tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11793528645646464292023-11-16T08:12:26.839-07:00Jayme's WorldSlightly random musings about me, my family and my passions!Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-26810241445319015212016-04-19T20:32:00.001-06:002016-04-19T20:32:48.761-06:00A card and a tag!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUyxBAv_VgfvXDLCrSW506pjYeGm0TEdby6Nj-B9UUfGrU7z5ScQEG4ItjSDC9SI1qakLokPiK81_wQrpAmYtpgLh1ID_w3goemcnyh16wfo2C4kD9ti_UUNRyfyYM25E94aDz-n4S__3/s640/blogger-image--168116153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipUyxBAv_VgfvXDLCrSW506pjYeGm0TEdby6Nj-B9UUfGrU7z5ScQEG4ItjSDC9SI1qakLokPiK81_wQrpAmYtpgLh1ID_w3goemcnyh16wfo2C4kD9ti_UUNRyfyYM25E94aDz-n4S__3/s640/blogger-image--168116153.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My prima doll creation- phoomph under fabric gives her dress dimension. </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KVw2WeWEBo8Tnr3YvU-z-cgd0Xp9DhOQu5hdIyipEjt84F06AwOLyL5i16IdnF43X-mUMvZtJT7pAcnJI120tYlQ7WaXvQN23at2WnDW1oHVAPZEAWO7-NER_UzRPFNg1HX99oQz1PvL/s640/blogger-image-896774030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KVw2WeWEBo8Tnr3YvU-z-cgd0Xp9DhOQu5hdIyipEjt84F06AwOLyL5i16IdnF43X-mUMvZtJT7pAcnJI120tYlQ7WaXvQN23at2WnDW1oHVAPZEAWO7-NER_UzRPFNg1HX99oQz1PvL/s640/blogger-image-896774030.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dylusions spray ink and Sizzix working together in perfect harmony!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-71012065621725257452016-04-17T22:58:00.001-06:002016-04-17T22:58:22.361-06:00Runner's Log 04/17/16It's been a while since I've updated on the progress towards Canmore. We've now been working on this for nearly 4 months and the going is so slow. I have to remind myself that in the beginning a few laps around the gym was challenging. Our goal distance is 21km, and I seem to have stalled out at the 10km mark. I am finding it hard to improve distance, speed and stamina from this point. I personally have been plagued with a germ infestation that seems to love my lungs. I meet with the doctor next week to see if there are any clues in test results (chest x-ray, lung function test). This weird thing is also getting in the way of my singing. I can't sustain a note or rely on what is going to come out of my mouth.<br />
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Anyways, today's run was in beautiful, ideal weather. We ran 11km in an hour and a half. It actually felt pretty good, but there were walking stretches, one that was particularly long because my mom phoned! And there was trouble at the beginning with shin cramps; I resolved that by pulling down my cocoon running socks. I don't think I will ever make friends with that particular runner's aid!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1179352864564646429%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7101206562172525745&media=https%3A%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-2BnZesm7QuI%2FVxRornWZcWI%2FAAAAAAAAFDo%2FI660mePcjkM%2Fs640%2Fblogger-image--37313496.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=0ge79cRc8SZC&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 270px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1179352864564646429%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7101206562172525745&media=https%3A%2F%2Flh3.googleusercontent.com%2F-2BnZesm7QuI%2FVxRornWZcWI%2FAAAAAAAAFDo%2FI660mePcjkM%2Fs640%2Fblogger-image--37313496.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=0ge79cRc8SZC&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 270px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-12867366809923929192016-04-17T22:45:00.004-06:002016-04-17T22:45:58.403-06:00Canvas TimeI've been making canvases the past few months- I love the messy layered process of just mucking around until it finally seems done!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RS2GKX9G6a0XuyEpvXz2x7AeCWv-HLckVRPMM-V2EVa0ETDfRpMNUEBA1wpKzS6pQHbd1e63re7gDy_aEjO5cs3Ml42HBKbbdI4HW-sU2vZHuu34qv_821zv8ShyBufYnqUL9fIeBlQi/s1600/IMG_8295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RS2GKX9G6a0XuyEpvXz2x7AeCWv-HLckVRPMM-V2EVa0ETDfRpMNUEBA1wpKzS6pQHbd1e63re7gDy_aEjO5cs3Ml42HBKbbdI4HW-sU2vZHuu34qv_821zv8ShyBufYnqUL9fIeBlQi/s400/IMG_8295.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was created as a gift to a wonderful teacher friend!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created for a friend who is about to undergo some medical treatments. I wanted to find a way to give her an encouraging quote!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-74542806418134043182016-02-16T19:40:00.001-07:002016-02-16T19:40:33.094-07:00A quick crafty post<div><br></div>I put together some care packages for my half marathon ladies. I can't express how grateful I am for their inspiration, encouragement and positivity. They make this adventure even more than bearable, and possibly even amazing!<div><br></div><div>To make the tags, I sprayed a stencil background and added a little ribbon detail. I stamped and embossed the flowers then colored them using the Dylusions ink like a watercolor paint; I applied the ink with a paintbrush! Assembly, and done! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Rr06uG_Jq7NR731s7u-dLdKpgeZH_4-BgJpWDT28M2fTi0gID6injFnTjbzu3a3vKPA7WDn1-W4cVLnMhIIfwjodIo7PdeV7vvwC7ptcVWBpSSuffywrTtNNgjxARz_KDeHJNlLlT26N/s640/blogger-image--1729885658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Rr06uG_Jq7NR731s7u-dLdKpgeZH_4-BgJpWDT28M2fTi0gID6injFnTjbzu3a3vKPA7WDn1-W4cVLnMhIIfwjodIo7PdeV7vvwC7ptcVWBpSSuffywrTtNNgjxARz_KDeHJNlLlT26N/s640/blogger-image--1729885658.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSBWkna5KP_99uYxyUe9RSuVFF6sySjy-dAL4lW7mRGg5ifnvxjzSZ02qoZLxarw8pXjAIwiwaRTtaWo5ZprEWDd4h7Je8nOPVn8Q-yw_Scy_qFy1Dnpvsy9PQ2nswp7SptFiW_Oi-uip/s640/blogger-image--625427925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSBWkna5KP_99uYxyUe9RSuVFF6sySjy-dAL4lW7mRGg5ifnvxjzSZ02qoZLxarw8pXjAIwiwaRTtaWo5ZprEWDd4h7Je8nOPVn8Q-yw_Scy_qFy1Dnpvsy9PQ2nswp7SptFiW_Oi-uip/s640/blogger-image--625427925.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRlDdmyHE68HJEJ5hp7KGvCoJ0tncWIQPXIcxmc0EOxybJa74zbx7WUr4d2r2_h8AwP747DqPIJ76JMdC_EX7AsLO53mG8m4r1i2Lw9MlVKFtG1824ymG0_fxEWxCSlnJ11PNy7W9tSKW/s640/blogger-image--1140684774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRlDdmyHE68HJEJ5hp7KGvCoJ0tncWIQPXIcxmc0EOxybJa74zbx7WUr4d2r2_h8AwP747DqPIJ76JMdC_EX7AsLO53mG8m4r1i2Lw9MlVKFtG1824ymG0_fxEWxCSlnJ11PNy7W9tSKW/s640/blogger-image--1140684774.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I have to say how much I love the Heartfelt Creations stamp and die combinations- the way they've set up the stamps to make the die is genius! All parts are cut out at the same time!</div><div><br></div><div>I put some goodies from Saje in the package (Pain Release Massage Oil, Après Sport Bath Salts) and some Clif Shot Blocks. I hope they enjoy them!</div><div><br></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-5332234107065677062016-01-27T22:19:00.001-07:002016-01-27T22:19:58.800-07:00Runner's Log 01/24/16Too much to do today for real fun, but the amazing weather pulled me outside and I got to walk to the store, accompanied by my mostly willing daughter. About 5km <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOa9oKr99H_qSqqm5DwvYUaa6OZolqzT9xHwt5YQE_UH5ZBRwrwuORrAVSjVYR6cRHofzLvkMQCwcY-3q5Fx5Vz7p6lxbkRH7LyO-Lg8PkOqpEN48KrWnVoLmOgaIeOFBJQOXXaHdtkXY/s640/blogger-image-1760729276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOa9oKr99H_qSqqm5DwvYUaa6OZolqzT9xHwt5YQE_UH5ZBRwrwuORrAVSjVYR6cRHofzLvkMQCwcY-3q5Fx5Vz7p6lxbkRH7LyO-Lg8PkOqpEN48KrWnVoLmOgaIeOFBJQOXXaHdtkXY/s640/blogger-image-1760729276.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-16077621490750042122016-01-27T22:18:00.001-07:002016-01-27T22:18:52.532-07:00Runner's Log 01/27/16Walked to and from choir practice tonight, as I usually do but this time I took the longer way home. It added a few extra km to my day's total and 5000 extra steps. Because of today's melting temperatures, the sidewalks were treacherous but I achieved my first weekday 20 000 step day! Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-75433865398351140882016-01-26T23:07:00.001-07:002016-01-26T23:07:32.443-07:00Runner's Log 01/26/16Marathon ladies and I were indecisive about a short run after work today. Ultimately 2 of us went for it, plus we gained an extra! Left saying we were only up for a short, easy run. Ended up with a 5.5km jaunt that felt pretty good. Much better than our last outdoor run (for me). <div><br></div><div>Just to make it weird, it was raining. In January! In North Central Alberta! </div><div><br></div><div>Signed on to another work week hustle challenge on fitbit. Did nothing yesterday, so starting at a deficit. Will have to work hard to catch up!</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-13741837579186691022016-01-23T12:58:00.001-07:002016-01-23T12:58:31.735-07:00Runner's Log 01/23/16<div><br></div><div><br></div>Good and awesome run with the marathon ladies. Ran 10k for the first time. About 1hour 13 minutes (cool down time included in active minutes).<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7eR9gORxscu4PrFxEeWfTPzW4UQhmKCwKcgjz16zJfC6IQ6Z_A0xGUnlmuZJITkbarZ-CA11IMd-QnMUpizc2GFychie4YP3F-oCG5_tFIp3bfpLS71-NePrJuPKuTedOgi1-3tQvS7-/s640/blogger-image--1639887437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7eR9gORxscu4PrFxEeWfTPzW4UQhmKCwKcgjz16zJfC6IQ6Z_A0xGUnlmuZJITkbarZ-CA11IMd-QnMUpizc2GFychie4YP3F-oCG5_tFIp3bfpLS71-NePrJuPKuTedOgi1-3tQvS7-/s640/blogger-image--1639887437.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlRPoAhEFyKUBHR7j8QElSJXDTf5c3jFKN2beRww1pi0oh8VikSTSMxVTOWjjYsdA6HS3o2-kL_6TSVJBtVOV-HJ_V_jO7PN9R29Y7_eJ69SA7R4lnYeTJxlRXIgrrSfdmBhGU6S98GUf/s640/blogger-image-1108071317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlRPoAhEFyKUBHR7j8QElSJXDTf5c3jFKN2beRww1pi0oh8VikSTSMxVTOWjjYsdA6HS3o2-kL_6TSVJBtVOV-HJ_V_jO7PN9R29Y7_eJ69SA7R4lnYeTJxlRXIgrrSfdmBhGU6S98GUf/s640/blogger-image-1108071317.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-28043397590988852812016-01-23T09:31:00.000-07:002016-01-23T13:01:20.875-07:00Runner's log 01/21-22/16<div><br></div>Thursday, January 21/16<br>
Ran with marathon group outside- 5km in 40 minutes. Although I was pleased with this, it was freaking hard and a big bad dose of reality hit. How on earth am I going to accomplish 22km? I whined and complained and basically spilled my nerves all over the place. I was obnoxious to run with.<br>
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Friday, January 22/16<br>
Laughed about a running clinic that costs $300 with marathon group. We will muddle through clinic free. An evening walk- 6km in 60 minutes. Picked up bottles and enjoyed being outside. Worked at calming myself the heck down. I won't die. I won't come in first. I might come in last, and all will be well.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxivkVj7ehuksqdxqG0dFvaunZW83AwDt1rSOHie7-qMsGbRJq5SR904EweNRgKIAMZ6lVVWnTfSS-tLVTAMBYJAgeBJJ1w7DFlsBP42qtrtj1E9s3hLPcIqomBJXhTE_CU_X7MCrIf7R/s640/blogger-image--1813959239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxivkVj7ehuksqdxqG0dFvaunZW83AwDt1rSOHie7-qMsGbRJq5SR904EweNRgKIAMZ6lVVWnTfSS-tLVTAMBYJAgeBJJ1w7DFlsBP42qtrtj1E9s3hLPcIqomBJXhTE_CU_X7MCrIf7R/s640/blogger-image--1813959239.jpg"></a></div><br>
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Happy little side note- participated in a fitbit challenge this week (workweek hustle), and came out on top! I'm not fast, but I'm getting somewhere. Average around 13k steps a day.</div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-31924449844546020792016-01-20T21:27:00.001-07:002016-01-20T21:27:23.070-07:00Runner's Log 01/20/16Brisk walk tonight - approx 6 km total. Cold out, but have to keep my place in a group challenge on fitbit. Curse those enthusiastic people who keep me moving. The fitbit challenge is also responsible for a 9:45pm push to hop on the elliptical for 45 minutes last night!Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-52043195822585257052016-01-18T22:46:00.001-07:002016-01-18T22:46:29.358-07:00Runner's Log 01/18/16Signed up for a half marathon at the end of May. Meant to register for a 10k... life is weird sometimes. <div><br></div><div>Battling different apps to record accurate distance when running in a gym or treadmill. Have my fitbit app, which disagrees with itself (regular step/distance vs run) and map my run. Work in progress. </div><div><br></div><div>Running an hour at a time. Slow running. With short walking stretches. </div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-894344311029854622016-01-03T16:28:00.001-07:002016-01-03T16:28:35.521-07:00Runner's Log 03/01/163 km in 22 min. No empties because we tried to keep a decent pace. Made me sad to pass them by. <div><br></div><div>Off to the elliptical for a little more. </div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-15237238247595403422016-01-01T15:39:00.001-07:002016-01-01T15:39:24.760-07:00Runner's Log 01/01/16Beautiful day- mostly walking with some jogging bits. 1 hour, 7.25 km, 21 empties collected. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHngNcOJCH2GRmrlLkgRdDE839O_GYhzftIYUGyBWB7aIBIqlrjVcmcugcwjsWUyijPQfEJi97mph_kzbIagO9PhQUfvW886yuPd0AvZRiwFsFKKOWawHtnbB8KTeaBthpqgkdL8v1r39/s640/blogger-image--1661690707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHngNcOJCH2GRmrlLkgRdDE839O_GYhzftIYUGyBWB7aIBIqlrjVcmcugcwjsWUyijPQfEJi97mph_kzbIagO9PhQUfvW886yuPd0AvZRiwFsFKKOWawHtnbB8KTeaBthpqgkdL8v1r39/s640/blogger-image--1661690707.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-86459724332434311092015-08-30T00:18:00.000-06:002015-08-30T00:18:18.352-06:00A LAST MINUTE GETAWAY!This summer has been mainly focussed on getting the yard landscaped. All spare cash goes to buying dirt and rocks, and all spare time goes to moving that stuff around. Good progress has been made, but all work and no play makes for an unfun summer.<br />
