I pray that we all start to take better care of each other and this earth. Who knows if it's global warming that's causing this, a conspiracy theory or whatever. What I do know is that there is so much more we can do for this planet. Think of it as a living body or even God. We are killing it (and I don't mean that in a good way). There are so many people I know that call themselves Christians and they don't take the time to be good stewards of the earth. They want the organic food and the beautiful view but they don't do their part to help sustain this planet for future generations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">If you were God would you be happy with the way the world is today? So much hatred and killing, pollution, greed...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When it comes down to it, it's really pretty simple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love one another. Do unto others as you would do unto yourself. Honor this life by taking care of the earth, our world that's only ours to use for a short time.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Amish worship in homes and make a day of it.</td></tr>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-61696771321493870392017-09-02T15:03:00.000-07:002017-09-02T15:03:02.431-07:00Sisters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My daughter came between two sons and never had a sister until she married. Her husband has 3 brothers, which fit the personality of my tomboy daughter perfectly. Oh, she's a girly girl, but can rattle off stats from a ballgame like nobodies business! Today the youngest brother gets married so she'll gain a 4th sister-in-law. </div>
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I know she feels so blessed by these wonderful young ladies in her life, and sometimes its kinda ironic how much they look or act alike. As her mother I feel grateful that she became part of such a wonderful family.</div>
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The brothers wanted some "bro time" so they spent the night together at their parents, just like the old days and their mom made them all breakfast. So Rose and Amanda spent some quality time together. I asked if they would like to do a photo shoot and they were totally up for modeling some UMT jewelry and clothing.</div>
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Amanda lives in Chicago and has a very popular blog called <a href="http://mandacarpenter.com/" target="_blank">Manda Carpenter</a>. If you need to be uplifted, or need a dose of reality she is brutally honest and sends out notes of encouragement monthly. She's done lots of modeling and takes some great photos so I was thrilled to get them both on such a beautiful day. We went to a small park in Mishawaka that I've always wanted to visit called Shiojiri Niwa. Its a Japanese strolling garden. It was full of people taking photos. There was a wedding, a senior getting her pictures taken, baby twins with their mom with a photographer, and a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincea%C3%B1era" target="_blank">quinceanera</a>. So many special occasions in one small area. </div>
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So anyways be checking my ETSY shop for all the new merchandise. </div>
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Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!</div>
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Char</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">friends for life</td></tr>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0Mishawaka, IN, USA41.6619927 -86.15861559999996241.5671142 -86.31997709999996 41.7568712 -85.997254099999964tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-37653187750642069982017-08-30T10:17:00.000-07:002017-08-30T10:17:20.066-07:00Congratulations To Emily and Chris!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I could not be happier for these two lovely souls. I've written a couple of posts about Emily <a href="http://urbanmountaintraders.blogspot.com/2015/11/goldilocks-hikes-appalachian-trail.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://urbanmountaintraders.blogspot.com/2016/11/tiny-house-living-in-small-bus.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The couple that met while hiking the Appalachian Trail, then set out on a new journey to Live Large in a small bus. They tied the knot in Oregon during the eclipse! Guess what she wore?<br />
Her favorite Urban Mountain Traders shirt! <br />
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The journey continues on and I can't wait to see where they go, but together it will be a beautiful journey! <br />
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I wish you all the best life has to offer.<br />
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xoxo<br />
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Charmama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-51470666230473737162017-06-23T05:35:00.002-07:002017-06-23T09:40:49.619-07:00Goodbye junk Evolution <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's the end of an era for junk E, and although it's sad, we feel ready to move on. You can only do so much with space, time and money and we all gave it our best shot. Gary of Carpenter Gothic will continue to sell his furnishing in our space and CircaArts Galley is still going strong. Please continue to follow junk Evolutions page because the business is not ending and may Pop up at various locations and shows. </div>
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As for Urban Mountain Traders, I really do love working on furniture but my body is telling me to cool it. So the items I do have will be at the new "<a href="http://www.barndoorllc.com/" target="_blank">Barn Door</a>" in Middlebury. I can take one item in and not feel like I have to have a whole display. The owners will do all the styling, we just drop it off and it sells! </div>
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My new love is sewing the shirts and making jewelry (much lighter loads!). I've been invited to sell my clothing at <a href="http://ignitionmusic.net/" target="_blank">Ignition Garage</a> in Goshen, and I couldn't be more excited. I think it will be a great fit for my clientele, and it happens to be one of my favorite music venues-right up there with Red Rocks! If you are into vinyl or great stereo systems, this is the place for you, as well as some of the best music around for intimate concert settings. The artist love it because it's an actual Listening room. The Garage is also a satellite station for The Globe Radio 91.1, Goshen College Radio station, so they work together to bring some great talent to Goshen. The owner, Steve Martin also has a live show on 91.1 on Thursday evenings called "One Guys Opinion".</div>
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My jewelry is available in my Etsy shop as well as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Old-Creamery-Antiques-184250738295016/" target="_blank">The Old Creamery Antiques</a> in Middlebury. So you can see a theme here...I'm trying to stay as local as possible and avoid all the driving time. So I'm inviting all my South Bend customers/friends to check out our wonderful little town in the country. </div>
