tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47575114964717824462024-03-27T08:54:53.845-07:00Life is a JourneyCarr Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00623973838633312456noreply@blogger.comBlogger654125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-81981689459466728262018-03-27T12:59:00.000-07:002018-03-27T12:59:48.082-07:00California Visit<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually the shot of the coast as we were leaving California</td></tr>
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In my last post I highlighted the visit of my oldest daughter, her husband and our new grandson all here from Oregon and my parents visit that coincided with theirs bringing them from their home in California. We've tried for some time to convince my parents to downsize and move to Florida closer to us. The last visit convinced them that was a good idea, so in February the girls, my uncle and I all flew to Los Angeles and took a shuttle van up to Thousand Oaks to my parents home to begin the task of cleaning out, packing up and clearing for the sale of the home they've lived in for the last 44 of their almost 60 years together. It was a pretty major undertaking that had us busy from the time we arrived until the van arrived 8 days later to pick us up for our return trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren, Hannah and Uncle Bill on the plane</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents house in Thousand Oaks</td></tr>
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We cleared the attic, sorted through all the cupboards, closets, shelves and any storage place in their home to help find what would be packed, what needed to be thrown into the 20 yard dumpster they had delivered and what needed to go to Salvation Army as a donation. After packing items we chose the tools and furniture that could go into storage along with boxes and packed them into the truck to go to the storage unit they got as they prepare to stage their home for sale.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill and Dad cleaning out garage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and Lauren were making dumpster runs as the cleaning took place</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and Mom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The truck's almost ready to head to storage unit</td></tr>
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While we were there my parents who have spent years making stained glass windows and decorations had a group from a retirement community in Arizona arrive to pick up the enormous amount of glass they had donated to them for their communities arts and craft center. My sister and her kids also came later in the week to help us with the process. It was a lot of work with long days, but it was rewarding as the time for our return arrived to see the progress we'd made. We'd filled the dumpster about 3/4 full and the storage unit about 1/2 full. We'd even made a good dent in the mountain of stuff that had collected over the years in the garage. Uncle Bill and the girls really outdid themselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dumpster's getting fuller</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me during the packing process</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom packing up some dishes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storage unit after our first truck load</td></tr>
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Though they still have quite a bit to do they were off to a good start by the end of our week. It wasn't all work and no play, my parents made sure we took breaks and ate well including taking us out several times for some wonderful meals. One night in particular was fun going with them to a Japanese restaurant called Cho Cho Sans. The chef has his grill at your table and puts on a wonderful show as he prepares our delicious meals. Hannah and Lauren had never seen this before and loved it as well as learning to eat with chop sticks.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nephew Jared taking a break on the weight bench</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah sporting grandpa's formal Air Force dinner jacket we found while sorting through stuff from the attic</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Bill taking a quick nap after another days hard work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Break time during our packing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1vH_SzTprD2ElKfLlha6QMe1nFyHpbPCFd4mOii2onXcR83Bc3kT1yqexyNqN5D2_7M1MG9YrvrYL1WbwntxmQyewzIKjsc6OD1dv6gO9R4o6-qa4L4HFOutReRDMUUQutZslyJrVV8/s1600/md+cho+cho+sans.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="568" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1vH_SzTprD2ElKfLlha6QMe1nFyHpbPCFd4mOii2onXcR83Bc3kT1yqexyNqN5D2_7M1MG9YrvrYL1WbwntxmQyewzIKjsc6OD1dv6gO9R4o6-qa4L4HFOutReRDMUUQutZslyJrVV8/s640/md+cho+cho+sans.PNG" width="616" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Anna, her daughter Clara and my parents at Cho Cho Sans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueWGpEMli-jvxDRe57L9fsqY0cXxRBVLPmhKYxfV9eltpJegtRsggXSQg91P98XMAV8tdgF0TjOeGkgq6KNFnJLtT8NFu4FNRjHkbVqsOy6Ulig9fvtdvwzdjDrk9co57lMWqQda1kio/s1600/md+hannah+cho+cho+sans.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="429" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgueWGpEMli-jvxDRe57L9fsqY0cXxRBVLPmhKYxfV9eltpJegtRsggXSQg91P98XMAV8tdgF0TjOeGkgq6KNFnJLtT8NFu4FNRjHkbVqsOy6Ulig9fvtdvwzdjDrk9co57lMWqQda1kio/s400/md+hannah+cho+cho+sans.PNG" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah mastering chop sticks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakUT0wpOgGr18QKfXMSoV9fQJEiQHSdpDBT7M8UR28yB20AE95HVrwXgnCdP1xL3r4iOh65-gYmcWpFPxUYCGq33TfgzJiSbZkeqhkXLCknYrp580T_ppuxuDH65VztpD_hBwgk-6fF0/s1600/md+lauren+cho+cho+sans.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="391" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakUT0wpOgGr18QKfXMSoV9fQJEiQHSdpDBT7M8UR28yB20AE95HVrwXgnCdP1xL3r4iOh65-gYmcWpFPxUYCGq33TfgzJiSbZkeqhkXLCknYrp580T_ppuxuDH65VztpD_hBwgk-6fF0/s640/md+lauren+cho+cho+sans.PNG" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Bill enjoying the food and fun</td></tr>
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It was particularly cold for California the whole time we were there with the highs only in the upper 50's or low 60's. The dry air along with the cold took a toll on all our skin as it dried us all out and gave us incredibly chapped lips. They are in the same zone as we are here in Central Florida, but unlike our subtropical climate they are very dry in a more Mediterranean environment. I gardened in that for years when we lived there and had to learn, and am still learning to adjust to my Florida landscaping and gardening adventure. I still miss the mountains and hills we had there, but I've grown to really appreciate the green and water we have here in Florida.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyx7zEoGk3J8NkxeO4h9uKj6j5GDWHRTP1W70UbyMjbPIAAznDZBIyv8VXs4JowSnd9CpUPPqlYswij_2a1TA-A9fqJVRPXCn-bUNefrQFzjhjXKoYyojDZUheHnevhknLBVVS9UK9j4/s1600/md+courtyard.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="1150" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNyx7zEoGk3J8NkxeO4h9uKj6j5GDWHRTP1W70UbyMjbPIAAznDZBIyv8VXs4JowSnd9CpUPPqlYswij_2a1TA-A9fqJVRPXCn-bUNefrQFzjhjXKoYyojDZUheHnevhknLBVVS9UK9j4/s640/md+courtyard.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front yard from the second story window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlONXwt9Lj8wnczy6rXAfP0CFu6MWchwg4DSm57QWo5uL7JRgJ8m3GI6G-80nN6i7whLodYIo1wp4GW19ORKWyNMJVU0gRfti0Tcd8BgYnH-X41V1ov4PzyHGUR3QbYSbW34NEyMUCCV8/s1600/md+front+yard.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1191" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlONXwt9Lj8wnczy6rXAfP0CFu6MWchwg4DSm57QWo5uL7JRgJ8m3GI6G-80nN6i7whLodYIo1wp4GW19ORKWyNMJVU0gRfti0Tcd8BgYnH-X41V1ov4PzyHGUR3QbYSbW34NEyMUCCV8/s640/md+front+yard.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front yard with the incredible lemon tree that produces fruit the size of your hand</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTgL-gdojyr4crpdPhgR10FRaTnQ9ETyYnXEccPbmXk4rga54fdfvccNKGzOMG6OLXlE5tiJuy65cR1I-kBVHL2m51LHP4x5bFZ5bTVRBb9m5-1vwOM6uILHYMNvpDUIGjC6S0QXVOiI/s1600/md+front+yard+view.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1216" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTgL-gdojyr4crpdPhgR10FRaTnQ9ETyYnXEccPbmXk4rga54fdfvccNKGzOMG6OLXlE5tiJuy65cR1I-kBVHL2m51LHP4x5bFZ5bTVRBb9m5-1vwOM6uILHYMNvpDUIGjC6S0QXVOiI/s640/md+front+yard+view.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View looking across the street from their front steps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iYxwPlFDzB-psut6tnNyp-No5DIww6RVLCSJquHWvzRzcqYLiS9eoIv3N5nL9yURyZWMgiXjDubZ4LWc1jZ8oWOKsONB4_KwYTtmFKybifPAwNajneX5yRWa8GJ2vEEQyaOROMVwkCw/s1600/md+front+yard2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1195" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iYxwPlFDzB-psut6tnNyp-No5DIww6RVLCSJquHWvzRzcqYLiS9eoIv3N5nL9yURyZWMgiXjDubZ4LWc1jZ8oWOKsONB4_KwYTtmFKybifPAwNajneX5yRWa8GJ2vEEQyaOROMVwkCw/s640/md+front+yard2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtyard and birdbath - overlook the ugly dumpster in back on the street : ) </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYYEK8YWmhJiIowUWpSwMB7Ocs9sXggM4ogqI2cG2cj2yOToNQ-BGNWTawL1DypV50X0-g-347zlyBR6v1PqeoAGrANOhXId3GTBi0ugTjOmQJ7tQH2mY-Ju_k4wBhTkkQu6sg83zoro/s1600/md+front+yard1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="1224" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYYEK8YWmhJiIowUWpSwMB7Ocs9sXggM4ogqI2cG2cj2yOToNQ-BGNWTawL1DypV50X0-g-347zlyBR6v1PqeoAGrANOhXId3GTBi0ugTjOmQJ7tQH2mY-Ju_k4wBhTkkQu6sg83zoro/s640/md+front+yard1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front door entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains in the distance from second story front window</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJNJzcTCZxx6A4GwiM9HV1z4x3bH1Ej1mp5FZh09u0E4nRpgke2zPe4rJup0Fxb2iHOfzxSpUbl4N7oKnHHn63hIB116hTNmt4syAoWzo-Mbf2MnAvOUyID_rX1D-xnsA4TgMWSCCzHU/s1600/md+second+story+backyard.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1197" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJNJzcTCZxx6A4GwiM9HV1z4x3bH1Ej1mp5FZh09u0E4nRpgke2zPe4rJup0Fxb2iHOfzxSpUbl4N7oKnHHn63hIB116hTNmt4syAoWzo-Mbf2MnAvOUyID_rX1D-xnsA4TgMWSCCzHU/s640/md+second+story+backyard.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back yard and hill from the patio off the side of my parents bedroom in the rear of the house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Succulents growing in the planters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEk0K0AlJcB-FtLE1NEMGM_UcsR08FZs2p6-jRplGEyH0Oo_HPp4TeCUEt0ry4JL9f0QoYOkNv2bhIIPkZLvzY06ThZM18Ejd0K49GwST4aSaVPmN4Cc7Xc4mpaUjj8BE0au1IRWllg1w/s1600/md+side+yard.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1130" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEk0K0AlJcB-FtLE1NEMGM_UcsR08FZs2p6-jRplGEyH0Oo_HPp4TeCUEt0ry4JL9f0QoYOkNv2bhIIPkZLvzY06ThZM18Ejd0K49GwST4aSaVPmN4Cc7Xc4mpaUjj8BE0au1IRWllg1w/s640/md+side+yard.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side courtyard and planters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back planters off the patio</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire pit behind the patio</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CmA8k7z3p6rIrHyUqfOp1OlqbZ3HdwJaEYYHbpOYX-A7xlqOtI6fX9ONL_9m5rhWJ7Ov1h-uIIUOut1amOa7ey04L9MHJJPlcgg_ujgpgxsRd9Ir9rnUZC5y8HB__XGFSU3mqJY2zLk/s1600/md+succulents1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="394" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CmA8k7z3p6rIrHyUqfOp1OlqbZ3HdwJaEYYHbpOYX-A7xlqOtI6fX9ONL_9m5rhWJ7Ov1h-uIIUOut1amOa7ey04L9MHJJPlcgg_ujgpgxsRd9Ir9rnUZC5y8HB__XGFSU3mqJY2zLk/s640/md+succulents1.PNG" width="452" /></a></div>
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So with our whirlwind week complete we boarded our plane and returned to Florida arriving late at night to sleep soundly over the next few days and recover from a busy, but really productive time in California. I'm truly looking forward to when my parents can join us here in Florida and we can have the chance to spend a lot more time enjoying their company. While we were busy there Kevin, Cameron and Cameron's girlfriend Courtney all kept our homestead running well here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our return flight to Florida</td></tr>
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So long for now mom and dad, we're looking forward to your soon arrival in Central Florida!!<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-67770395860077891172017-12-23T10:48:00.001-08:002017-12-23T10:48:51.258-08:00Enjoying Family Time<br />
This past Thanksgiving was extra special with the arrival of my parents the day before from California and the day after of our oldest daughter Amber, her husband Eddie and their son and our first grandchild Elliot all arrived. My Uncle Bill hosted us all for Thanksgiving dinner and then our weeks activities began as we all got to enjoy family time together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back left to right- Uncle Bill, Grandpa Scherer and Baba, Amber, Elliot and Eddie<br />
Front left to right- Hannah, Kevin, Lynda and Lauren</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grandma Carr with Elliot</td></tr>
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We all agreed that Elliot is adorable and his smiles and laugh kept us all entertained. It was wonderful seeing our parents with their great grandson and though Kevin and I had a hard time getting used to being referred to as grandma and grandpa, those are titles we love.<br />
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We enjoyed St. Augustine's Nights of Lights. With all the walking we would be doing I got wheelchairs for my parents so we could cover as much ground as possible with the limited daylight time we would have before our Trolley ride to see the lights. Aside from a bumpier ride over the old cobblestones and uneven surfaces this worked out well. The weather was great and it was a really enjoyable event to participate in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAk5JJInYxEyu4ugj1egpWwC01DP879632OyWpHTQJOVuXnm9-ISa5cj-Gq0cwBf4DZEE-CTMrWFTz03BUKZXSltvbMY4BqLV-hqmn81cVUZ0RQrLawd2jAvvmsrX0vCC1DZeH5B8KaY/s1600/st+augustine+visitor+center.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="918" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAk5JJInYxEyu4ugj1egpWwC01DP879632OyWpHTQJOVuXnm9-ISa5cj-Gq0cwBf4DZEE-CTMrWFTz03BUKZXSltvbMY4BqLV-hqmn81cVUZ0RQrLawd2jAvvmsrX0vCC1DZeH5B8KaY/s400/st+augustine+visitor+center.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitor Center</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the visitor center as we prepare to tour. Grabbing area maps to find our way around</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron and Courtney outside the visitors center</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse drawn carriage along the main waterside route</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elliot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group, with the assistance of Courtney who joined us and graciously played photographer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren being silly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the 2 tables at the restaurant for dinner. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill, Baba and Grandpa at the other table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGokf3Zy17tt0jVhyphenhyphen-XsjT6r1hGBfQu8D63-BsJmUGSEuvMh2mCD1RWb1HPM4tSGNhLRmBpzO61bJwO7uqWj205fPNdSy5VB5k3fTMo73h_0h1Z5B5h20Sh11mbFQBWwu99XjCXlmpKyk/s1600/st+aug10+restaurant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="471" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGokf3Zy17tt0jVhyphenhyphen-XsjT6r1hGBfQu8D63-BsJmUGSEuvMh2mCD1RWb1HPM4tSGNhLRmBpzO61bJwO7uqWj205fPNdSy5VB5k3fTMo73h_0h1Z5B5h20Sh11mbFQBWwu99XjCXlmpKyk/s400/st+aug10+restaurant.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber and Elliot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJcjD3pk8qh41HMybRx_m1uGGy76JGysKuCuiBn6yXeEyAHbz_nJhEwZLjqOTcd6f5QoeFXEMzjIvegJiigprnE0EqM7vjCCeEi072Afgze2PafldAcZRday4tVa64a6mz7ZYnsXBMQs/s1600/st+augustine+nights+of+lights.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="918" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJcjD3pk8qh41HMybRx_m1uGGy76JGysKuCuiBn6yXeEyAHbz_nJhEwZLjqOTcd6f5QoeFXEMzjIvegJiigprnE0EqM7vjCCeEi072Afgze2PafldAcZRday4tVa64a6mz7ZYnsXBMQs/s640/st+augustine+nights+of+lights.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center Park with lights taken on our Trolley ride</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpdIl2LIFAZ5I2WsHGrObsXAzhyphenhyphenA11QVdU3w1ToeQxBgRpw9hsqBgU0lxNK9MWvzFyBUwNTt6uUrTv4X-Q6xEwn1ovxQhMdMwQ7ocMjwQRY0jMkatY_0DxWrKCMZDbB6zz5zstcFC4n4/s1600/st+aug9+nights+of+lights.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1438" data-original-width="1078" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpdIl2LIFAZ5I2WsHGrObsXAzhyphenhyphenA11QVdU3w1ToeQxBgRpw9hsqBgU0lxNK9MWvzFyBUwNTt6uUrTv4X-Q6xEwn1ovxQhMdMwQ7ocMjwQRY0jMkatY_0DxWrKCMZDbB6zz5zstcFC4n4/s640/st+aug9+nights+of+lights.png" width="478" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBM5n4knypQAzFNMBT7gMT5ljkSg6o8OGqYPl9js8e-VRHMkz7nPSLIDX1fEPToFItPwWsbg8FhmIG8TCKC9y_nf4vYeUb2-XbW1AiW6vFNyvNqoNd0sEUxOCQAwRqRV7RhFjszaW1jA/s1600/st+augustine+bill.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="790" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBM5n4knypQAzFNMBT7gMT5ljkSg6o8OGqYPl9js8e-VRHMkz7nPSLIDX1fEPToFItPwWsbg8FhmIG8TCKC9y_nf4vYeUb2-XbW1AiW6vFNyvNqoNd0sEUxOCQAwRqRV7RhFjszaW1jA/s640/st+augustine+bill.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Bill at the Kuckoburra coffee place we all got our coffee fix from</td></tr>
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A day at the Sanford Zoo. This was a fun outing and again the weather was perfect so there were lots of animals out and about to enjoy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4jfNvdu8j6P5da4j7f9fLsMJsXz3zjjlv_C266lVoizVq7_LgZLSmLlvDtcGjEPg-haqKmYcu9lJ88skxUqzAPGubSpail7CZMlTj_0KRX0pNovzuAYuM2qanXd1c8LUMd-YBf-s6a8/s1600/amber+and+llama.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="849" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4jfNvdu8j6P5da4j7f9fLsMJsXz3zjjlv_C266lVoizVq7_LgZLSmLlvDtcGjEPg-haqKmYcu9lJ88skxUqzAPGubSpail7CZMlTj_0KRX0pNovzuAYuM2qanXd1c8LUMd-YBf-s6a8/s640/amber+and+llama.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber has loved llama's for a long time, so when she was able to get up close to Andre on his walk she was thrilled</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOpENlqcO31py9Jrl_4hKinsoDWW5Zx3Tv51_vJ7ZYHUo4BOMpPf3BqUOlpCsgETNjF91ot0yxSGJ0-Rf8TDfKQAfBO-a7coHz8puPdaC66a17hXcoYJeHSvHQDlHkM0SwGeLjRl9iyg/s1600/bear+at+zoo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="706" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOpENlqcO31py9Jrl_4hKinsoDWW5Zx3Tv51_vJ7ZYHUo4BOMpPf3BqUOlpCsgETNjF91ot0yxSGJ0-Rf8TDfKQAfBO-a7coHz8puPdaC66a17hXcoYJeHSvHQDlHkM0SwGeLjRl9iyg/s640/bear+at+zoo.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe4aJemFBSupUBQMb8Pen1xvJ0_u5zOLScGf8_Hja4CkSwl0g4bxi6Yk9GFcoivAKH_mjWmHENRyH4z_oHDikBuHY0fGE8XjKCN7XHfnTk0xvt1OCo0nrROW1FaR8ljjU2SRe_xr6oKs/s1600/cheetah+at+zoo1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="754" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRe4aJemFBSupUBQMb8Pen1xvJ0_u5zOLScGf8_Hja4CkSwl0g4bxi6Yk9GFcoivAKH_mjWmHENRyH4z_oHDikBuHY0fGE8XjKCN7XHfnTk0xvt1OCo0nrROW1FaR8ljjU2SRe_xr6oKs/s640/cheetah+at+zoo1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGU7V3W2JmvPXSwqYII9F8pM56meeIvt3jy0mV_lbbExu23Jwvme7EUazD9D1RE7xurbWvAqEEjp0PThqABUBH6o8mTrIagGRGieUV2C6UjC2n-TXgSzBOd2-GokguK3ee4EEOmDrVM7I/s1600/zoo+elliot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="357" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGU7V3W2JmvPXSwqYII9F8pM56meeIvt3jy0mV_lbbExu23Jwvme7EUazD9D1RE7xurbWvAqEEjp0PThqABUBH6o8mTrIagGRGieUV2C6UjC2n-TXgSzBOd2-GokguK3ee4EEOmDrVM7I/s640/zoo+elliot.PNG" width="434" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elliot sporting his cool shades became the subject of attention as well</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_93XEcgxxPNbJktg6G-rl1yC2A25AJXgNB3CdxILfRrwEYQhRqmRIDW1lwa7sB43JJUAvlvMk2oPmn8leNCUM5Vhwuj_AAOJnZqqfZe2dH-Sa1XiDOccbmFMZRpNzoTfI8mpEP3s52k/s1600/tourists.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="535" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_93XEcgxxPNbJktg6G-rl1yC2A25AJXgNB3CdxILfRrwEYQhRqmRIDW1lwa7sB43JJUAvlvMk2oPmn8leNCUM5Vhwuj_AAOJnZqqfZe2dH-Sa1XiDOccbmFMZRpNzoTfI8mpEP3s52k/s400/tourists.PNG" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what I mean? HA HA...tourists </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3m80a-l1dbQ23O8QjjJMTfVQY4pHPqvbDm92_cfQjP7MbIiMBMdnzZkxi-CSsnwvthmt2r8yPdqCMykCbKVInpNm4SpKPcwysKcQmu7xxbjl8kLU0sOZUsILOQMS0nk5_kK2p_M3sGk/s1600/cougar+at+zoo1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="734" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3m80a-l1dbQ23O8QjjJMTfVQY4pHPqvbDm92_cfQjP7MbIiMBMdnzZkxi-CSsnwvthmt2r8yPdqCMykCbKVInpNm4SpKPcwysKcQmu7xxbjl8kLU0sOZUsILOQMS0nk5_kK2p_M3sGk/s640/cougar+at+zoo1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CJGOa38-85PYADcR6C9gwGHjKyh1sMSHoz8KAWnBfZ1VJMjWKY_b7D2H2NdM9IxjIWSdjZ6NyDOUdixeloKnAVhVQMZiRX2aJxEFfQ68oyHeMQf-9-tsXbtDL6D5DFKmA0ZW7aj7tGI/s1600/kevin+and+lynda+at+zoo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="621" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CJGOa38-85PYADcR6C9gwGHjKyh1sMSHoz8KAWnBfZ1VJMjWKY_b7D2H2NdM9IxjIWSdjZ6NyDOUdixeloKnAVhVQMZiRX2aJxEFfQ68oyHeMQf-9-tsXbtDL6D5DFKmA0ZW7aj7tGI/s640/kevin+and+lynda+at+zoo.PNG" width="612" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin and I</td></tr>
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Decorating began for Christmas and with everyone helping out it was all the more special this year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp76Zgr7OLqZat13KpT8Kn91NW6THeTOYMUL_y6YzFkoYWZsqsPQTdFNX2cuf5f_nXOzp2hN8Dwy2zBcVpu8o1nkxwHXW8pBpP8w3OphGqKPZQpCxyZ11zrSgyuLGLlE0y726ZMaPg4PY/s1600/xmas+dec+me.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="274" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp76Zgr7OLqZat13KpT8Kn91NW6THeTOYMUL_y6YzFkoYWZsqsPQTdFNX2cuf5f_nXOzp2hN8Dwy2zBcVpu8o1nkxwHXW8pBpP8w3OphGqKPZQpCxyZ11zrSgyuLGLlE0y726ZMaPg4PY/s400/xmas+dec+me.PNG" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me adding the ribbon to the tree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJetNCTNkCf30Q_g5CxX7TFsqoF3nV6k2zvktUWkjSECITe1nZ5E4rzbrLMthKmt9J3TM2xNbDAqs3aaf_r2M-SQE0jh13gWr1ekxs9mpkPJzlpdSV8AQpWACa3oyENPosD4723mg4Ic/s1600/xmas+dec1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="406" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJetNCTNkCf30Q_g5CxX7TFsqoF3nV6k2zvktUWkjSECITe1nZ5E4rzbrLMthKmt9J3TM2xNbDAqs3aaf_r2M-SQE0jh13gWr1ekxs9mpkPJzlpdSV8AQpWACa3oyENPosD4723mg4Ic/s640/xmas+dec1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Grandpa playing with Elliot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9nog-x3NZmlVfJfbGdzNA1rzBt13ZGOP2_4v_CgbrfaYgtlnIVM8xpyT99CXMjuWdDdRRfyD4fBv6xhGhOzSSMQmWLil7l_W-huVv1V5mY_jA1jpHgOl5sS6Cy8D-ZlhcRKimdPu1ow/s1600/xmas+dec3+elliot+and+gg.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="420" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9nog-x3NZmlVfJfbGdzNA1rzBt13ZGOP2_4v_CgbrfaYgtlnIVM8xpyT99CXMjuWdDdRRfyD4fBv6xhGhOzSSMQmWLil7l_W-huVv1V5mY_jA1jpHgOl5sS6Cy8D-ZlhcRKimdPu1ow/s640/xmas+dec3+elliot+and+gg.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baba's turn to hold him</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKZhHebirnPIJjAGIPiEaJAForQ3Kmd3iORVw9KhU2XgteKGTl4DFNS7xyuHiA2ch0rHRQ89WbQORbRYmZ0JDgx1BncxV9TfNCWgyVKrYaHB1juWFUUSxNybMXJgzrqeHPX_FcLrJNJQ/s1600/Elliot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="564" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcKZhHebirnPIJjAGIPiEaJAForQ3Kmd3iORVw9KhU2XgteKGTl4DFNS7xyuHiA2ch0rHRQ89WbQORbRYmZ0JDgx1BncxV9TfNCWgyVKrYaHB1juWFUUSxNybMXJgzrqeHPX_FcLrJNJQ/s640/Elliot.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfsYKuCPqAm_qEVvvdVuRmlbKujvvJL8cqlaSxWMmnHpCcFSREvY7HwhoyP08O8Gzx8mjrFMebJeoYiC_57S4AN0Qf7jIpfpAHA0a0HyOfo5P1Eu9H9zlLM6lGLgctgC8D7lnrt2V9N8/s1600/Cameron+and+Elliot2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="622" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfsYKuCPqAm_qEVvvdVuRmlbKujvvJL8cqlaSxWMmnHpCcFSREvY7HwhoyP08O8Gzx8mjrFMebJeoYiC_57S4AN0Qf7jIpfpAHA0a0HyOfo5P1Eu9H9zlLM6lGLgctgC8D7lnrt2V9N8/s640/Cameron+and+Elliot2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Cameron and Mr. Smiley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RBLK7p89U_z5V0l62T3Z2lHCAnLUSzEjjdWl_eJeIGZxUYteluilpsOnwoyxtQYh9F2PUz2BM_M8M8sV6GKw1dAQ81Zf-2x-3QOYXt-RDG0Sla2ziA3Mtbok9ttO0leEkaUlO28NYx0/s1600/xmas+dec5+jake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="640" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RBLK7p89U_z5V0l62T3Z2lHCAnLUSzEjjdWl_eJeIGZxUYteluilpsOnwoyxtQYh9F2PUz2BM_M8M8sV6GKw1dAQ81Zf-2x-3QOYXt-RDG0Sla2ziA3Mtbok9ttO0leEkaUlO28NYx0/s640/xmas+dec5+jake.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Jake feeling humiliated</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQUcSpUwFmYbhcy6vr97eAqoUM2NBGfZltzne_GE-9r6wFgQlBIQ-CoZMjx9Dz39STaM8h9zBtA1W35dWQO_43PG4jei73drBvOJWDep_2W6WiiSKPcA-hx3v5Ubx_JaAQnp7LGLo_W4/s1600/xmas+dec6+train.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQUcSpUwFmYbhcy6vr97eAqoUM2NBGfZltzne_GE-9r6wFgQlBIQ-CoZMjx9Dz39STaM8h9zBtA1W35dWQO_43PG4jei73drBvOJWDep_2W6WiiSKPcA-hx3v5Ubx_JaAQnp7LGLo_W4/s640/xmas+dec6+train.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Train time for the tree. We've since enlarged the track and cars to allow for presents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDlKbs2K1MpzylIekTXqc9j1io0lIAm1ALx4tE6XephOIzhA19Q6s6bysL_lwjKw_WzvBZs4YXx-gGgwTjLk1lOOKpZs1pUOD9HYE97vQvlylqjf_n_uEB_PX06F_nX4aC8YvFkMrTwI/s1600/xmas+dec2+me+and+elliot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="340" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDlKbs2K1MpzylIekTXqc9j1io0lIAm1ALx4tE6XephOIzhA19Q6s6bysL_lwjKw_WzvBZs4YXx-gGgwTjLk1lOOKpZs1pUOD9HYE97vQvlylqjf_n_uEB_PX06F_nX4aC8YvFkMrTwI/s320/xmas+dec2+me+and+elliot.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My turn- love being a grandma!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDSDlBhXXHdg2I7V9ea3v9psxKuVBv5H95TCo3ypmwZV-7HIj8RoCFI3h0t7FtAaqMwkzmsy8SUT5j2lzvHWYOlBCdVthZtxGURicmaqJuEprNibsnC_OQdMi7CeY07SaBRDJ0if0u0g/s1600/xmas+dec7+train+and+kevin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="446" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRDSDlBhXXHdg2I7V9ea3v9psxKuVBv5H95TCo3ypmwZV-7HIj8RoCFI3h0t7FtAaqMwkzmsy8SUT5j2lzvHWYOlBCdVthZtxGURicmaqJuEprNibsnC_OQdMi7CeY07SaBRDJ0if0u0g/s640/xmas+dec7+train+and+kevin.png" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa and Elliot - both love the train</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
A day at Disney Springs was a great outing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKLZatvHwciuCSIEKcz6pIDyIes63oXzs9pmBaG6GK8l_BmT0O9PmoG-fxZ21vN_ckxFPBP9d7YB2nXxUkF499jqNdXlr0dYTTGDfJQnhoj_1CI_prXzLTKmBVC-GcEkugdTysPc3hhs/s1600/family+pic+2017+%25282%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKLZatvHwciuCSIEKcz6pIDyIes63oXzs9pmBaG6GK8l_BmT0O9PmoG-fxZ21vN_ckxFPBP9d7YB2nXxUkF499jqNdXlr0dYTTGDfJQnhoj_1CI_prXzLTKmBVC-GcEkugdTysPc3hhs/s640/family+pic+2017+%25282%2529.PNG" width="624" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Christmas picture by the tree at Disney Springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglikBSXoplFolQXgBzPYTkBSp33c5c_nlq4MqFyxyuq2o5-0BvdGfl9Bic47VvQ4xhGl4LYrTUegtnHhYPwFi1PAmYvMvQiBfqfJL_T-lb3Bgm-lQ3JW-TkyAUgOxT-QlxK31zkKLIITY/s1600/disney+springs+amber+hannah+and+lauren.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="692" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglikBSXoplFolQXgBzPYTkBSp33c5c_nlq4MqFyxyuq2o5-0BvdGfl9Bic47VvQ4xhGl4LYrTUegtnHhYPwFi1PAmYvMvQiBfqfJL_T-lb3Bgm-lQ3JW-TkyAUgOxT-QlxK31zkKLIITY/s640/disney+springs+amber+hannah+and+lauren.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girls!! Hannah was thrilled that she's now taller than Amber, and looking at Lauren she doesn't have far to go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZmcDn7SQay9vVwi2KTaPJEl69YfBbMgCKMgJQo3mpVfUOYEt3gRfQXaOQc4aWlppf5v0iiAhkxHvciFx-lnwv9bL-hjgeA1K9-EA8Uiquvx_v8mflcTib8tpM5zzl87X4fIzGuYzL2Y/s1600/disney+springs+fountain.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZmcDn7SQay9vVwi2KTaPJEl69YfBbMgCKMgJQo3mpVfUOYEt3gRfQXaOQc4aWlppf5v0iiAhkxHvciFx-lnwv9bL-hjgeA1K9-EA8Uiquvx_v8mflcTib8tpM5zzl87X4fIzGuYzL2Y/s400/disney+springs+fountain.PNG" width="322" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmp6md-wXjxYSV7DVGVJXxnQyGA-UG6_l4MFgdK0WvSsJuH45BBo8A9t5SxL6Ao6-5CuQRR7mbI8dUxDY8dfMj0rnxSgOxcIjhyZkBbERarFPRm4_GYEQWNatLB0gquyER2dS08Tj4UM/s1600/disney+springs+lauren+hannah+and+pooh.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="690" data-original-width="704" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmp6md-wXjxYSV7DVGVJXxnQyGA-UG6_l4MFgdK0WvSsJuH45BBo8A9t5SxL6Ao6-5CuQRR7mbI8dUxDY8dfMj0rnxSgOxcIjhyZkBbERarFPRm4_GYEQWNatLB0gquyER2dS08Tj4UM/s640/disney+springs+lauren+hannah+and+pooh.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX096ZDPMxT8b3LEc1P1dq0eqcKT2IqS8mB_JYoF79Q42clj84lprRakfhrbp8JAYBMu6wi_eHIXON9EK0IrMW1LTB3X-cBqXTkAUign2RP-n2uWHOyesM5Xj62iS2vdSi4k7mhZyL2Y/s1600/disney+springs+balloon.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="824" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX096ZDPMxT8b3LEc1P1dq0eqcKT2IqS8mB_JYoF79Q42clj84lprRakfhrbp8JAYBMu6wi_eHIXON9EK0IrMW1LTB3X-cBqXTkAUign2RP-n2uWHOyesM5Xj62iS2vdSi4k7mhZyL2Y/s640/disney+springs+balloon.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgkHqGKN_ZY9ReN4sVPCJdUpEaazB-mSQLd9Wfk0CXqnjmIY-lWnip1yAjrzE321704AMfJExXkjK9tuBc0pIcuIzzfLP9eLSY4vJKatNR4i4Qu7H7RDpM72MN1W6XZqZX-HnUMYMR_Y/s1600/disney+springs+eddie+and+elliot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="784" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgkHqGKN_ZY9ReN4sVPCJdUpEaazB-mSQLd9Wfk0CXqnjmIY-lWnip1yAjrzE321704AMfJExXkjK9tuBc0pIcuIzzfLP9eLSY4vJKatNR4i4Qu7H7RDpM72MN1W6XZqZX-HnUMYMR_Y/s640/disney+springs+eddie+and+elliot.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eddie and Elliot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4cyZVYVcSdXDYjwtafvYULlEn576WvYhgnvjgc8iBYeMHWrTQNckr475VmmM1E7GL9UuCjxkLjcke-fygReG6sBpYmhDoehclvs8IeX6ZR1Rga7uNXdfCeOpT4MCMIXwSHkNoP7K7UE/s1600/disney+springs+balloon1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="707" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4cyZVYVcSdXDYjwtafvYULlEn576WvYhgnvjgc8iBYeMHWrTQNckr475VmmM1E7GL9UuCjxkLjcke-fygReG6sBpYmhDoehclvs8IeX6ZR1Rga7uNXdfCeOpT4MCMIXwSHkNoP7K7UE/s640/disney+springs+balloon1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXZwkP77dAHvAgMhM2XsShagtgwtDihgGE2bz_hxuh86pcwhvzLJr8gSJ4bgN_dHPTQ-glg0mlT7HJmIx_yo-DPaiz0EeyFBfleLZ-Kye_7zLYFFJH0PIu6has5UcQcltieZnXpeXsr8/s1600/disney+springs+reindeer.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="784" height="521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXZwkP77dAHvAgMhM2XsShagtgwtDihgGE2bz_hxuh86pcwhvzLJr8gSJ4bgN_dHPTQ-glg0mlT7HJmIx_yo-DPaiz0EeyFBfleLZ-Kye_7zLYFFJH0PIu6has5UcQcltieZnXpeXsr8/s640/disney+springs+reindeer.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Saying good bye is always hard, but with my parents decision to move to Florida it wasn't as hard. With technology these days staying in touch with Amber, Eddie and Elliot is a lot easier, but seeing them leave was really tough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJcbwg3Ai0FtTvB9uiupqKHdJLe7nuBDCcfV8cYXXxrffFnlGZwSOS2cVGfJIg2tz6Ha8qnVUp5Oc7vCx61KjDhGXhYCS9hk9xbzwKvfwTLgybpXA77zuELKZ93I1hE6Csv7VbuLiZP8/s1600/Goodbye+12+1+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="731" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJcbwg3Ai0FtTvB9uiupqKHdJLe7nuBDCcfV8cYXXxrffFnlGZwSOS2cVGfJIg2tz6Ha8qnVUp5Oc7vCx61KjDhGXhYCS9hk9xbzwKvfwTLgybpXA77zuELKZ93I1hE6Csv7VbuLiZP8/s640/Goodbye+12+1+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbyes at the airport</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajP8cE-Rmg4FWmyn6mXiPmiyi3UbtM-3Wv5ztFFZsHBZQfYH4517uZDfpMKg9_K35JwfGM6qKW-alAHMo24fAQXF9o3LjxG1WvxhOiDa5oD2sPA8lIP-ude1qh1NFa0lii1XBmMNt9h8/s1600/goodbye1+12+1+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="694" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajP8cE-Rmg4FWmyn6mXiPmiyi3UbtM-3Wv5ztFFZsHBZQfYH4517uZDfpMKg9_K35JwfGM6qKW-alAHMo24fAQXF9o3LjxG1WvxhOiDa5oD2sPA8lIP-ude1qh1NFa0lii1XBmMNt9h8/s640/goodbye1+12+1+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabs8EII8bhpk8xfhWTW23QEK37ZyqObS5-E9_spbIBjBGa-6GqXdVDm1xvLBsuIL6dB1QfikdsKmOTgeLOMJwojGn-Ko0Pdlkbv8ASCflcxyZRFejneXa5xu3XLX44VNQ3lTFqjcovVY/s1600/baba+and+grandpa+goodbye+to+a+and+e.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="890" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabs8EII8bhpk8xfhWTW23QEK37ZyqObS5-E9_spbIBjBGa-6GqXdVDm1xvLBsuIL6dB1QfikdsKmOTgeLOMJwojGn-Ko0Pdlkbv8ASCflcxyZRFejneXa5xu3XLX44VNQ3lTFqjcovVY/s640/baba+and+grandpa+goodbye+to+a+and+e.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The night before they left Amber and Eddie stopped by my uncles to say goodbye</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQb0ASCbEcfTkQzqgXrtkbyXMmDG6m0OBXKnQLNVhORqC4V6yGeULupNxB9CrD3etq72HwL06DGFPErRB5ck6eAHUtZOkV4_wj2OJN-TZOdlFuzJtN0qrHuCIS7xQXW6EcnMDwx6PjJ8/s1600/goodbye4+bills.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQb0ASCbEcfTkQzqgXrtkbyXMmDG6m0OBXKnQLNVhORqC4V6yGeULupNxB9CrD3etq72HwL06DGFPErRB5ck6eAHUtZOkV4_wj2OJN-TZOdlFuzJtN0qrHuCIS7xQXW6EcnMDwx6PjJ8/s640/goodbye4+bills.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then the next morning it was time to say goodbye to my parents as they began their drive back to California</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_vEf73rGyMOCwmtoCxtebdt4MqfVsnhKbkCbnS8nAPwVqDOklagJzv51BVNdCHEwxSdheRh8vqbPuv7AYWwOkkr91e6PWtSW5WaG9QL293W3MZe75953lTq2oywI6WtvQWeFfYgMPb8/s1600/goodbye6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_vEf73rGyMOCwmtoCxtebdt4MqfVsnhKbkCbnS8nAPwVqDOklagJzv51BVNdCHEwxSdheRh8vqbPuv7AYWwOkkr91e6PWtSW5WaG9QL293W3MZe75953lTq2oywI6WtvQWeFfYgMPb8/s640/goodbye6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-awTYNu0w2JlCEoqIgKuvoKK4R2WPiauA0hXiBcrJlEqN9jfmMMxXKC1CmrMbi6hMg7oVNhwNPhCkx9ylHafTIK9R6V9DujdXh5fJiwl_HE6hPCIU8_US525EwIz4KeqxwXDTid4AWVA/s1600/goodbye5+baba+and+grandpa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-awTYNu0w2JlCEoqIgKuvoKK4R2WPiauA0hXiBcrJlEqN9jfmMMxXKC1CmrMbi6hMg7oVNhwNPhCkx9ylHafTIK9R6V9DujdXh5fJiwl_HE6hPCIU8_US525EwIz4KeqxwXDTid4AWVA/s640/goodbye5+baba+and+grandpa.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Hannah with Grandpa and Baba</td></tr>
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We LOVED our visit and now with Christmas quickly approaching we've been in full prep mode for the day.<br />
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So in advance Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy New Year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghve2EMEFzQu-PkNuZLr-wUL8RBV0fN5929_gwdkUo4hXYvMKndCzZRopvdlaYvSmUs-dVAK0-0oJQlcVQF8RcPljdZW3E1ir0IuKul2YthK9hmR81k8nGiK1BCZiA60IC2zcK5KUiVOw/s1600/blog+name.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="351" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghve2EMEFzQu-PkNuZLr-wUL8RBV0fN5929_gwdkUo4hXYvMKndCzZRopvdlaYvSmUs-dVAK0-0oJQlcVQF8RcPljdZW3E1ir0IuKul2YthK9hmR81k8nGiK1BCZiA60IC2zcK5KUiVOw/s320/blog+name.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-6108455917509267352017-09-17T15:11:00.003-07:002017-09-17T15:11:59.774-07:00Irma Pays A Visit<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRxs70nqsOL6Ut7RlKIqs2G53WWJEPU5SxrhmrIAf0uUfkYDdwtpNmQ0dYMZdDMcjVkQsqx6vf810kK-dGJfLVW9BQeuIffav-dHyKFoJHRpsYFk60BGrWuCYP9dJhmGUYHb733a95Oo/s1600/Irma+map.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="467" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRxs70nqsOL6Ut7RlKIqs2G53WWJEPU5SxrhmrIAf0uUfkYDdwtpNmQ0dYMZdDMcjVkQsqx6vf810kK-dGJfLVW9BQeuIffav-dHyKFoJHRpsYFk60BGrWuCYP9dJhmGUYHb733a95Oo/s400/Irma+map.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOAA map</td></tr>
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A week ago today we were hunkering down as Hurricane Irma was afflicting Florida with her nastiness. We had watched for a week as it moved through the islands gaining and losing strength and changing course repeatedly. The news was full of potential paths she would take and how hard Florida would be hit once she arrived. We took measures to prepare the house, property, animals and ourselves for the hurricanes arrival. We chose not to evacuate and felt safe enough here since this property had already weathered extremely strong past hurricanes and held up.<br />
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Still taking care to remove everything that might take flight, to try to secure more vulnerable items or assist trees and plants that weren't as strong. Including all my bananas, several that were finally bearing fruit along with some papayas that were heavy with ripening fruit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuFsW2cwzPzrA77diZmHGOO_0DyATFsoxLDyxQjeZ1wXkLlyzKvFnYXQZcaegCMUY1lDHql5wsFhPrvuGOnfkXz88NWgRPGHLebgnA-_44aqhOEU4WpAUQRORwAwbwsMKhzTJGf-iD_E/s1600/Bananas+growing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="771" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuFsW2cwzPzrA77diZmHGOO_0DyATFsoxLDyxQjeZ1wXkLlyzKvFnYXQZcaegCMUY1lDHql5wsFhPrvuGOnfkXz88NWgRPGHLebgnA-_44aqhOEU4WpAUQRORwAwbwsMKhzTJGf-iD_E/s640/Bananas+growing.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my bananas pre-Irma</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlImwALol6CJjxZbIe26odm04-FCFw-lDy63Pnefo_kcwFrT0INZ1opoX2jIACe6oAm9h16hZpUD4Bf-WvkeaeKE2adh_krUKsie6t0Gy1RJvbXbLp9Vzka_OD2YuO2HN3q8OxxRGFP8A/s1600/yard+9+10+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="600" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlImwALol6CJjxZbIe26odm04-FCFw-lDy63Pnefo_kcwFrT0INZ1opoX2jIACe6oAm9h16hZpUD4Bf-WvkeaeKE2adh_krUKsie6t0Gy1RJvbXbLp9Vzka_OD2YuO2HN3q8OxxRGFP8A/s400/yard+9+10+17.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the food forest looks peaceful and lush</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYzByFKGFHGuAKjcZTmV_Brb8ESUk-SA7EvaWmMkCt49NF1t7vJzXL4u8WlTlYy8ek_0BILh4o8bxRrm2E0yj6eWMxylm0AM1aXpTBtfBxPj39mWAx5GSiSeL0-cov6lCfbKOwh3uBmc/s1600/yard1+9+10+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="604" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYzByFKGFHGuAKjcZTmV_Brb8ESUk-SA7EvaWmMkCt49NF1t7vJzXL4u8WlTlYy8ek_0BILh4o8bxRrm2E0yj6eWMxylm0AM1aXpTBtfBxPj39mWAx5GSiSeL0-cov6lCfbKOwh3uBmc/s640/yard1+9+10+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wall I've been building out front for this planting bed had grown quite lush over the past few months.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBD0doeOfexxuzpsco9wmjCxXqKUimwB2N4Ki0Sdq3SPQAMoP93_nKd2XEKzfzBiI7UZV04y3nJKE6dZtAfFAzkrdgoc7HGtiMWfLgoWWxOGmvpPLFNyxqDatzScnoW6TIfo6bgAvD9M/s1600/elephant+ear+plant+9+10+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="607" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBD0doeOfexxuzpsco9wmjCxXqKUimwB2N4Ki0Sdq3SPQAMoP93_nKd2XEKzfzBiI7UZV04y3nJKE6dZtAfFAzkrdgoc7HGtiMWfLgoWWxOGmvpPLFNyxqDatzScnoW6TIfo6bgAvD9M/s640/elephant+ear+plant+9+10+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The elephant ear bulbs I'd planted had all grown beautifully</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBj6OKnxglZhSW37o-DD_NX5JdqEh5ei87gux6TE68SCROT2jXbFIMk92h_ZsvYshUHJl7VaAPUWc7vpRDBsR7575TAQPW4iHu3WBo9NuADTdjGsGAeiERgKzbAhYhc0fUVqgGpX9lww/s1600/yard2+9+10+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="605" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBj6OKnxglZhSW37o-DD_NX5JdqEh5ei87gux6TE68SCROT2jXbFIMk92h_ZsvYshUHJl7VaAPUWc7vpRDBsR7575TAQPW4iHu3WBo9NuADTdjGsGAeiERgKzbAhYhc0fUVqgGpX9lww/s640/yard2+9+10+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the driveway, we laid potted plants down to help protect them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9QmePOLApRrnKT2Eb4R94pKdRlQh29PJn5lroUu07mgsOKXaujn0ynJE9UvXaKDHGFPcbuOl-9v1I1q3MD0XMrId76dDVJKwMdPmoZsWroQkfuUkUYRT1tHQR9C9A6ZYYqE0zVyXSEo/s1600/papaya.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="451" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9QmePOLApRrnKT2Eb4R94pKdRlQh29PJn5lroUu07mgsOKXaujn0ynJE9UvXaKDHGFPcbuOl-9v1I1q3MD0XMrId76dDVJKwMdPmoZsWroQkfuUkUYRT1tHQR9C9A6ZYYqE0zVyXSEo/s400/papaya.PNG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My papaya in the banana circle with it's fruit</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wI28TdG-rOXbyiIEHiz3awfqbWeTArKYUyTkzRRsB1ITYxwQ5RC-HWZP5zLNNI9G5UTLCtnRw2mc1r81jHri9Nr04gQtSAAU7LzRyeEyiN6gmRwYQZ4Szsh2jSBEKabxiPwW_Xb3Ofw/s1600/custard+apple.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="598" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wI28TdG-rOXbyiIEHiz3awfqbWeTArKYUyTkzRRsB1ITYxwQ5RC-HWZP5zLNNI9G5UTLCtnRw2mc1r81jHri9Nr04gQtSAAU7LzRyeEyiN6gmRwYQZ4Szsh2jSBEKabxiPwW_Xb3Ofw/s400/custard+apple.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custard apple also had a lot of fruit ripening on is</td></tr>
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We added extra tarps to the chicken coops to keep some of the extra wind and rain from blowing in and then put stakes in the ground and ran wire over the top to prevent the winds from picking these up and breaking everything apart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdaEnu1IURP_MAKMtqLfGldkl54gRL1vawvSJ33TOFjgOkninCDgrz1aHr-GaMQ0BZX6Z_KkqXRWQNOvaE_zz5-9U7JMtBTz1d9eRfYOLdCW1tuqOwvIILUgXucBYEbwXWRtIpQyDRn8/s1600/Pre+Hurricane.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="605" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdaEnu1IURP_MAKMtqLfGldkl54gRL1vawvSJ33TOFjgOkninCDgrz1aHr-GaMQ0BZX6Z_KkqXRWQNOvaE_zz5-9U7JMtBTz1d9eRfYOLdCW1tuqOwvIILUgXucBYEbwXWRtIpQyDRn8/s640/Pre+Hurricane.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main chicken coop with extra tarps and staked down. Not pretty, but effective</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1JMmBro4oAiMhKRZMmG3BZ808gsvTyzijhyPbbw2wnY6391Mz1r5BbDDOUajzdPCMZcFQ7pYTcPJHp1JDfq-e7PdKgTyCZFJADL4fV9fQSGG1jwgYFp2G2hcIU-kxIojL0G_5TaKX5k/s1600/Hurricane+Irma.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="606" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx1JMmBro4oAiMhKRZMmG3BZ808gsvTyzijhyPbbw2wnY6391Mz1r5BbDDOUajzdPCMZcFQ7pYTcPJHp1JDfq-e7PdKgTyCZFJADL4fV9fQSGG1jwgYFp2G2hcIU-kxIojL0G_5TaKX5k/s640/Hurricane+Irma.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First rain squalls hitting coops</td></tr>
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With stores out of plywood Kevin looked online for alternatives to protect the windows. He found "hurricane curtains" for sale that are made from a heavy plastic covering and were rated for the intense winds. With no time to order these he decided to be creative and make a version of his own. He took the Tyvec Wrap we had and made lath frames that he wrapped several layers over and then attached these to the exterior of the house to give protection to our windows.<br />
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We moved potted plants closer to the house where they wouldn't be as exposed to winds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhIkpCqJ2TiHNhWemZsy_vFnRytbjKIIT9nWDwyIMg6o5YxqrIhMQ7O9G6nHsLWNFEm4PVoxLfOn4A7bxU5WXMHKZy-oPPHG_beqMODELOnC5dsHv-ywd1Qtas6fs0ixCVP7UsDbi-Dc/s1600/house+prepped.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="609" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhIkpCqJ2TiHNhWemZsy_vFnRytbjKIIT9nWDwyIMg6o5YxqrIhMQ7O9G6nHsLWNFEm4PVoxLfOn4A7bxU5WXMHKZy-oPPHG_beqMODELOnC5dsHv-ywd1Qtas6fs0ixCVP7UsDbi-Dc/s640/house+prepped.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window for Lauren's room and plants tucked in close, those planted and in pots up close to the house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQqs4IHcfH8nq0U6MpLy6j3tVaxghytdKIUf00Ery3GHKmWQyWN8de_T90itGpyFQ4BcKMzjaO8sO1oCJgr9DIVJDYvVt8377TOUSlbVRciQiNpmL7BseuyL9LhRP_GmpWekjQKJ1R7A/s1600/house+prepped1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="602" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQqs4IHcfH8nq0U6MpLy6j3tVaxghytdKIUf00Ery3GHKmWQyWN8de_T90itGpyFQ4BcKMzjaO8sO1oCJgr9DIVJDYvVt8377TOUSlbVRciQiNpmL7BseuyL9LhRP_GmpWekjQKJ1R7A/s640/house+prepped1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows in front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWh0Wr25rAEUG0FneykUGBx7MpfjOIHG-3kfrFnSb4vZlHvTNdg3C1sBKdAFk4tchlMY5-P7rH19XpfU9yNikwIgJdmVN1Ed71rmo69ER9UpzzTexAudOCHY7aAImgfVWSPwa5xDPeec/s1600/house+prepped8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="604" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWh0Wr25rAEUG0FneykUGBx7MpfjOIHG-3kfrFnSb4vZlHvTNdg3C1sBKdAFk4tchlMY5-P7rH19XpfU9yNikwIgJdmVN1Ed71rmo69ER9UpzzTexAudOCHY7aAImgfVWSPwa5xDPeec/s640/house+prepped8.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">House and plants ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-uPFupkpUk9ZrtWrLa4YLXvPmZc8QmBuoFC-9jYJ7W7ptJhlVSW5se5I3uHp02tmgi-2C31a8KX7d1kFhBFrQyB7uM2k1pI4W5kEeVdl4DEbxKI9RNzQeQN0mxjBUv1f6psL67qu5vI/s1600/house+prepped5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="604" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-uPFupkpUk9ZrtWrLa4YLXvPmZc8QmBuoFC-9jYJ7W7ptJhlVSW5se5I3uHp02tmgi-2C31a8KX7d1kFhBFrQyB7uM2k1pI4W5kEeVdl4DEbxKI9RNzQeQN0mxjBUv1f6psL67qu5vI/s400/house+prepped5.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side garden with pvc structures taken down and only the shorter bases left</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSjUODEfMYfr5b4oeVqDTm9n13HUSO6GaNjP3yXYe7l2RZvtf4xy0L59abCgVqCOHtK6PlFl98w5hyphenhyphencFyN1AuUkzqI75w_q85FLlwZDR5oTP9uSumrg4WxCCSfifbVkbB6SzWb4wf-jc/s1600/house+prepped10.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="602" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSjUODEfMYfr5b4oeVqDTm9n13HUSO6GaNjP3yXYe7l2RZvtf4xy0L59abCgVqCOHtK6PlFl98w5hyphenhyphencFyN1AuUkzqI75w_q85FLlwZDR5oTP9uSumrg4WxCCSfifbVkbB6SzWb4wf-jc/s640/house+prepped10.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garage, Cameron's shed room and the hoop house behind with our hydroponic systems in it ready. My cement for my planters covered and weighed down on the right</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL08YaPPLUzvG9TDX_ypVsPAaF7mehYJ9VVeQz7JC3b1v4dN6OVyKuoh5d-HWYr_7qtsuxVygtIwhMN7GecIdYCzfkuR7QqmLmRTSJAgCc9Tb60GawJ-IKJnLZuxUAGLiAR5jQKBZkCQ/s1600/yard4+9+10+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="603" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisL08YaPPLUzvG9TDX_ypVsPAaF7mehYJ9VVeQz7JC3b1v4dN6OVyKuoh5d-HWYr_7qtsuxVygtIwhMN7GecIdYCzfkuR7QqmLmRTSJAgCc9Tb60GawJ-IKJnLZuxUAGLiAR5jQKBZkCQ/s640/yard4+9+10+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtyard in front of Cameron's room with the mixer and a few other items tucked in</td></tr>