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We hatched a plan to head to Jasper for 1 night. This is a first for me, and I have to confess what a terrible Albertan I am. I actually had no idea that people went to Jasper to <i>do things.</i> For me, Jasper has always been this place that you drive through to get somewhere. If you have to stop even for gas, you need a $20 park pass, and so we have always arranged it so that we don't need to stop there. I remember staying in a hotel in Jasper as a kid on family trips, but even that was a stop on the <i>way to somewhere.</i> A few years ago, when I still owned <a href="http://shop.scrapbookingfanatics.com/">Scrapbooking Fanatics</a>, I hosted crops in Jasper. They were fun and well received, but again, we spent our time in the hotel... scrapbooking.<br />
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It wasn't until this summer that I picked up the idea that Jasper was an actual place to go. So many friends and acquaintances kept talking about their trips there, and sharing amazing pictures on Facebook. A light bulb went off, and for the first time since we went to Vancouver Island, we packed up the tent and headed off for an adventure!<br />
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We decided to stay at the Pocahontas campground and so our explorations were chosen for their proximity to our home base. We arrived at the park before we could check in at the campground, so we headed up to our first destination: Miette hot springs! There are a couple of trail heads (look at me using hiker words!) right from the hot spring's parking lot. The map I found online promised that Utopia pass was a moderate 2-3 hour hike and about 2.5 km round trip. Perfect way to get our feet wet, so to speak.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It started off as a paved trail that went alongside the little spring. In places it was warm where it was fed by the hot springs. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail led to the old hot springs site. It was decomissioned in 1984 and now just some kinda creepy-cool ruins are left. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are lots of hillsides to climb off the trail. It makes for slow going, but great exploring! I kinda thought this rock looked like it had a face. See it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxfs8Cl2y-5frJ4pslhdAB8_vnWm25fsV_wjgd4y381_4jVYINw9Fd_PCJGA-OwDC4MRWRwhCer8T7JvBECnmUgmk-AgdpgTUArXK_0nBUHZTxxwwW_hgXEj4v7IyzDoyiUy21Q2YPuei/s1600/IMG_6441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxfs8Cl2y-5frJ4pslhdAB8_vnWm25fsV_wjgd4y381_4jVYINw9Fd_PCJGA-OwDC4MRWRwhCer8T7JvBECnmUgmk-AgdpgTUArXK_0nBUHZTxxwwW_hgXEj4v7IyzDoyiUy21Q2YPuei/s400/IMG_6441.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't my kid cute? So many beautiful spots to take pictures!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC8S1juAskrZiDzmugOkHF3Kl_uJAmQrdhsNXjpNUiGzjFQo4jXQpT_CFEhTilTKMKWTJ1C69obLIFa6d5Xci-Ab_Q2-Ph-KOPhyphenhyphenJF0bG4RJ4J6V9ahUIB_Wq7djY6CQQzVKWd4HaOZpq/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVC8S1juAskrZiDzmugOkHF3Kl_uJAmQrdhsNXjpNUiGzjFQo4jXQpT_CFEhTilTKMKWTJ1C69obLIFa6d5Xci-Ab_Q2-Ph-KOPhyphenhyphenJF0bG4RJ4J6V9ahUIB_Wq7djY6CQQzVKWd4HaOZpq/s400/IMG_6454.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly, I found all the ways to look awkward in a photo! I was supposed to get new head shots for <a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/">the magazine</a>. We took one million pictures. I looked weird in one million and one....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL3ILcvP3YriVNTSOOBjbnImdxPNjpMRBhyphenhyphenHr3Glj2DpPSEVoX-a0RdKMnFik0uk4vMTnlc4kduFaQGyFq4LL04oDZhQvs6VmWTvHoVdz_xgTCCTjXMomrHv797kb6dBVVTPiSSva1hfv/s1600/IMG_6474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL3ILcvP3YriVNTSOOBjbnImdxPNjpMRBhyphenhyphenHr3Glj2DpPSEVoX-a0RdKMnFik0uk4vMTnlc4kduFaQGyFq4LL04oDZhQvs6VmWTvHoVdz_xgTCCTjXMomrHv797kb6dBVVTPiSSva1hfv/s400/IMG_6474.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? She makes it look easy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9kKmNVTV0Kdg8PE8iUrg4mhftZiPWhEQQ9d-uqEN2LNEEJOmmJpQr6eArc1ENJHHKUFHXX4mZqqhb_vqFk6aL34BBUf_vlbdmirCC0On-a9Zza0mw6fVbWX09aJoIp8zYfwDMraqlycS/s1600/IMG_6483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9kKmNVTV0Kdg8PE8iUrg4mhftZiPWhEQQ9d-uqEN2LNEEJOmmJpQr6eArc1ENJHHKUFHXX4mZqqhb_vqFk6aL34BBUf_vlbdmirCC0On-a9Zza0mw6fVbWX09aJoIp8zYfwDMraqlycS/s400/IMG_6483.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many things to see! I was photographed while photographing a mushroom. And let me just give a shout out to dressing in layers. The temperature is different around every corner.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3kxUBhiYlsBjNbdTV_zatG1t1HRMMFNz5z4brzwkz8RzZ0KBy4V43SZjJK6ihbHanSLjjjIRgbfmX1hu7i9ttV9NLglG3UpCLFcGro8_IT3do5bk2rk350oQWP0zdA6zs0aauKNA7ScY/s1600/IMG_6490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3kxUBhiYlsBjNbdTV_zatG1t1HRMMFNz5z4brzwkz8RzZ0KBy4V43SZjJK6ihbHanSLjjjIRgbfmX1hu7i9ttV9NLglG3UpCLFcGro8_IT3do5bk2rk350oQWP0zdA6zs0aauKNA7ScY/s400/IMG_6490.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are at a little bridge that crossed the creek we'd been following. From this point on, the trail is a little less trodden and a lot more steep.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiQrz6VqMIEmSGjtdiF5pdBhTZIgJ06RNSQWt3fenoVjX7KHT4a9-ywYmNXq7KTK3UUGQvTpaZ3rKFnYnxLCcYLfWK__-hBiPosHXQSwQqVJnhiIejaWjwoANohdRNTyfF0B2f_VhCtkx/s1600/IMG_6553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXiQrz6VqMIEmSGjtdiF5pdBhTZIgJ06RNSQWt3fenoVjX7KHT4a9-ywYmNXq7KTK3UUGQvTpaZ3rKFnYnxLCcYLfWK__-hBiPosHXQSwQqVJnhiIejaWjwoANohdRNTyfF0B2f_VhCtkx/s400/IMG_6553.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up we go! According to my fitbit, we climbed the equivalent of 90 flights of stairs. What was most amazing about this part of the trail was the lack of ambient sound. There were fewer hikers here, and so we rarely heard people noise. We could no longer hear the creek and there was no traffic noise. Just lots of squirrels stating their opinion about sharing their forest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEDzvokfoVacuPobNWuFnhVtJqnHs2awWTOM7IJv3VnlFikF-VOdVQOaZe4OKlrlZqSU9EDaZzl125xa17FTpsYPUmjguB8eAdrV0Xbtaw4-xR77gNSnFAsdpjteECpO7YhXMC6IIxm6_/s1600/IMG_6566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEDzvokfoVacuPobNWuFnhVtJqnHs2awWTOM7IJv3VnlFikF-VOdVQOaZe4OKlrlZqSU9EDaZzl125xa17FTpsYPUmjguB8eAdrV0Xbtaw4-xR77gNSnFAsdpjteECpO7YhXMC6IIxm6_/s400/IMG_6566.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were far beyond the 2.5 round trip kms of trail promised by my not-very-detailed map, and we were not sure where exactly the end of this trail was, so after about 5km we decided to turn around (after a snack). We never did find out the answer to how far or where this trail went.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrdDGywD8QyXEkc_feuj95GMcLmFFPT2e45zFoDk1gRMfl_4ljdoCtjpJTokK86EYben7_FxdJPQIzZervb-0r-yCK3OURrEP8i0CYvLbNU_fKqLYmI_e9Q06AgzZgBrnMrzxyM5NV43g/s1600/IMG_6567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrdDGywD8QyXEkc_feuj95GMcLmFFPT2e45zFoDk1gRMfl_4ljdoCtjpJTokK86EYben7_FxdJPQIzZervb-0r-yCK3OURrEP8i0CYvLbNU_fKqLYmI_e9Q06AgzZgBrnMrzxyM5NV43g/s400/IMG_6567.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made it back to the trail beginning. The grownups took a little rest while our kid took off her shoes and dipped her feet in the cold mountain water.</td></tr>
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After a soak in the hot springs, it was time to head to the campground and get our selves set up. The campsites had a generous amount of space and the last time a bear had been spotted was almost a week prior. It was perfect! We set up, cooked supper over the fire and then headed out to the Pocahontas trail that left right from the campground. We learned that there are lots of trails in the area left over from a colliery. On the trail we saw some evidence of prior industry, but didn't explore too much as we wanted to be back at camp before the sun set. It was a fast trip back, but it gave us an idea of where we were going to start the next day.</div>
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The night was uneventful, but restless. All the little noises of the world join you in a tent! And we are old. Our camp mats are not built for old people and we will have something more suitable for next trip! Ibuprofen was part of breakfast, and the crick in my back made me wonder about a big hike day.</div>
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Following breakfast, we stopped at another point of entrance to the Pocahontas trail system and picked up right where we left off the night before. It was about a 2km loop, with lots of climbing. The views were worth it, though! All those times driving through the Jasper park I was completely unaware that there were so many people crawling around in the trees above the highway looking down on me!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punch bowl falls- have no idea who was crazy enough to crawl through a tunnel and over the water to stack those stones!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBzQIUvwxCPN72UxCsuqbsx3nCO51xtw_SXCMyZtGjau-BBf7gNG7j_3FaEuJmPJ1iKAtMhvLSTRxeqnYklxuxwFty7MYKPGfuSHiNV6BgJt0zFVWlzK7e9P4OLlSeoZ58DW_KRn_v38T/s1600/IMG_6582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBzQIUvwxCPN72UxCsuqbsx3nCO51xtw_SXCMyZtGjau-BBf7gNG7j_3FaEuJmPJ1iKAtMhvLSTRxeqnYklxuxwFty7MYKPGfuSHiNV6BgJt0zFVWlzK7e9P4OLlSeoZ58DW_KRn_v38T/s400/IMG_6582.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to work out tent sleeping kinks.</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/AVvXsEjB0oJ5u59lltidGXmDacolvj_B99rjsLKxM9MXHRnVCNC20s-ZMQiTgbdSiE5HQH6C0pARopxmf3SXsgIEis5Cf2gTuXZY2LksRXuaIyDv-ke3FBU1eBHw05ZndIHOZjEPlVGziIJCa86z/s1600/IMG_6587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0oJ5u59lltidGXmDacolvj_B99rjsLKxM9MXHRnVCNC20s-ZMQiTgbdSiE5HQH6C0pARopxmf3SXsgIEis5Cf2gTuXZY2LksRXuaIyDv-ke3FBU1eBHw05ZndIHOZjEPlVGziIJCa86z/s400/IMG_6587.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up. A whole lot of up.</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/AVvXsEifRnmPA3QCcWuTDF6dYNZ6ur-a0Tdng8Cyo0bzVMAyCGnn7oRrz-lbWGR09OEN-T51rlJdafeIQR9Tz1xv8cmSBXAbrNTHhMwcEV8ocWKDYEAU0t3S7vtkGpPe6dpiEhn7VbvCQla2eXti/s1600/IMG_6589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRnmPA3QCcWuTDF6dYNZ6ur-a0Tdng8Cyo0bzVMAyCGnn7oRrz-lbWGR09OEN-T51rlJdafeIQR9Tz1xv8cmSBXAbrNTHhMwcEV8ocWKDYEAU0t3S7vtkGpPe6dpiEhn7VbvCQla2eXti/s400/IMG_6589.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But here is why! Too bad there was so much forest fire haze around. Even still, it was totally worth 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/AVvXsEiH3WLTZype1mwDhuKHzcCBpUofL_eIJrHvr-ISm5q3hJyJ0blbP3wzIhpfPcdbrjE0s_K70S9MH699D-ArPlmIlOzHoXemsiy0-DaiWXbMWT1ceeWRxbQvoWvBU-nsmiU5NWrQEN0BysnJ/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH3WLTZype1mwDhuKHzcCBpUofL_eIJrHvr-ISm5q3hJyJ0blbP3wzIhpfPcdbrjE0s_K70S9MH699D-ArPlmIlOzHoXemsiy0-DaiWXbMWT1ceeWRxbQvoWvBU-nsmiU5NWrQEN0BysnJ/s400/IMG_6592.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look. Just look, and be.</td></tr>
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<div>