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I also volunteer as a tour guide for<a href="http://www.middleburyin.com/departments/park_and_recreation/krider_world_s_fair_garden_park.php" target="_blank"> Krider's World Fair Garden/Park</a>. The tours take place Thursday at 10am and my tour will be next week on June 29th. If you are into gardening <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/397030037299602/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%223%22%2C%22ref_newsfeed_story_type%22%3A%22regular%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D" target="_blank">The Michiana Master </a>Gardeners, Garden Walk will be on July 8th and our garden will be in it. </div>
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Having the opportunity to pursue my dream of opening a shop opened has been such a highpoint in my life. We have met so many wonderful souls and it provided so many other opportunities for Linda and I (writing for a local news letter, design work, wedding planning, hosting events, teaching classes, as well as my current job teaching at Ivy Tech) I will be forever grateful to all of you that made it possible. Thank you for your continued support. The hardest part of leaving (once again) is the wonderful people you meet along the way.</div>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0Middlebury, IN 46540, USA41.675328 -85.70610110000001241.6278835 -85.786782100000011 41.7227725 -85.625420100000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-25029933512219576072017-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:002017-02-17T08:06:17.897-08:00I'm Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a much needed break (2 years) I'll be back at junk Evolution as Urban Mountain Traders starting on March 17 and 18th. <br />
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Life is to precious to be spent sitting....waiting. We love the energy of special events like a First Friday or a weekend Art/Craft show, where it's a whirl wind of activity, "<i>Buy now or cry later</i>" type of show. </div>
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junk Evolution was about to throw their hat in the ringer and retire. Then Linda had the idea to shrink it down to a monthly market and we were all in. The Market @ junk Evolution was born! Beginning March 17th (Lucky St. Patricks day!) and March 18th the shop will be open <u style="font-weight: bold;">2 DAYS A MONTH.</u> That's where the Buy now, cry later part comes into play. </div>
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We hope that it inspires us to have more time to be creative, and get back to the original "Evolution" of junk, not just struggling to keep the shop filled. Our merchandise will be of the utmost quality, and we hope the shop will be new and different every month. This will also give Char and Linda more time for Design work, so let us know if you need help with upcoming projects, Interior Design, party planning, wedding decor etc...you know how we love a challenge!</div>
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We are also partnering with the other shops at Hill and Colfax in this endeavor so CircaArts Gallery, Inspire Me! and Piser Designs will also be open late on the 3rd weekend. <br />
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We won't be offering any refreshments because we are planning to meet you for an <b>After Party</b> at The General Store Cafe, just down the street on Jefferson. We can't wait to see all of our customers and friends!</div>
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We will keep you posted for more information as it develops.</div>
mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0528 E Colfax Ave, South Bend, IN 46617, USA41.6776109 -86.243041241.6774254 -86.2433562 41.6777964 -86.242726199999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-1435535534759962302017-02-03T06:09:00.000-08:002017-02-03T06:09:43.817-08:00UMT Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For people who love ADVENTURE</div>
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NATURE</div>
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CABINS,</div>
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CAMPING,</div>
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SIMPLE LIVING</div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">New Flannels and jewelry are loaded into the Etsy shop. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">You can click to the link on the right side of this page. </span>mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-36675335661955431942016-12-11T10:59:00.000-08:002016-12-11T10:59:08.859-08:00Conquering Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm not very good with heights. I could never climb this tower at Bonneville</div>
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Mill county park in Bristol, IN. My children loved it and just watching them climb to </div>
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the top would almost do me in. There was another similar tower at Ox Bow Park, and it was</div>
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the same thing for me, I would try, but the slightest wiggle of the tower made me run</div>
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for the safety of the ground.</div>
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Twelve years ago I went through a very tough time. A divorce. You never think it will happen</div>
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to you and when it does you go through about every emotion known to mankind. </div>
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When I realized there was nothing more I could do for the marriage and it was time to move on, I </div>
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wanted to do something I had never done before. Climb to the top of the towers. It was a small feat for some, but something I had to do for my mental well being. If I could conquer this, I knew I could </div>
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get through everything else I had to deal with. It wasn't something I shared with anyone, just something I had to do. I know it sounds kind of silly, but once you face your biggest fears it gives you courage you never knew you had.</div>
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At that time my daughter Rose was a cross country runner and The Raiders would practice at Ox Bow park. One day while I was waiting for her I just did it. No body else was with me. It was me and my fear. </div>
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Step by step I slowly climbed the stairs, hanging on to the rail with my life. When I reached the top it was if a weight had been lifted from my heart. Every time I face an ordeal that I really don't want to face it takes me back to the towers. (I did them both that week.)</div>
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My Intro to Environmental Designs students have their big jury next Tuesday.</div>
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I have never seen such a talented group all in the same class. From the research, to</div>
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the beautiful renderings of their room designs. They are all hoping to get The Best</div>
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of Show award, and let me tell you, it's going to be a tough decision so I'm glad that</div>
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I don't have to make it alone. </div>
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One of my students said she was ready to quit so she didn't have to go though this part of the class. I told her I saw the perfect quote for her,</div>
