tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85406202652733507962024-03-19T05:19:59.147-07:00Erica's BlogErica's Blog: My Life, My Knitting, My InsanityEricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.comBlogger1230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-83162077180130367272018-01-10T20:45:00.001-08:002018-01-10T20:45:08.799-08:00Speaking of Knitting...I'm quite fortunate that my work shuts down at the end of the year for "Winter Break", just like schools do. Sometime after Christmas, my knitting mojo seems to have returned!<br />
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In the last few days of the year, I finished the MadTosh socks:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu1cTe_YPhs5ap08gDMiWTEp_bitrtxmFL5Yd4-8ztbJ7-_eEBgbumxEwXmGHw7uGyhRXKdRpC-9oq07oV8uuaFQPxZWmDXknYZyBiwtNEjYBBF885HFS9mpD1rAmyoTgz5l0sq8RAQ4A/s1600/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzu1cTe_YPhs5ap08gDMiWTEp_bitrtxmFL5Yd4-8ztbJ7-_eEBgbumxEwXmGHw7uGyhRXKdRpC-9oq07oV8uuaFQPxZWmDXknYZyBiwtNEjYBBF885HFS9mpD1rAmyoTgz5l0sq8RAQ4A/s400/IMG_2796.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I knit a "ComMEOWnist Red" kitty hat for one of Abby's friends:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPNvnQ_lsxFp6UnLR1Pou_HLhFfOY6LynPqWyiJIh_xzQ7OnxcthfN5-jjYd-kl5oY9oIMjUMM2EItaFgLUq7NmgKBGs0PGO-uSrb6vsRTtcClBN3BgywQBHQP_7ORFtnLON0RkC3742d/s1600/IMG_2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPNvnQ_lsxFp6UnLR1Pou_HLhFfOY6LynPqWyiJIh_xzQ7OnxcthfN5-jjYd-kl5oY9oIMjUMM2EItaFgLUq7NmgKBGs0PGO-uSrb6vsRTtcClBN3BgywQBHQP_7ORFtnLON0RkC3742d/s320/IMG_2799.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a charcoal grey kitty hat for another friend of hers so that said friend could match her pet cat:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkWYpEnuIqI-rTo3A_Qk211Wb8ulfZLkPHDQDSP_8_diUpaJsPJUgCB6fEKDcbGTibThESwgp_ekTDFRkip8z-SVlqWQzvCbFpxrSD7GxSfsphQt8VXQxM_sDU3y_hkX8CQB01ItjgZ-h/s1600/IMG_2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkWYpEnuIqI-rTo3A_Qk211Wb8ulfZLkPHDQDSP_8_diUpaJsPJUgCB6fEKDcbGTibThESwgp_ekTDFRkip8z-SVlqWQzvCbFpxrSD7GxSfsphQt8VXQxM_sDU3y_hkX8CQB01ItjgZ-h/s320/IMG_2800.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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On the New Year's Day, I started a pair of Patons Kroy socks - fraternal twins:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jfkU1dFe9tDckSLKGU27ZsZ2ZLZ06_PPLZdSoJRTp6h7wQBMq-hVPSah3BGbi_P5fquJewFSky5IX_RToXiMd5kivn91vopDHSWbdMEipI5w8wXC9N3IM0FYHLOOyoGpHBixNJmKkmdi/s1600/IMG_2810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jfkU1dFe9tDckSLKGU27ZsZ2ZLZ06_PPLZdSoJRTp6h7wQBMq-hVPSah3BGbi_P5fquJewFSky5IX_RToXiMd5kivn91vopDHSWbdMEipI5w8wXC9N3IM0FYHLOOyoGpHBixNJmKkmdi/s320/IMG_2810.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I realized today that I made the foot a little bit too short,<br />so I may end up giving these to one of the girls<br />because their feet are smaller than mine.</span></td></tr>
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WELCOME BACK, DEAR MOJO! I've missed you so....</div>
<br />Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-55912197860092106552018-01-10T19:29:00.002-08:002018-01-10T19:29:26.586-08:00ComebackWhen you submit a vacation request for a half-day in February so you can attend an "annual giant knitting conference", and your boss's response is "What do you knit for a giant?", the only good comeback is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicitrw7NGRENtZ8ebQesl6MdCdjQZeVWGNYAQv2M098Zfp7YFjc_wV2fyW1nHLiOCDvkTv0B1kiMTtROvIDZRBPVvZhARGoXt5UCScJabhodBxJl_AoVaISZR9wvr93t3nvm5IQa_c8WaJ/s1600/giant+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicitrw7NGRENtZ8ebQesl6MdCdjQZeVWGNYAQv2M098Zfp7YFjc_wV2fyW1nHLiOCDvkTv0B1kiMTtROvIDZRBPVvZhARGoXt5UCScJabhodBxJl_AoVaISZR9wvr93t3nvm5IQa_c8WaJ/s1600/giant+sweater.jpg" /></a></div>
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Link to article <a href="https://www.themarysue.com/giant-cardigan/">here</a>.</div>
<br />Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-16896656365682244302017-12-28T11:03:00.000-08:002017-12-28T11:03:23.975-08:002017 Highlight Reel, April - December<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>APRIL:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaaa8mc2xlPJ-lpv_8TwGnAW5aa8cNQdkaJdMraOu4ePPLc4vdpiZV1rA7IMKye2KmOVKHPpwMhtxK4F3MiudLj5qRrUfY_KsHtlTqhtSDZ9w0KOMMs73iVkmkNoFwgP7rtAeJCGcj87O/s1600/Easter+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaaa8mc2xlPJ-lpv_8TwGnAW5aa8cNQdkaJdMraOu4ePPLc4vdpiZV1rA7IMKye2KmOVKHPpwMhtxK4F3MiudLj5qRrUfY_KsHtlTqhtSDZ9w0KOMMs73iVkmkNoFwgP7rtAeJCGcj87O/s320/Easter+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter at Cousins'</td></tr>
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<b>MAY:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE4SFDL6t2RcbbdWeTaAuN5obAQgEGZseaOpP3mEAoe_WODkCenQh6vLJGcCkHzK_oF4k0RNmiLNqseQNdaip1jtKT0Ag01EuU_z8mxZkfzgCDMhKMc8FV5bNlHY90wY9QYeIWtgwp146/s1600/May+Haircut+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE4SFDL6t2RcbbdWeTaAuN5obAQgEGZseaOpP3mEAoe_WODkCenQh6vLJGcCkHzK_oF4k0RNmiLNqseQNdaip1jtKT0Ag01EuU_z8mxZkfzgCDMhKMc8FV5bNlHY90wY9QYeIWtgwp146/s320/May+Haircut+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I went SHORT.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZy8W8cLbEem98d5mvuUUbXs3kSxZaN4wcHUFk8RqtoE4LA3WeGTNcbpIVYQ8ApqLieyS3ZNaGA8xBGWq8Z68XmNnmmom72Pcc6bTteLV813dtNELkANASLunywGMWw-85eni_PZZ86NF/s1600/Last+Day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZy8W8cLbEem98d5mvuUUbXs3kSxZaN4wcHUFk8RqtoE4LA3WeGTNcbpIVYQ8ApqLieyS3ZNaGA8xBGWq8Z68XmNnmmom72Pcc6bTteLV813dtNELkANASLunywGMWw-85eni_PZZ86NF/s320/Last+Day.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day of my temp assignment at CTA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7KDlp-Mvrb6flyJI54RoHvXbsefk70ll9uPRxaVl3-195k95Udu2DezeUAhxGLfT7-jIKyUtLns-13XwemDJEl0n20g1fLup0R5mJAv_qAgiS_h4g63NcxEeNm-dJ7CN5jcffHmO96-v/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7KDlp-Mvrb6flyJI54RoHvXbsefk70ll9uPRxaVl3-195k95Udu2DezeUAhxGLfT7-jIKyUtLns-13XwemDJEl0n20g1fLup0R5mJAv_qAgiS_h4g63NcxEeNm-dJ7CN5jcffHmO96-v/s320/IMG_2153.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul and Angela got ENGAGED!</td></tr>
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<b>JUNE:</b><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHKBEZKQVHHhTqoJZdTzMKxMEf20qFpIKUGDD2WMoFRjCxkxBrhBeJn4jl-p4cqi1t9X9BsM6zn-IhiHKftVTY5LJPSTg-fGJF_hltAqh0pJwR6TX3IGLWrGblM1TIazuz0n5ED1baYuq/s1600/Looks+Familiar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHKBEZKQVHHhTqoJZdTzMKxMEf20qFpIKUGDD2WMoFRjCxkxBrhBeJn4jl-p4cqi1t9X9BsM6zn-IhiHKftVTY5LJPSTg-fGJF_hltAqh0pJwR6TX3IGLWrGblM1TIazuz0n5ED1baYuq/s320/Looks+Familiar.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Started a new temp assignment...in a different part of CTA.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkVjKaCnIOwppy5EKlgxOIrAOgjxZN2nB4pZ1thf7fOv9Sws9yPWXZO_ETBUvnMchQ59y2JrOR29dAnrRZRbIvN5HWHZIMIJ1eJvwCG3qJuV8xhX_0nEaprjsn3Z5O0vvQyugrRtOdTp0/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkVjKaCnIOwppy5EKlgxOIrAOgjxZN2nB4pZ1thf7fOv9Sws9yPWXZO_ETBUvnMchQ59y2JrOR29dAnrRZRbIvN5HWHZIMIJ1eJvwCG3qJuV8xhX_0nEaprjsn3Z5O0vvQyugrRtOdTp0/s320/IMG_2187.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genenconcert</td></tr>
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J<b>ULY:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SYyUSR7taFnxHQVIn2q1L_wt0vW-3s4iTwI7eVCa3qt-aykG_h0peZii1bmSs61NtL_4ukvujwNxkcfA7An3zBJAEmKNp8YHZxsRqemz-v-_Vh_ejaWU9JveLmmtd1-FjfwtlYbIb_ZK/s1600/IMG_2207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SYyUSR7taFnxHQVIn2q1L_wt0vW-3s4iTwI7eVCa3qt-aykG_h0peZii1bmSs61NtL_4ukvujwNxkcfA7An3zBJAEmKNp8YHZxsRqemz-v-_Vh_ejaWU9JveLmmtd1-FjfwtlYbIb_ZK/s320/IMG_2207.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July at Roy & Chrisine's, as usual</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjore9A7NqxAkG-Y8r5ejZMXsV06OAprmmHpK4vRDP0LDXnl6NvcTQfS1Y5LH_90YEWXbmJe2qt1z3dWpX3Vg8iPvQvIkckgbCSYo7S8fBvVdzuYkF8uhAVtGYzRhpkK8lMAQKhGrTWUrJr/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjore9A7NqxAkG-Y8r5ejZMXsV06OAprmmHpK4vRDP0LDXnl6NvcTQfS1Y5LH_90YEWXbmJe2qt1z3dWpX3Vg8iPvQvIkckgbCSYo7S8fBvVdzuYkF8uhAVtGYzRhpkK8lMAQKhGrTWUrJr/s320/IMG_2222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CAMPING!</td></tr>