Finished with the Pocahontas area, we headed to Jasper town, and spent an hour or so just browsing around. We originally planned to head out to Malign Canyon and find a trail there, but we were all feeling a little sore and weary and decided to walk around Beauvert Lake instead. </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/AVvXsEjagvqANhKA5aIOxIjaIUJuDJgPTfZthZXGtyeiRxhQSOJB5FyeR_NA7TRWzPgKhGWKHhp39fXHaMcqBoS_kziVrJRpNLikpGEC2HdqlLRtQHL2Kd8u-Mg6esyoXZ2buBQyYoNpta-rz5p1/s1600/IMG_6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagvqANhKA5aIOxIjaIUJuDJgPTfZthZXGtyeiRxhQSOJB5FyeR_NA7TRWzPgKhGWKHhp39fXHaMcqBoS_kziVrJRpNLikpGEC2HdqlLRtQHL2Kd8u-Mg6esyoXZ2buBQyYoNpta-rz5p1/s400/IMG_6595.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Nothing wrong with this to look at!</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/AVvXsEhjDrO2yCHrRIFul-nJYGmXrOnt6WDaFUXnFFS91BZy605N1iPs9P-L3HzqAhD2h59krIerZ1DuJCK4CmYFkLjF3tqkB1v5OyitZRQp32ykn72GfeecsPrdfOGjALzWRsLf30VYtCuIUVG6/s1600/IMG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjDrO2yCHrRIFul-nJYGmXrOnt6WDaFUXnFFS91BZy605N1iPs9P-L3HzqAhD2h59krIerZ1DuJCK4CmYFkLjF3tqkB1v5OyitZRQp32ykn72GfeecsPrdfOGjALzWRsLf30VYtCuIUVG6/s400/IMG_6601.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These little guys like to drop pine cones at you and then cheekily tell you it was your fault!</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/AVvXsEjFBMVCNgDlpqmxAWzpUs6cFbpKyh6R3hjl-TldX2TIF94tto0TfBDGl9niwFKCc0p0c8sSENcNhdzS8xUH27L8G5unSgLOM2SONzWxoBo6lexgRFGk1-EYenWBsD-qyJPPTn285BRXpihP/s1600/IMG_6624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBMVCNgDlpqmxAWzpUs6cFbpKyh6R3hjl-TldX2TIF94tto0TfBDGl9niwFKCc0p0c8sSENcNhdzS8xUH27L8G5unSgLOM2SONzWxoBo6lexgRFGk1-EYenWBsD-qyJPPTn285BRXpihP/s400/IMG_6624.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My heart...</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/AVvXsEj9hseR7yE3zvtOMN6ZrZRaqp1V-vZsWQrIkk4niDQJ-Ygz79a2TsGQQ9gSAkUXIMPd3r9VIOOQQjCe3Wu8OgBu2JWk5CzsGofIIej-Y1vn1L_t9LXTgBv729REGgcR2PikevpI0DVqcf6_/s1600/IMG_6626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hseR7yE3zvtOMN6ZrZRaqp1V-vZsWQrIkk4niDQJ-Ygz79a2TsGQQ9gSAkUXIMPd3r9VIOOQQjCe3Wu8OgBu2JWk5CzsGofIIej-Y1vn1L_t9LXTgBv729REGgcR2PikevpI0DVqcf6_/s400/IMG_6626.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My heart X 2....</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/AVvXsEj79oDNIVn0As8O7AZnMGSQRDl1-cr7XezeRUBZEe2qbhHZ1AyqTZ3yi7uF1LSY6RVvCVyOnqnWkoFbl4vBSqz8-ZVWep0y9rETzsneTRwTvat56CUkOg-z6-3niE-Oc-yLmi7wzYVY-vW9/s1600/IMG_6634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79oDNIVn0As8O7AZnMGSQRDl1-cr7XezeRUBZEe2qbhHZ1AyqTZ3yi7uF1LSY6RVvCVyOnqnWkoFbl4vBSqz8-ZVWep0y9rETzsneTRwTvat56CUkOg-z6-3niE-Oc-yLmi7wzYVY-vW9/s400/IMG_6634.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photobombing is always a good idea! I don't know who was bombing who though!</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/AVvXsEiAiUX33hF2-NlA23e-vJxTexy0tAh1Ea8aFSIlVQ8PAupBN0rxmVVNshexLIJl1ol6kyYBVLeXX1ZAe1LT2QJKhHJab6tS_QbJUvNrzlxFPRuQwTAEr77ZvlvBLPYkQ8wPzxpSldjOVPif/s1600/IMG_6638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiUX33hF2-NlA23e-vJxTexy0tAh1Ea8aFSIlVQ8PAupBN0rxmVVNshexLIJl1ol6kyYBVLeXX1ZAe1LT2QJKhHJab6tS_QbJUvNrzlxFPRuQwTAEr77ZvlvBLPYkQ8wPzxpSldjOVPif/s400/IMG_6638.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everywhere is beautiful!</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/AVvXsEgYllCqCcJYNFBT5gxInNFlDfySomWmsXcUM1SYPuYkiZnn6tdUfmYS-qVKosgZTmnAYJx_nBmr43R2G3oXcSbrigCAgciiU9PF8pdHXWoev-Q3UA0V_L6MLacaSZalhSezfKblEt6jxtLE/s1600/IMG_6647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYllCqCcJYNFBT5gxInNFlDfySomWmsXcUM1SYPuYkiZnn6tdUfmYS-qVKosgZTmnAYJx_nBmr43R2G3oXcSbrigCAgciiU9PF8pdHXWoev-Q3UA0V_L6MLacaSZalhSezfKblEt6jxtLE/s400/IMG_6647.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, a person has to stop in Jasper Park Lodge and say hello to the domestic creatures as well!</td></tr>
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<div>
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<div>
And there you have it! Now that we know the secret of <i>things to do in Jasper</i> we can't wait to go back! With a better mattress, mind.</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1179352864564646429%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8645972433243431109%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Mn2d2jbzZX0%2FVeKL1bQbdDI%2FAAAAAAAAE1E%2Fv_lHBQGphFQ%2Fs400%2FIMG_6566.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=0ge79cRc8SZC&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 220px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3587px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1179352864564646429%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D8645972433243431109%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Mn2d2jbzZX0%2FVeKL1bQbdDI%2FAAAAAAAAE1E%2Fv_lHBQGphFQ%2Fs400%2FIMG_6566.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=0ge79cRc8SZC&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 220px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3587px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-9490220745303178672015-01-12T16:12:00.000-07:002015-01-12T16:12:08.442-07:00Hello blog! Hello 2015!A new year, a new leaf? Well, maybe! A new blog post for sure! I am ever grateful for the love and support of the ladies at Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine. They have patiently waited for me to get my act together after the wild time-and-motivation-sucking ride that was 2014. In the end, we are in a good place, surrounded by good things. The road here was fraught with habit changing annoyances, and now I am committed to get myself back into the habit of being a scrapbooker! To that end, I have taken on the <a href="http://canadianscrapbooker.ca/sketchy/showphoto.php?photo=1178&title=jan-2015-sketch&cat=545">January 2015 sketch</a>, which is sadly the first time I have done so in a year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnk9xhgo-_LeHhfhxCDyTVR5fe_QIPj5M2piGcrtqyc-mq4Y2fvHjSMNwLnX5wMeNOjP_D0dqkOsKMhlH2r7sw0DO9RJ3Rj_z6YBva3l_75TI1VcP9o3WE39pHF2SKJDAiOm89Niaxehw/s1600/01_JAN2015SKETCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnk9xhgo-_LeHhfhxCDyTVR5fe_QIPj5M2piGcrtqyc-mq4Y2fvHjSMNwLnX5wMeNOjP_D0dqkOsKMhlH2r7sw0DO9RJ3Rj_z6YBva3l_75TI1VcP9o3WE39pHF2SKJDAiOm89Niaxehw/s1600/01_JAN2015SKETCH.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is what I came up with:</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/AVvXsEgVgmP-56EhVKqEQXCFaN4Kqhqa5XaK-zDY9IZtNNn7w_SnEtKPh1ZgdwTFAAC_sFZCQ3USIc54jPkrqQRIKuPVFGZkHDuVmqp-Jw3t-iL_38ZM1IOWQBaJn5Mx2z6TZnax1gRdp3zy4Epi/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgmP-56EhVKqEQXCFaN4Kqhqa5XaK-zDY9IZtNNn7w_SnEtKPh1ZgdwTFAAC_sFZCQ3USIc54jPkrqQRIKuPVFGZkHDuVmqp-Jw3t-iL_38ZM1IOWQBaJn5Mx2z6TZnax1gRdp3zy4Epi/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG" height="320" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies used: Patterned Paper- Heartfelt Creations; Cardstock- DCWV; Embossing folder- Stampin' Up!; Ribbon- May Arts; Wood pieces- American Crafts; Title Sticker- Prima; Ink- Clearsnap; Glitter- Glitter Ritz.</td></tr>
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Welcome to 2015! Hope yours is filled with some new adventures! Some possibilities for me? Performing in a musical and running a half marathon.... stay tuned to see what comes to pass!Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-73636961295310384162014-06-19T22:05:00.001-06:002014-06-19T22:05:17.487-06:00So, that was wild....We now own a new house... and our old house too. Because that is how we roll. Who knew?Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-73688006010401654822014-01-05T13:20:00.000-07:002014-01-05T13:20:03.981-07:00And a Scrappy New Year to You!Happy 2014! I hope you and yours had a peaceful and fulfilling Christmas and New Year's. Our holidays were filled with visiting with trips to see both sets of parents and well spent time with friends. New Year's 2014 will go down in the history books as the year I learned the game of 'spoons' and sported the bruises to prove it!<br />
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After all the excess we are trying to get back into some sort of routine and I spent some time at my scrap table playing. The first thing I tackled was Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's <a href="http://canadianscrapbooker.ca/sketchy/showgallery.php?cat=531">January Sketchy Challenge</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyrkoLczQbLZZPVYHzxRIwi_4lmkqaEtZLS4Mv75A_bjWWZBCHy6BG1mhubvG-hxLZMB4hggBEa4bL8XOdsIyVVEePclIs4MEGSuKaQuqA5Z8N4-pZFe0I0sKhPoebzm2AnPG-NmjMrFU/s1600/01_JAN2014SKETCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyrkoLczQbLZZPVYHzxRIwi_4lmkqaEtZLS4Mv75A_bjWWZBCHy6BG1mhubvG-hxLZMB4hggBEa4bL8XOdsIyVVEePclIs4MEGSuKaQuqA5Z8N4-pZFe0I0sKhPoebzm2AnPG-NmjMrFU/s400/01_JAN2014SKETCH.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I turned it into a large single photo layout:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_9PYJz-WTMlriFNasnKMj7lL_5EcwgUkGjWYpRaFtYfWP3ObXKOXSvnfGARHIQDdcgg-LY_EY3aNILO4D4-t5tKMWWsViLLgvIewgtbX1TCxjqBI13cPbigv3hlbD7EKbTPzeVQk7hyphenhyphen1/s1600/IMG_5310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_9PYJz-WTMlriFNasnKMj7lL_5EcwgUkGjWYpRaFtYfWP3ObXKOXSvnfGARHIQDdcgg-LY_EY3aNILO4D4-t5tKMWWsViLLgvIewgtbX1TCxjqBI13cPbigv3hlbD7EKbTPzeVQk7hyphenhyphen1/s640/IMG_5310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Supplies Used:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Patterned Paper, Stickers: Farmhouse Paper Company (FYI Collection)</div>
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Flowers: Prima Marketing</div>
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Trim: May Arts</div>
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Chipboard: American Crafts</div>
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The journaling says: <i>It wasn't a wizard's chessboard, of course. But I saw your imagination take off the moment you laid eyes on the oversize chessboard at Prairie Gardens. Harry Potter fans find magic everywhere!</i></div>
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I love using a collection of stickers to journal on!</div>
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Get your trimmer going! I can't wait to see what you create with the sketch....</div>
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I also created for the<a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/jackie/"> Canadian Scrapbooker blog</a>- you'll have to wait until Tuesday to see what that is! And! I have a class coming up in February for <a href="http://tatteredpagesinc.com/">Tattered Pages Inc</a>. in Drayton Valley. You can contact the Barb or Judy there for more info. (Just not today because they have not seen my sample yet!!!!)</div>
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Good luck everyone getting back to school/work tomorrow. I know I'm gonna miss my slow coffee in the morning and the potential for naps. Be easy....</div>
Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-58067068424603075232013-12-03T22:38:00.000-07:002013-12-03T22:38:55.776-07:00Check one off the bucket list!For the past few years I've been nurturing a little notion that I would love to build a house. I felt a little bit hesitant about putting it out into the world because I have hippy corners in my heart and the thought just seemed so <i>extravagant</i>. Tentatively, however, I dragged my husband along to check out show homes and initiated discussions on '<i>What if....</i>'<br />
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We made lists. We set up our criteria. We decided that if the right set of circumstances came about we would take the leap.<br />
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And rather surprisingly and sweetly, it all came together. The perfect for us lot. A builder we feel good about. A home design that although is not finalized, has all that we need and a lot of what we want. And it fits into the budget we set for ourselves. <br />
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The bank, the equity in our house and our hearts all said yes! The ducks lined up smartly and on the first of December it became official: we are building a house!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2uwUhI7KG0oJKs87KpW5PifLIKAVAhhJKMv6IIW2fTTdoGRPLsZDGNCMnr5rrZI8W2z0V5SSzNoTVTZVlCNqBR_Es33rXcG-gDF-R64PrsIgcSbJ91P8TTBaMAqXL1vqlO4dFDJydp2B/s1600/IMG_5137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2uwUhI7KG0oJKs87KpW5PifLIKAVAhhJKMv6IIW2fTTdoGRPLsZDGNCMnr5rrZI8W2z0V5SSzNoTVTZVlCNqBR_Es33rXcG-gDF-R64PrsIgcSbJ91P8TTBaMAqXL1vqlO4dFDJydp2B/s400/IMG_5137.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cheque that seals the deal! We've gotten ourselves into a relationship with <a href="http://www.alquinnhomes.com/Home">Alquinn Homes</a>. Here's to an exciting and smooth process.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5TzdKcgnfIoLx8qQIZ74zNBor6s4K7etQRZakNLKC5Nehy4ELmzaS9Ys008WcXuYDLZvyNGXma0ejB3duwqAZUk_PM7fjMnAlCxj4oDbjNVm_gUle6zOTWekLsuXFsGcpn1d5IjXjzxc/s1600/IMG_5139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5TzdKcgnfIoLx8qQIZ74zNBor6s4K7etQRZakNLKC5Nehy4ELmzaS9Ys008WcXuYDLZvyNGXma0ejB3duwqAZUk_PM7fjMnAlCxj4oDbjNVm_gUle6zOTWekLsuXFsGcpn1d5IjXjzxc/s400/IMG_5139.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Estimates at this time are that we will be in our new house mid-June, 2014. Pretty awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGM2gCIJBkqQKJygu_c8YyujRpindtk_i4wkjgIs1Rg7KrTaTUNifFiKPkhm81OnD2gMEdACuhmiulltsoNbUu_nm7Kc8FdyBvtAKoIwolM4xghYw8rkyiEFuvoS6Sle3xVCe0dnFw2X9/s1600/IMG_5143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGM2gCIJBkqQKJygu_c8YyujRpindtk_i4wkjgIs1Rg7KrTaTUNifFiKPkhm81OnD2gMEdACuhmiulltsoNbUu_nm7Kc8FdyBvtAKoIwolM4xghYw8rkyiEFuvoS6Sle3xVCe0dnFw2X9/s400/IMG_5143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is our lot. I am standing on the road, and we think Mark is standing at the far corner. What we love about the lot is the fact that we have green space to the south and east- only one fence neighbour! And that it is centrally located so we can walk to many places (4 months of the year- who am I kidding?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEUPd86wFkNshD4d1Hv6Za5CoD_X2B7UxdOq-KwitUK4W28HqNMIXhJ-qg8wFGAXAdftS3NzAzAeZGZpY3WEzliY6NIv3kznbHC9NkP0v0oxnH0t4qXsviJx6HThJTvAP2lkSzDeMcDd6/s1600/IMG_5146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEUPd86wFkNshD4d1Hv6Za5CoD_X2B7UxdOq-KwitUK4W28HqNMIXhJ-qg8wFGAXAdftS3NzAzAeZGZpY3WEzliY6NIv3kznbHC9NkP0v0oxnH0t4qXsviJx6HThJTvAP2lkSzDeMcDd6/s400/IMG_5146.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes! That is a farm in the background. This is what our view will be out our patio door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosJtax-ch_BSn2OlTgZw9yF06ReNgFmtpXDK5IBG3G9eBHmvHRo7nWEg-bNQOJBM0Y3Ga01AfTxS5kIH54gTsyGyofp_xSxCfff20VbTQ1zPvK3BlqAGjTUzC-nEbp8yczYMf_geZ1zLb/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosJtax-ch_BSn2OlTgZw9yF06ReNgFmtpXDK5IBG3G9eBHmvHRo7nWEg-bNQOJBM0Y3Ga01AfTxS5kIH54gTsyGyofp_xSxCfff20VbTQ1zPvK3BlqAGjTUzC-nEbp8yczYMf_geZ1zLb/s400/IMG_5153.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't see me, because I am taking the picture, but I am equally as stinkin' happy as Mark!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkwbZOyMkPg2-eTN1S2EKoeb7G6f2PBLtpDIu_4VRMghVPZvo3Xp8L0GEEYXWEeoI1JscPr9wkUemTopMBV1CRNwEtx8QygbbwNKuT6nYFFtuObsEkiQVlxgjrmKq_ZbRFjHL6bB71PWZ/s1600/IMG_5154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkwbZOyMkPg2-eTN1S2EKoeb7G6f2PBLtpDIu_4VRMghVPZvo3Xp8L0GEEYXWEeoI1JscPr9wkUemTopMBV1CRNwEtx8QygbbwNKuT6nYFFtuObsEkiQVlxgjrmKq_ZbRFjHL6bB71PWZ/s400/IMG_5154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the east side of our lot a bike path goes by. On the other side of the bike path is a toboggan hill, a playground and a storm pond. Avery is on top of the hill.</td></tr>
