tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40119266630705544232024-03-07T08:02:09.773-08:00Kate and Terry-Travels in Cholula RedThoughts and musings as we travel in our Lazy Daze MotorhomeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger830125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-37268932845135527872014-07-09T16:43:00.002-07:002014-07-09T16:43:32.497-07:00Just a few pics<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, I know, I hardly ever post any more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't been out shooting in forever. I seem to be stuck on the idea that if I don't "go somewhere" There isn't anything to take pictures of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I got the camera out and went for a short walk, not really very far. The following are my favorites. All have been cropped, photoshopped, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a bit damp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">bit I loved the shadows cast form the dew</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">on this spider web</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rEHGGZ3qi-_avLb0E0MYhMZrweFF5sS-NLqSNIntLgC1XnJYhX6fE-Xljp5Qlj48Uir5nDfGpKkv9KjSWAT8hJDI0IvIQBPOwiU-X-819rbNN_Koy-cPRdgpt8jyaPX1zIklr_9yF4P_/s1600/_MG_0349a1_3a1a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3rEHGGZ3qi-_avLb0E0MYhMZrweFF5sS-NLqSNIntLgC1XnJYhX6fE-Xljp5Qlj48Uir5nDfGpKkv9KjSWAT8hJDI0IvIQBPOwiU-X-819rbNN_Koy-cPRdgpt8jyaPX1zIklr_9yF4P_/s1600/_MG_0349a1_3a1a1000.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;">This one reminded me of peas in a pod.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DC62c__d_8ZNKK-zf_BV7pZPFPpPHjgU8UcbCscT9xRzjfmwwGTmRglE2yf3HwZlq9uvfrkQoKrSdYoRep1rNDc18z9S6K1qVuSxJE78ik9cZjSDaopgcOPe0473KajZb4IdewaNg-ny/s1600/_MG_0351a1a1_21000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DC62c__d_8ZNKK-zf_BV7pZPFPpPHjgU8UcbCscT9xRzjfmwwGTmRglE2yf3HwZlq9uvfrkQoKrSdYoRep1rNDc18z9S6K1qVuSxJE78ik9cZjSDaopgcOPe0473KajZb4IdewaNg-ny/s1600/_MG_0351a1a1_21000.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not a perfect </span>shot<span style="font-family: inherit;"> by any means,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;">but I liked the elements in the front.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;">Wish that bird was in better focus though.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UTfdgGT4W3TF2l0aOXFrl8czwf-Sm4JAo_ygjl28eX4HDvNuTKcKDODi9PTo6OvcrDnvCwFTe-ZISc6cB-QzNtToJPiXz7X5UsND1Gy4Yr51htK-Y79617Mu_rTyjFExTwPD7LGHaWjv/s1600/_MG_0310a1aa1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UTfdgGT4W3TF2l0aOXFrl8czwf-Sm4JAo_ygjl28eX4HDvNuTKcKDODi9PTo6OvcrDnvCwFTe-ZISc6cB-QzNtToJPiXz7X5UsND1Gy4Yr51htK-Y79617Mu_rTyjFExTwPD7LGHaWjv/s1600/_MG_0310a1aa1000.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: start;">At </span><span style="text-align: start;">the</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: start;"> last minute, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">this wind sock waved in front of </span>the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> flower.</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;">Without the flag, I would have tossed this one,</span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit;">but I like the vibrance added by the flag.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">And I just thought the peeling pain was kind of interesting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcjbe97mAUvp1aVaSgCznGyDEIka3A7qi2CptfuBRKLkBiANAiXGk-J0fdJeicWdD9QB_hyphenhyphenjgTIjfe-NTFcMAlKIW3Ehx7s3ITxe_cSVtgj3QyOST7pHvWCaUjc3VA3wYuqxaqWabs0fC/s1600/_MG_0365a1a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcjbe97mAUvp1aVaSgCznGyDEIka3A7qi2CptfuBRKLkBiANAiXGk-J0fdJeicWdD9QB_hyphenhyphenjgTIjfe-NTFcMAlKIW3Ehx7s3ITxe_cSVtgj3QyOST7pHvWCaUjc3VA3wYuqxaqWabs0fC/s1600/_MG_0365a1a1000.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;" /></span>Thats it . . . </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-14984910503880551722014-01-25T13:37:00.000-08:002014-01-25T13:37:22.981-08:00The Monarchs Have Returned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There really isn't a lot to say here,</div>
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I'm just placing these pictures</div>
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So I can remember these glorious creatures.</div>
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Like always, you can click on any image</div>
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to open it up full screen</div>
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(always advised, </div>
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I think bigger is better!)</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-12789433943006207612014-01-06T14:29:00.000-08:002014-01-06T14:29:09.251-08:00Disneyland, Christmas 2013Yeah, I know, I've neglected the blog for way too long (and may continue to do so).<br />
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That said, we spent Christmas in Disneyland (2013) and I wanted to place a couple of high res memory shots here, so that's what I'm going to do!<br />
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Like always, if you really want to see the detail, each photo should be clicked on and opened in a full sized window so you can see all the detail. FYI, all these were either taken with my iPhone 5s (love that panorama mode) or my Canon 7D, which I carted all over Disneyland for a full 8 days thanks to my Cotton Carrier.<br />
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We had one day of wonderful skies, </div>
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at least for photos</div>
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(iPhone 5s panorama).</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/1IMG_9870a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/1IMG_9870a.jpg" height="154" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not my favorite place to eat, </div>
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but I love the decor</div>
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(iPhone 5s panorama)</div>
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Christmas in New Orleans Square</div>
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(Canon 7D)</div>
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Christmas Lights in Cars Land,</div>
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California Adventure</div>
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(iPhone 5s)</div>
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They even decorate the horses on Main Street</div>
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(Canon 7D)</div>
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Kind of noisy, but I love the lines</div>
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(iPhone 5s)</div>
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Sleeping Beauty Castle, </div>
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all decked out for Christmas</div>
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(iPhone 5s panorama)</div>
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California Adventure is growing on me.</div>
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(iPhone 5s panorama)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/8IMG_9999a1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/8IMG_9999a1a.jpg" height="173" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were over at the Hotel at just the right time</div>
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(iPhone 5s)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/9IMG_9803_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/9IMG_9803_1.JPG" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Small World was the most magical of sights</div>
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(iPhone 5s panorama)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/10IMG_9831cAA3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/10IMG_9831cAA3.JPG" height="121" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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But the Castle was pretty impressive too!</div>
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(Canon 7)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/11_MG_7026a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013DlandChristmas1000/11_MG_7026a2.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a delightful time.</div>
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As always</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-65770431701071673592013-04-09T20:35:00.001-07:002013-04-09T20:35:24.679-07:00Horse Massage.<br />
Terry was told that Maureen Rogers, a woman who specializes in <a href="http://www.equinecraniosacral.com/" target="_blank">Equine Craniosacral Massage</a> was coming to the barn for a workshop. <br />
<br />
It turned out they wanted to work on Shea and Terry volunteered to help with the horses. Good move on his part!<br />
<br />
It was a several day workshop and he was right in his element. On the last day, I came and took some pictures<br />
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3047a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3047a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maureen is just super. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In return for his help, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she spent some time showing him </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how to help Shea feel better.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Shea has shown much improvement.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3050a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3050a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
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She showed Terry just how to help Shea,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where to massage,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how to improve her overall quality of life.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3061a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3061a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And he took right to it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3069a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3069a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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She's even eating better since </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he's started working with her.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3091a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.30BlogPostHorseMassage/IMG_3091a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
I love that he's found a horse again,<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
it makes him so happy.<br />
<br />
And when he's happy,<br />
I'm happy!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-91478731159494744312013-04-02T21:27:00.002-07:002013-04-02T21:29:07.255-07:00Horses!<div style="text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I decided to post a few horse photos. </div>
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<br /></div>
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A lady at the barn told me this horse </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was leaving for a new home </div>
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and asked me to take a few shots. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/1IMG_2979a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/1IMG_2979a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He's such a gorgeous horse,</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/2IMG_2987a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/2IMG_2987a_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I would have taken his picture anyway!</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/3IMG_3015a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/3IMG_3015a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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And so spirited . . .</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/4IMG_2978a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/4IMG_2978a_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a shot of her and this lovely animal.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/5IMG_2997a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/5IMG_2997a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is Shea,</div>