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<br /><b>AUGUST:</b><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4COi37KLqooVAG1J2HRzb2hyphenhyphen4_Ispy0JmOS1xKK_-6D1t7CMNFHXTDquQZVBJH-bVzr6asApPzwhO1V1uL2GU90Y_L-0RmmMqqW0LibQAxZw037i5p1TzXAVTaUNTAlINf5I80Y5Xrtt/s1600/Abby+11th+Grade+Picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4COi37KLqooVAG1J2HRzb2hyphenhyphen4_Ispy0JmOS1xKK_-6D1t7CMNFHXTDquQZVBJH-bVzr6asApPzwhO1V1uL2GU90Y_L-0RmmMqqW0LibQAxZw037i5p1TzXAVTaUNTAlINf5I80Y5Xrtt/s320/Abby+11th+Grade+Picture.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby started 11th grade (and cut her hair).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MW1r93_B3EPAbOb36w474Ehy542Fxjgdb5iIpKGVD7owG2aQN3I6meTZU0qA20ke1528FZs1qaxmFfRENohzDQIntcluIejG2cjCVUbns3n_fADkC7G8_5P17fxpA-VF4kbyaQDX15Ke/s1600/Legit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MW1r93_B3EPAbOb36w474Ehy542Fxjgdb5iIpKGVD7owG2aQN3I6meTZU0qA20ke1528FZs1qaxmFfRENohzDQIntcluIejG2cjCVUbns3n_fADkC7G8_5P17fxpA-VF4kbyaQDX15Ke/s320/Legit.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I became official, an actual employee at CTA!</td></tr>
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<br /><b>SEPTEMBER:</b><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElZY0nqb6TTE45ThXxmjemTV5j0gxGTkBEZOcoZEpUFmwBClkitsFDVX77jGOytGNFx6Wnl01jxCPA5octYUSCihxrLOWV-TSxcQXX4gzmGfFeW527q0T46os7hfQE2pWEEriZrTBNXbQ/s1600/Sarah+%2526+Uhura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElZY0nqb6TTE45ThXxmjemTV5j0gxGTkBEZOcoZEpUFmwBClkitsFDVX77jGOytGNFx6Wnl01jxCPA5octYUSCihxrLOWV-TSxcQXX4gzmGfFeW527q0T46os7hfQE2pWEEriZrTBNXbQ/s320/Sarah+%2526+Uhura.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah got to meet Lt. Uhura!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqS3ArlH4Mt6-yxkbFtzXtP9biO4BQym7vhMBfVNdpX1cZVUjnZorz65HLl1IrzBDv2cEN8HlihUPCDYII99PpRdhrZI-8Ckd4ZWL3vH6EOqiBNPWJz577OB14hC-WKjSELCv3ddyXjCV/s1600/IMG_2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqS3ArlH4Mt6-yxkbFtzXtP9biO4BQym7vhMBfVNdpX1cZVUjnZorz65HLl1IrzBDv2cEN8HlihUPCDYII99PpRdhrZI-8Ckd4ZWL3vH6EOqiBNPWJz577OB14hC-WKjSELCv3ddyXjCV/s320/IMG_2364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I helped at a "big" work conference, and Andrew got to<br />tag along and stay in the hotel with me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGff6K-QUO-CsmJyrGxNSwhvQtVRSVfdxmpiqIE93yjxmkDpdiRvehrWA70snqBcdTQJD2Anqshn0XLj2xXBkcOZA5JfWjS_8WA3f9Z6TkCgJTXXo4k_mBDB5_krpBCq8RW1svj0QvxF_/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGff6K-QUO-CsmJyrGxNSwhvQtVRSVfdxmpiqIE93yjxmkDpdiRvehrWA70snqBcdTQJD2Anqshn0XLj2xXBkcOZA5JfWjS_8WA3f9Z6TkCgJTXXo4k_mBDB5_krpBCq8RW1svj0QvxF_/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We celebrated Sarah's 19th by going out to see<br />"An American in Paris".</td></tr>
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<br /><b>OCTOBER:</b><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPz_-I9NCvlmKwqWPr_jh7vkPDQUEMKjofHt8rCG0EZGybcMyKPPO6EsHQUH71wMWcr4wDCke_1NU96eN_lpV6BMWdL8rNjmv9ubBreqPx6g-cZf32N672pPFdQVcZqFDUEzfW8zgzKmN/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPz_-I9NCvlmKwqWPr_jh7vkPDQUEMKjofHt8rCG0EZGybcMyKPPO6EsHQUH71wMWcr4wDCke_1NU96eN_lpV6BMWdL8rNjmv9ubBreqPx6g-cZf32N672pPFdQVcZqFDUEzfW8zgzKmN/s320/IMG_2533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew was a groomsman in Brian & Keiko's wedding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8JrStWVcW2LfXKC8UCznQS0DSo9vx7VVOx5NJQ_P02pC9BDkfThmyvEYJVt-1vFY1COuZ5BgSUhV2zNjN63C-e6NLBXAfSxblnwAUUDN1PYmUgZMQ1hRwyN1tpchiUsFojA3EMiTsBzk/s1600/IMG_2394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8JrStWVcW2LfXKC8UCznQS0DSo9vx7VVOx5NJQ_P02pC9BDkfThmyvEYJVt-1vFY1COuZ5BgSUhV2zNjN63C-e6NLBXAfSxblnwAUUDN1PYmUgZMQ1hRwyN1tpchiUsFojA3EMiTsBzk/s320/IMG_2394.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw Imagine Dragons at Shoreline<br />with Andrew's work squad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPl1eIojYm7yMJ6xrlXWBElkJmDnoY1duSZtIrYvH6NQX3YP3_IUEbMMVtyaFeGXkdq9OZhtDgHbORGigYyFHHI2AY5IvsAKVlPr6Wv8Bq6qRMee_9Yq_i-rE2_TggLrfZ4XvEcv_FljA/s1600/IMG_2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPl1eIojYm7yMJ6xrlXWBElkJmDnoY1duSZtIrYvH6NQX3YP3_IUEbMMVtyaFeGXkdq9OZhtDgHbORGigYyFHHI2AY5IvsAKVlPr6Wv8Bq6qRMee_9Yq_i-rE2_TggLrfZ4XvEcv_FljA/s320/IMG_2422.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela's bridal shower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTLaEJWlLCrx1rAE6x_Etuewgi1egJ-Q6Hiwqp4TW81vuOvcSUJhah1mTa85TZYB2vggiBwyZAoY5agXtcJZHC0OmzPDpwoxXlZOevRfUowcrhD-M1vm5YmHbFYAy1wkwVxcavBHX5KX3/s1600/Twelfth+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTLaEJWlLCrx1rAE6x_Etuewgi1egJ-Q6Hiwqp4TW81vuOvcSUJhah1mTa85TZYB2vggiBwyZAoY5agXtcJZHC0OmzPDpwoxXlZOevRfUowcrhD-M1vm5YmHbFYAy1wkwVxcavBHX5KX3/s320/Twelfth+Night.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends came out to support Abby as she appeared<br />in the school production of "Twelfth Night".</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2TQWa9IaC-UZEDdZybyseK2gsTYag1aU2iEhImSvCuDsm4l4gZS-SRuzE16_LSfbFyY76bOnSCxO9jVBoz8_SJmaUA1jGWcng98yiVOy2Yq8XC1wN-rhurFLn2xG6J66aFqhUp2D5pu4/s1600/IMG_7935_small2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2TQWa9IaC-UZEDdZybyseK2gsTYag1aU2iEhImSvCuDsm4l4gZS-SRuzE16_LSfbFyY76bOnSCxO9jVBoz8_SJmaUA1jGWcng98yiVOy2Yq8XC1wN-rhurFLn2xG6J66aFqhUp2D5pu4/s1600/IMG_7935_small2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ACTUALLY PUBLISHED A PATTERN!<br />My shawl Apricity appeared in <br />Knit Edge magazine, at long last.</td></tr>
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<b><br />NOVEMBER:</b><div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCC1NZz0PUBuzTUj-1kkJsdh8vyTEKwtBPm_e3diYW0BS5e2WZOb1mzO6DWiwx5plpgpNzb1t0v-HyI7s5G1Wk02YpI1sdWgmUpCkdDMZHYBxwvwiwstZnI2rj6lPRmlPNA49BHYjMGl3B/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCC1NZz0PUBuzTUj-1kkJsdh8vyTEKwtBPm_e3diYW0BS5e2WZOb1mzO6DWiwx5plpgpNzb1t0v-HyI7s5G1Wk02YpI1sdWgmUpCkdDMZHYBxwvwiwstZnI2rj6lPRmlPNA49BHYjMGl3B/s320/IMG_2605.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela and Paul got married....</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn2y0gHlCvjminVNL86nb_eO9v9JvHD2Z1w0EgZGQY3RcFSiijIhPU5UFEonKru8VwTGXKooEjcCs6CWamf5btJ8NHp8izeSSPRLqQN1OlGtzCFvYOzkFrPEw1qZOddDVNMU39MRQrobk/s1600/IMG_2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn2y0gHlCvjminVNL86nb_eO9v9JvHD2Z1w0EgZGQY3RcFSiijIhPU5UFEonKru8VwTGXKooEjcCs6CWamf5btJ8NHp8izeSSPRLqQN1OlGtzCFvYOzkFrPEw1qZOddDVNMU39MRQrobk/s320/IMG_2591.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....and we got to be the "family of the bride"!</td></tr>
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<br /><b>DECEMBER:</b><div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsUntsZ7wyIsmrXohaVEOjtM4H91TA6FjmeTrwhOo18YiC0XG67-qBDBdggEgygCZq34_1ibcocmtFfWi4zYH_0Dsuapwx4HCHrT7KhONSqMnTWax2K2DRS24Gi4Hi1nEau3qECQJjXwv/s1600/Kissing+Santa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsUntsZ7wyIsmrXohaVEOjtM4H91TA6FjmeTrwhOo18YiC0XG67-qBDBdggEgygCZq34_1ibcocmtFfWi4zYH_0Dsuapwx4HCHrT7KhONSqMnTWax2K2DRS24Gi4Hi1nEau3qECQJjXwv/s320/Kissing+Santa.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew got to play Santa at our big church<br />Christmas celebration.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34rOl-B_MkG6qiswWPE2zF-okgrcy9bh8TcAQoDLMdYn4a-KwU3MwiOFi04Xm5jg3loyFFH8VO02K_DxPLiWipDWwbCf2DKzZadck7DnZCYI5y2heQ_Qro4885_9G_tnK9KGJ2Yujwj0o/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34rOl-B_MkG6qiswWPE2zF-okgrcy9bh8TcAQoDLMdYn4a-KwU3MwiOFi04Xm5jg3loyFFH8VO02K_DxPLiWipDWwbCf2DKzZadck7DnZCYI5y2heQ_Qro4885_9G_tnK9KGJ2Yujwj0o/s320/IMG_2730.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin Akhila and her boyfriend<br />Seth got married at the beautiful<br />San Francisco City Hall.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2XGcXZb2bITxdGZ-JJaF7MFpf6v6t6-peRWACIprBH415URetIzXGuabm1GPsmrFqpIRgiWpQImvuAqGzPuimn1PA7q_TcW0lN9pd0sEhFy3n2B2UR8mLcysv3yRyWDx6FWbKVlWCh1w/s1600/IMG_2738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2XGcXZb2bITxdGZ-JJaF7MFpf6v6t6-peRWACIprBH415URetIzXGuabm1GPsmrFqpIRgiWpQImvuAqGzPuimn1PA7q_TcW0lN9pd0sEhFy3n2B2UR8mLcysv3yRyWDx6FWbKVlWCh1w/s320/IMG_2738.