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Avery is somewhat less excited about this whole idea-become-reality. We try to involve her so she can get excited about the new house too. Except she says she would like things like a purple and pink garage door. And a dumbwaiter in the kitchen. Can you see a few bumps ahead? I am sure she will come around...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_9r6XJU8oWQ7bxU1McMssgl96wbwaa0wWNdYPlTAaL-cXcS4CV4Os0vTsqMvDnwOAphgNwjTdbJzmEwtwrK-BdmqvvgsVoascEicnYOV-hwCjUKknBF-ss5SfxRrexoDm5cTeamtMuRs/s1600/IMG_5156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_9r6XJU8oWQ7bxU1McMssgl96wbwaa0wWNdYPlTAaL-cXcS4CV4Os0vTsqMvDnwOAphgNwjTdbJzmEwtwrK-BdmqvvgsVoascEicnYOV-hwCjUKknBF-ss5SfxRrexoDm5cTeamtMuRs/s400/IMG_5156.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last look at our lot. Soon to have a hole!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnTF2Ktg4YBYHdDe5JnYj4xW5Q-Dyxx_tZ80bNYDuiGkZKxzeupBIpNBSZGO8A5micvprdRDRlaivq4QboNKSNP1KBJwZud-3lnEx4EjDqYqTZVj2AXE2uR5YAiIcRm-To6osPhs9DdAN/s1600/Hawthorne-ph5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnTF2Ktg4YBYHdDe5JnYj4xW5Q-Dyxx_tZ80bNYDuiGkZKxzeupBIpNBSZGO8A5micvprdRDRlaivq4QboNKSNP1KBJwZud-3lnEx4EjDqYqTZVj2AXE2uR5YAiIcRm-To6osPhs9DdAN/s400/Hawthorne-ph5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the development plan. We are on lot 7 and we think it is perfect for us! Mark even has plans to go guerrilla gardening and plant trees in the green space to the south. I am hoping for fruit trees.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJHfsUlxAvX_qpUaNIG8wclbU-_6NYNlRXjZOg4_ru8dRaPvWzac-wY9yAcaD2EbfpIv8J1375sjLds_e78eiHZgz9DvNxa5MBXiQeikj4wpgAgbIvljg2cs2s9Th72-k2M0NXrwwttMM/s1600/Spruce+Grove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJHfsUlxAvX_qpUaNIG8wclbU-_6NYNlRXjZOg4_ru8dRaPvWzac-wY9yAcaD2EbfpIv8J1375sjLds_e78eiHZgz9DvNxa5MBXiQeikj4wpgAgbIvljg2cs2s9Th72-k2M0NXrwwttMM/s400/Spruce+Grove.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a bigger picture of where we are in the city. We are moving from Linkside to the little 'X' between Westgrove and Heatherglen.<br /></td></tr>
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Stay tuned! All progress will be documented on this here blog....Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-71896934395793415332013-11-08T12:31:00.000-07:002013-11-08T13:12:38.930-07:00Sketchy Fun!November's sketch is up at <a href="http://canadianscrapbooker.ca/sketchy/showgallery.php?cat=527">Canadian Scrapbooker magazine</a>, and I shocked even myself by getting to the sketch before the last day of the month!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiPsnR6t88pvv7IBzCBOTgjnsuFFMjMVTKHDpApOCxgpl0SiNvrGPyY1L6MWHj1wSSZMbSRRFXJ2kPZK0g8x29OyjlSILhufUG1MCJFocKsa0ZhOS4cu5kzVxnfIhyphenhypheniAeFiMWcu0FpNxl/s1600/nov2013sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiPsnR6t88pvv7IBzCBOTgjnsuFFMjMVTKHDpApOCxgpl0SiNvrGPyY1L6MWHj1wSSZMbSRRFXJ2kPZK0g8x29OyjlSILhufUG1MCJFocKsa0ZhOS4cu5kzVxnfIhyphenhypheniAeFiMWcu0FpNxl/s1600/nov2013sketch.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Isn't this fun?</div>
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I decided to step out of my usual scrappy territory and visit 'boy-boy' land, if there is such a thing. My nephew stayed with us a few weeks last summer to take swimming lessons and while he was here, he made a goal that he would also learn to ride his bike. He is naturally a cautious sort and does not feel comfortable exploring physically. After his heart surgery this spring, he became even more defensive of his self. So to say that it took patience on his part (as well as my husband's) to get him to a place where he could risk falling and being unstable is a bit of an understatement. Big kudos to them both for turning Zxayven into a "Biker Dude!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvixowxqs37H26KKLV872FHVLWOLJDuZGiLFDBimyIpI7d93yRFLlujhIAqW-ZJ_sLao-HQnYwARGeR47yt-Vonl8s3o9QbZP8hCZ-XvpezSk12GoNBLdgZd_TMtGr5TRKlO1uYQNf-AE/s1600/IMG_4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvixowxqs37H26KKLV872FHVLWOLJDuZGiLFDBimyIpI7d93yRFLlujhIAqW-ZJ_sLao-HQnYwARGeR47yt-Vonl8s3o9QbZP8hCZ-XvpezSk12GoNBLdgZd_TMtGr5TRKlO1uYQNf-AE/s1600/IMG_4867.JPG" height="400" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies Used: Patterned Paper and Chipboard- Fabscraps; Dies- Sizzix; Ink- Clearsnap; Glitter and Embossing Powder- Clearsnap, Ranger, Gel-a-Tins; Metal Embellishment- Maya Road; Letter Stickers- Basic Grey</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1601746173"></span><span id="goog_1601746174"></span>To create this layout, I took the 6x6 chipboard piece and cut it in half so I could use it the length of the page (after spraying it with 'black velvet' spritz). I covered cardstock with Be Creative tape before cutting out the dies. Once cut out, I used an assortment of glitters and embossing powders on the dies to give a metallic look to each piece.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxuL5MX0i3lMue3IWiHSMRW67o48a6gaWTfQ6DNQq6lEYJbREOzWkHoEOm6BlxJ2VlP17LnzBzj1SGkGm2xHcHCqGjNnwfelRes4-W8f9WxKTVrc3M-twsOZf45pvU9s3io3zYEfx4UfN/s1600/IMG_4872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxuL5MX0i3lMue3IWiHSMRW67o48a6gaWTfQ6DNQq6lEYJbREOzWkHoEOm6BlxJ2VlP17LnzBzj1SGkGm2xHcHCqGjNnwfelRes4-W8f9WxKTVrc3M-twsOZf45pvU9s3io3zYEfx4UfN/s1600/IMG_4872.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stuff!</td></tr>
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Funny thing about the photos I used- I kind of had everything planned in my head for the layout and ordered what I needed from <a href="http://www.scrapbookingfanatics.com/">Scrapbooking Fanatics</a> but I didn't check that we actually had pictures! We didn't!!! Mark made a little video for my nephew, so I just took some screen shots from that!<br />
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<br />Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-85406152805122758862013-10-14T22:00:00.002-06:002013-10-14T22:00:28.177-06:00I'm not Bragging, but....Actually there is no 'but', other than <i>my fear</i> that you might think that I am bragging. I am not. I don't think that your life is any less wonderful than mine because of our differences. I don't want to give the impression that I think less of you and your experiences even as I embrace and celebrate the multitude of people, experiences and things that I am grateful for. Is that clear? Good! You may read on...<br />
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As Thanksgiving weekend winds up, I have been thinking of all the many things that I am truly, deeply grateful for. There are many things, and I am not even going to attempt to touch on them all in a meagre blog post. But I will share how we celebrated this weekend, and a few things related to how we spent our time that I am quieted to the core of my soul because of gratitude.<br />
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As I have done the past few years, I offered to host Thanksgiving dinner at my house. I do love having everyone over, choosing the menu, organizing the meal and having a few adventures along the way. But as Thanksgiving weekend got closer and closer, I found I was not up to my usual enthusiasm for the task. I am not sure why, other than I just came out of a few busy weekends and the fact that the start up of school year schedules is always an adjustment. So with a week remaining before the holiday I decided to plead to with my mom and see if she would do it. Without batting an eye, or a hint of a sigh, she said she would host. I agreed to bring a mango salad. End of story. Let me now insert one of the things I am thankful for this weekend!<br />
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<b>MY MOM! </b>For the reason listed above and so many others! Anytime I need a willing accomplice or support, she is there. She keeps the home fires burning, and a pot of tea warm. She is amazing.</div>
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I was relieved, and knew that things were in more than competent hands. Mom figured that since my dad's sister was now moved back in the area, and my uncle harvesting that it would work out just fine, and maybe even better than fine!</div>
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I talked to Mom a few days before we came out and learned that we were going to have Thanksgiving dinner in my uncle's field. This is something we have done only once before, that I can remember. But it was memorable, if you know what I mean. I love all the holidays that bring our family together but for me, they can blend together. There is a comfort in that predictability, that sameness, the same cast of characters etc, but all the events blend together in a way and each holiday does not always have it's own distinct memory. Except the years when we do something completely different. Like the time we held Thanksgiving dinner out at the lake, on the deck celebrating in some astounding fall weather. Like the time mom and dad deep-fryed the turkey. Most times my aunt and uncle come (my dad's sister and brother-in-law), even if it is brief as they are in the middle of harvest and don't get off their tractors until they can't see anymore. Once we decided to bring dinner to the field, and despite the fact that the neighbour was spreading manure on his field, it was one of our more memorable Thanksgiving get togethers. I was pleased to be doing this again, so this time my daughter could experience it too! Cue another thing I am grateful for:</div>
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<b>This scene! </b>As we were driving into the field laden with coolers filled with ham, mashed potatoes and salad, in a truck pulling the trailer that was to be our table, I was bursting full of wonder that this is how I get to celebrate Thanksgiving. Right in the middle of a harvest. Never mind that the bales are for cows... Who gets to do this???? Am I not incredibly lucky?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The feast! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The feasters....</td></tr>
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The kids busied themselves with climbing the bales, and the rest of us set about feasting and visiting. My one cousin, who now lives in a suburb, was baling on the field and stopped to join us. My other cousin, who is a farmer, was out with my uncle rounding up his escaped cows and got home just in time to eat. My aunt came with the turkey, gravy and stuffing. It was a wonderful meeting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfHHZdzk8p8RnlHNGSpvLoucNgGyYBeeHwyXQfaIztCS8MWOhdXLr-zQgoM2uvwZ0aC0tdC4R5ZP9qcMF_W4s6-39cDc32oFywHrKRoLasjxnoQ_ucQJMrvcEBu7p_j8qtvgGcjbtusuP/s1600/IMG_4832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfHHZdzk8p8RnlHNGSpvLoucNgGyYBeeHwyXQfaIztCS8MWOhdXLr-zQgoM2uvwZ0aC0tdC4R5ZP9qcMF_W4s6-39cDc32oFywHrKRoLasjxnoQ_ucQJMrvcEBu7p_j8qtvgGcjbtusuP/s640/IMG_4832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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That leads me to the final thing I am grateful for as expressed in this post, but certainly not all, or even close to all that I appreciate!!!!<b> My Cousins!</b> </div>