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"Your passion must be stronger than your fear." </div>
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This is a big part of the job as a designer. You must be able to sell your designs, your ideas and yourself. </div>
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I remember my first jury. I was so confident but when I stood in front of the Advisers my legs were</div>
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shaking uncontrollably. Ed Harding (the one that was probably making them shake!) asked me if I would like to sit down. I said "No thank you." I did just fine even with the shakes, and it never happened again.</div>
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I wish there was something I could say that would help but it's just the doing of the task that will render the fear.</div>
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mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-22747722266789385902016-11-09T12:03:00.000-08:002016-11-09T12:15:01.806-08:00Tiny House Living in Small Bus<a href="https://youtu.be/o0NpScq4rrw" target="_blank"><br /></a>
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Remember my friend <a href="http://urbanmountaintraders.blogspot.com/search?q=Goldilocks" target="_blank">Emily Swift who hiked the AT</a> last year? (click on the link to read about it). Well, here she is with Chris (her boyfriend that she met on the trail:) and they are ready to launch into a whole new nomadic adventure-Living large in a tiny bus while traveling the states. <br />
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Chris bought the bus at a school auction and converted it to run on used cooking oil. This is not a cheap endeavor, but the reward is once it's done you can pretty much run for free. If cooking oil is not available they also can switch over to run on diesel fuel. Most small restaurants have to pay to have this waste product hauled away, so it's a win, win situation most of the time, and it's recycling! They live to support small local business and hope to make some great connections in their journey. We met for a crafted brew at the Crooked Ewe and everyone knew them there. They let them fill up the bus while I filmed.<br />
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As a Union electrician Chris can go just about anywhere and find a job that pays a decent salary as temporary help. His job at IUSB just ended so they are headed to Memphis, TN his hometown to finish up the interior of the bus in a warmer climate. They are making some custom cabinets to house the already purchased appliances. Will be adding solar panels, and a compostable toilet. <br />
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Emily will just go with the flow, take care of the dog and bus and work when needed. She's thinking about something that she might be able to do out of the bus, like a handicraft, she's a creative gal and I'm sure she'll figure something out. <br />
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I'm hoping that they start blogging so that we will all be able to go on this fun journey with them!<br />
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Here's a personal tour of the bus and how it works. Hang on tho, I'm not that great with a hand held camera!<br />
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-11667108512720412202016-10-28T04:13:00.001-07:002016-10-28T04:13:54.155-07:00Mock Baked Oatmeal Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">hen the weather turns cold my breakfast turns hot and sustains me until lunch time. I love baked oatmeal but when I'm read to eat I don't want to wait for something to bake so I came up with this quick dish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I start with (my homemade cranberry) granola and pour (almond or whatever milk you like) milk over it just to barely cover it. Then I nuke it for a minute. The milk will be absorbed into the oats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">While that is cooking, chop a couple of apples and saute in a small amount of butter, add a handful of walnuts and sprinkle with cinnamon, stir until coated. I always make more and have some for the next day. Cook until desired tenderness and top granola with a few spoonfuls of this apple nut mixture. Your home will smell like you've been baking apple pies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The sauteed apples can be heated later and topped with Greek yogurt then a sprinkling of granola, as a healthy dessert, or another breakfast option. They are also great cold (keep refrigerated until ready to use) I also just made a wonderful kale salad using the apples and dried cranberries with a olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. Having cooked apples on hand makes me think of different creative ways to use them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's fall y'all ! Eat what's in season, and take it to a health new level.</span></div>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-64136079160739927772016-10-02T09:00:00.000-07:002016-10-02T09:13:10.146-07:00Future Designers Field Trip to Chicago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Getting out of your comfort zone is always a great learning experience. Most everyone has been to Chicago but very few have visited The Chicago Merchandise Mart, and what a great experience it is! The building itself is iconic. Here's a brief history borrowed from their<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_456440499"></span> website<span id="goog_456440500"></span></a>...</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "sourcesansregular"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">The MART has been an icon in Chicago’s history since the 1930s. It was developed by Marshall Field & Co. to create a central marketplace where retailers could come to buy their wares all under one roof.Today, theMART is the world’s largest commercial building, largest wholesale design center and one of Chicago’s premier international business locations. The Chicago icon encompasses 4.2 million gross square feet, spans two city blocks and rises 25 stories.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "sourcesansregular"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">For a designer we strive to find things that are of the best quality and items that you just can't find anywhere. Visiting the Mart makes us realize that some of the best interiors are not a mix of all new furniture, but a mix of old and new. We were also surprised to find many of these showrooms make the furnishing right here in the USA. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were all bright eyed and ready for the day.<br />The ride home was a different story after walking<br />6 miles!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We take the south shore train and enjoy the time<br />
getting to know each other.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The students outside of the Mart</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My inspiration for my bathroom remodel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a great pipe leg bakers table</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite store in the Mart, Mike Bell. He offers lots of<br />
custom made pieces made with recycled materials and unusual antiques<br />
(go figure!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This reminded us all of Cindy-our student that couldn't join us.<br />