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the horse Terry takes care of. </div>
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Not the best picture, </div>
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I know.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/6IMG_3038a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/6IMG_3038a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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</div>
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I liked this shot better,</div>
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but you can't really see Shea,</div>
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sorry.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/7IMG_3085aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.04.02BlogHorses/7IMG_3085aa.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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That's it for today.</div>
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Hope you enjoyed the pictures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-55864089783053219132013-03-31T19:06:00.002-07:002013-03-31T19:06:26.587-07:00The Barn<div style="text-align: center;">
Terry has been spending </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a good amount of time down at </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the local horse barn. </div>
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<br /></div>
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He's taken over the care of an older horse </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who needs assistance. </div>
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As those of you who know him understand, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that's right up his alley.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since he's spending time there, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been spending a bit of time there also. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I can get my pictures together, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
expect to see some horse pictures in the near future.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, I decided to post a few photos </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took while wandering around the barns. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As always, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can click any image for a larger version </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the atmosphere there, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and especially how everyone </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
contributes their little goodies to the ambiance.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/1IMG_2406a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/1IMG_2406a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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I try to look for the little things.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/2IMG_2367aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/2IMG_2367aa.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Since Spring is springing, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there are flowers.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/3IMG_2600a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/3IMG_2600a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't you love it </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when people repurpose old pieces?</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/4IMG_2602a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/4IMG_2602a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I was taken with the texture </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of this weathered plywood.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/5IMG_2266a_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/5IMG_2266a_2.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The barn borders Henry Cowell State Park.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/6IMG_2654aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/6IMG_2654aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I felt like this light was there</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just for me to take this picture.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/7IMG_2594a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/7IMG_2594a.jpg" width="173" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This reminded me of the forest </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where the Evil Queen banished Snow White.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In reality, it's where they walk the horses.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/8IMG_2606a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/8IMG_2606a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clever birdhouse.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/9IMG_2721a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/9IMG_2721a.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This guy stopped by for a visit . . .</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/10IMG_2632a_1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/10IMG_2632a_1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a lucky horseshoe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most probably decorated </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by some youngster who loves horses.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/12IMG_2829a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/12IMG_2829a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here's my favorite shot of the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe the original photograph </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has deteriorated over the years, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leaving chemicals imprinted on the glass.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I LOVE this shot, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so expect mpre versions </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as I shoot it in different weather.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/11IMG_2660a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.31BlogBarn/11IMG_2660a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So now you've got an idea </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of where we've been spending some time!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-16084949398179613972013-03-21T14:34:00.003-07:002013-03-21T14:34:46.071-07:00Ziplining!<div style="text-align: center;">
We went ziplining!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a reward for eating better and getting a lot more exercise, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we decided that we would splurge </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on an afternoon of ziplining above the redwoods. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, and it was our 43rd anniversary.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/1IMG_1968a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/1IMG_1968a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a view of one of the skybridges.</div>
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I took this from one of the platforms.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/2IMG_1893a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/2IMG_1893a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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One of the bridges.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/3IMG_1950a.jpg" width="179" /></div>
<br />
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The view, </div>
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from the bridge.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/4IMG_1971a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/4IMG_1971a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here's my Hunny Bunny.</div>
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He discovered he liked stretching back </div>
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and holdng on </div>
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while we waited our turn.</div>
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Keep in mind, </div>
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we're about 150 feet up in the air </div>
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and his feet are holding on by the toe</div>
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(but he is strapped in . . .)</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/7IMG_2018a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.21ZiplineBlog/7IMG_2018a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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It was a great afternoon </div>
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and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-91090036347583836322013-03-14T21:40:00.000-07:002013-03-14T21:40:52.190-07:00the Aquarium Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
.</div>
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So here we are, </div>
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still at the Aquarium.</div>
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(Remember you can click to enlarge). </div>
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<br /></div>
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They have this beautiful aviary.</div>
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All the birds have been wounded and are here</div>
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being safe and fostered.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1568a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1568a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a wonderful place </div>
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to get close to the birds.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And unlike the rest of the aquarium, </div>
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lots of natural light.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1547a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1547a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Natural light </div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1557a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1557a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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equals better pictures.</div>
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Duh . . . </div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1546a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BirdHouse/IMG_1546a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now,</div>
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back to the un-natural light.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1507a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1507a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this guy,</div>
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hos blue is incredibly vibrant.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1713a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1713a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The aquarium also features </div>