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to go to a special showing of<br />"Home Alone" with the SF Symphony<br />playing along with the soundtrack,<br />thanks to a VERY generous gift<br />from my coworker Rose.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9YXe3StstjVG2n2dgVx5MxNZZOLVbxgrG7pdPKVvQeLf8fjb3C7CWaH_kRG_n5bjRkaICu0FjxmrIUpT5C4ay1mddF-7VdUEr4SFqMW30BGfpSu9lOuP0JU7WmvYKRN9BY1W5jb6Vgko/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9YXe3StstjVG2n2dgVx5MxNZZOLVbxgrG7pdPKVvQeLf8fjb3C7CWaH_kRG_n5bjRkaICu0FjxmrIUpT5C4ay1mddF-7VdUEr4SFqMW30BGfpSu9lOuP0JU7WmvYKRN9BY1W5jb6Vgko/s320/IMG_2729.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We coordinated Steve and Sharon's<br />most unusual wedding.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygc6N1Qi4MTd8lQxvjfKcPJLYtdWsuVxFdkRDMsL27J5q8hw3RjiDUF3pmBZjOsJcehYOuXVkoNJdvoBr0w1xaDSZmj1H0zykQD_U8boBbajZRpdYLzBhIPiR2bE3uUaLRtw10sBDhoaX/s1600/IMG_2772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="603" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygc6N1Qi4MTd8lQxvjfKcPJLYtdWsuVxFdkRDMsL27J5q8hw3RjiDUF3pmBZjOsJcehYOuXVkoNJdvoBr0w1xaDSZmj1H0zykQD_U8boBbajZRpdYLzBhIPiR2bE3uUaLRtw10sBDhoaX/s320/IMG_2772.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CHRISTMAS!</td></tr>
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-90540893345796938482017-03-24T14:05:00.002-07:002017-03-24T14:05:23.792-07:00Gee, where did Erica GO?Short answer? I went back to the 9-5 office world mid-February and haven't really had much time for blogging or knitting (I wouldn't be posting today except I have the day off).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn1Id8DK5m8SnctPS5IKqy5sd9CACnr40fgOxhxJc1YSLBIqy34DFDORXFcdGeIYH-DK5h-508FpjP3Rcm6bb0wfpQY41Ln8McSzmyUvj1bkk_9C3o84Gt_zXwk9TQULrFIOUUlAR_DOA/s1600/First+Day+Jitters+Selfie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn1Id8DK5m8SnctPS5IKqy5sd9CACnr40fgOxhxJc1YSLBIqy34DFDORXFcdGeIYH-DK5h-508FpjP3Rcm6bb0wfpQY41Ln8McSzmyUvj1bkk_9C3o84Gt_zXwk9TQULrFIOUUlAR_DOA/s320/First+Day+Jitters+Selfie.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>First Day Jitters!</i></span></td></tr>
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Longer Answer: After many conversations, much personal wrestling, and attending a resume workshop, I accepted the fact that it was time for me to suck it up and go back to work, even though I wanted to wait till Abby was done with high school. The agency I'm using thought it would be good for me to complete some temporary assignments before they tried to submit me for a permanent position somewhere, so after just one interview, I got placed for a longer temp job at...the California Teachers Association (teachers' union) headquarters, of all places. NO, it's not temp-to-perm, just temp, but that's OK.<br />
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You know that feeling when you're the new guy in your office who doesn't know anything or anyone and has to ask a million questions all the time? OK, multiply that by about 15, and you've got what my first week or so on the job felt like. For perspective on how long it's been since I worked in an office: <i>When I did, there was no Google.</i> That first week was hard on my confidence, but mostly because I had unreasonable expectations of myself.<br />
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The hours are great. Since it's so close to home, I don't have to leave the house till 8:30, which means I still get up at 6:00 and have my slow morning. I can make sure Andrew and Abby get out the door OK, finsh making my lunch. get dinner set up in the Instant Pot if need be, and do the daily financial update without having to rush. It took a bit to get used to having to stop at the store on the way home from work (no more 1:30 trips to Trader Joe's!) a couple of times a week and eating dinner later (no more eating right at 5:00!), but I seem to have gotten the hang of it.<br />
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The other humans in the house have had no trouble adjusting. The DOG, however, is having a very hard time with it. Luckily, Sarah leaves later than I do, and Andrew and Abby get home before I do, so that reduces the amount of time she has to be crated. Nobody enjoys cleaning up anxiety dog pee, for sure.<br />
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Enough for today. Tomorrow or Sunday, I'll finally post about Stitches. (Yes, I did take time off work to go. Priorities!)Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-44071294864380952352017-01-26T10:48:00.000-08:002017-01-26T10:48:01.111-08:00Crafty(ish) +There was no <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYtAnzq7hygqQFXgKs-fbWA/featured">Crafty Chat</a> this week, but I have a <i>leetle</i> bit to report on the crafty and cooking front:<br />
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After a couple of weeks of no knitting (some of that time I was sick), I got some knitting mojo back and made some progress on my Madeline Tosh socks.<br />
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I finally overcame my hesitation and started in on the first pattern sample for the upcoming "A Little Romance" ebook. Ya'll may remember the initial go-round where I got almost to the end, then discovered a mistake 13 rounds back and ended up frogging > 700 yards of silk/merino laceweight. Yeah, <i>that</i> one.</div>
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I was feeling terribly proud of myself and quite virtuous for inserting a lifeline just before the first lace pattern...until I realized that I had put the lifeline <i>through</i> my many stitch markers. Rather than re-do the lifeline or cut the rubber markers, I kept going and just inserted new stitch markers where needed. Lesson (hopefully) learned; next time, I'll insert the lifeline on a plain round, sans stitch markers (I'll have to move them for the next lace pattern anyhow). </div>
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This doesn't do the color justice, but here's the little bundle so far. It will start to look like something very soon, so I won't be able to post pictures any more, but for now, here you have it. Yarn is Cascade Yarns Forest Hills in Chili Pepper.</div>
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The Instant Pot continues to get a rigorous workout multiple times a week.</div>
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Yesterday, I cooked six pounds of semi-frozen chicken breasts in 25 minutes. This is just under half of them. As you can see, they fell apart just removing them from the pot. Shredding them was a breeze! Sarah used some to make a chicken tortilla soup (so good, Andrew had seconds and requested that I make sure he had some for his lunch today!), and the rest will be portioned and frozen to have on hand for adding to salads, soups, whatever.</div>
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In other news, bangs were driving me nuts, so hairs were cut, even though I just got it cut in December:<br />
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I'm not 100% in love the with the chin length, but hey, it's hair; it grows, and it can be cut further. I'm starting to think I only look good with hair that's either <i>really</i> short or at least shoulder length.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crazy Cat-Dog</span></td></tr>