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We still had 3 of our chickens in a tractor, so we added extra tarps and like the main coops tied down with wire and stakes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KLhkxtpXsc15ER3RCAK0saNwlgWstNeAPubZJdAC2p5CU3rbAMMwZpL7OGfwlHZQVthzkWK4UgCEBUDtgYw0JYdkFrLuyBMjvM_CN0XKlSKxozFmD32H4C4eGkLPq635QaFcpzQ-dok/s1600/chicken+tractor+9+10+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="605" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KLhkxtpXsc15ER3RCAK0saNwlgWstNeAPubZJdAC2p5CU3rbAMMwZpL7OGfwlHZQVthzkWK4UgCEBUDtgYw0JYdkFrLuyBMjvM_CN0XKlSKxozFmD32H4C4eGkLPq635QaFcpzQ-dok/s640/chicken+tractor+9+10+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken tractor before the storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj3nUYrbPkm4n-BYJb4MsFiihyphenhyphenlJDWj5g05g8eJLkcXB2t-VssjFoVY6vf7-X4-ndJTBTHlxzBHe8JbFaKLdLA0F2K2N8P3t_aE2ASpx5iBl13CcFmY0cmv6ZyaHnwzTAbLXoBg-yzHs/s1600/Hurricane+Irma31.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="602" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj3nUYrbPkm4n-BYJb4MsFiihyphenhyphenlJDWj5g05g8eJLkcXB2t-VssjFoVY6vf7-X4-ndJTBTHlxzBHe8JbFaKLdLA0F2K2N8P3t_aE2ASpx5iBl13CcFmY0cmv6ZyaHnwzTAbLXoBg-yzHs/s640/Hurricane+Irma31.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is their tractor after the storm with tarps blown and bananas down around them, but they did fine</td></tr>
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With all our supplies and water, along with extra fuel for cars and generators we kept an eye on the news as the hurricane moved into Florida early Sunday morning. All day long we watched as the path of the hurricane zig zagged and never stuck to the path they thought it would take. By late afternoon the first rain squalls began here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zhEZccS2Z91a3notV4XKCkMYk9DmfTi3QJLr103P-mLg-mpEsa6t_dYhLyG8mJUwXi9WQTcGqWv-VDwiui4sO2fnkqogUsovCUBwld0iw7V6AL5V2xhCeniVclH5K-Vmjdk9xRtUGiY/s1600/Hurricane+Irma6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="602" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zhEZccS2Z91a3notV4XKCkMYk9DmfTi3QJLr103P-mLg-mpEsa6t_dYhLyG8mJUwXi9WQTcGqWv-VDwiui4sO2fnkqogUsovCUBwld0iw7V6AL5V2xhCeniVclH5K-Vmjdk9xRtUGiY/s640/Hurricane+Irma6.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhlNB0MUjct-Tb6OVwPwvsoDzZtbTA0OJWZ6OpdhxsMUc6hDRaH5uxb1Gff11CbFAzgCiCZPn1OGs1Le59tehn_auqT5_Zqpg0v678_5-aQ5k_InJgim-WlUkup9jXhKfs2mF03TQPEw/s1600/rain+squall+9+10+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="597" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhlNB0MUjct-Tb6OVwPwvsoDzZtbTA0OJWZ6OpdhxsMUc6hDRaH5uxb1Gff11CbFAzgCiCZPn1OGs1Le59tehn_auqT5_Zqpg0v678_5-aQ5k_InJgim-WlUkup9jXhKfs2mF03TQPEw/s640/rain+squall+9+10+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepBvicCfSJ2cJarkrx-GyHRrfSTT-p4LI6Z8besOOouWrLMSlfZta9lr4h5bqWBN-jCI4ZRNWK4zjFvUUvHHCjwy6ZHlpEKSP7-fs7rQYH8NaV8QMQ9BgzFJxvWRCb0bpERkEgxVcVnQ/s1600/Hurricane+Irma3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="602" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepBvicCfSJ2cJarkrx-GyHRrfSTT-p4LI6Z8besOOouWrLMSlfZta9lr4h5bqWBN-jCI4ZRNWK4zjFvUUvHHCjwy6ZHlpEKSP7-fs7rQYH8NaV8QMQ9BgzFJxvWRCb0bpERkEgxVcVnQ/s640/Hurricane+Irma3.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain coming down out back</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW9gHIn9ilvhqobmXn4VLgRli5VTaZbQICz53-eca6-kRRhnkPUWnA99Nc4CvXqmvPyVmkT9SaNgNCksUwlzB_jlT-P-gVxQLdkSL4D-sDV2nIaG2XSBFrOTc4MH5cGbJjyWou_NRJt0/s1600/rain+squall1+9+10+17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="601" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW9gHIn9ilvhqobmXn4VLgRli5VTaZbQICz53-eca6-kRRhnkPUWnA99Nc4CvXqmvPyVmkT9SaNgNCksUwlzB_jlT-P-gVxQLdkSL4D-sDV2nIaG2XSBFrOTc4MH5cGbJjyWou_NRJt0/s640/rain+squall1+9+10+17.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then around 8 p.m. the heavier winds began to hit. The kids got a bit frightened with some of the initial winds and rain blasts, so we turned news off and put on praise music and gathered to pray as a family. The kids settled down and even went to bed a couple hours later and slept through the real intensity of the storm. Kevin and I kept vigil and watched again on the news the changing path this weird hurricane was taking. For awhile we thought it would miss us with the worst of it, but then it moved over and around 3 am the corner of the eye came over our area with sustained winds of 80 mph and gusts over 100 mph. I watched from the small windows by the front door as the winds bent the trees and bamboo way over. As branches flew around and could be heard hitting the house.<br />
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At 4 am we heard loud thuds on the side of the house that the garage is on. Three of the six solar pool panels had let loose and were swinging back and forth. We went out and while I tried to hold it steady Kevin took cutters to cut through the pipe so the remaining panels wouldn't be pulled off as well. We then had to separate the loose panels and get them on the ground then weigh them down so they wouldn't become airborne. Admittedly it was scary out there with the noise of the wind and all the flying debris. I was glad to get this done and get back inside.<br />
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The worst of the winds past us around 4:30, but we still had windy conditions until around 11 am on Monday. With only about an hours sleep we went out to look around at the state of things on Monday. Pine branches and boughs littered everything. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO81rcbBitFEMnUR-WTBDobsZ0VCHityDyNUONibH8RG10TsCXn3objJ9nWBbyqEigkmC8RV-lLcsxTJEv4XNgEm5PUZbZ-L_zzbFmsT5bj286O5AZZ2DZj7tFBknUc7_zSWvS_yNbiZc/s1600/Hurricane+Irma34.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="606" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO81rcbBitFEMnUR-WTBDobsZ0VCHityDyNUONibH8RG10TsCXn3objJ9nWBbyqEigkmC8RV-lLcsxTJEv4XNgEm5PUZbZ-L_zzbFmsT5bj286O5AZZ2DZj7tFBknUc7_zSWvS_yNbiZc/s640/Hurricane+Irma34.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debris that blew up against the front of the house. My potted plants took a bit of a beating, but are still alive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBxUgkpxja_OSt526dA24HlCnQAWefGIc3YUU1eU94qAep8TXmhBzXzdyB0sTtmXxY9OZ2n9DGR5q6jHkeI_-2N_3F634pXoQeBz5YP3oWpTCF2EaJF5zFrHvhWgPE6d3xH6nRcH1Qts/s1600/Hurricane+Irma14.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="599" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBxUgkpxja_OSt526dA24HlCnQAWefGIc3YUU1eU94qAep8TXmhBzXzdyB0sTtmXxY9OZ2n9DGR5q6jHkeI_-2N_3F634pXoQeBz5YP3oWpTCF2EaJF5zFrHvhWgPE6d3xH6nRcH1Qts/s640/Hurricane+Irma14.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our driveway and front of the house covered in pine needles and boughs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWjG5_fMz_MMpgUZUxnt7GOWzPYzYZ26v6sUYQxdpi_p4DOPS1B6jhnmAqWFaq3enrNHWqyvcrVItAsNJTGYE08jlkO2-y3FQtxpkdGF0rS0cTILpi6ltMLMTKuaV_c-kJWjHH1D3Pl4/s1600/Hurricane+Irma9.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="606" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWjG5_fMz_MMpgUZUxnt7GOWzPYzYZ26v6sUYQxdpi_p4DOPS1B6jhnmAqWFaq3enrNHWqyvcrVItAsNJTGYE08jlkO2-y3FQtxpkdGF0rS0cTILpi6ltMLMTKuaV_c-kJWjHH1D3Pl4/s640/Hurricane+Irma9.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron's courtyard area after the storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_W4anED1GMmfNSna5EHwYSW6eDaLW-bJSFR-otw9n5_3VZF1gAlBTFGnRncdXA6ESl_vKh6fG9t9xuc95lr595VOxLwwxnr4Qg0SW0kP3JRFusJQC-bLDetLEd61xJH5cXnJyhI4eoE/s1600/Hurricane+Irma15.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="600" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_W4anED1GMmfNSna5EHwYSW6eDaLW-bJSFR-otw9n5_3VZF1gAlBTFGnRncdXA6ESl_vKh6fG9t9xuc95lr595VOxLwwxnr4Qg0SW0kP3JRFusJQC-bLDetLEd61xJH5cXnJyhI4eoE/s640/Hurricane+Irma15.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garbage can area with fallen branches and the small holly tree down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIySQtuqW2iCcgFrj_i2Xb-lxlSQDlsi0rZHjRI2xan4eytwFpPLgi1biVyCl_4e90idGegYYpskjtnyCzN6A-0BiOqT6U5Al97oUbB0BtDRbovWt35aaeaon7H_wm16d-mQL8bMoRLEE/s1600/Hurricane+Irma16.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIySQtuqW2iCcgFrj_i2Xb-lxlSQDlsi0rZHjRI2xan4eytwFpPLgi1biVyCl_4e90idGegYYpskjtnyCzN6A-0BiOqT6U5Al97oUbB0BtDRbovWt35aaeaon7H_wm16d-mQL8bMoRLEE/s640/Hurricane+Irma16.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the house. Had to cut this papaya tree down. Hated to do it since it made it through the storm with much of it's fruit in tact, but it was leaning too much and was too heavy to try to right.</td></tr>
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My bananas were all gone, and papayas were damaged. My barbados cherries and loquat tree were all leaning and needed to be pushed back into position with extra dirt added to hold them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVn04pArOu31llSxxgXeOVbj_yCGGYc-jT6MIsc1454kEdS2Xv4VCZMgFc4CsgAtIZ-pBARrU_yLQrKfx4ej9wAesGSyujJ_p_roxDiLx8aUj2RMZ_hmMpwwc0i3r-XbLyXuD4erGlQ50/s1600/Hurricane+Irma23.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="603" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVn04pArOu31llSxxgXeOVbj_yCGGYc-jT6MIsc1454kEdS2Xv4VCZMgFc4CsgAtIZ-pBARrU_yLQrKfx4ej9wAesGSyujJ_p_roxDiLx8aUj2RMZ_hmMpwwc0i3r-XbLyXuD4erGlQ50/s640/Hurricane+Irma23.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My poor bananas, chicken tractor there on the left</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm-yThYcM3Pz7A9UFWYVZvtoqkhmNQqR9mH9s2YdZ9Wlb7NhW0p1GfhUdyIoA7-UKxxLm7kj1_aswXunaXtQWanObP1adxEjbYaem5bMLE4El8sFRPpyKmNRSl7CJtxMnHHzrbPVx8uI/s1600/Hurricane+Irma28.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="601" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdm-yThYcM3Pz7A9UFWYVZvtoqkhmNQqR9mH9s2YdZ9Wlb7NhW0p1GfhUdyIoA7-UKxxLm7kj1_aswXunaXtQWanObP1adxEjbYaem5bMLE4El8sFRPpyKmNRSl7CJtxMnHHzrbPVx8uI/s640/Hurricane+Irma28.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My large Cavendish banana that had just flowered</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJC0fvyw1XyDTFKpoZ5d9OQiNyIxBhDAT9G7RuNo854emUoFW5wstTUA90_DfQh23qYnhrUUvEigb3umbxrtpvIDlO2qL18tR1Q_kFnOM3VHTJwz_2Bv9KWkk2CmDBvOttD2HDLtqqXM/s1600/Hurricane+Irma32.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="602" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJC0fvyw1XyDTFKpoZ5d9OQiNyIxBhDAT9G7RuNo854emUoFW5wstTUA90_DfQh23qYnhrUUvEigb3umbxrtpvIDlO2qL18tR1Q_kFnOM3VHTJwz_2Bv9KWkk2CmDBvOttD2HDLtqqXM/s640/Hurricane+Irma32.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk-1i2YnhX-7wevyUqZfpMPYC8mq2Ks37y1xiotsdsBvlXwsLmApc-Hz2hiM_muelODI1D-8GAlylYEWWbcTaRen5bo-vcXrwgn5wNt3pTaTFH0dLQazrcx38SI31kZB9mjHqCqeYijg/s1600/Hurricane+Irma41.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="608" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk-1i2YnhX-7wevyUqZfpMPYC8mq2Ks37y1xiotsdsBvlXwsLmApc-Hz2hiM_muelODI1D-8GAlylYEWWbcTaRen5bo-vcXrwgn5wNt3pTaTFH0dLQazrcx38SI31kZB9mjHqCqeYijg/s640/Hurricane+Irma41.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pretty elephant ears pictured earlier before the storm looked like this after</td></tr>
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The chicken coops had made it through, but the ground water level from Big Lake that's behind us had risen from the almost 10 inches of rain we got and there was about 6 inches of standing water in the coops. We began to take the fallen pine boughs and put them on the floor to give them some dry ground to walk around on so they didn't have to stay on the roosting bar all day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz7XZ4q-U9LNPLq6Mb-EEXSD2bhOF5pNfBiB0bnb5AI2x2O1YPTiBoZGg3c-pYqqvf1GlDnt_6wh_X00tVhtK1qqoqheW9FkUApCNllawU49fnXKg83f9RgImH1t-DD0rx8E01PLKszk/s1600/Hurricane+Irma21.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="603" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiz7XZ4q-U9LNPLq6Mb-EEXSD2bhOF5pNfBiB0bnb5AI2x2O1YPTiBoZGg3c-pYqqvf1GlDnt_6wh_X00tVhtK1qqoqheW9FkUApCNllawU49fnXKg83f9RgImH1t-DD0rx8E01PLKszk/s640/Hurricane+Irma21.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the exception of the coops top panel piece, everything stayed in tact. It's a mucky mess around there, but that will dry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlVcj4G3MbspVOvl4TD_O8U66kKG3h26K0CYuUYh2SCSYDT7fJZ595HEQeWp1VHpqZ0MJMyLpl-I3G2kIA-5PaX-JSpCiCMVabDTVimVIGAt2tS_lvIoGy6gd-Z5She5G8TGFVxEDYYs/s1600/Hurricane+Irma27.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="609" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlVcj4G3MbspVOvl4TD_O8U66kKG3h26K0CYuUYh2SCSYDT7fJZ595HEQeWp1VHpqZ0MJMyLpl-I3G2kIA-5PaX-JSpCiCMVabDTVimVIGAt2tS_lvIoGy6gd-Z5She5G8TGFVxEDYYs/s640/Hurricane+Irma27.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coop floor with mud and water. We've covered this now with pine needles</td></tr>
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As I walked around looking at the damage, I was so thankful to still have electricity. We lost power during hurricane Matthew for 4 days. And despite the intensity of this storm we were fortunate to only have minor damage of the loss of the solar panels and a couple of screen panels from the pool enclosure. Everything else was debris from plants and trees, and though all my bananas were gone and I had to cut down some of my papayas, these will grow back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDM-E8Z1XBX1IANrf02whBHaVA_MRcdP-btKsRefgywtUCfBEKBteu9u-3CH6jXG5JV5ivE6PUOCzMgHQPHbu3VHD7OkIfChfG6tWhQ3zaiOamt_wGKVcpLJjOCYrBCVgXkGCWVdLe8Q/s1600/Hurricane+Irma35.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="603" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDM-E8Z1XBX1IANrf02whBHaVA_MRcdP-btKsRefgywtUCfBEKBteu9u-3CH6jXG5JV5ivE6PUOCzMgHQPHbu3VHD7OkIfChfG6tWhQ3zaiOamt_wGKVcpLJjOCYrBCVgXkGCWVdLe8Q/s640/Hurricane+Irma35.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our vehicles had branches and pine needles all around, but thankfully no damage</td></tr>
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After working in the yard a bit I walked back towards the house and saw this rainbow in the sky. I'll take it as a sign of protection and promise. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHwnJuyp1mFpVA2Qn-CjkqjVqcczCw6GXyRxBKeb6oailIfx6RpJpn1qWh8o8lhaLqvXk6TBnNhIYVymKx5yc9v9LNRXiviJai4W5oWEEy9ukbtMiLDI8N6OOR_mLumnncUNq8BIxx4o/s1600/Hurricane+Irma+Post+Sunrise.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="603" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHwnJuyp1mFpVA2Qn-CjkqjVqcczCw6GXyRxBKeb6oailIfx6RpJpn1qWh8o8lhaLqvXk6TBnNhIYVymKx5yc9v9LNRXiviJai4W5oWEEy9ukbtMiLDI8N6OOR_mLumnncUNq8BIxx4o/s640/Hurricane+Irma+Post+Sunrise.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun rise after the storm</td></tr>
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So now after a week, with internet service back I can post this and say the clean up still continues. I'm paying attention to which trees and plants faired best and keeping this in mind as I plan more landscape ideas and their placement for the future. We're also keeping our eye on the news as other hurricanes still loom out there with the possibility of affecting us. We'll take this as it comes and keep on keeping on with our little homestead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnH5zk-jSVpG3wchc3cD-HJ82YJDZVpH_XjXY5Y1XpMbaLv5zIDPQIIdP_D4KylT51QVZp31xKYIBJJOhsFSPyCt-N3-7KIq59c0iGNdsA4Jvh3PLB7Lcx-LabxxNC1RBOZKw35m8pNE/s1600/Hurricane+Irma+Post+Family+Picture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="342" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnH5zk-jSVpG3wchc3cD-HJ82YJDZVpH_XjXY5Y1XpMbaLv5zIDPQIIdP_D4KylT51QVZp31xKYIBJJOhsFSPyCt-N3-7KIq59c0iGNdsA4Jvh3PLB7Lcx-LabxxNC1RBOZKw35m8pNE/s640/Hurricane+Irma+Post+Family+Picture.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot and messy as we clean up, but happy overall</td></tr>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-17490994514024870612017-07-27T04:12:00.000-07:002017-07-27T04:12:25.387-07:00Adding to our Family<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7r_50Bq9OKZffKj0HrFIq7xiyscdi4fZhv4JyZB4vxDXxaCSiM59-EtHhRiimHM9Cm-Uw2wT9rbsSfSB8uRLfhAFPxAcGQMtvosYOyF_erhjf3cFsK1K9vIxWbyzLZcBGA_FCJQLmbPw/s1600/elliot+leaving+hospital.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="329" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7r_50Bq9OKZffKj0HrFIq7xiyscdi4fZhv4JyZB4vxDXxaCSiM59-EtHhRiimHM9Cm-Uw2wT9rbsSfSB8uRLfhAFPxAcGQMtvosYOyF_erhjf3cFsK1K9vIxWbyzLZcBGA_FCJQLmbPw/s400/elliot+leaving+hospital.PNG" width="362" /></a></div>
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When we began this blog as a journal of sorts in the adoption of our youngest daughter Lauren from Shanghai, we realized after her arrival in January of 2011, that there was more to cover as she adapted to being a member of the family and so it has continued over these last few years as our family has moved on through life's journey. One of the first significant events Lauren participated in was in March of 2011 when our oldest daughter Amber married Eddie.<br />
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Then in 2013 we had to say goodbye to Amber and Eddie as we moved here to Central Florida. They would move themselves about a year later up to Portland, Oregon. We've enjoyed their coming out here for visits and we Skype regularly to stay in touch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIrUa21cUxcoeJ0UbNRl2zk0XowIsCC5uOPEik3Uvw7YcluYzVJpz485bI_Q2QqLAwv9eaUf2kncQS514ppYIXNT64Ts0E_EvMfh_pfkg6Ih2iAZQ1xbiX323gCIWINEFV4S6K3j5Xkc/s1600/A%2526E+on+our+moving+day.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="295" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIrUa21cUxcoeJ0UbNRl2zk0XowIsCC5uOPEik3Uvw7YcluYzVJpz485bI_Q2QqLAwv9eaUf2kncQS514ppYIXNT64Ts0E_EvMfh_pfkg6Ih2iAZQ1xbiX323gCIWINEFV4S6K3j5Xkc/s400/A%2526E+on+our+moving+day.PNG" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They arrived to say goodbye the morning we left So. Cal. It was so hard<br />to say goodbye to them</td></tr>
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After disappointments for them in starting a family we were in support of their decision to adopt, but when an open adoption fell through a year ago we grieved their loss as well. Still ready to pursue their dream of a family they proceeded to go through the process of classes, background checks and home studies to Foster/Adopt. They had just completed all of these and were all set to begin when Amber found out she was pregnant. They were shocked and thrilled as were we all. Her pregnancy proceeded well and we were excited when their reveal let everyone know they were having a boy.<br />
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Finally the date arrived and no baby, in fact 2 weeks later he still hadn't arrived and all indications with Amber seemed to show he had no plans of making his appearance. SO - her doctors had she and Eddie come in at 1 AM Portland time on Wednesday to induce her labor. A very long 48+ hours later they performed a C section and Elliot James arrived in the world Friday 7/21/2017, at 8 lbs, 10 oz. and 22 in. long. He was sporting a full head of hair.<br />
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We are so excited as this is our first grandchild and our kids are now aunts and an uncle. We Skyped with them to be able to see him and talk to Amber and Eddie. Amber was still pale and tired from her ordeal, but their smiles spoke volumes as did ours. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3i_-2kzkIMBins_zhdX00MhGmWuZEFh0uDjFuL467X8pvklYpqBcJN6VI1VdDYOignENTZopEYT4MdowqMFRpiNRgBNmDHFoGTFwIRRsGhVV1nYnLEp456VeyyuMQ9O9cW9IVG3dCJ8/s1600/ae%2526e.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="606" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3i_-2kzkIMBins_zhdX00MhGmWuZEFh0uDjFuL467X8pvklYpqBcJN6VI1VdDYOignENTZopEYT4MdowqMFRpiNRgBNmDHFoGTFwIRRsGhVV1nYnLEp456VeyyuMQ9O9cW9IVG3dCJ8/s640/ae%2526e.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Amber and Eddie's smiles and our other kids reaction in the small Skype window at seeing Elliot!!</td></tr>
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We had discussed visiting during the pregnancy and all agreed it would work best for all to fly them out here once they'd had the baby, than for all of us to descend on them. So we are working to coordinate their visit along with having my parents out from So. Cal at the same time to meet their first great grandchild. That will be a wonderful experience for us all.<br />
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I love all the technology today that allows us to see and keep up with all that's happening and the changes. Instagram is great. Amber has a blog so we'll be seeing more of him there too. (Here's a link for anyone interested. <a href="http://www.buildingourhomestead.com/">Building Our Homestead</a> ) So until we see them in person we can keep up with this precious little guy and his incredible parents. Can't wait to see and meet him in person when they all come in November!!!<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-64361180134698258322017-05-26T14:57:00.002-07:002017-05-26T14:57:52.712-07:00Making Faux Rocks for My Landscape<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJqnkwLVaNQY2mlRgdTuzIsT2ozDGgV1hUR75rGXJF0I8V7PqjnwPEclUUr5E8TR0e9QjfUCRNsumgUdUp5PkQdkgXFzBgmRwfwyMfcWnB0PAHmYE7szaMz4VS6kSCKbYRAuuPKoOjEs/s1600/rock9q.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="435" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJqnkwLVaNQY2mlRgdTuzIsT2ozDGgV1hUR75rGXJF0I8V7PqjnwPEclUUr5E8TR0e9QjfUCRNsumgUdUp5PkQdkgXFzBgmRwfwyMfcWnB0PAHmYE7szaMz4VS6kSCKbYRAuuPKoOjEs/s400/rock9q.PNG" width="363" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coloring my rock</td></tr>
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As I've been planting and laying out my yard for our edible food forest and now more for the landscape design I want, I've been frustrated by the horrid St. Augustine grass and other weeds that constantly retake territory I've procured for myself. SOOO, after looking into various edgings and blocks available at the builder supply stores, I kept coming back to wanting to create rock-scape planters, like those we had built around our pool when we lived in California. Our whole pool was designed to look like a large pond surrounded by rock planters. I loved it!!<br />
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I began reading "how to" articles and watching loads of YouTube videos for ideas and to build my confidence to try to do these myself. I experimented with hypertufa pots with the idea of making varying sizes to encircle my garden beds. They turned out alright, but I didn't really care for them enough to continue making more than the two I have some plants in. So after some preparing I began with my first "rock" made from two bags of cement that had hardened in our garage. I built up the shape using a hypertufa mix and foam blocks. I just kept adding small shovel full lumps around the foam and using my hands to press them all into a form I liked. Once I got everything covered and shaped to my satisfaction, I took a large garbage bag and cut it so I could open it up completely to be able to cover my rock. Hypertufa takes awhile to dry completely and it needs to remain damp so it dries and cures slowly. I used canola oil spray on the side of the bag that would touch the hypertufa to ensure it didn't stick as the piece dried. It took a good 2 weeks to completely dry, but I uncovered it after the first week. I didn't bother carving it as I originally planned to add detail, because we thought it had acquired the look of coquina stone often found in Florida and liked the way it appeared.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxCi7xAkcrbO4TEi-oMqbPpA0jx0rZuetHVOl3lJ8za2vW93vgihV__8R2Y20BZvpfx37QKPBWweivsl7BwWSQh9wSFQmY_NpFoW0YSmwzFbSNqdqO94U2mZYHQiCbU3A_YcWvaLkylA/s1600/rock+hyp1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="796" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxCi7xAkcrbO4TEi-oMqbPpA0jx0rZuetHVOl3lJ8za2vW93vgihV__8R2Y20BZvpfx37QKPBWweivsl7BwWSQh9wSFQmY_NpFoW0YSmwzFbSNqdqO94U2mZYHQiCbU3A_YcWvaLkylA/s320/rock+hyp1.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bags of hard cement recycled for my rock base</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ja8bUfNzhrLcLkVrrtgFampp4zYfp63FoAucPAX8NCa4h9ep5zQtmiUt5-mZ_HgUWI35lUj6dlC4Zo9zqdbP8Wgu2ZzVOf_nwGf0ZsvnNlwvtgkOjfuwCQT88FAxl7NyggOs60YtyDc/s1600/Hypertufa+Recipe.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="682" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ja8bUfNzhrLcLkVrrtgFampp4zYfp63FoAucPAX8NCa4h9ep5zQtmiUt5-mZ_HgUWI35lUj6dlC4Zo9zqdbP8Wgu2ZzVOf_nwGf0ZsvnNlwvtgkOjfuwCQT88FAxl7NyggOs60YtyDc/s640/Hypertufa+Recipe.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a recipe for Hypertufa - I didn't use acrylic fortifier or dyes on mine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F6GvbkrkuZsR9iYCO2fDYn-Lk-szgUG9qhEsTxTONUoUbuXhH47O4-KBKolojkPorDNdb9uB9dPB7UcC_TNSIqZZdEkmBq9cnKMk53JU1ZiZcc9A2tWhyphenhyphenVXZSX-rL_OQG2noL58MXH4/s1600/rock+hyp5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="326" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4F6GvbkrkuZsR9iYCO2fDYn-Lk-szgUG9qhEsTxTONUoUbuXhH47O4-KBKolojkPorDNdb9uB9dPB7UcC_TNSIqZZdEkmBq9cnKMk53JU1ZiZcc9A2tWhyphenhyphenVXZSX-rL_OQG2noL58MXH4/s400/rock+hyp5.PNG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My screen for cleaning the sticks and lumps in the peat moss</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kIkxMFyuKqXCjmrUjpaFQvCIho-RCF_zfiqRseai7Ck-eeec1UxweWd8aR9KOpBNnpWA0b5LIShJkYU3oWNxoyaGpxURcahsxVApWzycKl2TmCkst9XKRbWPFH0VS7zpavqEC_yJekw/s1600/rock+hyp8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kIkxMFyuKqXCjmrUjpaFQvCIho-RCF_zfiqRseai7Ck-eeec1UxweWd8aR9KOpBNnpWA0b5LIShJkYU3oWNxoyaGpxURcahsxVApWzycKl2TmCkst9XKRbWPFH0VS7zpavqEC_yJekw/s320/rock+hyp8.PNG" width="264" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pieces of styrofoam packing recycled for my rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEm_Kwg4j4hcWLgzYyy4XF_5h1BHp5M475PXxCE5E-Sa76uiJYyOU5hJDEJ7GCplc88qJI-t0EdP3JOmg-b7PUvrQMfAk22uBU6EjYe6TbnMBNakGov16qaI57NaVqQnlodY1ZVhTlgA/s1600/rock+hyp14.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="338" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEm_Kwg4j4hcWLgzYyy4XF_5h1BHp5M475PXxCE5E-Sa76uiJYyOU5hJDEJ7GCplc88qJI-t0EdP3JOmg-b7PUvrQMfAk22uBU6EjYe6TbnMBNakGov16qaI57NaVqQnlodY1ZVhTlgA/s400/rock+hyp14.PNG" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using my hypertufa mix I began layering the foam and padding the pieces in with more mix</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuaw3aEGQI4Yvzm0_w6Iyo21Ehx5_bze_e5ULwh6VefIFa_oPj0H0r-8ak39NTWngKW6SwSmx0A-Dj85Jmx6eB-c_wZ6H0D9QUdzkgeLxocTM2fhUuqpeJvp0snw0B66D2TTrhXYeUK0/s1600/rock+hyp15.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="337" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuaw3aEGQI4Yvzm0_w6Iyo21Ehx5_bze_e5ULwh6VefIFa_oPj0H0r-8ak39NTWngKW6SwSmx0A-Dj85Jmx6eB-c_wZ6H0D9QUdzkgeLxocTM2fhUuqpeJvp0snw0B66D2TTrhXYeUK0/s640/rock+hyp15.PNG" width="444" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6TBMTqFaXHt_UYQuq_98dl88qlpLQGA1biGyeVeu7B2c4a2cOD9lbv5sJapDLyIY0JglaSMxL61LyOtbyn5OI5F3Q72P7EfTeEr73OH4hMq_6Ax64-srugmeXVoklhVsDkBzkpd6c30/s1600/rock+hyp18.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="601" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6TBMTqFaXHt_UYQuq_98dl88qlpLQGA1biGyeVeu7B2c4a2cOD9lbv5sJapDLyIY0JglaSMxL61LyOtbyn5OI5F3Q72P7EfTeEr73OH4hMq_6Ax64-srugmeXVoklhVsDkBzkpd6c30/s640/rock+hyp18.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Hypertufa Rock</td></tr>
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So with this first rock finished, I began planning my next one. I love the work of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEUz_ugPWxI">Moore Design</a> I found on YouTube. He has several videos with how to's and cement recipes so if you want to try this definitely check out his work. I needed some forms to build on and haven't found the broken cement pieces I'd like to, to be able to follow his examples. Instead I decided to use some "trash" items that we were planning to take to the recycle center. An old helium tank found by the side of the road along our property and a large green sand tank that had been part of the water softener we had to replace.<br />
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Once Kevin had cleared the weeds and grass next to the planting bed I laid out my tanks. I used Quikcrete builders cement to secure them in place and added broken foam pieces to add height and shape. Once I got a basic shape I let that dry and then took a section of old chicken wire left by the former owners of this property to further cover the tanks and give the next layer of cement something to hold onto. I then added a few pieces of broken cement we had here from a walk Kevin is working to replace as he works on a drainage problem we're having near the pool. So I recycled all these items as part of my "rock", Once I had a basic shape I let everything completely dry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VyZPhy_1OF4gU4sOXaM968Uo2FJaPF_8oFSE0wxRDWEeObdoLhV-sGpadjh12tWTao2zVfar8HeufxvRDlh2vsYgmu5rFiRTvoojkh05AXkeixIIUUfEzLglgDDQezb9YNtEPGm4I4s/s1600/rock+a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="774" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VyZPhy_1OF4gU4sOXaM968Uo2FJaPF_8oFSE0wxRDWEeObdoLhV-sGpadjh12tWTao2zVfar8HeufxvRDlh2vsYgmu5rFiRTvoojkh05AXkeixIIUUfEzLglgDDQezb9YNtEPGm4I4s/s400/rock+a.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin clearing the area and the bags I had of mulch I used to kill some grass before removing it</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkag8qlRu6R6pUB60hRZ1Ju4LZDN42XhF9qjNod07pMNSa2nILVifR2hcnl_29dCWP-b0dGM455SMyuq3lkRyS98Pb-MQwj9xY4_MtcLji5BhiIlOSYaZa0huXGZ7VUNapzhhutc_lnY/s1600/rock1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="611" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxkag8qlRu6R6pUB60hRZ1Ju4LZDN42XhF9qjNod07pMNSa2nILVifR2hcnl_29dCWP-b0dGM455SMyuq3lkRyS98Pb-MQwj9xY4_MtcLji5BhiIlOSYaZa0huXGZ7VUNapzhhutc_lnY/s640/rock1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tanks I placed down to recycle and add substance to my rock planter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJNG2GqH6QHGGFtQT-hiSNtpkPzsopm6cvv22XaX3haFld8hv2kNQaeXrBaeRxFRjWplWcwUhEdh9f4_v56G5DtEYOHb5x9xoj709HcnjPjSlJXI6gMPVW5i0ZRGKI-MyWTSfWyRwdVk/s1600/rock2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="539" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJNG2GqH6QHGGFtQT-hiSNtpkPzsopm6cvv22XaX3haFld8hv2kNQaeXrBaeRxFRjWplWcwUhEdh9f4_v56G5DtEYOHb5x9xoj709HcnjPjSlJXI6gMPVW5i0ZRGKI-MyWTSfWyRwdVk/s320/rock2.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The builders cement mix for holding the tanks and foam in place as the initial base of my planter</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqSAD2MhocsavCgZoVf2IOpAQvVr6C2fHePrdzjwstg-cG9iQe9-dge013G3Bh6p_JpmMPjTx8hg1iyLHlnTdDB5mvOCyq_FYnVkUNWGqQZ7E9zL8Z9z2hVmXJ_DMTtDeJvJNOi6Ai0E/s1600/rock2a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="696" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqSAD2MhocsavCgZoVf2IOpAQvVr6C2fHePrdzjwstg-cG9iQe9-dge013G3Bh6p_JpmMPjTx8hg1iyLHlnTdDB5mvOCyq_FYnVkUNWGqQZ7E9zL8Z9z2hVmXJ_DMTtDeJvJNOi6Ai0E/s640/rock2a.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not looking too pretty, but here's my base of tanks, foam chicken wire and cement</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTX_earXeK7WoDBI1i8ZhlqWeC9POKzPCnmHHLQ-nWRHgol4IQEUhV3lX85QdcllboIC3lFT8lGd6TqZ-wdbE43cW2sRpjKueGmjjJZJchnqmFrnfzL8Pkih4IYiJH5nlM9r9UqmWKyg/s1600/rock2b.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTX_earXeK7WoDBI1i8ZhlqWeC9POKzPCnmHHLQ-nWRHgol4IQEUhV3lX85QdcllboIC3lFT8lGd6TqZ-wdbE43cW2sRpjKueGmjjJZJchnqmFrnfzL8Pkih4IYiJH5nlM9r9UqmWKyg/s400/rock2b.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqdaLRzZCngOt6FFoRkKC-ZFGFVzjjA9-bQRPD9eglBks9VKRV9ve3yqFxGJSVNvRH684HDTyxas9drJXQ0JMjCQUcBHw3QaNOFp_JYsT-u_mZg0WjE2yKYji0Z8y057JjBfNV4Bz9f0/s1600/rock2i.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="794" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqdaLRzZCngOt6FFoRkKC-ZFGFVzjjA9-bQRPD9eglBks9VKRV9ve3yqFxGJSVNvRH684HDTyxas9drJXQ0JMjCQUcBHw3QaNOFp_JYsT-u_mZg0WjE2yKYji0Z8y057JjBfNV4Bz9f0/s400/rock2i.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've added more cement and some broken cement pieces have been added for height and shape all covered now with a layer of cement to form my solid base</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ35LKnzmbvk2tLqIaPvrcZWIjjw9FmM4JLzqAfL5_tHGFuCAE1All-uFF9HJzQlgjUoghppGW2T9TLe6Amq0Fzrs_NLYvsiNbiur29dFCdQf3iv8bfDEJZ24Y91Ul5eJFmyxEgBrl9aw/s1600/rock2g.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="786" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ35LKnzmbvk2tLqIaPvrcZWIjjw9FmM4JLzqAfL5_tHGFuCAE1All-uFF9HJzQlgjUoghppGW2T9TLe6Amq0Fzrs_NLYvsiNbiur29dFCdQf3iv8bfDEJZ24Y91Ul5eJFmyxEgBrl9aw/s640/rock2g.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next step was taken directly from the instructions in the Moore design video I gave a link to above. I used the 9 scoops of sand to 2 1/2 scoops of Portland Cement and only enough water to make it thick but not soupy. You need the cement to be workable, but thick enough to stay in place. I took handfuls with my gloved hands and covered the whole rock. My initial piece was covered with fingerprints as a result.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt-VuRZvWJwnF6Hw7Dhc0b2wYokoXvS3pwzJ_6n8DB2KeDZ76anZXI5adlKBkSimB6j9x5aLRi-pwY3aIpqS2Lq_q3xCoYySYEuThL7FiySz-D65AGzn-gu0yiX3r_VKTf46lCGJ13ac/s1600/rock3+scratch+coat.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="642" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt-VuRZvWJwnF6Hw7Dhc0b2wYokoXvS3pwzJ_6n8DB2KeDZ76anZXI5adlKBkSimB6j9x5aLRi-pwY3aIpqS2Lq_q3xCoYySYEuThL7FiySz-D65AGzn-gu0yiX3r_VKTf46lCGJ13ac/s400/rock3+scratch+coat.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basic coat of finishing cement</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjp43bkmx_8VMwypFYKfZ2h75jnwMSUdQBV9HglKFBBotZR9V3MM_alCSlKvbeeAu2xkupu5qakowtBKVICN_Mo2OcF2nDEzsB185wsWBac-QZqeiC3YXr27iGtDM6iYPFOvJ_JPW-nE/s1600/rock4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="639" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjp43bkmx_8VMwypFYKfZ2h75jnwMSUdQBV9HglKFBBotZR9V3MM_alCSlKvbeeAu2xkupu5qakowtBKVICN_Mo2OcF2nDEzsB185wsWBac-QZqeiC3YXr27iGtDM6iYPFOvJ_JPW-nE/s400/rock4.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see all my hand and finger prints in it as I placed the cement in place</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc6I22H8Vge3SMmYdrPyoTU9ovuDebUp0ZUsDYr4LTqjm4EMdxlc7OgpIrBr8DGuJS3dqDJ_1_XlJg8K5QL6XLD4k06eLjV812vhVim9ZHw_J5AhpQq3cA4u6l-frfOByf9gDtAUjtxE/s1600/rock9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSc6I22H8Vge3SMmYdrPyoTU9ovuDebUp0ZUsDYr4LTqjm4EMdxlc7OgpIrBr8DGuJS3dqDJ_1_XlJg8K5QL6XLD4k06eLjV812vhVim9ZHw_J5AhpQq3cA4u6l-frfOByf9gDtAUjtxE/s640/rock9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm using a plastic bag to initially shaped and soften the rock and it's fingerprints</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQDrFlqGYquRoti0XWNKBfjIW605PXtOZYhMkamVAEVRbPzXdnxVY76qnw6S1dgsL6qoGhx4_NRi_9oCt1bMpRerDa4J3BJ6AufWJedz-sYOA5zH7uoCbKBagTIo6xAfvglFBcRFeg3w/s1600/rock8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQDrFlqGYquRoti0XWNKBfjIW605PXtOZYhMkamVAEVRbPzXdnxVY76qnw6S1dgsL6qoGhx4_NRi_9oCt1bMpRerDa4J3BJ6AufWJedz-sYOA5zH7uoCbKBagTIo6xAfvglFBcRFeg3w/s400/rock8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my initial shaping</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTQNzkiHkMjtu7jCFcT6BkScsHzovWJpN6d5qmcV66rhP17X_B_MBSNpx6aKUUBauK6eMhTo2fQuHjiV-moBaeJQJVvz_jPokWkPKTKvnbQUE6v5WokqpAR3K5DsQ58KvPAgrnYLVFgU/s1600/rock9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTQNzkiHkMjtu7jCFcT6BkScsHzovWJpN6d5qmcV66rhP17X_B_MBSNpx6aKUUBauK6eMhTo2fQuHjiV-moBaeJQJVvz_jPokWkPKTKvnbQUE6v5WokqpAR3K5DsQ58KvPAgrnYLVFgU/s640/rock9e.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdWP2IhGeSX18OsbDfq6uGYxvyIynCYMExLI2tDcBfLaaQx7JzFDTpU2kNnaPDLZgD32TLmXVcD9p1qWsZDXEEGOA1HhdzBCeEKLBjIMMTDbfkBSkth3nqhz5HapfgPhyWEpSOsYVXhs/s1600/rock9h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdWP2IhGeSX18OsbDfq6uGYxvyIynCYMExLI2tDcBfLaaQx7JzFDTpU2kNnaPDLZgD32TLmXVcD9p1qWsZDXEEGOA1HhdzBCeEKLBjIMMTDbfkBSkth3nqhz5HapfgPhyWEpSOsYVXhs/s400/rock9h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So to soften and shape this I took a plastic bag and began shaping and softening the rock edges. I used the side of my spade to cut into the cement to give some design elements to my initial work.<br />
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Once this had set to a semi hard piece, I then took the spade and old paint brush to cut in my rock elements and used the brush to soften the edges and remove the excess cement. I think I went a bit overboard with my design work, but I am learning. I used a steel brush to add a few pitted sections and then softened the areas I was a bit too ambitious on with the side of my plastic bag and the brush as the cement was still pliable yet firm enough to hold the work I was doing. I don't know if it was necessary, but I covered my rock with plastic the same way I had with the Hypertufa rock. This cured far faster and by the next morning was completely set up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH_a_6mX12kKQ771_OKIZt2ezWZ0bLccLRKn9Jpm96iS_EMUMEg0Yq9ZvAUpalAFcvrP90Yk-728O4G1PDg28Kg9O30XkL1Bx0RcBTjDj-_bOfCfcb9u7FkNPJdLTgJijVoiNP_ql2QY/s1600/rock9n.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="627" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH_a_6mX12kKQ771_OKIZt2ezWZ0bLccLRKn9Jpm96iS_EMUMEg0Yq9ZvAUpalAFcvrP90Yk-728O4G1PDg28Kg9O30XkL1Bx0RcBTjDj-_bOfCfcb9u7FkNPJdLTgJijVoiNP_ql2QY/s640/rock9n.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was my rock once it was dry.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPJL0E_OWzMCwo6Dv1xRrFwiFxkgVbqU5hCTE1SHtpLRb-iY1Z23MLr2zizyV3CxNp6xU5K-sELO87J0qlfUMIAdqVb2iJEOkbpWMZkXXYnSuPXWpCxmw9BbWOR9CNZzpyo-ZK15oD1M/s1600/rock9p+colors.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="643" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPJL0E_OWzMCwo6Dv1xRrFwiFxkgVbqU5hCTE1SHtpLRb-iY1Z23MLr2zizyV3CxNp6xU5K-sELO87J0qlfUMIAdqVb2iJEOkbpWMZkXXYnSuPXWpCxmw9BbWOR9CNZzpyo-ZK15oD1M/s640/rock9p+colors.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing to color the rock</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIpcqQppQm0agiKRE3CLQGzUrh4eGs6PejKLI2O_fggPyed0ByV_NGskOWmHiZXhZLwZgkYGsMBUnPphCRE35a24TNDK23uJmeD3tdmhqZtw6WcsRBU2X080mAlcwgr-pkeoHe9CwCpE/s1600/rock9q+me1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="628" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIpcqQppQm0agiKRE3CLQGzUrh4eGs6PejKLI2O_fggPyed0ByV_NGskOWmHiZXhZLwZgkYGsMBUnPphCRE35a24TNDK23uJmeD3tdmhqZtw6WcsRBU2X080mAlcwgr-pkeoHe9CwCpE/s640/rock9q+me1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wet the whole rock first and added the charcoal and moss colors going back over with water to soften the edges and try to make it look more natural</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tOTlR79klKJcu-JVYQUgpXP58LFxPslXuC7xjgUPOpoZIW8-JYiN0YnsX0XjJO6gX1GuWn0QtIakMCnF4ZK9xby8aQ9wD3cH9psR44fdtF3L58cq3GmNnEJHY5GRqpgugyGqlaJXucA/s1600/rock9r+finished.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="631" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tOTlR79klKJcu-JVYQUgpXP58LFxPslXuC7xjgUPOpoZIW8-JYiN0YnsX0XjJO6gX1GuWn0QtIakMCnF4ZK9xby8aQ9wD3cH9psR44fdtF3L58cq3GmNnEJHY5GRqpgugyGqlaJXucA/s640/rock9r+finished.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so here it is. Maybe a bit too many details, but not bad for a first try.</td></tr>
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My order of cement oxides arrived in the mail and I then set about to color my rock. Again I used the suggestions from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgtxXhoOB5c">Moore Design</a> for aging your rocks to color my piece. I'm satisfied with the way it's turned out, but I can see areas for improving as I continue to learn how to do this. I have loads of area to work on and expect one day to be a regular faux rock expert!! (Insert BIG smile here)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFExcTRIDUKCLuw13RpvhA6EU9A4fvTGNntS1_jCyymT5FZkibSwMlKFl_jsS0qxzrbn58Y16eHIc9g1cx_v9O3OF5dr51BdaRpP4Ghq9w2ufrr0JHcR0ypJckZdiQBiLX682bSzAcIVQ/s1600/rock9r+detail.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="632" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFExcTRIDUKCLuw13RpvhA6EU9A4fvTGNntS1_jCyymT5FZkibSwMlKFl_jsS0qxzrbn58Y16eHIc9g1cx_v9O3OF5dr51BdaRpP4Ghq9w2ufrr0JHcR0ypJckZdiQBiLX682bSzAcIVQ/s640/rock9r+detail.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a closer look at the detail and color. I dry brushed a touch of white patio paint on some of the edges to give some additional highlights</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG-4Bb6iRXvxV7cGrV7BtC1C1A6DL3H_6OWT9ZM6eDNgDi_oMafHaVR7XcCvlzN5nKn9igp5OPwFAtdffwFOPpdqCwUvZ7uqELLcqCuvQvCO7irKQewnE4_-fu98CFsCNIJaImSHzPR0/s1600/rock9s+detail.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="637" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG-4Bb6iRXvxV7cGrV7BtC1C1A6DL3H_6OWT9ZM6eDNgDi_oMafHaVR7XcCvlzN5nKn9igp5OPwFAtdffwFOPpdqCwUvZ7uqELLcqCuvQvCO7irKQewnE4_-fu98CFsCNIJaImSHzPR0/s640/rock9s+detail.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the meantime I'm keeping my eyes open for broken cement sources to make my job easier. I also bought a load of builders sand as the bags of play sand from Lowes are too pricey for amounts I'll need as I continue to create my planters. I'm truly excited to see how this will progress and work with the plants and eventually ponds and fountains I want to create. I'm also hoping these will make my life a bit easier in time by keeping the lawn separated from my planting beds. Time will tell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFUAYCRnP4K_xrxNZttAXbusGIK8qvKILYi_czS2bnOcWYqBhrRP9h8Cc4iDEolFGJpvhVtUP1-0jJ9N-ivir7J27CrvKVHXYhzxWxQl_Hitkbeq1MiE4YR4LU8XcdgbFHFZgojpiGRo/s1600/rock9s.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="613" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFUAYCRnP4K_xrxNZttAXbusGIK8qvKILYi_czS2bnOcWYqBhrRP9h8Cc4iDEolFGJpvhVtUP1-0jJ9N-ivir7J27CrvKVHXYhzxWxQl_Hitkbeq1MiE4YR4LU8XcdgbFHFZgojpiGRo/s640/rock9s.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first part of my rock planter on this side and they hypertufa rock is on the other side, now to continue building until I completely surround my planting beds</td></tr>
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So what do you think? I'll update as I make progress and my landscape takes shape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcKNrP9YtSEyyLPWxSwIv5TysG6wWCoNGWx4kBh_LzVxDZihR82jmYeJ7XXTdnan4wKCj641mV7EXiZU-RIo0oN0VVd6ymRc5xNGSwVW6jg5ZNXoxZGEDVmIYjtNl-HibUYro1YvXts8/s1600/blog+name.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="351" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcKNrP9YtSEyyLPWxSwIv5TysG6wWCoNGWx4kBh_LzVxDZihR82jmYeJ7XXTdnan4wKCj641mV7EXiZU-RIo0oN0VVd6ymRc5xNGSwVW6jg5ZNXoxZGEDVmIYjtNl-HibUYro1YvXts8/s320/blog+name.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-14386459718676667872017-03-17T11:23:00.001-07:002017-03-17T11:23:21.816-07:00Blooms and Frost<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmd_LyVU4UnvkrxXCSRj0aGcMTGcFu91Kg-h1FiIS92Ku3b3zHmxv4lG5wP5uSnfN6oAtCt12EKTfigeBUa76GWMgDTrGW9QY8TWEelG7lclSY8W4XsgIXFbNFVLaqO1BgdENcL4brU0/s1600/frost9d.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmd_LyVU4UnvkrxXCSRj0aGcMTGcFu91Kg-h1FiIS92Ku3b3zHmxv4lG5wP5uSnfN6oAtCt12EKTfigeBUa76GWMgDTrGW9QY8TWEelG7lclSY8W4XsgIXFbNFVLaqO1BgdENcL4brU0/s640/frost9d.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frost on the roof and the papaya with fruit</td></tr>