She loves pink and purple!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interiors can have humor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edgar blending in with the patio furniture at Woodward, Made in<br />
Michigan!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Utensil and knife drawer in a custom kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Gardening</td></tr>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-70755232525693823162016-09-04T05:43:00.000-07:002016-09-04T05:43:15.680-07:00Tea Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The days are getting shorter and the nights cooler. Thats when I start to prepare for the long winter months that we all don't really want to think about quite yet. I'm a coffee drinker in the wee hours but then I switch to a non-caffeinated tea so that I can sleep at night. We keep our house at a pretty cool temperature in the winter, so if you aren't moving around you are covered by a blanket or drinking tea! My fav is lemongrass and ginger. It not only tastes great, but there are lots of healthy benefits to drinking natural herb teas. I found a great link <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/261356-what-are-the-benefits-of-lemongrass-and-ginger-tea/" target="_blank">here</a> for this tea. with all the great benefits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last summer I planted lemon grass in my herb garden and in the fall I cut it all off and stuck the grass in my freezer. So all winter long I made the tea. I also keep my ginger in the freezer so it doesn't spoil. and just cut or use a peeler to shave off what I need. You can even use the outside layer for tea so dry it or freeze it for later. This summer I looked high and low for the lemongrass plant and potted it so I can bring it in this winter. It's an annual so in our area it doesn't come back in the spring. It's great with chicken cooked in coconut milk as well!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cut about an inch of ginger into smaller pieces and use<br />a stem or two of the lemongrass, just wind it up in a ring<br />to fit inside your tea pot. Steep for 3 minutes and remove.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptB1pF9BGt0/V8wQapcn5VI/AAAAAAAALsI/bX-T6D5kyngzL3e4zJeqXOnkFyYlst-5ACLcB/s1600/IMG_8219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptB1pF9BGt0/V8wQapcn5VI/AAAAAAAALsI/bX-T6D5kyngzL3e4zJeqXOnkFyYlst-5ACLcB/s400/IMG_8219.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I keep my pot under a tea cozy to keep it warm for a long<br />while. Then you can microwave the reserve or drink it on ice.</td></tr>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0Middlebury, IN 46540, USA41.6607115 -85.70511160000000941.281015 -86.350558600000014 42.040408 -85.0596646tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-23195375555523404632016-08-31T15:23:00.002-07:002016-08-31T15:23:57.573-07:00Chair Re-hab<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I want something new I first always go through my stash and see what I already own that I might be able to refurbish. I decided to turn my sun room (that's connected to my kitchen) back into a dining room because I love looking out the windows while having my morning coffee. I'm a daydreamer, it's just how I function best, and this is the perfect spot to do it.<br />
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I had 2 of these oak Haywood Wakefield fiddle back chairs, and 2 French styled arm chairs (that were probably from an office because they were very sturdy, gloss varnish and vinyl upholstered seats, not pretty but good bones! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLMSRslVtZk/V8dM2UV8GtI/AAAAAAAALqo/9IZV3te8RMoA97eTVO2GSJP9maY47SkfgCLcB/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XLMSRslVtZk/V8dM2UV8GtI/AAAAAAAALqo/9IZV3te8RMoA97eTVO2GSJP9maY47SkfgCLcB/s320/IMG_7315.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since these are Haywood-Wakefield chairs I really didn't want<br />to paint them. I just re-upholstered the seats with traditional pillow<br />ticking fabric.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOQkHfDTLwA/V8dM2rmA7jI/AAAAAAAALqw/7VwplhL8RlsAVwGR8du8fcj-MKO86D56gCLcB/s1600/IMG_7316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOQkHfDTLwA/V8dM2rmA7jI/AAAAAAAALqw/7VwplhL8RlsAVwGR8du8fcj-MKO86D56gCLcB/s320/IMG_7316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had intended to recover the backs, but they used tiny, long<br />staples in a small groove and there must have been a million of them!<br />If I could have gotten to them I would have most likely ruined the chair,<br />so I ended up priming and painting the fabric cream. It's not a soft feel,<br />so I would never put it on a seat but the back of the chair is fine.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfQ64QmEFXY/V8dNQl3Ia_I/AAAAAAAALrM/nAG5fHYUpL4IaFTV648VAlCjXl05k-lZgCEw/s1600/IMG_7326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KfQ64QmEFXY/V8dNQl3Ia_I/AAAAAAAALrM/nAG5fHYUpL4IaFTV648VAlCjXl05k-lZgCEw/s320/IMG_7326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4udY8_DRBQ/V8dOHKgT3SI/AAAAAAAALrE/ery7cVSXUnkwroYbpIFAWMtbCVimOrgUQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4udY8_DRBQ/V8dOHKgT3SI/AAAAAAAALrE/ery7cVSXUnkwroYbpIFAWMtbCVimOrgUQCLcB/s640/IMG_8272.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used(left over from the cabinets) oil base paint for the chair. I'm so over chalk paint. I tried to<br />paint over another set of chairs that I painted and finished with wax and the paint will not stick.<br />They will all have to be stripped.<br />To replace the cording and add a little embellishment I went with a natural burlap webbing strip,<br />I used a fabric glue and stapled the ends. Then added the cording also in a natural jute. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They also pair well with my drop cloth draperies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPCdMV7Ki8o/V8dOHBRhhYI/AAAAAAAALrI/2fBzRs7JbZMH9bLtNWNOSi-Rp0Ua9CFXACLcB/s1600/IMG_8274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPCdMV7Ki8o/V8dOHBRhhYI/AAAAAAAALrI/2fBzRs7JbZMH9bLtNWNOSi-Rp0Ua9CFXACLcB/s320/IMG_8274.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the details.</td></tr>
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I like to keep my dining room pretty neutral because I have a large collection of vintage dinnerware and depending on my mood or the season, it changes frequently. This little bit of trim adds a nice rustic finish to a formal chair. I have red accents (my small appliances and wool rugs) so the trim ties everything together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCbujE2C0Gg/V8dXGjwE_TI/AAAAAAAALrk/U3L9-_jy6lIQTWZKhagWXw85gb45eT9fgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RCbujE2C0Gg/V8dXGjwE_TI/AAAAAAAALrk/U3L9-_jy6lIQTWZKhagWXw85gb45eT9fgCLcB/s400/IMG_8275.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The backs are also finished off with the trim.</td></tr>
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I bought a vintage round oak table with carved cabriole legs, and fully intended on painting it but once I put everything together I like the warmth of the old wood and left it for now. <br />