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<br />Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-35394678404956624802017-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:002017-01-20T11:58:48.013-08:00MACBETH, MACBETH, MACBETH!Let's have a SALE! From now through 11:59:59 on January 27th, if you purchase ALL FOUR of my Macbeth-inspired patterns from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/defarge-does-shakespeare/patterns">Defarge Does Shakespeare</a> together as a bundle, you will get them for $18 instead of $24, which is getting one pattern for free. Use coupon code <b>MACBETH</b> at checkout. Offer only good for new purchases through <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/soft-things-by-erica">Ravelry</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6m6tejmIQyWx7yiDezBz_6EUeke8D7mgoOshk85zKRuvgw0q9_GQI_nDqJcDMB0qXdyJkdxqSv4UPgDkBLbiVqeOP0UWMVYKI76L5-TcAYMeKALukpNuVSqBrMndfCAY4ZOanEipLUtCS/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6m6tejmIQyWx7yiDezBz_6EUeke8D7mgoOshk85zKRuvgw0q9_GQI_nDqJcDMB0qXdyJkdxqSv4UPgDkBLbiVqeOP0UWMVYKI76L5-TcAYMeKALukpNuVSqBrMndfCAY4ZOanEipLUtCS/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqoaLhOGpXtgQza7qJAZr1TT_Bhx2hQ8WJ9V2Cgqz5YZ_j0D8TRKgMeiBXbXBXfMMDL3qXh61ggkM5IMNQ5JOmWkpN3X6M987Zdvd4aseZW-dsyl0rFUEmEAYCOstb0I6t43J5hM8AwjI/s1600/EricaH+print+res-01329+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqoaLhOGpXtgQza7qJAZr1TT_Bhx2hQ8WJ9V2Cgqz5YZ_j0D8TRKgMeiBXbXBXfMMDL3qXh61ggkM5IMNQ5JOmWkpN3X6M987Zdvd4aseZW-dsyl0rFUEmEAYCOstb0I6t43J5hM8AwjI/s200/EricaH+print+res-01329+%25282%2529.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mothers-comfort">A Mother's Comfort</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-comfort-2">Simple (Striped) Comfort</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5Fv4boZjyVDW8Qu1oxokcS4PVX2U99rh7g19zUh3Iq9IiecoXKQxzlJURvJyrZc5vu7vPHeyposbUMa5MJrDuE_mzc636aUS8yxbYIkbGPV3uTj45KJK3PAavlbveeFZwtT1d8hiZLOc/s1600/EricaH+print+res-01284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5Fv4boZjyVDW8Qu1oxokcS4PVX2U99rh7g19zUh3Iq9IiecoXKQxzlJURvJyrZc5vu7vPHeyposbUMa5MJrDuE_mzc636aUS8yxbYIkbGPV3uTj45KJK3PAavlbveeFZwtT1d8hiZLOc/s200/EricaH+print+res-01284.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-comfort-2">Simple (Girly) Comfort</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yktSXa8z7U6WpVaDnEvyFwfbZWbqTxhyphenhyphenuMlpbsWiFOHsvEmtwzlCvmwBPj0lmbddjO7FIHxy9aZAZBFl8lbDoDM_baiwVQbEv33izVJIP6K0gKf6NYEB9FQ7x-UI5MXicEhaTSwg15AE/s1600/EricaH+print+res-01259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yktSXa8z7U6WpVaDnEvyFwfbZWbqTxhyphenhyphenuMlpbsWiFOHsvEmtwzlCvmwBPj0lmbddjO7FIHxy9aZAZBFl8lbDoDM_baiwVQbEv33izVJIP6K0gKf6NYEB9FQ7x-UI5MXicEhaTSwg15AE/s200/EricaH+print+res-01259.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fair-is-foul-fair-version">Fair is Foul (Fair)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tXrZfK4t6BRubCtT5YPXWbUKihV2Qvj-vyOewxDGo52Mtw8wjTlhHOD1S84COBtbJuoXHtfBRqOj0h5DV6gsTc3FcOvUoUu9_3JA2lQbh94tjDZLkPIECbsEcU5VWgC9GXdYzVjR6Mlh/s1600/EricaH+print+res-01268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tXrZfK4t6BRubCtT5YPXWbUKihV2Qvj-vyOewxDGo52Mtw8wjTlhHOD1S84COBtbJuoXHtfBRqOj0h5DV6gsTc3FcOvUoUu9_3JA2lQbh94tjDZLkPIECbsEcU5VWgC9GXdYzVjR6Mlh/s200/EricaH+print+res-01268.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fair-is-foul-foul-version">Fair is Foul (Foul - Dark)</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCy_ymu0uMdTGzbXEUPnjNYFBGMf7gTJmjo_QbwO-itS9snTizW0KaiWej7dvKY9TRCabt1W9hjrnF7o9s4D5bGoRpSv85L1pIG01UsRu3sFz4sC9RI174EvrYQZ9EGdQhOd08K9LaEQw/s1600/Foul+Red+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCy_ymu0uMdTGzbXEUPnjNYFBGMf7gTJmjo_QbwO-itS9snTizW0KaiWej7dvKY9TRCabt1W9hjrnF7o9s4D5bGoRpSv85L1pIG01UsRu3sFz4sC9RI174EvrYQZ9EGdQhOd08K9LaEQw/s200/Foul+Red+2.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fair-is-foul-foul-version">Fair is Foul (Foul - Bright)</a></td></tr>
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<br />Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-39787503558712473142017-01-20T09:59:00.005-08:002017-01-20T10:04:27.275-08:00Today - Just A Few WordsDid I watch President Trump's inauguration? Yes.<br />
Did I watch Obama's inaguration? Yes.<br />
Which one of them did I vote for? Neither.<br />
As far as I'm concerned, the installation of a new President is A Big Deal(tm), no matter who that is.<br />
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Do I respect or like Trump? Doesn't matter. He is now POTUS, and I respect that office. We have a system. It's not perfect, but it's good. It functioned. He won. No matter who wins, those in favor of the loser will be distraught. No matter who wins, there is bound to be change. Yes, there is ugliness directed toward Trump. There was a lot of ugliness directed toward Obama. There was ugliness directed toward Bush (remember the "Kill Bush" bumper stickers?). That, unfortunately, is how people are, and it's wrong. I suspect that it has always been this way; it just gets more attention now, thanks to modern technology/media. Whether they had my vote or not, I would treat any sitting or former President with respect.<br />
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Some firmly believe "the only Christian response" is X. Others firmly believe "the only Christian response" is Y. In my opinion, that disagreement is OK. Even among Jesus's 12 apostles, there were guys who were political opposites (Matthew the tax collector, working for the Romans, and Simon the Zealot, who wanted to overthrow the Romans). They were both hand-picked by Jesus, and I don't read anywhere that he told either of them "You have to change your politics or you won't be saved."<br />
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For America's sake, whether I like him or not, I wish President Trump well. I pray he does well. I don't want to see him crash and burn because if he crashes and burns, so does the rest of America.<br />
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[I'm not trying to start a firestorm here. Please keep any disagreement civil. I will block profane, vulgar, or cruel comments toward either Trump or Obama.]<br />
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<br />Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-64522753571645172602017-01-16T10:23:00.003-08:002017-01-16T10:23:55.046-08:00Instant PotYes, after a year of watching several friends post about theirs and seeing nary a negative comment, on Black Friday we took advantage of the sales and jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon .<br />
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What is an Instant Pot, you say? First off, for clarification, Instant Pot is NOT a generic term; it's a brand name (like Oster or Kitchen Aid or Cuisinart). This is the particular model we got:<br />
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This is the six quart <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FLYWNYQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Function Pressure Cooker</a>, scored in a Black Friday deal from Amazon for $69.</div>
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Why did we get it?<br />
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<ol>
<li>Andrew has wanted a pressure cooker for years.</li>
<li>Our rice cooker died.</li>
<li>As a multi-function appliance, it is one thing that could replace several (important when you have limited counter/storage space):</li>
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<ul><ul>
<li>Pressure cooker</li>
<li>Slow cooker</li>
<li>Rice Cooker</li>
<li>Steamer</li>
<li>Yogurt Maker</li>
<li>Warmer</li>
<li>Saute Pot</li>
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If you participate in the Tuesday CraftLit <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLObwB926r7yMn55i4hgOKhrlN0ALin6fR">Crafty Chats</a>, you've already heard me wax rhapsodic about this baby.</div>
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Imagine going from whole raw chicken to home made stock to chicken soup in, say, three hours total, versus more than that time just for the second or third step.</div>
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Imagine making pulled pork that doesn't take hours.</div>
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Imagine making perfectly hard-"boiled" eggs that are EASY TO PEEL.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMAVmyG8q-hCTVFgQ4nwr5olpNJRy2LurZJ9E9pcU-NukVITcta9Zz24wMweweMWwaZ0skWY4YGl3k3eEEl0aedGUu1M1nJSSpFvPqX_hJSs07XBZF1TmCcrdHBq877Rfo-CDNunmgwtD/s1600/It%2527s+MAGICAL%252C+I%2527m+Telling+You%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinMAVmyG8q-hCTVFgQ4nwr5olpNJRy2LurZJ9E9pcU-NukVITcta9Zz24wMweweMWwaZ0skWY4YGl3k3eEEl0aedGUu1M1nJSSpFvPqX_hJSs07XBZF1TmCcrdHBq877Rfo-CDNunmgwtD/s320/It%2527s+MAGICAL%252C+I%2527m+Telling+You%2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Imagine going from dried beans to a pot of chili in, say, an hour instead of multiple hours for cooking the beans + multiple hours cooking the chili.</div>