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Typical of this time of year the weather gets warmer and blooms begin to show, new growth in plants and from sprouting seeds happens then - ARGH, a cold spell suddenly shows up and if we don't act fast the sudden freeze can wipe out a new crop, fruit setting or even kill tender and cold sensitive plants and trees!! With loads of pretty and fragrant blooms on our citrus, fruit on some of the oranges and papayas and flowers beginning to come out throughout the yard just these past few weeks, when the weather people began announcing a frost warning two days ago we took action.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBb6jp87MIiLgEze4AsBQfACpSCc2JoU4vM_ndUKLlAbWDtveV_0-bniyjFNtXJzC7LJQ3c46USLOj2CCnTHevCjbJ5S3gup9C6YwtGTKsXxK6EOAk7hMV7e7EXCQMzrDX7VsoklN1tU/s1600/blooms+palms.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBb6jp87MIiLgEze4AsBQfACpSCc2JoU4vM_ndUKLlAbWDtveV_0-bniyjFNtXJzC7LJQ3c46USLOj2CCnTHevCjbJ5S3gup9C6YwtGTKsXxK6EOAk7hMV7e7EXCQMzrDX7VsoklN1tU/s640/blooms+palms.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added new palms and Japanese iris to a new bed by the bamboo out front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96JtDYVDc38P7i5xoSoZvF-Vjbxn4yOapZLexEpNh4f0ng-giqT1Ak5_99E5OgwHWyyZdVe9oEDchERkwrIGgKdJhZKZLA6XI3Z3r4U6DJQVIYqwXoAHNkvglE7_Q21876OKk4ly5E_Q/s1600/frost7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96JtDYVDc38P7i5xoSoZvF-Vjbxn4yOapZLexEpNh4f0ng-giqT1Ak5_99E5OgwHWyyZdVe9oEDchERkwrIGgKdJhZKZLA6XI3Z3r4U6DJQVIYqwXoAHNkvglE7_Q21876OKk4ly5E_Q/s400/frost7.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same palms covered by tarp against the frost</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN70fjYltU4sqxa1KjFb4Cq7Nz0pdOd5R7RtiyUv0rr0UKTLc3EQ2vn7Fng0af0diulu-QS1rOLgIdrViGmoRYjp4RUiMT00do40HwnbBvpCKkw3WKqVePRs4UqBGDl2kdPJ3Ki_XJuA/s1600/blooms+palms1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN70fjYltU4sqxa1KjFb4Cq7Nz0pdOd5R7RtiyUv0rr0UKTLc3EQ2vn7Fng0af0diulu-QS1rOLgIdrViGmoRYjp4RUiMT00do40HwnbBvpCKkw3WKqVePRs4UqBGDl2kdPJ3Ki_XJuA/s640/blooms+palms1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand new Adonidia Palms, Cast Iron plant and Giant Bird of Paradise</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQnmmcG_xvlgMFbdxZLg6vWG_oma4t79WHECcJ7kFOUQYzK31bDlsHBNTlPIMTPw3S4ktbQGHAkPqJksmJFHA-g_y83nDa6geSBgxDMIOfnDR3FHL_MJyRZSgWfFhZzoLhsqx4RfJeZ8/s1600/frost4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQnmmcG_xvlgMFbdxZLg6vWG_oma4t79WHECcJ7kFOUQYzK31bDlsHBNTlPIMTPw3S4ktbQGHAkPqJksmJFHA-g_y83nDa6geSBgxDMIOfnDR3FHL_MJyRZSgWfFhZzoLhsqx4RfJeZ8/s400/frost4.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered with pop up against the frost that clearly shows on the roof</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0EUHbioh-LL8G5NDcpSN-AWC_-minltQTXMe0YrXpPcZmaj3xj8WlShF6Cft6Z5B7Hogjh4jaFVSls5fFryZ37AL_EE3iilsZdZvISM67pQrouQaAlea9DtRjx_a4Q7ohWXU5V6bpwI/s1600/blooms+palms2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0EUHbioh-LL8G5NDcpSN-AWC_-minltQTXMe0YrXpPcZmaj3xj8WlShF6Cft6Z5B7Hogjh4jaFVSls5fFryZ37AL_EE3iilsZdZvISM67pQrouQaAlea9DtRjx_a4Q7ohWXU5V6bpwI/s640/blooms+palms2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Palms, Bird of Paradise and on the far left of this picture a small Foxtail Palm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK76XFkHdkg4DR6VJ2ad5CPSdvzjpX0bSrlu3w4EnbYbT9KDrWJfJtzpo8_qKERCOboHzIFbtzp1XWkh9n6S3g1ymkujE7LVM4oeBX5eND6cxOqFW7zdrWFtjT3GTgRu5mxsW1UK94T1Q/s1600/frost9.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK76XFkHdkg4DR6VJ2ad5CPSdvzjpX0bSrlu3w4EnbYbT9KDrWJfJtzpo8_qKERCOboHzIFbtzp1XWkh9n6S3g1ymkujE7LVM4oeBX5eND6cxOqFW7zdrWFtjT3GTgRu5mxsW1UK94T1Q/s640/frost9.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered against cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Eventually the upper story cold hardy trees will help shelter the majority of my plants, but for now we have to scramble to find sheets, burlap and other materials to cover or build shelters with to protect these from the frost. They are definitely a pain to have to get out in the cold and set up and really ugly to look at, but considering the investment of time, money and materials we have in these plants it's worth it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBj0pTGi_CA9eDvN8IIXRnvBO3sJaxrzXw1J3nen0VxEd3ixGP4_-WRn5vlf9rDHt1u3V0sjQQpPICDZ662gsYeWEPRkAOpNej853L190mK0CxdTMXudTytZdJQWfRYWCYdehDnVN_-Y/s1600/blooms+3+2+2017.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBj0pTGi_CA9eDvN8IIXRnvBO3sJaxrzXw1J3nen0VxEd3ixGP4_-WRn5vlf9rDHt1u3V0sjQQpPICDZ662gsYeWEPRkAOpNej853L190mK0CxdTMXudTytZdJQWfRYWCYdehDnVN_-Y/s640/blooms+3+2+2017.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Extremely fragrant citrus flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYw_ku2gopECba-HZza5R-sJBxOVR7RIXcd03Ngsqmq1oa-NcjciZdxL72QT0MwsqJWIV2zyy6s4Z3toLeqexrihAZIIxKnfUmi2x-UBUiSimECa1K4SCoDVzajwpC4PuzbpIgeFBCoU/s1600/blooms1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYw_ku2gopECba-HZza5R-sJBxOVR7RIXcd03Ngsqmq1oa-NcjciZdxL72QT0MwsqJWIV2zyy6s4Z3toLeqexrihAZIIxKnfUmi2x-UBUiSimECa1K4SCoDVzajwpC4PuzbpIgeFBCoU/s640/blooms1.PNG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1FuvdQ3fvvzdwyjLjT2V0JA9EzOq9w-xQf1ZEzl-XxJCz3vELgcziAZJ2wQ1Z0YXIe3CCBWxpv2PCiQ6mehyeUoXgkJp70a-RRTte9ZrORIcLmwie7kZ1lSdhYZygq7sSBTwzIcDdpQ/s1600/blooms5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ1FuvdQ3fvvzdwyjLjT2V0JA9EzOq9w-xQf1ZEzl-XxJCz3vELgcziAZJ2wQ1Z0YXIe3CCBWxpv2PCiQ6mehyeUoXgkJp70a-RRTte9ZrORIcLmwie7kZ1lSdhYZygq7sSBTwzIcDdpQ/s640/blooms5.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvzse2tjSLnER7mXo2dfiWFdqy__90J_PftKcXZUcVeRjQVFM_4j_09eUYtIWjVN92lGlkwlQArm85fk0JD4j35UMlz31E8nzkJyTIKub00aAmNna_DzYetafpChgiMIkRQJIIOOswGg/s1600/frost9e.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvzse2tjSLnER7mXo2dfiWFdqy__90J_PftKcXZUcVeRjQVFM_4j_09eUYtIWjVN92lGlkwlQArm85fk0JD4j35UMlz31E8nzkJyTIKub00aAmNna_DzYetafpChgiMIkRQJIIOOswGg/s640/frost9e.PNG" width="470" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We created this tee pee to cover new plants bought at the Leu Garden plant show and some of our citrus in pots</td></tr>
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Once things are more established, or as I said the trees that will serve as upper story protection layers have grown up sufficiently to do their jobs we won't have to put up as many of these shelters, but with our landscape and garden still being relatively new being proactive is important. Compared to last year when we had to cover entire banana circles and even use heaters, we're already seeing improvement, so we have made some progress.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmpTJh7TSWuYDA_twJ-ZLRbijyRjo_ohpTjott9FIFe-X7jREg9HTd5StXkpYThMIn75XONkxqjcSdsGAavnoKULJ01dw0IfQ3jPh7bQDQra34ImEI-2Zts9OUCOHuk1R8zotZVfx4lU/s1600/blooms6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmpTJh7TSWuYDA_twJ-ZLRbijyRjo_ohpTjott9FIFe-X7jREg9HTd5StXkpYThMIn75XONkxqjcSdsGAavnoKULJ01dw0IfQ3jPh7bQDQra34ImEI-2Zts9OUCOHuk1R8zotZVfx4lU/s640/blooms6.PNG" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our Elephant Ears blooming</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1T8AKDSqcXEbR3ez7pnaAfq899ahgXG7TRnzUkuZ0MNM7OvXpqOCk6nYwiW0zqxuEZyFoBnxxR3-gXr7SHoTngcF6_07f21VhytzRKAwH_cR9UF4h_i50gDpj22KLvIjJq0sR5qbT30/s1600/blooms8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1T8AKDSqcXEbR3ez7pnaAfq899ahgXG7TRnzUkuZ0MNM7OvXpqOCk6nYwiW0zqxuEZyFoBnxxR3-gXr7SHoTngcF6_07f21VhytzRKAwH_cR9UF4h_i50gDpj22KLvIjJq0sR5qbT30/s400/blooms8.PNG" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small Tahitian Squash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIo0RZnUegivcSs0t6UlPFYgPPUKbheKckUcBAJot2Hx6FftWNT_aQes0O7O6DL1o893u6eGXiFqj2unm59SNBfHXAqWU7QYjL6W52wVH-e3vZn9_ZJ80CDuDBoct9Kzz6X2NiAvhNiY/s1600/blooms7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIo0RZnUegivcSs0t6UlPFYgPPUKbheKckUcBAJot2Hx6FftWNT_aQes0O7O6DL1o893u6eGXiFqj2unm59SNBfHXAqWU7QYjL6W52wVH-e3vZn9_ZJ80CDuDBoct9Kzz6X2NiAvhNiY/s640/blooms7.PNG" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Pigeon Peas with older pods and new flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuI0yiwXM4m2gUjdQAtSiC2s1Lo8fdSg2NRHO2D9JwL-PLVbCq4lOHcTVnf3p_zE0AmiATVL75UfKKzGcwTJkGBxh5VR9Z5hjaQSs4TsUzxhDAKeiAQPGXUqzz68cjsvgk8uVT9tlQj0/s1600/blooms9.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuI0yiwXM4m2gUjdQAtSiC2s1Lo8fdSg2NRHO2D9JwL-PLVbCq4lOHcTVnf3p_zE0AmiATVL75UfKKzGcwTJkGBxh5VR9Z5hjaQSs4TsUzxhDAKeiAQPGXUqzz68cjsvgk8uVT9tlQj0/s640/blooms9.PNG" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickens in the tunnel on a warmer day</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KPqQOdyo4KOUIPFkgQiVU7UEMOk0rA2QOtapg1tpyohTzRJ0aXMYBeHiI8Tp4h5XRFkT0hVAmHs4HYoVko8V6cKq9ZSpTO9Vh_hHAdM8Swktxg3okdAySxn9g_Il7G2oiby8poKKkUQ/s1600/frost+3+17+2017.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KPqQOdyo4KOUIPFkgQiVU7UEMOk0rA2QOtapg1tpyohTzRJ0aXMYBeHiI8Tp4h5XRFkT0hVAmHs4HYoVko8V6cKq9ZSpTO9Vh_hHAdM8Swktxg3okdAySxn9g_Il7G2oiby8poKKkUQ/s640/frost+3+17+2017.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plants covered and the chicken tunnel and tractor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BQzpbl_M_V5zEPp7UnT6IOzoN41fIieOE7swOxoqSsoy7-dAVNOth76Ut-hNlemXDSMlD3CDv7nUnT0DASMdTLQBENVFf9NonqkZrStFNt7x4EC8p_jrjuCqqitW82Xzr_RY_lQ8eso/s1600/frost2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BQzpbl_M_V5zEPp7UnT6IOzoN41fIieOE7swOxoqSsoy7-dAVNOth76Ut-hNlemXDSMlD3CDv7nUnT0DASMdTLQBENVFf9NonqkZrStFNt7x4EC8p_jrjuCqqitW82Xzr_RY_lQ8eso/s640/frost2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The younger bananas, elephant ears and star fruit covered, while the more established bananas were able to survive with the microclimate we've created with surrounding plantings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2yS2f65oi0PB35_Fyrcx2fxQsjaO8mm-FPqua6Qpzq_sSXvvuaO8CHS2l47Bhrv2wW09KTZqS0UFs5t7G4hI00In59lk38mCQ9FICeD51JjDJUg_3bVrneIc1qSzEe5wz7V9h5jIYyg/s1600/frost9c.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2yS2f65oi0PB35_Fyrcx2fxQsjaO8mm-FPqua6Qpzq_sSXvvuaO8CHS2l47Bhrv2wW09KTZqS0UFs5t7G4hI00In59lk38mCQ9FICeD51JjDJUg_3bVrneIc1qSzEe5wz7V9h5jIYyg/s400/frost9c.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A younger banana circle that needed complete coverage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJdke5sZxAAUTnZVAJeQwfs7s-6BZvkwc-iKKv37Mfmw5Imh31za_W6gKnRaA60iEyO0ty26p8y9JpZibXQ9cVUNoi6njsTDWQEZaV3h2QSI0W22dgAsA9JpZTg_sDA3G2ZtKyZxQIz4/s1600/blooms2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJdke5sZxAAUTnZVAJeQwfs7s-6BZvkwc-iKKv37Mfmw5Imh31za_W6gKnRaA60iEyO0ty26p8y9JpZibXQ9cVUNoi6njsTDWQEZaV3h2QSI0W22dgAsA9JpZTg_sDA3G2ZtKyZxQIz4/s400/blooms2.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duranta flowering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvn37Cf4AWX63icBw1heMdS737MTvI_QI_tNHAKpmmucGeUT3APji3U3A8nwOe_sj7nzq1RCRVwGstaTzjj2gJ4n0f3svUWkEwRw1VPYEdWgyZzUXVEcOb7KMT2f4JYarTZr3C50JFyto/s1600/blooms3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvn37Cf4AWX63icBw1heMdS737MTvI_QI_tNHAKpmmucGeUT3APji3U3A8nwOe_sj7nzq1RCRVwGstaTzjj2gJ4n0f3svUWkEwRw1VPYEdWgyZzUXVEcOb7KMT2f4JYarTZr3C50JFyto/s640/blooms3.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty apple tree blossums</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86QZkuj08VV6xTeg3oqC2GVhKirH4KKBwJDS93AC43kl703T6htLXYr2dxuQX7fGEmfzvvronoz0h89hdOkh4t2EDSi-lgXTtHCM_uzysnnONymIau_ozwDWH1t2RsHRXnbw64B9ve9c/s1600/blooms9a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86QZkuj08VV6xTeg3oqC2GVhKirH4KKBwJDS93AC43kl703T6htLXYr2dxuQX7fGEmfzvvronoz0h89hdOkh4t2EDSi-lgXTtHCM_uzysnnONymIau_ozwDWH1t2RsHRXnbw64B9ve9c/s640/blooms9a.PNG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of 4 baby pineapples</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVleZKkO1HsKHTXt8N5x8kexztQcwcaeSQENbQceQPX2RkyIIpjhKPV99anYV28QQtHVVM0TvWDOlDq64cl2WyRbnuTI0z21EIqn5j8k3UJJ6RvzPVRfRalArQPg2_dSLhHpMNNUdZZ0/s1600/blooms9c.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVleZKkO1HsKHTXt8N5x8kexztQcwcaeSQENbQceQPX2RkyIIpjhKPV99anYV28QQtHVVM0TvWDOlDq64cl2WyRbnuTI0z21EIqn5j8k3UJJ6RvzPVRfRalArQPg2_dSLhHpMNNUdZZ0/s400/blooms9c.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papayas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9cQwVcqnXb9WzEPm9Eutj4xJzmR4SpK9kntvzcXZtl7fiDA9knpQZMU6UQACcD7D-sCASgyzL4IjLVZVrXhtlw0CpqcPEx6bQ7VSDLC2BT40ScudNL0ubS7sGcOwCCx0iK5_wNm1mYw/s1600/blooms9b.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9cQwVcqnXb9WzEPm9Eutj4xJzmR4SpK9kntvzcXZtl7fiDA9knpQZMU6UQACcD7D-sCASgyzL4IjLVZVrXhtlw0CpqcPEx6bQ7VSDLC2BT40ScudNL0ubS7sGcOwCCx0iK5_wNm1mYw/s640/blooms9b.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Indian Mustard and Romaine Lettuce</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green onions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vtlwE02JdbClXE1EzlG_EnZ0RdSHvFG1vufBiNHD821OshLc-10XG1GnMBIayTa4T7GEe8-nK1fBM52NL98RzsZXHHXHj5NPg_9f7Ysz8jBaD9lI0RJH15xh00khELx7klKtyR8eMC8/s1600/blooms9f.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vtlwE02JdbClXE1EzlG_EnZ0RdSHvFG1vufBiNHD821OshLc-10XG1GnMBIayTa4T7GEe8-nK1fBM52NL98RzsZXHHXHj5NPg_9f7Ysz8jBaD9lI0RJH15xh00khELx7klKtyR8eMC8/s640/blooms9f.PNG" width="452" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Purple Mustard, some young broccoli, marigolds and longevity spinach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy35jhoIlxYPJ-vzvKGFFkHk_20EzAGUAiQavUv8yH4w49KD02eaYp50z_ULmrpHLvfMKynfwh1vLlZmiQKjCB7Fda9hSbbPCMNzEgx1UQ0HRl1F_X2yiqZz-a04iSJyHuXL9Eq6LTew4/s1600/blooms9h.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy35jhoIlxYPJ-vzvKGFFkHk_20EzAGUAiQavUv8yH4w49KD02eaYp50z_ULmrpHLvfMKynfwh1vLlZmiQKjCB7Fda9hSbbPCMNzEgx1UQ0HRl1F_X2yiqZz-a04iSJyHuXL9Eq6LTew4/s400/blooms9h.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cilantro</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BfZ-6CC4doGoTd0R8v1k6U9kd4Vi__R0bG1O5IPoHo4WzVMh6dhlt_8OJkfvAm5gZNfz3XceGgwCvl5sv6-Agrd4MYlk7rGHc6aME1gZCTeypLm-vD_Lwdd3p5eF-6ltUJkmrQqRV_A/s1600/blooms9g.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BfZ-6CC4doGoTd0R8v1k6U9kd4Vi__R0bG1O5IPoHo4WzVMh6dhlt_8OJkfvAm5gZNfz3XceGgwCvl5sv6-Agrd4MYlk7rGHc6aME1gZCTeypLm-vD_Lwdd3p5eF-6ltUJkmrQqRV_A/s640/blooms9g.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More marigolds and young broccoli</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfrMxZ9VVa4P_HEDDmAazU7maRSVB9EX6sDBoifDO-qbJrx3kRs9Wq59otaSmmnRWRAYezNit4T0awHMjSlCoGwEJcQN-8f-YSP700wf5lMUn7EJbVXbaWs5fxKDoReayv53roPzmIPk/s1600/blooms9l.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfrMxZ9VVa4P_HEDDmAazU7maRSVB9EX6sDBoifDO-qbJrx3kRs9Wq59otaSmmnRWRAYezNit4T0awHMjSlCoGwEJcQN-8f-YSP700wf5lMUn7EJbVXbaWs5fxKDoReayv53roPzmIPk/s640/blooms9l.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fumi, Peachy and Henny Penny in the chicken tunnel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Garden beds covered for frost</td></tr>
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The frost on the roof and covers, as well as the layers we had to put on ourselves to protect from the cold when venturing out this morning, definitely let me know it got cold for Central Florida. We had heat lamps on in the chicken coop and they were all huddled together on the roosting bar under the lamp or inside the enclosed chicken house. Once it warmed up they began to wander out to the tunnels to eat and as Cameron and I were out taking down the covers we had a couple of our local Sandhill Cranes show up to visit and feed on any feed or bugs the chickens left for them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP2WKQf2M4ym7eReRwCW0cJB1GohUTGwMlVIfwD6ipv9KPCS3zvweZX9UAVUTksDSlaQad2EKUL3qkForwpoE9Qs9RaYFzuA4zH9WMM7aFQRufHCzRTR8PJpgMQIWCqPXQnm5c_Sq5wU/s1600/frost9j.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP2WKQf2M4ym7eReRwCW0cJB1GohUTGwMlVIfwD6ipv9KPCS3zvweZX9UAVUTksDSlaQad2EKUL3qkForwpoE9Qs9RaYFzuA4zH9WMM7aFQRufHCzRTR8PJpgMQIWCqPXQnm5c_Sq5wU/s640/frost9j.PNG" width="436" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pair of Sandhill Cranes visits regularly</td></tr>
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At one point our rooster Fumi was eye to eye with one of the cranes as he was trying to encourage some of his girls who were still in the tunnel and too afraid of walking past these BIG birds to follow him back into the coop. Despite the fact he walked back and forth several times they wouldn't follow him all the way back in.<br />
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Cameron got a piece of bread and was hand feeding the cranes for a bit, before we finished our work of taking all the covers off and hoping that tonight won't be so cold. I'll have to check weather to be sure, but I think this front is moving on and we'll be okay for now. I've been doing some plant shopping and have more seeds and bulbs planted to add to our food production and the aesthetics of our yard. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJf1vDyZWF7Jv82Y6weMZAxXYRMMIoh9HzYTMwqTSKWqh3Axae3eFg53KSQItR2uHCp6NUHDo3mnPr6jGG5FIZk-M-Id9WtzEeCcZKmwnPQchSvjXckU6ad76LaxmQ57Ey36E2rj17GY/s1600/cam+crane.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJf1vDyZWF7Jv82Y6weMZAxXYRMMIoh9HzYTMwqTSKWqh3Axae3eFg53KSQItR2uHCp6NUHDo3mnPr6jGG5FIZk-M-Id9WtzEeCcZKmwnPQchSvjXckU6ad76LaxmQ57Ey36E2rj17GY/s640/cam+crane.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only have video of the crane actually taking the bread from his hand, but here is Cameron holding it out</td></tr>
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In time my desire is to have a highly productive food forest and at the same time a really pretty edible landscape. I'm going for a tropical paradise in appearance, while taking care to use more appropriate plants for the zone 9 subtropical climate we live in. For now we're a work in progress, but baby steps right? We will get there and all I have to do is look back at earlier blog posts when I get frustrated that it's not there yet to remind myself how far we've already come.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-87712265496946759962017-02-16T13:44:00.000-08:002017-02-16T13:50:29.090-08:00Leu Garden Visit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3ens0JIHJm_PIBbD-GGOUalgQ0YT4gOApMp9pXejIziyXBWWYeAm3U-rqySuyk0b1t6gBRvWC5GKCouyRIwRJlTWMcxSuViORstHpv8EU2AlQqYcq0Jm1XxXQ2PtT3UxWs4Xn2URJls/s1600/Giant+Oak+and+visitor+center.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3ens0JIHJm_PIBbD-GGOUalgQ0YT4gOApMp9pXejIziyXBWWYeAm3U-rqySuyk0b1t6gBRvWC5GKCouyRIwRJlTWMcxSuViORstHpv8EU2AlQqYcq0Jm1XxXQ2PtT3UxWs4Xn2URJls/s400/Giant+Oak+and+visitor+center.png" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Live Oak by the Visitor Center</td></tr>
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Yesterday with Kevin being off for his birthday we decided to make a visit to the Harry P. Leu Gardens. Fortunately, for us the forecasted rain held off until after evening when we were home.<br />
The day was gorgeous and our visit was wonderful. The grounds of this estate that are now public gardens were inspiring to me an avid gardener.<br />
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Our tour began at the visitor center where we received our maps and Hannah and Lauren got the information and scavenger hunt map for the Dinosaur Exhibit that was on display throughout the gardens. As we headed off toward the garden entrance we passed a gorgeous old oak tree that was enormous and was set off by the lovely lake as a background.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgf5GDJQ3l2J_Q7IdAOzfJFJti83CvtF-x_odWJNXl3zJtCXotrG9ddj6NLy6f0qq0UtZsdEDZ5Bfv0Q2la7rsf9AWsuV1mjBcVo-UeFB6e1FCj5scGT2Nxr4DG2j1iC83iXZNt-iAEY/s1600/Giant+Oak+and+lake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgf5GDJQ3l2J_Q7IdAOzfJFJti83CvtF-x_odWJNXl3zJtCXotrG9ddj6NLy6f0qq0UtZsdEDZ5Bfv0Q2la7rsf9AWsuV1mjBcVo-UeFB6e1FCj5scGT2Nxr4DG2j1iC83iXZNt-iAEY/s640/Giant+Oak+and+lake.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Oak must be ancient with the size of it. It is an amazing tree and a beautiful setting.</td></tr>
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The garden quickly took on a tropical feel with loads of palms, bamboo, vines, trees and plants that gave a lush feel and lots for us to look at and ooh and ahh over.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bromeliads in place of old palm fronds</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curly leafed fern</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcQCzmCqeTVSU6l6P9lEC84nUFS_bPh3fwmfSwVuvBqjWXQbH-1Yf29T_Dr0DUxRyBXiHlnxubgdzOf2njpJQPm4zrWUMLlwCiGaKTd3O6LEKNyiVNb6IORxVAIgU89Qwt264EBbrDw8/s1600/Mountain+Giant+Fishtail+Palm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcQCzmCqeTVSU6l6P9lEC84nUFS_bPh3fwmfSwVuvBqjWXQbH-1Yf29T_Dr0DUxRyBXiHlnxubgdzOf2njpJQPm4zrWUMLlwCiGaKTd3O6LEKNyiVNb6IORxVAIgU89Qwt264EBbrDw8/s640/Mountain+Giant+Fishtail+Palm.png" width="354" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Mountain Fishtail Palm</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqTVSP2I_3rba66b_kqKMeogPNbaJ6Vs8EXPFiBv0VNG58MzdwnV3oZEW3jmG-kQgRIO9kDiFud8qwADePk_R-RdoFO-o6OGnfsRbZqxLZsQeTNOoZr_DIUyvRH6mIKndeHWGBQWM_uA/s1600/Painted+Feather+Bromeliad+tag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqTVSP2I_3rba66b_kqKMeogPNbaJ6Vs8EXPFiBv0VNG58MzdwnV3oZEW3jmG-kQgRIO9kDiFud8qwADePk_R-RdoFO-o6OGnfsRbZqxLZsQeTNOoZr_DIUyvRH6mIKndeHWGBQWM_uA/s640/Painted+Feather+Bromeliad+tag.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted Feather Bromeliad - love the color and shape</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAjD41zkf_OHuMlKMjS4zhiTF_v4ofRJsKPLWdIRwrljvCCiQNe1cnrXfZtuecdU27c8mrhvHUEYhHG3-wTAcABhbstEg1ERZDFAxNg5F-OIGTaqR0k8pHAlN-mK9K4gQgay1TKA5ZkI/s1600/Abundant+plantings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpAjD41zkf_OHuMlKMjS4zhiTF_v4ofRJsKPLWdIRwrljvCCiQNe1cnrXfZtuecdU27c8mrhvHUEYhHG3-wTAcABhbstEg1ERZDFAxNg5F-OIGTaqR0k8pHAlN-mK9K4gQgay1TKA5ZkI/s640/Abundant+plantings.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The plantings were quite dense in this area</td></tr>
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As we wound through the paths we made a quick turn to head over to the old Leu house for one of the tours that they have every half hour. It was interesting to hear the history of the 3 families that owned and developed this property and home over the years. With the business man Harry Leu and his wife as the last owners and the real developers of the gardens. It was they who donated the property with the understanding that this would be open and maintained for public enjoyment.<br />
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On leaving the house we went to the vegetable garden and saw some great ideas for planters, planting ideas, trellises and even courtyard materials.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhday4-IK6Jg3QY2Nn8wOOuox09iORn-WkM79z_7wav5mbHQKw7m65JyII1QGSNIT4nqHe3qUGEHhKpTlfNCCNHkQgVuBFEtjSWDJwi6-qVEzMEYbKA9O6BNHMCrmRksqjXBYVMYUGtjqY/s1600/Garden+kitchen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhday4-IK6Jg3QY2Nn8wOOuox09iORn-WkM79z_7wav5mbHQKw7m65JyII1QGSNIT4nqHe3qUGEHhKpTlfNCCNHkQgVuBFEtjSWDJwi6-qVEzMEYbKA9O6BNHMCrmRksqjXBYVMYUGtjqY/s640/Garden+kitchen.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vegetable Garden with it's beautiful kale, cabbage, collards and other vegetables</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNq-K7rzomtAuJwBu_8ZMOCCK4uHfA1BTGcqW7zfFk473lipuGg3zcqRcxp81wJMFmK1MCECx2hBvDg0AtcMXfBgzpXMTuk2XsvRRF2qfHOYnuv4rLCB5l9olMTRoRs9ukTSFLSglJhc/s1600/Garden+kitchen1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNq-K7rzomtAuJwBu_8ZMOCCK4uHfA1BTGcqW7zfFk473lipuGg3zcqRcxp81wJMFmK1MCECx2hBvDg0AtcMXfBgzpXMTuk2XsvRRF2qfHOYnuv4rLCB5l9olMTRoRs9ukTSFLSglJhc/s640/Garden+kitchen1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuDHalZCk8_pV_01fPaqi2IpILZHwJpELoVCPNCZebTOKi78rXoR_xnWxwbBgGGIuV4mgvlz3nMeG2hKdzDFOOACwn9mfgrvTKoa4kXbGxPn8lu2QonSH-SuNYHAPsJx4-aF7zsQdkSw/s1600/Garden+bean+pole.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuDHalZCk8_pV_01fPaqi2IpILZHwJpELoVCPNCZebTOKi78rXoR_xnWxwbBgGGIuV4mgvlz3nMeG2hKdzDFOOACwn9mfgrvTKoa4kXbGxPn8lu2QonSH-SuNYHAPsJx4-aF7zsQdkSw/s640/Garden+bean+pole.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bean pole and spiral structure for the nasturtium to grow up</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydDI18pP1EtuM2VhzdWPrYxkNBWFwqBoYjq1-3wWI0lz6E2kCTHVKaTu1ehJH623tLt0GKvFoF3aoEiErSaAuwLrhNFgdws9HtU7rF1I5mL0PwkDJVn1fYM7CZkhXeGD9t77pi-cH8Qk/s1600/Garden+pallet1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydDI18pP1EtuM2VhzdWPrYxkNBWFwqBoYjq1-3wWI0lz6E2kCTHVKaTu1ehJH623tLt0GKvFoF3aoEiErSaAuwLrhNFgdws9HtU7rF1I5mL0PwkDJVn1fYM7CZkhXeGD9t77pi-cH8Qk/s640/Garden+pallet1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pallet gardening</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFO2nmpTmm86Z6_siWYlZZ8hfdKNouKeHvdinVvPCKt2jyrBU1rHukcPzPPRIpUegxr0d11NRb01eqfi7Lbsa7MKkeXWLxLk1NvtTaukt-_GUtx6j1peA6sQPiCiqbHJqpYiYBAekVV0/s1600/Garden+raised+bed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFO2nmpTmm86Z6_siWYlZZ8hfdKNouKeHvdinVvPCKt2jyrBU1rHukcPzPPRIpUegxr0d11NRb01eqfi7Lbsa7MKkeXWLxLk1NvtTaukt-_GUtx6j1peA6sQPiCiqbHJqpYiYBAekVV0/s640/Garden+raised+bed.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raised bed plantings</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGydbLdVWmHGQCoA8LjBByxfcKEtz2c2jvH0wbXnOqUMTxLwzJ9QVSvrX-k_NvsXKnkdm4FiVAGZt9POBosGDCwyHVSpmfz7EfEXoepPcyxVXoedxrMqM6Yu8P6j7C7EeLe7Y_gkHguY/s1600/Garden+stacked+block.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGydbLdVWmHGQCoA8LjBByxfcKEtz2c2jvH0wbXnOqUMTxLwzJ9QVSvrX-k_NvsXKnkdm4FiVAGZt9POBosGDCwyHVSpmfz7EfEXoepPcyxVXoedxrMqM6Yu8P6j7C7EeLe7Y_gkHguY/s640/Garden+stacked+block.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blocks for planting</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmtbOjMJ0-6tzscyu4SSSnmHd6WNayP54ChU2l6zuG5niXVf0oTRDlVo0yaKybpEDnh7mqblvAjEYGqygApg542ntv3WNg9NGAzufpgGYc64iflzls5lXU0qnRVmeXteDs2KAPrBgpjI/s1600/Arbor+passion+flower.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmtbOjMJ0-6tzscyu4SSSnmHd6WNayP54ChU2l6zuG5niXVf0oTRDlVo0yaKybpEDnh7mqblvAjEYGqygApg542ntv3WNg9NGAzufpgGYc64iflzls5lXU0qnRVmeXteDs2KAPrBgpjI/s640/Arbor+passion+flower.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arbor for Passion Vine to grow on. Love the path materials</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M_iCNRy6NNBAu2a0tmf0gCZfx3PcoXxt6IVRrSGkJUP81pkaM7cYHVirOIxOK-AMF6xcrJB44xRpAEtHLiLB4G76BeEfRAhgquG-y3x2JVaN8E9oOIrKQe35WE49HvwS786JgQcNxwc/s1600/Courtyard+stone+and+bricks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6M_iCNRy6NNBAu2a0tmf0gCZfx3PcoXxt6IVRrSGkJUP81pkaM7cYHVirOIxOK-AMF6xcrJB44xRpAEtHLiLB4G76BeEfRAhgquG-y3x2JVaN8E9oOIrKQe35WE49HvwS786JgQcNxwc/s640/Courtyard+stone+and+bricks.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the rocks and brick they've used together to create the courtyard and pathways around the kitchen garden. I love this look and it reminds me of the used cement, stone, brick and free pavers I combined to create my paths at my old home in California. </td></tr>
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We then toured the Florida naturals area, the arid garden and then on to the large assortment of Camellias that were in bloom at this time of year. Camellias were a favorite of Mrs. Leu so the collection is quite extensive. Tucked in throughout were the various dinosaurs the girls were on the hunt for.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIuTNx1w0DZ82si_oxt3R6MCGXNdgUU0YkadF9lFb44t6A9mB1q_PYQMR3cRcqaEREK6oEn-AK-gnMJlcf1KttBgt9scjG2mjDrCSVWCiMqIctxW12b7PmrwL63Xlgpz6h48zlICfD38/s1600/Gazebo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIuTNx1w0DZ82si_oxt3R6MCGXNdgUU0YkadF9lFb44t6A9mB1q_PYQMR3cRcqaEREK6oEn-AK-gnMJlcf1KttBgt9scjG2mjDrCSVWCiMqIctxW12b7PmrwL63Xlgpz6h48zlICfD38/s640/Gazebo.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice gazebo among the Camellias</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7ry456ZWWJF5s7fXPLpfdu1pE4LfJVQQ7NBB4yzeb6nK4e04ATkWTsQl6mpQAfbrUhuZuLYJwZTxOVqB5H-nz3PBH8sc7Ziy8nDpOYTE2FASk2p15I0MITPfLS2rdzGphjnr_TF7h9Y/s1600/Parasaurolophus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7ry456ZWWJF5s7fXPLpfdu1pE4LfJVQQ7NBB4yzeb6nK4e04ATkWTsQl6mpQAfbrUhuZuLYJwZTxOVqB5H-nz3PBH8sc7Ziy8nDpOYTE2FASk2p15I0MITPfLS2rdzGphjnr_TF7h9Y/s640/Parasaurolophus.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parasaurolophus</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfOX5YtqDXbJCMnbU7b8bqojcXQzbqT1y44231JFXtqcD_aC4w-NYoLHijoyccrD54IjSVnytB4kBbDa5MLQy8kJacrqQ7pACfihrP6gkutkHw37uDUAYmip8XD3xsfZv5gESloS_4W4/s1600/Bananas+growing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWfOX5YtqDXbJCMnbU7b8bqojcXQzbqT1y44231JFXtqcD_aC4w-NYoLHijoyccrD54IjSVnytB4kBbDa5MLQy8kJacrqQ7pACfihrP6gkutkHw37uDUAYmip8XD3xsfZv5gESloS_4W4/s640/Bananas+growing.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas near the Florida Naturals area</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9BVkuB-7wzfW3vMoYmZIvteWYTVrXkZJSw2FZ5XEhHwXRXF6ndVL04kykD9Zmb7M38E9UWjW_ls0WS4KqW9nyDsmklHdKn41Ee-NXd2kf4xF6nKp8jJn49kIMXc5bQglk9y-R4SqJaA/s1600/bananas+violet+flower+plant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9BVkuB-7wzfW3vMoYmZIvteWYTVrXkZJSw2FZ5XEhHwXRXF6ndVL04kykD9Zmb7M38E9UWjW_ls0WS4KqW9nyDsmklHdKn41Ee-NXd2kf4xF6nKp8jJn49kIMXc5bQglk9y-R4SqJaA/s640/bananas+violet+flower+plant.png" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas Violet Flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp-VfhZWRGn4fQzn1Fs3KDmF1ronWWZqb8lzEx9nOb5HSeuHrM9VX4mIAZ89uxeoBClEL7V9ui2uvGNRSQDZ35iXZFEOmNYqa9jT8J9jHZvUTZfr31-7OKkT8uHEtIOdrrxJTMSK1R58/s1600/bananas+violet+flower+plant1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp-VfhZWRGn4fQzn1Fs3KDmF1ronWWZqb8lzEx9nOb5HSeuHrM9VX4mIAZ89uxeoBClEL7V9ui2uvGNRSQDZ35iXZFEOmNYqa9jT8J9jHZvUTZfr31-7OKkT8uHEtIOdrrxJTMSK1R58/s640/bananas+violet+flower+plant1.png" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas Violet Flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbfNOe9QtzD1BTqmbM8Gbs1d5543hzcjMt-45eHmq5OKRjvi4fQXqx2E2Jy1sNzkbwmxkLabFYettGnuja6oC_KmPx_jVdDEIX5nVek6JuILSuIuiS_PmSq4Z-ltDRtXIEwNCbT4igNE/s1600/Hannah+and+Lauren+on+swing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbfNOe9QtzD1BTqmbM8Gbs1d5543hzcjMt-45eHmq5OKRjvi4fQXqx2E2Jy1sNzkbwmxkLabFYettGnuja6oC_KmPx_jVdDEIX5nVek6JuILSuIuiS_PmSq4Z-ltDRtXIEwNCbT4igNE/s640/Hannah+and+Lauren+on+swing.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Hannah lounging on the swing seat</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WpoO2vS-oQGZcVoy-bnLLZY8LcQ3q1Y0dvnMEuQYm-ajfQBXEzVZfR-eNxyNtNKPiBd5ln2qBck2g55SQ1msommqG6RCuaXE5udJFvUMjFSkk4GnaM92sp1U5ZcoHx2ATgi_0hZxNEE/s1600/Tibouchina+and+croton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WpoO2vS-oQGZcVoy-bnLLZY8LcQ3q1Y0dvnMEuQYm-ajfQBXEzVZfR-eNxyNtNKPiBd5ln2qBck2g55SQ1msommqG6RCuaXE5udJFvUMjFSkk4GnaM92sp1U5ZcoHx2ATgi_0hZxNEE/s640/Tibouchina+and+croton.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Croton and Tabouchina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZfOO25itpvOcgV-lLjammD-8WxsmPHrYdIqoHVPRCYUo-9x6Hts6SEOMHf-rm6VGEadHNWT7AQChnJdVK6T4mIiKFE2ZrVBmUtGK5mMQeWmP8X295xzHbLKR0N3a3VjTsuFjAbQ-aYk/s1600/Sophora+tomentosa+or+necklacepod+florida+naturals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZfOO25itpvOcgV-lLjammD-8WxsmPHrYdIqoHVPRCYUo-9x6Hts6SEOMHf-rm6VGEadHNWT7AQChnJdVK6T4mIiKFE2ZrVBmUtGK5mMQeWmP8X295xzHbLKR0N3a3VjTsuFjAbQ-aYk/s640/Sophora+tomentosa+or+necklacepod+florida+naturals.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophora Tomentosa - necklacepod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5weaFZi1ZNCZjkOGnet5aCM8sfmh7h2KT9epoo_KpnySzmpd84UGy7ACW3nUoTJeYDCS5Wr_oTj6gpRBkIcEskSDshTIWAbpwEFdbp-gbs-ZAj4Ux8s5H4hy2B4TGeaXHgT2GRi8Qq-0/s1600/Spanish+Shawl+plant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5weaFZi1ZNCZjkOGnet5aCM8sfmh7h2KT9epoo_KpnySzmpd84UGy7ACW3nUoTJeYDCS5Wr_oTj6gpRBkIcEskSDshTIWAbpwEFdbp-gbs-ZAj4Ux8s5H4hy2B4TGeaXHgT2GRi8Qq-0/s640/Spanish+Shawl+plant.png" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Shawl Plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKV8KVg-DqZiBK4DHrzPS_2MCvE4g9qALwbGXB4FpW85XKUTr9Nb6bqHTogWKk1MHSj3NUmgt1ET-80NPYahEgtv92h4R-kRHlRiHi26EU5vkEcowgsQoNHEKfuonD4Np2eZIG3EBo2s/s1600/Our+group+on+path.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKV8KVg-DqZiBK4DHrzPS_2MCvE4g9qALwbGXB4FpW85XKUTr9Nb6bqHTogWKk1MHSj3NUmgt1ET-80NPYahEgtv92h4R-kRHlRiHi26EU5vkEcowgsQoNHEKfuonD4Np2eZIG3EBo2s/s640/Our+group+on+path.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group on one of the many pretty paths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After leaving this area we headed in through the bamboo and palms and then past the center area defined with its decorative concrete rails that overlooks the rose garden. This isn't the right time for the roses to be in bloom, so that's something to look forward to on a future visit. Apparently roses were Mr. Leu's favorite flowers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpo4x3_F4JbxQmt75bpHJfvzRYaKQUt3pQSA2W-MX8NxCkBUEll3Y-Omvn0pdiBe-ogrAhSWWQDdeyxmZoHltNtIlPHV2gtuIhFTERHc9UULY7i0otcjz2vzJGz967s0K2B4CAaLjLf8/s1600/Bamboo+among+tall+grass+planting.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvpo4x3_F4JbxQmt75bpHJfvzRYaKQUt3pQSA2W-MX8NxCkBUEll3Y-Omvn0pdiBe-ogrAhSWWQDdeyxmZoHltNtIlPHV2gtuIhFTERHc9UULY7i0otcjz2vzJGz967s0K2B4CAaLjLf8/s640/Bamboo+among+tall+grass+planting.png" width="354" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfewM8P7OIn5ImdrHnYLmkKq8EDGOMEDVs7RoQnMMJ_nC1UW9jUzVzk3EAjaqzShddV9Q7Esrvri6i6DY9efSNGlTLOJzdIP-w575WWN9-Jo076ZQ6iwH82e3qDaGiAqq7wy5lXpjQVY/s1600/Bromeliad+flowering.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfewM8P7OIn5ImdrHnYLmkKq8EDGOMEDVs7RoQnMMJ_nC1UW9jUzVzk3EAjaqzShddV9Q7Esrvri6i6DY9efSNGlTLOJzdIP-w575WWN9-Jo076ZQ6iwH82e3qDaGiAqq7wy5lXpjQVY/s640/Bromeliad+flowering.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bromeliad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONAfAoIBvvENFQheGPPcq52OYKWxbbSBdnutkA9-e48nX4BWM5ZStbcxNhc4NzGrgLNd3Pt3lVwoRx_367a0ypT41sAWSNjyD9EMoljWPvkib7WxPtFkcOlnk7sDq_BrZwUMb4YbkGCY/s1600/Allosaurus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONAfAoIBvvENFQheGPPcq52OYKWxbbSBdnutkA9-e48nX4BWM5ZStbcxNhc4NzGrgLNd3Pt3lVwoRx_367a0ypT41sAWSNjyD9EMoljWPvkib7WxPtFkcOlnk7sDq_BrZwUMb4YbkGCY/s640/Allosaurus.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allausaur among the plantings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOAlHv5QqKaVsZsvLHm9571xvnmTsVo62uKgBrg7RZpvsGZOp_DqC98usGXTmHenMNsIjIdsYWzPQwCRmTDA6d0PVvbN5Ry5s2s8ApCe8IdV2svfXKtkqT6PR5xacvWXRwrr375q2Owo/s1600/Bamboo+and+tall+bush+plantings.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOAlHv5QqKaVsZsvLHm9571xvnmTsVo62uKgBrg7RZpvsGZOp_DqC98usGXTmHenMNsIjIdsYWzPQwCRmTDA6d0PVvbN5Ry5s2s8ApCe8IdV2svfXKtkqT6PR5xacvWXRwrr375q2Owo/s640/Bamboo+and+tall+bush+plantings.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty combo of bamboo and tall shrubs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnjZ85r1VZjb1lIPIJOIDDCIcpUJGTJ8BD-EYrSHJ7bgfg5xwpAkb3SQ6qkYnbMs3d2yWm0t8KRO9zziiQAHKSE-Xx75SKMPPZlyaFBuXxNyJEJl7lwmZm3yILs8LubDBmS8ycZj1wvY/s1600/Cuban+Petticoat+Palm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPnjZ85r1VZjb1lIPIJOIDDCIcpUJGTJ8BD-EYrSHJ7bgfg5xwpAkb3SQ6qkYnbMs3d2yWm0t8KRO9zziiQAHKSE-Xx75SKMPPZlyaFBuXxNyJEJl7lwmZm3yILs8LubDBmS8ycZj1wvY/s640/Cuban+Petticoat+Palm.png" width="354" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuban Petticoat Palm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpuMWPtzALjOOAXa8xrSS6heojEqdUmzz5WeG7ngaexCXtNF4sa-y4foczSY1hHHZSwa68468IT8gbk-ViT8iAGI-IY0HEqOxbSV-b8KpSQdhEC5LHCegNYFXHlu_uaNq93hnWzplKJU/s1600/Crinium+Lilly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpuMWPtzALjOOAXa8xrSS6heojEqdUmzz5WeG7ngaexCXtNF4sa-y4foczSY1hHHZSwa68468IT8gbk-ViT8iAGI-IY0HEqOxbSV-b8KpSQdhEC5LHCegNYFXHlu_uaNq93hnWzplKJU/s640/Crinium+Lilly.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crinium Lilly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmojpzZj7SA1XaqDOsI1kxnU34YcJwIjeuUKtroLDs1H0nignMcMXNevk0IZ6VjLmx9DQmnNLfpKOg2Dek4C9QtvK4Q3zkJSNbBlw9_UKWMJ8_F7AwsZalJQ8tHI7QtzZT3zWBEN8DNI/s1600/Giant+striped+timber+bamboo+clump.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmojpzZj7SA1XaqDOsI1kxnU34YcJwIjeuUKtroLDs1H0nignMcMXNevk0IZ6VjLmx9DQmnNLfpKOg2Dek4C9QtvK4Q3zkJSNbBlw9_UKWMJ8_F7AwsZalJQ8tHI7QtzZT3zWBEN8DNI/s640/Giant+striped+timber+bamboo+clump.png" width="384" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group next to some Giant Yellow Striped bamboo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmubjtycLnwqZmd8tirp16eMty0F3RYU-ZGBQ02kM-nuxxhFF9Di6BPWOYzGqH4nlisVbMYGYemjr7AQarZG7b9iECeGSKi21yV1Sqh6beqRjfqNrFzD56NgUaP6K4BNylYU3J9Bl9Kk/s1600/Cement+rail+in+the+round.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmubjtycLnwqZmd8tirp16eMty0F3RYU-ZGBQ02kM-nuxxhFF9Di6BPWOYzGqH4nlisVbMYGYemjr7AQarZG7b9iECeGSKi21yV1Sqh6beqRjfqNrFzD56NgUaP6K4BNylYU3J9Bl9Kk/s640/Cement+rail+in+the+round.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cement rail and courtyard with fountain and rose garden in background</td></tr>
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After leaving this area we headed down towards the lake and the landscaping they had around a couple of small ponds near this area. The plantings here were a mixture of ones we had seen in other areas of the gardens and then led us back towards the area we entered from. All in all it was a great time. I took loads of pictures and made sure to get shots of the name plates they have letting me know what the item I photographed was. In March the garden will host a plant sale from their greenhouses and from vendors invited to participate. I definitely plan to attend this event and am already making my list of items I hope to find for my yard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHHlfwc84HUjiX4f3ANgJJ-KffHHVthJVpkk2SuGZ4Ih7Mx1EEygb_zLhtt7iWKkBJYSl89_g5tAcIFDQJkhn9j7vPVP7CzRU7R9CjttxuPWfEytljMVkq0P0wzGWg0mydwlyHgmre4/s1600/Lake+behind+trees.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JHHlfwc84HUjiX4f3ANgJJ-KffHHVthJVpkk2SuGZ4Ih7Mx1EEygb_zLhtt7iWKkBJYSl89_g5tAcIFDQJkhn9j7vPVP7CzRU7R9CjttxuPWfEytljMVkq0P0wzGWg0mydwlyHgmre4/s640/Lake+behind+trees.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On path heading back towards lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnWAyGkzjRRUQHEa2ikrQawexK_WFhm4CMTx1NcazRfd0GkVlXQ-J_yuogjw4NaXL2OqW2i5x_ijrDYYDYGL4gBlGjVJQjQUQ2iqBOQQa6z7_55Rh8jZhyphenhypheno3rwIkvhuez8XUBQXOEhlM/s1600/Old+Cypress+and+knees.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnWAyGkzjRRUQHEa2ikrQawexK_WFhm4CMTx1NcazRfd0GkVlXQ-J_yuogjw4NaXL2OqW2i5x_ijrDYYDYGL4gBlGjVJQjQUQ2iqBOQQa6z7_55Rh8jZhyphenhypheno3rwIkvhuez8XUBQXOEhlM/s640/Old+Cypress+and+knees.png" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cypress and knees by the water line</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUjOEwKgj2sCIv0TXcprd6JqvUPjLeOXUeOeBNEPyjyPhnTAirts3wYt8OmFysuFRdSYnO1ySpkP4iiSqhATUhCHTAKw_lyTpZXinm3EdfFO_qudIkH0VxSewcPCdfvx0BfX41X0ixn0/s1600/Hadrosaur.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUjOEwKgj2sCIv0TXcprd6JqvUPjLeOXUeOeBNEPyjyPhnTAirts3wYt8OmFysuFRdSYnO1ySpkP4iiSqhATUhCHTAKw_lyTpZXinm3EdfFO_qudIkH0VxSewcPCdfvx0BfX41X0ixn0/s640/Hadrosaur.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hadrosaur</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xp5SoLiPRAU0NX7qx33UwDJ9WPMh_BZqsu567BBuBItQCXsrIt-VAuwTIJNzsATzkGfac3j7HBVualaMt8szyoFY3fsIfzkCNMHI4QbXBCQCsYJA5MBxC8fM9QkNXjVFE4oyOys7tO0/s1600/Sago+Palm+and+pond1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xp5SoLiPRAU0NX7qx33UwDJ9WPMh_BZqsu567BBuBItQCXsrIt-VAuwTIJNzsATzkGfac3j7HBVualaMt8szyoFY3fsIfzkCNMHI4QbXBCQCsYJA5MBxC8fM9QkNXjVFE4oyOys7tO0/s640/Sago+Palm+and+pond1.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curved sago and pond plants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxp9Er_HFmI_R4rNyabOhP3dqcHo-xN2-jakUr5Z4d-hT9xwGuVm_UX-Ds0NKkRTUSPpAMFd4tlH64Uwm7j0FVRczW7qGJIH8CuVHMaxD6oEetAucFrscjEBsmkFErCWYo0FEdZ0-4yQ/s1600/Travelers+tee+small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIxp9Er_HFmI_R4rNyabOhP3dqcHo-xN2-jakUr5Z4d-hT9xwGuVm_UX-Ds0NKkRTUSPpAMFd4tlH64Uwm7j0FVRczW7qGJIH8CuVHMaxD6oEetAucFrscjEBsmkFErCWYo0FEdZ0-4yQ/s640/Travelers+tee+small.png" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Travelers Palm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjais86DhdJ76vzNPXTptRgkmARPRrXlQE6TkFQHJSBm3I4EC6p8OmpMzcW7vsTPuPBxo6njyC9tvsZ7hMnRPUV-JbCnfWf75rbIUBIQQpFSRA7junvniy5oSbdi885rLu3xcabJLL_axk/s1600/Plate+Leaf+Palm+plant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjais86DhdJ76vzNPXTptRgkmARPRrXlQE6TkFQHJSBm3I4EC6p8OmpMzcW7vsTPuPBxo6njyC9tvsZ7hMnRPUV-JbCnfWf75rbIUBIQQpFSRA7junvniy5oSbdi885rLu3xcabJLL_axk/s640/Plate+Leaf+Palm+plant.png" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plate Leaf Palm</td></tr>
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If you haven't already been here to visit this garden set on their 50 acres I highly recommend it. If it's been awhile since you've been go again, they seem to be very busy recreating areas throughout the gardens. All in all it was a great day!!<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-22095562303569064932017-01-31T11:06:00.000-08:002017-01-31T11:06:01.085-08:00Chicken Tunnels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our "girls" in a section of the tunnel</td></tr>
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In an effort to allow our chickens to "free range" yet still provide protection from the many predatory birds we have around here, we've been working to create our chicken tunnels.<br />
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These are a series of 5 or 10 foot chicken wire hoops that I can move around the yard and let the girls out to eat the weeds and bugs and work my yard for me while benefiting from the extra nutrition that this foraging gives them. Currently I have a couple of corner sections to help with changing directions for my tunnels. The tunnels are heavy wire sections of chicken fencing that we've cut and folded in half to create the hoop. To secure it we've added wire that we've run through a piece of PVC to keep the chickens from cutting themselves on the wire. I used U shaped wire pieces that you can buy in packs to hold down weed fabric to hold the sections in place along with some logs or blocks to block any escapes on hills or to be able to move these sections as they move through the tunnels.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tunnel coming from the door we have on the side of the coop and up the side of a planting bed to the cage at the end</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the chickens in the tunnel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tunnel running from the coop up the hill to the new A frame tractor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the very first day and short sections we had originally</td></tr>
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As time goes on we'll add more corner pieces and hoops of varying lengths to be able to better cover the yard. Initially I used an empty animal cage to serve as the end of the tunnel. And still will use this as the area I'm covering requires, but thanks to Kevin's re-purposing a couple of old screen doors and creating an A-frame chicken tractor I have another end piece that can hold several hens at once as well as some water cans while they work to clear my yard of weeds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin's handiwork as he's fit the two screen doors together and needs to add a door to one end and chicken wire to the other end to complete this chicken tractor that can be attached to our tunnels</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to add a door</td></tr>
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We are now down to one rooster. Our Polish Roo is the last man standing from the 15 roosters we had after originally getting a straight run of 28 chicks and then purchasing 2 more pullets a few months later. Over the last year we've culled 8, sold 1 other Polish Rooster, re-homed our 3 large Cochin Roosters, our BLR (called Blur) and our Blue Cochin Max (he was called this because his crow sounded like the beginning of the Maxwell Smart theme). It's A LOT quieter around here now!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the large Cochin Roosters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and I holding the 3 for a quick picture for the people who came to get them. They wanted an idea of their size. These were BIG BOYS, but as is Cochin nature they were sweet and gentle. Just noisy! As a disclaimer for my motley state, I'd been cleaning out the coop and dressed for that, and planned for the girls to hold the roosters while I acted as photographer. Unfortunately their size was too much for the girls so I had to step to the other side of the camera with Lauren handling the picture taking duty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye as they get ready to leave for the farm the couple from Lakeland, Fl own.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blur and the reason he had to go to another home- he loved to be heard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blur and his "girlfriend" who really misses him. Both are pretty Blue Laced Red Wyandotte's or BLR's for short</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max another really gorgeous Cochin, but sadly loud and who crowed constantly. Again he and Blur went to a large farm where they will have more space and girls to watch over.</td></tr>