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-23024799741637049622016-08-25T06:31:00.000-07:002016-08-25T06:31:07.226-07:00The Reveal Last November I started to paint the kitchen, starting with the ceiling and came to a crack that needed to be repaired. I have neck problems so it was something we needed to call in a professional for. I also needed to take down the old fan to finish painting and told Ed that I found a really cool fan that would look great in our dining area. He told me I could get it. The more I thought about spending all that money on a fan when I really needed a new cooktop. Mine was probably from the 70's, electric and took 15 minutes to heat up. So everything came to a halt and we got to work on the design. With all the doors and windows we couldn't change to much about the layout except to widen the work area, and change the stove to the back looking out into the dining area. We also shortened the area where the faux island is to make a larger walk way. Instead of cabinets for the pan we added drawers. I feel like the few changes we made have made cooking so much easier! and quicker!<br />
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Since our home is a period home (1910 Craftsman style bungalo) I wanted to stay with cabinetry that reflected that period but modernize it with paint. I also used period iron hardware (reproductions). I like the steampunk look of adding some industrial elements to an period house and have added clear glass school house light fixtures and an up cycled egg basket pendant light with an Edison bulb above the island. I stripped the door and tried to stain it to match the floor but it just didn't look as good as I hoped it would so I ended up painting it. I also used a vintage register vent that you see in this photo.<br />
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Having changed from tile to quartz made cleaning so much easier as well, no grooves. If you missed the before photo's they are in the previous post.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqLkn9R61Jo/V74MR7BNHpI/AAAAAAAALow/cbrKq-ENtnobq-7F8bqiSSvYB7HqbHujACLcB/s1600/IMG_8225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqLkn9R61Jo/V74MR7BNHpI/AAAAAAAALow/cbrKq-ENtnobq-7F8bqiSSvYB7HqbHujACLcB/s640/IMG_8225.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going up the steps from the kitchen dining area</td></tr>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UBJtOygEY8/V74MR6BrNKI/AAAAAAAALos/xfhbQANwJ8Ey0_Ry7hu_8pYUZsxgl0GuQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_UBJtOygEY8/V74MR6BrNKI/AAAAAAAALos/xfhbQANwJ8Ey0_Ry7hu_8pYUZsxgl0GuQCLcB/s640/IMG_8226.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp59ZO_UOcs/V74MUeT4ZOI/AAAAAAAALo4/6SSbxYGStIk6t3ZbL7ZOfmPXvt8tiUcgwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pp59ZO_UOcs/V74MUeT4ZOI/AAAAAAAALo4/6SSbxYGStIk6t3ZbL7ZOfmPXvt8tiUcgwCLcB/s640/IMG_8227.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking back at the dining/sunroom area. This is the same<br />
tile that used to be onto of the flooring in the kitchen. We kept it<br />
for now. The draperies are made from canvas drop cloths, and hung on <br />
copper pipe..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new farmhouse sink, and a few old plates that belonged to my great, great grandmother.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New light fixtures</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XQABHKkvMQ/V74MapavPwI/AAAAAAAALpY/Z5WKp1B1dLgQ5OSnWSX4VaoT-HkOZkWsgCLcB/s1600/IMG_8233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XQABHKkvMQ/V74MapavPwI/AAAAAAAALpY/Z5WKp1B1dLgQ5OSnWSX4VaoT-HkOZkWsgCLcB/s640/IMG_8233.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Faux island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MmtL4opAqw/V74Ma3um3QI/AAAAAAAALpU/I4zH2Pca7ew5WlZCquFNT-GBEHALCHZ_wCLcB/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MmtL4opAqw/V74Ma3um3QI/AAAAAAAALpU/I4zH2Pca7ew5WlZCquFNT-GBEHALCHZ_wCLcB/s400/IMG_8234.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pots and pans drawers-Its so wonderful to not have to<br />
dig through stacks of pans.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni1ct6_RQ9o/V74MbdyeA3I/AAAAAAAALpc/FsgdlZMzG-gDv7PPKlLx6TyDdV-H0Qe-QCLcB/s1600/IMG_8235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ni1ct6_RQ9o/V74MbdyeA3I/AAAAAAAALpc/FsgdlZMzG-gDv7PPKlLx6TyDdV-H0Qe-QCLcB/s640/IMG_8235.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bosch cooktop with retractable vent. Now you see it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcNG5YOjObc/V74McmZrQiI/AAAAAAAALpg/dNSPLFNibRkGLmMsGguyEs3aUwIRPhwKwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DcNG5YOjObc/V74McmZrQiI/AAAAAAAALpg/dNSPLFNibRkGLmMsGguyEs3aUwIRPhwKwCLcB/s640/IMG_8236.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now you don't!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFQp5a9pBEA/V74Mc_Ff8pI/AAAAAAAALpk/9yqHvWYVJxEyi7za8SeRaGHIAI-SSVN6ACLcB/s1600/IMG_8237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFQp5a9pBEA/V74Mc_Ff8pI/AAAAAAAALpk/9yqHvWYVJxEyi7za8SeRaGHIAI-SSVN6ACLcB/s640/IMG_8237.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cabinets were custom made with maple and finished<br />
with an oil based paint. I know that's not as environmentally<br />
friendly but the durability of oil far exceeds the latex or acrylic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ5_UT1SHB4/V74MdDKrl2I/AAAAAAAALpo/S1e5kI7XrxohdMshcNvSEvhigN1G8hFvwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ5_UT1SHB4/V74MdDKrl2I/AAAAAAAALpo/S1e5kI7XrxohdMshcNvSEvhigN1G8hFvwCLcB/s400/IMG_8238.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quartz and Hickory counter tops</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BncHpwnFRvA/V74Md2CMGtI/AAAAAAAALps/Z-tfsutyp4sGFukC3pDDi6xbhr8K56DiwCLcB/s1600/IMG_8239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BncHpwnFRvA/V74Md2CMGtI/AAAAAAAALps/Z-tfsutyp4sGFukC3pDDi6xbhr8K56DiwCLcB/s400/IMG_8239.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view over the stovetop (subway tile with charcoal grout)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_nNwOjDkZQ/V74MeIqownI/AAAAAAAALpw/WiXNhK3XKroVFc0yPK3aZ8_Fpfi16RXvQCLcB/s1600/IMG_8240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_nNwOjDkZQ/V74MeIqownI/AAAAAAAALpw/WiXNhK3XKroVFc0yPK3aZ8_Fpfi16RXvQCLcB/s640/IMG_8240.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fan that started this whole renovation! The whole fixture<br />
spins around and really keeps the kitchen cool.</td></tr>
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mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-31590389493055705972016-08-24T13:39:00.000-07:002016-08-24T13:39:58.181-07:00Kitchen Renovation Before<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I take so many photo's but realized that there are very few of the room that I probably spend the majority of my time in. So after quite a bit of digging I found a few of the before pictures. As you can see by the amount of stuff of the counters that might be the very reason why-I'm usually using it and don't want that stuff in the picture!</div>
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We removed an eating bar and chairs that were located on the other</div>
side of the stove top and bumped out the cabinets to that width making our work area<br />
a much better size for two people working in the kitchen. We also cut the cabinets about 6"<br />
short on that end allowing for more room when the refrigerator doors are open. I really wanted<br />
an island but couldn't afford the space so I created the end cabinet to look like one. It has a<br />
hickory wood top, and is outfitted with a large utensil drawer, and 2 pots and pans drawers.<br />
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We removed this light soffit to open up </div>
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our view. (These are old pictures!)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lighting is bad in this photo, but it shows the<br />