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If you make your yogurt in your slow cooker, as I've done for years, imagine lopping three hours off the time it takes, not having to do the whole "wrap it up in a bunch of towels" thing, only having to use 1/4 cup of starter, and having the process be slightly more forgiving.</div>
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Tamales.</div>
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Pozole.</div>
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Rice.</div>
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Mashed potatoes in a fraction of the time it usually takes to do the first step of boiling them.</div>
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...and I'm only mentioning things we've actually made, not the stuff we've yet to try, like curries, pot roast, ribs, cheesecake (yes!), curries, hummus (from dried beans), proofing bread.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5nQWGrrZnZINAyT0f8bPQT-7E0nA3d0RObPc69y5LJHQNmHHNKMh2-yvMyKhdokwkfXLxCcLpGfBIGmh6K4w2-B_99CqReBeuMRrYzTICde9ZfglkQHML_EIxUZRc-ZX8WzzCXtxT2SG/s1600/Beets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5nQWGrrZnZINAyT0f8bPQT-7E0nA3d0RObPc69y5LJHQNmHHNKMh2-yvMyKhdokwkfXLxCcLpGfBIGmh6K4w2-B_99CqReBeuMRrYzTICde9ZfglkQHML_EIxUZRc-ZX8WzzCXtxT2SG/s320/Beets.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beets. I love beets. I had never actually cooked them<br />myself before. Two bags of Trader Joe's beets,<br />whiz, bang, BOOM!</span></td></tr>
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My ONLY regret is that I wish we'd gotten the 8qt model instead of the 6qt. Yes, it's exactly the right size for using a gallon of milk to make yogurt, but it just doesn't feel like enough space to cook the amount of vegetables I do (I usually cook two pounds at a time in order to have some leftovers), and with something like chili, it doesn't feel like it makes enough to last for a dinner plus a few lunches for Andrew and Abby. While I initially scoffed at people who have more than one Instant Pot, I understand it now - "Here, while pot #1 is tied up for 10 hours making yogurt, I can still make every course we need for dinner, plus a few other things."</div>
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-30600774629331449742017-01-11T09:38:00.001-08:002017-01-11T09:38:28.371-08:00Sick Day Haiku<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>A full coffee cup.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Resting dog suddenly barks.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I am drenched, angry.</i></span></div>
Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-78557910661567066672017-01-06T11:48:00.002-08:002017-01-06T11:48:38.759-08:00Puppy Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw9jGkqBZv6YVBt1Cu6EUkjwEKrJkyJIsNKvqd2744KIvVEup8kxmHHZCNIix0nnPf6G8DLomr_YDIu9lj_NsDQXk7FDhTKrTG2lAmt-7AVe6Hl4PvLjwP2EAGBZNPaQRe2zXWjxMbmsZ/s1600/IMG_1896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnw9jGkqBZv6YVBt1Cu6EUkjwEKrJkyJIsNKvqd2744KIvVEup8kxmHHZCNIix0nnPf6G8DLomr_YDIu9lj_NsDQXk7FDhTKrTG2lAmt-7AVe6Hl4PvLjwP2EAGBZNPaQRe2zXWjxMbmsZ/s320/IMG_1896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Honey's doing great. We'd be glad if she got better at the whole housetraining thing, but part of that is on us - we need to be more alert to her signs that she needs to go (she's not nearly as good at communicating it as Jenna was). Even though she barely seemed to notice the Christmas tree, I'm glad we took precautions about it. Next year, we can put up all the ornaments as usual. I do wish I'd caught a picture of her napping on the tree skirt because she thought it was a blanket for her.<br />
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She got "fixed" on December 23rd and did really well with it. We didn't even need a cone/collar of shame because she didn't fuss at it at all. She got chipped at the same time, too, so now she's all official and stuff. She even got proper food and water bowls for Christmas (thanks, Adri!) and multiple treats from Santa.<br />
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Honey loves her walks and has gotten really good at "halt", "sit", and "stay". She's so-so at "heel". I'm kind of apprehensive about how she'll do with the other dogs in the obedience classes we're signed up for, but we really need to get her socialized, and she definitely needs better manners. I'm probably going to have to get a "Gentle Leader" harness/leash for using during class because they require that dogs in the class use either one of of those or a "correction" (prong) collar. I removed some links to make Jenna's old correction collar smaller and tried it on her, and it was a big, fat FAIL. The "correction" aspect didn't work, and her pulling only resulted in labored breathing. Ugh.<br />
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Loves:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Snuggles</li>
<li>Walks</li>
<li>Every human she's ever met</li>
<li>Snuggles</li>
<li>Attention</li>
<li>Snuggles</li>
</ul>
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Fears:</div>
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<ul>
<li>The vacuum cleaner</li>
<li>The Swiffer</li>
<li>The ukelele</li>
<li>Being left alone</li>
</ul>
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Surprisingly, we found on New Year's Eve that she's not freaked out by fireworks like Jenna was. Thank goodness! Since that went well, I suspect she'll be OK with thunder, too.</div>
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-2134511351709270312017-01-02T14:47:00.000-08:002017-01-02T14:47:26.152-08:00(We) Had Happy Holidays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Despite having no ornaments on the tree and no gifts under the tree until Christmas Eve (a safety precaution because we've never had a puppy in the house at Christmas time), our house and days were festive.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQ5hXsK7ffTwBZNTGkbrMgMhp3KiAMH8jeJFWWbg3qBhGMGPfVG2QoX82kJEVUgEvWaGhYL_1bZYg_jUAl63Nq5stTI1Yz4HM29ypUOTKtDBZIyFsq5TaSrNd1E4vSJMCew51i396f3Ha/s1600/Stockings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQ5hXsK7ffTwBZNTGkbrMgMhp3KiAMH8jeJFWWbg3qBhGMGPfVG2QoX82kJEVUgEvWaGhYL_1bZYg_jUAl63Nq5stTI1Yz4HM29ypUOTKtDBZIyFsq5TaSrNd1E4vSJMCew51i396f3Ha/s320/Stockings.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HWuRM6ZU0pGWlnviJD1gMSFLyTf1ntTw5WiMg8rS-i0Iu2BtUd11leiMOT-hzeTDQFTkM8STh6mj9h9NFfvyDvexX0RJ_Af9BMuRlPSXDYa6ci4edWGk7Mv846HaZux8XVMC2Ukv8r6b/s1600/Stranger+Things+Tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HWuRM6ZU0pGWlnviJD1gMSFLyTf1ntTw5WiMg8rS-i0Iu2BtUd11leiMOT-hzeTDQFTkM8STh6mj9h9NFfvyDvexX0RJ_Af9BMuRlPSXDYa6ci4edWGk7Mv846HaZux8XVMC2Ukv8r6b/s320/Stranger+Things+Tree.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kind of a "Stranger Things" vibe, no?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwcRb-z5qtcnzWcF1Pu7XOSC8EzTUoV2sUzUqof6ZsewTeDdZtmpSF6cDk6aWP1GFtOqTafvFUConK16cU7K6KsabxhzPnsadLt6fhS_V5TKKkC6HpgRSetdFqUx0F0z0bm8pvo7n-0wI/s1600/December+Morning+Spot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwcRb-z5qtcnzWcF1Pu7XOSC8EzTUoV2sUzUqof6ZsewTeDdZtmpSF6cDk6aWP1GFtOqTafvFUConK16cU7K6KsabxhzPnsadLt6fhS_V5TKKkC6HpgRSetdFqUx0F0z0bm8pvo7n-0wI/s320/December+Morning+Spot.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Enjoying the morning quiet is always a little better<br />by the Christmas tree.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIYGKEZP-tXZsRqQqB-ZdzNS0Z5I-QmBUfr9X_y63_AgfL7Q7quFj2fvOroD_JUMsFgVfQ01klVKWK5ni2oyZlCaq-H9XPkjWgskmjPpfVwQgurv5-j-Na94MirTo819mxhfbvQsyzUeM/s1600/Custom+Card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIYGKEZP-tXZsRqQqB-ZdzNS0Z5I-QmBUfr9X_y63_AgfL7Q7quFj2fvOroD_JUMsFgVfQ01klVKWK5ni2oyZlCaq-H9XPkjWgskmjPpfVwQgurv5-j-Na94MirTo819mxhfbvQsyzUeM/s320/Custom+Card.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christmas cards were received and sent.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YMT-iAqxSE-h76HswnE30dLpESbEI8BPl4UI9eB2tCiUZoptHRrA-BkF9SQXHVP-oezMppjdRB5PvtcCX7dws5lCK5OREjTB7Emofei99pJOZhS0n9OIbyyncWQsfVyuFbOv9zsd2Rz3/s1600/getyouryarnwishesgranted.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YMT-iAqxSE-h76HswnE30dLpESbEI8BPl4UI9eB2tCiUZoptHRrA-BkF9SQXHVP-oezMppjdRB5PvtcCX7dws5lCK5OREjTB7Emofei99pJOZhS0n9OIbyyncWQsfVyuFbOv9zsd2Rz3/s320/getyouryarnwishesgranted.