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This last Rooster, Fumi - short for Fu-man Roo (Kevin's choice of names) is doing a great job of organizing the girls that are all interacting now that we have the door between the two sections of our large coop open for them to mingle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fu-man Roo Posing for his photo op</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjT_UPNFW2kq9u7ayiGh9ZF1R1Y4EI34CRgUC84rbpNYJT3brQhBEvlVAdaTbhfMB_uc4Lj8rkVxTbOTB2q3ZFbTZJq5ueM_3o0FP2oFvIix2M1TgqWv-wrrDEEqdweGw-pE_pblNlNQ/s1600/foo2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjT_UPNFW2kq9u7ayiGh9ZF1R1Y4EI34CRgUC84rbpNYJT3brQhBEvlVAdaTbhfMB_uc4Lj8rkVxTbOTB2q3ZFbTZJq5ueM_3o0FP2oFvIix2M1TgqWv-wrrDEEqdweGw-pE_pblNlNQ/s320/foo2.PNG" width="554" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Yea- he's the man!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpYXtavNyVJMtcCzAn5qSPsXOITTFdQGer4WPZqad8sA7hMMV10hFOMAO931H5C2G2RsiZYnHjPL9I0wutcc76XTCcMPoy_atRlUqrr_Q6yFSySbXypdR_f6HGC0sfnlmIfXaNLD-IAs/s1600/foo1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpYXtavNyVJMtcCzAn5qSPsXOITTFdQGer4WPZqad8sA7hMMV10hFOMAO931H5C2G2RsiZYnHjPL9I0wutcc76XTCcMPoy_atRlUqrr_Q6yFSySbXypdR_f6HGC0sfnlmIfXaNLD-IAs/s640/foo1.PNG" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for my close up "Dawling" - sorry had to have a bit of fun with these. </td></tr>
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The girls are doing a wonderful job on the yard and are LOVING the freedom the tunnels give them and we're enjoying the clearing they are doing in the yard and the reduction in feed because of the extra nutrition they're getting. <br />
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Now we just need a few more chicken tractors to add to the two we have to be able to more effectively move the girls around to other areas of the yard. Additionally some more sections of tunnel and we should be set to let our hens and rooster enjoy in safety the free range experience during the day before they are all safely returned and tucked away in the coop at night.<br />
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So that's the latest news on our little homestead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ABqAtt3Kjzj_BNcBZhFKV-cVDwu6D21eB1Va0wHYt4PIjdC0mGdxwHjGB94mWw9xM-KJ5IXcuTnq6pSL8ZIeGDQBSEIGOuvKK2C1WcYw_dsRMC96PjCDQgU87lwgwwr-55KraZuHs54/s1600/blog+name.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ABqAtt3Kjzj_BNcBZhFKV-cVDwu6D21eB1Va0wHYt4PIjdC0mGdxwHjGB94mWw9xM-KJ5IXcuTnq6pSL8ZIeGDQBSEIGOuvKK2C1WcYw_dsRMC96PjCDQgU87lwgwwr-55KraZuHs54/s400/blog+name.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-11593235462697668032016-12-31T07:13:00.000-08:002016-12-31T07:13:19.323-08:00That's A Wrap<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYysAUaVSa6jKEW3RGoQTXWDzmasVzb2oYqCpf1U6fVg6sNLGxL9vrhjGk8eZKlPxFBf5rel6_Dfz4MztLeQ2Nze43Lh6sxmj9yQwKYqJ5bZEiyow1dct1ga6-hKdZ5ZLWUvwv1oR-BNE/s1600/ice+pic.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYysAUaVSa6jKEW3RGoQTXWDzmasVzb2oYqCpf1U6fVg6sNLGxL9vrhjGk8eZKlPxFBf5rel6_Dfz4MztLeQ2Nze43Lh6sxmj9yQwKYqJ5bZEiyow1dct1ga6-hKdZ5ZLWUvwv1oR-BNE/s640/ice+pic.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family picture at the Gaylord Palms show Ice</td></tr>
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Here we are at the end of the month and the end of another year. Wow, where does the time go? It's been a great month celebrating the Christmas season and a time for getting a lot done around the house and property.<br />
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We of course began the month with Christmas decorating, baking and all the preparations that are a part of this time of year. I covered much of this in my last post. We went to the annual presentation of Ice at the Gaylord Palms on the 20th. We experienced this the first year we were in Florida when the theme of their show was Frosty the Snowman. This year it was the Peanuts Characters and as usual the ice artists from Harbin China did an amazing job of creating wonderful scenes in ice for an enjoyable adventure walking around the frosty environment they're able to create in the convention center when they seal it up and drop the temperatures down to a freezing 9 degrees and their amazing winter wonderland is enjoyed by thousands who put on the blue parkas provided and wind their way around the carved scenes,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSwUYfLmKUUKISIcUabdnYYKFJya4uNYYZOGAFw5YgxbIFMTi9FRDAjvV3M81JupG6jKROF70QU9FHc5w_u3MDUwje1sVcK4r-hdNpIJS-hmMsA6HoSvLLH2HeJPm7ZXUxWFO96P6yRs/s1600/ice+2016+sign+and+kids.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSwUYfLmKUUKISIcUabdnYYKFJya4uNYYZOGAFw5YgxbIFMTi9FRDAjvV3M81JupG6jKROF70QU9FHc5w_u3MDUwje1sVcK4r-hdNpIJS-hmMsA6HoSvLLH2HeJPm7ZXUxWFO96P6yRs/s640/ice+2016+sign+and+kids.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to go into the Ice experience</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm_9FUh0L3Cux0lXko9yOySXSN2lubdh2_UVWdgRg8lMlYWBnuBJGi1pUZYuaqmU0wgsK9BSfDatDzukNZdbR4j9uSJVePqoO3RqrOVu6Szr2oGFdJ5Ujh-6Wt9SBiOxN-TboNjmJQ9E/s1600/ice+girls+bundled1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm_9FUh0L3Cux0lXko9yOySXSN2lubdh2_UVWdgRg8lMlYWBnuBJGi1pUZYuaqmU0wgsK9BSfDatDzukNZdbR4j9uSJVePqoO3RqrOVu6Szr2oGFdJ5Ujh-6Wt9SBiOxN-TboNjmJQ9E/s640/ice+girls+bundled1.PNG" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Hannah wrapped up prior to our receiving our big blue parkas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkaEIY_Gb3c6lIRZe5wAkDTdz6cfKnMI1vUYGPH3D37YaddIlmnSv6SSJ0HcQbM0JvQSwNCMmX745eGFZTlsQceIQUz-V0T8NGq7LFG5xvogOB6yt62wwKUaYZnr0-krOsAzCAUAiaUE/s1600/ice+scene+linus.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkaEIY_Gb3c6lIRZe5wAkDTdz6cfKnMI1vUYGPH3D37YaddIlmnSv6SSJ0HcQbM0JvQSwNCMmX745eGFZTlsQceIQUz-V0T8NGq7LFG5xvogOB6yt62wwKUaYZnr0-krOsAzCAUAiaUE/s640/ice+scene+linus.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Ice designs with Linus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8OpJ3l9Yg53RQPYNzRtaJsUtqFG7GYjW95LA_fA2aLnGZ4HDNuqU8nly0qwTwo6bIZ_gjL4y66UpRp3jcuK9-Nm33eNgLa-UihbIRDTqW3vWqtpKkee353SiZU-WBIJxLH2to6GMDAI/s1600/ice+slide1+lauren.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8OpJ3l9Yg53RQPYNzRtaJsUtqFG7GYjW95LA_fA2aLnGZ4HDNuqU8nly0qwTwo6bIZ_gjL4y66UpRp3jcuK9-Nm33eNgLa-UihbIRDTqW3vWqtpKkee353SiZU-WBIJxLH2to6GMDAI/s640/ice+slide1+lauren.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ice slide with Lauren on the far left</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4QhosdD_chFRJoE1qqraCFaptolsVlGeYTYyDqszpKg5AI-x22PdUF48mlZ9LKBDO-Nk0XsF_KMKa5ezhPx2dfIX1dL1AXPd2xFXuhismYgQbS96FICQlW_bhxfsqtkFjuxP7oWTEDs/s1600/ice+slide4+hannah.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4QhosdD_chFRJoE1qqraCFaptolsVlGeYTYyDqszpKg5AI-x22PdUF48mlZ9LKBDO-Nk0XsF_KMKa5ezhPx2dfIX1dL1AXPd2xFXuhismYgQbS96FICQlW_bhxfsqtkFjuxP7oWTEDs/s640/ice+slide4+hannah.PNG" width="490" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah just after her slide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqwTMIERnoNTtX9GGsm9ay1wsbGmdNEV3G0oE-Tn-V1qWd8686r85uequrj4M8MPNLdhuIVENd8-MEk-LyAJx143cBkvDHQrhfrSHn1Q31nRXr6MeATyq0wGxfysqzTNT9bntBkxCtYg/s1600/ice+slide3a+cameron.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqwTMIERnoNTtX9GGsm9ay1wsbGmdNEV3G0oE-Tn-V1qWd8686r85uequrj4M8MPNLdhuIVENd8-MEk-LyAJx143cBkvDHQrhfrSHn1Q31nRXr6MeATyq0wGxfysqzTNT9bntBkxCtYg/s640/ice+slide3a+cameron.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron came down so fast it's good they had the non slip pad at the bottom!</td></tr>
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Then there's the ice slide. It was here I froze my hand trying to get pictures of the kids as they came down. My phone wouldn't take the picture with my gloved hands so I had to remove one to get the pictures. It didn't take long in that cold before I couldn't feel my hand. Brrrrrrr!!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwuObeWQUbdKM-JhZAdu7ggwV6iqKa6AnRu0CSm8KPi9g4Kb-_A8wvgoq2LezfDjkPjRczZnBEHOP5WOj86MnJJhSCbMyR50jipnt-1taTaaHV0g_XzDs5SDBTBzq-HEV8HS6eR8pj28/s1600/ice+scene+charlie+brown+and+linus.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwuObeWQUbdKM-JhZAdu7ggwV6iqKa6AnRu0CSm8KPi9g4Kb-_A8wvgoq2LezfDjkPjRczZnBEHOP5WOj86MnJJhSCbMyR50jipnt-1taTaaHV0g_XzDs5SDBTBzq-HEV8HS6eR8pj28/s640/ice+scene+charlie+brown+and+linus.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie Brown and Linus - amazing details on all the scenes there</td></tr>
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We added extra layers this year, we learned this after our first visit 3 years ago, still with our thin Florida blood and 9 degrees we were cold and really ready for a hot coffee or cocoa from the cafe at the end of the event.<br />
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After our time at Ice we drove to Disney Springs to walk around and then have lunch at the T Rex Restaurant. It's a loud experience, but Uncle Bill hadn't been there before so it was worth trying.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOfB9R5zfaURms0wpFq6oGz2igZqDBb5QaemMchtHmmonRFZZL6L3d9NmVCSEgYdwwL-aAsAtTD0y8S6XJB3xgECV7t4_MmVfOq1Gn2wGyLNChRF6rmjeoZrRp_2JHKyzylm-Xa9xeYI/s1600/disney+spring+12+16.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOfB9R5zfaURms0wpFq6oGz2igZqDBb5QaemMchtHmmonRFZZL6L3d9NmVCSEgYdwwL-aAsAtTD0y8S6XJB3xgECV7t4_MmVfOq1Gn2wGyLNChRF6rmjeoZrRp_2JHKyzylm-Xa9xeYI/s640/disney+spring+12+16.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the first time for the kids and Bill to see this area since Disney changed it from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs. It was a beautiful day for walking around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXqzUAjhjCWlatR_9VkDkvaYjoARbXxRMA1q0Qxm24IPqwhA5CZ6vXdtnYjzqTvJi14ytrb4kDLL9gjjJy8Q5QyL9lrWbwIbnFZvSchWbEEC6kuuNCjdDdsGLPI9mjzKmAPGAQwrVgf4/s1600/disney+spring+12+16+decoration2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXqzUAjhjCWlatR_9VkDkvaYjoARbXxRMA1q0Qxm24IPqwhA5CZ6vXdtnYjzqTvJi14ytrb4kDLL9gjjJy8Q5QyL9lrWbwIbnFZvSchWbEEC6kuuNCjdDdsGLPI9mjzKmAPGAQwrVgf4/s640/disney+spring+12+16+decoration2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1Y0xa9DiVhMXbNGPx0tLU-6PvyIWje24ga85mIxNYXF26Ux9hRD_pMKmKOeD8oSZgL9spl67bOZVdDt9Yr89HwHq7eVxzV-cTS23q06OTpfTQPlhO2cscV_zdVFvNHbFnwUE9iXhANQ/s1600/disney+spring+12+16+decoration1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1Y0xa9DiVhMXbNGPx0tLU-6PvyIWje24ga85mIxNYXF26Ux9hRD_pMKmKOeD8oSZgL9spl67bOZVdDt9Yr89HwHq7eVxzV-cTS23q06OTpfTQPlhO2cscV_zdVFvNHbFnwUE9iXhANQ/s640/disney+spring+12+16+decoration1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbzc3AM5oyGpwrGg4VyLbZa9cLif6T_C4OITnMhs2l3dFi-TcuSkhyBQ_oiUj_mEQMh9MwgQlA7y8oGh3mjypgwE3zNa0z_lxaj4wXmhP9Z5l9E3l4B6miAIngNgsuK2RnBd-VlDYjvE/s1600/disney+spring+12+16+penguins.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbzc3AM5oyGpwrGg4VyLbZa9cLif6T_C4OITnMhs2l3dFi-TcuSkhyBQ_oiUj_mEQMh9MwgQlA7y8oGh3mjypgwE3zNa0z_lxaj4wXmhP9Z5l9E3l4B6miAIngNgsuK2RnBd-VlDYjvE/s1600/disney+spring+12+16+penguins.PNG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These cute penguin figures were part of the decorations </td></tr>
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I mentioned with Kevin's longer vacation time I would have projects for him and indeed I did. I'll cover these in other posts, but the main project I'm thrilled he completed was replacing Hannah's horrible sliding glass door with a beautiful new window. He still has a few final touches to do, but the difference already is amazing.<br />
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We had a wonderful Christmas with Uncle Bill and Tarzan staying the night to be able to join us for our early morning start to the day. It was great having them here and then Grandma and Poppie came over for Christmas dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCvla5mZaZ0he8rS8cAnL9BWujClG-8c3OQB3iNUweR2tGvnAMhU-7JBA0z6qe9g5XFWFbJqq9Uz8ejvGsn3TOUa9cctj_xHUNhtxESAEZ8VJt7ka2uduk7gDRAaNZlFTBJUMJLcvUvM/s1600/family++xmas+pic+2016.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCvla5mZaZ0he8rS8cAnL9BWujClG-8c3OQB3iNUweR2tGvnAMhU-7JBA0z6qe9g5XFWFbJqq9Uz8ejvGsn3TOUa9cctj_xHUNhtxESAEZ8VJt7ka2uduk7gDRAaNZlFTBJUMJLcvUvM/s640/family++xmas+pic+2016.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Bill gave us all Christmas T shirts, so we donned these for our family Christmas photo with Tarzan joining in</td></tr>
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Another exciting event of 2016 is the news from my oldest daughter Amber and her husband Eddie. Both live in Oregon and called us to let us know we are going to be growing our family!! Grandbaby number one is on the way - SO EXCITED!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1QKf6u8AWnLLBPeivbGZmVpK1OEQ5cz1SSTX3R6x4eAJ-23wy3vL9qucK9monxDjcFX9iUR3McUk9WjBd9JPHTySgkKAGF2RVC0ega1ZC_hp9K6pLmj6F-YrMgEB0mCjmq1Nww_3a50/s1600/baby+cruz.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1QKf6u8AWnLLBPeivbGZmVpK1OEQ5cz1SSTX3R6x4eAJ-23wy3vL9qucK9monxDjcFX9iUR3McUk9WjBd9JPHTySgkKAGF2RVC0ega1ZC_hp9K6pLmj6F-YrMgEB0mCjmq1Nww_3a50/s640/baby+cruz.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their instagram announcement</td></tr>
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Now it's time to take the decorations down and prepare to start the new year. 2016 has been a great and productive year for us and I hope it has for you all too. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017!!<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-37501406667940035832016-12-15T15:56:00.002-08:002016-12-15T15:56:24.858-08:00Christmas Prepping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatkaJXsXj2TQbpuCb7Eg8bf6wTybZyEVS4c5ytxg1a6qcRYPn1lED7EfNSJSKGrN8BB9-MBtm1AXle5Hu5tC2XpyuEfxv6wQBZQlO7RMH-V4DdR80XnTy0tBZm838-OIXzAhNBUBr6HA/s1600/xmas24c.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatkaJXsXj2TQbpuCb7Eg8bf6wTybZyEVS4c5ytxg1a6qcRYPn1lED7EfNSJSKGrN8BB9-MBtm1AXle5Hu5tC2XpyuEfxv6wQBZQlO7RMH-V4DdR80XnTy0tBZm838-OIXzAhNBUBr6HA/s400/xmas24c.PNG" width="308" /></a></div>
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Wow, what happened to November? It flew by so quickly I failed to even get a blog post done. It wasn't anything major, just a lot of life's regular events that took precedent over blogging. So now here we are at the end of 2016 and Christmas preparations are in full swing and good thing too since we are now only 10 days out from that day!!<br />
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The kids have their individual trees in their rooms and I just put the last of my decorations up. Kevin has taken some extra vacation time so starting this weekend we'll be able to enjoy 2 weeks of his presence. Think I have some projects to tackle (insert BIG smile here), as well as some family time enjoying the added activities this time of year brings. So here are the decorations we have up now.<br />
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Starting at the front door. It doesn't feel like Christmas here in Central Florida with temps that have gone between the mid 60's to up in the 80's, but we can still look festive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILDF0rw8v8NlDOFE3ULLaF3-OO85mRTFZGWYZ3hDy4U0sxXyBlpd89wHlW8NB3o8K7tJergC0kN4JMgO8VeRDYNk6Db_-Y-0Af748JHYk0saG4mviYlEUyjOz11fBcYAaYRLKw-FBzTM/s1600/xmas26.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILDF0rw8v8NlDOFE3ULLaF3-OO85mRTFZGWYZ3hDy4U0sxXyBlpd89wHlW8NB3o8K7tJergC0kN4JMgO8VeRDYNk6Db_-Y-0Af748JHYk0saG4mviYlEUyjOz11fBcYAaYRLKw-FBzTM/s640/xmas26.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8AsuGpEtIbVdo0ytbCCdZ6LHu-rxQkvJLt-CBRoHS62eSAR4k3AFIhtdMxnQK4k-XVY5-koziHDG8Oa7JXeVy1DN3o98kSE8-zpartNgFG4mQqP54YbLVNL85W5GpAdOce-2pYdE_Ys/s1600/xmas16.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8AsuGpEtIbVdo0ytbCCdZ6LHu-rxQkvJLt-CBRoHS62eSAR4k3AFIhtdMxnQK4k-XVY5-koziHDG8Oa7JXeVy1DN3o98kSE8-zpartNgFG4mQqP54YbLVNL85W5GpAdOce-2pYdE_Ys/s640/xmas16.PNG" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry hall decor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVtPqFgFtdLaCeatPU8IOK6GIfip9pJ9LSg86mLBT4fsJFFQ28kBFLGfC3jzyKkAKNO2X4z7E6g8kSuHxk38OTrmadiE5GfHTL1LHPSkpLDBr6oY-kNdmfPJ3d8-MymPMI7fokzgoM2k/s1600/xmas25.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVtPqFgFtdLaCeatPU8IOK6GIfip9pJ9LSg86mLBT4fsJFFQ28kBFLGfC3jzyKkAKNO2X4z7E6g8kSuHxk38OTrmadiE5GfHTL1LHPSkpLDBr6oY-kNdmfPJ3d8-MymPMI7fokzgoM2k/s400/xmas25.PNG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wreath on interior side of the front door</td></tr>
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Then in Kevin's office I have the animated Mr. and Mrs. Claus with a small tree.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyq5ukvIxUkHtKq4gV4XpVbY-oYPUryUoUMtaTxnBPIi4CSa-qj-ZX_ZK_ygvoBY6J5Cwyi4TdB5C3S4W2ZNwh9PPaq93WPTKwQXa5lU9WhsBwQmIc83FmLRc5vUPjPARgM1JfBkaevI/s1600/xmas15.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqyq5ukvIxUkHtKq4gV4XpVbY-oYPUryUoUMtaTxnBPIi4CSa-qj-ZX_ZK_ygvoBY6J5Cwyi4TdB5C3S4W2ZNwh9PPaq93WPTKwQXa5lU9WhsBwQmIc83FmLRc5vUPjPARgM1JfBkaevI/s640/xmas15.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mr and Mrs Claus were bought when Cameron was still a little guy. He's 23 now - yikes! The Father Christmas at the top of the tree was the first tree topper I bought when Kevin and I were first married. That's 33 years ago now.</td></tr>
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On top of my desk I have more decorated small trees and coordinating decorations.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyDPg4Mf4q5tRzlSmwuwoXeWX0hztzESXZXuy1XuPAehyoNw3kpdRDnWasxNo-dzMDq4DYVsS2yif_iUL6qAdJUUwfhOgEvQYrzcmWTUJ2ht-MK-Kxho-HcvgHr_oHxeKvcMzNQoCwas/s1600/xmas.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyDPg4Mf4q5tRzlSmwuwoXeWX0hztzESXZXuy1XuPAehyoNw3kpdRDnWasxNo-dzMDq4DYVsS2yif_iUL6qAdJUUwfhOgEvQYrzcmWTUJ2ht-MK-Kxho-HcvgHr_oHxeKvcMzNQoCwas/s640/xmas.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a lot of angels and Father Christmases in my collection. When they were young Cameron and Amber used to give me them as gifts each Christmas. So I put them together by themes or coordinating colors. </td></tr>
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Our main tree is in the corner adjacent to my desk this year. I always love taking out the decorations we've collected over the years and from around the world to add to our tree. So many memories attached to them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq-WRMyq-9TQj18odmlSqqE7dORaOvt0U4PUMCLevijrHlbnlmHeRaszrt4tzqA4Mb9agvN72wQiFBg0AbDfYiLpevehOyV4oEDxIh7vKBV9AJJ27heiwx86VXdlUzjgpUgRvJceOgD0/s1600/xmas1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWq-WRMyq-9TQj18odmlSqqE7dORaOvt0U4PUMCLevijrHlbnlmHeRaszrt4tzqA4Mb9agvN72wQiFBg0AbDfYiLpevehOyV4oEDxIh7vKBV9AJJ27heiwx86VXdlUzjgpUgRvJceOgD0/s640/xmas1.PNG" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angel topper was a gift from the kids years ago. I love a full tree with ribbon, pearls and ornaments.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4zaEMDnhN-9LgHZuLti-xvElc0rbbRJl8UuJj84nkcBZ7oUyw3IkB3oCmW8j-jU7nHWXkno2zr0pU3c2RQQck2t261rjv1ioT4C2qGcQgMUrNsgpTkNA9a6yZyvgb-bkPLMDHxXLWkg/s1600/xmas2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4zaEMDnhN-9LgHZuLti-xvElc0rbbRJl8UuJj84nkcBZ7oUyw3IkB3oCmW8j-jU7nHWXkno2zr0pU3c2RQQck2t261rjv1ioT4C2qGcQgMUrNsgpTkNA9a6yZyvgb-bkPLMDHxXLWkg/s640/xmas2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Ebeneezer Scrooge was an ornament I bought for myself in a fancy Christmas shop at Horton Plaza, San Diego back in the 80's when we were still living there. The egg shaped cloisonne next to him was purchased on our second trip to China when we went there to complete Lauren's adoption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvS9oQUd7d1z4BTUXswk-oJ0_86ucT5TMCbrMkbvoHXKQ2OZqdUPlC0Fh9izJxBwR4QpVxO_ioU-Mrqip35oS84JpuPC0oYALNM4p5uupeeU2aPFMImDS8iOwePMFmSK60xjm1loXuVM/s1600/xmas3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvS9oQUd7d1z4BTUXswk-oJ0_86ucT5TMCbrMkbvoHXKQ2OZqdUPlC0Fh9izJxBwR4QpVxO_ioU-Mrqip35oS84JpuPC0oYALNM4p5uupeeU2aPFMImDS8iOwePMFmSK60xjm1loXuVM/s640/xmas3.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Father Christmas was another ornament I bought myself at the same time I got Scrooge, and the angel is a tree topper my parents had on their tree when I was growing up. They bought her before I was born on a trip they made to Germany. Her head and hands are made from wax and has delicate and detailed painted features. The cloisonne egg ornament is another one bought in China in 2011,</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkUYCpHY9IqeS1aS-T_zB5EU6h0x_LFNNDAscORhyphenhyphenAkNCHlUAJB0xJhEj2Z97ej3qRq8wnuDlG2UVh4xMvL5VsYi7GqKeWaBgpE4ysNdn9PZn3ICStDuNg4-n1le_CNMFLObWqeyOU9Q/s1600/xmas4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkUYCpHY9IqeS1aS-T_zB5EU6h0x_LFNNDAscORhyphenhyphenAkNCHlUAJB0xJhEj2Z97ej3qRq8wnuDlG2UVh4xMvL5VsYi7GqKeWaBgpE4ysNdn9PZn3ICStDuNg4-n1le_CNMFLObWqeyOU9Q/s640/xmas4.PNG" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beautiful cloisonne ornament was purchased in Beijing the first time we were there in 2005 when we went to get Hannah. It was the first time we saw the craftsmanship involved in creating these beautiful pieces.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LPRJDOwncC_5JTJWg5Xr7b-jZIaFUQvOokmhy5eleDd0V2JSa03tRKLPfv-znP3xA3-kfrXnwgfMiAs4h4rCecSHFWPZKW7Uct_F88XmO4uQxG3RS09lfEy8mI_K4LDP3d6rDOlOLh0/s1600/xmas5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LPRJDOwncC_5JTJWg5Xr7b-jZIaFUQvOokmhy5eleDd0V2JSa03tRKLPfv-znP3xA3-kfrXnwgfMiAs4h4rCecSHFWPZKW7Uct_F88XmO4uQxG3RS09lfEy8mI_K4LDP3d6rDOlOLh0/s640/xmas5.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The heart is one of the pieces I make by sewing lace, beads, jewels, buttons and flowers onto felt pieces I've cut out. I love making each one unique so that no two are exactly the same. Here are two more of my cloisonne purchased in 2011.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtWN8OvsokX2K6Uszm-JQCG3D3kKHVwRqLse9QTv7Np_4BIWcGKlBMPa15ox2aImddPIMYp42emnt-2Cx7Sras8__22hKb65DECYsFl3T7ZZWnFhUb8KZ43P0phgsvQJc-r3MWH4YTLQ/s1600/xmas7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtWN8OvsokX2K6Uszm-JQCG3D3kKHVwRqLse9QTv7Np_4BIWcGKlBMPa15ox2aImddPIMYp42emnt-2Cx7Sras8__22hKb65DECYsFl3T7ZZWnFhUb8KZ43P0phgsvQJc-r3MWH4YTLQ/s400/xmas7.PNG" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a smaller ornament I made</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJgx1YRUcvvzFm11kmeYdiq5MZE0abvw_szFKvPuvvrFwgkXdn0lmotXeDVYKLaiYDYBQVB30h9dZn3_9lON1pEc6q0j2Sl5_xKVPFAvG0qKfDZyInvsGCmXYJCL193CILidax33vNz0/s1600/xmas12.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJgx1YRUcvvzFm11kmeYdiq5MZE0abvw_szFKvPuvvrFwgkXdn0lmotXeDVYKLaiYDYBQVB30h9dZn3_9lON1pEc6q0j2Sl5_xKVPFAvG0qKfDZyInvsGCmXYJCL193CILidax33vNz0/s640/xmas12.PNG" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of 3 Santa head ornaments I have and the delicate bells are from an estate sale I went to the first year we moved to Florida. They were so pretty, I couldn't pass them up!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7toT2QH0oODLlD_xFuXOvYaHY_JpOWruBkQnmDedOZfVW0R1AqbDmr7AZddGbzPvyg_FvO62X8AXSVvnounyRgfXEVzMf58bt2IZjPp0BZps2BO-IeUq1sPH5woavIHkCRKFr3b2kGGs/s1600/xmas9.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7toT2QH0oODLlD_xFuXOvYaHY_JpOWruBkQnmDedOZfVW0R1AqbDmr7AZddGbzPvyg_FvO62X8AXSVvnounyRgfXEVzMf58bt2IZjPp0BZps2BO-IeUq1sPH5woavIHkCRKFr3b2kGGs/s640/xmas9.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of my hearts and another bell from the estate sale</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vo5xqafIoNyRdnXFKfWWTaDcH9SglfycZulbxweCDf8L51_yNIlPzh1auaU6dCq-cwjdhyYNljQ1h3Ri9wpyvNx2a27PMgP_UJF203Y3ynu-H06nrMrBIbh2yA0dLqVUnq0KLzlJkuA/s1600/xmas8.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1vo5xqafIoNyRdnXFKfWWTaDcH9SglfycZulbxweCDf8L51_yNIlPzh1auaU6dCq-cwjdhyYNljQ1h3Ri9wpyvNx2a27PMgP_UJF203Y3ynu-H06nrMrBIbh2yA0dLqVUnq0KLzlJkuA/s640/xmas8.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a close up of the ornament to the right of the bell pictured above. It has some of the Czech glass beads I ordered online and just love for their color.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYCzbZba4gMmeIbvGqMOVOPjwhz2yI1R5876Tgop9QhXtAEeADtSwQ2VzsRfQUESizs076PiBk4-eGPh6atupZqnm8U5f9JyTxtzkzirqPBfdycSt6N8w3STzcmr2fHti7Si4dvF5Ptc/s1600/xmas14.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYCzbZba4gMmeIbvGqMOVOPjwhz2yI1R5876Tgop9QhXtAEeADtSwQ2VzsRfQUESizs076PiBk4-eGPh6atupZqnm8U5f9JyTxtzkzirqPBfdycSt6N8w3STzcmr2fHti7Si4dvF5Ptc/s640/xmas14.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The detail and color of this pear cloisonne piece is amazing. The ornament with the bow on the right is one I hand painted on a clear glass ornament a few years ago.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5jmmmjGgRONZXbN7hxjo9lqfzTKI4qkuQISHuxNuI8ahX-du20do7gJBo1Pc9vfIftavbTASTEM3NcLvzmrwy5cdy7ObYIkvvmecVcRspN9Jiep7xXcJT9XXN776UqtXxhrqSXZksGk/s1600/xmas11.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5jmmmjGgRONZXbN7hxjo9lqfzTKI4qkuQISHuxNuI8ahX-du20do7gJBo1Pc9vfIftavbTASTEM3NcLvzmrwy5cdy7ObYIkvvmecVcRspN9Jiep7xXcJT9XXN776UqtXxhrqSXZksGk/s640/xmas11.PNG" width="354" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another heart and more cloisonne</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5KEzTCk_4GSi3dlvLL_VKo8m0mJL_od4aCXUWp78EyDdG3S8JHsd-AqyZ9l19e3_zNM6IwJHhlbLIBQq8PQoDpCewOm1ffKrhge9belREji8lCOFMdDUYk9Bm-0Ijr8cYCrQASfXWuU/s1600/xmas6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5KEzTCk_4GSi3dlvLL_VKo8m0mJL_od4aCXUWp78EyDdG3S8JHsd-AqyZ9l19e3_zNM6IwJHhlbLIBQq8PQoDpCewOm1ffKrhge9belREji8lCOFMdDUYk9Bm-0Ijr8cYCrQASfXWuU/s640/xmas6.PNG" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This baby shoe cloisonne was purchased in Beijing in 2005, just before we left for the Hunan province to get Hannah.</td></tr>
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Decorations on the top of the book shelves in the living room, and then new decorations on the mantle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7ksbImoQq2dpClBTkOD4EOKyfjz5eVNn2pHMTeLbTjRFrxfECzn8-CSGsX-rg7Ji5X1-ZnOa5K0qrQzKsDISNf0TmpCCc_1ZuufHhIJgM5YZzUyFkNM6J1PVgiPHbesSSLxkJ95GXwY/s1600/xmas17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7ksbImoQq2dpClBTkOD4EOKyfjz5eVNn2pHMTeLbTjRFrxfECzn8-CSGsX-rg7Ji5X1-ZnOa5K0qrQzKsDISNf0TmpCCc_1ZuufHhIJgM5YZzUyFkNM6J1PVgiPHbesSSLxkJ95GXwY/s640/xmas17.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Father Christmas on the far left is one I made, then the angel and other Santa's are from the kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfp_slx061uK07D6U16kanhjEKqmzmC9maYu5QWnzwwMTopYztK-_2CrzXSRb2ms15klaMJBHyEPeaVGu70tvNz9g1qUclBPkqZwBuDtIQ9E1Oy2Bi8wgl66Ff4h4tH2zKw1w9z_JC3I/s1600/xmas22.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKfp_slx061uK07D6U16kanhjEKqmzmC9maYu5QWnzwwMTopYztK-_2CrzXSRb2ms15klaMJBHyEPeaVGu70tvNz9g1qUclBPkqZwBuDtIQ9E1Oy2Bi8wgl66Ff4h4tH2zKw1w9z_JC3I/s640/xmas22.PNG" width="444" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm still looking for a large mirror for my mantle, so I used a lot of smaller items in combination to fill this space</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPBxXSZeSUlcN75LkinB_guDxBUMrqaOfF7boxVp-Ibh2eTErzxNQ1yQBOx60d2IQzG8-9ThPE6lDWVEELSxl0mDT4OuJEyHP_UkchKbpbueh6ELKdohD7OGXyt4bN6MvANWXdHnYgbk/s1600/xmas19.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPBxXSZeSUlcN75LkinB_guDxBUMrqaOfF7boxVp-Ibh2eTErzxNQ1yQBOx60d2IQzG8-9ThPE6lDWVEELSxl0mDT4OuJEyHP_UkchKbpbueh6ELKdohD7OGXyt4bN6MvANWXdHnYgbk/s640/xmas19.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-2W23KoizsgU098pIsoX_4GzFuCybnDvsRq7xzAq0DE_6oZ7dJPPUoFFENyuUaBrdFnSVIujVk_dPm4xaSgg58iy1jX1h4N1ZXtc7Z6r52HjXtC_EXu3oMsKgQxTpJzuGbLI10gXYb4/s1600/xmas20.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-2W23KoizsgU098pIsoX_4GzFuCybnDvsRq7xzAq0DE_6oZ7dJPPUoFFENyuUaBrdFnSVIujVk_dPm4xaSgg58iy1jX1h4N1ZXtc7Z6r52HjXtC_EXu3oMsKgQxTpJzuGbLI10gXYb4/s640/xmas20.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC_4VHkti5v2xp4Oj0wNNGaiWatyMX1naYzJH93sWUF4t-xU0wiLh-yQfGwvts32GAWUFPcxYzLf2CuBx9RTz7Ka_L1QNU_AAQjgROx0Xg6lakLJPV3mvjIiUVIwaZ9v1ehIBC5KjIOw/s1600/xmas21.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinC_4VHkti5v2xp4Oj0wNNGaiWatyMX1naYzJH93sWUF4t-xU0wiLh-yQfGwvts32GAWUFPcxYzLf2CuBx9RTz7Ka_L1QNU_AAQjgROx0Xg6lakLJPV3mvjIiUVIwaZ9v1ehIBC5KjIOw/s640/xmas21.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My white and gold collection for the top of the TV armoire.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MrTdQegZ2PEgZ8Gsxbsrv7fQccKv3YV12Ok2vYxBBlg8hc0NlASYxMuzQpM2hxYWwK_4n17hXIsMEraK8mTL8pCBzZ0ZD3Pq4rnqnWlT4AK2lj7G7wv3-pBIPD99tZoGy2tUlgkQdB4/s1600/xmas23.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MrTdQegZ2PEgZ8Gsxbsrv7fQccKv3YV12Ok2vYxBBlg8hc0NlASYxMuzQpM2hxYWwK_4n17hXIsMEraK8mTL8pCBzZ0ZD3Pq4rnqnWlT4AK2lj7G7wv3-pBIPD99tZoGy2tUlgkQdB4/s640/xmas23.PNG" width="583" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my gold and white collection</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUcrS_Ib2fYa7ba3e468QKiNvd65kC6mLNk18p7-GDX28yIOBib09V8sy8WkdFIyejNSLkqqCBTEuzQRTls6jZyT3towOHllM1P9SMJs00MMNObX0qbfO-S2yqn6b-z1aymO-n6RYTBw/s1600/xmas23b.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUcrS_Ib2fYa7ba3e468QKiNvd65kC6mLNk18p7-GDX28yIOBib09V8sy8WkdFIyejNSLkqqCBTEuzQRTls6jZyT3towOHllM1P9SMJs00MMNObX0qbfO-S2yqn6b-z1aymO-n6RYTBw/s640/xmas23b.PNG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Santa used to be animated when Amber and Cameron got him for me, but the years have taken their toll on him and he can only stand there holding his bag and bell now.</td></tr>
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Then in the back sun room I've set up these decorations and tree. It's really pretty at night when it's dark outside and all the lights are on there and in the house.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRdBik_Zfeekv2UfS4uTj7-jlTsBb5BZbGIjOgST_UUF4jfF5W6RP_0WtN6ddOZoxkmiA69NOm9to2D5acqgD2sRyMPOlIl7Mi0LUrZA12veciFrvsBekEKY9jD8-lIvdWUWDzWheQDY/s1600/xmas24.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRdBik_Zfeekv2UfS4uTj7-jlTsBb5BZbGIjOgST_UUF4jfF5W6RP_0WtN6ddOZoxkmiA69NOm9to2D5acqgD2sRyMPOlIl7Mi0LUrZA12veciFrvsBekEKY9jD8-lIvdWUWDzWheQDY/s640/xmas24.PNG" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the tree that used to be in the sun room at the front of our home in California. I found the gorgeous ribbon I use on it several years ago, and then found ornaments that would compliment the colors and jewels sewn on it.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQFnu5CwJzLFUmHQZYsVgNHSGR_ZuOUfTEsUNxBDClRt1YhtmeaT2MgxkC5vThmaHXfxJlP2A55odyUx4Grh0MtXRf99PhRFlYt8I3rslbEReRm20uBGCv4K34kVrNi4jWpK6rzgqIK4/s1600/xmas24a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQFnu5CwJzLFUmHQZYsVgNHSGR_ZuOUfTEsUNxBDClRt1YhtmeaT2MgxkC5vThmaHXfxJlP2A55odyUx4Grh0MtXRf99PhRFlYt8I3rslbEReRm20uBGCv4K34kVrNi4jWpK6rzgqIK4/s640/xmas24a.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mixed collection on the side table. The stained glass angel on the right is one my parents made.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv_FK3duHwvtEgp0kzAOMeoqZI8IL-LevWFb4JSCsa6EDtemEzr_6MI2z8TYp5piRjDeNO7F_bugO8nBPu8o-_kACwwUdia_lxkdLYFF5kkjdL_FeDNn8F8CHiQRBV7JWEtpRQSVRQGk/s1600/xmas24b.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv_FK3duHwvtEgp0kzAOMeoqZI8IL-LevWFb4JSCsa6EDtemEzr_6MI2z8TYp5piRjDeNO7F_bugO8nBPu8o-_kACwwUdia_lxkdLYFF5kkjdL_FeDNn8F8CHiQRBV7JWEtpRQSVRQGk/s640/xmas24b.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Father Christmas is one my mother made several years ago and the little church is a decoration that my parents had before I was born. I used to love when I was growing up to help put it together and then light the candle inside the church door that heats up inside and turns the chimes. Cameron's taken over the assembly job over the past few years.</td></tr>
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Now that our house is decorated it's time to finish my Christmas shopping and then begin my food menu as we prepare to celebrate,<br />
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That's it for now, I'll post some more as our family spends time enjoying activities this time of year brings with it. Have a safe and happy Christmas season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9XlMbdDaxyMiknYo3K9ql67wLbZT3OYecfYeX3kgEQOsIbmDlpurKuueSjNJXN_OU-cNth3gBN8B9WMN7BjKStgPgsMEZpfQnIGwNdyl2qhRVVEwwK3SXskpRfPKT39TmJ4lq7i-N8Q/s1600/blog+name.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9XlMbdDaxyMiknYo3K9ql67wLbZT3OYecfYeX3kgEQOsIbmDlpurKuueSjNJXN_OU-cNth3gBN8B9WMN7BjKStgPgsMEZpfQnIGwNdyl2qhRVVEwwK3SXskpRfPKT39TmJ4lq7i-N8Q/s320/blog+name.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-29279881806014989692016-10-26T12:16:00.000-07:002016-10-26T12:16:16.051-07:00Life After the Storm<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN98ywdIEUI7FosBfM0R0m08sxnTGGfXak1PWUpELQ5-Yc0QT2MPoYNAXpUWHW6oUmRRWM8I__gnMYEU6AGSlcyW7VRlrJ2F6cibokdqHN3vSpDz-2HcSbSsy7wOcv0Reax5AoOlyDlTw/s1600/storm15.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN98ywdIEUI7FosBfM0R0m08sxnTGGfXak1PWUpELQ5-Yc0QT2MPoYNAXpUWHW6oUmRRWM8I__gnMYEU6AGSlcyW7VRlrJ2F6cibokdqHN3vSpDz-2HcSbSsy7wOcv0Reax5AoOlyDlTw/s640/storm15.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Besides taller plants being blown over along with some pots and everything soaked, the front survived well</td></tr>
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When Hurricane Matthew roared through Florida at the beginning of this month we had our first taste of battening down the hatches here in Central Florida. We added extra tie downs to the chicken coops, picked up yard items that might blow or cause damage if they became air born.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKNUFhnw38LWITJoWvg0u3uOU8LbyWQ9g1tDJ91aYFSR-APsTZXyhylieq5-0DN0Q9NbcJMQSJ3QN6-LEcDZY96UfRy9busHlcrqAlg5FgoJkLGPQ2rARzYns8jaZ6ys3YI291B6SeqI/s1600/storm3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKNUFhnw38LWITJoWvg0u3uOU8LbyWQ9g1tDJ91aYFSR-APsTZXyhylieq5-0DN0Q9NbcJMQSJ3QN6-LEcDZY96UfRy9busHlcrqAlg5FgoJkLGPQ2rARzYns8jaZ6ys3YI291B6SeqI/s400/storm3.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roosters in the tractor were the most vulnerable so we staked the chicken<br />tractor down with metal stakes and wire and placed them between heavier plants</td></tr>
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Since we are on a well we always have stored water for possible power outages, but we stocked up on extra in preparation for the storm. We'd already topped off the vehicles with gas, had food stocked and picked up extra propane for the generator and gas grill.<br />
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Thankfully we were blessed when prayer was answered and the storm moved further off the coast and didn't take the original course of coming right up the center of Florida as it first looked like it would. It hit us at a Category 3 with sustained winds of over 80 mph and brought with it loads of rain!!! It poured and blew all Thursday and on through the night. At 3 in the morning on Friday the main part of the storm had passed us by, but we lost power. It would stay off until Sunday night when at 8 pm it came back on.<br />
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We were really glad we had the preparations of extra water, food, batteries and most of all the generator. We ran it to keep the refrigerator and freezer going and some fans when the afternoons became uncomfortable. At night we used our candles and kept in touch with news with our storm radio.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb93Uaaf-ZU3J-Mh6jkwH-rP3KfLrCrel6HminF7HOUIl5h7Fc1t1cdv3ctBJEpkHYv3-iQ9RnLOEkH3TZz_ZFtb-1yqfdiJWbruyd1xchal-gB30Mw-iC-tXaNJi12oeBHPkeHUEcPJc/s1600/storm24.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb93Uaaf-ZU3J-Mh6jkwH-rP3KfLrCrel6HminF7HOUIl5h7Fc1t1cdv3ctBJEpkHYv3-iQ9RnLOEkH3TZz_ZFtb-1yqfdiJWbruyd1xchal-gB30Mw-iC-tXaNJi12oeBHPkeHUEcPJc/s640/storm24.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As evening arrives we lit the candles and listened to the storm radio for news updates</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBsvvZAIzM1YAwyp6vMUEc-nEBV2PAZTFgWCYk3_EqTcNMV5IOEBWcMW_beai4FI_tTsSRCj9SngW4Fmhb0Xa4NhEwGi83PS4dMTweU9ttfJMhV-EGhr8_InWLMIG4-E8OGqWUVkOfY0/s1600/storm25.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBsvvZAIzM1YAwyp6vMUEc-nEBV2PAZTFgWCYk3_EqTcNMV5IOEBWcMW_beai4FI_tTsSRCj9SngW4Fmhb0Xa4NhEwGi83PS4dMTweU9ttfJMhV-EGhr8_InWLMIG4-E8OGqWUVkOfY0/s640/storm25.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron and Hannah in the kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jMZxqj0N1dw3si8BXLcLSAEUCXKGQLxuLywKDYX5Kk7jTHuzbmDQsnicwHWk_ol4F6ysFP-6MRFBtvzUmvlr0nc0rjUodcAwezP9bFukclP4daT4skXK1uJzi6cLPWyzS7q5QAJ_QRY/s1600/storm26.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jMZxqj0N1dw3si8BXLcLSAEUCXKGQLxuLywKDYX5Kk7jTHuzbmDQsnicwHWk_ol4F6ysFP-6MRFBtvzUmvlr0nc0rjUodcAwezP9bFukclP4daT4skXK1uJzi6cLPWyzS7q5QAJ_QRY/s640/storm26.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The propane generator operating in the back sunroom keeping the freezer and refrigerator cold and brewing our morning coffee - priorities!!</td></tr>
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After the storm passed we were really glad to see that damage was minimal considering what could have happened if we had been hit with what they originally expected to come through. We had a smaller oak topple in the yard, so we cut that up and cleared it out ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-3uMMxCZTXyKtVUzACgLPqgUmAEXNMApz2ehPnQ86KFxIfnkka_W-aKvJexO53rV7L22ryFRUb1ROkEWxnBaZQuW4cncE_nI5z595BmPVHx7M9fYL4ketAm2t_eD88evtfjVsygds0k/s1600/storm6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-3uMMxCZTXyKtVUzACgLPqgUmAEXNMApz2ehPnQ86KFxIfnkka_W-aKvJexO53rV7L22ryFRUb1ROkEWxnBaZQuW4cncE_nI5z595BmPVHx7M9fYL4ketAm2t_eD88evtfjVsygds0k/s640/storm6.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thankfully not a large oak, so clean up was easy. We had been debating about whether to keep this tree here since we've planted an olive on one side and two jackfruit trees on the other. So I guess this made up our minds.</td></tr>
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My banana leaves were shredded and one of the larger ones couldn't handle the strong wind and snapped in half. So I cut that down to make room for the pups around it to grow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R-_FXd7T6gi0RRE_PhI9bN3Qw1h_N3UypNrV9iqJkgNuC-_Ff3jxD3_6CrAQWAeh3QR4GC1k6DVS8UX9ns_xWGNu__LlB-1W3gQG_yWpPaPuNLajhHi-dN0r4nTDjmQ5rPS4d9Gq7LU/s1600/storm2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9R-_FXd7T6gi0RRE_PhI9bN3Qw1h_N3UypNrV9iqJkgNuC-_Ff3jxD3_6CrAQWAeh3QR4GC1k6DVS8UX9ns_xWGNu__LlB-1W3gQG_yWpPaPuNLajhHi-dN0r4nTDjmQ5rPS4d9Gq7LU/s640/storm2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My poor banana bent in half and the pigeon pea near it that became too top heavy and lost some branches. The chicken tractor in the back had two roosters in it that road out the storm between the bushes that sheltered it and the extra tie downs they did fine, a bit freaked out, but fine.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuU8VEHq14ScdKx1_AbsSoAb0d46OwpbOCTACIomNhX7FBWgIkGS2tD5jeKDpTqsE3YNhHqp8-bIPh52GaAI2j2qJsGHvW1O4wGHYJRlBpLTUc7AZTXPw3R9s8FtnBZBduankIJ6rHYE/s1600/storm4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuU8VEHq14ScdKx1_AbsSoAb0d46OwpbOCTACIomNhX7FBWgIkGS2tD5jeKDpTqsE3YNhHqp8-bIPh52GaAI2j2qJsGHvW1O4wGHYJRlBpLTUc7AZTXPw3R9s8FtnBZBduankIJ6rHYE/s640/storm4.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor banana tree and the shredded leaves of others around it</td></tr>
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We have a large pine in amongst the pine trees that has fallen over and will have to be removed later when the tree companies aren't as busy as they are now. Since it isn't endangering anything we're not so concerned.<br />
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We lost a couple of panels in the roof area of the pools screened porch, so that will need to be fixed.<br />
Then there were potted plants blown over and evidence of lots of leaves blown down, but all in all not much damage. We've been raking up the pine needles that were all over to put on the floors of the chicken coops, because with all the wind and rain there was about 4 inches of water that made for a very muddy coop area. The pine needles worked well to create a decent flooring as everything dried out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hb7AER_fdRtX17EKBg6iLV4CLH7s3U-VqQxlQFkDfoxgn__DdxNAlNlG23KWmL6xudoeYNbFMXVVBAVvnSPVfw0V3hfZWeq8ofQk-XBmWlGYAKSpxRLY-A_iT_tNz8sOeKpeRKsdNX4/s1600/storm21.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hb7AER_fdRtX17EKBg6iLV4CLH7s3U-VqQxlQFkDfoxgn__DdxNAlNlG23KWmL6xudoeYNbFMXVVBAVvnSPVfw0V3hfZWeq8ofQk-XBmWlGYAKSpxRLY-A_iT_tNz8sOeKpeRKsdNX4/s1600/storm21.PNG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen panels down from storm will be fixed along with older<br />
panels that were damaged when we moved in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcYiDJg_Il9WbWjEK0YugWYLkjscoyioeEyXlvU38nYFO3yRAiE3Ru1ZDegV-Y3EWbh8XHTW5F0u_QdiYBJh9Oad1CigjkHicgu0mVNb9O5NDdhOwJuGIMKuVDELxC8wYdy4d9f78Od0/s1600/storm7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcYiDJg_Il9WbWjEK0YugWYLkjscoyioeEyXlvU38nYFO3yRAiE3Ru1ZDegV-Y3EWbh8XHTW5F0u_QdiYBJh9Oad1CigjkHicgu0mVNb9O5NDdhOwJuGIMKuVDELxC8wYdy4d9f78Od0/s640/storm7.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cochin pen is swampy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMFHhXjShS8ipDJZwDAHUyzZQ4-RMdmuSDn5ZTW1OLdfEd6phbsyosenehCyH1XVZhpDTOjbFzDq7IGKPXeORgKq10G9DbI1N17pAJXU04KAMALu-GeExD-zaoi7Hqo_4coLzR-m2hgc/s1600/storm9.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMFHhXjShS8ipDJZwDAHUyzZQ4-RMdmuSDn5ZTW1OLdfEd6phbsyosenehCyH1XVZhpDTOjbFzDq7IGKPXeORgKq10G9DbI1N17pAJXU04KAMALu-GeExD-zaoi7Hqo_4coLzR-m2hgc/s640/storm9.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main coop is a mess prior to our putting down pine<br />
needles to help out while this dried up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOw6VKeS3iLxfDxsZbD3rZmbTEboKpBCjLgDGa9NR0BG_lgPeCidXhUz3Drk50wJltak1E0-v8TR4-sT8BSYU4CJ22UAebu9ByUC1vy2e_KCoW2l4RFR4fJoXJYScBDx4O_GLBXrV6s0/s1600/storm10.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOw6VKeS3iLxfDxsZbD3rZmbTEboKpBCjLgDGa9NR0BG_lgPeCidXhUz3Drk50wJltak1E0-v8TR4-sT8BSYU4CJ22UAebu9ByUC1vy2e_KCoW2l4RFR4fJoXJYScBDx4O_GLBXrV6s0/s640/storm10.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds still walking around in the muck rather than being in the dry coop or on the roost. There's a reason for the<br />
phrase "bird brain".</td></tr>
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So with the cleanup done we'll make note of ways to prepare in advance of an event like that again through storage items and as we continue to create our edible food forests and gardens so that they can take care of themselves in the future.<br />
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We are now in full swing with our Fall planting to be able to enjoy the many things that grow well in the cooler temperatures we enjoy in our almost year round growing environment here in Central Florida. I'm busy starting seed to replant the hoop house with the hydroponic systems that I've dismantled to clean and as we put down new flooring material in there. So I'll update on that as it progresses. The girls and I have been harvesting our peanuts and and preparing those beds for new plants. Cameron wants to make peanut butter with the peanuts we've harvested. I'll do a post on this once we've finished with this project. That's it for now. Will post on some of our harvest soon.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-45315174014969898082016-09-20T12:54:00.000-07:002016-09-20T12:54:53.315-07:00Walking the Dogs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu-jffHOIlgP7yFR6RKzoBqNAHhi6pNFpRQ36XRQsecOw7oQ4t6ZowZ6Pdt13v0t2OunrZat1FmvNsKj-ClQFXklT3eYo7PAd9xKTGixOSBPlYrzkXqxc6zjvOK7x9Acmvx8gFa9NreM/s1600/park.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu-jffHOIlgP7yFR6RKzoBqNAHhi6pNFpRQ36XRQsecOw7oQ4t6ZowZ6Pdt13v0t2OunrZat1FmvNsKj-ClQFXklT3eYo7PAd9xKTGixOSBPlYrzkXqxc6zjvOK7x9Acmvx8gFa9NreM/s400/park.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting out on our walk</td></tr>
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Ever since my Uncle moved down here from Maryland with his dog Tarzan, we've looked for places that were dog friendly to walk or spend time. We've had some nice visits at the Beach and tried various parks, but find ourselves regularly returning to Gemini Springs Park in DeBary to spend time at the dog park or walk around the various scenic pathways.<br />
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It's a large beautiful park and with a spring that gushes out millions of gallons of water a day the water in the lake is really clear and loaded with large fish and birds that all thrive in this serene environment.<br />