placement of the old electric stovetop above<br />
(see the tea kettle)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the built in on the outskirts and the top cabinets we<br />
only needed to replace the doors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the area that we now have our GAS<br />
cooktop-with a view!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area where the stove is, is now the island</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stripping down the old tile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ripping down the soffit and we removed tile that had been laid<br />
right on the top of the original wood floor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">everything out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The floor before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same floor after sanding and repairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the finish</td></tr>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0Middlebury, IN 46540, USA41.6607115 -85.70511160000000941.281015 -86.350558600000014 42.040408 -85.0596646tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-83962526463291975632016-08-11T13:58:00.000-07:002016-08-11T13:58:12.863-07:00Musakka -A Favorite Summer Dish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My summertime favorite vegetable is eggplant and tomatoes (together) and right now my garden is rocking both of these. Our very favorite is grilled eggplant layered with sliced tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella cheese, baked until the cheese melts and sprinkled with fresh basil. If you think you don't like eggplant try this-it's a game changer. </div>
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My friend <a href="http://stevenhupp.com/id1.html" target="_blank">Lisa</a> shared her mom's recipe for Musakka and it has become a summer staple. I had 6 nice sized eggplants so I made 2 pans for the freezer and one small one for dinner tonight. I've made a few amendments to the recipe with wine and spices.</div>
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Start with 2 large eggplant chopped into bite sized pieces, sauté in olive oil until lightly browned and soft. Pour into your greased baking dish.</div>
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Saute' 2 vadalia onions until slightly camelized and and add on top of the eggplant.</div>
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Next add garbanzo beans (I always buy a bag and soak and cook my own but you can buy canned). One can should do it, I used one small bag of cooked beans for 2 small pans and 1 large just to use them up. Make some hummus if you have left overs!</div>
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Spread the top with sliced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. I actually chopped mine and added lots to make some good liquid. The recipe calls for 3/4 Cup of water, but I use wine for extra flavor (a dry chardonnay-It will be a nice pairing for the dinner!) I also crushed some dried oregano (my homegrown) and will add fresh basil when it comes out of the oven. Also salt and pepper. Bake at 400 degrees for 1 hour.</div>
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The other two pans were ready for the freezer as soon as I was finished making them. (I didn't bake them for an hour). Everything that needed to be cooked was. I'll get them out in the morning (this fall when I leave for work) and they will be ready to stick in the oven when I get home. </div>
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I'm not a vegetarian because once in a great while I want a good organic steak or burger, but for the most part we are. This is loaded with protein and is a great main dish if you are a veg head or side dish if you aren't.</div>
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If you are an eggplant lover, what are some of your favorite ways to fix it? I'm always up for a new dish.mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0Middlebury, IN 46540, USA41.675328 -85.70610110000001241.6278835 -85.786782100000011 41.7227725 -85.625420100000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-3761318931475830682016-06-15T07:41:00.001-07:002016-06-15T07:41:08.620-07:00Strawberry Basil Lemonade <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years ago we went to a great restaraunt in Chicago and I ordered this. The Basil and </div>
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strawberries help to sweeten the lemonade naturally. I used the opal basil and it also naturally </div>
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turns pink. Here is my version.</div>
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1 ripe lemon (roll on the counter to soften) and squeeze into a 2 qt pitcher</div>
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Fill with ice, and add a tablespoon of Agave nectar, </div>
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a handful of ripe strawberries and a few stems of sweet basil.</div>
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Allow to sit in the refrigerator so the sweetness develops for </div>
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an hour or so. Stir, taste and adjust the sugar if needed. </div>
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Serve over ice and garnish with basil and a perfect strawberry.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-47448847540349444152016-03-09T06:37:00.000-08:002016-03-09T06:37:05.792-08:00 You Can Always Go Home Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its always bittersweet when you have to leave a place that you love. Sometimes you don't know what you've got until you leave. Colorado is so beautiful but there is always a price that comes with beautiful places (very high rent and unaffordable housing.) Family is a hard thing to move away from. When joyous occasions happen or sad painful ones, your heartstrings pull a little harder each time. Home is always where your heart is. Trust me I've left mine pieces of heart in several prime locations but the pull of family wins every time. I moved from Colorado to Hawaii in 1986 and back to Indiana in 89. Now my daughter Rose and her husband Drew are in route to IN as I write. They are closing on a home in Mishawaka tomorrow. They were ready to settle down (and I pray…start a family). Colorado didn't have many options. </div>
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I know exactly what they are feeling and I hope that the love of family puts that smile back on their face and fills their hearts with overwhelming joy. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my little sis circa 1985 Montezuma, CO (wish I<br />still owned that jeep!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mother and daughter last summer in Summit County, CO</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew hiking with us in Greeley CO</td></tr>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-46778428452588860962016-03-02T13:59:00.000-08:002016-03-02T13:59:18.960-08:00Thought for the Day<h2>
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As you walk</div>
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and eat</div>
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and travel,</div>
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be where you are.</div>
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Otherwise you</div>
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will miss most</div>