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#yarnwishes were made and granted.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSvKOa-_mL5fc2qmEBsCUkHuCL_Iq5r7lK6S5n227Y6Zgox7Gq42CqWbb8LJVoouwUNSsEDGvQLqEEXg3W9biLI33qpYrnMJvpzzHFsiitlQVk5TnjnLJieOyHKyBqyu7PgsyaUVsdbaH/s1600/Emergency+Rations+Ornament.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSvKOa-_mL5fc2qmEBsCUkHuCL_Iq5r7lK6S5n227Y6Zgox7Gq42CqWbb8LJVoouwUNSsEDGvQLqEEXg3W9biLI33qpYrnMJvpzzHFsiitlQVk5TnjnLJieOyHKyBqyu7PgsyaUVsdbaH/s320/Emergency+Rations+Ornament.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gifts were purchased or made.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvwiIOCMdr_3YJ2aH9624dV6957oYxkbxJIOUUCoOncINeVNJHQOxkrsMwvoeV-P26y54DPLoZNMl9Coh9Nq0ijcq5TDcq53bXmw66UcJZD6ezpgpl7VsnlIwk54Cmmgy7gtyv1ZiO6_K/s1600/Chicken+Soup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvwiIOCMdr_3YJ2aH9624dV6957oYxkbxJIOUUCoOncINeVNJHQOxkrsMwvoeV-P26y54DPLoZNMl9Coh9Nq0ijcq5TDcq53bXmw66UcJZD6ezpgpl7VsnlIwk54Cmmgy7gtyv1ZiO6_K/s320/Chicken+Soup.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">MUCH cooking happened in the Instant Pot.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxlzUm3H8riRdAb_kRpdS4v6_1MK3jXxabKHzKOAgL222R4Bbo1ntkDNzyud9dKq3dfehVO6iXO3-S6kJfQW_jgffBkY22hDW7VwDimehU4wiuqEKd_lGwcdpgdo5SXNLurSa60nE4n4E/s1600/Bony+Butt+With+Added+Puppy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxlzUm3H8riRdAb_kRpdS4v6_1MK3jXxabKHzKOAgL222R4Bbo1ntkDNzyud9dKq3dfehVO6iXO3-S6kJfQW_jgffBkY22hDW7VwDimehU4wiuqEKd_lGwcdpgdo5SXNLurSa60nE4n4E/s320/Bony+Butt+With+Added+Puppy.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWWEYX27E0r0Ulcgf08n9jGPCCyAvPOK4PiAaMKls4g2nVZHctEV3aT2m1gqG8lUB6w4fsIUGJibhOLPvufJvdTk0hAUjRamaE5fKBdxFH13lCuFp76Ry77xB5BTrbsR-hckn7Bj-i2Gm/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWWEYX27E0r0Ulcgf08n9jGPCCyAvPOK4PiAaMKls4g2nVZHctEV3aT2m1gqG8lUB6w4fsIUGJibhOLPvufJvdTk0hAUjRamaE5fKBdxFH13lCuFp76Ry77xB5BTrbsR-hckn7Bj-i2Gm/s320/IMG_1855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christmas Eve festivities with the Higueras<br />were just as much fun as usual.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">No "present face" here; that excitement is real!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I wasn't allowed to take pictures Christmas morning, but<br />(almost) all our traditions were in effect.<br />YES, there were waffles, LOL.</span></td></tr>
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Christmas was busy, with breakfast, presents, relaxing, church at 1:00, and my side of the family (including my cousing Akhila and her partner, Seth) over at 4:00. Having an adult kid came in very handy, as she made a cheeseball appetizer and fancy Gruyere scalloped potatoes for the dinner. I was too busy playing hostess to take pictures, but my sister got a few. (I promise, Andrew WAS there, even though he somehow doesn't appear in the pictures, LOL.)<br />
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"Hernandez Christmas" on the 28th was a great time of relaxing an hanging out. I think Grandma Ruthie or Grandpa Gil might have taken a few pictures, but I was off my game and didn't that night, either.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">New Year's Eve at the Higueras' was the usual<br />delicious crab feast.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Knowing that Miss Honey doesn't do well for long<br />periods of time in the crate, and not<br />knowing how she would do with 12:00<br />fireworks, etc., we came home early<br />and were well ensconced in bed<br />by the time the new year hit.</span></td></tr>
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So, here's to a terrific new year in 2017. May yours be full of friends, family, fun, and bits of wackiness like the new flamingoes that now brighten the corner of my back yard.Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-18089760302602034032016-12-14T13:51:00.000-08:002016-12-14T13:51:05.355-08:00Making Memories v. Accumulating Stuff<a href="http://www.crafting-a-life.com/">Heather </a>and I were talking the other day about creative Christmas gifts for our kids that would be more focused on having experiences and making memories than on getting more stuff to clutter up their rooms. We came up with a fairly decent list and talked about it on this week's livestream, but I thought I'd share it here, too. (If you were watching and remember something I didn't, by all means, let me know!)<div>
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Some of these ideas cost time and heart instead of money. Others cost varying amounts of money, but that money goes toward making memories, not toward acquiring material objects. Since there's such a short time left before Christmas, I've left off ideas that require a lot of advance planning (like a family trip to Disneyland for a few days instead of buying each other gifts).</div>
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Hope you enjoy these! Please comment with any ideas you have to add to the list.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Create them an account with an organization like <a href="http://www.kiva.org/">Kiva</a>, which does microloans. Kid gets to decide which endeavor(s) to invest in and watch its progress. When the money is repaid, kid can loan to someone else.</li>
<li>Tickets to a movie they want to see (If you go to a theater a little farther away than normal, you'll get extra time together!)</li>
<li>Passes for a family zoo day or day at the local aquarium</li>
<li>Museum tickets</li>
<li>Coupon for each kid to have a day/afternoon of one-on-one time with a parent who works a lot. Do something the kid likes to do, even if it's not something you enjoy.</li>
<li>Family snow day</li>
<li>Coupon for a family movie marathon day. Kids pick the movies and the day's menu. Everyone stays in pajamas/sweats all day. All phone ringers off for the day!</li>
<li>Set each kid loose in a dollar store with $5 or $10 to put together a gift for a sibling.</li>
<li>Spend a couple of hours together assembling a gift basket/bag for a neighbor</li>
<li>Give an empty recipe binder and spend an afternoon together finding and printing recipes to fill it. Commit to a couple of times to make things from the binder for the family.</li>
<li>Device-free Puzzle Day</li>
<li>Device-free Game Day</li>
<li>Coupon for breakfast/brunch as a family at a local place (anything from Starbucks to IHOP to a schmancy place), and everyone goes in their pajamas</li>
<li>Plan a scavenger hunt</li>
<li>For a social kid, coupon to host a movie marathon day with their friends, including snacks, blanket forts, whatever hilarity is appropriate for those particular kids</li>
<li>Coupon for an afternoon with parent(s) spent doing something the kid has been wanting to do but that the parent has always resisted</li>
<li>If the kid's a crafter, a coupon for an afternoon working together on their chosen craft OR registration for a class/workshop to improve their skills in said craft (bonus points if you take the class with them!)</li>
<li>If they've been trying to organize an outing with friends, a coupon to drop all your plans for a day to be Parent Taxi for said outing</li>
<li>If your kid is older, pay a bill for them, surprise them by paying for something you normally make them pay for themself (movie ticket, etc.), or excuse a debt they owe you.</li>
<li>Coupon for a family day trip somewhere they've been wanting to go</li>
<li>If you can afford it, coupon for an overnight get-away one-on-one with a parent</li>
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BONUS IDEA: Years ago, when I was one of the content editors for our church website and was researching an article on holiday budgeting, a suggestion that popped up numerous time for not overbuying for your kids suggested limiting each kid's gifts to:</div>
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<ul>
<li>something to read</li>
<li>something to wear</li>
<li>something to play with (for older kids, could be music or a game for gaming console, etc.)</li>