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As we headed over the second bridge on our walk my uncle spotted a small alligator chilling among the duck weed.<br />
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Though Bea's been blind since losing her battle with glaucoma, she's adjusted well and with a harness on is able to do a decent job in keeping up with these walks. Today she was a bit tired and stopped several times before our water and snack break.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtVAuPbqw2Ko_AXb2ErnH60XvpQLaYWTCWvrsErNv8ST20kPDJc_MZb4Jhhy__vTaZP5PDbLzpYvBPnO_u6xSHaK8ZaHQfwCcLs8-GfFrxIu9m-npGEoxD_XaGiYD-NUlwtFvmJwZyP0/s1600/park6.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtVAuPbqw2Ko_AXb2ErnH60XvpQLaYWTCWvrsErNv8ST20kPDJc_MZb4Jhhy__vTaZP5PDbLzpYvBPnO_u6xSHaK8ZaHQfwCcLs8-GfFrxIu9m-npGEoxD_XaGiYD-NUlwtFvmJwZyP0/s400/park6.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah, Bill, Lauren, Jake and Tarzan checking out other sites in the water</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and Lauren during our snack break</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErRPfYofVHeA1CZRp1Yp44OOhQy3teKJD_PfVjxKa6c048c4rcUUXrVF3xfHJX4r1cic3yjbtVgYb8xYrAoSWoOp5z5WaZCv78BlBcrgxMKATesFT8NCPkxgYC3gvv_3j6pXlgCPjFiw/s1600/park11.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErRPfYofVHeA1CZRp1Yp44OOhQy3teKJD_PfVjxKa6c048c4rcUUXrVF3xfHJX4r1cic3yjbtVgYb8xYrAoSWoOp5z5WaZCv78BlBcrgxMKATesFT8NCPkxgYC3gvv_3j6pXlgCPjFiw/s640/park11.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren with the fishing pier in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bea</td></tr>
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After we had our brief break we walked across the largest of the bridges and began our trek back through the park towards the truck.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AwckLwe0lGhEHlMpcLVkMV9sMRYcLoWCW8cGV_UG6Kf8bWJ9vCeFAoAWCO3-y02dHy5iUO2JnB-EfgA900ooO5ezys0fhithCKT7p3BjYgWAI8V5GugOstJjLX25y_Hj11wNfhcmtrQ/s1600/park14.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AwckLwe0lGhEHlMpcLVkMV9sMRYcLoWCW8cGV_UG6Kf8bWJ9vCeFAoAWCO3-y02dHy5iUO2JnB-EfgA900ooO5ezys0fhithCKT7p3BjYgWAI8V5GugOstJjLX25y_Hj11wNfhcmtrQ/s640/park14.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from the main bridge towards the fishing pier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinll6iv0FXMmz10sLH62v5pu6lisx5bSD4WSiAnfTdIZOsT8-kEdgJ7sTXoMsRoY4i7w5sV6bmemJ7K1G03kGDg43KVsA1uwjdNVwbMagBhV1tyRZTT3ki37xNArhFnqqyPtjvzpWcTrY/s1600/park16.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinll6iv0FXMmz10sLH62v5pu6lisx5bSD4WSiAnfTdIZOsT8-kEdgJ7sTXoMsRoY4i7w5sV6bmemJ7K1G03kGDg43KVsA1uwjdNVwbMagBhV1tyRZTT3ki37xNArhFnqqyPtjvzpWcTrY/s640/park16.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of Ibis resting on the fence </td></tr>
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There are so many really nice sites to photograph and then the surprise of various birds and animals we meet up with on our walks. It's a great way to start the day at least a couple times a week to get some exercise for ourselves and the dogs before the girls begin their school day and my uncle and Tarzan head home to take on more projects around their new house.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O0NIzpkpwFj-8ljUwlc24BDYIqCOfEmGhKEI5TMAtmplgVKUzqAOdq1xQO1A3kkVtopMLlzi-rxecMLvO6jml7icYr-g8KMK7WQDZLPC1rTSALkxaGgwQzwwX5hgJur4wV809ky63EI/s1600/park17.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O0NIzpkpwFj-8ljUwlc24BDYIqCOfEmGhKEI5TMAtmplgVKUzqAOdq1xQO1A3kkVtopMLlzi-rxecMLvO6jml7icYr-g8KMK7WQDZLPC1rTSALkxaGgwQzwwX5hgJur4wV809ky63EI/s400/park17.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jake's getting tired and ready to head home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7PysqHMUxNoVudKwFytHhaGIP3dOOY5d47q7yx3QNDrLFF7PyXQld3LFmMMryRUhyOhHkPjUyEaetSev54jP-BcNCa_cwlW7AO55mKVc3o5XHp6Vn9ytm3t9e-quy6cTUTRNbLaeabk/s1600/park18.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7PysqHMUxNoVudKwFytHhaGIP3dOOY5d47q7yx3QNDrLFF7PyXQld3LFmMMryRUhyOhHkPjUyEaetSev54jP-BcNCa_cwlW7AO55mKVc3o5XHp6Vn9ytm3t9e-quy6cTUTRNbLaeabk/s640/park18.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An original barn and house in the park that now serves as the caretakers home and equipment area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bea was tuckered out on the last part of the walk and Bill gave me a break from carrying her - spoiled dog!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtWnoNKu27J32n2PlK_7BraHPqVopI674pB4Tg6tk50V32U4n67LSlbkZLsz0vXE18CZmSc9Jb8luipzKEumdfXB6ywTlp_ns48R49at7Km2hQ_pwomdv2Xg7BTdLdMw3bCbXmrR4bio/s1600/park20.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtWnoNKu27J32n2PlK_7BraHPqVopI674pB4Tg6tk50V32U4n67LSlbkZLsz0vXE18CZmSc9Jb8luipzKEumdfXB6ywTlp_ns48R49at7Km2hQ_pwomdv2Xg7BTdLdMw3bCbXmrR4bio/s400/park20.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarzan giving me a wary look since I'm walking him and not Bill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gCdp9zQ9C80MUOkH09SNHmY47jgyk40cmVrBX_ZEvL64DOJxV10FF1rmn07SROIVBQdFDcfFp6sWIyzHB_3Ea2CYITrdPxGJFUMDenDbk1rQ45Es9vWNMJ3QweO-OsCcebRey06VUm0/s1600/park21.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gCdp9zQ9C80MUOkH09SNHmY47jgyk40cmVrBX_ZEvL64DOJxV10FF1rmn07SROIVBQdFDcfFp6sWIyzHB_3Ea2CYITrdPxGJFUMDenDbk1rQ45Es9vWNMJ3QweO-OsCcebRey06VUm0/s640/park21.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this side mirror reflection of a very tired Bea hanging her head out the window</td></tr>
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Have a great day!!<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-83203782224824769222016-08-14T12:17:00.001-07:002016-08-14T12:17:39.051-07:00Harvesting Begins<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF5AwkLgwaRo-mR-pe_WTgU-sKXVD2uDGZrdhb7GrVj4nPepvCYRSmyoXPAumUYicanDZDcWnZ9gkz2Lohz80SH3-WPtrUi7DEmdtpyNmNURORoL4UO4dVNk9QUcJT9buKgwADMKHSSU/s1600/hs+food+forest+seminole+pumpkins.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmF5AwkLgwaRo-mR-pe_WTgU-sKXVD2uDGZrdhb7GrVj4nPepvCYRSmyoXPAumUYicanDZDcWnZ9gkz2Lohz80SH3-WPtrUi7DEmdtpyNmNURORoL4UO4dVNk9QUcJT9buKgwADMKHSSU/s400/hs+food+forest+seminole+pumpkins.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seminole Pumpkins</td></tr>
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While there is still far more growing that we've yet to harvest as well as ongoing produce that gets regularly harvested, we have a few extras this year that are new and exciting since we only planted them in May of last year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RWFndmzxHqupvkZDjhRktHG7mJTqcHLguHuJCgOb0xYJ1M6e4BwkiuoC-0NMkA7xwPHvAucIYbGhvcmG3fDpyKeY-ynG_akER5HBzjqvA2urUBYaL5BPdtOmgInOJKev3tjMJq2xajw/s1600/custard+apple+tree.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RWFndmzxHqupvkZDjhRktHG7mJTqcHLguHuJCgOb0xYJ1M6e4BwkiuoC-0NMkA7xwPHvAucIYbGhvcmG3fDpyKeY-ynG_akER5HBzjqvA2urUBYaL5BPdtOmgInOJKev3tjMJq2xajw/s400/custard+apple+tree.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our food forest last May and that little tree on the left was the Custard Apple while the Barbados Cherries are in the planting bed at the bottom of this picture. There are two small bushes at either ends with a small Loquat in the middle.</td></tr>
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The first are our Barbados Cherries (Acerola). These tart cherries are different from their cold climate cousins. They don't require the long cold spells needed for regular cherries to produce. They tolerate the extreme summer heat and humidity we get here in Central Florida. They are more tart than regular cherries and have 3 smaller pits rather than the larger single one and a real benefit is that they have extremely high concentrations of vitamin C and phenolic antioxidants.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIdSvHTxf2XZtGDXLKZiMoMbpsVuKOqebtLz1H_0J9SJUtSZSwWbT5YIbDQqBuJCwGRZNBIEwGbon7b8CLtKOu1KFKEPwcgAX9FnO6kHmf-lR0iK9NpFexvDdyqf7YX6JR-2n7NF4T-Q/s1600/barbados+cherries+flowers.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIdSvHTxf2XZtGDXLKZiMoMbpsVuKOqebtLz1H_0J9SJUtSZSwWbT5YIbDQqBuJCwGRZNBIEwGbon7b8CLtKOu1KFKEPwcgAX9FnO6kHmf-lR0iK9NpFexvDdyqf7YX6JR-2n7NF4T-Q/s640/barbados+cherries+flowers.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flowers on our Barbados Cherry Plants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgBGjvPLZp-PMaJUp5yxJ8_hGr9Aw-QnsZS1MuTv64FeGc5EMBfZlCtYVi6Tsao-52pQ_Y6aT49onBS1MPPhRZpd244WUeEvK8UDpe-8epICPjegxdL0cFtVndz2xICBP6yYmB0srU54/s1600/barbados+cherry+growing.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgBGjvPLZp-PMaJUp5yxJ8_hGr9Aw-QnsZS1MuTv64FeGc5EMBfZlCtYVi6Tsao-52pQ_Y6aT49onBS1MPPhRZpd244WUeEvK8UDpe-8epICPjegxdL0cFtVndz2xICBP6yYmB0srU54/s400/barbados+cherry+growing.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Barbados cherry - they grow close to the branches and don't have the long stems that regular cherries have</td></tr>
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We have heavily pruned the cherries several times and they grow like mad, now that they are producing fruit we'll hold off pruning until the season ends. It's amazing to see the growth in only one year and the fact our trees are already producing fruit is really exciting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7h4dIoUk5xHKQLpWUru1TL3WrwOyejz3geEOKQq9PFeuVYI82erXkfUfyelzCJFgseNlr3CBz7jppa7BvJrp4gXqT5mnkTwwcyRZSby1psgxLQlHN3K5iXb6IIsIm6FvIw7d8dWeMJU/s1600/barbados+cherries.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7h4dIoUk5xHKQLpWUru1TL3WrwOyejz3geEOKQq9PFeuVYI82erXkfUfyelzCJFgseNlr3CBz7jppa7BvJrp4gXqT5mnkTwwcyRZSby1psgxLQlHN3K5iXb6IIsIm6FvIw7d8dWeMJU/s400/barbados+cherries.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Barbados Cherries today almost smother the Loquat tree in the center, and would be twice the size had I not pruned them heavily the past few month. They are in desperate need of pruning and shaping, but with all the flowers on them I want to let them go until I harvest all the fruit they'll produce this season.</td></tr>
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The next tree that is producing a new fruit for us is the custard apple (annona reticulata). We had to cover and protect this tree during the brief frost we had earlier this year, but after losing the very top branches it has come back strong, flowered and has 3 good size custard apples on it. Right now they still aren't ripe and look like green brains hanging on the tree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBvmcDNKOXVz1CCyEDOctm7Ge_tr5Mc6litznF-9AiNU3s3tJRh5e2_J72OqT7QqPIddc7ZlTP_XBgkzza6roYt7xCmcLM1ogRbgxYeq0D1L7Y7psjIGSTA8ZebLkM-8DZ6qq8esPHnM/s1600/custard+apple.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBvmcDNKOXVz1CCyEDOctm7Ge_tr5Mc6litznF-9AiNU3s3tJRh5e2_J72OqT7QqPIddc7ZlTP_XBgkzza6roYt7xCmcLM1ogRbgxYeq0D1L7Y7psjIGSTA8ZebLkM-8DZ6qq8esPHnM/s640/custard+apple.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our little "green brains" growing</td></tr>
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Our pineapples have produced a lot of fruit this year. We had 11 altogether and have harvested 3 so far. The rest are still growing and beginning to ripen on the plants. They are still smaller, but their flavor is amazing!! After eating them I start the process all over again by taking their tops and planting them outside to produce yet another plant for production.<br />
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The Seminole Pumpkins that came from a volunteer from last years plants produced an incredible 22 pumpkins before I pulled the vine out. You can see some of the pumpkins in the picture at the top of the page. They aren't large pumpkins, but they are sweet and plenty for our needs. We still have a couple more vines that have started from our compost piles and will produce a few more, plus we have lots of butternut squash that started the same way and are really growing large squash for us this year. We've harvested 9 (8 in picture below and the one we ate) so far with a lot more still at varying stages of growth and size around the yard.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monster squash in the front of the picture here is 14 inches long and 6 1/2 inches wide. So that gives a bit of perspective for all the others that are smaller, but each is still a good size.</td></tr>
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The ginger I started from store bought pieces are growing well and have beautiful flowers, so I'll do a follow up post when it comes time to dig up the roots and see the size of that harvest.<br />
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Our sugar cane is growing like mad throughout the yard as I take pieces and start more and more around so that with little effort we are adding to our production levels of this plant that makes a great wind break, provides shade for other plants and will produce it's usable cane. Last year we just did taste samples and then replanted. This year I'll juice it before replanting the pieces we'll cut from the upper portions of the long cane and we've found a great use for the long leafy portion that we cut up, dry and use in our wicking beds or as mulch. I've been doing some studies of sugar production so that eventually we can make a basic sugar product with a larger harvest that we will eventually have as our cane expands throughout the yard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8s0TwmtbynaKt3C9vULf_PcmfNpgrJjImpRMtHIOh-c_rpD-ySglqv_JB1X9lBfR2nfk9sVZw98cYDHTBiJQKGnU3zhdlZ3WETuPFFcVr4lO5bqALer7PachL1Mqw6SYlBEIIV4miZaE/s1600/sugar+cane.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8s0TwmtbynaKt3C9vULf_PcmfNpgrJjImpRMtHIOh-c_rpD-ySglqv_JB1X9lBfR2nfk9sVZw98cYDHTBiJQKGnU3zhdlZ3WETuPFFcVr4lO5bqALer7PachL1Mqw6SYlBEIIV4miZaE/s640/sugar+cane.PNG" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar cane by the bamboo in the front yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful - thick cane</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEVwJ5daD-_A_lCxjmh-pVuoNqC3FhQg_WEB9_jlIrD_NuTCemOjcmAQMzjUi0X8FD1k9P-mC7SjB2SiM3BjQmu8Eowpc5rvc5s6n6xrIPVTHFWW3y9bDov1OX7EvRTAdHr9u5E6cEKc/s1600/sugar+cane2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEVwJ5daD-_A_lCxjmh-pVuoNqC3FhQg_WEB9_jlIrD_NuTCemOjcmAQMzjUi0X8FD1k9P-mC7SjB2SiM3BjQmu8Eowpc5rvc5s6n6xrIPVTHFWW3y9bDov1OX7EvRTAdHr9u5E6cEKc/s640/sugar+cane2.PNG" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Younger, smaller plants by peach tree in the food forest area</td></tr>
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Our figs are really producing a lot this year. I've already harvest about 10 pounds of fruit and have frozen them for using later. The 3 larger trees (each about 4 feet tall right now) are loaded again with fruit that we will harvest and eat when ripe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYeWpdxoowNcnDpdFoMxh8U6R0YGS1H4lHtO19NIpiV_5D7LUWkGrQZSfWjzcTWt7vLi2HeQ7B7OFKUJomd7ozN2pKaXb_9IHY_jqY1MAS17CWdt36DqzsjMMumxsThfAKap69Aq7DH4/s1600/DSCF9945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYeWpdxoowNcnDpdFoMxh8U6R0YGS1H4lHtO19NIpiV_5D7LUWkGrQZSfWjzcTWt7vLi2HeQ7B7OFKUJomd7ozN2pKaXb_9IHY_jqY1MAS17CWdt36DqzsjMMumxsThfAKap69Aq7DH4/s640/DSCF9945.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the ripe figs we picked earlier</td></tr>
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Our experimental Giant Blue Corn grew to giant size stalks, but only produced a small amount of harvestable corn. So we gathered this, removed the husks and are drying it to save for seed. Though there's not a lot of it, it is a pretty dark blue colored corn and we'll research and prepare our beds a bit better the next time we plant it. Now that we have more than the few seeds that arrived in the pack I bought, I feel free to try it in varying places around the yard to try to find the best locations for growing it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphR1dsmy4QWzQZhXQA240gsNqJ6XRphKieRAXYBjej0rGWgwlv9KqakSwLDcXsDqLu0PwZE1f-8L57MkscZLMVqmLkMooMzFywyoJgIMo5w7O1sUMTqkdVsyl5HDSvWxJqffhsg3Yt5Y/s1600/garden+giant+blue+corn.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphR1dsmy4QWzQZhXQA240gsNqJ6XRphKieRAXYBjej0rGWgwlv9KqakSwLDcXsDqLu0PwZE1f-8L57MkscZLMVqmLkMooMzFywyoJgIMo5w7O1sUMTqkdVsyl5HDSvWxJqffhsg3Yt5Y/s640/garden+giant+blue+corn.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls by the giant blue corn stalks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our harvest</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCRkyyIBt96bdd88_Suy2b3Vm-Qh46k6yebHJK-ZzakogVtH_YOGWsoriJsw-YTYMkx8VFju-zN27IJbMfp3albLVlEIEIOC0ItsYhxDRuLJNodYtIJgMqqP88y7MFOr8QfDLsk3MAzI/s1600/blue+corn.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCRkyyIBt96bdd88_Suy2b3Vm-Qh46k6yebHJK-ZzakogVtH_YOGWsoriJsw-YTYMkx8VFju-zN27IJbMfp3albLVlEIEIOC0ItsYhxDRuLJNodYtIJgMqqP88y7MFOr8QfDLsk3MAzI/s640/blue+corn.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue corn dried for seed for next time</td></tr>
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All of these have done well in a short amount of time and in the midst of the intense Summer heat and humidity we get here. I'm now planning my gardens for our best growing season as we move into the Fall. Temperatures will cool down, but still remain warm enough to do a lot of growing. I'm finally beginning to learn how to work with rather than against the seasons here. YAY!!!<br />
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We've been enjoying the pumpkins in the form of delicious pumpkin bread, as I cook and puree all the pumpkins we grew for later use. My freezer has lots of the stuff that will be used in breads, soups, cookies and pies over the coming months. Now that we're harvesting all these butternut squash I need to get busy doing the same with them. I love when I see what these are selling for a pound in the store to know the savings we're enjoying and that we are getting healthy fresh fruits and vegetables regularly to add to our diets and food stores.<br />
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We're hoping at this time next year our peach, nectarine, plums, pomegranates, avocados, olives, jackfruit and pineapple guavas will all be producing well for us.<br />
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That's it for now - happy gardening.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-46877069759049683742016-08-08T12:00:00.001-07:002016-08-08T12:03:00.315-07:00Too Many Roos<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0El-g5WKbexnJXzxA43B_89juUKpded82OmLGq7-SdgW4ddN75ZYAQ8gvSFmoxPr3tquZR4WzqeN1Cx9o_ZjwgNiOSllap_9nf8yOpk4vKucQ3VeqjGxHzwWpUoKHpw4uPDzehsTurk/s1600/3+noise+makers.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0El-g5WKbexnJXzxA43B_89juUKpded82OmLGq7-SdgW4ddN75ZYAQ8gvSFmoxPr3tquZR4WzqeN1Cx9o_ZjwgNiOSllap_9nf8yOpk4vKucQ3VeqjGxHzwWpUoKHpw4uPDzehsTurk/s640/3+noise+makers.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 of our noise makers. Two Plymouth Barred Rocks and a Copper Maran</td></tr>
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When we got our chicks earlier this Spring we had 28 initially all a week or less old. At that point they're all cute and fuzzy and we had a mixed lot of young chickens from a small hobby farm that raised several types of specialty chickens as well as some mixed lots they referred to as "Olive Eggers". With this mixture and straight run you take your chances on the sex of the group.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXYahMCiqX92oMJGYRgCzT_R1eeVM4aBZgRjzXROav3Tm4-J7E7zR3dnvU1L-C8liCvz8bMIU4THQubLg7U1XxOtedSKSZfpHwZxi5A-cKkzBYrRl8zUx-sQTgaIBtghV1tz16U6JcK8/s1600/DSCF9023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXYahMCiqX92oMJGYRgCzT_R1eeVM4aBZgRjzXROav3Tm4-J7E7zR3dnvU1L-C8liCvz8bMIU4THQubLg7U1XxOtedSKSZfpHwZxi5A-cKkzBYrRl8zUx-sQTgaIBtghV1tz16U6JcK8/s640/DSCF9023.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little fuzz balls in the tub in the garage when we first got them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3NUoC0II4FlVsiypptK_OMkpNObhJyDHllUupR2_YVgKbbBl8j6J8k2PYqELK3YULpYsxiF2m1rxNuXs-BEsIMgnqslWaWJ81idisXjPQ1nZaRow_x6gAhXeYOhBEMkhwLJl5vE0M28/s1600/DSCF9051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio3NUoC0II4FlVsiypptK_OMkpNObhJyDHllUupR2_YVgKbbBl8j6J8k2PYqELK3YULpYsxiF2m1rxNuXs-BEsIMgnqslWaWJ81idisXjPQ1nZaRow_x6gAhXeYOhBEMkhwLJl5vE0M28/s640/DSCF9051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cute</td></tr>
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We lost one little one in the second week of having them, and managed to raise the rest to maturity. Of the remaining 27 we wound up with 10 roosters!!! After finding separate pens for them where they wouldn't fight we had to deal with the noise contest they seemed to have going on. There were these 3 noise makers in the pen that had served as our temporary chick pen next to our room. They kept starting earlier and earlier until it made it clear we needed to deal with them. The two Plymouth Barred Rock Roosters were the first to be culled.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiEert4fEm95mAqGM9_XQEX6kQsF0IvOmQZ9Imy6vq4O6iMX8LN7NUtrNClRKbRWYFaFyTfuyXOTuDjHwMgvJfc7h_PzIrItUSYg1oTA9zIgIR2AyLAXK6-6V6Wm36pAs4XFdi_LZ0_w/s1600/DSCF0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiEert4fEm95mAqGM9_XQEX6kQsF0IvOmQZ9Imy6vq4O6iMX8LN7NUtrNClRKbRWYFaFyTfuyXOTuDjHwMgvJfc7h_PzIrItUSYg1oTA9zIgIR2AyLAXK6-6V6Wm36pAs4XFdi_LZ0_w/s640/DSCF0009.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two were LOUD and competed with each other to constantly let everyone know they were around.</td></tr>
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Then we had another 4 in our chicken tractor. The Alpha Rooster who had truly ruled the roost for the longest time until he became too aggressive for our liking, moved in with 3 others in the chicken tractor the girls and I had to quickly put together. The 4 bachelors got along as we moved them around the yard, but the two larger ones were really noisy. So they along with the Copper Maran were next in the exit line. I had looked at selling, but their fates would have been the same and I'd get very little for them. I wanted to be sure that when they went it was as humanely as possible and the only way to assure that was to research it ourselves and then follow through. So one of the negatives of homesteading was to happen sooner than we originally thought, and so after processing these 5 we have them in the freezer for future meals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuE_eMhyphenhyphen3Sv3grfIJfh6Oe23mWlv_hdg3VJR6MXRSNqHyZ0TwKHi_rsMgHTrZRg6r7WttdHgggNlGRPvu-EmxIb5msJAdonjwZHEHCRMb3UXpogF07v1W6Lw7Zr05MG-n1p8_0v35BDo/s1600/DSCF0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuE_eMhyphenhyphen3Sv3grfIJfh6Oe23mWlv_hdg3VJR6MXRSNqHyZ0TwKHi_rsMgHTrZRg6r7WttdHgggNlGRPvu-EmxIb5msJAdonjwZHEHCRMb3UXpogF07v1W6Lw7Zr05MG-n1p8_0v35BDo/s640/DSCF0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two larger roos in the tractor are the main culprits here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EIQkL1x122uYxjkZyCW5NGQVW2dtHUGVJXKwwq7qqgc52hc6eAAcU8RAEFzfcD9_a-jEi5K2D5KUr212nWgjtfCiTD_42uo0LKS1R-PQYF6jbKQ-Q8x9pYLPNWdmNxa1KVYvxv5aSo4/s1600/DSCF0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EIQkL1x122uYxjkZyCW5NGQVW2dtHUGVJXKwwq7qqgc52hc6eAAcU8RAEFzfcD9_a-jEi5K2D5KUr212nWgjtfCiTD_42uo0LKS1R-PQYF6jbKQ-Q8x9pYLPNWdmNxa1KVYvxv5aSo4/s400/DSCF0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpha Rooster</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0isouvAfO8RiIYChdzoxMc_wYzbU87B4WMd-jKr6idIFP_OTjz0QYgYXdRME5Yw25RFRAwgmA_Y05pX6IDP-EmB4Zu7BZamlMfZy3zVegORphl6Uw0RtojV82K2-PSAJ4k2DIb58SzM/s1600/copper+maran1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0isouvAfO8RiIYChdzoxMc_wYzbU87B4WMd-jKr6idIFP_OTjz0QYgYXdRME5Yw25RFRAwgmA_Y05pX6IDP-EmB4Zu7BZamlMfZy3zVegORphl6Uw0RtojV82K2-PSAJ4k2DIb58SzM/s640/copper+maran1.PNG" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copper Maran in foreground</td></tr>
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Finally, we had two Polish roosters we had to separate and though the one in with the Polish hens was beautiful, he was very loud and enjoyed making his presence known continually, so I listed him on Farm and Homestead lists and sold him to a woman who has several specialty types of chickens and loves him for his beauty and sweet personality despite his vocal habits.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6ltBb1OVFEODEIETpRfDcaMLoIXfwYZEGR4bChnvGjKeJSpQ9fYwhPLTrOhf7p5EHOqKDxddJ-S4zXv9nWmrhWNLS84lP_pbpO3ygpMyG2nacF4jPxmftFKeOZ1cJYNdApKcIwFe81w/s1600/polish+rooster.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6ltBb1OVFEODEIETpRfDcaMLoIXfwYZEGR4bChnvGjKeJSpQ9fYwhPLTrOhf7p5EHOqKDxddJ-S4zXv9nWmrhWNLS84lP_pbpO3ygpMyG2nacF4jPxmftFKeOZ1cJYNdApKcIwFe81w/s640/polish+rooster.PNG" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful, but noisy Polish Rooster</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkJ-ua7oCn_ybica4ChomWI6DkizJiIyeD71Fqfu8Vdgc2ymX1j6f6thVygpj44rdToZffqaJYhXfifee8hGW0XjCTJz-FQjz_yzeHH0GYMCArPgmvHBWFDn_H9HLn9H5GlZiE1fAjLE/s1600/polish+roo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipkJ-ua7oCn_ybica4ChomWI6DkizJiIyeD71Fqfu8Vdgc2ymX1j6f6thVygpj44rdToZffqaJYhXfifee8hGW0XjCTJz-FQjz_yzeHH0GYMCArPgmvHBWFDn_H9HLn9H5GlZiE1fAjLE/s640/polish+roo.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's a happy addition to his new home</td></tr>
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So for now we have a remaining BLR Rooster who's sweet and quiet, and another Polish Rooster who's thrilled to be back with the hens and needs to regrow a few feathers he lost in altercations with the larger hens in the former pen he was in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMtMao_XLqdcBdGiPMPCoL8AU9vmHRjTZVWrrtfyZnZsheb5Wu7_Y84OqyefDPdYeUFwZZfS_Zy_zAdY5dt9HFged5GKLLJ85gKTT5IUBJTGUOohVRv7MEBbhXiuhk3yHL_Js-S_Ujtk/s1600/DSCF0042+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMtMao_XLqdcBdGiPMPCoL8AU9vmHRjTZVWrrtfyZnZsheb5Wu7_Y84OqyefDPdYeUFwZZfS_Zy_zAdY5dt9HFged5GKLLJ85gKTT5IUBJTGUOohVRv7MEBbhXiuhk3yHL_Js-S_Ujtk/s640/DSCF0042+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BLR Rooster with a couple of his girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzW7UYHc9SVzPDtrNrYhkeqnLTMn2ew6E-JG6ywbN3LU4Xc7LrFjST6vBKmIbNEP6KRs8hltEiNvjrZ7EbadqGT0rlbTu5JBCzC3Ki7soYogk17p0BIvXGY_OfQ6rnUh08XHlZmK56Vk/s1600/DSCF0046+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzW7UYHc9SVzPDtrNrYhkeqnLTMn2ew6E-JG6ywbN3LU4Xc7LrFjST6vBKmIbNEP6KRs8hltEiNvjrZ7EbadqGT0rlbTu5JBCzC3Ki7soYogk17p0BIvXGY_OfQ6rnUh08XHlZmK56Vk/s640/DSCF0046+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's got pretty coloring and a sweet personality. Doesn't seem interested in making a lot of noise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjKB9DSIP4yEWEsFRySWaYHDjlwtiL6owWY6_v7AISiRvHdGrIDI2iVGwrOyIZlXWWhyzgv4LUhmPdE_pOQc6-sGBaZc83qaBj60ozqHycv48Stmgmxb5B10k_A3Mc5b2duKUBAKjrWg/s1600/DSCF0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjKB9DSIP4yEWEsFRySWaYHDjlwtiL6owWY6_v7AISiRvHdGrIDI2iVGwrOyIZlXWWhyzgv4LUhmPdE_pOQc6-sGBaZc83qaBj60ozqHycv48Stmgmxb5B10k_A3Mc5b2duKUBAKjrWg/s640/DSCF0052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other Polish Rooster who is now with the hens will look a whole lot better when his tail feathers come back in.</td></tr>
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We have two remaining bachelor roosters in the chicken tractor who are content to busy themselves with clearing weeds and bugs as I move them around the yard. We've added an adult Brahma Hen and two chicks, one Cochin and another Brahma. So our current flock is at 24 total. We've had our first few eggs in the last week and a half and are in the process of building another hoop coop so we can separate the Polish and Cochin in the hope of eventually breeding these and keeping their lines pure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSTk5jScp3ioRsNpEZBrFzp1ELng5IWIbcyCtvrV9QOVU7CaJg8sT9BCeSEuXyocQPzwjQurOgDqbYX8Ib-mK7xm8mBAPl54mDpD77k_fBlljZd38QsF86vmT6WXnkioijQpwutg6Osg/s1600/DSCF0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSTk5jScp3ioRsNpEZBrFzp1ELng5IWIbcyCtvrV9QOVU7CaJg8sT9BCeSEuXyocQPzwjQurOgDqbYX8Ib-mK7xm8mBAPl54mDpD77k_fBlljZd38QsF86vmT6WXnkioijQpwutg6Osg/s320/DSCF0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brahma hen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5xk2bKVxVKfUEsvFHjwxzQaYYp1WrVcMl2moNbTK_ggx1zUqq8DWmHaabJvR1DyTGI8_dqEdpbPqGJ6oyqYF5TBP1gqu8R55jim0_SisYkmlup6FzcBGm8Va1LGdAnN62SqRetRHDxo/s1600/DSCF0033+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5xk2bKVxVKfUEsvFHjwxzQaYYp1WrVcMl2moNbTK_ggx1zUqq8DWmHaabJvR1DyTGI8_dqEdpbPqGJ6oyqYF5TBP1gqu8R55jim0_SisYkmlup6FzcBGm8Va1LGdAnN62SqRetRHDxo/s400/DSCF0033+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chicken tractor under the tree line as we have a lot of rain expected today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUkax2yz2D0fIdaG7SiIxeXLc9Pr2pHk92WP_dZ_flZYH2mK7fmoxn-HNCY2RtoDzMcMGqgslg0K62LX6TeBls-7UhOta6M7HI-u-JBGNKp9nHocBDaxg7XYHrKqVy3Ne0eLHtSATYFg/s1600/DSCF0034+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUkax2yz2D0fIdaG7SiIxeXLc9Pr2pHk92WP_dZ_flZYH2mK7fmoxn-HNCY2RtoDzMcMGqgslg0K62LX6TeBls-7UhOta6M7HI-u-JBGNKp9nHocBDaxg7XYHrKqVy3Ne0eLHtSATYFg/s640/DSCF0034+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Brahma and Cochin chicks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrgqQSi9mzTawTgrMYs-WORkfwG9ldnrtrxlTJoh6yjOgfLT-2BkGbj3-SjoyPK8NriZbYSuByIWSA9-vi41VGdzTzzGr9IwBIXWpxOPPrmrP4BCn-bhBSzt-K8jyAiSAlZD6j5-v5wo/s1600/DSCF0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDrgqQSi9mzTawTgrMYs-WORkfwG9ldnrtrxlTJoh6yjOgfLT-2BkGbj3-SjoyPK8NriZbYSuByIWSA9-vi41VGdzTzzGr9IwBIXWpxOPPrmrP4BCn-bhBSzt-K8jyAiSAlZD6j5-v5wo/s640/DSCF0057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our eggs supplied by our girls.</td></tr>
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So that's it for now. I'll do my next post on the new hoop coop and the harvest we've had so far this season. We're keeping busy and enjoying a more peaceful homestead now that the number of roosters has been reduced. <br />
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This was the cloud set that showed up the day after our roosters departed. I call it my "Rooster Rising Sunrise Scene". Thought it was pretty and rather appropriate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXJxt-iMHsHMBntCwxI_Rw1OAsUF48zwc8EnvDWmM9bLAqhaWPuXMzhIrm-5X-jBSlL2zz1O_KKVje_3DM5Za_IE8GLR41-LIrYRDtIBcLZnpzmGdptoOGk9QySSdBrkJDjgExEyxsUA/s1600/chicken+cloud.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXJxt-iMHsHMBntCwxI_Rw1OAsUF48zwc8EnvDWmM9bLAqhaWPuXMzhIrm-5X-jBSlL2zz1O_KKVje_3DM5Za_IE8GLR41-LIrYRDtIBcLZnpzmGdptoOGk9QySSdBrkJDjgExEyxsUA/s640/chicken+cloud.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rooster Rising Sunrise - just have to use a bit of imagination.</td></tr>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-82309815996753383302016-07-15T09:13:00.001-07:002016-07-15T09:13:10.692-07:00Scary Garden Visitor<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_IrzKlubOA8yC1B_upQOcDl0A9BFfRtPe9dgsb-ZrOu0yd5U-fdYlNNjHW2UYTPh5tEHzwokHHIBxG2jVVakfe6LtYJ4vmXS9qBuus62Ea9BbcuQl5gt1meTX2_oujEIDSLv8qxp7k8/s1600/coral+snake+file+photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ_IrzKlubOA8yC1B_upQOcDl0A9BFfRtPe9dgsb-ZrOu0yd5U-fdYlNNjHW2UYTPh5tEHzwokHHIBxG2jVVakfe6LtYJ4vmXS9qBuus62Ea9BbcuQl5gt1meTX2_oujEIDSLv8qxp7k8/s400/coral+snake+file+photo.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit -File photo coral snake - I didn't have time to photograph the one I found</td></tr>
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Yesterday after taking a bucket of old veggies out to the compost pile I went to rinse it out. While I was hosing it down I spotted movement in the planter by the house. It was a snake and it's colors immediately caused alarm as I've made a point of teaching the girls to beware of these as they work and play in the yard. Now here was one so close and on the move next to the house and heading towards the dog yard.<br />
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I grabbed a shovel and went after it and when it tried to dig in under the mulch I quickly dug up the area and was able to pin it to the ground. Unfortunately the shovel was a dull, flat tipped one so I couldn't finish the snake off. I had my cell phone in my back pocket and called my son who because of the early hour was still asleep. He quickly dressed and ran out with his machete to dispatch the snake for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue5QJLlyUXfXGtCvILAqkdccQPOFYj10Y4kksM6gMGxe7rN9ZkvLYTu4cjorBjJMz7-NRV79EvziQDyGdlIOBQGr_5b_zRxQlGzaEjHKN3aFTEYqISBKjxe7gngncvIKEyTuI48dwXvw/s1600/cam+corral+snake.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue5QJLlyUXfXGtCvILAqkdccQPOFYj10Y4kksM6gMGxe7rN9ZkvLYTu4cjorBjJMz7-NRV79EvziQDyGdlIOBQGr_5b_zRxQlGzaEjHKN3aFTEYqISBKjxe7gngncvIKEyTuI48dwXvw/s640/cam+corral+snake.PNG" width="546" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hero - Cameron didn't have time to completely dress in coming to my rescue. Glad he was at home!!</td></tr>
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I don't mind snakes that are good for the yard and keeping vermin down, but ones that have such lethal venom are not allowed to remain in an area where my kids, pets and myself are regularly so active. The information on the <a href="http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/coralsnake.pdf">Florida Wildlife Site</a> describes the differences between the coral snakes and two others that mimic, but are not venomous. While I gladly welcome non venomous snakes in my yard, I'm not so gracious with ones that can cause serious harm. <br />
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I do need to take my own advice though because my hoe had broken with the metal separating from the handle I had been hand clearing (minus gloves) this same area these past few days. This served as a wake up call for me to exercise a bit more care now. So while I still relish my garden and time in it, I will also be a bit more cautious before reaching hands in the midst of thick weeds or plantings. And it's time to buy a new hoe to help me with this!!<br />
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So happy and safe gardening to all!!<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-28808560057937650192016-06-20T06:01:00.000-07:002016-06-20T06:01:51.517-07:00Baba and Grandpa's Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ba2xn5mdclR7SAu5N5wLhVR8pQa-YsHT9wNCsDvJ3T3Xd9pAPOGV7s75Q8lUpzL7Xh53blnbIHuHh3sjhmAMZFkWBgyDIMBadwbGXNIWWuHYuNLoIR_2h867gx7i1jRmHomgl8-M0Pc/s1600/fam4+pic+goodbye+kids.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ba2xn5mdclR7SAu5N5wLhVR8pQa-YsHT9wNCsDvJ3T3Xd9pAPOGV7s75Q8lUpzL7Xh53blnbIHuHh3sjhmAMZFkWBgyDIMBadwbGXNIWWuHYuNLoIR_2h867gx7i1jRmHomgl8-M0Pc/s320/fam4+pic+goodbye+kids.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We just enjoyed a nice, albeit too short visit with my parents. They arrived Thursday afternoon and left very early this morning. Despite the brevity it was great seeing them. Unfortunately for them Florida's temperatures and humidity soared making it a rough stay for outdoor activities, but that's the risk with Summer visits here. Have to get them back during our cooler seasons!!!<br />
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In March my mother's brother Bill bought a house just around the corner from us and became a neighbor. We were thrilled when he and his dog Tarzan moved in. With my parents planning a car trip and bringing my niece Clara with them, they opted to stay with Bill in his new home. So we all got to enjoy their company and his hospitality during their stay.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANCvxibcqLUEMT4nsPsW4q7KatUXjtLrcr9oMM1wEjzQVbL5tdLi2FmmEodjwBL0gWpWlYblzuF__sIGr9VYxAy_-EpeHhgWlfGmfPWp9cx8ha3PB_oUDpe_rWuUjFKBsCG-Ca03lW10/s1600/bills+keys+and+new+house1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANCvxibcqLUEMT4nsPsW4q7KatUXjtLrcr9oMM1wEjzQVbL5tdLi2FmmEodjwBL0gWpWlYblzuF__sIGr9VYxAy_-EpeHhgWlfGmfPWp9cx8ha3PB_oUDpe_rWuUjFKBsCG-Ca03lW10/s400/bills+keys+and+new+house1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Bill and Tarzan on the day they got the keys to their new home</td></tr>
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With the heat we made a trip to New Smyrna Beach to enjoy some time outside with the cooler ocean breeze making it more bearable. We spent time under the cabana by the beach walk and watched as Kevin helped Hannah fly her kite, and Uncle Bill helped Lauren search for seashells.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhOkGIClbwlkgusNWr3R_Kl1CT6NzHl0KV74RhkrkTXbvOYBylrjWXqQmDK3CZ_BlD3ybRWGEpd9awO8NeFk6vUyU3DDRE1HQbdBelRx_EqWMpYep6WyE6wPW4MWD9IwL9zECmM-s2xw/s1600/fam1+hannah+flying+kite.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibhOkGIClbwlkgusNWr3R_Kl1CT6NzHl0KV74RhkrkTXbvOYBylrjWXqQmDK3CZ_BlD3ybRWGEpd9awO8NeFk6vUyU3DDRE1HQbdBelRx_EqWMpYep6WyE6wPW4MWD9IwL9zECmM-s2xw/s640/fam1+hannah+flying+kite.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah was able to get some decent air time with her kite and catching the ocean breezes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigN7KqeUHCA3S3v7EaRtsQz_Dv-50BHXL8R4VEZdE0ujx_Ft0dKX1zckqv1xkfrrnX5qDOpQCzR3Ss_yHk7I7Rg_SyjqnnrgVzdiwmFl3MJegpEOirGfHqzl5jTvHVji2BMuSSynxyeE/s1600/fam1b+lauren+and+bill.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigN7KqeUHCA3S3v7EaRtsQz_Dv-50BHXL8R4VEZdE0ujx_Ft0dKX1zckqv1xkfrrnX5qDOpQCzR3Ss_yHk7I7Rg_SyjqnnrgVzdiwmFl3MJegpEOirGfHqzl5jTvHVji2BMuSSynxyeE/s640/fam1b+lauren+and+bill.PNG" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Bill and Lauren searching for seashells</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kuZ7OiYyyK4US5oa8P71g_JOT8tJNvZlBlakaI38lDeReAGHqpzrXoVjpM3McBpCKLZBeXVvIJ-ZgyvSvcUVvfchYQg-uK0W5mMtClvi7iC5MHpLdAzhQQh4I5dZ1Rdq-rKvS6iPRO4/s1600/fam1c+beach+bill+with+girls.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kuZ7OiYyyK4US5oa8P71g_JOT8tJNvZlBlakaI38lDeReAGHqpzrXoVjpM3McBpCKLZBeXVvIJ-ZgyvSvcUVvfchYQg-uK0W5mMtClvi7iC5MHpLdAzhQQh4I5dZ1Rdq-rKvS6iPRO4/s640/fam1c+beach+bill+with+girls.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A piece of sea grass blew into my view just as I took the picture of Uncle Bill with the girls</td></tr>
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We enjoyed lunch at the Barracuda Restaurant before heading home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuo_iXeH-5Y7PABtXo3S9bx1-P4fTl9aBoyNVyR_Oe6ETjTNib1tovrz03qKRPMOatWUiq-F3nsPW5Hf-DC_MaWCLhEWCzp3izdlvSzoP006YqKnvaxlgG0CnT8uSOisKFmqJCRxyJaA/s1600/fam1f+restaurant+front.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCuo_iXeH-5Y7PABtXo3S9bx1-P4fTl9aBoyNVyR_Oe6ETjTNib1tovrz03qKRPMOatWUiq-F3nsPW5Hf-DC_MaWCLhEWCzp3izdlvSzoP006YqKnvaxlgG0CnT8uSOisKFmqJCRxyJaA/s400/fam1f+restaurant+front.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had an enjoyable meal here</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMDSCUUhOtM_1bAgoOtJMD0nEiKdv2JHhYAPVPZoY-jQ3giby62Eo0RRqaetLx1lOBVU6hTAL9WspERRWo3SFqT7bxQCDiLftKpi1IYdH-AeRvdllJmV9HCfreHKCdN93UWpMHTKXqRM/s1600/fam1d+beach+restaurant+lot.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMDSCUUhOtM_1bAgoOtJMD0nEiKdv2JHhYAPVPZoY-jQ3giby62Eo0RRqaetLx1lOBVU6hTAL9WspERRWo3SFqT7bxQCDiLftKpi1IYdH-AeRvdllJmV9HCfreHKCdN93UWpMHTKXqRM/s640/fam1d+beach+restaurant+lot.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from the restaurant past the parking lot towards the beach. On the left is the covered area I could sit with my parents and watch the kids with Kevin and Uncle Bill</td></tr>
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The kids enjoyed his pool while we lounged on the patio.<br />
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Then all too quickly it was off to our last night out together for a meal and to celebrate Father's Day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin, mom, dad and Uncle Bill</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece Clara, Cameron, Kevin, mom and dad - all waiting for our meals </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and Lauren</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnck6V45pWlmqm9lrXlSywBFPDpJGBFr12hL7cTygSpZRS2JeIP322fH063T5nOHP6jKsTLd09x8DNeqX_cFnA4Cg01XnQc3vTVbSm4PBFRNb79TjDVoB4Z94RRXCjU3JgjpOtVr3oA0/s1600/fam2+pic+time+to+say+goodbye+hannah.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnck6V45pWlmqm9lrXlSywBFPDpJGBFr12hL7cTygSpZRS2JeIP322fH063T5nOHP6jKsTLd09x8DNeqX_cFnA4Cg01XnQc3vTVbSm4PBFRNb79TjDVoB4Z94RRXCjU3JgjpOtVr3oA0/s400/fam2+pic+time+to+say+goodbye+hannah.PNG" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to say good bye - Hannah rushes in for first hugs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah and Lauren with Baba and Grandpa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqEf2A2-fnIQMRlddnIjlYH292nYeytx_71ixaHIhhBj4lRTfAkIuvpAErpMXkt_-SajJFN3n0PXLtRUnPvC4kMvf8lbQIbW85KPDTdHm1cd_Xbat6ZkcoHoxU2mmvhTTV8ua_nqkSdU/s1600/fam5+pic+goodbye+me.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqEf2A2-fnIQMRlddnIjlYH292nYeytx_71ixaHIhhBj4lRTfAkIuvpAErpMXkt_-SajJFN3n0PXLtRUnPvC4kMvf8lbQIbW85KPDTdHm1cd_Xbat6ZkcoHoxU2mmvhTTV8ua_nqkSdU/s640/fam5+pic+goodbye+me.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally me with mom and dad</td></tr>
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So long for now mom and dad, looking forward to your next visit. We love you.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-23141123684516826792016-06-09T10:38:00.002-07:002016-06-09T10:38:36.265-07:00Banana Circles A Year Later<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcO4vq_vqjZ4U9zJSyQF0o5bWrJPgEikV9YBAGtg82Asi6wteNYleWWruGyjr_x0GWKZ01gOJcRMt_QGnoUXMuGi0Nhb-HgrwedMd6qFldXf-oglbm1GOJBqCttWXtK6lfW5tqElsDQT8/s1600/banana+6+16.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcO4vq_vqjZ4U9zJSyQF0o5bWrJPgEikV9YBAGtg82Asi6wteNYleWWruGyjr_x0GWKZ01gOJcRMt_QGnoUXMuGi0Nhb-HgrwedMd6qFldXf-oglbm1GOJBqCttWXtK6lfW5tqElsDQT8/s400/banana+6+16.PNG" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first bunch of bananas after about two months of growth since flowering</td></tr>
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Last year at this time we planted our first two <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4757511496471782446#editor/target=post;postID=3519070819185382573;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=20;src=postname">banana circles</a>, and then began to create raised beds throughout our side yard to get our food forest truly started. We began the first one just behind the old orange and apple trees that were here when we moved in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtag9ye2QnRPDUqWVNbaKbqycUx2YSDVVdF19iy4n4uZG3eOX8QnMenIDoshOu3c08LwuS0IOqVJRi-m7IBsuN2fk0v9mklPzRG7L-1cbzV7_CIvKwTWUU4EbO-DmSshLo7j010cloAYg/s1600/yard+2015.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtag9ye2QnRPDUqWVNbaKbqycUx2YSDVVdF19iy4n4uZG3eOX8QnMenIDoshOu3c08LwuS0IOqVJRi-m7IBsuN2fk0v9mklPzRG7L-1cbzV7_CIvKwTWUU4EbO-DmSshLo7j010cloAYg/s640/yard+2015.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the space behind the apple (on left) and orange last year at the end of May.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDF-08DtEm3nzkj03esca9qck0gHYwOUUHdVkW-ZyRTcSiesqgcCuzscoatOJyFcBzryznNvIpJuoxgUbemfiLpE8WHFKraGPMId96x9TEVKg_tcYbDVbnGw-pMKu9-jUf4bphBXdTXe8/s1600/yard1+banana+circle+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDF-08DtEm3nzkj03esca9qck0gHYwOUUHdVkW-ZyRTcSiesqgcCuzscoatOJyFcBzryznNvIpJuoxgUbemfiLpE8WHFKraGPMId96x9TEVKg_tcYbDVbnGw-pMKu9-jUf4bphBXdTXe8/s640/yard1+banana+circle+1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is last year right after planting the first circle. You can see their size next to Kevin as he waters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jiY-dLstLR-CiOUWx-cfEJxaL_yB4bj-ysMQ6jwq0Zie67uZRTBZS07063TjAEvvm7-rkTUuI2najQVP3xngWNziEVq5rM4M0_7yd-_BHz7W_b_cGwnRWHCrKV_4TZEVVK4qyut-AMY/s1600/banana+circle+june+2016.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jiY-dLstLR-CiOUWx-cfEJxaL_yB4bj-ysMQ6jwq0Zie67uZRTBZS07063TjAEvvm7-rkTUuI2najQVP3xngWNziEVq5rM4M0_7yd-_BHz7W_b_cGwnRWHCrKV_4TZEVVK4qyut-AMY/s640/banana+circle+june+2016.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the same circle today with the tallest banana ( the one with the fruit growing on it) now at about 9 feet tall</td></tr>
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Since bananas are such heavy feeders and need a lot of water we put compost piles in the center and built up the dirt in a circle around those to plant in and mulched heavily. That way when we water or it rains it catches and holds the moisture needed. Since bananas will fruit once in their lifetime, it's important to cut down the spent plant and let the energy go into the suckers it has produced limiting their number to the two healthiest for continued production. With the circle you can continue to keep the plants in their space for constant new growth and fruit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvepfouqZBDWrnDx7Z9SDokV8q0WgPSs3aDAa41OpqDzLivFvkb6EuDePTdNZX_kVC7DY8NeWd6kXRk7h9jua2ntGSPKLXvd47DHe05pu6tqT_Ykjf8pa5hRFdy03uRDVPA4WRFdfpeU/s1600/yard2+banana+circle+2+and+girls.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvepfouqZBDWrnDx7Z9SDokV8q0WgPSs3aDAa41OpqDzLivFvkb6EuDePTdNZX_kVC7DY8NeWd6kXRk7h9jua2ntGSPKLXvd47DHe05pu6tqT_Ykjf8pa5hRFdy03uRDVPA4WRFdfpeU/s640/yard2+banana+circle+2+and+girls.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are the girls last year adding mulch to the second of the banana circles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoycz0Ew11lMICvjpfYj_6iO_8rop2OeRW9JekXfc2UYrvnQe_FXvcw7MZqdxYJeMf2CiIXUJUseZq3pYYTdHZeGQZzRxlCIoibO0zk-GMSaOhJFVUgzXr3tPq0uS-gQkOqYeMboLRi8A/s1600/2cd+banana+circle+2016.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoycz0Ew11lMICvjpfYj_6iO_8rop2OeRW9JekXfc2UYrvnQe_FXvcw7MZqdxYJeMf2CiIXUJUseZq3pYYTdHZeGQZzRxlCIoibO0zk-GMSaOhJFVUgzXr3tPq0uS-gQkOqYeMboLRi8A/s640/2cd+banana+circle+2016.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second banana circle June 2016</td></tr>