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of your life. <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Buddha</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When we were visiting my adventurous son in Hawaii last January he was suppose to meet us at a certain beach that issues only so many parking passes. So we kept waiting and waiting for him to arrive when all the sudden I spot him on a paddle board. He ended up having to go to the next beach and he always has his "fun gear" with him. So he just paddled on over with a backpack full of food and phone etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">He asked me if I would like to try the paddle board. I really did want to, but I let fear get the best of me, and made all the excuses…"you don't have a leash, what if I loose it?" yada yada yada. Finally I did try and had better luck on my knees. I was still afraid to go to far. Jeramiah put me up front on my knees and he paddled me around the bay. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">I really don't know to many young men who would do that for their mothers so it meant the world to me and I had so much fun. Better to try and fail then to miss a chance at something new and exciting. </span></span></div>
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mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-63206039590726613352016-02-12T11:57:00.000-08:002016-02-12T11:57:25.268-08:00Interior DesignIt all started with an idea to paint, and now all the sudden we are doing a total remodel of our kitchen. I love the process, the planning, sketches, choosing materials, colors, textures new appliances etc but the best part is when you walk in and see it all put together after months of dreaming. That won't happen until May (if I'm lucky) but it is in motion. <br />
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My husband Ed is also in the remodeling business, so it's been fun working with him to redesign the kitchen to fit our needs. You don't need a fancy kitchen to cook great food but it sure does inspire you to cook! Here is a peek at my mood board. I'll share the finished product in a few months. <br />
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-19573376038073634862016-02-03T14:52:00.000-08:002016-02-03T14:52:21.125-08:00Your Actions Show Your Character<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One day after hanging out with Jeramiah and a few of his peeps on the beach, he started running around like a mad man picking things up here and there. When he came back to us I asked him "What in the heck are you doing?" His answer was "Picking up trash." Then he turned to his friends and told them, "When I was a little boy my mom would always make us pay our dues for getting to play at the park by picking up trash. </div>
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As a mom that was thrifty enough to stay home with my 3 children I took advantage of parks, the library and museums quite often. I wanted them to be thankful not to me but of what we are privileged to have available to us for learning, playing and growing. </div>
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They all make me proud by their actions and sometimes its the smallest things in life that mean so much. They soon add up to big things! So glad it stuck with him, and who knows how many others are influenced?</div>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-1445252266838358262016-01-30T10:00:00.005-08:002016-01-30T10:00:45.343-08:00Saturday Pondering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>My favorite thing </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>is experiencing life </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>through the eyes</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b> of my children.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary</td></tr>
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<br />mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-37765907576164229282016-01-17T12:20:00.003-08:002016-01-17T12:21:18.204-08:00Creamy Polenta with Spinach, Mushrooms and OnionsOne of my favorite restaurants on the Big Island of Hawaii is in a quaint town called Hulaloa that sits above Kona. It started out as a Japanese community, and when I went there 20 some years ago there was one gift shop that sold woven <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiLpKOe0rHKAhXJ4CYKHbAqA_AQjhwIBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhubpages.com%2Ftravel%2Fbigislandofhawaii-part5&psig=AFQjCNFEPk9zvN1mKTYnsBhfDY9EzshFew&ust=1453146524008701" target="_blank">Lauhala mats</a>, and purses etc. Now it's home to many beautiful art galleries a historic pink hotel and a favorite open air cafe. <br />
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Ed and I enjoyed our choices so much the last time we were there four years ago that we ordered exactly the same thing (The tuna melt for me and the Brie Burger for him). I started eating tuna again after that trip and duplicated the dish many times. Laura ordered the Polenta dish and it looked so wonderful that I couldn't wait to make it at home. I added spinach to my dish for added nutrition and color. I added my recipe at the bottom of this page. Its so easy and as they say in theIslands It's Ono! (delicious).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish I had taken more pictures of the inside. It's planted with lush foliage and has beautiful<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dear friends who were in Hawaii at the very same time.</td></tr>
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<b>Creamy Polenta with Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions and Spinach</b></div>
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3 cups of water +1 reserved</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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1 cup cornmeal</div>
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2 tbs butter</div>
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1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese</div>
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1 medium onion, roughly chopped</div>
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1 carton mushrooms of your choice, sliced</div>
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a large handful of cleaned baby spinach</div>
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thyme, salt and pepper to taste</div>
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Boil 3 cups of water with salt. Add the cornmeal to the reserved cup of water and stir. When the water starts a rolling boil add the cornmeal mixture, stir until smooth, reduce heat to simmer and cover. Every few minutes stir the pot to keep from sticking. </div>
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While thats cooking…</div>
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sauté your onions until transparent in hot oil. Then add in the mushrooms. It takes some time, but when they start to brown add salt, pepper and thyme. When everything is the desired color (browned) add the spinach.</div>
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Turn the heat off of the cornmeal and add the butter and cheese. </div>
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Serves 4</div>