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I am sure they would be embarrassed to see this, but I am going to say it anyway. We don't really get together outside of big family gatherings, but to me it does not matter. I suffered childhood with these guys telling me what a brat I was, scrapping with them all the time, trying to keep up with them and be accepted by them- young enough to be a nuisance, but not as small as my sister to be accommodated because of an age difference. But it was these guys who kept an eye on who I dated in high school, who watched over my well being in a gruff kind of way even into university. Its funny the things we don't talk about- I don't know how they vote, how they feel about religion or any other typically divisive topic and it does not matter. But I do know that they are in my corner, as I am in theirs. And I love that time and distance don't diminish those feelings!</div>
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I am not bragging when I say that I feel incredibly grateful for this life! I just am, and I would be grateful to hear about the things you appreciate in your life...</div>
Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-29060398132773189612013-09-15T20:15:00.000-06:002013-09-15T20:15:23.179-06:00Layouts that are laying around....These have been posted here and there. Now they are curated all together!<br />
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These first few were posted on the <a href="http://www.canadianscrapbooker.ca/jackie/?cat=3673">Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's blog</a> on the "Tuesday with the Team" feature:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-358DO3o-G8xZtnqd1ptblWnTT24Odb4eHs7GdWHGVazGrdwnzbTCE2IWX-5UyJ_sEYG5luM6UAKvia2TWc9830HZOx4Idl0zMkZBXe8JyvBkFSqG-INO4x9Z-7Ra6niGhc5ZnJEXfMH/s1600/IMG_4016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-358DO3o-G8xZtnqd1ptblWnTT24Odb4eHs7GdWHGVazGrdwnzbTCE2IWX-5UyJ_sEYG5luM6UAKvia2TWc9830HZOx4Idl0zMkZBXe8JyvBkFSqG-INO4x9Z-7Ra6niGhc5ZnJEXfMH/s400/IMG_4016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Supplies used: Patterned Papper, stickers and chipboard: Grapgic 45 Bohemian Bazaar; Cardstock: Bazzil; Chipboard letters: American Crafts; Trim: May Arts; Letter Stickers: Basic </em><em style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Grey; Gems; Bo Bunny and Basic Grey; Ink: Clearsnap</em></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Supplies used</span>:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Bo Bunny “C’est la Vie” patterned papers and stickers, May Arts trim, Prima embellishments and American Crafts & Prima fonts.</span></div>
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The following few layouts were posted on the <a href="http://canadianscrapbooker.ca/sketchy/">"Let's Get Sketchy"</a> board at CS:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="1" class="tableborders" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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Patterned Papers: Bo Bunny<br />
Stickers: Bo Bunny<br />
Doily: unknown<br />
Butterfly: Fab Scraps (I think!!!!)<br />
Chipboard: Harmonie<br />
Border Punch: Fiskars<br />
Chipboard: Harmonie</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/AVvXsEjUr1ee9Y824lEPWxUZ5u6zS41LLmjMBTEHTsQdop9GGjxIOk8ttgI_vcA5fE_zkOTKBz2ZAmfXXTFQaF-1PVNlHBBdcdisOwnP245cNHPcB6YX944Bim6Ao2v9sDCFXJ6Tis09s6Qr7Cv6/s1600/I+Flew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr1ee9Y824lEPWxUZ5u6zS41LLmjMBTEHTsQdop9GGjxIOk8ttgI_vcA5fE_zkOTKBz2ZAmfXXTFQaF-1PVNlHBBdcdisOwnP245cNHPcB6YX944Bim6Ao2v9sDCFXJ6Tis09s6Qr7Cv6/s400/I+Flew.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="1" class="tableborders" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="tddetails" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #cccccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font: normal normal normal 8pt/normal helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif;" valign="top"><b>I flew (September 2013)</b><br />
<br />
Supplies used:<br />
Patterned Paper: Magenta<br />
Die cuts: Magenta<br />
Ink: Clearsnap (smooch spritz), ranger (distress paint)<br />
Letters: Maya Road<br />
Butterfly: Prima </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></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/AVvXsEjtV-2DP01uVfK1DDVgtP6uKxPNAz-V-99hUHAAEK4YalpQPUAFrQRd-yEbMaRMHoNtPpa69D7eFOsN_FDMQkHu_5i6oRSPxQTkGQnHAIVf-QhDe1VURoYSRrJhWMHiW1KhOrU-H-LWEDBg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV-2DP01uVfK1DDVgtP6uKxPNAz-V-99hUHAAEK4YalpQPUAFrQRd-yEbMaRMHoNtPpa69D7eFOsN_FDMQkHu_5i6oRSPxQTkGQnHAIVf-QhDe1VURoYSRrJhWMHiW1KhOrU-H-LWEDBg/s400/photo.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="1" class="tableborders" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="tddetails" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #cccccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font: normal normal normal 8pt/normal helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif;" valign="top"><b>Lucy-Fur (May 2013)</b><br />
<br />
Patterned paper, brads, trim: S.E.I.<br />
Letter stickers: Basic Grey<br />
Border Punch: Fiskars </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></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/AVvXsEhyYLdwknCss2uxHaVDN0y8FMx7CzhCFD0a0Kh7IbDTNfR6vcoWXZwE8LHBTXbrTGkF_-kXg2Ha56O5GJXlJFB6_90eYJADUknFWuW2rJDE_T_sSS4LDUIfcJ75KJ0RZs11CDyxXw0CzVuN/s1600/pile+of+cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYLdwknCss2uxHaVDN0y8FMx7CzhCFD0a0Kh7IbDTNfR6vcoWXZwE8LHBTXbrTGkF_-kXg2Ha56O5GJXlJFB6_90eYJADUknFWuW2rJDE_T_sSS4LDUIfcJ75KJ0RZs11CDyxXw0CzVuN/s400/pile+of+cousins.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="1" class="tableborders" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="tddetails" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #cccccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font: normal normal normal 8pt/normal helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif;" valign="top"><b>Pile of Cousins (August 2013)</b><br />
<br />
All supplies Webster's Pages except Harmonie tiles </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></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/AVvXsEgdWn4VeGoEhtZLR_ZgH3LouNCBMh1WzyF4whG1a43VTBlRDwGBh7Zw0Ng_L1J_mloW4RtHrwo9dCZQ-tJ2k0-onoZaC73yPOzeQxIdZtWedUJ9dgOp1-dXGwI5y3CDwcJuIA52PBdeVDOG/s1600/turning+42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWn4VeGoEhtZLR_ZgH3LouNCBMh1WzyF4whG1a43VTBlRDwGBh7Zw0Ng_L1J_mloW4RtHrwo9dCZQ-tJ2k0-onoZaC73yPOzeQxIdZtWedUJ9dgOp1-dXGwI5y3CDwcJuIA52PBdeVDOG/s400/turning+42.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="1" class="tableborders" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="tddetails" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #cccccc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: black; font: normal normal normal 8pt/normal helvetica, verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, sans-serif;" valign="top"><b>Turning 42 (April 2013)</b><br />
<br />
Patterned paper/ card stock/stickers/journaling spot: Basic Grey<br />
Flowers/chipboard numbers: Prima<br />
Stencil: Magenta<br />
Edge Punch: Fiskars<br />
Stamp: Stampin' Up!<br />
Ink: Clearsnap </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And this one was published in the magazine quite a while ago, but I don't think I ever put it up here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEgNzLlBLxRXbOD6T8spAegWlZ9ZITF4mRb6LXo-BZMM82FraqC6OYYkKYxSHcw7tLCK7jOzlrgD4bcJ60gdMstP-0zMtW7tlZBTV-4UEVa4UWvG669zwPkg0zzaNXgKIYNWIQxVWbksQbAT/s1600/thanksmom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzLlBLxRXbOD6T8spAegWlZ9ZITF4mRb6LXo-BZMM82FraqC6OYYkKYxSHcw7tLCK7jOzlrgD4bcJ60gdMstP-0zMtW7tlZBTV-4UEVa4UWvG669zwPkg0zzaNXgKIYNWIQxVWbksQbAT/s400/thanksmom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies used: Quick Quotes patterned paper; Webster's Pages trim, flowers and gems; Robin's Nest Dew Drops; October Afternoon and Jillibean Soup letters; pages ripped from a dictionary, painted over with a thin gesso layer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I think that is all for now. I am pretty sure there are more, but they are not photographed and ready to post! So I will save that for another day:0) Have a fabulous week!<br />
<br />
<br />Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-81537909285951661322013-09-03T14:00:00.000-06:002013-09-03T16:36:07.257-06:00I want to remember this forever!!!!!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*This is your warning that some strong language is embedded into this post. I wanted to keep this one real, and actually reflect what was going on in my head. Now you know*</span><br />
<br />
There is something to be said for not having time to think about and over-think about and worry about things.<br />
<br />
A few days ago I was given the opportunity to go skydiving- a tandem skydive. Now, this is something that has never been on my bucket list in any form. Not that I held any scorn towards people who have gone- the opposite is true actually. It's just not something that I ever pictured as right for me. I mean, my hobbies include scrapbooking, cooking and yoga for heaven's sake! Not much of an adrenaline chaser, am I.<br />
<br />
My immediate thought was:<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/AVvXsEjFHTkchGXHKNB4BM_aOdSho5Cixl8gP1389S6_CCifqFmxh6lu9Nyq5B_527sZ6nwSTM1RMadArU1tRAAWlcHpixgiIxw1eq1Y31aSNzYZIF-45bfmcSaRr_XQ6F8oh6TsPER-SOdki__Y/s1600/grumpy-cat-no.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHTkchGXHKNB4BM_aOdSho5Cixl8gP1389S6_CCifqFmxh6lu9Nyq5B_527sZ6nwSTM1RMadArU1tRAAWlcHpixgiIxw1eq1Y31aSNzYZIF-45bfmcSaRr_XQ6F8oh6TsPER-SOdki__Y/s400/grumpy-cat-no.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or even possibly, "Hell no!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But then I had to look at it this from another perspective. This was an amazing, generous, incredible gift that was being offered to me. Just because I had never considered jumping out of an airplane before did not mean that I <i>couldn't</i> consider it. And always I have stood at crossroads and said to myself- "Will I regret doing this? Or <i>not</i> doing this?" But still. This is jumping out of an airplane I was considering. This is not one big-ass roller coaster, or buying a scrapbook store. This is borderline insane.<br />
<br />
You can guess what I decided. "Hell, yes!" I came to the conclusion that it scaring the crap out of me was not a good enough reason to not do this. (Full disclosure: it was more of a "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Okay.</span>" The end result is the same, right?)<br />
<br />
On Friday, I contacted 'Hippie', who is in charge of this adventure, (and the person who will be attached to my backside) to find out when this is going to take place. This weekend, was the answer (aka the next day!!!!!!!) In the frenzy of back to school preparations the whole business was pushed to the back of my mind. 24 hours really is not enough time to work yourself up into a good worry.<br />
<br />
This morning we woke up after a good sleep in, had a leisurely breakfast, and although my nerves were starting to ramp up, I dressed in my super girl shirt and we were outta here! Off to <a href="http://edennorth.com/">Eden North!</a><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/AVvXsEh8HmYF5HvvUvzmMZfuU371Uaq1phGT5XtdzZtKqx66S0-TiiSvbK4CkRQKn83gWDV1W7KmYTG9VHXC-dJWEBtw9naEZ1xRBl5IcpOoU7MP6TRAO0tTwxs-NlQEdpdg7WuLs7J_bXI8aYR2/s1600/1238819_10151566185041331_72448791_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HmYF5HvvUvzmMZfuU371Uaq1phGT5XtdzZtKqx66S0-TiiSvbK4CkRQKn83gWDV1W7KmYTG9VHXC-dJWEBtw9naEZ1xRBl5IcpOoU7MP6TRAO0tTwxs-NlQEdpdg7WuLs7J_bXI8aYR2/s400/1238819_10151566185041331_72448791_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm gonna fly!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We got to Eden North just a group of parachuters were coming in for a landing. It was incredible to look up and see that colourful parade overhead.<br />
<br />
I was greeted right away by Hippie, and he quelled my nerves immediately by wrapping me in a big bear hug. That doesn't often happen when you first meet a person, but considering what we were about to do, it was absolutely settling. His enthusiasm and not-a-care-in-the-worldishness was contagious. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Let's do this!!!!"</span> my soul screamed!<br />
<br />
We watched a video on what to expect, signed all kinds of waivers, and I got suited up! <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/AVvXsEgcHqpAWO3vfJ5-1hS3amS6eMNf_EIi7nzfTUV9a1PMoGLpXljUoJEu2gpiG9pz0gSGeS3DJldeVX5QAf6eMiEcbykll-uXZ-niSCAVxPjee9isckwiKF0cjQwFxbtntX5OgtK58NQfdZkx/s1600/1173765_10151566340491331_960657137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHqpAWO3vfJ5-1hS3amS6eMNf_EIi7nzfTUV9a1PMoGLpXljUoJEu2gpiG9pz0gSGeS3DJldeVX5QAf6eMiEcbykll-uXZ-niSCAVxPjee9isckwiKF0cjQwFxbtntX5OgtK58NQfdZkx/s400/1173765_10151566340491331_960657137_n.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heh, heh! This is what I posted to my Facebook...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had a bit of time to wait as Hippie had another dive scheduled before ours. We took up a spot outside and watched the people on the ground and in the air. There was only one person in a back brace; I figured that put good odds in my favour. Mark ran into some of his students; we pretty much expect that wherever we go. We watched a group land (on purpose) in a nearby pond. One of the landings seemed a bit crashy and the experienced looking people stood up to observe, but calmness remained. (For a place overrun with adrenaline junkies, it was surreally un-chaotic and unexpectedly mundane, but with a weird anticipatory vibe.) All was well...<br />