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We also grow pineapples, sweet potatoes, bromeliads, squash, pigeon peas, lemon grass and a few flowers for color in these spaces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN5Hyl8MJVNUHhXtViqB8XL5xuFt5yYUv_bfLe2VK7kjc-JdBTed2GIVQ7SRZOFOIUQ684uaGxa3qQJtdUfA46yWOTr6g3KUnS6tMvlFURdAbBx19gIa7wMiwuuVKW2AI0ApWeAXSuW4/s1600/asian+lilly+in+banana+circle.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFN5Hyl8MJVNUHhXtViqB8XL5xuFt5yYUv_bfLe2VK7kjc-JdBTed2GIVQ7SRZOFOIUQ684uaGxa3qQJtdUfA46yWOTr6g3KUnS6tMvlFURdAbBx19gIa7wMiwuuVKW2AI0ApWeAXSuW4/s640/asian+lilly+in+banana+circle.PNG" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A butternut squash, an Asian Lilly and sweet potatoes at the base of these bananas</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs92KsbZUepTbzF0Mg2wMizMqGh8a6lGv0pk8i8RY3fX0OGq4Q_BbPsVTQpJo1_khNk6amNGCHXUHBuy-M8GnD17y-slAwF9k4n4nBznPlvpSyrP8EVeNwElZj0FrchUmvMItS9Cb54s/s1600/asian+lilly.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHs92KsbZUepTbzF0Mg2wMizMqGh8a6lGv0pk8i8RY3fX0OGq4Q_BbPsVTQpJo1_khNk6amNGCHXUHBuy-M8GnD17y-slAwF9k4n4nBznPlvpSyrP8EVeNwElZj0FrchUmvMItS9Cb54s/s640/asian+lilly.PNG" width="638" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjOlX0cqE1MTLjCfkSPuzUrKSrotSHBp5rvXjDav6JJ1LzBzGg0bpRPlvJVLH_S8t9xLbGrFGU4l8GxdyCMgkah761uYdDGJ7u03YgNMCsyfEtbsCrQ31TjpMrK_FkMHD9cioSNpOvr0/s1600/yard6+2016+view+near+new+circle.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjOlX0cqE1MTLjCfkSPuzUrKSrotSHBp5rvXjDav6JJ1LzBzGg0bpRPlvJVLH_S8t9xLbGrFGU4l8GxdyCMgkah761uYdDGJ7u03YgNMCsyfEtbsCrQ31TjpMrK_FkMHD9cioSNpOvr0/s640/yard6+2016+view+near+new+circle.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yard today from the opposite side near my newest bed just planted with giant blue corn and jungle peanuts seen here in the center foreground.</td></tr>
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Since our first circles were put in we've added groupings with 2 pears, 2 new apples in addition to the older established one, 3 peaches, 1 plum, 1 custard apple, 2 dwarf lemons, 1 dwarf mandarin orange, 3 pomegranates, 2 Brazilian cherries, 4 Avocados all started in from our compost piles, Mexican sunflower, Buddha belly bamboo, 4 olives, 2 jack-fruit trees, 3 fig trees, 2 nectarines, a loquat and a mamey sapote. Within the groups are more pineapples, elephant ears, flowers, sugar cane and cranberry hibiscus. This property already had 2 established orange trees and a struggling grapefruit. I'm always looking for and adding to the plants or flowers in my current beds and am planning to build on to this total by adding new beds.<br />
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Since completing the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4757511496471782446#editor/target=post;postID=3873051487854394033;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=postname">Chicken Hoop Coop</a> I've added a new bed recently with giant blue corn and jungle peanuts. This will be the first year growing these so I'm interested to see how they'll do.<br />
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The side garden last year already had two established papaya trees and the asparagus had been started in one bed. The rest of the plantings were seasonal. This year I still have these with the asparagus giving us our first small harvest. We have loads of onions ready to pick, the Seminole pumpkin that was a volunteer from a smaller plant last year has been producing like mad and I've cut it's growth back several times to try and keep it somewhat contained. I have artichoke plants that have been added as perennials to another bed and we have several peanut, tomatillos, lemon balm and cilantro that all came back up as volunteers from last year. I've added to these giant sword beans, Chinese purple hot peppers, dill and will be adding more kale and okra to these beds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-iVjVsITZ2iOq0J3BUMnUiwyWGNrK-p2HljG8nAb3Fg0XlvdEronw59y8KNYwEGXWas5SOoWd4ay5Rg6emF_4wVgrpInn76OhaErehj6ZMOgw3iC6vb8MYvIWLLHLS6_HPHM8svZe7I/s1600/yard3+garden+2015.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-iVjVsITZ2iOq0J3BUMnUiwyWGNrK-p2HljG8nAb3Fg0XlvdEronw59y8KNYwEGXWas5SOoWd4ay5Rg6emF_4wVgrpInn76OhaErehj6ZMOgw3iC6vb8MYvIWLLHLS6_HPHM8svZe7I/s640/yard3+garden+2015.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls in last years garden at the beginning of June 2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_Yr0_uMAvlfdcrmqJcg3o1A_L1GBYfmHdnL8elbnvf9SfPZDYKUukhd8HKwqNdrY8i1y50niOD6J2Dlnu8tB1wl-fhg4dx4ZWVhK6V_0Iou5w3KvD_0dKy01pUE17r7lvnvHv50MM5E/s1600/yard3a+garden+today.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_Yr0_uMAvlfdcrmqJcg3o1A_L1GBYfmHdnL8elbnvf9SfPZDYKUukhd8HKwqNdrY8i1y50niOD6J2Dlnu8tB1wl-fhg4dx4ZWVhK6V_0Iou5w3KvD_0dKy01pUE17r7lvnvHv50MM5E/s640/yard3a+garden+today.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This years garden with the Seminole pumpkin taking over this bed. By this time next month the giant sword beans will cover the tall trellis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDjli-k4n3aTpXDl9jLVEpgraW9KLuQtPPVgFRtFY1bRBk3GHzg2FnY-uWoA1wAZJA5fPHs-GTCpsghelJCUhISNPjceRuKWk4TUJD1YD1tdZTlHTzbDdJ8H79cm5VtB0FayyG-cv2I4/s1600/yard3b+garden+pumpkins.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDjli-k4n3aTpXDl9jLVEpgraW9KLuQtPPVgFRtFY1bRBk3GHzg2FnY-uWoA1wAZJA5fPHs-GTCpsghelJCUhISNPjceRuKWk4TUJD1YD1tdZTlHTzbDdJ8H79cm5VtB0FayyG-cv2I4/s640/yard3b+garden+pumpkins.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've already harvest two pumpkins and have 3 more almost ready with loads more growing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdWJ10EcCcJNwNtXWaByRVhWlbe3hF-nQF1uqtUQVVO25Ru_UuIfb8I_zOEHfDr6Y_UKLqBIwmzMWkMPxbhOn68SMCOFpX8lwSmKccjKskCWyMCSXg0I6kB6VLkRQaYdO-g2LURJc_mw/s1600/yard8+pineapples.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdWJ10EcCcJNwNtXWaByRVhWlbe3hF-nQF1uqtUQVVO25Ru_UuIfb8I_zOEHfDr6Y_UKLqBIwmzMWkMPxbhOn68SMCOFpX8lwSmKccjKskCWyMCSXg0I6kB6VLkRQaYdO-g2LURJc_mw/s640/yard8+pineapples.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of the pineapples I have this year - there are 10 in all. These two are in the garden bed right next to the house.</td></tr>
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We've also been creating more planting areas throughout the yard and shade house that I will cover in another post. I am determined to reach a point where when I need fruit or vegetables, I can simply go to the yard or my veggie bin and have what I need. With the tremendous amount of growth we've seen in this first year with these beds I feel good about the future return on our efforts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh1Nw_UnauevMXv4CF2VSGy7_9KijWZcOGHbY0YgYDEUBquGwp1EY8le2KlTBHB90HqTP1Ca5UGaMq-1jndwqgo4G0-9h_ty7fOUUwO0tfu0dVTQ5GI6mbRD8Gnuxxop2fIPqfg0SSSc/s1600/yard4+view+from+pine+side.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh1Nw_UnauevMXv4CF2VSGy7_9KijWZcOGHbY0YgYDEUBquGwp1EY8le2KlTBHB90HqTP1Ca5UGaMq-1jndwqgo4G0-9h_ty7fOUUwO0tfu0dVTQ5GI6mbRD8Gnuxxop2fIPqfg0SSSc/s640/yard4+view+from+pine+side.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were my banana circles and planting beds last June</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgV_FKZnRJHasRDKqN9RHaXqPFAoChAlo1Mhl8mzCFtnSZ4LoQn-IDl96wlQdev3F_PR7CVQaXxjhxsL8dBwMqKmqpvzZalOEmFTbHPrVNZiiOxB_DdCD22w-qsYVUWsKrXPSzf2XY9s/s1600/yard4a+view+from+pine.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgV_FKZnRJHasRDKqN9RHaXqPFAoChAlo1Mhl8mzCFtnSZ4LoQn-IDl96wlQdev3F_PR7CVQaXxjhxsL8dBwMqKmqpvzZalOEmFTbHPrVNZiiOxB_DdCD22w-qsYVUWsKrXPSzf2XY9s/s640/yard4a+view+from+pine.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they are today</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS_ufnlZGJIalGYGMbP01am3pNJrw7_1zTA7_laSRdZzBMuBfGqrxwNc69Ajkq_mVJay_ocyoqVUS4Bh9s_ABGTbzGBICVN9tQDYKqv-s2zV_jWazKIPZBa3er_HfhHH1fPpx8Xwu4LY/s1600/yard7+view+from+pines+whole+yard+and+house.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUS_ufnlZGJIalGYGMbP01am3pNJrw7_1zTA7_laSRdZzBMuBfGqrxwNc69Ajkq_mVJay_ocyoqVUS4Bh9s_ABGTbzGBICVN9tQDYKqv-s2zV_jWazKIPZBa3er_HfhHH1fPpx8Xwu4LY/s640/yard7+view+from+pines+whole+yard+and+house.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our food forest June 2016</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba56mhotK9nlYDGNureX9TBO0qUmez7l_D2s5Juy2ZFrjSlzCnTgtvdD3kjyF9O13-p6rSI4HyLkXIbw6lbVmcglzBsooTPhTaJTRkVCUwy0ZivkJjJbb6mX29VgMCzoG1ApLQE6qBJI/s1600/yard5+by+orange+tree.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiba56mhotK9nlYDGNureX9TBO0qUmez7l_D2s5Juy2ZFrjSlzCnTgtvdD3kjyF9O13-p6rSI4HyLkXIbw6lbVmcglzBsooTPhTaJTRkVCUwy0ZivkJjJbb6mX29VgMCzoG1ApLQE6qBJI/s640/yard5+by+orange+tree.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the yard last year with the view from the side of the orange and apple trees. - 2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8nZb7nTZHDGkBbg3kvQze4_7xiH4D0uPhw_N6rYO-pHO8t5uXm4njLD2twtrb0b-XWlyBt7fCAmkRnMrAXNAXD19u33m8KkFINkPvV4z5-RUvKo1qXK7dw1HjE2bOgP9EOqz9Bd7j0E/s1600/yard5a+by+orange+tree+today.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8nZb7nTZHDGkBbg3kvQze4_7xiH4D0uPhw_N6rYO-pHO8t5uXm4njLD2twtrb0b-XWlyBt7fCAmkRnMrAXNAXD19u33m8KkFINkPvV4z5-RUvKo1qXK7dw1HjE2bOgP9EOqz9Bd7j0E/s640/yard5a+by+orange+tree+today.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the yard today from the same spot. (2016)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIxRkOMX7X5o3LVACMonPy4egC4no7RKvwnskj1R-jNQI2kBdvuqUjzQ4G_vBIzwEv9S1cvqhLA2odhJZMf0UP6ybH8A5WukIF9pXHqOK4HlBdfVG7aaLY_eO90H1Ce0weOW-guVp8b8/s1600/yard5c.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirIxRkOMX7X5o3LVACMonPy4egC4no7RKvwnskj1R-jNQI2kBdvuqUjzQ4G_vBIzwEv9S1cvqhLA2odhJZMf0UP6ybH8A5WukIF9pXHqOK4HlBdfVG7aaLY_eO90H1Ce0weOW-guVp8b8/s640/yard5c.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view with the hoop coop in the background</td></tr>
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Can't wait to see how these will look by this time next year and how much more produce we will have enjoyed by then!!<br />
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Happy Gardening **<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-38730514878543940332016-05-24T14:13:00.002-07:002016-05-24T14:13:24.605-07:00Chicken Hoop Coop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ECQd4_nAI1Au5ocdVpxiITyL6NIy4FRSliMxZOs9wP3qV2L-mPOeDtd4ff1Xo-DfrGSk7C8Cnpw1IyxPpUF14xplm8JRDqOwK4llmRWeX4cO6qyqUsA4ilKlIQPa8GWhNofrM-i1Ntg/s1600/hoopcoop10+done1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ECQd4_nAI1Au5ocdVpxiITyL6NIy4FRSliMxZOs9wP3qV2L-mPOeDtd4ff1Xo-DfrGSk7C8Cnpw1IyxPpUF14xplm8JRDqOwK4llmRWeX4cO6qyqUsA4ilKlIQPa8GWhNofrM-i1Ntg/s400/hoopcoop10+done1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We first began to build the hoop house for more tender plants to grow in, but when we got all our chicks we looked at this space and decided to add to it and make ourselves a chicken hoop coop.<br />
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The first thing we needed to do was add a second hoop house and then figure out how we wanted to build out the enclosed coop portion. After considering our options we chose to buy an 8 x 6 metal shed to place at the end of the hoop coop. We also placed a door between the two hoops so we could separate the two hoops and to be able to finish the first part of it sooner rather than later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_z-LRVHoRllGjtmxRdnPa6DrXnTr7KRlSo_to3EVRLhRp7W7ziHqlvhRTOQaLixamG4rkwUtPKZvGUeudkaHbD4pyekM23Odp0KMVm2eeqT2UXB1X_72RVPEyUvLcCH-eby8DxvgqOM4/s1600/hoopcoop.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_z-LRVHoRllGjtmxRdnPa6DrXnTr7KRlSo_to3EVRLhRp7W7ziHqlvhRTOQaLixamG4rkwUtPKZvGUeudkaHbD4pyekM23Odp0KMVm2eeqT2UXB1X_72RVPEyUvLcCH-eby8DxvgqOM4/s400/hoopcoop.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original hoop house we intended to cover with shade cloth and use for plants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfwhQU1Mnnni_9Y9D3ZtlcDY0Q0HgopFbvju7-VbnafDR59mwAWwgs-joQMlKlDSFD5UlsLahOP8LG2hSedaY2JIUwGRG6Up7-iZazqtONdQDSSxn9rMlhD9uetsxcVnah3UVp1g6VB4/s1600/hoopcoop1a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfwhQU1Mnnni_9Y9D3ZtlcDY0Q0HgopFbvju7-VbnafDR59mwAWwgs-joQMlKlDSFD5UlsLahOP8LG2hSedaY2JIUwGRG6Up7-iZazqtONdQDSSxn9rMlhD9uetsxcVnah3UVp1g6VB4/s640/hoopcoop1a.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second hoop will go up right next to the first, doubling the original 12 x 12 space</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q97io2AWJJzdL4Nnc3ccdoBXxS-uzS1LpDcm4ekmIoEo8Rrawx4d0FI-E9wUif1CzZ5V8Q_i3ObQ04DWTIrW_24-9j-lIztseTFL2_iBDd1jzriBvVrJxeFaneg3Kfci7qxtHHhzq0Y/s1600/hoopcoop2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q97io2AWJJzdL4Nnc3ccdoBXxS-uzS1LpDcm4ekmIoEo8Rrawx4d0FI-E9wUif1CzZ5V8Q_i3ObQ04DWTIrW_24-9j-lIztseTFL2_iBDd1jzriBvVrJxeFaneg3Kfci7qxtHHhzq0Y/s400/hoopcoop2.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gluing the pvc sticks together for the hoops span</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjCKjkTpjQVCDTu8C2NZVwvunGbyDv_RhXuBVytYiFyaxQpCPUOJAwm4dZ_nUzqjmiaOkyElvSUa0WiLio_F0b2IN7KPs6xGGe29-79fbDQtBN1_M3MYOns8vUW1olSHzATEv3h70rqk/s1600/hoopcoop3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjCKjkTpjQVCDTu8C2NZVwvunGbyDv_RhXuBVytYiFyaxQpCPUOJAwm4dZ_nUzqjmiaOkyElvSUa0WiLio_F0b2IN7KPs6xGGe29-79fbDQtBN1_M3MYOns8vUW1olSHzATEv3h70rqk/s400/hoopcoop3.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls helping Kevin secure the hoops in place</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4tSZ-Wn5Ra4W7RKPcscsI10uddsd_XfKJjjTph1TUGIXepV3XkUTEm9QZSwoA-LMgldVNnDxoV9GqgP9C4jgP4RTGiijErqycW5RvmnTc7ihqd3hwJcwYDoZe62sE84fsHUQyLvG6RY/s1600/hoopcoop4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4tSZ-Wn5Ra4W7RKPcscsI10uddsd_XfKJjjTph1TUGIXepV3XkUTEm9QZSwoA-LMgldVNnDxoV9GqgP9C4jgP4RTGiijErqycW5RvmnTc7ihqd3hwJcwYDoZe62sE84fsHUQyLvG6RY/s400/hoopcoop4.PNG" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing the wood end pieces for securing the two hoops together and to be able to install a door between them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5H32MCPFgcbaU1WhgsLeXZG1mmT4NC0tkEdUcw27LVUx4R67Zdz5-U9gaXI9rFpY_jC2u4gDz_l2Miw6ChUjKuH76WDsBXSO1HB2kWloqmk2VnrFMd1AF8oJNptu9Lk7Ej7_iLI1bOI/s1600/hoopcoop4a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5H32MCPFgcbaU1WhgsLeXZG1mmT4NC0tkEdUcw27LVUx4R67Zdz5-U9gaXI9rFpY_jC2u4gDz_l2Miw6ChUjKuH76WDsBXSO1HB2kWloqmk2VnrFMd1AF8oJNptu9Lk7Ej7_iLI1bOI/s400/hoopcoop4a.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both hoop houses ready to go</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOOYkiwMOJy7xve9n_JsgatAmEZuTC_Dv2qsVin_9RXqhhIHgFgxPyoXMfiDp91Xd5Xx2ORATnnC7Zqp-drJLTb3-LTZszsDjL6QFU0-Ej7G38jYVuiVT9Mg5u9JVPjTojE3Rx3zmrmI/s1600/hoopcoop4b.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOOYkiwMOJy7xve9n_JsgatAmEZuTC_Dv2qsVin_9RXqhhIHgFgxPyoXMfiDp91Xd5Xx2ORATnnC7Zqp-drJLTb3-LTZszsDjL6QFU0-Ej7G38jYVuiVT9Mg5u9JVPjTojE3Rx3zmrmI/s400/hoopcoop4b.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the end we'll put the shed and side access doors on</td></tr>
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To buy time as we built the coop and with the chicks outgrowing their multiple tubs in the garage, we picked up and built this temporary coop next to the house, reusing a coop that was being removed at a house my uncle toured when he was looking to buy a home to move into down here. He asked the owner about taking it off their hands and she was all too happy to have us finish taking it down and haul it away. It worked out well, and gave us the time we needed to complete the build out correctly. Plus saved us having to invest in a temporary coop - got to love that!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQYyBHujuBRnxBuSSsX8FQbXFY3tAP26pVJ5IipIaGZjc_5DxFjDhnAWgtoWs4XOvNPo9Vd4-KBUzwIHhjk8_gDRUGl17dGA90-7Jhos_90nwh9j4gf3TrctXeNQP86ETj1Icbb19v0M/s1600/temp+coop.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQYyBHujuBRnxBuSSsX8FQbXFY3tAP26pVJ5IipIaGZjc_5DxFjDhnAWgtoWs4XOvNPo9Vd4-KBUzwIHhjk8_gDRUGl17dGA90-7Jhos_90nwh9j4gf3TrctXeNQP86ETj1Icbb19v0M/s400/temp+coop.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin putting up the temporary coop by the side of the house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gz_cI6E_kEAm3hXva2JsG8mvOb-0jBOXM37OSpUViBUaxTVXMm4REFkAJ8PlYckwtfHUPQSvvIgaKMXq1gUI9t45O3WV8fmjBWuNEoWkQAILNC5AcSb7qeNyKZEYVqE4OF0w3B3OTNQ/s1600/hoopcoop5+shed+base.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gz_cI6E_kEAm3hXva2JsG8mvOb-0jBOXM37OSpUViBUaxTVXMm4REFkAJ8PlYckwtfHUPQSvvIgaKMXq1gUI9t45O3WV8fmjBWuNEoWkQAILNC5AcSb7qeNyKZEYVqE4OF0w3B3OTNQ/s400/hoopcoop5+shed+base.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shed base added to the end of hoop area. It took awhile to get this completely level<br />as the ground here was really uneven</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcsK1GmbxzN0OOCqcWXvO3DHY5WK1pQyfPZaWNdybm_CPjZpFQoU2OI0bRIpuWiDO9Uhsq-Bf8t3lywpEcic8Qxy4h67wwBuuv7rXujzApwiVOgbsSGGRktMkPOylduMe9olfzxmfgEg/s1600/hoopcoop5a+shed+build.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcsK1GmbxzN0OOCqcWXvO3DHY5WK1pQyfPZaWNdybm_CPjZpFQoU2OI0bRIpuWiDO9Uhsq-Bf8t3lywpEcic8Qxy4h67wwBuuv7rXujzApwiVOgbsSGGRktMkPOylduMe9olfzxmfgEg/s400/hoopcoop5a+shed+build.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shed build out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn71ksfsaTmHvjUXm3x4hztahTuT3-94qEu0a1ExxN9JYT-0_10of_NjhOzNkuOi7Y0Y2grE4Vq28DOHy7wokqiIxTT_szuFn53KkcbOLwYZAB4rVGT7_Ei9ahc0yjb4hWrzU4XEO9WYw/s1600/hoopcoop6+ready+for+doors.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn71ksfsaTmHvjUXm3x4hztahTuT3-94qEu0a1ExxN9JYT-0_10of_NjhOzNkuOi7Y0Y2grE4Vq28DOHy7wokqiIxTT_szuFn53KkcbOLwYZAB4rVGT7_Ei9ahc0yjb4hWrzU4XEO9WYw/s640/hoopcoop6+ready+for+doors.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shed ready for doors - We also had to cut and add extensions to the last two pieces of pvc to allow for the height of the shed roof. Then added extra wood on the shed to staple the hard wire to.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeLrNU1o66GAZZG3Pf1V_w1d1sfxkH7Gx6WYwh_AkF6ZZPwiFfi-r2B1b9pOvV3AxLv4wR_eY6at22_da-uc32LweNXIaClyHdJjOwEE7NkNQ3SDflyieu49mbJNIaBKR1TVXwQEEmdA/s1600/hoopcoop6+shed+doors.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmeLrNU1o66GAZZG3Pf1V_w1d1sfxkH7Gx6WYwh_AkF6ZZPwiFfi-r2B1b9pOvV3AxLv4wR_eY6at22_da-uc32LweNXIaClyHdJjOwEE7NkNQ3SDflyieu49mbJNIaBKR1TVXwQEEmdA/s400/hoopcoop6+shed+doors.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shed doors being built</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-25XG-wEz-Ug83faJet4zklurggU1FoYxJVsZUM1SJDirRsdqcksd4RjkvWQDVAQ_c6wDLLyMgpZvcir68uc3ABt-clD5DtPPbHm61VeQq1R74-RWSeGkDOkhgTmyZQ_OY5wtJYhFgjw/s1600/hoopcoop6+door+overlap+design.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-25XG-wEz-Ug83faJet4zklurggU1FoYxJVsZUM1SJDirRsdqcksd4RjkvWQDVAQ_c6wDLLyMgpZvcir68uc3ABt-clD5DtPPbHm61VeQq1R74-RWSeGkDOkhgTmyZQ_OY5wtJYhFgjw/s400/hoopcoop6+door+overlap+design.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin worked to have the door panels overlap for security and weatherproofing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMtB1DQD6c-dYRg4N2nZr0SF0QjOp5UiB3r05DVPcsDKWbuO5dTcGC2ukACRay22SZJwBXtSaE-H323wgm8FzjLN2kUMHnLiGQyhuDuR2Yqfm3piqa7CYnskKYiwg0t97Lp6jsWVEXY8/s1600/hoopcoop6+door+window.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMtB1DQD6c-dYRg4N2nZr0SF0QjOp5UiB3r05DVPcsDKWbuO5dTcGC2ukACRay22SZJwBXtSaE-H323wgm8FzjLN2kUMHnLiGQyhuDuR2Yqfm3piqa7CYnskKYiwg0t97Lp6jsWVEXY8/s400/hoopcoop6+door+window.PNG" width="346" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The window design for both doors - hinged flap with hard wire and screens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouoWYbsZZtkZC191eYAdu17nLbLcAjpIwhZWGoO5Y8H7OenCiuAxgZvKVCfFTFn-D9PrzdBPEcunSzjf-33Ovlzs67wS5a7hyphenhyphenW9caUYgUlLxKVOI0wMo5Cbfk62ZGNVa0sBhepjC5MT4/s1600/hoopcoop6+shed+doors1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouoWYbsZZtkZC191eYAdu17nLbLcAjpIwhZWGoO5Y8H7OenCiuAxgZvKVCfFTFn-D9PrzdBPEcunSzjf-33Ovlzs67wS5a7hyphenhyphenW9caUYgUlLxKVOI0wMo5Cbfk62ZGNVa0sBhepjC5MT4/s400/hoopcoop6+shed+doors1.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door installation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVWnYiNquL8eoOiJKxPp1xTRw0KNQYI67HGxj2vnarCxhxwZN1Zrg9YgxlX9yc4N9UBzCtuiy0dHMB6osHtT2o9U6ENg9wy6Kezf8cIdru7AN5qtJ5OIK1H_jouDFUfvWSVUyO1Zs4tg/s1600/hoopcoop6+shed+doors2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVWnYiNquL8eoOiJKxPp1xTRw0KNQYI67HGxj2vnarCxhxwZN1Zrg9YgxlX9yc4N9UBzCtuiy0dHMB6osHtT2o9U6ENg9wy6Kezf8cIdru7AN5qtJ5OIK1H_jouDFUfvWSVUyO1Zs4tg/s640/hoopcoop6+shed+doors2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the hardware added to lock everything up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimesPMmfWDT3zBfVDLcQLHISr9r9Ih2cpU1Xmn-IrYu71gsrp_XS6arCFLshw1OO-ETyb7TPxZwxaPoamVgd_PYXePD9_-6IPsw6A4FO5HevZf1WBZZM4hLn97QqNpM0jd9Cn95weSrKc/s1600/hoopcoop6a+back+windows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimesPMmfWDT3zBfVDLcQLHISr9r9Ih2cpU1Xmn-IrYu71gsrp_XS6arCFLshw1OO-ETyb7TPxZwxaPoamVgd_PYXePD9_-6IPsw6A4FO5HevZf1WBZZM4hLn97QqNpM0jd9Cn95weSrKc/s400/hoopcoop6a+back+windows.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows cut into back of shed<br /></td></tr>
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As the shed went up we put in features we felt would be useful. These included insulation, moisture barrier, plastic on the lower part of the walls and laminate flooring with a board across the double doorway for using the deep litter method with pine shavings. The windows have both hard wire for safety and screen to keep the little bugs and mosquitoes out. The chicken door has a rope for opening and closing from the outside by the main doors, and the main double doors have larger windows for good air flow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AMMCvIlLuXFjqRhfUG4Bad-H0wFSXRWj_kgZVyiu1eU2sms2phAu3H8tU_y7uihmh59bQKJ4-1FYip4TX9Lf_FIOjcI8pocsaQ0W3G5vIbUfd-Zk6UiTvX5HjBj44S0H3xTc3M2eaIM/s1600/hoopcoop5+window+frame.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8AMMCvIlLuXFjqRhfUG4Bad-H0wFSXRWj_kgZVyiu1eU2sms2phAu3H8tU_y7uihmh59bQKJ4-1FYip4TX9Lf_FIOjcI8pocsaQ0W3G5vIbUfd-Zk6UiTvX5HjBj44S0H3xTc3M2eaIM/s400/hoopcoop5+window+frame.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windows and chicken door framed out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVo6oO7rAoC7ujzvK_mW1GbiCnEfM8Ru-VaBujfD-If4w1Qse_OP-NkOili0P6xUDUdaxttW7ILJ0TsgUuetraFWOpOG63bmzBPogO6K5EO8VLWvK7ZI8boiReLDSeX4au3nCDHM47Kvc/s1600/hoopcoop5+laminate+floor.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVo6oO7rAoC7ujzvK_mW1GbiCnEfM8Ru-VaBujfD-If4w1Qse_OP-NkOili0P6xUDUdaxttW7ILJ0TsgUuetraFWOpOG63bmzBPogO6K5EO8VLWvK7ZI8boiReLDSeX4au3nCDHM47Kvc/s400/hoopcoop5+laminate+floor.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sizing laminate for floor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvrc_eQZrozwp9jYFcCYDO5ZL0OlO4kY_Xmtqpc4CEnLuroyQvc1IV07ZJnelX2-tKKBASXtQgG2iAILTxwJUKtNPgsyAapXAujnexR5ImlXtITpIc_RBBUdlceXY5GZjCFMamBMsxy4/s1600/hoopcoop5+laminate+floor+installed.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvrc_eQZrozwp9jYFcCYDO5ZL0OlO4kY_Xmtqpc4CEnLuroyQvc1IV07ZJnelX2-tKKBASXtQgG2iAILTxwJUKtNPgsyAapXAujnexR5ImlXtITpIc_RBBUdlceXY5GZjCFMamBMsxy4/s400/hoopcoop5+laminate+floor+installed.PNG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooring in and framing done</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4Lw43HgYCfn0dcZjk4wefHF-pxhxqQKXIb-fwuuHi4SucEHwA9xmItj-SCXGyHsVZoXNXm1rj-xQ-mPHeoM7rlAzufbE_YziWixNuyXaQyl3IznNKYDeJdGEp2pwo08ur9gTbgAY1uA/s1600/hoopcoop5+kevin+cutting+plastic+int+lining.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4Lw43HgYCfn0dcZjk4wefHF-pxhxqQKXIb-fwuuHi4SucEHwA9xmItj-SCXGyHsVZoXNXm1rj-xQ-mPHeoM7rlAzufbE_YziWixNuyXaQyl3IznNKYDeJdGEp2pwo08ur9gTbgAY1uA/s400/hoopcoop5+kevin+cutting+plastic+int+lining.PNG" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic for wall barrier being cut</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOz5LvvJnM8C3x0vZO-6Ypr9RiRrlRM_fAuhWSeXvd2yF-eOS6tg1vUuq5ohuqHtBpUlKkMNsHzu9E76QH9fWssGSnizEsvrM4LIWjEAAzSa882zYV57V4znh2BcK3S3lkDM_G3XAR_OM/s1600/hoopcoop5+interior+with+lam+floor.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOz5LvvJnM8C3x0vZO-6Ypr9RiRrlRM_fAuhWSeXvd2yF-eOS6tg1vUuq5ohuqHtBpUlKkMNsHzu9E76QH9fWssGSnizEsvrM4LIWjEAAzSa882zYV57V4znh2BcK3S3lkDM_G3XAR_OM/s400/hoopcoop5+interior+with+lam+floor.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken door added and wire for windows. Moisture barrier up on walls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudpCpKe7FsCDGSqtF-abUaqq3rlsSSRvhXPTyy5l5BLhFhjFIGtO-swHr0p1jWRe6doKfsB8aQr3IXpl9CrgjHIOxdseEH1k6_PMH-HPAB9crA1Xct2lS2J99V0MhJGZ790T5UlcnCr8/s1600/hoopcoop5+with+plastic+and+roosting+bar.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudpCpKe7FsCDGSqtF-abUaqq3rlsSSRvhXPTyy5l5BLhFhjFIGtO-swHr0p1jWRe6doKfsB8aQr3IXpl9CrgjHIOxdseEH1k6_PMH-HPAB9crA1Xct2lS2J99V0MhJGZ790T5UlcnCr8/s640/hoopcoop5+with+plastic+and+roosting+bar.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roosting bar in, plastic over moisture barrier and on chicken door</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY2mHoTE5Ufb1wfbzv7wmHZKO4ZxnYFJv3JlggVFdnt3U6e5Bw3yFDkuGdoq-5jHVlWikKc5wBqYUyCQYM3inW2rDkuLdHnvHNJ6ro_aNpA05SLss_-g5iFaUdvAyXwMRzVSNPjN7NlE/s1600/hoopcoop5+with+pine+shavings+and+int+siding.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY2mHoTE5Ufb1wfbzv7wmHZKO4ZxnYFJv3JlggVFdnt3U6e5Bw3yFDkuGdoq-5jHVlWikKc5wBqYUyCQYM3inW2rDkuLdHnvHNJ6ro_aNpA05SLss_-g5iFaUdvAyXwMRzVSNPjN7NlE/s400/hoopcoop5+with+pine+shavings+and+int+siding.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine shavings down</td></tr>
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The roosting bar inside was made using scrap wood and branches cut from our trees. The nesting boxes are dollar store plastic tubs in a repurposed homeschool cabinet the girls had broken the doors on. We can add another set of nesting boxes as needed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynhi6WtgP0C5QpwWhxQc7Yy9Drp-QoR25rfhTL0Ugk4N21g0NZdbqr6MGAMw7FoDhOOYRdPCX2Tcvh2ZGQhiF_4smjHSKsnyxegMi2h5GzNwr1iWkPeMPfWxhts8PAnbHHQ6t53yd0wY/s1600/hoopcoop7+nesting+box.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynhi6WtgP0C5QpwWhxQc7Yy9Drp-QoR25rfhTL0Ugk4N21g0NZdbqr6MGAMw7FoDhOOYRdPCX2Tcvh2ZGQhiF_4smjHSKsnyxegMi2h5GzNwr1iWkPeMPfWxhts8PAnbHHQ6t53yd0wY/s400/hoopcoop7+nesting+box.PNG" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old school cabinet repurposed for nesting boxes. Kevin still needs to add bars to the front for access.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdsLABRvlAWE2GY_htdA1VoPQjO8fT2wqS1QyY-oeiGIVsgq9RdbiXiVfHqcQ7zkNAdk1-GvMJSbUBq3MDgRZTXmtQQAzNP5WCYj3exUm9G9J852DUR2TVOtDrTI_yaQEaBagJeR4_Wo/s1600/ceramic+eggs.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdsLABRvlAWE2GY_htdA1VoPQjO8fT2wqS1QyY-oeiGIVsgq9RdbiXiVfHqcQ7zkNAdk1-GvMJSbUBq3MDgRZTXmtQQAzNP5WCYj3exUm9G9J852DUR2TVOtDrTI_yaQEaBagJeR4_Wo/s400/ceramic+eggs.PNG" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceramic eggs for nesting boxes</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPtRG_d03Q2p2070XOeP0TXLe6eo1v4a8S7joP9KTtHSIsyTDLXyT7uaU9XowpcYcrWXF4EvWL16Nugkzea9NUkVBwv60vXwbfeDI8vjsJln-NG__rJOODe_5VPkFGvY-ytb2ueQK3cM/s1600/ceramic+eggs1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPtRG_d03Q2p2070XOeP0TXLe6eo1v4a8S7joP9KTtHSIsyTDLXyT7uaU9XowpcYcrWXF4EvWL16Nugkzea9NUkVBwv60vXwbfeDI8vjsJln-NG__rJOODe_5VPkFGvY-ytb2ueQK3cM/s400/ceramic+eggs1.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrecpVqC3mM6x782PSStDMFsHISGjLjYVlRIk6KUjcVFs9xquuTPj4fWPK-zElogQ_2UY9zqE5tlc7Br5pjltQ8tUY3OLCT4SLHr2yY-Cqu4WkeLr8OUyLDFdNmVHbIqT-dILX5c5Ml4/s1600/hoopcoop7+nesting+box2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrecpVqC3mM6x782PSStDMFsHISGjLjYVlRIk6KUjcVFs9xquuTPj4fWPK-zElogQ_2UY9zqE5tlc7Br5pjltQ8tUY3OLCT4SLHr2yY-Cqu4WkeLr8OUyLDFdNmVHbIqT-dILX5c5Ml4/s640/hoopcoop7+nesting+box2.PNG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nesting boxes installed. These have the stepped up bars across the front for access to all levels.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN4ggyl8G9Lzy0u0AdElbshyphenhyphenrKbdWTIVEBVnxcqLfgr-vPIDagbyoRMB9zRTMeLHCsy80cnCbarrNc_iOUAfH-QrzjO5KiWEncMX9z2LOUQd7nxJ2HGnOsuTYasSSh35gPt7V85ETrWo/s1600/hoopcoop7+open+windows.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpN4ggyl8G9Lzy0u0AdElbshyphenhyphenrKbdWTIVEBVnxcqLfgr-vPIDagbyoRMB9zRTMeLHCsy80cnCbarrNc_iOUAfH-QrzjO5KiWEncMX9z2LOUQd7nxJ2HGnOsuTYasSSh35gPt7V85ETrWo/s400/hoopcoop7+open+windows.PNG" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window hooks installed to keep windows open for air flow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmyQHyJGsDtkTsjVtOIk7Vb2UNGolEIHkE1dMeYFkjr5LfO1nNjk5tj5sJmoQC8iK1QUxkxFK8yRdSBjPAaNc52warJ3i73zrOBv8gLmhnEokf6ufdQA8-jyOjCN1ZgwCX-Ds4_dGN8Y/s1600/hoopcoop7+window+hooks.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmyQHyJGsDtkTsjVtOIk7Vb2UNGolEIHkE1dMeYFkjr5LfO1nNjk5tj5sJmoQC8iK1QUxkxFK8yRdSBjPAaNc52warJ3i73zrOBv8gLmhnEokf6ufdQA8-jyOjCN1ZgwCX-Ds4_dGN8Y/s400/hoopcoop7+window+hooks.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the hooks</td></tr>
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With the shed interior completed, it was time for the hard wire to go up on the first hoop attached to the shed. We carefully overlapped the wire for added strength and security. Once the wire was in place, the side doors were installed. We intend to make chicken tunnels to move the birds around the yard so these doors will assist in more easily channeling the birds out and into the tunnels or chicken tractor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pF844bLhKlaHrAkPNcpRXFpQHEIvAPACTL30sZYC8BZZrmY5T_Ku4jjVNMbXvjhNXwbbVuevIcrYYQOZcDfhIvvfdf-TamgttLEUqetTNJyUU7FktXQ5Xlm8cP1pSWalR5c2M94g_m8/s1600/hoopcoop8+opposite+side+time+for+wire.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pF844bLhKlaHrAkPNcpRXFpQHEIvAPACTL30sZYC8BZZrmY5T_Ku4jjVNMbXvjhNXwbbVuevIcrYYQOZcDfhIvvfdf-TamgttLEUqetTNJyUU7FktXQ5Xlm8cP1pSWalR5c2M94g_m8/s640/hoopcoop8+opposite+side+time+for+wire.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the hoop coop from the opposite side - ready for wire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4JiCQz5JiCCdgQNo_cUrgS66v8Plin7u15Kal8AZfJm0xOKNaUmNdM4lCUx-hiayKkfRgVloarfeVbEv7ifa7EYWGKVarcpUnupqu19Gc8RzOO3Fmmb37HNOmRXzZjTiBC3JW6f3X_A/s1600/hoopcoop8+wire+install.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4JiCQz5JiCCdgQNo_cUrgS66v8Plin7u15Kal8AZfJm0xOKNaUmNdM4lCUx-hiayKkfRgVloarfeVbEv7ifa7EYWGKVarcpUnupqu19Gc8RzOO3Fmmb37HNOmRXzZjTiBC3JW6f3X_A/s400/hoopcoop8+wire+install.PNG" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First side wire up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKUSX3qWwG456M1rWxE1BS_sgdC44EpR7_eh2zTO6nOs2P9d57h3t4sD-Eol6iaeIsKtwxjhoQdPxj7wy_EXTwKLAPMbwe4RuLvxb8lAC9pMMeM4msHYih60i2JphurrUL2-jJf029lM/s1600/hoopcoop8+wire+install1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKUSX3qWwG456M1rWxE1BS_sgdC44EpR7_eh2zTO6nOs2P9d57h3t4sD-Eol6iaeIsKtwxjhoQdPxj7wy_EXTwKLAPMbwe4RuLvxb8lAC9pMMeM4msHYih60i2JphurrUL2-jJf029lM/s400/hoopcoop8+wire+install1.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back wall - putting wire up. My uncle came over to help us out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrkv71ZZNTu1Li1_sPgY08vofTdOI9DqbUe7vu8JTc2AUYbQmms5aY-N863-3rdbPpoHA68NbMeQWUgNoOOVhYpAiuWJPnBO8glep4-xuMH4OeSXkdODBalf9LhMf36Y4pvs2pCHeujg/s1600/hoopcoop8+wire+install2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrkv71ZZNTu1Li1_sPgY08vofTdOI9DqbUe7vu8JTc2AUYbQmms5aY-N863-3rdbPpoHA68NbMeQWUgNoOOVhYpAiuWJPnBO8glep4-xuMH4OeSXkdODBalf9LhMf36Y4pvs2pCHeujg/s640/hoopcoop8+wire+install2.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered with wire. You can see the cut pvc and extra wood to secure the wire and the hoop to the shed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFCTN4tuFWuo891JPb_uRBHmfD0Pby0OTatmKtFjTX6fXp26UsRyu8JuMupwdr_ZoPsjX40NqcXK0cugUEj_rFhlqj_vYcWUqEb_zPXDbsSi4y8WuTKwYYM-wgaqXZmiD3MKFvlk2E98/s1600/hoopcoop8+wire3+done.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFCTN4tuFWuo891JPb_uRBHmfD0Pby0OTatmKtFjTX6fXp26UsRyu8JuMupwdr_ZoPsjX40NqcXK0cugUEj_rFhlqj_vYcWUqEb_zPXDbsSi4y8WuTKwYYM-wgaqXZmiD3MKFvlk2E98/s400/hoopcoop8+wire3+done.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wire with extra security and base wire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzWuSesw85ZlnB_vw2Aee3pTyVOPdvVfmNwT2byXnrJCNOQYwZmLaUDnV_xThd1KYTpEFdQHjNO3LLDpY1wh3XlfeEYkBEY97klLONN2o8cZc8xAwTh_Ipk-4iZrnWTqANiZD732DZjo/s1600/hoopcoop8+wire4+overlap.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzWuSesw85ZlnB_vw2Aee3pTyVOPdvVfmNwT2byXnrJCNOQYwZmLaUDnV_xThd1KYTpEFdQHjNO3LLDpY1wh3XlfeEYkBEY97klLONN2o8cZc8xAwTh_Ipk-4iZrnWTqANiZD732DZjo/s400/hoopcoop8+wire4+overlap.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlapped wire is zip tied and wire wrapped together</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggII33sPeXnrx9Yhyox2B1oZ7d76IJxAL0px-0MQzAG8el81xPQJtzHz4I5CHDUnQlWQegbigUQmTfFpJPnfN62WR3YyBNnJ3qr-VH6BOglQ1Py80-Oo-1nrf95VrfsoHoXTkCnJcZpoM/s1600/hoopcoop8+wire5+base.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggII33sPeXnrx9Yhyox2B1oZ7d76IJxAL0px-0MQzAG8el81xPQJtzHz4I5CHDUnQlWQegbigUQmTfFpJPnfN62WR3YyBNnJ3qr-VH6BOglQ1Py80-Oo-1nrf95VrfsoHoXTkCnJcZpoM/s640/hoopcoop8+wire5+base.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base wire is stapled to side, zip tied and weighted on bottom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKsKiU-7jLoww6Sa1HlEcSKA14tt7Vli8_FobS8NMfzpb22J31daC0Kb9QuTasH_nbuXan5xqJqz524_eBAiLlxYyzp1Pj3r1yUnUGiREDr7U-14tYJXzRw6rKNzEgZSwVsQP8qLoUa8/s1600/hoopcoop8+wire6+back.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKsKiU-7jLoww6Sa1HlEcSKA14tt7Vli8_FobS8NMfzpb22J31daC0Kb9QuTasH_nbuXan5xqJqz524_eBAiLlxYyzp1Pj3r1yUnUGiREDr7U-14tYJXzRw6rKNzEgZSwVsQP8qLoUa8/s640/hoopcoop8+wire6+back.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the back</td></tr>
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Once the wire was up on the hoop, we overlapped and added wire to extend out from the base for anything that might try to dig in and then weighted it down for now with large pine logs from the tree we had taken down. With all this done it was time to add a roost. We reused the roof portion of the free coop we got and added branches to its sides. Now it was time for a cover to protect from rain and sun. I found an agricultural fabric cover at Tractor Supply that was perfect and less expensive than the shade cloth we were originally looking at using. Once I had this up and secure it was time for the chickens to check out their new lodgings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8SGBt6B-7UOGcKz4HDcB3FTutACy3OMNMDwHWaXZKn4Pw0u3U948FY181GkG4Ts8rcbOxnKwEN-TaenL6z2hNknmeP6eKtCL2OsMAlQQTQc8JegqK0pDFoFancxaWntFVlKlIkvCBb4/s1600/hoop+coop+chickens.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8SGBt6B-7UOGcKz4HDcB3FTutACy3OMNMDwHWaXZKn4Pw0u3U948FY181GkG4Ts8rcbOxnKwEN-TaenL6z2hNknmeP6eKtCL2OsMAlQQTQc8JegqK0pDFoFancxaWntFVlKlIkvCBb4/s640/hoop+coop+chickens.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring and loving their new space</td></tr>
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They made quick work of clearing out the lawn and weeds as they happily scratched and pecked at the ground. We still had the chicken door to the shed closed off because the interior shed temperature remained too warm. We decided after considering our venting or cupola options, to add a second roof when we found the light weight, but well insulated corrugated cellulose fiber/asphalt roof panels at Lowe's. Even better they were clearing out their stock of white panels and the price was half what it had originally been. We decided to buy four and the center roof vent, then build side supports so there would be a shade and rain overhang for the sides and front of the shed. We also added a layer of insulation between the original shed roof and the second roof. The temperature difference was substantial and made the interior comfortable, even with the recent heat wave we've had.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe0EbludvI0F31_jzVRaQPvdMBpT-HP2xM30B7HCcppKtkLHKy1aEAPHLYG0fkQrRqaRBPbjcKum6ZalW6PpD87Ivg9qhu0uHIlo3Ad8DvNJOjsJHlQc2gzOelf1INjp0OCwVCOc2zcU/s1600/hoopcoop9+shed+roof+install.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe0EbludvI0F31_jzVRaQPvdMBpT-HP2xM30B7HCcppKtkLHKy1aEAPHLYG0fkQrRqaRBPbjcKum6ZalW6PpD87Ivg9qhu0uHIlo3Ad8DvNJOjsJHlQc2gzOelf1INjp0OCwVCOc2zcU/s400/hoopcoop9+shed+roof+install.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the furring strips down to attach the panels to</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding insulation between roof sections</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXO8W1OTpj1mVW8uoCKDoestKCWFqLL1J_0mOh9nQzHLzo8tgiuIJ4fgO9cb6p4N2J3JPi4EDs2mEvvXavLfD_ePcQj9wnh82UGmCU74seMsJJTQ0zCjcUPmM5_VXEpvRGO_g4Hrk3r0/s1600/hoopcoop9b+shed+roof3+install.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXO8W1OTpj1mVW8uoCKDoestKCWFqLL1J_0mOh9nQzHLzo8tgiuIJ4fgO9cb6p4N2J3JPi4EDs2mEvvXavLfD_ePcQj9wnh82UGmCU74seMsJJTQ0zCjcUPmM5_VXEpvRGO_g4Hrk3r0/s640/hoopcoop9b+shed+roof3+install.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st panel in place</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT25P-VO1rNZ-THrmpVXT_SwGDQDU81aln-EuvP1GlbrojNYhUscSio2PwV7tiGD5tFcJ3UiSeFBGumx108FdCsGfLFH92KIX4HqkkBN4hGzHBGUk4D5Cxiv-6W4dd2qVmdXhi0ydi2VU/s1600/hoopcoop9+roof+vent.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT25P-VO1rNZ-THrmpVXT_SwGDQDU81aln-EuvP1GlbrojNYhUscSio2PwV7tiGD5tFcJ3UiSeFBGumx108FdCsGfLFH92KIX4HqkkBN4hGzHBGUk4D5Cxiv-6W4dd2qVmdXhi0ydi2VU/s400/hoopcoop9+roof+vent.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the roof vent on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CV0OWygWzPnIv640sDtTkhKA6cSz9OciIgx8ELbWIT12c-ftjn_KPX8lLJ8s4zuAfR0yCe1LI2Em2MILiidts69iZJnkwB8fcM5J6uUuYfnFg2FpVF0q9nGsmf-LhFLM4QCBMgm1lrI/s1600/hoopcoop9d+shed+roof1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CV0OWygWzPnIv640sDtTkhKA6cSz9OciIgx8ELbWIT12c-ftjn_KPX8lLJ8s4zuAfR0yCe1LI2Em2MILiidts69iZJnkwB8fcM5J6uUuYfnFg2FpVF0q9nGsmf-LhFLM4QCBMgm1lrI/s640/hoopcoop9d+shed+roof1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second roof on with vent weighted down while liquid nail product dries</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM0Zq57FnMJUJG4WU-_hzIHYNMlKgATwoa4sXSuR0yep-qPHvnHYWXxnzKqykjM5zwaeKLH6rwfZ_UTvhNElzDS0iIR-TgnYBeSi6xdifYDR-Y2mwsx42f9Qau8WCbNvaJOUK3lDV5ZM/s1600/hoopcoop9g+side+support+and+side+door.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWM0Zq57FnMJUJG4WU-_hzIHYNMlKgATwoa4sXSuR0yep-qPHvnHYWXxnzKqykjM5zwaeKLH6rwfZ_UTvhNElzDS0iIR-TgnYBeSi6xdifYDR-Y2mwsx42f9Qau8WCbNvaJOUK3lDV5ZM/s640/hoopcoop9g+side+support+and+side+door.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side support lumber added - I still need to paint this and the doors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpVYuI1wuNbRz7Z7XpRYKZtetmLm06mSZeWrzeRI9HNMFw3PF9WM7dWSBeaQeC8edR0SUXm9fsNlDy93XGU9KQ0XnOYNnU_WzzZmxYwg2D3UWV-NhIFKrupeU6zf2U5izp_r-IzGygJ8/s1600/hoopcoop10+done1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpVYuI1wuNbRz7Z7XpRYKZtetmLm06mSZeWrzeRI9HNMFw3PF9WM7dWSBeaQeC8edR0SUXm9fsNlDy93XGU9KQ0XnOYNnU_WzzZmxYwg2D3UWV-NhIFKrupeU6zf2U5izp_r-IzGygJ8/s640/hoopcoop10+done1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoop coop with side support up and agriculture fabric on hoop</td></tr>