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an array of gorgeous bronze pieces.</div>
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They're scattered all over the place.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1444a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1444a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They have hundreds of sand dollars.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1516a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1516a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Can you imagine how beautiful </div>
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natural beds of these must be,</div>
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nestled deep in the ocean?</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1518a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1518a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now this was a huge problem shot.</div>
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They have this gigantic tank, </div>
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probably thirty by fifty feet.</div>
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The turtles are always there, </div>
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but they like to swim </div>
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right up at the top of the tank.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I kid you not, </div>
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I took over one hundred and fifty </div>
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shots of the turtles.</div>
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This is the best I could do.</div>
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One of the reasons I want to go back soon</div>
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is to try to get a good shot of the turtles.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1626aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/IMG_1626aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now we're back to my lovely seahorses.</div>
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Again,. the pictures aren't as sharp as I'd like.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Seahorses/IMG_1855a.jpg" width="298" /></div>
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Good thing I'll be going back!</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Seahorses/IMG_1789a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Seahorses/IMG_1789a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I really like how they group together.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Seahorses/IMG_1780a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Seahorses/IMG_1780a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is yet another kind of seahorse,</div>
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but I can't remember what kind!</div>
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Click and enlarge and you can see his little face.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Seahorses/IMG_1870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Seahorses/IMG_1870.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And that's it for the aquarium for this trip.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But tomorrow, we're going ziplining!</div>
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Not sure if I can get pictures,</div>
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but maybe.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I'm excited!</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-46286045140463815812013-03-13T18:25:00.002-07:002013-03-13T18:25:55.258-07:00The Aquarium Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
.</div>
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As I said yesterday, </div>
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we decided yet another trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium</div>
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was in order. </div>
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It's a true crime to come to this area </div>
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and not visit this world renowned venue.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We've been many times, (we have annual passes)</div>
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but every time we see it through different eyes.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I've tried almost every camera I own, </div>
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and in the past, my iPhone 4s has done the best. </div>
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I think photography is particularly difficult </div>
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because many of the aquarium windows </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are over twelve inches thick.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So even though I've had terrible results before, </div>
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once again I decided to use my Canon SX50. </div>
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Next time, I think I'll take the Canon 7D, </div>
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but I'm not sure I'm capable enough to get good results.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So on to the pictures.</div>
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As always, </div>
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you can click on any photo to see more detail </div>
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<br /></div>
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This is a tank called the Living Sea, </div>
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featuring a humongous kelp forest.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BigTankDiver/IMG_1367a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BigTankDiver/IMG_1367a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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I love the kelp forest,</div>
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the light streaming from above </div>
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casts an ethereal glow.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BigTankDiver/IMG_1390a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BigTankDiver/IMG_1390a_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We were lucky enough </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to catch one of the divers </div>
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as he was feeding the tank.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BigTankDiver/IMG_1457a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BigTankDiver/IMG_1457a.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>
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Wouldn't this be a fun job?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All the divers are volunteers.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BigTankDiver/IMG_1469a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/BigTankDiver/IMG_1469a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I have so many favorites at the Aquarium, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's hard to not shoot the same thing </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
over and over. </div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1512a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1512a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
So these are probably duplicates </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from an earlier blog.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1526a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1526a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just love the anemones.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Incredible color,</div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1529a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1529a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
and such beautiful shapes.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1539a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1539a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think they look </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like they're from another planet.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1541a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1541a_1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the last one for today.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1542a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogAquarium/Anenomes/IMG_1542a_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Till then, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
remember</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-51831956155095911422013-03-12T22:10:00.003-07:002013-03-12T22:10:44.591-07:00A Day Down South<div style="text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was our sort of Anniversary on March 11 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(married 13 years ago) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so we decided to take the day off </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and head on down to Monterey, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
one of our favorite places. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I took too many pictures, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll be posting them in several batches.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We can never go down there </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
without stopping by Jetty Road, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hoping the otters will be right there at the bridge. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately there weren't any otters </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(we didn't go all the way to the end) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I thought this dog was pretty cool.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He seems to have his owner pretty well trained! </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The mustard was blooming, and I love the color. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was a young girl (many years ago)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
every spring, mustard covered the fields </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all over the Santa Clara Valley. </div>
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I still love to see it.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1210a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1210a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next, we stopped at City Park in Monterey</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1228a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1228a_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I tried to get in tight on this bee, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and while I couldn't get it perfectly sharp, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I liked the composition and color.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1237aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1237aa.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Herons hang out at this park. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While he was pretty well camouflaged, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I couldn't resist.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1248a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1248a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's one tight shot of the heron.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flowers were blooming all over the park.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't you love Spring?</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1273.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A small part of the park is called Dennis the Menace Park,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in honor of Hank Ketchum.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1295aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1295aa.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