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-72963488061939048682016-12-09T16:59:00.000-08:002016-12-09T16:59:25.174-08:00Stash Enhancement, Knitting, Cooking, Puppy...Oh, MY!With birthdays often comes stash enhancement. This year was no different. Thanks to not one, but TWO generous <a href="http://www.yarn.com/">Webs</a> gift cards, I was able to add to my project bags, needles, and sock yarn:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sock Rockets and my first Madelinetosh yarn -<br />Tosh Sock in Thunderstorm</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first Erin Lane bag and some bent-tip yarn needles</span></td></tr>
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<br />Not really a birthday gift, but a gift all the same - when our friends Phun and Xin came back from Iceland, they brought me some Lettlopi!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The grey has already been earmarked for a specific project.<br />Thinking of combining the white with some handspun<br />for some mitts. Lopi's a great yarn, but not<br />something you want on your neck or elsewhere sensitive<br />b/c it is SO SCRATCHY.</span></td></tr>
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<br />I finished the socks I was working on. It seems that, no matter what else I've got going, I need to keep a pair of simple socks on the needles as my carry-along project. I love the "fraternal twins" look and the subtle striped-but-not-striped look.<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">They look really long and skinny here, but they fit<br />my size 8 feet just fine.</span></td></tr>
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<br />I'll have another finished project - a baby gift for Sarah's friend's sister's baby - to show you soon. In the meantime, I've wound and cast on the Madelinetosh for another pair of simple toe-up, two-at-a-time socks.<div>
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Oh, and lest you think the Instant Pot is the only kind of cooking that's been happening around here, Andrew has been smoking lots of meat, much of it for Christmas gifts. This brisket was AMAZING.</div>
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Honey is doing well with the Christmas decor - has only attacked my big felted Christmas tree pillow - but we're not taking many chances. The tree is getting very minimal decorations in order to avoid disaster and heartbreak, and we're not putting the gifts under the tree until the last minute so we can help Miss Honey Biscuit avoid temptation.</div>
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-48217979472932036532016-12-05T10:02:00.000-08:002016-12-05T11:46:36.664-08:00Birthday, Turkey Day, Puppy, etc.This year, Turkey Day (American Thanksgiving) fell on my birthday, November 24th. Granted, some would say that my birthday is always Turkey Day, but anyhow....<br />
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The day really couldn't have had a better start. Andrew got up for a few minutes, and, when he returned, Honey came trotting in, bounding up on the bed to lick my face. It only took one look to notice something different about her collar:<br />
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HONEY'S STAYING! I GOT A PUPPY FOR MY BIRTHDAY!<br />
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I almost cried when I saw the bow. All morning, I kept randomly looking over at Andrew and saying with a big grin, "I got a puppy!"<br />
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With much trepidation, we left Honey with our friend Kathy while we went up to Sonoma for 24 hours or so. Honestly, I was more nervous leaving Honey with a dogsitter the first time than I was leaving Sarah with a babysitter the first time. (Hey, a baby can't get loose and run off into traffic!)<br />
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This year, the girls helped with Thanksgiving dinner by planning and preparing the dessert. I'm still impressed every time I remember it. They did such a great job! Granted, I couldn't eat it, but I heard it was delicious, and it looked professionally made.<br />
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The birthday greetings and gifts were, as always, heart-warming. Truly, I cherish the sentiments long after the day is past. As you can see from just two of my gifts, my family and friends really get me:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAR3uWRQp2VQq_rpTd9qEA3W4TAMHj405FckKIwrknxVllpSDaE-5w2skZSxjj-XxIOGEwTb-VswFOWMV-iSsphKtBBZKvqdTrKvTpfBhgz7Ffs8X4r6FC_phTEHIEk0RPG51UR6hwICb/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbAR3uWRQp2VQq_rpTd9qEA3W4TAMHj405FckKIwrknxVllpSDaE-5w2skZSxjj-XxIOGEwTb-VswFOWMV-iSsphKtBBZKvqdTrKvTpfBhgz7Ffs8X4r6FC_phTEHIEk0RPG51UR6hwICb/s320/IMG_1772.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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On the way home from Sonoma, we made a couple of friends:</div>
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Top the birthday off with a terrific Indian dinner at my favorite restaurant with my friend Jovita, and it was a great celebration. </div>
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52 is a weird age. I've officially hit that stage of life where, even when I'm I'm healthy, I'm on six different prescriptions (newest = anti-inflammatories for ARTHRITIS). My slogan for this year, like years past ("nifty fifty" and "fifty onederful") is "Fifty TwoRrific" OR, as my kids and their friends would say, "Fifty TWO Woke for YOU", LOL.</div>
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We scored during the Black Friday sale at Amazon, so my Christmas present came just a few days after Thanksgiving:</div>
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We've used it nearly every day since it arrived and have so far made:</div>
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<li>beans</li>
<li>chili</li>
<li>rice (twice)</li>
<li>pork loin</li>
<li>pumpkin soup</li>
<li>steamed green beans</li>
<li>macaroni and cheese with far too much (really!) cheese</li>
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I haven't used it to make yogurt, though; doing it in the Instant Pot requires extra equipment, so I'm still making it in the Crock Pot.</div>
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Meanwhile, Andrew has been prepping for Christmas by smoking ALL THE MEAT, including this amazing brisket:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, it is JUST as good as it looks!</span></td></tr>
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We finally put the Christmas decorations up last night; photos to come. Most of the lights on the tree are dead, but this isn't a good year to replace it, so we're borrowing some lights to throw on it tomorrow. Things will be a little different this year because of Honey. We've had a dog at Christmas time before, but never a puppy, so we're going to have to take some new-to-us precautions:<br />
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<li>only non-breakable, replaceable ornaments on the tree</li>
<li>gifts not going under the tree until the last minute</li>
<li>probably some others I haven't thought of yet</li>
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Oh, and I believe, thanks to this birthday gift from Teresa, I have come up with my theme for 2017:<br />
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VULNERABILITY</div>
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Lastly, <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Pi_Waves_Shawl__D13866220.html">THIS</a> makes me so happy! DUDES, I'M ON THE KNITPICKS WEB SITE. The way the page is set up, you can buy the necessary yarn right from the pattern page. A 50" lace Pi shawl for $32.66 (plus shipping) - how cool is THAT?</div>
<br />Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-55173334045262191162016-12-02T07:54:00.001-08:002016-12-02T07:54:06.624-08:00One-Stop Shopping!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7svSQeigN4fgJXM5afqsmP7CvOvAyH4_otSkf6ufq5zsIIQIVoREwP9w-IFHdDqhZmbTUyO3qOiTdNSxidDpwwVJqLC9qq5lIQnCoQBMKvVLoOB2rLqexSLAN3LshMYP19c0WnEyP0Gv/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7svSQeigN4fgJXM5afqsmP7CvOvAyH4_otSkf6ufq5zsIIQIVoREwP9w-IFHdDqhZmbTUyO3qOiTdNSxidDpwwVJqLC9qq5lIQnCoQBMKvVLoOB2rLqexSLAN3LshMYP19c0WnEyP0Gv/s400/IMG_1368.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Now, you can get everything you need to make Pi Waves all in one place at <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/">KnitPicks</a>:</div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/patterns/Pi_Waves_Shawl__D13866220.html">Pattern download</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Stroll_Tonal_Sock_Yarn__D5420134.html">Two skeins Stroll Tonal Sock Yarn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/Stroll_Sock_Yarn__D5420133.html">One skein Stroll Sock Yarn</a></li>