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With the roof done it was time to open the door and let the chickens check out the interior. Despite all our hard work it took them two full days to get past being "chicken" and willingly walk and stay inside. Now they love it and regularly hang out in there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6Q2XljS1SxsK5YXTd4FdlEVPObeCmY5xEYBH8NIrnk1LBKGzEzDNhZdEHrOVp4wX87lrNlv6wbf7Bq4UAfKcyYBA68hcPKQAwLaE3uBsp-2z3KCxrDwSUv2Ma7HtFnAdy4U_IUnRO4s/s1600/hoopcoop9+open+chicken+door.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6Q2XljS1SxsK5YXTd4FdlEVPObeCmY5xEYBH8NIrnk1LBKGzEzDNhZdEHrOVp4wX87lrNlv6wbf7Bq4UAfKcyYBA68hcPKQAwLaE3uBsp-2z3KCxrDwSUv2Ma7HtFnAdy4U_IUnRO4s/s640/hoopcoop9+open+chicken+door.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Polish chickens deciding if its safe to come inside</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6qONFOPUczvZVkPhsW6qy7lPZP2fX31d3rshApQqOf8pS9U2MbASuzujSBFOUqs5RRBlGJjbo8F1O_DlYekHA06cavvQwjdAh6JepnseMBQ-csm4Gi93qjG7TKtJD-rR0owNFhLjZjA/s1600/hoop+coop+chickens+in+shed.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6qONFOPUczvZVkPhsW6qy7lPZP2fX31d3rshApQqOf8pS9U2MbASuzujSBFOUqs5RRBlGJjbo8F1O_DlYekHA06cavvQwjdAh6JepnseMBQ-csm4Gi93qjG7TKtJD-rR0owNFhLjZjA/s640/hoop+coop+chickens+in+shed.PNG" width="494" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT9rsbTadNqlwpbSWbTeOd6uIK4h64gUCihNLSf8xjV4l-0RCnOOYxrOMN0p9v764OyCxM7CvK3AMXDeT0zxEy3YgS5gEtRCeuktyELSrl6C9qfK8bxTdr9wnApHZdaEdX6CuUekaKlo/s1600/hoopcoop9+side+door.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT9rsbTadNqlwpbSWbTeOd6uIK4h64gUCihNLSf8xjV4l-0RCnOOYxrOMN0p9v764OyCxM7CvK3AMXDeT0zxEy3YgS5gEtRCeuktyELSrl6C9qfK8bxTdr9wnApHZdaEdX6CuUekaKlo/s400/hoopcoop9+side+door.PNG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right side access door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguznW76HuCfoay8ZqLA_XArgZ8-OwzA_tFrlEP54Fw8b1JqdUk5rRAi5MKyMG5m7UezLz9swDfhec-zRyoKmhdnH5JDlR6HnDzZGrcGIW-FJCm0RGGdFjTedPhnvzl6uCJ4JNy8N8ny3U/s1600/hoopcoop9+side+door1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguznW76HuCfoay8ZqLA_XArgZ8-OwzA_tFrlEP54Fw8b1JqdUk5rRAi5MKyMG5m7UezLz9swDfhec-zRyoKmhdnH5JDlR6HnDzZGrcGIW-FJCm0RGGdFjTedPhnvzl6uCJ4JNy8N8ny3U/s400/hoopcoop9+side+door1.PNG" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left slider side access door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We still have the second hoop to complete with an end door and wire. For now it's partially covered with the agrofabric and makes for a nice shady area to stand and watch the chickens antics, or duck under when you're working in the yard and the heat or sudden rain shower causes you to seek a bit of shelter. Once the two side are complete, I'll work to add planting beds next to the coop, some paint and trellises to make the coop more attractive and to make use of plants to act as insect repellent, shade and additional feed for my girls.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OPOeHuSXe1xDdvakrSL6aO5i1rl7qv-XASG8SVcJYLKZeK-N0cdWqox6A4Ie7mzGkkTOe1KmxUS3ElbduCLzqLOsdwi9zMMxj5IbrpzSdCYjDmA9bUw5aLZR-mzgw0AZ_Hc1vvH-VF4/s1600/hoopcoop10+view+from+inside+towards+hoop+area.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OPOeHuSXe1xDdvakrSL6aO5i1rl7qv-XASG8SVcJYLKZeK-N0cdWqox6A4Ie7mzGkkTOe1KmxUS3ElbduCLzqLOsdwi9zMMxj5IbrpzSdCYjDmA9bUw5aLZR-mzgw0AZ_Hc1vvH-VF4/s640/hoopcoop10+view+from+inside+towards+hoop+area.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from window in back of shed at hoop with shade cloth that covers part of the second hoop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiLtSQGk1bvjVxcrDAYBgnSjAj38g7dMaMQg7RNtR4Xf_nugp48UW4pHiqYEyw0I2srWfPl1Gg3oBH40edG7EJ2_s8QWidEoEB6BbXaaAGlGFgBM7slrjoXkR6SIIaby72pL2CvFp-MA/s1600/hoopcoop10+hannah+by+side+door.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhiLtSQGk1bvjVxcrDAYBgnSjAj38g7dMaMQg7RNtR4Xf_nugp48UW4pHiqYEyw0I2srWfPl1Gg3oBH40edG7EJ2_s8QWidEoEB6BbXaaAGlGFgBM7slrjoXkR6SIIaby72pL2CvFp-MA/s640/hoopcoop10+hannah+by+side+door.PNG" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah holding one of the Polish chickens inside the coop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So that's it for now on our hoop coop. I'll update once we complete the second section and add some decorative touches to improve the appearance and add useful shading plants on a trellis.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDj4wIa3YSoaRGWk3rLvkedO2FVEauKgndSZya8Xn620exxiLawbmHHBhLMBfZYGV_Y66jpIcsDTamsveFWgq4uuGMDGvGru4T8hyFXzyEfwGjJnoWdCYIbxqt-d87l9h9ea-jq2eNqg/s1600/blog+signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdDj4wIa3YSoaRGWk3rLvkedO2FVEauKgndSZya8Xn620exxiLawbmHHBhLMBfZYGV_Y66jpIcsDTamsveFWgq4uuGMDGvGru4T8hyFXzyEfwGjJnoWdCYIbxqt-d87l9h9ea-jq2eNqg/s400/blog+signature.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-77726642505363182502016-05-16T09:38:00.000-07:002016-05-16T09:38:00.929-07:00Dreamscope Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidiFomQav5UNwsA5iFDCr0LwMADiAiLEB2bm5x83maBLfIRafY5lzf9vNTmerhSleJKobE61DfGc7Lj7Ila5gfxxK1UKEm3M8ar0T23Ac_KmTOgMyAvciSopGwAKSU7lzZLGmCB5RBZM/s1600/frog.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidiFomQav5UNwsA5iFDCr0LwMADiAiLEB2bm5x83maBLfIRafY5lzf9vNTmerhSleJKobE61DfGc7Lj7Ila5gfxxK1UKEm3M8ar0T23Ac_KmTOgMyAvciSopGwAKSU7lzZLGmCB5RBZM/s640/frog.PNG" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frog picture enhanced with Dreamscope App.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Found a new online tool I've been having fun with. It takes your uploaded photos and makes the changes using a wide variety of filters. It's taken my garden, family and wildlife photos and given them a whole new appearance. Here are a few samples:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ux3MZiRrTbATXR7r35FpWwPIlKSPt9PmUt7Hdi8dSvHdaiW46Die7sIWbqWw7tii4AVKMjFp3PsCczBrEgjxmcVfEz9evdzYhrJkrRsEJv7G7n3vpivGRoI_heJg9oNN-6a4BHukFD0/s1600/anole+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Ux3MZiRrTbATXR7r35FpWwPIlKSPt9PmUt7Hdi8dSvHdaiW46Die7sIWbqWw7tii4AVKMjFp3PsCczBrEgjxmcVfEz9evdzYhrJkrRsEJv7G7n3vpivGRoI_heJg9oNN-6a4BHukFD0/s400/anole+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anole on bromeliad my picture before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrqEgGV9zEIjuf4r-DRfMYx0-1816BiSytfxZdBQp_xsR3UhQM5H-IvMbSGJMYi8LwVdW_stlepnDgsXbUZCuJFIE26DRzclXnY-J2jzjsF_iIQ-rdi1d-5EmCq5yIIcFo4JmJtG_laY/s1600/anole+dreamscope+color+adjust.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrqEgGV9zEIjuf4r-DRfMYx0-1816BiSytfxZdBQp_xsR3UhQM5H-IvMbSGJMYi8LwVdW_stlepnDgsXbUZCuJFIE26DRzclXnY-J2jzjsF_iIQ-rdi1d-5EmCq5yIIcFo4JmJtG_laY/s640/anole+dreamscope+color+adjust.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anole after dreamscope filter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DxGxP4Uqb0EfdjkvhrwC2h8Uo-MiOGK9WLuLPBMo4uZdz_VF30ZiyjGvWRUZd8nwl-5FLVs0cBOBuaxY1dW7evWWQ_SodJpFN1Owk-wi9Z08k3OQ478wcwqPeANK6MYU5uGU0hN5c18/s1600/bard+owl+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DxGxP4Uqb0EfdjkvhrwC2h8Uo-MiOGK9WLuLPBMo4uZdz_VF30ZiyjGvWRUZd8nwl-5FLVs0cBOBuaxY1dW7evWWQ_SodJpFN1Owk-wi9Z08k3OQ478wcwqPeANK6MYU5uGU0hN5c18/s400/bard+owl+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bard Owl Before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbJ9e2BStptkjOQeOu7uGO8OAfbc0QIyGbhqIAs4OJv057T12BCEUMlw1jiaZPEY-7YK_CRDSYrF5nZHX4XN7X8Weov0EMlFpzmBpW5zLJ9tC5KlqfdRerFRiZD9m_34-Yvk2pKWJYuo/s1600/bard+owl+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbJ9e2BStptkjOQeOu7uGO8OAfbc0QIyGbhqIAs4OJv057T12BCEUMlw1jiaZPEY-7YK_CRDSYrF5nZHX4XN7X8Weov0EMlFpzmBpW5zLJ9tC5KlqfdRerFRiZD9m_34-Yvk2pKWJYuo/s640/bard+owl+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bard Owl after Dreamscope</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDqCe7MaYr-lry0uhQNvocCbEMxPWgzbFWuLOcRIwTsoDRAjeiVOb9gdmKzGBDiaDu_Qg5h8ooaE5LnReHRZgr4cYFppBLTUwE4oknhFAGq1RvpamtSpCVEjoSG93tNHpW8wAPa5q30A/s1600/bea+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDqCe7MaYr-lry0uhQNvocCbEMxPWgzbFWuLOcRIwTsoDRAjeiVOb9gdmKzGBDiaDu_Qg5h8ooaE5LnReHRZgr4cYFppBLTUwE4oknhFAGq1RvpamtSpCVEjoSG93tNHpW8wAPa5q30A/s400/bea+before.PNG" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bea before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluawyJacN26LlUsgFdzUUh3MxLVf8gzXds1QyXcJ17jYVhtrLFTJGVys07jc5YZ_defYILDhdL5CnlXJgPqZNlB81OKfu5QxT2I3BZn2taCltoGIwdgurbPOBR_b6SW1YiSZU2eorYHs/s1600/bea+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluawyJacN26LlUsgFdzUUh3MxLVf8gzXds1QyXcJ17jYVhtrLFTJGVys07jc5YZ_defYILDhdL5CnlXJgPqZNlB81OKfu5QxT2I3BZn2taCltoGIwdgurbPOBR_b6SW1YiSZU2eorYHs/s640/bea+dreamscope.PNG" width="588" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bea after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdETN-1JCUq0BX27vgWJzSZIybw0zSVmTjv6kKVGG5w_UmxAuDqMGnhkp-g-RROAFeIVakFZnaIWyQjZPrl8dbKw1iDbs_3WwjYSXzO1ESnMhyFKqRLaMsU-lWAjesXGEYcabZjDA57A/s1600/cam+and+amber+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdETN-1JCUq0BX27vgWJzSZIybw0zSVmTjv6kKVGG5w_UmxAuDqMGnhkp-g-RROAFeIVakFZnaIWyQjZPrl8dbKw1iDbs_3WwjYSXzO1ESnMhyFKqRLaMsU-lWAjesXGEYcabZjDA57A/s400/cam+and+amber+before.PNG" width="372" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron and Amber before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQQJ9o6G19r5cXRDsXnphqWkwLNT69y-BnjPuLf8TkWmY-URMTs6dRfE3x5tza-DO9qUZa8vQB1RdUI254i8VWLg3H78nXX4kLfXerMEZ-vTF6lkJSD7Gk6ogsatJ-RIL0ZOZyTC8vK4/s1600/cam+and+amber+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQQJ9o6G19r5cXRDsXnphqWkwLNT69y-BnjPuLf8TkWmY-URMTs6dRfE3x5tza-DO9qUZa8vQB1RdUI254i8VWLg3H78nXX4kLfXerMEZ-vTF6lkJSD7Gk6ogsatJ-RIL0ZOZyTC8vK4/s640/cam+and+amber+dreamscope.PNG" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron and Amber after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wHlOJEyyLCqT6xi_slHRjMcsAtGJqxonkWd-k5NnyVr7yNGjvhnymG5fekvzsQuATRN_68vh-Mtb2CEOA-Nv4jDe-SlT8SFnpOWCn3aOmI2YoVkfH68RuACSpOw_0nCGVqRlkUrZq1Q/s1600/canna+picasso+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wHlOJEyyLCqT6xi_slHRjMcsAtGJqxonkWd-k5NnyVr7yNGjvhnymG5fekvzsQuATRN_68vh-Mtb2CEOA-Nv4jDe-SlT8SFnpOWCn3aOmI2YoVkfH68RuACSpOw_0nCGVqRlkUrZq1Q/s400/canna+picasso+before.PNG" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canna Picasso before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj71Gj43D7vIxAL936sqHvG43tdV5-cDEVYeY8Q6vypuiJ5rcVLUOhMSq7ZEx0Xk6XdeVWcEZR-wlg8LmWznbmxZUJL097yVusvMDJbsK67NVRQjSkF94sTQOrcbjYqK6S3-K2-KIfCs/s1600/canna+picasso+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj71Gj43D7vIxAL936sqHvG43tdV5-cDEVYeY8Q6vypuiJ5rcVLUOhMSq7ZEx0Xk6XdeVWcEZR-wlg8LmWznbmxZUJL097yVusvMDJbsK67NVRQjSkF94sTQOrcbjYqK6S3-K2-KIfCs/s640/canna+picasso+dreamscope.PNG" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canna Picasso after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelSoBLLVCJPqhwvguJwF2qeqWJRE5hTcWD7UxRRTHYwGyzy8OrvZeg5DlbaO-hDo56uDSVl5INFVLOlLR2Aj_X4ERgZhqbFwud4DqV62mYl-BG6Aqi45TbL8ubRxrbtMBjFkAt402m2k/s1600/bear+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelSoBLLVCJPqhwvguJwF2qeqWJRE5hTcWD7UxRRTHYwGyzy8OrvZeg5DlbaO-hDo56uDSVl5INFVLOlLR2Aj_X4ERgZhqbFwud4DqV62mYl-BG6Aqi45TbL8ubRxrbtMBjFkAt402m2k/s400/bear+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HrfSW429xaCsxd2zT3A3nn4vPgSCRE2zKvFfuCdvbUMy68jwJ6oH3hJ_OxmzPPczAol1IzMkBE_AWRRbDYlG0zWxUReYSicf0XPElcb5iID45y6qq_KAGus4nWvjbpJ_PECvxfKBDKc/s1600/bear+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HrfSW429xaCsxd2zT3A3nn4vPgSCRE2zKvFfuCdvbUMy68jwJ6oH3hJ_OxmzPPczAol1IzMkBE_AWRRbDYlG0zWxUReYSicf0XPElcb5iID45y6qq_KAGus4nWvjbpJ_PECvxfKBDKc/s640/bear+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I find it a fun distraction while watching evening news or as something to do at the end of a busy day when you just want to have a simple distraction as you unwind. You can give it a try at <a href="https://dreamscopeapp.com/">Dreamscope </a> and give a whole new life to your photos.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNn-QzTJJ0MKqxpPMzKGM9yDa99zCEpnkCEeCM4o7y8W87o5tqutYTU2OCLRBb7cUL1t7kFFs0zWM4mfDshGSjsuAsxu9v8jG4LlpkJesD6GFYbbuVgsw9O7-8vyVMN37t4JVyrEwWAho/s1600/chicks+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNn-QzTJJ0MKqxpPMzKGM9yDa99zCEpnkCEeCM4o7y8W87o5tqutYTU2OCLRBb7cUL1t7kFFs0zWM4mfDshGSjsuAsxu9v8jG4LlpkJesD6GFYbbuVgsw9O7-8vyVMN37t4JVyrEwWAho/s400/chicks+before.PNG" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickens before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Kay_0POTvxxFntEDyyXedouopQkxMY7fSzPXsmRL_VykMcjpEtzrNAB0Dt1RDKc2hcVB3APt85GN8KayWmwjPkmwMUWQhbCOeBe6FL4TspuEWnAOlV2CKU_4EXtDjdqbeYL_dGw_d4k/s1600/chicks+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Kay_0POTvxxFntEDyyXedouopQkxMY7fSzPXsmRL_VykMcjpEtzrNAB0Dt1RDKc2hcVB3APt85GN8KayWmwjPkmwMUWQhbCOeBe6FL4TspuEWnAOlV2CKU_4EXtDjdqbeYL_dGw_d4k/s640/chicks+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickens after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2HRBiqdj75CAxlhe3baKGV5_m5mF0ygvb_wsbDU7ySWML9ZjVd-dal3uqAV7M7VwLKRibZHRxAD8dslh5OYPLhHhmt8y2QJLLWJ0Us9z3zV7MEbPr5T3bbEfBvKzN8Dc7NtXxE54rjQ/s1600/china+square+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2HRBiqdj75CAxlhe3baKGV5_m5mF0ygvb_wsbDU7ySWML9ZjVd-dal3uqAV7M7VwLKRibZHRxAD8dslh5OYPLhHhmt8y2QJLLWJ0Us9z3zV7MEbPr5T3bbEfBvKzN8Dc7NtXxE54rjQ/s400/china+square+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forbidden City, Beijing before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30_gcuywzJ0XEb6S_kq7DW9XQcXuy3Fe0x6M3WSDEL_xsWRg8SUNLan6BzC0v-FE7odq9j0p2M00s-GAI6iaB88OfxS2QlqxQNPcagCn9v_HouJV0fB_CCM7cCtkfWuGaQFumjuTzeEQ/s1600/china+square+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30_gcuywzJ0XEb6S_kq7DW9XQcXuy3Fe0x6M3WSDEL_xsWRg8SUNLan6BzC0v-FE7odq9j0p2M00s-GAI6iaB88OfxS2QlqxQNPcagCn9v_HouJV0fB_CCM7cCtkfWuGaQFumjuTzeEQ/s640/china+square+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forbidden City, Beijing after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Kq_D-hXN3vEuCLsDSAUYOfo_JuXvBw5T5eWmE9OhZzjrfmp3xHPV1kScmxqC5bvcJ_MA_9R6SSMs3FJK171MFyzTp2lwT4jU3WDTiQs0ee7wGqVoq7_NgYdx71ZsPHUVPQaWt7ZA8I/s1600/dahlia+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0Kq_D-hXN3vEuCLsDSAUYOfo_JuXvBw5T5eWmE9OhZzjrfmp3xHPV1kScmxqC5bvcJ_MA_9R6SSMs3FJK171MFyzTp2lwT4jU3WDTiQs0ee7wGqVoq7_NgYdx71ZsPHUVPQaWt7ZA8I/s400/dahlia+before.PNG" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dahlia before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4gdXgJJYGk3Pnb1Jsy8-911r3fW_4VqyHDRW_jRZKeuwROQH-niP5iHEkBJmpaLEaRTPpEBPzqDGZEjKVS5GL_QR5_nK_t9dLF9BsS4ndGPyrFJAI4qjTtIbuwFEH_RlC1dldXh4Hgs/s1600/dahlia+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4gdXgJJYGk3Pnb1Jsy8-911r3fW_4VqyHDRW_jRZKeuwROQH-niP5iHEkBJmpaLEaRTPpEBPzqDGZEjKVS5GL_QR5_nK_t9dLF9BsS4ndGPyrFJAI4qjTtIbuwFEH_RlC1dldXh4Hgs/s640/dahlia+dreamscope.PNG" width="590" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dahlia after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8xQHWEpccFWmFWo49aY4_HArpX3SA0Vs8GqI9X03jVEmArDJMuH3SYJ-4AGzTzIm3hUi0fhy1FliV0XtWTcXS5w6vfYWYoU9mX-S48-HOIgy5vqw3j48nyMpJocVq1pdy5AQ-e33-V0/s1600/girls+and+tarzan+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8xQHWEpccFWmFWo49aY4_HArpX3SA0Vs8GqI9X03jVEmArDJMuH3SYJ-4AGzTzIm3hUi0fhy1FliV0XtWTcXS5w6vfYWYoU9mX-S48-HOIgy5vqw3j48nyMpJocVq1pdy5AQ-e33-V0/s400/girls+and+tarzan+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren, Hannah and Tarzan before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEvIe-F8nqmzG95P_uuoh14A_GNOSmse8N3vubFyDYE6XjRQ2OFxSiU7ai71pxiIUxFcYS1uOqRAq-fSoUkqXDh9qUGeuaiHeTr9B-VLAmaZe8cmjYgsRtmMR0SoLarVUdMqDJmDLON0/s1600/girls+and+tarzan+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEvIe-F8nqmzG95P_uuoh14A_GNOSmse8N3vubFyDYE6XjRQ2OFxSiU7ai71pxiIUxFcYS1uOqRAq-fSoUkqXDh9qUGeuaiHeTr9B-VLAmaZe8cmjYgsRtmMR0SoLarVUdMqDJmDLON0/s640/girls+and+tarzan+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren, Hannah and Tarzan after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA-7fBLPWqdTmgeQS2sWRbT3lUbR-Xws0zMzoDxtzBcTg1iUVrXvUQgf9HfcNVBUmilTLCrEPJ2iKcJisp8_Z0lGRSYL-xa77Tu_0JG3HYLcgmh9CS62vWBAE2ZdMf4WAKIdZ3m8Q530/s1600/heron+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBA-7fBLPWqdTmgeQS2sWRbT3lUbR-Xws0zMzoDxtzBcTg1iUVrXvUQgf9HfcNVBUmilTLCrEPJ2iKcJisp8_Z0lGRSYL-xa77Tu_0JG3HYLcgmh9CS62vWBAE2ZdMf4WAKIdZ3m8Q530/s400/heron+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Heron before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQioj5QXZLhKwBBhKAMNj5RoMLc_wtafsc4QgA5V8s-A72x6RandjQoMk_2jbnd30esaIEl99_7t_N8LQJnivAAIe3dRVPpIMmrO6kzkcoW2stU8A2yD8pRvJfkOquYWE-vTA73Mdg9g/s1600/heron+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQioj5QXZLhKwBBhKAMNj5RoMLc_wtafsc4QgA5V8s-A72x6RandjQoMk_2jbnd30esaIEl99_7t_N8LQJnivAAIe3dRVPpIMmrO6kzkcoW2stU8A2yD8pRvJfkOquYWE-vTA73Mdg9g/s640/heron+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Heron after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlJp3-ZQvR5MfmDZJVJVyUU89ijw3j_PMe00IAgml0ecumlVJtHu-NkngeTF8F0bwJAfd9IjDBBb9t_-QELbtIXGPlA2wQARyu0i5pve-YgJJAcALfAfIa2ZrxFvsfpS2eu1qUti2F0E/s1600/hibiscus+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlJp3-ZQvR5MfmDZJVJVyUU89ijw3j_PMe00IAgml0ecumlVJtHu-NkngeTF8F0bwJAfd9IjDBBb9t_-QELbtIXGPlA2wQARyu0i5pve-YgJJAcALfAfIa2ZrxFvsfpS2eu1qUti2F0E/s400/hibiscus+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1oBPIMwafkowBGWtgD9YXOxruHesTjFNSGvG3YDb2CztkpgvXsJRfsCpYj0lFKyH8CHNCxUnCxNtWVrUi7_LUbfCxtFZCOfJGRb7cu2-r3YQ22Eb23BfXZpNGiR1IIfS3rI10ckr7pM/s1600/hibiscus+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1oBPIMwafkowBGWtgD9YXOxruHesTjFNSGvG3YDb2CztkpgvXsJRfsCpYj0lFKyH8CHNCxUnCxNtWVrUi7_LUbfCxtFZCOfJGRb7cu2-r3YQ22Eb23BfXZpNGiR1IIfS3rI10ckr7pM/s640/hibiscus+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsgeKD_12sd_P-59U-4ITOnhsbO3rV57Aj7GrruzHuKIO2dr0PAdsmMbhVgT7VNcovJ8GlYwHvZQfQTLty8Fkv7ew8oUs4J5cb2zfXELvNWYGiKCEKT1tGcFP0L83MKJiFR2nVCBi6OA/s1600/great+egret+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsgeKD_12sd_P-59U-4ITOnhsbO3rV57Aj7GrruzHuKIO2dr0PAdsmMbhVgT7VNcovJ8GlYwHvZQfQTLty8Fkv7ew8oUs4J5cb2zfXELvNWYGiKCEKT1tGcFP0L83MKJiFR2nVCBi6OA/s400/great+egret+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great White Egret before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd71coVCJlXELPBTtdhlro0l9kRen6Zu7LuuYfDTtRpzUd26rMgSIxQWumaFJ0Og1C6-GGQZ1dFEIXdMBgBb8GxgYUK48Sr3mwfnxUyW3x1dyTfctcyCPxF8h2LgfGdTcMF5PAoSO8v4k/s1600/great+egret+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd71coVCJlXELPBTtdhlro0l9kRen6Zu7LuuYfDTtRpzUd26rMgSIxQWumaFJ0Og1C6-GGQZ1dFEIXdMBgBb8GxgYUK48Sr3mwfnxUyW3x1dyTfctcyCPxF8h2LgfGdTcMF5PAoSO8v4k/s640/great+egret+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great White Egret after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwN3WpWzAN4bHPsmtyAJZAHuJLpMtA6W7HMkQNzFuF8-Mwob3YymbHoiylhX-Mqn50VVh8Z8wmNfuOkY9_5hx6T80Md6mtErf81ekDZYCIF6hgjwsQaCwcUhz48D3LHvLaAI9KpXukIY/s1600/landscape+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwN3WpWzAN4bHPsmtyAJZAHuJLpMtA6W7HMkQNzFuF8-Mwob3YymbHoiylhX-Mqn50VVh8Z8wmNfuOkY9_5hx6T80Md6mtErf81ekDZYCIF6hgjwsQaCwcUhz48D3LHvLaAI9KpXukIY/s400/landscape+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscape before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkyzQJbS7wU9XzOs-j66W-zXZAKYlJ7mFeTgVz9HtZD3U3jeYzIfN4-3HBHmoe-wRGXnjw2E-ZeL0E-Od26SHQPcib37PIcnPqS8KCn33GWuv7o4CnpkUM69i2XQ134kGKay8a7KOvyU/s1600/landscape+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnkyzQJbS7wU9XzOs-j66W-zXZAKYlJ7mFeTgVz9HtZD3U3jeYzIfN4-3HBHmoe-wRGXnjw2E-ZeL0E-Od26SHQPcib37PIcnPqS8KCn33GWuv7o4CnpkUM69i2XQ134kGKay8a7KOvyU/s640/landscape+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscape after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUISVFlqYBRi3HQG9S3uMFTww39klgLnksn_Lz-rg2yLS3Of33qAkXi5BJVlI8kP7PWMN6kzWtDRWAGXgQZosy4_l9wYp9HkKj9_zp8FHHDTju-KR-X1tRsGvi5V9z3UcEQ5PwoputB4/s1600/tractor+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUISVFlqYBRi3HQG9S3uMFTww39klgLnksn_Lz-rg2yLS3Of33qAkXi5BJVlI8kP7PWMN6kzWtDRWAGXgQZosy4_l9wYp9HkKj9_zp8FHHDTju-KR-X1tRsGvi5V9z3UcEQ5PwoputB4/s400/tractor+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tractor before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7i_BQSCsbx_9vqWYri-80uEKx1uLUsjqYmvYpQhaialxQKoaaLdcKR2HjyU0oz4wwXf_UWG9Jvc-yQYbd7EHC1VbnBKBdsAiGJKBiKkahQtndo1Kvw9GqtKTzETf7NIdcBS7F82iMVo/s1600/tractor+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7i_BQSCsbx_9vqWYri-80uEKx1uLUsjqYmvYpQhaialxQKoaaLdcKR2HjyU0oz4wwXf_UWG9Jvc-yQYbd7EHC1VbnBKBdsAiGJKBiKkahQtndo1Kvw9GqtKTzETf7NIdcBS7F82iMVo/s640/tractor+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tractor after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEiVpW-zXhyfErlVQWbvbHo9QEXSu45_GyEBS4iNhm9ZgiuIt8AwO7jas45gIWRiINV3VTxa3ge9iXg1cJoN0gzTaBgjrNZEK_WZbo2jtm7Rjsu07dXHS2IPGsJHTQ1YrHiFTsTASirw/s1600/pond+lillies+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEiVpW-zXhyfErlVQWbvbHo9QEXSu45_GyEBS4iNhm9ZgiuIt8AwO7jas45gIWRiINV3VTxa3ge9iXg1cJoN0gzTaBgjrNZEK_WZbo2jtm7Rjsu07dXHS2IPGsJHTQ1YrHiFTsTASirw/s400/pond+lillies+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterlilies befpre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8PmDdOdNMfen95c5ufzCYWASdj3vg3xXT1qjYpsADMPaYLqXWCCF02qq-QTiSHBBXnAmSEJsltpoj_Q1aI_NO01h-I9gduH4R42FPmeLq3WA6i3T1x3C8dXpEp3eY3sF3TVSQWCJ_4U/s1600/pond+lillies+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8PmDdOdNMfen95c5ufzCYWASdj3vg3xXT1qjYpsADMPaYLqXWCCF02qq-QTiSHBBXnAmSEJsltpoj_Q1aI_NO01h-I9gduH4R42FPmeLq3WA6i3T1x3C8dXpEp3eY3sF3TVSQWCJ_4U/s640/pond+lillies+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterlilies after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N1d-CqPftExBA9Sqdk_s0RexxQCFlkB9pKTN6LbGYrYuyIDk3IPAu1iND3ZcNz_Xc_qaHxrM7LhCKY2FKQzc4AhX9Y7CmXOF67aGW1w0PWKRh5X-HGhwRGsEaiVk8f6IJCESLPnP4f8/s1600/mural+dreamscope+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2N1d-CqPftExBA9Sqdk_s0RexxQCFlkB9pKTN6LbGYrYuyIDk3IPAu1iND3ZcNz_Xc_qaHxrM7LhCKY2FKQzc4AhX9Y7CmXOF67aGW1w0PWKRh5X-HGhwRGsEaiVk8f6IJCESLPnP4f8/s400/mural+dreamscope+before.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">China Wall Mural before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUogPnqI-X5TZaVBhRd64f33khIUf6cHPB-KRkDzTb656sEyI7582IPnkRRj-JJn3kYdb1IHQ0ZkfzPLhXuG1qAUheQQ2tdOLcX6csj759ZNX8m1pPxP7r54Jr6IvjqlxR2HpQwV63zlA/s1600/china+mural+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUogPnqI-X5TZaVBhRd64f33khIUf6cHPB-KRkDzTb656sEyI7582IPnkRRj-JJn3kYdb1IHQ0ZkfzPLhXuG1qAUheQQ2tdOLcX6csj759ZNX8m1pPxP7r54Jr6IvjqlxR2HpQwV63zlA/s640/china+mural+dreamscope.PNG" width="635" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">China Wall Mural After</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gqZsU_tao9htG2tj40rQidAAsNdIxCkNPoc8g3A9P0PEM-J2q5fQ42EvHqQ8FQu3fcitU-Zz_9h1YSwLXmhmDDcNMZfEia_i0cS-7TDYmWvUGXQQIcxElVpFtlIre17B1u-haHUG7iY/s1600/tiger+eye+lilly+before.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gqZsU_tao9htG2tj40rQidAAsNdIxCkNPoc8g3A9P0PEM-J2q5fQ42EvHqQ8FQu3fcitU-Zz_9h1YSwLXmhmDDcNMZfEia_i0cS-7TDYmWvUGXQQIcxElVpFtlIre17B1u-haHUG7iY/s400/tiger+eye+lilly+before.PNG" width="387" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Eye Lilly before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G_q4bXWWImz_wD64x3oiDXodtRRKjlXDFb-4TaxkxZ0oGV7T01al7bZ1_9Uyhfu0uT-UcIXlLKt41YTHX2wwKAjsLTDhIVEeMJRL2hBnlAWTzjfLiolO9fsu_bOGFcDDu5UFx6TRID8/s1600/tiger+eye+lilly+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2G_q4bXWWImz_wD64x3oiDXodtRRKjlXDFb-4TaxkxZ0oGV7T01al7bZ1_9Uyhfu0uT-UcIXlLKt41YTHX2wwKAjsLTDhIVEeMJRL2hBnlAWTzjfLiolO9fsu_bOGFcDDu5UFx6TRID8/s640/tiger+eye+lilly+dreamscope.PNG" width="618" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger Eye Lilly after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3oTkGZN7Z3d09EJL-DnM4Zau1Fsncg1f__xCbZQwLSI4PJPMBCuLyiHdI4kO2MQySOYkwoBsH0Wnol1O75QFFVAlKz80CNEfB1kivgLB_TLm8-lwdx_vPHcKNSdx7UD3R4CQZF5PoGs/s1600/shanghai+dreamscope+pic.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3oTkGZN7Z3d09EJL-DnM4Zau1Fsncg1f__xCbZQwLSI4PJPMBCuLyiHdI4kO2MQySOYkwoBsH0Wnol1O75QFFVAlKz80CNEfB1kivgLB_TLm8-lwdx_vPHcKNSdx7UD3R4CQZF5PoGs/s400/shanghai+dreamscope+pic.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron and Hannah Shanghai before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrxthWhSeA7SRE8_qJprD2iv5K8vBp2nNi3r9mw2rCIkOj-c3bGiVQL2_o13yNbYzjT2vQwMSxPMQypG7j97nOSfitMW650VyPbHmRaUooA4O5iF5LiBINyswUcazkezvKkbxDhqWd2s/s1600/shanghai+dreamscope.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrxthWhSeA7SRE8_qJprD2iv5K8vBp2nNi3r9mw2rCIkOj-c3bGiVQL2_o13yNbYzjT2vQwMSxPMQypG7j97nOSfitMW650VyPbHmRaUooA4O5iF5LiBINyswUcazkezvKkbxDhqWd2s/s640/shanghai+dreamscope.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron and Hannah Shanghai after</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Have fun. SOOOOO many other filters to choose from for your unique photo creations!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTrcW-4XjDlA_E3NXDZRep6WjEu64TZW-n_0zjRF7nKoVevOC4rCClazSXEb5GDQ-nO-7B-Q45gFfiyWkpQ-sRO6Az2IBXR6mHUd80R2KJmdM5Fm0MVguPs8tM2B_YnBMX1MnlUrv4L0/s1600/blog+signature.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTrcW-4XjDlA_E3NXDZRep6WjEu64TZW-n_0zjRF7nKoVevOC4rCClazSXEb5GDQ-nO-7B-Q45gFfiyWkpQ-sRO6Az2IBXR6mHUd80R2KJmdM5Fm0MVguPs8tM2B_YnBMX1MnlUrv4L0/s1600/blog+signature.PNG" /></a></div>
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-56470033225344045622016-05-06T20:24:00.000-07:002016-05-06T20:24:34.633-07:00Bulbs in Bloom<br />
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Back in February on a particularly gloomy and cold day for Florida, the girls and I had some errands to run and one of our stops was at Walmart. When we were there looking for some items on our list we saw the newly stocked shelves of bulbs and seeds for sale. Looking at the beautiful flowers and plants made us long for their appearance in our yard. So we loaded up a whole lot of them, then stopped by Home Depot to get the ingredients I needed to put together my potting mix and we began planting the bulbs in anticipation of Spring color and texture in our yard and garden areas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIFDXrAYmSBdJ23_60hlwkRKYtXQ6jDBi1ihmBmwIS6pxAgakodk-e20VaL1fVEfF67T6uL9FWuoy3fyRZyWY51tftztZfx-kgFswoQvciIN0jDmyA4xSs_rFhPJ3u6-K5Gbu1ZkfSsg/s1600/apple+flower.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdIFDXrAYmSBdJ23_60hlwkRKYtXQ6jDBi1ihmBmwIS6pxAgakodk-e20VaL1fVEfF67T6uL9FWuoy3fyRZyWY51tftztZfx-kgFswoQvciIN0jDmyA4xSs_rFhPJ3u6-K5Gbu1ZkfSsg/s640/apple+flower.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not part of our bulbs, but the apple was one of the first to flower</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO2-A_ugKlOS_mh2UFhnfayKoPpKUzMRhttHAndrARe3_nS2kfsGk2f6aYjlfdDutblDxi7R1fol-KALnKNM3BfkwFTiaDl5rQe7tXTXyHFxXrRVEA6knu9Ty_pG9lcMc-4SNPW8RSGQ/s1600/cranberry+hibiscus.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQO2-A_ugKlOS_mh2UFhnfayKoPpKUzMRhttHAndrARe3_nS2kfsGk2f6aYjlfdDutblDxi7R1fol-KALnKNM3BfkwFTiaDl5rQe7tXTXyHFxXrRVEA6knu9Ty_pG9lcMc-4SNPW8RSGQ/s400/cranberry+hibiscus.PNG" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another was the cranberry hibiscus</td></tr>
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We bought a lot of perennials so we can look forward to more production over the years, as well as seeds for the annuals that we'll spread around each year to keep multiplying their appearance with pops of color. It's exciting as we see the first fruits of our labor now appearing and adding to the established green that was already in the yard. Until now we've primarily planted trees and plants with the idea of food production, With those doing well it's time to bring color and beneficial insect attracters into the yard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_vZlAQ5jNazzDUAK073igpb-XWLZvJBJmqOV0xZ-fmu5l-m13TIjINmJumx6ADavUzfJRRZTSZXjp5jM6gRCibXsp5iXhylrf2UxmL0CFQUV78ys7uFpXzwQLUY9j8d_QIRjCFWjcH4/s1600/daylilly+and+salvia.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_vZlAQ5jNazzDUAK073igpb-XWLZvJBJmqOV0xZ-fmu5l-m13TIjINmJumx6ADavUzfJRRZTSZXjp5jM6gRCibXsp5iXhylrf2UxmL0CFQUV78ys7uFpXzwQLUY9j8d_QIRjCFWjcH4/s640/daylilly+and+salvia.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first bulbs to come up was this pretty daylilly they called "Dreamcicle"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNXguyTMbPctctpEnKS7wGSpWrk0LMbQOg41ELJubwD2lw9JJKAbVJ6EvPvjQMJecD9hkU_QJwlSZPzN4lIxBculbF-vicyj4RTcGJ0LXn8Zewq9YxS30SaGxIivpF7yNL87QcFAfyzM/s1600/dahlia.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNXguyTMbPctctpEnKS7wGSpWrk0LMbQOg41ELJubwD2lw9JJKAbVJ6EvPvjQMJecD9hkU_QJwlSZPzN4lIxBculbF-vicyj4RTcGJ0LXn8Zewq9YxS30SaGxIivpF7yNL87QcFAfyzM/s640/dahlia.PNG" width="572" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of the many incredible blooms on this Dahlia</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcrD_WF7hexb-so-uXm_b2-a4cQ71tlhXCGfuprA1y7m1IrLg2CQvYWw7Q1RfcxFdFxCYYBEGo47bLKogl5yZV5E2tBOPGSuFrCy2wG9507N-n8hcTHgtTTSQ4NE9umJIGf6jf11LdCE/s1600/daylilly+dreamcicle.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcrD_WF7hexb-so-uXm_b2-a4cQ71tlhXCGfuprA1y7m1IrLg2CQvYWw7Q1RfcxFdFxCYYBEGo47bLKogl5yZV5E2tBOPGSuFrCy2wG9507N-n8hcTHgtTTSQ4NE9umJIGf6jf11LdCE/s400/daylilly+dreamcicle.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcH3Hfwg4pmiQtXnVmGbx1AIR7Og-Vjh5XQPymejJoi_9gpvJ8eUCO1b6NjyEjk4oVJNSCMPIwU4ksuehrkECqVWF8GbBOMmrS34B6P97fWFZQZEukYbeDPjscXMdMm2uRDOR3ffPDIQ/s1600/dutch+iris.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcH3Hfwg4pmiQtXnVmGbx1AIR7Og-Vjh5XQPymejJoi_9gpvJ8eUCO1b6NjyEjk4oVJNSCMPIwU4ksuehrkECqVWF8GbBOMmrS34B6P97fWFZQZEukYbeDPjscXMdMm2uRDOR3ffPDIQ/s640/dutch+iris.PNG" width="602" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have many of these nice Dutch Iris springing up around the yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30WUiqTAc4mpjA8CsD2xaRCibsj2ZhitPMMeHKboXo6li1-ln8yiYwjTE4ukx4Mt2pXioLrzwU6J2feW2jPjW3dGjWaxf5yANjZvSxbNii1tOd98r-7MqR32-iz1aaPDO4oTVU9aRpZ4/s1600/gladiola+purple.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg30WUiqTAc4mpjA8CsD2xaRCibsj2ZhitPMMeHKboXo6li1-ln8yiYwjTE4ukx4Mt2pXioLrzwU6J2feW2jPjW3dGjWaxf5yANjZvSxbNii1tOd98r-7MqR32-iz1aaPDO4oTVU9aRpZ4/s640/gladiola+purple.PNG" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The purple gladiolus are so showy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT9rsdG3sAXfrhG9mZ3P_O39owUQ0cLPZtKL6S6JxvimRS2BSPf_D82xa-3RQONE5nLyCruB0DxNwakzbz6b7YYwUqFM5bfT1PheGWeo7-pyuXZPum61SxU-v8qfrKcqnUVbS1YRMwFI/s1600/daylilly+night+beacon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGT9rsdG3sAXfrhG9mZ3P_O39owUQ0cLPZtKL6S6JxvimRS2BSPf_D82xa-3RQONE5nLyCruB0DxNwakzbz6b7YYwUqFM5bfT1PheGWeo7-pyuXZPum61SxU-v8qfrKcqnUVbS1YRMwFI/s640/daylilly+night+beacon.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Daylilly is called "Night Beacon"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotUBsLZlMQH_NnU-Qo4sYbcP7s12WvVpUWQpRubAuxE2Rj7x0Jv-Qgl7YPHh1KR1CwJA_qNxaZOBFDYaO-U58bjNZZ-duxwT0wOV-Du3-QdE8C2Wh3EUcyB1IMNQ_hmP0OUvMMe6BMwE/s1600/guara.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotUBsLZlMQH_NnU-Qo4sYbcP7s12WvVpUWQpRubAuxE2Rj7x0Jv-Qgl7YPHh1KR1CwJA_qNxaZOBFDYaO-U58bjNZZ-duxwT0wOV-Du3-QdE8C2Wh3EUcyB1IMNQ_hmP0OUvMMe6BMwE/s640/guara.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found a Guara on clearance at Lowes and here are some of its blossoms</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6TVjcBT1EL8MN_hV4BXGq7ZgFQz10OCXZWHAMCMcPS34h5j4RZyJj5Zx_fN0SHuPEyJ5uAi0ixgazdekG0oyYagFjq9qV5RA_e6OVJVDFAmZ00OPcJ0fhsjjXv3WVhPauwZm5WdGXDE/s1600/hibiscus.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6TVjcBT1EL8MN_hV4BXGq7ZgFQz10OCXZWHAMCMcPS34h5j4RZyJj5Zx_fN0SHuPEyJ5uAi0ixgazdekG0oyYagFjq9qV5RA_e6OVJVDFAmZ00OPcJ0fhsjjXv3WVhPauwZm5WdGXDE/s640/hibiscus.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hibiscus is showing its color as well</td></tr>
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We'll continue to divide these plants as they mature and spread them throughout the yard and garden so that the whole yard will be a beautiful productive place to be. Hope you enjoy some of the beauties that have already made their appearance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7YRfkRh0WdT6NcpJ_QG5DfCES9Bx947qGDzgVk4KiCR_mNLc0zEKhRHJSskltGBLh9MRClJWmWgC6x9pQxiZE6nTcUy8Bjr7NK6N9G_rh0XS7QsqgJO7P_rBPDBYa-YneKiqPYtKw_Q/s1600/calla+lilly+yellow.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7YRfkRh0WdT6NcpJ_QG5DfCES9Bx947qGDzgVk4KiCR_mNLc0zEKhRHJSskltGBLh9MRClJWmWgC6x9pQxiZE6nTcUy8Bjr7NK6N9G_rh0XS7QsqgJO7P_rBPDBYa-YneKiqPYtKw_Q/s640/calla+lilly+yellow.PNG" width="548" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just LOVE these yellow calla lilies and their variegated leaves!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFZnPcrX-8D5tMc8vRyAyBOMIZdPLuJNXrn3DNbewOC34YihyphenhyphenFpJjio_kXf9D51KwC4qnITVxe87fp0DHm4bpje2mtYGiLDJQKcv0WhfpjLSp0zvfLa44PZuHkRzdGLBh4JlRb8GqGWs/s1600/canna+picasso.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFZnPcrX-8D5tMc8vRyAyBOMIZdPLuJNXrn3DNbewOC34YihyphenhyphenFpJjio_kXf9D51KwC4qnITVxe87fp0DHm4bpje2mtYGiLDJQKcv0WhfpjLSp0zvfLa44PZuHkRzdGLBh4JlRb8GqGWs/s640/canna+picasso.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Canna "Picasso" makes a bold statement flower </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtMIa2_EmyvUwzTvfBrAatuFpG5T06vsx1BCbFBHJvx7HgpWH0Ab70OunsXABB9kDwDzE7LCRfJlFBMFpr9bMDhdSZDzGnDc1v4U-vGb3G-bpAskp872laWzvwRttYYzO6MMPH9ifR6E/s1600/echinacea+purpurea.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtMIa2_EmyvUwzTvfBrAatuFpG5T06vsx1BCbFBHJvx7HgpWH0Ab70OunsXABB9kDwDzE7LCRfJlFBMFpr9bMDhdSZDzGnDc1v4U-vGb3G-bpAskp872laWzvwRttYYzO6MMPH9ifR6E/s400/echinacea+purpurea.PNG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Echinacea is pretty and useful</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGi-8G9OpOoQlzPSIUyW_GPBpmTLimv6BRGmCb0fQdbXhG6cx4SJwY-qs_1PoohaVoloyblX9psskYHe8guObAODDBmxpPSlUL4k77ugVddvSzTvNTgcSU4ujcnlgaPkzd-K1STlb904/s1600/pink+calla+lilly.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGi-8G9OpOoQlzPSIUyW_GPBpmTLimv6BRGmCb0fQdbXhG6cx4SJwY-qs_1PoohaVoloyblX9psskYHe8guObAODDBmxpPSlUL4k77ugVddvSzTvNTgcSU4ujcnlgaPkzd-K1STlb904/s640/pink+calla+lilly.PNG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This delicate pink Calla Lilly is lovely</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGnbCAfjaIC2kQC44bObSbE3ELQNyS2Bnf2YenH_3sqXihTpHIDOrQ8VG6JW9dHS0zWduQ3Cad3RNkcIEdj9G6hLCduialy3cS0g2VHDEOjPBI2XvwSIkgVbBgh4YHAU3yVoAoiXdcew/s1600/tiger+eye+lilly.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGnbCAfjaIC2kQC44bObSbE3ELQNyS2Bnf2YenH_3sqXihTpHIDOrQ8VG6JW9dHS0zWduQ3Cad3RNkcIEdj9G6hLCduialy3cS0g2VHDEOjPBI2XvwSIkgVbBgh4YHAU3yVoAoiXdcew/s640/tiger+eye+lilly.PNG" width="620" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tiger Eye Lilies are so pretty too.</td></tr>
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I'm still waiting for many of the others to show up throughout the yard and in pots, but I've also been treated to my banana flowering and producing bananas. This is also the first year my pineapple guava has flowered and I'm hoping for fruit on that too. I have 10 pineapples producing and we already enjoyed some loquats from that tree. It's a delight to see the color and now I'm looking forward to enjoying the fruits as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dl-prnxZDHdxgynyh9HEZ-A0vhVQy4941D5_pdqpE_MYpFsLcMHVlhjKp_WHbjKdmhwgtub_Do4_2iE9yy-c40IA81K2-_YqDowGOrTvA912SFPElkRVQOE85kEYXJo1b-7Rku48Y-0/s1600/banana+flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dl-prnxZDHdxgynyh9HEZ-A0vhVQy4941D5_pdqpE_MYpFsLcMHVlhjKp_WHbjKdmhwgtub_Do4_2iE9yy-c40IA81K2-_YqDowGOrTvA912SFPElkRVQOE85kEYXJo1b-7Rku48Y-0/s640/banana+flower.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The banana flower when it first appeared. Since this photo was taken it has produced 6 hands of bananas and is still growing longer with more to come.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGK8uSKsK6ySh7BhRqrPRKz8jXD51FpKccDKYFa-ljVq9dKG5ALnasFvOYtB3AufGJArmIxiyoe14hyxCN8mQ_Vwo60pFJuldKP6TR1YSOhzIjCCOUZpF2P8RLEEuz3F5YU1MN4rZBuI/s1600/pineapple+guava+flower.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGK8uSKsK6ySh7BhRqrPRKz8jXD51FpKccDKYFa-ljVq9dKG5ALnasFvOYtB3AufGJArmIxiyoe14hyxCN8mQ_Vwo60pFJuldKP6TR1YSOhzIjCCOUZpF2P8RLEEuz3F5YU1MN4rZBuI/s400/pineapple+guava+flower.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple Guava</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTIj9iEWTC8i-sTZRjAgHKDijUr_O3whE6uoSE0HLa9zECskYIbKdfzJmcJPsPmhMlreEki-Z-6tBplQZ7GxnWyoEEQV3kLcghkPR0RRo0ufjEALvPHDXtzo6Gba0YUBQVkxGpUzXx4g/s1600/pineapple.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTIj9iEWTC8i-sTZRjAgHKDijUr_O3whE6uoSE0HLa9zECskYIbKdfzJmcJPsPmhMlreEki-Z-6tBplQZ7GxnWyoEEQV3kLcghkPR0RRo0ufjEALvPHDXtzo6Gba0YUBQVkxGpUzXx4g/s640/pineapple.PNG" width="546" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the 10 pineapples that are beginning to grow</td></tr>
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We've been busy with the garden, and are delighted to see the results. Will share photos when I have more to show you.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-13367371583784975712016-04-07T16:09:00.002-07:002016-04-07T16:09:57.415-07:00Spring Chickens<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GUz8BDfHEAuM_1t4KbluwxzKtEgabgIzlS7DHV0PnY7RT5x70Ceds7TW4oS8mikAtvN86sJEOjpnamRDSZ2Q2TV5bYzKCkel7CZeDhafZGsuWjvVaOAI1R0atimsqytI5nQX_1gyzPU/s1600/spring+1st+chicks.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5GUz8BDfHEAuM_1t4KbluwxzKtEgabgIzlS7DHV0PnY7RT5x70Ceds7TW4oS8mikAtvN86sJEOjpnamRDSZ2Q2TV5bYzKCkel7CZeDhafZGsuWjvVaOAI1R0atimsqytI5nQX_1gyzPU/s640/spring+1st+chicks.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New chicks in the Tractor Supply Box</td></tr>
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Well Spring is in the air and 3 weeks ago we stopped by Tractor Supply to pick up a few needed items for current projects and to check on the parking lot vendors they have come in with their animals for sale. We've been talking about getting chickens for some time and wound up buying our first set of chicks, 11 in all this trip.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsi6_NdeZJMqDQvOOU1sTG7yb1I-fMrVKhCxDvsHbWmmhhHuIHf7ldTKX3ENJyRYQunGsI-rAwZdOUms05xDbWxr3Wvw4p6p1dizsuz1LN8o78a6RJ-wfBFTOcsVqHAx_KkX_CQBErsyc/s1600/spring+1st+chicks1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsi6_NdeZJMqDQvOOU1sTG7yb1I-fMrVKhCxDvsHbWmmhhHuIHf7ldTKX3ENJyRYQunGsI-rAwZdOUms05xDbWxr3Wvw4p6p1dizsuz1LN8o78a6RJ-wfBFTOcsVqHAx_KkX_CQBErsyc/s640/spring+1st+chicks1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls helping to set up the tank /starter home for the chicks</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC4bDqv8J4g4d8aR4_7F8W5qDTOVjezcs4sTdn0_MMaYDP0hbRShiSRXj9ntdS3f6-68ezfn52QfeGy1graxHMc3nGO79cOCTIp81d5Mn3mKamdvIPx2vCJNSAAW89gZzLCXDa5308L4/s1600/spring+chicks+in+new+home.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuC4bDqv8J4g4d8aR4_7F8W5qDTOVjezcs4sTdn0_MMaYDP0hbRShiSRXj9ntdS3f6-68ezfn52QfeGy1graxHMc3nGO79cOCTIp81d5Mn3mKamdvIPx2vCJNSAAW89gZzLCXDa5308L4/s640/spring+chicks+in+new+home.PNG" width="638" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERKxWTDK003UGWJKGNNxfKUcH7hn_bUTjUzTZ0pnKa0PyH2TQzEP3IyliUwWttpRu8S1H4vh2AzJTTRBWmaNpyyr2fN8Q_MUzDZ-dcBy7S3dslzzmCU9IRU9FP6_DTPF4BRRby6ZIEqU/s1600/spring+chicks+in+new+home1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERKxWTDK003UGWJKGNNxfKUcH7hn_bUTjUzTZ0pnKa0PyH2TQzEP3IyliUwWttpRu8S1H4vh2AzJTTRBWmaNpyyr2fN8Q_MUzDZ-dcBy7S3dslzzmCU9IRU9FP6_DTPF4BRRby6ZIEqU/s640/spring+chicks+in+new+home1.PNG" width="598" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooo cute!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UjRfgUOC5NBR9Zbl9DYKN_sS0wZlcnGYfgYfLstr4NTjTRl5dt5BYy66HLXpve9ijuR4fPRTQc70zcKwhDOz1SqRx8LSjgKuSH1I9AXJJ5cDZVqT7dxyaJZFmqnAC0mWW4ybOP57d6k/s1600/spring+hannah+with+chick.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UjRfgUOC5NBR9Zbl9DYKN_sS0wZlcnGYfgYfLstr4NTjTRl5dt5BYy66HLXpve9ijuR4fPRTQc70zcKwhDOz1SqRx8LSjgKuSH1I9AXJJ5cDZVqT7dxyaJZFmqnAC0mWW4ybOP57d6k/s640/spring+hannah+with+chick.PNG" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah with a chick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa24leYld5DgYvjBA-uqTd4qy522JeydWepXG2Xsl3IM2boNojvRo4S3Oc5VCDU2jD7dl3KVMh_Suq8p2YMiP4WR4rjUubroZJdu4_FpwfUG0ZdkrjsncA4OHUY7m-3AtQnydWhxREbs/s1600/spring+lauren+with+chick.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYa24leYld5DgYvjBA-uqTd4qy522JeydWepXG2Xsl3IM2boNojvRo4S3Oc5VCDU2jD7dl3KVMh_Suq8p2YMiP4WR4rjUubroZJdu4_FpwfUG0ZdkrjsncA4OHUY7m-3AtQnydWhxREbs/s640/spring+lauren+with+chick.PNG" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren holding one of the cochin chicks</td></tr>
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We set up their preliminary home using one of our tubs we purchased for use when we set up our aquaponics system, and it was a perfect starter spot for this group. The people we bought them from call their business <a href="http://www.chickenpimpin.com/">Chicken Pimpin</a>. They have a mix of young chicks and this trip was primarily olive eggers, cochins and ameraucanas.<br />
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The following weekend we went back and bought all the chicks they had. We now had a total of 28 chicks with most being only a few days old. This second group had polish chicks, german spitzhaueben, ameraucanas, and blue laced red wingdottes. In the coming week we lost the smallest one of them, but have managed to keep the others going strong.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYs-2y-TqhC18bLBDWOnOvgKV3Iyf4Nw8uaUxkrdPfWZLghNcj1PsOHYF3Oh4g1S7-vQoHMyERz7ZWW-MwWOV1STUOO-xFCduAmm6swKsre8KSK1_WmH_y5QQ-JW3BsnPRMAuwDuIodQ/s1600/2cd+chicks+grouped.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYs-2y-TqhC18bLBDWOnOvgKV3Iyf4Nw8uaUxkrdPfWZLghNcj1PsOHYF3Oh4g1S7-vQoHMyERz7ZWW-MwWOV1STUOO-xFCduAmm6swKsre8KSK1_WmH_y5QQ-JW3BsnPRMAuwDuIodQ/s640/2cd+chicks+grouped.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our second group of chicks is a real mixed one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb537wNFj03pLxtOJiALnXtWnW38jlI_X_XAyCnv6AFdIV0ocwG80kVOk0WNFcJWWbzo9iEnnEojF9LKcmNfhojpTUM-YKWu364GVxzomB4I1ER4pDkIEzcPn8rNsep44Y_XhzTfaoEpU/s1600/2cd+chicks+in+tanks.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb537wNFj03pLxtOJiALnXtWnW38jlI_X_XAyCnv6AFdIV0ocwG80kVOk0WNFcJWWbzo9iEnnEojF9LKcmNfhojpTUM-YKWu364GVxzomB4I1ER4pDkIEzcPn8rNsep44Y_XhzTfaoEpU/s640/2cd+chicks+in+tanks.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids setting up the second tank</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQimXx71eiOZYVjWItwlWuA22mMRBVRcsTZ7kWLEEDa0cZvhjkbsinUV1uYzP2ubYYrupIEtIn45tkS8KOIGqGPzbSrByaevb-8rEEmOk-FYtSm-6z0sd5-pWdW5x3hVNyf3XvNwGfTwk/s1600/spring+german+spithauben+chick.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQimXx71eiOZYVjWItwlWuA22mMRBVRcsTZ7kWLEEDa0cZvhjkbsinUV1uYzP2ubYYrupIEtIn45tkS8KOIGqGPzbSrByaevb-8rEEmOk-FYtSm-6z0sd5-pWdW5x3hVNyf3XvNwGfTwk/s400/spring+german+spithauben+chick.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German Spitzhauben Chick with it's little Mohawk Feathers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Polish Chicks - cute</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL85wSc0hpQl-GeFMXZXyYQkxFt5zruyHDlhfWGnnGuRqb3RSz-5OMc_bVtXlowpKzE_ww_zIJ0hBNF41Kjpn-wR7_vp3EMDexlMt2_ecX7HC0UCyxrqJSfUHXho0hz-JhAVskhOeFYSk/s1600/spring+olive+egger+chick.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL85wSc0hpQl-GeFMXZXyYQkxFt5zruyHDlhfWGnnGuRqb3RSz-5OMc_bVtXlowpKzE_ww_zIJ0hBNF41Kjpn-wR7_vp3EMDexlMt2_ecX7HC0UCyxrqJSfUHXho0hz-JhAVskhOeFYSk/s400/spring+olive+egger+chick.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We built a temporary shelter outdoors by the house, as we were delayed with the work on our main hoop house coop because we had to have emergency surgery on Bea our basset hound whose battle with glaucoma has been going on for a couple years now. Despite all the measures we'd taken and procedures trying to save sight and eyes, she lost her sight a month ago and we couldn't get the pressure, which had become extremely high, down. So our only option left was removal of both her eyes. This was a very sad day for us and not an easy one for Bea. She's been making a lot of progress in the week since her surgery and is clearly feeling much better now that she's healing and doesn't have the intense pain of her glaucoma. Our time and efforts with her have been worthwhile, but it necessitated the temporary cage to move the now growing chicks out of their tank lodgings. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF9inZXiHLA9221MZimaLfAs2H3QiW95Kq0tbTaoqYLyTgeucovuidTQUTT2vguS-64waqV26I3k2vzbBWh9AfBn6e5Qs-KvnMhNZc_0TO9X6v5EiV9zeSnjl9WRQT83qQhTBogP3lsY/s1600/bea+before+surgery.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF9inZXiHLA9221MZimaLfAs2H3QiW95Kq0tbTaoqYLyTgeucovuidTQUTT2vguS-64waqV26I3k2vzbBWh9AfBn6e5Qs-KvnMhNZc_0TO9X6v5EiV9zeSnjl9WRQT83qQhTBogP3lsY/s400/bea+before+surgery.PNG" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bea before surgery, eyes enlarged and hurting with the high pressure she was experiencing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BOkGdM3ox8KsCDt0g7LsyP4QztBmQ7zL3qCRAuG2PQGitDVLpz9X2JiOuT9X2c3ZZ7VbKipeVvj_39TUg0KDCDU56C9y4A6xGfaMBGgcCaaqGvXxTy0Com5Sf2N60c1cWd6BLBf_jNw/s1600/bea+after+surgery.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-BOkGdM3ox8KsCDt0g7LsyP4QztBmQ7zL3qCRAuG2PQGitDVLpz9X2JiOuT9X2c3ZZ7VbKipeVvj_39TUg0KDCDU56C9y4A6xGfaMBGgcCaaqGvXxTy0Com5Sf2N60c1cWd6BLBf_jNw/s640/bea+after+surgery.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bea just after we returned home from the vets.</td></tr>
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We have the first and largest 11 chicks outside and the remaining 26 in two large tanks in the garage. This weekend will be a busy one working on the hoop house coop and preparing it for the home of this interesting flock of chickens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAOQ4YYum1S3X4NCnXRRaIhdrmpTak8L1u9InsZ4ywhCr5K5zSlF5D0RVrzr6tr42H4MEEUZ_AuSdRYTOI7kg039WdgqXkPj2oNKAfTXB7CGd6_x6E2eWG5_DolV00pahIYjJGMb7CYU/s1600/spring+hoop+house.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAOQ4YYum1S3X4NCnXRRaIhdrmpTak8L1u9InsZ4ywhCr5K5zSlF5D0RVrzr6tr42H4MEEUZ_AuSdRYTOI7kg039WdgqXkPj2oNKAfTXB7CGd6_x6E2eWG5_DolV00pahIYjJGMb7CYU/s640/spring+hoop+house.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls helping Kevin with the first section of the hoop house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSpfnthyphenhyphenlY8jet8I7Usmj_8uw9bPq-UfPxrg0SQLVI53fcYEGBhA8xU-T-12P0fnQt8rjxqt5OBhqg_rSTvIsBG7HeSgVyARC8uzkQaiO3_f59fEK0WBIWFSWEN9PSM7mN1KwM7H6j-M/s1600/spring+hoop+house+shell.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSpfnthyphenhyphenlY8jet8I7Usmj_8uw9bPq-UfPxrg0SQLVI53fcYEGBhA8xU-T-12P0fnQt8rjxqt5OBhqg_rSTvIsBG7HeSgVyARC8uzkQaiO3_f59fEK0WBIWFSWEN9PSM7mN1KwM7H6j-M/s640/spring+hoop+house+shell.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is as far as we've got. We have a shed coop to add to this closer end, walls, doors, strengthen the sides and add the hard wire for predator protection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf_ejg9VidXFwOAjj82OG2BPQeaMVc1gYuymO34-z92XOeq3FCFO2h2aF5DpCLyeu1YM_eeKc9GuJiFCmWASeBKB_9XalkyHw5seF5Pp1MFjjkZ0PvKNtdLLesPgGSS-kPzE9F41EbX4/s1600/spring+outdoor+coop.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlf_ejg9VidXFwOAjj82OG2BPQeaMVc1gYuymO34-z92XOeq3FCFO2h2aF5DpCLyeu1YM_eeKc9GuJiFCmWASeBKB_9XalkyHw5seF5Pp1MFjjkZ0PvKNtdLLesPgGSS-kPzE9F41EbX4/s640/spring+outdoor+coop.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin working on the temporary coop salvaged from a coop a woman who was taking down.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT2_n-OrjcDY-ZNVoOFN833Lj-Mg9A-2QTxzd-Fdib8xi3j7I-4Q7EIn0qVEoGtzjCYoUobIY68PpZ-P-yqeMgnG7w5TgDF75PJm8wtPall5-LiFyxHnRtg1QcrhLLRwoy6OHSPVmOTU/s1600/spring+big+chicks+in+ouside+coop.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAT2_n-OrjcDY-ZNVoOFN833Lj-Mg9A-2QTxzd-Fdib8xi3j7I-4Q7EIn0qVEoGtzjCYoUobIY68PpZ-P-yqeMgnG7w5TgDF75PJm8wtPall5-LiFyxHnRtg1QcrhLLRwoy6OHSPVmOTU/s640/spring+big+chicks+in+ouside+coop.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickens checking out their new lodgings. The cochin are so funny with their feathery legs, especially when they're running</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CFfWG3O356netqSBGTZ76Wz-EoSuXS7dqD2YBGyHCvj5STR-nlAPkm3PZEBHIrND6MSX6lvVFDQHBru3TClhbplHA5yp3svLQSAsFnZD90MZXhuGw5zrWQFjHXknCpGdGFuTlv7XJ98/s1600/spring+chicks+checking+out+coop.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9CFfWG3O356netqSBGTZ76Wz-EoSuXS7dqD2YBGyHCvj5STR-nlAPkm3PZEBHIrND6MSX6lvVFDQHBru3TClhbplHA5yp3svLQSAsFnZD90MZXhuGw5zrWQFjHXknCpGdGFuTlv7XJ98/s640/spring+chicks+checking+out+coop.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting bigger, this olive egger is checking out the new environment</td></tr>
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That's it for now. Will update again soon, as we make progress with the chickens and the many other activities we have going on around the property.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-55800366676775271212016-03-26T11:39:00.000-07:002016-03-26T11:39:00.452-07:00Full Sail Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyM8_kGZrHSAyGYMgVQoE3kGZJrS9rZDOIPMxpO_V9oh2ypiLr2CwxKPknd0iJjht_vk-_GHSGrauYMsNFxVt8nGiBmb7mQENcjaE0ugl1by36JEXQUqL7evXDLxIocZizdYHCZDtpS0/s1600/Cams+Graduation.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyM8_kGZrHSAyGYMgVQoE3kGZJrS9rZDOIPMxpO_V9oh2ypiLr2CwxKPknd0iJjht_vk-_GHSGrauYMsNFxVt8nGiBmb7mQENcjaE0ugl1by36JEXQUqL7evXDLxIocZizdYHCZDtpS0/s640/Cams+Graduation.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday our family gathered to witness and celebrate our son Cameron's graduation along with his classmates at Full Sail University.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBdIYiuMo4CJ-AWzuYsB0i6n7bb7UVQwYdJhRYD3Xy-9GLLor-70grV8LeuQadWKD-Zlyw-AMI6ViU9eYrV4EkDGmTRmacPmJ860NXr20VxtCe4MwnT6pXN_uPmAwa8TXXsqPJMvXz0g/s1600/cg+waiting+for+start.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBdIYiuMo4CJ-AWzuYsB0i6n7bb7UVQwYdJhRYD3Xy-9GLLor-70grV8LeuQadWKD-Zlyw-AMI6ViU9eYrV4EkDGmTRmacPmJ860NXr20VxtCe4MwnT6pXN_uPmAwa8TXXsqPJMvXz0g/s400/cg+waiting+for+start.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin, Hannah and Lauren waiting for the ceremony to start and entry into the main auditorium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbDQ0IXY6MEPIxePTyK1qEvC6xnwiWn72VCwIS1kZZgOoHWMVaxKASYDS2tjpYK4UExF25AfcoGc0YYu2znn17dAMs5n4780HrCA8FxQ4l_8VZ6wY3e18wl0MYkGFByhnjRhYN68-lbM/s1600/cg+preparations.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbDQ0IXY6MEPIxePTyK1qEvC6xnwiWn72VCwIS1kZZgOoHWMVaxKASYDS2tjpYK4UExF25AfcoGc0YYu2znn17dAMs5n4780HrCA8FxQ4l_8VZ6wY3e18wl0MYkGFByhnjRhYN68-lbM/s400/cg+preparations.PNG" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparations- getting cap and gowns on, greeting friends...</td></tr>