These next shots were all taken in the park.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's not much to say about them, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I wanted to remember this beautiful day.</div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1300.JPG" width="179" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of willows.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And a lovely meandering river.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are also these lovely twisted trees.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love how they frame the various scenes.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1349a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1349a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And of course, there are ducks . . .</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1286a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.12BlogBeforeAquarium/IMG_1286a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was one of those unplanned, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unexpected stops that make a perfect day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For sure, we will be stopping here again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a walk around the water, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we headed down to the Aquarium.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pictures to follow.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-7366847913034076232013-03-10T23:00:00.002-07:002013-03-10T23:00:57.397-07:00Along the Slough<div style="text-align: center;">
. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wrote about our day at Moss Landing, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but there was a bit more to add to the day. </div>
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We like to drive home along Elkhorn Slough. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of birds </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and there's just something about the marshes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1012a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1012a1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's a long path that follows the shore</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(and as always, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can click on any image for a larger version).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1018a_1a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1018a_1a1000.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
the path is lined with posts </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that show the signs of years of tides</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1024aa1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1024aa1000.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But mostly I'm drawn to the mud flats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1063aa1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1063aa1000.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of the path is an elevated boardwalk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1093a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1093a1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And of course there are birds,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1114a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1114a1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Egrets,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1126a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1126a1000.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and shorebirds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1134aa1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1134aa1000.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's also a railroad track</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1143a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1143a1000.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a final shot, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved the look of the locks they use </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to close the trail at night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1177a1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.10Blog/IMG_1177a1000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a truly perfect day,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
reminding me once again </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-83939233260643686182013-03-08T22:10:00.002-08:002013-03-08T22:10:51.803-08:00Otters and Herons<div style="text-align: center;">
.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We seem to do so much more when people come to visit, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess we should have more guests!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We spent a day down at Jetty Road by Moss Landing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's our favorite spot </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to go and watch the otters and herons. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They seem to love it there </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and never seem to mind </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that we hang around and take pictures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ocean there is so lovely, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we always spend a good amount of time </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
walking on the beach.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/01IMG_0917b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/01IMG_0917b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's also a great place to collect seashells.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/02IMG_0690aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/02IMG_0690aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the real draw is the otters</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/03IMG_0764aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/03IMG_0764aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
These little guys are so entertaining</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/04IMG_0766aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/04IMG_0766aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one looks kind of grumpy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like Oscar the Grouch.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/05IMG_0825a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/05IMG_0825a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one was busy cleaning himself.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/06IMG_0843a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/06IMG_0843a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this guy seemed to ignore us completely.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/07IMG_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/07IMG_0867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is also a favorite hangout for egrets.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/08IMG_0813aa_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/08IMG_0813aa_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or are they herons?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Russ, help me here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/09IMG_0640a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/09IMG_0640a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I caught this guy as he was leaving us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the way the wind moves through their feathers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/10IMG_0789aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/10IMG_0789aa.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And something about this shot just appealed to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/11IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.08BlogOtters/11IMG_0957.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you want to see some really great shots, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
check out <a href="http://therapytravels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Russ and Donna's blog</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He got some really great shots!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For now, remember</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-84529203342773426732013-03-06T18:59:00.001-08:002013-03-06T18:59:30.687-08:00Flowers at the Arboretum<span style="color: #444444;">.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not a lot to write.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are basically pictures that, by rights, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
accompany the hummingbird shots from the other day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The arboretum in Santa Cruz is a wonder, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and if you're ever in the area, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it shouldn't be missed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter the time of year, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there's always beautiful birds and flowers </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be enjoyed.</div>
<br />
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0319a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0319a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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If I could think of something clever to write, </div>
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I would add a description to each photo, </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0361a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0361a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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but since I can't, </div>
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I'll just let the photos speak for themselves</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0271a_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0271a_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0300a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0300a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0583a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0583a.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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. </div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0260a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0260a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/a.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0587a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0587a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is actually a shot of a bench top.</div>
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I so enjoyed the way the wood had weathered, </div>
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I decided to include this shot.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0593a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogFlowers/aIMG_0593a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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We also spent a glorious day </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
watching the otters play, </div>
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so I may be posting again </div>