<br />
And then. It was time. Hippie was back, the next plane was ready and the videographer/photographer was ready to go too! The following photos are all Aidan's.<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/AVvXsEhCqYniwGKYnCAofEw9gYtjwrhRJ0t4cb6usFcTrmRCfyQQR-FCoHDfDignkw5LWGtIk4a1aqZ_fQRd0_aDfenyBcqtPW0KiHTM3WYlSvVAOK37fJXlRFd_s3YNDqLzz7tugF1NEjOp-eTR/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqYniwGKYnCAofEw9gYtjwrhRJ0t4cb6usFcTrmRCfyQQR-FCoHDfDignkw5LWGtIk4a1aqZ_fQRd0_aDfenyBcqtPW0KiHTM3WYlSvVAOK37fJXlRFd_s3YNDqLzz7tugF1NEjOp-eTR/s400/IMG_0314.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just walking towards the plane. Cool as a cucumber....</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/AVvXsEj7zio50q-6boU-nF-fhAoqMNGAYhtup0Ia-enpQUsrD12YRUdJULmpE8c2pXcAMdkYQvBbc9RxbAJ_WYYoTlZEVqbu9ONe9Qgf_Ihm3BJZK5YEmfq4pB6_3kO2Zq5Q9OHbMY2VDNNkqxJj/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zio50q-6boU-nF-fhAoqMNGAYhtup0Ia-enpQUsrD12YRUdJULmpE8c2pXcAMdkYQvBbc9RxbAJ_WYYoTlZEVqbu9ONe9Qgf_Ihm3BJZK5YEmfq4pB6_3kO2Zq5Q9OHbMY2VDNNkqxJj/s400/IMG_0316.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wasn't that nice of them to catch this photo? I am now looking at the plane and the horror of my situation just got real.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the plane we went. Hippie was so good at keeping me moving and not thinking and just talking calmly with me as if we were choosing a wine for dinner. Not potentially climbing into the clouds to our certain death...<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/AVvXsEhe98ARuapKCpk87IZyjZrPj6zJCy5KcHq-cOYCEDCgDhgaL6rnnmLQ1rOU2DA3KvjxEy4evyqnk2K1vkSmHIbB3-e-t4iQU1S4JdvO3ALoDmCZYHqaQCqYXaNtEbiv-MOU49OMz_N5lG7w/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe98ARuapKCpk87IZyjZrPj6zJCy5KcHq-cOYCEDCgDhgaL6rnnmLQ1rOU2DA3KvjxEy4evyqnk2K1vkSmHIbB3-e-t4iQU1S4JdvO3ALoDmCZYHqaQCqYXaNtEbiv-MOU49OMz_N5lG7w/s400/IMG_0318.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am totally faking this smile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The plane took off. The calmness in the cabin was not enough to counter the holyshitwhathaveIdone feeling that was welling up in me. I had a minor freak out. Hippie told me to quit it, because Aidan was about to take a picture. You'd never know unless I told you, hey? <br />
<br />
We finally reached altitude, and the pilot gave the signal to open the doors. The experienced people eagerly moved to the exit in whatever formation they were going to be jumping in. Hippie was also eager, and since I was literally attached to his hip (maybe thats how he got his name?) I went where he went. He calmly, but firmly edged us to the door, and nary a moment was given to pause and think. I was told to hang on to the holders on my sleeves so I couldn't get in the way of the parachute deploying. I think this is a lie. I think my hands needed to be there so I couldn't cling to the plane as we exited. There is no feeling that I know the name of that could describe what it feels like to stick your head out of a moving airplane. It's not what I would call a 'good' one. All bravado is now gone and my soul is no longer chanting encouragements to me. No greater good is being served by this madness...<br />
<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/AVvXsEjH9F0FO83Dl18efWsVv6g3UJly3nYEGGEe9omuBF-QNGCMiFJ-RhEijio-1e9ryex2dwLqvJRHJx7IIhP_e0_8dJILHMd18qwIpBv2I_hggtzXhMqcaH-T00SYHDjkEjD6HRMw3wIv1x1v/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9F0FO83Dl18efWsVv6g3UJly3nYEGGEe9omuBF-QNGCMiFJ-RhEijio-1e9ryex2dwLqvJRHJx7IIhP_e0_8dJILHMd18qwIpBv2I_hggtzXhMqcaH-T00SYHDjkEjD6HRMw3wIv1x1v/s400/IMG_0327.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what pure terror looks like. I am so glad I wasn't doing a solo jump, because this is where the story would have ended. </td></tr>
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So here is how I describe Hippie. A calm, mellow person who pushes people out of airplanes.....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5U2MPbimxF2MoDSS6jxj7rXXIy3JiElVtgRcbzz7WjUYNb7_ayLOaTMxxLL71h-1Nt905X-J42w0FEN9FXgh8PjrBVtO15LkeQrZ5snJz6HLJvkzqVjraXPdgaGy_FA1Gbf9n3PMl4Zi8/s1600/IMG_0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5U2MPbimxF2MoDSS6jxj7rXXIy3JiElVtgRcbzz7WjUYNb7_ayLOaTMxxLL71h-1Nt905X-J42w0FEN9FXgh8PjrBVtO15LkeQrZ5snJz6HLJvkzqVjraXPdgaGy_FA1Gbf9n3PMl4Zi8/s400/IMG_0332.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had one job to do as we exited the plane, and that was to push my hips forward and lift my legs up, in a lovely arch. I pretty much lost my beans and went into a fetal position. Poor Hippie had to steer us unaided.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8VEhponpaburQkpgw9KEedOanLjgIEgzI3kNTKGdrd0IDmfyswGQtbWNxUGm-AdvqFaSHbAgy4WRFheAyTAIiwHl97Fia0VRBr7bRkLCwKAj6u6v3clbyH9Ft98asta3ljAttW3D4Dml/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8VEhponpaburQkpgw9KEedOanLjgIEgzI3kNTKGdrd0IDmfyswGQtbWNxUGm-AdvqFaSHbAgy4WRFheAyTAIiwHl97Fia0VRBr7bRkLCwKAj6u6v3clbyH9Ft98asta3ljAttW3D4Dml/s400/IMG_0336.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We jumped at 12,500 feet, and fell through space to about 7000, (or 5000- I can't remember which) feet before opening the parachute. Which is a long way. Which is a lot of air rushing up your nostrils. Intrepid Aidan is trying to get me to smile, or look his way or do anything interesting for the camera. This is pretty much my thought process as this was going on:<br />
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<i>HolyfuckIcan'tbreatheThereistoomuchairandIcan'tfuckingbreatheWhythehelldodogsliketosticktheirheadsoutthewindowThismuchairinyourfacesucksIthinkIjustgotagulpofairthatfeltgoodButnowIfuckingcan'tgetanotherTheysaidthispartwouldtakelike40secondsandthisisthelongest40fuckingsecondsofmylifeAndseriously!Fuckingaidanwantsmetogiveathumbsuporasmileorsomethingotherthanafuckingguppyfaceforthecamera....</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s17v_IrADrE7P8ZqshSBwTGi4HmlBtjVeU8mHByoPJr4NIQhuLNwWHMn6do6BsQNQnkrHLft1zVszci5Y-p8jVwJusdCGy7EUukoRXRHZ5pvcMmuUmXn6pg4jR4ZO0S4MZXylfJhaADl/s1600/IMG_0349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s17v_IrADrE7P8ZqshSBwTGi4HmlBtjVeU8mHByoPJr4NIQhuLNwWHMn6do6BsQNQnkrHLft1zVszci5Y-p8jVwJusdCGy7EUukoRXRHZ5pvcMmuUmXn6pg4jR4ZO0S4MZXylfJhaADl/s400/IMG_0349.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And we hurtled towards Earth. In theory, all that upward push could be like a little facelift. In reality we were turned into wrinkle dogs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikS5EkkwUWinQm1ZKztLccnAKB02grMgKbHjbMqVUh35huAmKhNOj1OIZQL1Ww8Ql6Fls9E5rNwfE9yjeKmA2wgDH7Y2lNFXbzfJNtNHixrUmGQ7JBWia4ED-9nT9Cy76eOtsK-MvmXcMZ/s1600/IMG_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikS5EkkwUWinQm1ZKztLccnAKB02grMgKbHjbMqVUh35huAmKhNOj1OIZQL1Ww8Ql6Fls9E5rNwfE9yjeKmA2wgDH7Y2lNFXbzfJNtNHixrUmGQ7JBWia4ED-9nT9Cy76eOtsK-MvmXcMZ/s400/IMG_0361.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tell Hippie has experience! I finally got my hands into a thumbs up position, and there I remained frozen for another 50 photos. Frozen in stone, I was a parachuting gargoyle! And I don't know how I managed that smile...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd76_X5sThrNdFbCmA_Fhe1vklnKk84MJe02sSOas2xfDsOBe46ysqOm28LsYQBcNqxFySH5ArQw23hZp7ls3CxEsjbOvcc__xkWqfc8AjdxhhyphenhyphenVTFPFcxBOl8OITAeiLRGqxpBRgyyDpp/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd76_X5sThrNdFbCmA_Fhe1vklnKk84MJe02sSOas2xfDsOBe46ysqOm28LsYQBcNqxFySH5ArQw23hZp7ls3CxEsjbOvcc__xkWqfc8AjdxhhyphenhyphenVTFPFcxBOl8OITAeiLRGqxpBRgyyDpp/s400/IMG_0385.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lol! I need to tie my shoes! The parachute opened up, and this is where the magic starts...</td></tr>
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Parachute open, we slow down enough that I can breathe again. And the beauty took my breath away. Pure magic. I am struggling to find the language to describe this experience. Hippie was talking to me now, and telling me about the landscape etc, and I had to tell him to stop talking now and LOOK! Just look!!!!! There are so few perfect moments in the world where you want to <i>just be. Just BE. </i>Just let every sense you have soak up the awe and wonder and perfection and crystal blueness of this big sky and this shimmering landscape and this peace and this piece of wholeness and just be. in. the. moment. before. it. all. slips. away. A-fucking-mazing!<br />
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Greater good is up here!!! If everyone did this, peace would flow to all corners of the earth because you cannot help but see the world in a bigger way.<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/AVvXsEgAfhi-Iq3CdGLO8QTAOGbelVXwag2Pg4reOb0tPK2FDw1Lf-OLiKddA6Z1yd98CZ1M4rzw4uhrIZTSb6xo30de-D5t9yPyYmUug9q_czsXI0aqrQ50JOmQGoJ4g6lFnXx8QCidftUdj4_6/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfhi-Iq3CdGLO8QTAOGbelVXwag2Pg4reOb0tPK2FDw1Lf-OLiKddA6Z1yd98CZ1M4rzw4uhrIZTSb6xo30de-D5t9yPyYmUug9q_czsXI0aqrQ50JOmQGoJ4g6lFnXx8QCidftUdj4_6/s400/IMG_0393.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This doesn't even begin to show what it's like. You can't feel the sunshine, or the breeze. You can't hear the ripple of the parachute. You can feel the pull of gravity and the push of wind resistance existing in harmony. You can't see light dancing playfully across the earth. <i>You can't hear what peace sounds like</i>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was over way too fast. I never want to forget this <i>ever</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5EGBJIvqzm_uyiq-TMr8TySW1JV8CWjZHIXqWSDHlvUk4OSyqGfFuazu8yCRNBDIsNlaN_ncw0TpV-qVmywhU7OK1eN7PtnqgRVc_0TGb9IUy1ckBf0-jNxf2grYFXEOxZclZXRLNAZq/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5EGBJIvqzm_uyiq-TMr8TySW1JV8CWjZHIXqWSDHlvUk4OSyqGfFuazu8yCRNBDIsNlaN_ncw0TpV-qVmywhU7OK1eN7PtnqgRVc_0TGb9IUy1ckBf0-jNxf2grYFXEOxZclZXRLNAZq/s400/IMG_0400.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too soon, too soon, we are coming in for a landing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXj_waupMXX4G36Do48rB2TYxz167_oKrY_QGx9EL8kzlw_TVLgwZYvOz2PZfHoOzOxJtq8bcGpyVyp4UC1DJ01slMLVsczRVEHeEB0h4LEnD6_o_lKzqlh2vl9eMlEN0U6_XhhrFXz0qF/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXj_waupMXX4G36Do48rB2TYxz167_oKrY_QGx9EL8kzlw_TVLgwZYvOz2PZfHoOzOxJtq8bcGpyVyp4UC1DJ01slMLVsczRVEHeEB0h4LEnD6_o_lKzqlh2vl9eMlEN0U6_XhhrFXz0qF/s400/IMG_0401.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have one job here, and that is to lift my feet and let Hippie handle this. I think I got a gold star for this one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw1XRIqENY_BFxfmJ7eKhV5B4RffgKIQzTcnAAaLAwNXbEfVF0KIZQPMkZxGsbFiOVyCmdfcF2E_Kz7rqGFRmd349ZFi34YoGcoyWJPCjmV2GczbCEsvswkT9Z5VL0hNda9BENj1pRP0t/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw1XRIqENY_BFxfmJ7eKhV5B4RffgKIQzTcnAAaLAwNXbEfVF0KIZQPMkZxGsbFiOVyCmdfcF2E_Kz7rqGFRmd349ZFi34YoGcoyWJPCjmV2GczbCEsvswkT9Z5VL0hNda9BENj1pRP0t/s400/IMG_0405.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah. It was okay.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Wng5wtjYy7GJrHh8AT9meJxA-EiFvfRlNlq93tNz3w5wLDe3ve_THRhYPl6zws-V5sqYWjaLGp-tbKg1Lg4_vNrZaHxqCpVTtZC8E4xGfbOalpmNpfka_2coQdMFV9DUh8mUOu-ClBYw/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Wng5wtjYy7GJrHh8AT9meJxA-EiFvfRlNlq93tNz3w5wLDe3ve_THRhYPl6zws-V5sqYWjaLGp-tbKg1Lg4_vNrZaHxqCpVTtZC8E4xGfbOalpmNpfka_2coQdMFV9DUh8mUOu-ClBYw/s400/IMG_0406.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope! It wasn't <i>okay</i>. It was overthetop amazing!!!!!!!</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/AVvXsEgNXzvmIRUVhzg8F_eJB4o01jGnr6uruFtxXtIHTf3Q7TY_X8a5L_loz680IIo16wiFdIqId1BD_ZDp16QmRvgMSp6tNZeqMxzx1cAjDpeLL-ZyvMQz1Kwl-syOcFzHJsE1aqRW-r0Aki9P/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXzvmIRUVhzg8F_eJB4o01jGnr6uruFtxXtIHTf3Q7TY_X8a5L_loz680IIo16wiFdIqId1BD_ZDp16QmRvgMSp6tNZeqMxzx1cAjDpeLL-ZyvMQz1Kwl-syOcFzHJsE1aqRW-r0Aki9P/s400/IMG_3742.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe and sound on solid footing, it was overwhelming to see my family there waiting. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPn352fqw2P4grOm69F4wo0uV1fh5HF2Vs0WG_PXF7fX8nXZ3AHtkboYmTzZX0fK2NmhUH4kAgMJZ6J5HQEtyEw-dzu9oZwRagrJVDJPdajYi70ze29v7UFQKTzNrqDdm1IZlIvES1mcUx/s1600/IMG_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPn352fqw2P4grOm69F4wo0uV1fh5HF2Vs0WG_PXF7fX8nXZ3AHtkboYmTzZX0fK2NmhUH4kAgMJZ6J5HQEtyEw-dzu9oZwRagrJVDJPdajYi70ze29v7UFQKTzNrqDdm1IZlIvES1mcUx/s400/IMG_3744.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today I flew and touched the heavens, but my heart and soul are right here.</td></tr>