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It's hard to believe that he was done, especially sitting in this auditorium where we first were at the completion of our campus tour on June 22, 2014 listening to the history of Full Sail from the schools president Gary Jones. That was the spot where Cameron determined that he really wanted to make the commitment to the intense schedule and effort required to complete a full 4 year bachelors degree in the 22 months this program entailed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMqrjNuo8qkSXHuEFzBRICd-pv9OFS6GGyb90Pdv8Iv1iHBP6yd_E34oSjIJX24l7tCFspHNxyFUn9DtBUxJWhkRVmDF2zddKAc1fDfI3ia4gjZwnuoZsxI-oNbfKncUc1CIm-MomZVI/s1600/cg+stage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMqrjNuo8qkSXHuEFzBRICd-pv9OFS6GGyb90Pdv8Iv1iHBP6yd_E34oSjIJX24l7tCFspHNxyFUn9DtBUxJWhkRVmDF2zddKAc1fDfI3ia4gjZwnuoZsxI-oNbfKncUc1CIm-MomZVI/s640/cg+stage.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stage, lights and music ready for program to start</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyntq2HlDxwBRDFq1-bLPVGTGZmL-JOiWtCMf4zeRXF5ikDQn-2ejYp7nJJdoZ37XdrqicPeNmrXr3lMFRrb9tt33-UsHwZ2ySG9oXoU82GL7ub5X97aWMpWLGkmJg_OWWhfdKdUeg5Y/s1600/cg+grads+entering.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyntq2HlDxwBRDFq1-bLPVGTGZmL-JOiWtCMf4zeRXF5ikDQn-2ejYp7nJJdoZ37XdrqicPeNmrXr3lMFRrb9tt33-UsHwZ2ySG9oXoU82GL7ub5X97aWMpWLGkmJg_OWWhfdKdUeg5Y/s640/cg+grads+entering.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the grads filing into the auditorium and of course there's Cameron!</td></tr>
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Now he had done it and all that was left was to get his diploma and he was done. With their full video and production departments involved they put on a show the likes of professional concerts as you sit and wait for the time the students are to come in and diplomas handed out. After initial speeches by University heads, including Gary Jones the various department staffs are ushered in and diplomas for those graduates handed out. It's all done in a timely and efficient manner considering the large number of graduates from the many different schools of learning available here.<br />
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Finally the time came for Cameron's group in the Game Art Department, to receive their diplomas and we were thrilled, delighted, proud and a tad emotional to hear his name called and the surprise that he was the recipient of 2 course directors awards for Art Creation for Games and Texture Painting and Sculpture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZ6xdSowt9rGxyJt01KJo23I5mhvRLefNcACJw0nHj6Om0vx0AehnAGQfiEGq8V6SS983zknjDwNvDgRsjcBTh9z2IP7qkqACHl_uH9GGOBI8VP1aogNxJnbLCVmtJ1U4ZonDOJl0SZ8/s1600/cg+waiting+to+go+on+stage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZ6xdSowt9rGxyJt01KJo23I5mhvRLefNcACJw0nHj6Om0vx0AehnAGQfiEGq8V6SS983zknjDwNvDgRsjcBTh9z2IP7qkqACHl_uH9GGOBI8VP1aogNxJnbLCVmtJ1U4ZonDOJl0SZ8/s400/cg+waiting+to+go+on+stage.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron and Game Art students waiting to go onstage for their diplomas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diploma and picture time with the department head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30P4DQXbc1Zum0y443ZeRZus1dwAt5Fu1N9QLBc0Yln-l-YNtyL5cLBUIuH_iW_CYKGuhucRTh_O6dJA0smCuXduk6p2TWrG8wIqXGcRZXnirXREOJ_QnsPkiLskl2r0-bNIo0GV6n9c/s1600/cg+gary+jones.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30P4DQXbc1Zum0y443ZeRZus1dwAt5Fu1N9QLBc0Yln-l-YNtyL5cLBUIuH_iW_CYKGuhucRTh_O6dJA0smCuXduk6p2TWrG8wIqXGcRZXnirXREOJ_QnsPkiLskl2r0-bNIo0GV6n9c/s640/cg+gary+jones.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School president Gary Jones congratulating Cameron</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOabOIflTMclrZ0JzDrQHP-EbWmisiXfhL0YmV8dbLkfeYu1oY9061Do8TTqG4ZJ_xF6Cou_5p92DV1FlufxlVvr2hK9ZNjAMwpyBrltUSqzUx2SLR_EevXBudWB9IA8DZbDvET6y88k/s1600/cg1+teachers.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOabOIflTMclrZ0JzDrQHP-EbWmisiXfhL0YmV8dbLkfeYu1oY9061Do8TTqG4ZJ_xF6Cou_5p92DV1FlufxlVvr2hK9ZNjAMwpyBrltUSqzUx2SLR_EevXBudWB9IA8DZbDvET6y88k/s640/cg1+teachers.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of this programs staff</td></tr>
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Now that his time here as a student is done, the next phase of his life's direction starts as he'll begin an internship at the University with the same teacher he's done a work study program with. During this internship he'll pursue freelance work and making contacts for moving forward in his career as an animator.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDeH4yoYJssKDISP0aV_8Jaoyd4u_IAnohO8Gt0c__7P2GI-WRWBk6VrRLHBVT1lUSedYmBdF4a2ke1AicIihyphenhyphenrS0B8mxJZALDG7TrA01tAoekirLCqmAMorKQhaoopJi6AYmwqko_PE/s1600/cg2+dad.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDeH4yoYJssKDISP0aV_8Jaoyd4u_IAnohO8Gt0c__7P2GI-WRWBk6VrRLHBVT1lUSedYmBdF4a2ke1AicIihyphenhyphenrS0B8mxJZALDG7TrA01tAoekirLCqmAMorKQhaoopJi6AYmwqko_PE/s640/cg2+dad.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad reaches Cameron first in all the chaos afterwards</td></tr>
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It's amazing how quickly time seems to be flying by with two of our kids grown now and Hannah and Lauren growing up so fast, it won't be long before we'll be sitting in other audiences watching their college graduations!!<br />
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All the best to you, from our family to yours. And a very happy Easter to all who celebrate the Lords Resurrection.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-12407884475306975092016-03-14T06:37:00.000-07:002016-03-14T06:37:46.021-07:00St. Petersburg Florida & Sunken Gardens<br />
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The last weekend of Amber and Eddie's visit with us we wanted to tour some place that none of us had visited before. In past visits we'd taken them to various stops at the Atlantic shore to see the sites and put our toes in the water. We thought a visit to Florida's other coast line on the Gulf was a good idea and when looking at a map St. Petersburg stood out since Amber's birthplace was St. Petersburg,<br />
Russia, I went online looking for places to see and things to do there and saw ads for the Sunken Gardens - perfect. With our destination entered into the GPS we were off fairly early on Saturday morning.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikywNkYE6Vmhzk_0PW5gidUEMkSWbDSp4gitxiyBRK7oFrq3HzAYOrTaGbHYIQfWAovqwyW65HLxnuT7NLys-qu7VYcD8HdKduhsASPqA-ZPUgf_OE1-idUTNBMkl0P2TIxhI_IoKs2uA/s1600/stp+collage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikywNkYE6Vmhzk_0PW5gidUEMkSWbDSp4gitxiyBRK7oFrq3HzAYOrTaGbHYIQfWAovqwyW65HLxnuT7NLys-qu7VYcD8HdKduhsASPqA-ZPUgf_OE1-idUTNBMkl0P2TIxhI_IoKs2uA/s640/stp+collage.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge heading to St. Peterburg and sign welcoming everyone</td></tr>
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The drive was a little over two hours with a quick rest stop and a bit of traffic. We headed right over to the Sunken Gardens to begin our tour of the grounds. The sign is a vintage 50's style and there was some special show going on there with various artists setting up displays using plant materials with brightly colored natural materials to create various vignettes throughout the garden area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPI77AHIlzUOcWdkW-Q4pf3QNLsg0RFOISfwNnXW3Jw6FkPTNpHyHQfdTs2TAAOfgtgcOqzYwOsAGVRP6Kd8DqmQxukxvSOnnSofMbeRsUJXrSDy_cCHz6mWwKin2PUactRW6iJtrrZ4/s1600/stp+sunken+gardens+sign.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPI77AHIlzUOcWdkW-Q4pf3QNLsg0RFOISfwNnXW3Jw6FkPTNpHyHQfdTs2TAAOfgtgcOqzYwOsAGVRP6Kd8DqmQxukxvSOnnSofMbeRsUJXrSDy_cCHz6mWwKin2PUactRW6iJtrrZ4/s640/stp+sunken+gardens+sign.PNG" width="524" /></a></div>
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The history of this place is this:<br />
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<strong>In 1903 a plumber by the name of George Turner, Sr. purchased the six acres</strong> that would become a world famous botanical attraction. Using an elaborate maze of clay tiles, he drained an ancient lake on the property, leaving a rich muck soil that was ideal for his favorite hobby – gardening. Neighbors so enjoyed strolling through Mr. Turner's garden, that by the early 1920's, he was charging a nickel for tours. Three generations of the Turner family continued the vision that created this unique tropical garden, with its flowing ponds.<br />
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What he created and the incredible growth of the well established landscape is inspiring to say the least. We walked around the paths for quite awhile taking all kinds of photos, looking at name plaques for plants and trees of ones I'd like to add to my yard, and just getting inspired by the efforts of what this man and his family did, and the beauty that nature brings when it can thrive in this kind of lush environment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihatqoa3vthVIc0Nu0-NVoDGdHoz-a5dQUNZsaeBBoNW2AvQNU7M1CHYxf27bVyHmPrHQJOAYsEOfxdayB0rM35ya0qaLsFEcwxtzWq9WwSQy3Ww8ry9SP1v-INwS3ahkZ0-H8sYeJ6yk/s1600/stp1+garden+grounds.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihatqoa3vthVIc0Nu0-NVoDGdHoz-a5dQUNZsaeBBoNW2AvQNU7M1CHYxf27bVyHmPrHQJOAYsEOfxdayB0rM35ya0qaLsFEcwxtzWq9WwSQy3Ww8ry9SP1v-INwS3ahkZ0-H8sYeJ6yk/s640/stp1+garden+grounds.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing lush growth with loads of interesting colors and textures!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous gingers</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7lga0ajWAHS6kGNf4pPhhyzDRhlnX6nwTSupoUvx1pySOvQxW12Na3tN2-HGIMxgIES0Ft0zmCSrqOae4V7uRvIuI9r9kVXkZr-gmglvHZfuEk6-x7b0662Hl0FCO9RuwQ3L8UY7OBQ/s1600/stp+garden+and+paths3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7lga0ajWAHS6kGNf4pPhhyzDRhlnX6nwTSupoUvx1pySOvQxW12Na3tN2-HGIMxgIES0Ft0zmCSrqOae4V7uRvIuI9r9kVXkZr-gmglvHZfuEk6-x7b0662Hl0FCO9RuwQ3L8UY7OBQ/s640/stp+garden+and+paths3.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84oYZ9hl-iXakheDVPjElUde8WUMV65Sc57QGHBAXFRScGC6Nxou5-mDloh0g9A8_ctxuheNDUQnmXmLq3okgNTwKuhXKoPuAubRqEH8lbJh3Q6YLYYdWVzQan_dQiDWdyOPzWLr-0fc/s1600/stp+collage1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84oYZ9hl-iXakheDVPjElUde8WUMV65Sc57QGHBAXFRScGC6Nxou5-mDloh0g9A8_ctxuheNDUQnmXmLq3okgNTwKuhXKoPuAubRqEH8lbJh3Q6YLYYdWVzQan_dQiDWdyOPzWLr-0fc/s640/stp+collage1.PNG" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grounds in top shot, Amber by HUGE bougainvillea, large cacti in planters</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRkAQoEc_NSNiS262vcycfGbwb01hpS5dq2WDDw1UQtUl3rWikIV0TwFPPkxJ3e4GqP-CivuoHt3ZlAXIZaWwCqLXY7sdmu88V7dMCjonMJOdMl1o3ZAAqlwSmuVavhyphenhyphenkeEkKdWWtoLE/s1600/stp+garden+and+paths1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRkAQoEc_NSNiS262vcycfGbwb01hpS5dq2WDDw1UQtUl3rWikIV0TwFPPkxJ3e4GqP-CivuoHt3ZlAXIZaWwCqLXY7sdmu88V7dMCjonMJOdMl1o3ZAAqlwSmuVavhyphenhyphenkeEkKdWWtoLE/s640/stp+garden+and+paths1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6wVcfL75PF46VEHpBzGLIbKrdm0znDdzTB5Ip15rhNJo0GnkZI9lrEQD20SAR2AbuotYEnNWPdnKkTB42j1Zt9xe5jFS1yvqq9Y5XkEvnv5QT_viJ3h6FZr1Vz6_-wdF8iZp9jLWlf0/s1600/stp1+grounds+with+cam+and+eddie.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6wVcfL75PF46VEHpBzGLIbKrdm0znDdzTB5Ip15rhNJo0GnkZI9lrEQD20SAR2AbuotYEnNWPdnKkTB42j1Zt9xe5jFS1yvqq9Y5XkEvnv5QT_viJ3h6FZr1Vz6_-wdF8iZp9jLWlf0/s640/stp1+grounds+with+cam+and+eddie.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameron and Eddie on the paths near the entrance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xByPYQARmopZlMGgBvNREByF19-zeAB-M7EHrUG7B4YGSPNd5yfscmP2YNrfJB3vWa16mBQYLprbr5OXn04zAPAzlthP8ipLT6T6WeyGRJHw7A4xUhK5Tf8Ebs07hgiPb5DAvGBjN3A/s1600/stp+rainbow+eucoliptus.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xByPYQARmopZlMGgBvNREByF19-zeAB-M7EHrUG7B4YGSPNd5yfscmP2YNrfJB3vWa16mBQYLprbr5OXn04zAPAzlthP8ipLT6T6WeyGRJHw7A4xUhK5Tf8Ebs07hgiPb5DAvGBjN3A/s640/stp+rainbow+eucoliptus.PNG" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colors on this gorgeous rainbow eucalyptus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4ncPGLEruW9EScwaHfawNPAEuof4yLH2zEiBxbazOt8kYv2AA9CWC5FgZdvedKWlc3ONwjnl2SbcGmOad65eDom5YUS4fyNUCca-D2ccHxz2UuxPdz9L6hPJrt3tCmHgzDYDCbanWLE/s1600/stp+collage+flowers.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4ncPGLEruW9EScwaHfawNPAEuof4yLH2zEiBxbazOt8kYv2AA9CWC5FgZdvedKWlc3ONwjnl2SbcGmOad65eDom5YUS4fyNUCca-D2ccHxz2UuxPdz9L6hPJrt3tCmHgzDYDCbanWLE/s640/stp+collage+flowers.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the many beautiful blossoms along the paths</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo6_oIgaIlTZTr57KxW43Cak4ABIMvMlzyG73AMSbPQL4CWK8PIvVNKe-_qVyvpoxrvPD_xYWhnWXE6_-7t0De64xpb-W0fnx9D8xIvlioxe572FwjP4aztIczs-tNviQLhUEIwovzBA/s1600/girls.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo6_oIgaIlTZTr57KxW43Cak4ABIMvMlzyG73AMSbPQL4CWK8PIvVNKe-_qVyvpoxrvPD_xYWhnWXE6_-7t0De64xpb-W0fnx9D8xIvlioxe572FwjP4aztIczs-tNviQLhUEIwovzBA/s640/girls.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls found this table and chairs in the shade along our path</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HldUL5wuCABspftVB-niUVjLwNv_l09Ugahm30643sovRXtKBRGRxNFSMyrsUYlgLAZOfo7HyB1YrGHyJMVLDyc6dWag6n0BH_ovC-t9PA6YjKAdeqdhoBMMYwRk9epGFHJ9x47ykjc/s1600/stp+collage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HldUL5wuCABspftVB-niUVjLwNv_l09Ugahm30643sovRXtKBRGRxNFSMyrsUYlgLAZOfo7HyB1YrGHyJMVLDyc6dWag6n0BH_ovC-t9PA6YjKAdeqdhoBMMYwRk9epGFHJ9x47ykjc/s640/stp+collage.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really large stag horn fern on left and on the right is an enormous travelers palm behind the other plants in foreground<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBgWkOHixye1tHF9tf79zlgZ5qE2TGLA8UXbqwmfxL80D_3o7NIsCM2j1GNZKXUjDLidxnmwgvVe-dNahNEOvUwpJwoUyscads4PbBmC50NRyjJPQU0bbQTkwZeuwghziLtgXpNxp8aU/s1600/stp+garden+and+paths.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBgWkOHixye1tHF9tf79zlgZ5qE2TGLA8UXbqwmfxL80D_3o7NIsCM2j1GNZKXUjDLidxnmwgvVe-dNahNEOvUwpJwoUyscads4PbBmC50NRyjJPQU0bbQTkwZeuwghziLtgXpNxp8aU/s640/stp+garden+and+paths.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paths along our way</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLtaZyD2jf3_KLmYXPlChFCUwtYCXrccFQ9A_OyrlZgp493iJCUTeWIT5B8gXNyNjzWoCebFvD6rGE6EjhsfMkBpcvMyfd_lzsbgglBZun2Hf5ZtV1p2p-WAyITFb3sHdpmWZevRi9po/s1600/stp+bamboo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLtaZyD2jf3_KLmYXPlChFCUwtYCXrccFQ9A_OyrlZgp493iJCUTeWIT5B8gXNyNjzWoCebFvD6rGE6EjhsfMkBpcvMyfd_lzsbgglBZun2Hf5ZtV1p2p-WAyITFb3sHdpmWZevRi9po/s640/stp+bamboo.PNG" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Bamboo!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa3_D8df5TP-c2hamUx9wrAe3WHm6Zh3L2k7iT0XFfUpnFouI8hBg1ulcRia8p_C2MsDBhK65aLBMep9xURbKnrZ-4gBzZ89iB7ba53TQIKOEpOdlARbARn5KyWvj5QuY-hNkCUlT4WI/s1600/stp+collage+tt.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsa3_D8df5TP-c2hamUx9wrAe3WHm6Zh3L2k7iT0XFfUpnFouI8hBg1ulcRia8p_C2MsDBhK65aLBMep9xURbKnrZ-4gBzZ89iB7ba53TQIKOEpOdlARbARn5KyWvj5QuY-hNkCUlT4WI/s640/stp+collage+tt.PNG" width="484" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two longtime residents of the gardens are the snapping turtle above and the tortoise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr84DxipfoY8HRYIPMfWRcNJaNKnHrs2iJhjP5veHBbpB6Dv3H8XixURFpn4e6asSpQV5ZeKIt97W-aGON3e7g_Wq2vhCOaQQtgPhe8LT6pPJj1lUCWtRWJ3JiJTyc2SGyVFMfMuian5g/s1600/stp+bird+of+paradise.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr84DxipfoY8HRYIPMfWRcNJaNKnHrs2iJhjP5veHBbpB6Dv3H8XixURFpn4e6asSpQV5ZeKIt97W-aGON3e7g_Wq2vhCOaQQtgPhe8LT6pPJj1lUCWtRWJ3JiJTyc2SGyVFMfMuian5g/s640/stp+bird+of+paradise.PNG" width="590" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird of Paradise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdysgoot1qFEt88YUeAO3KtyPjDc9Q0kmhmlfyUHDi3WxxnXRIoSLXHQmPUMF4Lpuy1Pu-XrQAfD0F3s7v19hcBUyfd9BhIhYzhzwnTd2Pf0JZEE6ND2IVG7LUjZFYP3M5yB8ilchkTY/s1600/stp+bridge+and+falls.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcdysgoot1qFEt88YUeAO3KtyPjDc9Q0kmhmlfyUHDi3WxxnXRIoSLXHQmPUMF4Lpuy1Pu-XrQAfD0F3s7v19hcBUyfd9BhIhYzhzwnTd2Pf0JZEE6ND2IVG7LUjZFYP3M5yB8ilchkTY/s640/stp+bridge+and+falls.PNG" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4ARXQmh0jYlJKhhNEkEJfggXWX1M30krGzoo0ppFnooRpoyVSnkfoEDMLFwQaDK48IxEkjjykQLuh96mNTao2_CneXnaL-kdpF0mAVgZuS4ZTIXz-XCfOHQceiItJYSVYfyc-1Vlsw0/s1600/DSCF8613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4ARXQmh0jYlJKhhNEkEJfggXWX1M30krGzoo0ppFnooRpoyVSnkfoEDMLFwQaDK48IxEkjjykQLuh96mNTao2_CneXnaL-kdpF0mAVgZuS4ZTIXz-XCfOHQceiItJYSVYfyc-1Vlsw0/s640/DSCF8613.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin using the plant identification app on his smartphone</td></tr>
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After the gardens we headed to the shore line and parked by a pier that is currently being renovated. Much of St. Peterburg seemed to have these sorts of renovation projects going on and though it creates barriers for exploring or picture taking now, I know it will be lovely and more functional once the work is complete, For us it was a time to take a few photos and dip our toes in the Gulf Waters. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEYQne26GF7nvCObul4U0Mm_RuVOJDJYd-rnbs-c4Ssh73lOOKP4HL_m3j4OwYobBlnU7BHv9MvaECAvVmn4dKBuIG4j9rxTLeriKxGLeXYdiS2hJFbyYrCid9U5-G5hkh4bK3dcDZ9M/s1600/a+e+st+pete+sign.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEYQne26GF7nvCObul4U0Mm_RuVOJDJYd-rnbs-c4Ssh73lOOKP4HL_m3j4OwYobBlnU7BHv9MvaECAvVmn4dKBuIG4j9rxTLeriKxGLeXYdiS2hJFbyYrCid9U5-G5hkh4bK3dcDZ9M/s640/a+e+st+pete+sign.PNG" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber and Eddie by the St. Pete sign near the pier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdNkVSAg2FEka0QIuhauQ3LUZSbakPH2eXdDmTIFtX4JhuDnamIgZiogDDzcdstSqIoMKfrhXS6DfXewIU87S4CIC9PyjN33yxQQ-hqL25x_QNBXi7PEFVph9Sd_aC5iHR8HZTdgcu4A/s1600/stp+toes+in+water.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdNkVSAg2FEka0QIuhauQ3LUZSbakPH2eXdDmTIFtX4JhuDnamIgZiogDDzcdstSqIoMKfrhXS6DfXewIU87S4CIC9PyjN33yxQQ-hqL25x_QNBXi7PEFVph9Sd_aC5iHR8HZTdgcu4A/s640/stp+toes+in+water.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting our toes in the Gulf Waters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhlQ6keN3RLv7-tNcbQlnS1_8GQBPbJsOy5hZvBemfHSR7MstxeMwO6XM1lrY7XN-tI1pmKjUfX35t6iqy87Xwn4XnYu3Rc_I9XlVCQyyEaHwbrZyMcOqQCxe1V_a3-PRB59mqDXcjV4/s1600/DSCF8833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhlQ6keN3RLv7-tNcbQlnS1_8GQBPbJsOy5hZvBemfHSR7MstxeMwO6XM1lrY7XN-tI1pmKjUfX35t6iqy87Xwn4XnYu3Rc_I9XlVCQyyEaHwbrZyMcOqQCxe1V_a3-PRB59mqDXcjV4/s640/DSCF8833.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put my toes in too</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber and Eddie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look at downtown and the trolley that will take you around</td></tr>
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Then it was time to find a place to eat. I'd looked online for a few ideas and one that got good reviews was a simple restaurant called the Hangar over at the small airfield. You could sit and watch the small planes or helicopters come and go as you ate your meal. The food was basic fare, but all were good size portions and really delicious.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting our walk to the restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown St. Pete</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch time YAY!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My meal - Bacon wrapped meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes and seasoned veggies YUM</td></tr>
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After lunch we walked back to the car when the local trolley was delayed due to an accident in town causing backup. We drove through this quaint town to a coffee shop on the edge of another area that's seeing some urban renewal. There Eddie treated us to a coffee for our ride home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign with some history and ties to the Russian St. Petersburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving to the coffee shop - cute town And so ends a wonderful day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bandit Coffee House</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With their minimalist environment and tap pay system - chic</td></tr>
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Now it's time to head home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to capture the sunset in the side mirror as we cross the bridge for home</td></tr>
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It was a wonderful day and St. Petersburg is definitely someplace I'd like to go back to explore further.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-67465665553849802642016-02-28T07:23:00.000-08:002016-02-28T07:23:21.627-08:00Touring Central Florida<br />
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As our visit with Amber and Eddie continued I searched the web for ideas of things to do here in Central Florida. This is the 3rd visit for them since we moved here, so in past visits we had already experienced most of the attractions and some local parks, beaches or historical sites. So I wanted to find things that not only had they not visited, but we haven't been to either. After our visit Wednesday to the St. John's Eco Tour (covered in my last blog post) they spent the day Thursday with extended family at the Magic Kingdom, while I remained home with the girls for Hannah's violin lesson and to do some schooling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAM5o6RYrTok-dT0y6dWb6Ax-CHjqB-2AJHuofvwP8Ewv9nmBfMC0aBL6BaymqNGZOtnOfxK4OVkMnyMdmQnt4XCzsP6IFk5Jl1AqiUBzIpAzSKs8Z93jLU8knBDrZ7o6A7A70vYKYsY/s1600/c+disney.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAM5o6RYrTok-dT0y6dWb6Ax-CHjqB-2AJHuofvwP8Ewv9nmBfMC0aBL6BaymqNGZOtnOfxK4OVkMnyMdmQnt4XCzsP6IFk5Jl1AqiUBzIpAzSKs8Z93jLU8knBDrZ7o6A7A70vYKYsY/s640/c+disney.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right Eddie, Cousin Daniel and his wife Ingrid, Aunt Jenny, Uncle Pat and Amber</td></tr>
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Then on Friday with Kevin taking a day off work and Cameron's school schedule getting off early he was able to meet all of us at the Orlando Eye. I thought this would offer a unique perspective of the Orlando area. I bought the tickets online, so we were all set for our trip once Cameron joined us.<br />
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Admittedly, I'm not crazy about heights or confined spaces, so I had a few butterflies about this, but still thought the experience would be worthwhile. Glad to say this was the case. It certainly helped that it was an absolutely GORGEOUS day. The sun was shining and the temperatures were cool for Florida. This combo made for a wonderful day to tour about comfortably. <br />
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After arriving and gathering our tickets at the will call line, we had a few minutes to kill, so we walked out front and took some pictures, then moved inside to enter the facility for the 4D film they show prior to your ride on the Orlando Eye. We quickly moved out to the short line and stepped aboard our air conditioned viewing coach that moves slowly up to the pinnacle view point of this towering 400 foot observation wheel.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group shot purchased from the Orlando Eye Photo Stand</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My crew checking out our views</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All my girls</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the pinnacle of the ride with Amber and Eddie reflected in the glass</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost back to the start</td></tr>
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It was really pretty up there and after taking lots of pictures we slowly made our way back to the starting point. Having spotted a place to try for lunch from the painted roof top ad, we headed out and over to a restaurant called Cafe Tu Tu Tango.<br />
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This restaurant is full of art work and has it's own creed listed on the menu. They serve only appetizer size foods, and as our waiter said it comes from different kitchens and will arrive at differing times, so you have to search for a variety of foods that sound good to you and try to anticipate how much will feed your group.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My troop waiting for our food</td></tr>
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The food itself was delicious, with each dish bursting with flavor and arriving attractively displayed. However, this is not a restaurant I would recommend for a group that's hungry and looking for a really satisfying meal. The portions are SMALL and pricey, they take a long time to arrive and with a table of obnoxious kids seated at the table next to us we weren't enjoying the artsy atmosphere (not the restaurants fault I know, but our experience). This would be a good place for a group that just wanted some drinks and snacks prior to going to one of the many entertainment venues along International Drive, or a couple looking for a leisurely evening to sit, snack and talk (they do have an outside seating area). It's not as I said a destination for a hungry crew looking for a satisfying meal, we left with a good size chunk taken from our wallet and still a bit hungry.<br />
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Our next stop was a brief walk up the street to take a photo of a wild building we spotted as we drove over to the Orlando Eye. It's the Wonderworks Entertainment Center. We didn't go in, as we had other plans, but I had to get a photo of this crazy building that's made to look like one that's been picked up by a tornado and dumped upside down on this location. Will have to check this out at a future date.<br />
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We walked back to the van and drove a short distance over to The Chocolate Kingdom to take the factory tour. I had seen a short feature on one of the local news stations about this tour here in Orlando. If you ever decide to do this make sure you go online and buy a coupon from groupon. I didn't and regretted the savings I could have had, sadly I realized this once we were home and I looked into pricing options available - learn from my mistake.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of goodies at the front counter</td></tr>
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The tour began by showing us their greenhouse room with small chocolate trees growing the cacao pods that produce the chocolate that we all love so. From there we watched a film with some trivia facts as we waited for our whole group to be ready to start the tour. After our guide Deanna joined us she introduced us to the video tour guides that would be repeated throughout this tour and the story line that goes along with it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenhouse area with plants and samples of the cacao pods</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our video story and "guides".</td></tr>
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We were introduced to the history of chocolate and given samples of the strong spicy drink that the Aztecs made from the cocoa beans and peppers. We also tasted what a bean tastes like on its own. It has a flavor that is strong and bitter and doesn't seem to have much in common with the chocolate products we are so used to. If you've ever tasted Bakers Chocolate you have a good idea of what the pods taste like, without the crunch of the outer shell.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chocolate history sets with cocoa bean samples</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOT_lZzZkqDLY4iqWtl_xx9m0KNgj2S7ROBTGzWFf9vxKH_k7Zs6jdR-ABjD-KHlMlvCxt5__hr2B3OJcQByzAvT1k2k7tBoZnMhGpmsdYOw5J96IT3h_h27vEIP8yqYXZ2JxC_nxvm0/s1600/c11+collage+tour1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOT_lZzZkqDLY4iqWtl_xx9m0KNgj2S7ROBTGzWFf9vxKH_k7Zs6jdR-ABjD-KHlMlvCxt5__hr2B3OJcQByzAvT1k2k7tBoZnMhGpmsdYOw5J96IT3h_h27vEIP8yqYXZ2JxC_nxvm0/s640/c11+collage+tour1.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Kingdom set and girls playing the game of catapulting the marshmallows into the dragons mouth</td></tr>
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After our history lessons we continued with activities pertaining to the chocolate kingdom of the video story, then went to the equipment room where the processing of the beans is turned into white, milk or dark chocolate products. We tasted the pure super dark liquid that is extremely bitter after the beans are roasted and crushed, then liquefied in the large crusher they have. After an explanation of the products produced in the crushing we were given samples of true white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate - Yummy!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The refining and conching process and machines are here, the large vats top left of various chocolate liquids, and the women making the personalized bars of chocolate for the girls and Eddie and Amber.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate samples</td></tr>
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Our final stop was to see the personalized bars made that I ordered at the start of our tour. We had one made for Amber and Eddie and then Hannah and Lauren watched as their bar was put together.<br />
After this we headed to the front to shop and wait for the bars to arrive on the conveyor system they have and with that our chocolate factory tour was done. This was fun, but as I said if you want to do this take advantage of the real discounts available. It's a bit pricey for what you get out of the tour and it's not an actual factory tour, but a group of sets explaining the history and process. In truth they would do better to drop the price and would make up significantly on participant volume and after tour shopping. - Just saying. It was a time to try something different, learn new facts about a product we were otherwise very familiar with. And to enjoy the tastes and treats associated with that product.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber with their chocolate bar</td></tr>
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So with this our day concluded as we headed home for a quiet evening and an earlier get up to go touring at a new destination for our travel experiences. Stay tuned.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4757511496471782446.post-44591251286482643792016-02-21T04:49:00.000-08:002016-02-21T04:49:42.125-08:00St John's Eco Tour <br />
Wednesday the girls and I took Amber and Eddie over to DeBary to take a trip on the Eco Tour Boat of this section of the St John River to view whatever wild life would show itself that day. This is a trip we've been wanting to do since we moved here almost 3 years ago now and simply have never made it around to taking this.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tour boat picture - courtesy of Eco Tour website</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eddie and Amber waiting to go</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and Hannah</td></tr>
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It was a gorgeous day with the temperatures in the 70's, a nice clear sky and no humidity - perfect for this kind of trip. We began at the boat launch at the docks just behind The Swamp restaurant. Our tour guides were friendly and really informative and the river was calm and seemed to be waiting for our tour group. The first site on our trip were the vultures and one stork I failed to get a clear picture of, just at the end of the harbor area. They were busily eating "fish guts from the fisherman" as our guide said, and standing among the cypress and cypress knees near the shore line.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vultures enjoying their meal and totally ignoring us</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The St Johns</td></tr>
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We headed out as we were given the thorough safety talk before the history lesson could start. With these as the introduction phase the tour would now begin in earnest as the first of our wildlife encounters began to show up. The first was a Blue Heron and around the next bend some Purple Gallinules and a young heron.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6utEIqF38CEnT5RrqCFZ4SeLKxmkQOdSAy5zxXcFAqCDDtVHYNyWNblmDAYzSEW7MAvZvV-3gz2HfZAWw5OuU1nkwAU1WsEyQV5Zm1sI1iJNEyeSyDKxmF94KqYLw9FGRCwAarVJSp4/s1600/b6+bird.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6utEIqF38CEnT5RrqCFZ4SeLKxmkQOdSAy5zxXcFAqCDDtVHYNyWNblmDAYzSEW7MAvZvV-3gz2HfZAWw5OuU1nkwAU1WsEyQV5Zm1sI1iJNEyeSyDKxmF94KqYLw9FGRCwAarVJSp4/s640/b6+bird.PNG" width="622" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiding among the water lily's were these Purple Gallinules</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0-eDk3PeZdJLpO71Dr7CU2d-xIdV9_FxHmJobB4YqzyTxaS8Bzyco83QgWgovdcCK4tD02Oc3DpeyiNJ0Gjq4P0G2MKpLLkmcLiT916tJivfwp20fhvgmYfAyCgQK660UIvSj0jc6mg/s1600/b6+birdb.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0-eDk3PeZdJLpO71Dr7CU2d-xIdV9_FxHmJobB4YqzyTxaS8Bzyco83QgWgovdcCK4tD02Oc3DpeyiNJ0Gjq4P0G2MKpLLkmcLiT916tJivfwp20fhvgmYfAyCgQK660UIvSj0jc6mg/s640/b6+birdb.PNG" width="578" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These had a beautiful iridescent coloring that really showed when the light caught them</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjGZjy7Iq5eC2cwv-34tZirXkpRQpUfmIVVDvJPxgNfDO-6hu5jjhRk54tHOuIbSqH6eoG0Ro9PXDW9_fycksBYqpY9jmksxEm0420r8a0GWt5WZ3xQLOIKwlh3N0FRYGDRANBHqWVII/s1600/b7+young+heron.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCjGZjy7Iq5eC2cwv-34tZirXkpRQpUfmIVVDvJPxgNfDO-6hu5jjhRk54tHOuIbSqH6eoG0Ro9PXDW9_fycksBYqpY9jmksxEm0420r8a0GWt5WZ3xQLOIKwlh3N0FRYGDRANBHqWVII/s640/b7+young+heron.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Heron with it's juvenile white coloring now beginning to transition to the blues it will have as an adult</td></tr>
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As we moved along the trees lining the river we saw an Ahinga, the first of many, in the branches.<br />
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Then would begin the siting of many gators on this trip. They began with these baby alligators that are challenging to see, but you can just make them out with their orange and black coloring on this large stick in the water. We learned that up to 80 eggs will hatch, but the majority will not live to adulthood and dad is the primary predator that finishes off these little guys.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzOiGxJGgB5jwJGu3EIb0WIkoDgsedAJvUK00cxSYH_Yp7LN0EFVamAdH8uu0V3hapNTYOQxOlj5THPkSmnPSzHNxPxYVMj78nqyRiw5HKOQ21Ue7ivgAHc_tljwGL46I7zapsssDzuM/s1600/b9+baby+alligators.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzOiGxJGgB5jwJGu3EIb0WIkoDgsedAJvUK00cxSYH_Yp7LN0EFVamAdH8uu0V3hapNTYOQxOlj5THPkSmnPSzHNxPxYVMj78nqyRiw5HKOQ21Ue7ivgAHc_tljwGL46I7zapsssDzuM/s640/b9+baby+alligators.PNG" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look close and you can see the body and tail of one at the top portion of the stick and the head of the other near the lower half</td></tr>
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The next birds were a nesting pair of Limpkin. These brown birds are famous for their screaming and loud calls which they kindly treated us to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate and pretty features of the Limpkin</td></tr>
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After the next turn on the river we saw some activity in the middle of a large area of water lily's and a very interested bird staring at the area of disturbance in the water. It was a manatee and the egret was anxiously awaiting the little bits and pieces the manatee will bring up as it eats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShyjIWtZhFAR_aGMy_RFrvQZUw1iDX0E7MoB22QkxUWhpd9pYnNPtz9jIPIaBKQc1O9Dd-VYkxcv0US9FBsSDGZKx17GhFqi8EHm3AJGzdUlMZ4S27oRNYG8xP0i8c7k8t6htAjwiPdg/s1600/b11+manatee+and+bird.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShyjIWtZhFAR_aGMy_RFrvQZUw1iDX0E7MoB22QkxUWhpd9pYnNPtz9jIPIaBKQc1O9Dd-VYkxcv0US9FBsSDGZKx17GhFqi8EHm3AJGzdUlMZ4S27oRNYG8xP0i8c7k8t6htAjwiPdg/s640/b11+manatee+and+bird.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can just see the top of the manatee's head and nose as it surfaces here to munch more of it's swamp salad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgmDSniM7q_Yl6K0DvoFGKOZkq9kK04zi75mp2Eno-_Eetj0fztdwGoAHQAzJ2S0X4_RkaZ5awt945Jo0PyB7GhKDVc2-CftFG7Dg3hZdDAveaMFeWJKIAvBxoQXl605hTMyQ8sNjH14/s1600/b11a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgmDSniM7q_Yl6K0DvoFGKOZkq9kK04zi75mp2Eno-_Eetj0fztdwGoAHQAzJ2S0X4_RkaZ5awt945Jo0PyB7GhKDVc2-CftFG7Dg3hZdDAveaMFeWJKIAvBxoQXl605hTMyQ8sNjH14/s640/b11a.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the boat reversed it scared the manatee and I only caught this shadowy image of it diving deeper and away from us</td></tr>
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Our next siting was this beautiful Snowy Egret who sat basically posing for us as we rounded the patch of lily's it was sitting on. Then another Ahinga drying it's wings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3PJ6PZ3fHHkKnjsHhPT3fYyyaTvqH4qfqcQfQPc_PH2WtdctmB1NVvxCdMK_enfECrnglb06kP05-13Y6tl3DJDQYVeBuNhr95nwmR5h2kz7wt9l20WL10H0jruvFvjCuk-dz_d6ZAA/s1600/b13+mistletoe.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr3PJ6PZ3fHHkKnjsHhPT3fYyyaTvqH4qfqcQfQPc_PH2WtdctmB1NVvxCdMK_enfECrnglb06kP05-13Y6tl3DJDQYVeBuNhr95nwmR5h2kz7wt9l20WL10H0jruvFvjCuk-dz_d6ZAA/s640/b13+mistletoe.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The green ball in this tree is a patch of mistletoe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3cSgiHwzrO8Kj9SmGs_5Xiti2tX_WrkCuYY2EmmoSiAV3LhoZk0vasAsE2ao3Wlu3uBb8ybNgGqmNCk2J4nxKE2O4l1NVY-KNqhz3CthtVu4ndXfRkNU5i4_Y9OvVCl8gvZvhHC2toc/s1600/b14+snowy+egret.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3cSgiHwzrO8Kj9SmGs_5Xiti2tX_WrkCuYY2EmmoSiAV3LhoZk0vasAsE2ao3Wlu3uBb8ybNgGqmNCk2J4nxKE2O4l1NVY-KNqhz3CthtVu4ndXfRkNU5i4_Y9OvVCl8gvZvhHC2toc/s640/b14+snowy+egret.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy Egret</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnkZQJ_j55LuZcZ4unopZFj-97O_Gt0iItmkXwjv3b1aa7nIn9R6tCLswQhEoa6Ch9SwV8RQg7xB5w6xta1hCk25-ZibM-jkmP5K35iKmovyjTEOCeJbmMll0p3FQOc90hNAFMaZQttM/s1600/b15+ahinga+drying+its+wings.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnkZQJ_j55LuZcZ4unopZFj-97O_Gt0iItmkXwjv3b1aa7nIn9R6tCLswQhEoa6Ch9SwV8RQg7xB5w6xta1hCk25-ZibM-jkmP5K35iKmovyjTEOCeJbmMll0p3FQOc90hNAFMaZQttM/s640/b15+ahinga+drying+its+wings.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ahinga</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG41Rv0kicH0C-UPQlEdaxq8UTt4wARuLtL8KkaMYNPXZeQCQvJR8FVaNZTLaoViTRzTWeSXxwpj6XjMCPpd_yBE17818jZyftoZQdG4stcGEV4FGCcKwgDTBokFzBMFHJxtcp23SkmCA/s1600/b15a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG41Rv0kicH0C-UPQlEdaxq8UTt4wARuLtL8KkaMYNPXZeQCQvJR8FVaNZTLaoViTRzTWeSXxwpj6XjMCPpd_yBE17818jZyftoZQdG4stcGEV4FGCcKwgDTBokFzBMFHJxtcp23SkmCA/s640/b15a.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As I got ready to snap another picture it turned as if on cue to give me another view</td></tr>
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Now begins the many sightings of the large alligators that we would see on our tour. We saw these 3 in quick succession all lazily enjoying the warmth of the day.<br />
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The turtles were also out enjoying the sun on various logs and sticks, then these Ibis sitting with their striking white color against the red leaves of this tree. I managed to only get one shot of a Warbler that was very busy and very fast as it grabbed up the bugs it was after for it's meal. So a single back side shot was all I managed to capture of this quick fellow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-IapCXSsqnpOUplVG534haz7A2z3SNVclnlEsULaXHRmA58FmBG8qkfHnZfKYk3WO1JZUrbjveB3w6N_mwiordN6AVRTq4lUDUpxp2T2Bz5lGQrkJORNmjHlTA9Afxup0q2w1Ju3RUQ/s1600/b17+warbler.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-IapCXSsqnpOUplVG534haz7A2z3SNVclnlEsULaXHRmA58FmBG8qkfHnZfKYk3WO1JZUrbjveB3w6N_mwiordN6AVRTq4lUDUpxp2T2Bz5lGQrkJORNmjHlTA9Afxup0q2w1Ju3RUQ/s640/b17+warbler.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Warbler</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiySrIHL29So18e4B75Q4EZnZDypBp6Xe8AgUhAHwgdnurv2Yy7qz5lpEHh0PzLBiT_KO9fapFinAlA_HodnumOIhDIbj9ezCq3NCDeQ2wOL7lRG9LvbqJEip1QEynCIfrCYoJJQo-Nuc/s1600/b19+ibis.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiySrIHL29So18e4B75Q4EZnZDypBp6Xe8AgUhAHwgdnurv2Yy7qz5lpEHh0PzLBiT_KO9fapFinAlA_HodnumOIhDIbj9ezCq3NCDeQ2wOL7lRG9LvbqJEip1QEynCIfrCYoJJQo-Nuc/s640/b19+ibis.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ibis</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another big gator snoozing</td></tr>
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Then we came around a turn and our guide who had the girls sit on a seat up front told me to quick go up and join them. As I did she told us all to sit tight as she was taking us to a spot in close to the trees. Once there we were treated to a family of 3 Bard Owls. The male and female have been visiting there for a good 8 years, and their teenager who hasn't left home yet has been with them for a year. Our guides brought some fish for which the owls eagerly anticipated their treat and we got an up close look at these beautiful creatures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiO2JhEsdsv0hS_w1FiAse43MZURbM7Y-bdLWxLZXObQCZWXAEGh0xa_1ztr3D7DSkhzxsNzmdatnJvJoMBhtPtp9MqzGqyOAfcqFBKplN-_GBx92gN2kzBJVPk4qvnGhTHgIZeuttv9I/s1600/b21+bard+owls.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiO2JhEsdsv0hS_w1FiAse43MZURbM7Y-bdLWxLZXObQCZWXAEGh0xa_1ztr3D7DSkhzxsNzmdatnJvJoMBhtPtp9MqzGqyOAfcqFBKplN-_GBx92gN2kzBJVPk4qvnGhTHgIZeuttv9I/s640/b21+bard+owls.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first sighting as we entered this area among the trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNoaQxDJemWCqPV8pmA7nCotJMTQwZeX54PTElvPsYkVWTPLy3aIiUuly_RvPTdoQxEekofmTgpKj1DfZIvD6axjRjxQHlekBBLjgD2T9N5uv-IW-lKKH44_RViNbboYu_8hfFOvRGCc/s1600/b21a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNoaQxDJemWCqPV8pmA7nCotJMTQwZeX54PTElvPsYkVWTPLy3aIiUuly_RvPTdoQxEekofmTgpKj1DfZIvD6axjRjxQHlekBBLjgD2T9N5uv-IW-lKKH44_RViNbboYu_8hfFOvRGCc/s640/b21a.PNG" width="462" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What incredibly beautiful faces they have</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEmHXQrVvKF3Xm5azbnoH_CRkzd1mMJVbBfuowpt9Pd06XBx8xGpcQhieS37sdgKOoNdLzRugjPgkQhqL67IWr0lxl3rVoUpMjZeioi-IlzOfrmFnuyfm4DasKfSfUVnRnyOoiE3bG1I/s1600/b21g.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEmHXQrVvKF3Xm5azbnoH_CRkzd1mMJVbBfuowpt9Pd06XBx8xGpcQhieS37sdgKOoNdLzRugjPgkQhqL67IWr0lxl3rVoUpMjZeioi-IlzOfrmFnuyfm4DasKfSfUVnRnyOoiE3bG1I/s640/b21g.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell I LOVED this part of the tour?</td></tr>
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After the owls we saw a nesting heron and it's mate gathering sticks, another and probably the largest of the day Alligator and then it was time to start back towards the docks and the end of our tour.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQDiZC6NwtO2KbQyERtHgrkxPPQp_MWwE8AnkksxyCHSiYDGBZYjxT7QSq7nESAKQb9y6ZntnZssZJ2Bbx48g8FmbQ3cQ6j0s8B2k96OqqQuXLYimniBJKm0Lqc4X3KPRBqPK7xVXbYg/s1600/b20+heron+nesting.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQDiZC6NwtO2KbQyERtHgrkxPPQp_MWwE8AnkksxyCHSiYDGBZYjxT7QSq7nESAKQb9y6ZntnZssZJ2Bbx48g8FmbQ3cQ6j0s8B2k96OqqQuXLYimniBJKm0Lqc4X3KPRBqPK7xVXbYg/s640/b20+heron+nesting.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Heron in the nest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mate gathering sticks to add to the nest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a very young Blue Heron that doesn't have it's coloring yet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our final and by far the biggest Alligator on the trip</td></tr>
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On the way back the 4 kids on board were each given a chance to stand behind the wheel and try their hands at steering our boat. If this was an indication of their driving skills I'll have my work cut out for me when the girls begin to drive!! (big smile here). They absolutely loved this and it made the long cruise back enjoyable for all the kids.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hannah's turn at the wheel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren's turn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lauren and I as we wait to dock</td></tr>
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And so ended a really nice tour that I would highly recommend to anyone living near or visiting the Central Florida area.<br />
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<br />Lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12641541238066922964noreply@blogger.com3