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in the very near future.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Till then, remember</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-45463893194412547882013-03-05T23:42:00.000-08:002013-03-05T23:42:20.628-08:00Yeah, Yeah, Yeah . . ..<br />
Yes, we are alive and well. <br />
<br />
I'd like to thank all of you for your calls, emails and assorted inquiries. <br />
<br />
And yes, we are still (slowly) working on the house.<br />
<br />
OK, consider yourself caught up . . .<br />
<br />
I haven't been doing a lot of photography, and that's one of the main reasons I haven't been blogging.<br />
<br />
Since we recently had friends visiting (see Donna and Russ's blog <a href="http://therapytravels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>), we actually got out a bit and spent a few days playing tourist and taking a few pictures.<br />
<br />
We spent a whole afternoon at the Santa Cruz Arboretum, where we had heard that the hummingbirds were visiting.<br />
<br />
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/1bIMG_0498a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/1bIMG_0498a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yes, I know this isn't a hummingbird, </div>
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but he was so persistent,</div>
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I figured he deserved to have his picture included . . . </div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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Now, this is a hummingbird</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/2bIMG_0450a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/2bIMG_0450a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And another </div>
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(although he's a young one,</div>
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and pretty well camouflaged) </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/3bIMG_0418a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/3bIMG_0418a.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I would say something clever, </div>
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but, it yet another hummer </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/4bIMG_0480a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/4bIMG_0480a.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Again </div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/5IMG_0369a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/5IMG_0369a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And one more </div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/6bIMG_0542a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/6bIMG_0542a.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And no, these aren't hummingbirds.</div>
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It's Russ and Terry. </div>
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I thought they were at least as handsome </div>
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as any bird we saw that day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/7bIMG_0613a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2013.03.04BlogBirds/7bIMG_0613a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And that's all I have to say on the matter.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Except that, as always</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-71784997556546773452012-10-10T22:07:00.003-07:002012-10-10T22:07:49.198-07:00Sunset<div style="text-align: center;">
I often talk about how much I miss </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the the incredible skies of New Mexico. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That said, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mother Nature put on a pretty incredible show </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this evening. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.10Blog/xIMG_5427a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.10Blog/xIMG_5427a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These were all taken </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through an incredibly dirty windshield </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
using my iPhone 4s.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The colors were sublime.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.10Blog/xIMG_5430c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.10Blog/xIMG_5430c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And look at that cloud bank </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rolling over the hills . . .</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.10Blog/xIMG_5429ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.10Blog/xIMG_5429ab.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just thought I'd share.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope your skies are as lovely as these.</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-77637723918979763212012-10-07T21:32:00.003-07:002012-10-07T21:32:57.070-07:00Open Street and Monarchs<div style="text-align: center;">
I know I haven't been posting a lot lately, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but there just hasn't been a lot going on.
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But today, there was a great event in Santa Cruz. </div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x1IMG_2718a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x1IMG_2718a.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Called Open Streets, </div>
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it involved the closing of West Cliff Drive </div>
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to all cars and motor vehicles. </div>
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Usually a great place to walk, ride bikes or roller skate, </div>
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this event amped up the whole atmosphere. </div>
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<br /></div>
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There were drummers</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x01IMG_2745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x01IMG_2745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Several animal booths, but this was my favorite.</div>
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A dedicated owner was trying to coax her pup through a tunnel.</div>
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He wasn't having any of it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x02IMG_2681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x02IMG_2681.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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There were lots of bikes, unicycles,</div>
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and even this fellow.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x03IMG_2705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x03IMG_2705.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was also Zumba, Yoga</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and even a rock climbing tower.</div>
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It was all free for the community to enjoy.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x04IMG_2750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x04IMG_2750.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I thought this guy was very cool.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x5IMG_2761a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x5IMG_2761a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I liked that his body paint featured a tree</div>
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and he was set up beneath a beautiful old tree on the cliffs.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x6IMG_2765-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x6IMG_2765-copy.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Someone had crafted these birds from old tin cans,</div>
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they decorated the walk.</div>
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Quite lovely.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x7IMG_2733a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x7IMG_2733a.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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These next two are for Russ</div>
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of <a href="http://therapytravels.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Russ and Donna</a> fame</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x9IMG_2781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x9IMG_2781.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I believe he loves the pelicans as much as I do.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x10IMG_2777a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x10IMG_2777a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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As an added bonus, after walking West Cliff,</div>
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we ended up at Natural Bridges State Park.</div>
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The Monarch butterflies migrate here every year,</div>
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and they're just beginning to arrive.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x11IMG_2819a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x11IMG_2819a.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Beware, too many butterfly pictures here.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x12IMG_2842a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x12IMG_2842a.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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I love them so much, </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x13IMG_2833a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x13IMG_2833a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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really, </div>
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I tried to edit my photos </div>
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down to just a few</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x14IMG_2853a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x14IMG_2853a_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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But still wanted to keep all of these.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x15IMG_2859a_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x15IMG_2859a_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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My favorites from the day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x16IMG_2801a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x16IMG_2801a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And this my special favorite.</div>
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Feel free to click to enlarge.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x17IMG_2860a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.10.07BlogPics/x17IMG_2860a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just so you know, </div>
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there will be many trips to the butterfly grove,</div>
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so more pictures will follow. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-68951262637189780712012-09-30T19:31:00.000-07:002012-09-30T19:31:00.626-07:00DinnerI've had several emails asking what we're up to . . .<br />
<br />
Not a lot, but we are getting healthy, eating lots of veggies and fruit and other yummies. We're particularly enjoying the Vitamix, making lots of smoothies.<br />
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We're also reaping the benefits of a friends humungous garden, lots of incredibly sweet vine ripened tomatoes and squash.
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Here's what we eat at least twice a week.