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mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0Holualoa, HI, USA19.6148386 -155.967775919.4951936 -156.1291374 19.734483599999997 -155.8064144tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-51233992244661214822015-12-29T09:01:00.001-08:002015-12-29T09:01:23.747-08:00Day one Po'Olu to Hapuna<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCtYyQLusO0/VoK8YayVNNI/AAAAAAAALZA/N_ThDZQbmvk/s640/blogger-image-607521674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCtYyQLusO0/VoK8YayVNNI/AAAAAAAALZA/N_ThDZQbmvk/s640/blogger-image-607521674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IOcapuCaS8k/VoK8OT5RjNI/AAAAAAAALYQ/2vbDZiP1AMM/s640/blogger-image--2068821533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IOcapuCaS8k/VoK8OT5RjNI/AAAAAAAALYQ/2vbDZiP1AMM/s640/blogger-image--2068821533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bfr4DFprJoY/VoK8VMrM65I/AAAAAAAALYw/h3kR5VYgmCs/s640/blogger-image--22230551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bfr4DFprJoY/VoK8VMrM65I/AAAAAAAALYw/h3kR5VYgmCs/s640/blogger-image--22230551.jpg"></a></div><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IOcapuCaS8k/VoK8OT5RjNI/AAAAAAAALYQ/2vbDZiP1AMM/s640/blogger-image--2068821533.jpg"></div><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vCtYyQLusO0/VoK8YayVNNI/AAAAAAAALZA/N_ThDZQbmvk/s640/blogger-image-607521674.jpg"></div>We started our day early at our favorite coffee bar then walked the farm market for produce. We drove as far north as the road takes you to Po' olu valley, then slowly made our way to the beach.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RB-yd1SInQU/VoK8QdQO8hI/AAAAAAAALYY/DY6cCIFZJgg/s640/blogger-image--158804703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RB-yd1SInQU/VoK8QdQO8hI/AAAAAAAALYY/DY6cCIFZJgg/s640/blogger-image--158804703.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h71iikyVizI/VoK8Wm2kIcI/AAAAAAAALY4/V_KyGBMWSdc/s640/blogger-image--1190006283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h71iikyVizI/VoK8Wm2kIcI/AAAAAAAALY4/V_KyGBMWSdc/s640/blogger-image--1190006283.jpg"></a></div>Po'Olu valley<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DyXC3sPoO2Q/VoK7Sf1Q5fI/AAAAAAAALYI/K9ui8rloLnc/s640/blogger-image--1967883884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DyXC3sPoO2Q/VoK7Sf1Q5fI/AAAAAAAALYI/K9ui8rloLnc/s640/blogger-image--1967883884.jpg"></a></div>Beach park<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qr5Xo371wWE/VoK8R40hLjI/AAAAAAAALYg/kqAYrHskjs8/s640/blogger-image-1723564918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qr5Xo371wWE/VoK8R40hLjI/AAAAAAAALYg/kqAYrHskjs8/s640/blogger-image-1723564918.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3qB3uIowTY/VoK7PgMPWkI/AAAAAAAALX4/zoB4CIY1H44/s640/blogger-image--134489115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l3qB3uIowTY/VoK7PgMPWkI/AAAAAAAALX4/zoB4CIY1H44/s640/blogger-image--134489115.jpg"></a></div>A small prefab home❤️<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zYiFNot4mIc/VoK8TQvP8dI/AAAAAAAALYo/kXpqGt2CJGA/s640/blogger-image-322951113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zYiFNot4mIc/VoK8TQvP8dI/AAAAAAAALYo/kXpqGt2CJGA/s640/blogger-image-322951113.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QtlfWG6C6Q4/VoK7Q1V7NpI/AAAAAAAALYA/h3tVD1bw84g/s640/blogger-image-755335180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QtlfWG6C6Q4/VoK7Q1V7NpI/AAAAAAAALYA/h3tVD1bw84g/s640/blogger-image-755335180.jpg"></a></div>mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6463880147239043073.post-62410809976479164582015-12-29T08:44:00.001-08:002015-12-29T08:44:28.997-08:00Day 3 KonaToday we went to Kailua-Kona (my home 30 years ago for a spell. I had never experience the museum Hulihe'e. The summer home of Hawaiian Royallty. It's a simply home with beautiful Koa wood furnishings, and a magnificent view. We did the tourist thing in Kona then ended on the beach to watch the sunset.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QHuQSXA_LX0/VoJERH2TEJI/AAAAAAAALW0/WggPxSxmWm0/s640/blogger-image-1774786377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QHuQSXA_LX0/VoJERH2TEJI/AAAAAAAALW0/WggPxSxmWm0/s640/blogger-image-1774786377.jpg"></a></div>Ed wearing an UMT shirt❤️<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIPegTe8IGI/VoJEF-9AhxI/AAAAAAAALV8/4grMsJi_Sqo/s640/blogger-image--875924825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIPegTe8IGI/VoJEF-9AhxI/AAAAAAAALV8/4grMsJi_Sqo/s640/blogger-image--875924825.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bH1u44ydKs8/VoJES83zicI/AAAAAAAALW8/9JJui6cUyBU/s640/blogger-image--360490746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bH1u44ydKs8/VoJES83zicI/AAAAAAAALW8/9JJui6cUyBU/s640/blogger-image--360490746.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIKJV-BjaA8/VoK4as0RfiI/AAAAAAAALXs/Zn7rtWZkyfY/s640/blogger-image--1244847547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIKJV-BjaA8/VoK4as0RfiI/AAAAAAAALXs/Zn7rtWZkyfY/s640/blogger-image--1244847547.jpg"></a></div>The royal gate<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F5nxWwooTcs/VoJEPXwobaI/AAAAAAAALWs/r0IpV2X_j6Y/s640/blogger-image-1263713712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F5nxWwooTcs/VoJEPXwobaI/AAAAAAAALWs/r0IpV2X_j6Y/s640/blogger-image-1263713712.jpg"></a></div>Summer Palace<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wObVU3xnCgA/VoK4ZAps49I/AAAAAAAALXk/GTUq7t06cMA/s640/blogger-image-148986439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wObVU3xnCgA/VoK4ZAps49I/AAAAAAAALXk/GTUq7t06cMA/s640/blogger-image-148986439.jpg"></a></div>Queens bath<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-787LAs8gSHY/VoJELHnjwNI/AAAAAAAALWU/fLOVPBao1hI/s640/blogger-image-23961657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-787LAs8gSHY/VoJELHnjwNI/AAAAAAAALWU/fLOVPBao1hI/s640/blogger-image-23961657.jpg"></a></div>Happy hour at the Kona Inn<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Az9rOQzYMfw/VoJEONbN3UI/AAAAAAAALWk/DWu1YTUi4PE/s640/blogger-image-1031172969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Az9rOQzYMfw/VoJEONbN3UI/AAAAAAAALWk/DWu1YTUi4PE/s640/blogger-image-1031172969.jpg"></a></div>Rubber band fans<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O7i4NERKpE0/VoK4XfhJFGI/AAAAAAAALXc/NOs_ZzTsjHQ/s640/blogger-image-1001497464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O7i4NERKpE0/VoK4XfhJFGI/AAAAAAAALXc/NOs_ZzTsjHQ/s640/blogger-image-1001497464.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCx3-t_Ou90/VoJEH3EV1VI/AAAAAAAALWE/EcrCee0oIiY/s640/blogger-image-194870010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCx3-t_Ou90/VoJEH3EV1VI/AAAAAAAALWE/EcrCee0oIiY/s640/blogger-image-194870010.jpg"></a></div>The desert of Hawaii<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NC8SvCZeh08/VoK4VasBFCI/AAAAAAAALXU/hzBFXDwq0cg/s640/blogger-image-403669420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NC8SvCZeh08/VoK4VasBFCI/AAAAAAAALXU/hzBFXDwq0cg/s640/blogger-image-403669420.jpg"></a></div>The small tide pools JD would swim in as a child.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUBZ940ps28/VoJEJTs-AsI/AAAAAAAALWM/aaC0E6BFP20/s640/blogger-image-823255191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dUBZ940ps28/VoJEJTs-AsI/AAAAAAAALWM/aaC0E6BFP20/s640/blogger-image-823255191.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aqdNQe5D-rc/VoJEMg224EI/AAAAAAAALWc/HANYJsl31yg/s640/blogger-image--365064663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aqdNQe5D-rc/VoJEMg224EI/AAAAAAAALWc/HANYJsl31yg/s640/blogger-image--365064663.jpg"></a></div>mama chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11071112098872280423noreply@blogger.com0