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<br />Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-61255674026767387182013-08-06T11:20:00.000-06:002013-08-06T11:20:45.934-06:00Summer Fun #10Subtitled: <i>You Can't Sleep Three in a Civic</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
We were up and at 'em and after a hearty breakfast, we were on the road to Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. We got there shortly after it opened, and it was still pretty quiet. We were scooped up by the world's most awesome interpreter, Edwin. He started chatting with us about the information and artifacts and then suddenly said, "Come with me!" He took us to what looked like an education room, used for school groups and the like. But here was a buffalo robe we could try on!<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/AVvXsEh9spai0WzRf_d-2G_8Y5huLLy8vRc57g4G2-xcOUr2BsxFBZEzSGWxTpFGF38-JTdxE0ZuomRFJ5k1DDfYMi6aN6JeMKpgaScTNDvsIDMTgZSL2FIcKMrr56Rs8pucQS867zc1tSYz14Ek/s1600/IMG_2869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9spai0WzRf_d-2G_8Y5huLLy8vRc57g4G2-xcOUr2BsxFBZEzSGWxTpFGF38-JTdxE0ZuomRFJ5k1DDfYMi6aN6JeMKpgaScTNDvsIDMTgZSL2FIcKMrr56Rs8pucQS867zc1tSYz14Ek/s400/IMG_2869.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am nowhere near fierce enough to carry this off! Although it made it clear why the buffalo was so important to the Blackfoot's winter survival. I could totally imagine snuggling into this hide and staying completely toasty even though winds howled and temperatures dived. Until I had to pee, that is. Maybe I rocked the spear?</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/AVvXsEgOQbIno6lvjN3FPPUEHpErrZTa5wOKsHL3tL_n0LQusPxOHKeukxW8P82qoA0leM4MC3Y8vr8aFNw_ZTdjVHqLh07GF0LoUQSfu7zyK22_i_Fn1WLs-WAqlhG0nmJXFpML-rmPwp8zp9Rv/s1600/IMG_2872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQbIno6lvjN3FPPUEHpErrZTa5wOKsHL3tL_n0LQusPxOHKeukxW8P82qoA0leM4MC3Y8vr8aFNw_ZTdjVHqLh07GF0LoUQSfu7zyK22_i_Fn1WLs-WAqlhG0nmJXFpML-rmPwp8zp9Rv/s400/IMG_2872.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Avery was nearly squat by the buffalo hide. </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/AVvXsEjhc8ZhWSi-OVs61BEuZ8_4uTToqFyEdR6yS0Zr-ci7jKM12wLisRvGfqwcBh5udedToHurl-gvnPcv9apeR0-q6pwNaXE7h7XX8smqdGrts1r_2jny8uCzYXk0WIUC73DJCgDeALFhdasO/s1600/IMG_2874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc8ZhWSi-OVs61BEuZ8_4uTToqFyEdR6yS0Zr-ci7jKM12wLisRvGfqwcBh5udedToHurl-gvnPcv9apeR0-q6pwNaXE7h7XX8smqdGrts1r_2jny8uCzYXk0WIUC73DJCgDeALFhdasO/s400/IMG_2874.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boo! He emerges from the snow-covered trees and gets ready to... tell a joke?</td></tr>
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Edwin also let us explore some replica artifacts- stone hammers, bow and arrows, tools made from antlers, bones, wood and bound with sinew, etc. He also drummed for us and sang the most hilarious song- I felt just so honoured that he took so much time with us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP9kzIRyMUPDdBvpwVUEzLnkXMZyRxQIY9alGgQ6q_ZjT8NtTvvo1v_eub1ZyH6P-EEN2IW5pkKuw0Cazn8IX9my2bR54pcvp2kFwZRygQulBynAPamAkGS1EPv2l2YtVdyn4SieOON_P/s1600/IMG_2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP9kzIRyMUPDdBvpwVUEzLnkXMZyRxQIY9alGgQ6q_ZjT8NtTvvo1v_eub1ZyH6P-EEN2IW5pkKuw0Cazn8IX9my2bR54pcvp2kFwZRygQulBynAPamAkGS1EPv2l2YtVdyn4SieOON_P/s400/IMG_2885.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains of buffalo skulls- a sad reminder of what was lost to greed, malice and ignorance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WIfs5T71Q02ppcQ4tacEtT-0jGWtb80zg9pC2fIOjpMlaVDeagbykR2wQ6bykxedFBjfQb2AJ-HiCqjWNSnSpE1RHeQje79tjSqsfBNPUp_jy7xpwKr-2_JRyKium00ays9HIeahrL2s/s1600/IMG_2890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WIfs5T71Q02ppcQ4tacEtT-0jGWtb80zg9pC2fIOjpMlaVDeagbykR2wQ6bykxedFBjfQb2AJ-HiCqjWNSnSpE1RHeQje79tjSqsfBNPUp_jy7xpwKr-2_JRyKium00ays9HIeahrL2s/s400/IMG_2890.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learned many interesting things- and bought a beautiful necklace... made in China!</td></tr>
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One thing I did learn that surprised me (which in hindsight, I don't know why it was a surprise!) was that this site has been used for at least 6000 years (and they have found artifacts up to 9000 years old in the area), but that there were spaces of up to 1000 years where it was not used at all. This jump was one of many that were used, and many factors went into selecting which place was appropriate. And! I don't know why I didn't know this, but the Blackfoot used dogs (wolves and coyotes) as pack animals before Europeans brought horses.<br />
<br />
We headed off to our packed sandwiches and anticipation of our next destination: Frank Slide. We cracked the cooler, distributed lunch and readied ourselves for the hour's drive. And then, the car didn't start. Nothing. No whine. Not a rumble. Not even a weak gasp. We reviewed our options (was it an alternator, or battery?) and decided step #1 would be to get a boost. If that didn't pan out, we'd pull out our good old AMA card, which has only been used on one other occasion (the time we locked the keys in the van).<br />
<br />
The interpretive center's parking lot is down the hill a little so as to not disrupt historically sensitive land. They provide a good-humored driver for those who don't want to trek up the hill. He noticed we were having trouble and when I asked if he had booster cables he immediately went in search of them. We settled in to eat our sandwiches and in short order he returned with cables and back-up in the form of Edwin and another staff member. We pushed the car into position and sure enough, the boost did the trick! Off we went!<br />
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Pointed to <a href="http://www.history.alberta.ca/frankslide/">Frank Slide</a>, elation slipped away as reality creeped in, we decided to detour into Pincher Creek and get the car checked out. We were scared to turn it off in case it didn't start again! A Fountain Tire said they could see us in a half hour, so we quickly scouted out options for all outcomes- walking distance to places to eat, sleep and buy books and magazines.<br />
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The news was as good as could be expected! We needed a new battery, and they had one to put in. In the end, our detour lasted less than an hour. Onward ho!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3NFSYIpW5tpFMK8tCEhuzJyMQ5EwOZGKY-BFAScqEN7b_Pd08nI78D2yoC2h6-SmApafFRdV7om2eM4ud5Z15XOkcNJv2PMDggUt-jSAXgJ2eYJRsJJDHMNEN9f3-YLuNFYA8jQe8AHD/s1600/IMG_2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3NFSYIpW5tpFMK8tCEhuzJyMQ5EwOZGKY-BFAScqEN7b_Pd08nI78D2yoC2h6-SmApafFRdV7om2eM4ud5Z15XOkcNJv2PMDggUt-jSAXgJ2eYJRsJJDHMNEN9f3-YLuNFYA8jQe8AHD/s400/IMG_2904.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a roadside pullout sits the "Burmis Tree", which is old. And dead. Apparently it fell over some years ago and the good people of the area rigged it up into a standing position again. I felt totally safe standing under it.... </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9SIH68XHAdFUdnKDy6kug-1j9equBf-YiSsxEpKduZoRpD36cwylY85717Houf4RC9brSc0zN5hdAI2FfywCddSUxqEYKpyQzCpwDB8i2nlMcKHKZFoshpdEtGL4WbUwu5lbMuTbHJDI/s1600/IMG_2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9SIH68XHAdFUdnKDy6kug-1j9equBf-YiSsxEpKduZoRpD36cwylY85717Houf4RC9brSc0zN5hdAI2FfywCddSUxqEYKpyQzCpwDB8i2nlMcKHKZFoshpdEtGL4WbUwu5lbMuTbHJDI/s400/IMG_2907.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah! Frank Slide. Avery prepared herself for a video reenacting the event, and Mark followed suit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-gi7If9b9CpoO_pTcOqyblVdyCuaqllMYGH05CR1X-A4-8Ya8Y_E_kOQxePhyphenhyphenmC-4aUMFARnhTYCb8RZRS2uyOT_6-8hqAD3Nw-suiHx1XbxFSD6LmFt-eivLKL6okuZpelhr8yQ6HSW/s1600/IMG_2915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-gi7If9b9CpoO_pTcOqyblVdyCuaqllMYGH05CR1X-A4-8Ya8Y_E_kOQxePhyphenhyphenmC-4aUMFARnhTYCb8RZRS2uyOT_6-8hqAD3Nw-suiHx1XbxFSD6LmFt-eivLKL6okuZpelhr8yQ6HSW/s400/IMG_2915.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They say it is not a matter of if, but when, more of Turtle Mountain will come sliding down that slippery slope.</td></tr>
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It is overwhelming how much material came crashing down that mountain, but even more amazing that more human damage wasn't done. Just the edge of the town of Frank was buried. We learned that this area has the heavy honour of being the site of some of Canada's most tragic events. In addition to Frank Slide, there have also been some high-fatality mine accidents.<br />
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And with that discovery, we were off to visit <a href="http://www.bellevueundergroundmine.org/">Bellevue Mine</a>! It was just up the road, but darn near impossible to get to as there was a street festival in the middle of town. After skirting the crowds this way and that, we made it to the mine at 5:29. The last tour left at 5:30. I bet they were happy to see us!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmrBF1mB3Z6MQSrwGgJythY6c5PfMWwedLVfLZE2OYH0cOWz3l8FhukLD98nMV1S_BMe-5iPXR3SeXzD1bde5r12WpBWMbvI83wfqRffa4lvXC6BMPwO1uptuD7O9OnbbSNCCBW5Fwct5/s1600/IMG_2918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmrBF1mB3Z6MQSrwGgJythY6c5PfMWwedLVfLZE2OYH0cOWz3l8FhukLD98nMV1S_BMe-5iPXR3SeXzD1bde5r12WpBWMbvI83wfqRffa4lvXC6BMPwO1uptuD7O9OnbbSNCCBW5Fwct5/s400/IMG_2918.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They warned us it was cold, and gave out ponchos to help. I was struck by the thought that they could have skipped this kindness in retaliation of our underthewire arrival. Good people found at Bellevue Mine!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMA15NHvbw_JIPy668OplS80E3i5Jf7sPtIU6gdOsx_pYDmRRqxdTEjg9PleNtdHAKElPCjGAafuUQWxYspowFU4ROapgPtUAajnqdNNcZu0hiC4ZaXxgMuUCJkrGHPWSEAfgZHSmZ3z3/s1600/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMA15NHvbw_JIPy668OplS80E3i5Jf7sPtIU6gdOsx_pYDmRRqxdTEjg9PleNtdHAKElPCjGAafuUQWxYspowFU4ROapgPtUAajnqdNNcZu0hiC4ZaXxgMuUCJkrGHPWSEAfgZHSmZ3z3/s400/IMG_2919.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What an awful place to work. Miners were remarkable people to endure such conditions day in and day out. </td></tr>
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Avery worried her way through the whole tour. Any time the guide paused to ask if we had any questions, she had the same one. "How much further do we have to go in here?" In hindsight, maybe the mine tour was not the best choice after learning about mine collapses and such. We all got out alive, however, and headed out in search of supper.<br />
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After eating, it had started to rain a little. Our plan was to stop at the <a href="http://www.history.alberta.ca/leitch/">Leitch Collieries</a> and/or <a href="http://www.albertaparks.ca/lundbreck-falls.aspx">Lundbreck Falls</a> on our way back. As we passed the Colliery, it really started to pour, and tours were over for the day anyway so we decided to move on by. The falls would be a better bet, we hoped. We got less than a half kilometre up the road when we ran into a traffic block. The road was closed due to an accident. We were only about the 5th or 6th vehicle to get stopped, so it had just happened. We decided to turn around and check out the colliery after all. It seemed a better option to get wet doing something interesting over sitting in traffic wondering how long you were going to sit there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMjPSLKO4rsOeJDHOHs75ybC6fruqPn2u0s-dPVdHFlolrJ3TF-KsOZoEWmqcoZaY_KaOhX7ubashvLxjocdwkW2zbipR_ukv_peOucNJLzx_VLgZTLV4pHI8nSaLelLaQA1iyMZY-N5t/s1600/IMG_2926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMjPSLKO4rsOeJDHOHs75ybC6fruqPn2u0s-dPVdHFlolrJ3TF-KsOZoEWmqcoZaY_KaOhX7ubashvLxjocdwkW2zbipR_ukv_peOucNJLzx_VLgZTLV4pHI8nSaLelLaQA1iyMZY-N5t/s400/IMG_2926.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is for my dad- it's the power house!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38KcJUWQkifmpHbS307bOYKWYmxbKVb8OkoXuuzpeiXWl7KyJ4Jgdq0lQbnm5FJHDshFN5GstxtfNSejltNS1tsRpFo7WaEcArq8AH3pratIeLuDWnDUZypuUM2vuXly3Yidyrb-YWBOZ/s1600/IMG_2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38KcJUWQkifmpHbS307bOYKWYmxbKVb8OkoXuuzpeiXWl7KyJ4Jgdq0lQbnm5FJHDshFN5GstxtfNSejltNS1tsRpFo7WaEcArq8AH3pratIeLuDWnDUZypuUM2vuXly3Yidyrb-YWBOZ/s400/IMG_2927.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a wet power house.</td></tr>
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We didn't take many pictures here because of the rain, but in addition to the power house, there was a manager's residence and a HUGE building that held cokers. I tried to walk to the very end of it, and never made it. I was walking through brush and got absolutely soaked. My shoes squished when I walked and my jeans were falling down from the water weight in the legs. Time to give up this crazy notion of funintherain! We did read that the operation was the largest of it's time, but ended up being too ambitious. Of the 64 or so cokers installed, only half were ever put into use. The coal industry was very volatile and markets dried up in an instant. (A colliery was a place to clean and sort coal.)<br />