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/dinner2good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/dinner2good.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I saute some onion and garlic in a hot pan, then add a good amount of sliced peppers (I used both red and yellow in this one). Then, slice as much zuccini (squash) as you like. When the squash is almost cooked through, add two or three large fresh tomatoes. If you have some fresh basil, a good hit is also added. Allow it to warm through till the tomatoes are warm but not mushy, and serve.<br />
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We like this with fish or chicken. You can eat as much as you want, and the flavor is so bright and fresh, you'll want to eat a lot!<br />
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Oh, and yes, we're still working on the house. </div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-28875607420211836412012-09-25T22:05:00.002-07:002012-09-25T22:05:57.272-07:00We are Alive and WellAnd truly, just have nothing interesting to post about.<br />
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Thanks for all the inquiring emails, I promise to return when something blog-worthy occurs.
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-18986717136253172332012-09-01T23:23:00.000-07:002012-09-01T23:23:19.183-07:00I'm taking the day off, and I realized I haven't posted in a while.<br />
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I love these days when I wake up and say I'm going to do just exactly what I want to do today, nothing else. It's a gift I give myself occaisionally, and Terry is wonderful enough to just let me have them when I want.<br />
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So what's been going on?<br />
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Not a lot, more of the same, working in the house (not as much as we should admittedly), going to the gym (a lot!) and taking care of ourselves by being midful of what we eat.<br />
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We did do something along the eating lines, we bought a Vitamix!<br />
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As we are moving more into careful eating, we've become aware of how difficult it is to get in all the proper nutrition we need on a daily basis. The truth is, both of our stomachs have shrunk, and we both find it's hard to eat really huge meals like we used to. <br />
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We talked about it and decided that maybe the best way to go would be to drink some of our fruits and veggies for one meal a day. After researching all the options, we decided a Vitamix is just what we needed.<br />
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The first thing I made was carrot soup. A few carrots, some celery, garlic, lemon, jalapeno, cinnamon and a bit of water. Boy was it ever good! I really like that it cooks right in the blender, much less clean up that way. Also, by making soup this way, I make exactly what we need for one meal, no leftovers! <br />
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We've also made a bunch of smoothies, and you know what? They're right, with the correct blend of fruit and such, you never even taste the spinach, kale or whatever. So now we have our veggie input under control, and are we ever happy!<br />
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We also happened on a free flat of fresh strawberries. Now, you know that strawberries never last long at all, so we cleaned them up, pureed them in the Vitamix and froze them in one cup increments. Now we have bunches of frozen strawberries for our drinks.<br />
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So here's my request. Do any of you have any favorite blender recipes? If so, please share, I'd love to learn more.<br />
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That's it for today.
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-53512614078193820142012-08-24T19:06:00.003-07:002012-08-24T19:06:37.146-07:00Mexican Salad, YUM!This is one of our favorite meals, it's hearty, good for you and tastes divine.<br />
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First you cube up one or two chicken breasts (one per person). Also chop up some white onion, some garlic and some red peppers. Spray a bit of Pam in a frying pan and throw the chicken in. Add a bit of salt and pepper and cook over medium heat just until the cubed chicken is white, <b>do not</b> overcook!<br />
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Now pull the chicken out and place it in a bowl and put something over the top so it will continue to steam. I usually use a paper plate.<br />
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Now a bit more Pam, then throw in the onions, garlic and peppers, and cook them just till their done. At this point, the chicken should have steamed done and released a lot of liquid. I don't like the juice but Terry does, so decide what to do with it, but don't put it back in the pan with the veggies, just the chicken. At this point I add a very generous hit of cumin, a bit of chile powder and Cholula hot sauce to your taste (naturally we use Cholula!). Add a couple of tablespoons of water to coat the mixture with the spices, then turn the heat off and let it sit.<br />
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<i>Note</i>: by cooking the chicken this way, it stays incredibly tender and never overcooks. If you keep it in the pan when you add the veggies, the mixture gets too watery and the chicken overcooks and gets tough.<br />
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Now make your salad. I like lettuce, some tomato, some more chopped red pepper and a bit of avocado.<br />
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When your salad is ready, put the warm chicken veggie mixture in the salad along with a couple of tablespoons of reduced sugar ketchup (tastes just the same as regular, a lot less sugar, i.e. carbs) and a couple of tablespoons of plain unflavored yogurt.<br />
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Now mix the whole thing thoroughly, till it looks kind of like yuck, but everything is well coated, and eat.<br />
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Sorry, there aren't any pictures, we just ate it all! <br />
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This is the best salad, very filling, full of flavor, quite low carb and right around 330 calories for a full meal.<br />
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Try it, I think you'll like it.
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<br />
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-65996712028414154752012-08-21T20:47:00.000-07:002012-08-21T20:47:22.134-07:00Elkhorn SloughWe decided that instead of going to the gym, today would be a perfect day for a walk by the seashore. Monterey was our goal, but the weather gods were not in our favor.<br />
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By the time we got to Moss Landing, the sky was completely overcast and there was a brisk wind. Since it seemed too cold to walk in that weather, we pulled over at Elkhorn Slough to eat our picnic.<br />
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Of course we had to take a few pictures, </div>
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because the otters were out.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2385b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2385b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wasn't entirely pleased with this shot, </div>
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so I reworked it in computer.</div>
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Now it's one of my ArtyFarty shots.</div>
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(you can click and enlarge if you like).</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2386d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2386d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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It's funny how, when it comes to blossoms, </div>
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I'm just as happy with weeds </div>
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as I am with hothouse blooms.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2467a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2467a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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There were also tons of sandpipers.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2426aaa_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2426aaa_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think the way they rest on one leg is so cool.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2434a_2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.21Blog/xIMG_2434a_2a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We never did take a walk.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We came home, and Saint Terry went to the gym.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I took a nap.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-82960908046709785102012-08-20T16:28:00.000-07:002012-08-20T16:28:03.725-07:00BreadIf you've been following the blog for a while, you know I love to cook. And bake. And eat.<br />
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Obviously, we're eating a bit different these days, but I'm still cooking, just continuing my eternal search for recipes that will keep up healthy and happy.<br />
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When watching our food, we always head towards LowCarbLand. where our bodies seem to do the best.<br />
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Generally, this means watching those white foods, flour, sugar, potatoes, pasta, rice, you get the idea.<br />
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This isn't really a stretch for us. We feel better eating this way and have found many substitutions that work fine. I have several recipes for small cakes that are low carb, and while we really love FlatOut FlatBread, we still miss spongy bread.<br />
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Not really bread, but sandwiches.<br />
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We use flatbread for wraps and they are delicious, but I'm on the eternal quest for a real low carb bread. On the advice of a friend (thanks Nancy) I recently tried Julian Bakery Low Carb Bread. Nice taste, but it did raise my blood sugar quite a bit. That combined with the cost ($7 a Loaf, YIKES) means we probably wont be buying it too often.<br />
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Then I was looking online and found something called <a href="http://247lowcarbdiner.blogspot.com/2011/03/mr-peanut-sandwich-bread.html" target="_blank">Mr. Peanut Sandwich Bread</a>. Made with very few ingredients (and no flour/grains) I was intrigued. For complete instructions, please click <a href="http://247lowcarbdiner.blogspot.com/2011/03/mr-peanut-sandwich-bread.html" target="_blank">here</a>, it's their recipe and they deserve all the credit<br />
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We get our peanut butter at the grocery store where you simply place dry roasted peanuts in a grinder. It's clean, not too oily and has no other ingredients. We like it a lot and that's what I started with.<br />
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So here we go. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Here's all the ingredients, very simple.</div>
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Peanut Butter (1 cup)</div>
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Eggs (3)</div>
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Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon)</div>
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Salt (1/4 teaspoon)</div>
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Vinegar (1 tablespoon)</div>
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Sweetener (1 packet, optional, I used it)</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2369a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2369a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You mix the peanut butter and the eggs (1 at a time).</div>
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At first, I was afraid they weren't going to blend.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2373aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2373aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But after a few minutes, </div>
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it smoothed out nicely.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2374aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2374aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next you simply add the other ingredients,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blend well and smooth it in to a small bread pan</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2375a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2375a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, place in the oven for 40 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to admit, I was pretty skeptical</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but look at this!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2380a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2380a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wow, Kind of cool, huh?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here it is, out of the pan and sliced.<br />
Lovely texture. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2383a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.20PnutBlog/IMG_2383a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And it tastes really good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's like a nice nutty bread,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with only 1.5 carbs per slice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(We got 16 slices from the loaf).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can make a small sandwich with two slices </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or a regular size sandwich with four.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This ones going into my recipe book as a keeper. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-65109440979514386192012-08-17T20:53:00.000-07:002012-08-17T20:54:20.532-07:00On FoodThis post isn't meant to disparage anyone and their way of eating, but I've been pondering food a lot lately and have begun to question a lot of things.<br />
<br />
Do you think our attitude towards food is because we were never taught how to eat as children? Or taught about nutrition as it relates to our food and body?<br />
<br />
Well maybe you were but I never was.<br />
<br />
I've always just looked at food as breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. There to be eaten because you're supposed to eat three meals a day and clean your plate.<br />
<br />
And of course snacks.<br />
<br />
Were you ever taught to stop when you were satisfied? Not full, or finished, but to just take stock of where your body was and stop, because you were simply no longer hungry? I never was.<br />
<br />
I think that has been part of my problem.<br />
<br />
And of course, food tastes good, and I love to cook and bake.<br />
<br />
But since we've become concerned about health, I find myself looking at both my food and my body in different ways. For the first time, I'm trying to be more aware of my body and the signals it sends, Learning to eat to a sense of satisfaction, that is, no longer hungry, rather than full. By eating much slower and chewing thoroughly, I'm amazed at how little it takes to satisfy my hunger.<br />
<br />
Combining this attitude with our exercise regime, we're feeling better than we have in years.<br />
<br />
Please, if you've read this far, don't preach at me about what works for you. I appreciate everyone's regime because I'm completely aware that what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another.<br />
<br />
I'm simply sharing what, after 64 years on the planet, seem to be completely new ideas to me.<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend, we have yet another flea market tomorrow.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-62519852951119998392012-08-15T21:02:00.001-07:002012-08-15T21:02:27.958-07:00SwimmingToday was our very first swimming lesson.<br />
<br />
Now keep in mind that we've been exercising pretty regularly for a while now. When we go to the gym we do a combination of Pilates, stationary bikes, weight machines, Qi Gong, aqua aerobics, you get the idea. And on days when we don't go to the gym, we walk at least half an hour. We're being good, we're committed to making our bodies healthy, which is why we signed up for swimming lessons.<br />