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Heater blasting, we sat in the car and looked at the lineup of vehicles still waiting for the road to open. We settled in with books and joined the waiting.<br />
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9pm. Still waiting. Ambulances have left the accident scene.<br />
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9:30pm. Still waiting. Sun is gone, and there is not enough light to read by. We sent a delighted Avery to squirrel through the folding back seat into the trunk for snacks. And the pair of jeans Mark brought in case he got cold during the day. I put those on and give up on my own ever getting dry.<br />
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10pm. Still waiting. A few RV's have joined us in the Colliery parking lot and look like they are settling in for the night. I text the people whose farmyard we are staying in; I don't want to freak them out when we come driving in in the middle of the night.<br />
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10:30pm. Still waiting. We are all trying to nap. Not so easy in a civic. I am grateful to have dry pants.<br />
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11pm. Still waiting. I have given up on playing scrabble on my phone. There are only 2 bars of service here, and about 1000 waiting people are all trying to use them.<br />
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11:30pm. Still waiting. We drive to a new spot in the parking lot for fun. It looks like Avery might have fallen asleep. She has the comfiest option in the backseat. No lights are on in any of the RVs.<br />
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12am. Hark! What light in yonder window breaks? Do my eyes deceive me, or are they starting to let traffic move? We sing the hallelujah chorus and join the snaking turtle. Or turtling snake, if you prefer.<br />
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We made it home about 1:30am. Just think, in my college days, that was calling it an early night!<br />
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'Til tomorrow!Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-4793010026158690712013-08-05T21:28:00.000-06:002013-08-05T21:28:25.462-06:00Summer Fun #9We decided to make a quick trip to southern Alberta just to tour around and see stuff. This was largely inspired by a part of the grade 4 curriculum; my daughter learned about Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump in school and we chose to run with her curiosity.<br />
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We headed down the highway and landed in Calgary at lunch time. We were lucky enough that one of our friends was available to meet with us, and we spent an awesome afternoon eating at <a href="http://www.dinerdeluxe.com/">Diner Deluxe</a> and visiting with Katharina. I have been to this restaurant before when in Calgary for the <a href="http://canadianscrapbooker.ca/?page_id=783">Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine's Scrapbook Carnival</a>. It was featured on the Food Network show "You Should Eat Here" at some point, and I was excited to share it with my family. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaGMslmgGxqnnVkWVbFWENWMPMU0Hz_FF9Qm2G9A46Sa4yuPBS3B7CMaLUuRHaI4_W3M1QhJbDgSQig_D_RezSYZyNcR7pxR6l4ZO4XwzOEoJ1rWqWLUnf5FoObFQ2Amw1OlRjfcVjnux/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaGMslmgGxqnnVkWVbFWENWMPMU0Hz_FF9Qm2G9A46Sa4yuPBS3B7CMaLUuRHaI4_W3M1QhJbDgSQig_D_RezSYZyNcR7pxR6l4ZO4XwzOEoJ1rWqWLUnf5FoObFQ2Amw1OlRjfcVjnux/s400/IMG_2818.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full and happy! Doesn't Katharina add some class to the family? Love that girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadZhh3Lx7eW8TVnojg-hGHyH-p-SoDGWzR2WrqMrNcojYsVu7LFv8rDDin0amc0XITwtVbvkdq5kyEV2HgTA9MteNQtDjvjtUBwphQMNE3IvGirCmwpAur81cCclecnXZ_n7GER_rpEHC/s1600/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadZhh3Lx7eW8TVnojg-hGHyH-p-SoDGWzR2WrqMrNcojYsVu7LFv8rDDin0amc0XITwtVbvkdq5kyEV2HgTA9MteNQtDjvjtUBwphQMNE3IvGirCmwpAur81cCclecnXZ_n7GER_rpEHC/s400/IMG_2821.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a totally unassuming looking place- but filled with good home cooking and made from scratch burgers.</td></tr>
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Onward! When we decided to head to Southern Alberta, I was originally thinking we could rent a cabin somewhere or maybe even get all crazy and crack out the tent. In my search, I found <a href="http://www.roelofsen.ca/">Roelofsen's Guest House</a> near Fort Macleod. It sounded good on the website, so we decided to give it a go. I sent the owner a range of dates that we could travel and asked her if she had a three night stretch available. Done!<br />
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So. We didn't really know what we were getting into. It was all very casual to book, but we liked that it had a full kitchen so we could have breakfast at home etc. The website even promised that the fridge would be stocked for us with all our breakfast needs. We were not sure what that really meant, so we decided to get to the guest house before going to a grocery store.<br />
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We found the place easy enough (yay GPS!) and were met with our cheery host. She quickly got us installed and we were off to find out what we had got ourselves into. <br />
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In short, I would whole-heartedly recommend this place! It is in the middle of a farm, so if you are at all opposed to seeing your dinner walk around, this may not be the place for you. Otherwise, it was <i>pristine</i>, and when they stock a fridge, they really stock a fridge! We were delighted to not only find eggs, cereal and toast for breakfast, there was also a nice selection of fruit, cold cuts and frozen pizza! The kitchen was equipped with everything you could wish for and there was even a bar-be-que on the huge deck!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ek16CxKEEts-q8oTpb5wqI608yVpl1PA9GL9_24WpbnDCpQLQrq_DBRsfgM5ktqEyYBe9Bd4-HeoZw9KmbpoNoCU15XDScFKTLh4GNkbn4y2nxgHeHIBNtzu6-V6ZJ2ovyAljt3v9ZhK/s1600/IMG_2823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ek16CxKEEts-q8oTpb5wqI608yVpl1PA9GL9_24WpbnDCpQLQrq_DBRsfgM5ktqEyYBe9Bd4-HeoZw9KmbpoNoCU15XDScFKTLh4GNkbn4y2nxgHeHIBNtzu6-V6ZJ2ovyAljt3v9ZhK/s400/IMG_2823.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We started to read how to play chess. But then we stopped. And played checkers. My kid is a shark!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceAvVdRyg-7Nfdpq7Vst-PUXwmARzOSkoSGuTT5R1x8hLikSMLzdUtJTwVUo9B75IYgZP44Ayebv1oYOGmcbA9YGI2aboqDe79maD4JD7Zlb5QDAiU3251ddpQOAKaNBSKBxext_s_aG4/s1600/IMG_2824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceAvVdRyg-7Nfdpq7Vst-PUXwmARzOSkoSGuTT5R1x8hLikSMLzdUtJTwVUo9B75IYgZP44Ayebv1oYOGmcbA9YGI2aboqDe79maD4JD7Zlb5QDAiU3251ddpQOAKaNBSKBxext_s_aG4/s400/IMG_2824.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44uWb-XCz8SRZtiFdGWGRsah18ThBQ3ufIL62tcsNWDTO8ZTqqEhiilPVELtNUAGYSWrF8W5BD5DcmZf28OfEqlkackxTfIgKCJ1GYI4SHcBcpeus2xb15jrbB_xxsB3tBpjQCndxhcaE/s1600/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg44uWb-XCz8SRZtiFdGWGRsah18ThBQ3ufIL62tcsNWDTO8ZTqqEhiilPVELtNUAGYSWrF8W5BD5DcmZf28OfEqlkackxTfIgKCJ1GYI4SHcBcpeus2xb15jrbB_xxsB3tBpjQCndxhcaE/s400/IMG_2828.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast and lunch!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmhgGGRl77gEc915kfUQA5BcDAp1J3uqH0u2gwg3IjiqxRFTKipIg2eQJQ_bjWe09qrRmkoPbZruOpmEhlCBv2gbGqM2dUPX4rVp6ehsL2qVBp_Jm9_07mgj5yhjpC2pSEkCGtR4u_L40/s1600/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmhgGGRl77gEc915kfUQA5BcDAp1J3uqH0u2gwg3IjiqxRFTKipIg2eQJQ_bjWe09qrRmkoPbZruOpmEhlCBv2gbGqM2dUPX4rVp6ehsL2qVBp_Jm9_07mgj5yhjpC2pSEkCGtR4u_L40/s400/IMG_2863.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the best part- critters to pet!</td></tr>
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Inspection over, we determined we did not need to stop at the grocery store after all. But we did need to find supper, so off to town we went. After we ate we looked around and found an historic graveyard. Naturally we went in! That's what everyone does on vacation, right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjruIX9Xb3cfquhQR0wkm6I_6RtJvDDjQvZtXkPjQ86zO44OU7Uh8quOIV_D6NnaevAkiRjLE83BSJlNPC5m2sBxvp-HDo6MkjElzLNIGlMfKqCebk9aT9lSSezYKDY_aH9lwQn1KZ6FU/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjruIX9Xb3cfquhQR0wkm6I_6RtJvDDjQvZtXkPjQ86zO44OU7Uh8quOIV_D6NnaevAkiRjLE83BSJlNPC5m2sBxvp-HDo6MkjElzLNIGlMfKqCebk9aT9lSSezYKDY_aH9lwQn1KZ6FU/s400/IMG_2843.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a special section with original and beyond members of the NWMP. But this headstone really caught my attention. Anyone know if the log is significant? And wouldn't you love to know the story here?</td></tr>
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And with that, we were off home to sleep. 'Til tomorrow!Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1179352864564646429.post-4832465369402233192013-07-26T13:25:00.001-06:002013-07-26T14:00:49.470-06:00Brontosaurus SausageI understand that there are many who don't get my sense of humor, but honestly, I crack myself up sometimes! One of my favorite things to do is tell tall tales to young and gullible children. For example, my daughter believed for years that I was old enough to have lived along side the dinosaurs, and that in fact I once had a brother who was just not quick enough and was squashed by a giant footstep! The gig was up when she asked her grandma about the son she lost. (Note to self- let grandma in on the stories!)<br />
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So, my nephew has been staying with us for a few weeks to take swimming lessons. We've been exploring here and there to keep everyone happy and one place we went to was <a href="http://jurassicforest.com/">Jurassic Forest</a>. This simple little explore brought his imagination alive with the dream of seeing real, actual dinosaurs one day. Then he noticed the wishing well at the pool, and obsessed for a few days about getting a coin and making a wish. Done! He planned his wish carefully and wished for dinosaurs to be back alive, but to not be too fierce so we could all easily co-habitate.<br />
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That afternoon he was sitting there mournfully sighing, so I asked what the matter was. He said he figured that the wishing well didn't work because he hadn't seen any dinosaurs yet. As I comforted him, my mind saw opportunity to spin a tall tale....<br />
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So I told him that we wouldn't really know where the dinosaurs would show up. It might not be our back yard. In fact, it could be as far away as Toronto. I told him something like that would make the news and I would be sure to watch and let him know if anything came up.<br />
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Flash forward a few more days. He spies some sausage thawing on the counter and asks what was for supper. "Oh! I forgot to tell you!" I exclaimed. "I saw on the news last night that a brontosaurus was found in Saskatchewan. They captured and killed it and sausages were made from it. I went super early to Safeway to make sure we got some. I went even before you woke up!!!" Yes. I told my nephew his wish came true and we were now going to eat that poor wished back to life dinosaur. He was delighted!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_3CtmQRF56bIDsyccv6_ih4T3IMQ2eYpm3aVKaMqwHesVfFYdqzep0aJqKAiHR_bsARvBujpY1IYzrWXr1_9kqcp5-JOnSP2JL83W4_rmxEwXmjgL_Tybp63pF9fufceU4ZjKpf3_xi1/s640/blogger-image-1585917839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB_3CtmQRF56bIDsyccv6_ih4T3IMQ2eYpm3aVKaMqwHesVfFYdqzep0aJqKAiHR_bsARvBujpY1IYzrWXr1_9kqcp5-JOnSP2JL83W4_rmxEwXmjgL_Tybp63pF9fufceU4ZjKpf3_xi1/s640/blogger-image-1585917839.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brave kid trying his first bite of brontosaurus sausage!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght0h3uFLD1mbm2d3U6c7j4mL3n8zz8ENwDOZ4eMEyAUawCsF3mmVOacLLFOcc__vn1wfLEgsJLuN77jK9y4-36P05PHRbMh0javPVaxRrmGGAzz3GbK-bcfN_UtZ5au8xT_83Ak6bUTXR/s640/blogger-image-2147406001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEght0h3uFLD1mbm2d3U6c7j4mL3n8zz8ENwDOZ4eMEyAUawCsF3mmVOacLLFOcc__vn1wfLEgsJLuN77jK9y4-36P05PHRbMh0javPVaxRrmGGAzz3GbK-bcfN_UtZ5au8xT_83Ak6bUTXR/s640/blogger-image-2147406001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ANd the verdict is in- they're ggrrrreat!</td></tr>
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So, if you are a little twisted and enjoy telling tall tales to children and you see my nephew, please do ask him how he liked his brontosaurus sausage!!!</div>
Jaymehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06537638102371356520noreply@blogger.com0