<br />
Well, there is another reason.<br />
<br />
Let me back up a bit here. When I was six or so, our family went for a picnic at Anderson Dam, near San Jose. I was playing by the waters edge, goofing around jumping in the water, which was maybe eight inches deep. I remember telling my Mom "Look Mom, I'm learning to swim! On my next jump, I went in over my head. I guess I was playing near a shelf of land. I remember opening my eyes and seeing nothing but murky water (yes, that vision is still with me). <br />
<br />
The next thing I knew, my sister jumped in and pulled me out.<br />
<br />
Ever since, while not exactly afraid of water, I haven't had much desire to swim. In fact, I don't even like getting my face full under the shower head when bathing. I'll get in the water and do aerobics, on a hot day I'll splash around, heck when I was a teenager, we had a pool in our backyard. But I've never learned how to really swim.<br />
<br />
It seems like such great exercise, and somehow, while I know it's still work, it seems a bit more enjoyable. So, as I've said, we signed up for lessons. Eight thirty minute lessons for each of us. Individual attention, because that's what we need, we're barely able to navigate in the water.<br />
<br />
So I went out and bought a bathing suit (and that's a whole other story, involving a trip to the seventh level of Hell . . .), bought some goggles and today we braved the pool<br />
<br />
But somehow, I just wasn't at all prepared.<br />
<br />
I guess I'm more used to an exercise that works a certain set of muscles. <br />
<br />
Let me tell you, swimming works everything all at once.<br />
<br />
I'm pooped!<br />
<br />
I went first and spent most of my time attempting to learn about keeping my body straight, my legs up, my head down and trying to make my body move through the water. Oh yeah, and breathing. How am I supposed to remember all of this at one time <i>and</i> remember to breath without inhaling half the swimming pool??<br />
<br />
But we made it through the lessons, spent another thirty minutes or so practicing and actually made an appointment for another lesson.<br />
<br />
We're tired, but determined. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4011926663070554423.post-20324640214601137272012-08-11T21:46:00.000-07:002012-08-11T21:46:14.662-07:00We Meet the Coolest PeopleIt's true. No matter where we go or what we do, we seem to meet the nicest people. It's a continual reminder that good friends are the real treasures in our life.<br />
<br />
Today, we went over to our new friends Peggy and Louise's house where they introduced us to a whole new art form, felting. We had never heard of it, have you? Basically you take wool, and using soap, water and your hands, turn it into felt.<br />
<br />
Now, keep in mind that I was in felting mode, not photography mode, so these pictures are for explanation only. And truthfully, this blog is woefully incomplete, but I wanted to get it down while I remember as many details as possible.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here goes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You start with some netting, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a piece of ordinary blue tarp, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some unspun wool (Peggy says Merino is best), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
soap and water.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tarp needs to be cut to the approximate size </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you want for your finished object. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was about five inches across. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were making small pots.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/1-IMG_2341a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/1-IMG_2341a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you gently pull the wool apart </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and lay it in one direction.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/2-IMG_2344a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/2-IMG_2344a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, I skipped taking pictures for about twenty steps (my bad) so I'll just try to keep you in the loop here.<br />
<br />
You wet the felt, then wrap it around the edge of the circle. Then you wrap the other side with wisps of wool, going in the same direction.<br />
<br />
Next you lay and wet the wool in the opposite direction, repeating the above steps. You do this for three layers, and if you want a design, at this point you add some other colors.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was my first attempt, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I was under the impression </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I could actually work a design. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Silly Rabbit</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/3-IMG_2348a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/3-IMG_2348a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
At this point, instead of just wetting it, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you start adding soap.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then you rub and rub and rub. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What you are doing here is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
actually turning the wool strands into felt.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/4-IMG_2349a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/4-IMG_2349a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a shot of Peggy's piece. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been felted and is ready to go to the next step.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/5-IMG_2340a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/5-IMG_2340a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Next you cut a very small hole </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the middle of your circle, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making
sure you cut right down to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(but not through)<br />
the tarp pattern. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then you carefully pull the tarp out </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through the hole, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leaving you with a two sided disc </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a hole in the middle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then you start working the piece into a shape.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/6-IMG_2343a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/6-IMG_2343a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You keep working the felt </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
till you have a shape </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that brings a smile to your face.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/7-IMG_2345a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/7-IMG_2345a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then you wash and wash and wash,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making sure to get all the soap out of the wool. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And Voila!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's the three bowls we made today.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/9-IMG_2355aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/9-IMG_2355aa.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the real world, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
these look much better than these photos. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Colorful and so very tactile, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
each completely unique.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/10-IMG_2357a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/10-IMG_2357a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's Terry's. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dark and masculine, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
just like my Hunny Bunny.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/11-IMG_2358a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/11-IMG_2358a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One other thing . . .</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Depending on how you layer your colors, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
your pot can be a different color on the inside. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peggy's was yellow.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/12-IMG_2359a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/12-IMG_2359a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mine was red on the inside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/13-IMG_2353a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://www.cholulared.com/2012.08.11%20BlogPics/13-IMG_2353a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I know I haven't explained this very well, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so if I've piqued your interest, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can look at some other </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
explanations and examples </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=felting&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=w9P&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvnslb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=4SMnUJDLHcS62wWvj4HoAw&ved=0CGsQsAQ&biw=1598&bih=835&sei=ESQnUJ3QLM6-2AWNy4DwCg#q=felting&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=1pk&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbm=isch&prmd=imvnslb&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=1&biw=1332&bih=696" target="_blank">here</a>, or <a href="http://www.gfwsheep.com/felting/felt.html" target="_blank">here</a>, or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felt" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />We had a great day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.cholulared.com/LifeIsGoodLogo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3