</ul>
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Happy knitting!Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-84362960106092235442016-11-22T18:02:00.003-08:002016-11-22T18:02:36.902-08:00Magical RealismAbby got assigned another big English project today, this time on magical realism. Would you just <i>LOOK</i> at the list of the books they could choose?<br />
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Unfortunately, they had to decide in class which book to read, so Abby didn't get a chance to ask me if I owned/had ever read any of these books. As you can see from her markings, I have four of them and have read one other. She's stuck with the 900 page book she chose in class, though. Ah well.</div>
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<i>I wanna take English 2 Honors!</i></div>
<br />Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-81716392144263546512016-11-22T10:56:00.000-08:002016-11-22T10:56:00.714-08:00November - Various and SundryIn no particular order....<br />
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Puppy is growing and learning. After three tries, we've finally settled on a "no-pull" harness that fits her and works well. Woot! If you're in the market for a step-in, "no-pull" dog harness, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085XOHDU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">this</a> is the one we got. It is wonderful not to have to fight her the whole time we go for a walk! Also, she has figured out how to play "fetch", though she tends to cheat and take the fetched item into her crate instead of back to the thrower. Her current favorite toy is an old, knotted t-shirt of Andrew's.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHKodMVEhlifobhAo9RE0FVPXR3UMfo3hluleVKaEycR0r4TJ9MaBkTmEWwszdFUfyh-DOR43Uce5b8oUd5o6jaZoLPvCkiTeRAFWuhTnZB_43KJzkhQyntkWJtZ5zYTh9NChQXpnbbcL/s1600/IMG_1743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHKodMVEhlifobhAo9RE0FVPXR3UMfo3hluleVKaEycR0r4TJ9MaBkTmEWwszdFUfyh-DOR43Uce5b8oUd5o6jaZoLPvCkiTeRAFWuhTnZB_43KJzkhQyntkWJtZ5zYTh9NChQXpnbbcL/s320/IMG_1743.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This morning, she murdered Madden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She has reminded me not to leave yarn where she can get it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her weirdest habit is routinely following me into the bathroom<br />(and sometimes trying to get up on my lap).<br />Don't worry; this picture was posed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She doesn't just like to snuggle.<br />She likes to snuggle up CLOSE.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eE8jsr0p4Oh0cR6jV7hmLbqRE9u3evpmrCODDDscF5F-x7U7gNAX3TL0u5dSwKIUKMz3zj5KWjUlqgHtFgzeYhLEZTfQMPKYYYLd4S3UZWZqd7fZScfZ7q5Un8hmJcrT8HILPZPSXev9/s1600/Clockwork+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eE8jsr0p4Oh0cR6jV7hmLbqRE9u3evpmrCODDDscF5F-x7U7gNAX3TL0u5dSwKIUKMz3zj5KWjUlqgHtFgzeYhLEZTfQMPKYYYLd4S3UZWZqd7fZScfZ7q5Un8hmJcrT8HILPZPSXev9/s320/Clockwork+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby did her Banned Book project on<br />A Clockwork Orange.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJYRiNjo0qAtIlWeumANzmmVC6ehYlLhkqS4iEAdBOdSPaYVnjbWTonWIM1MIwB0m10umabPl-fJSGz9QtnJ7pENR-2RISiDjz2JM-ycbEJIMZSp7cmklcokc9LVsqSK_hL9bOVirDkhZ/s1600/Downtown+All.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJYRiNjo0qAtIlWeumANzmmVC6ehYlLhkqS4iEAdBOdSPaYVnjbWTonWIM1MIwB0m10umabPl-fJSGz9QtnJ7pENR-2RISiDjz2JM-ycbEJIMZSp7cmklcokc9LVsqSK_hL9bOVirDkhZ/s320/Downtown+All.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old roommate Kimberley and her husband were in town,<br />so we had a mini reunion of the old early-90's<br />"downtown" (SoMa) gang (and spouses).<br />Only a few people could make it, but we had a great time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaB9QIv0ZnPUZshCkl8S0PL9EWhCt33xr7XJAAQqz28mQS6tT_ANbw5fEfmeGK71_H9599yM9TTOI6pw3Rx9rO0dv5yzu19P1Z0HqeBq5ygp19eihF4HhajrJKzcbV_dwTTGbiuxh0H9O0/s1600/IMG_1741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaB9QIv0ZnPUZshCkl8S0PL9EWhCt33xr7XJAAQqz28mQS6tT_ANbw5fEfmeGK71_H9599yM9TTOI6pw3Rx9rO0dv5yzu19P1Z0HqeBq5ygp19eihF4HhajrJKzcbV_dwTTGbiuxh0H9O0/s320/IMG_1741.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've nearly finished another pair of socks in<br />Patons Kroy FX sock yarn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTG_2qyZGoT_vCw-IyvLdX3CDord4DRrT1ZS7rQnwcvnbVjiCcWj5kURqYF_Qc8oc3J4BRzCbuCnZEWNonWcLA2SpZLmihaI96-_gQK8IN0OO5ifSToCfxYvAFKIrTCgAi8bD4j68rlrl/s1600/Anniversary+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTG_2qyZGoT_vCw-IyvLdX3CDord4DRrT1ZS7rQnwcvnbVjiCcWj5kURqYF_Qc8oc3J4BRzCbuCnZEWNonWcLA2SpZLmihaI96-_gQK8IN0OO5ifSToCfxYvAFKIrTCgAi8bD4j68rlrl/s320/Anniversary+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Saturday, we fittingly celebrated our 21st<br />wedding anniversary at 21st Amendment Brewery.</td></tr>
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<br />This year, American Thanksgiving falls on my birthday. Woot, a whole country celebrating with me! I'm looking forward to a bit of relaxation; Abby is having a bunch of friends over tomorrow, so I'll be doing more then than for Thursday. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, take some time this week to be grateful for all you have.<br /><div>
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-79282083228206048742016-11-17T14:35:00.002-08:002016-11-17T14:37:09.803-08:00NEW PATTERN - Pi Waves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TMLoYrreqs-9u9lZGCvPJGH46SRJ_OQaPOskqNh-AO3rPZGZdxu96-ypAOBqg7dydYh7SiBlp5CmLNNhBh1m1p8jihJkt-XaAUVxtfolUSz1yeUIqI4hss386QdPVUncfoQsFePAhu48/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TMLoYrreqs-9u9lZGCvPJGH46SRJ_OQaPOskqNh-AO3rPZGZdxu96-ypAOBqg7dydYh7SiBlp5CmLNNhBh1m1p8jihJkt-XaAUVxtfolUSz1yeUIqI4hss386QdPVUncfoQsFePAhu48/s400/IMG_1368.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Yarn: </b> Knit Picks Stroll and Stroll Tonal, 1002 yards total</div>
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<b>Needles:</b> US 7 (4.5mm) and US 8 (5mm)</div>
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<b>Construction:</b> In the round, center-out, following the "Pi shawl" formula</div>
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pi-waves">$6.00 </a></div>
Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-68056042285727531542016-11-02T10:22:00.001-07:002016-11-02T10:22:18.928-07:00Halloween Pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Work Gang</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J.D., Veronica, and Heather Chandler<br />from "Heathers"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and Squad. I especially love the wall<br />from "Stranger Things"!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better Shot of Sarah's<br />Black Canary Costume</td></tr>
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-82411373300611262262016-10-31T10:47:00.003-07:002016-10-31T10:49:01.893-07:00October Was BUSY!Where did October go? Well, we were pretty busy.<br />
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We attended an epic wedding down in Atascadero. It was epic, not in the expense or flash, but in how momentous it was. Francisco and Aura were married and had two daughters, then they were divorced <i>for over 20 years</i>. They have both changed tremendously and are now re-married. I don't think there was a single dry eye during their simple ceremony.</div>
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The next day, we visited the tiny church down there, where we were asked to speak briefly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaPJetLE7xXN8q2KhJwSvW74mq7gU8U6o_tp7mbAATdFtfr1zqpthmt50zX_xPAxJ_0okrrHtRh_0vP4cZZVGMcpjNGIFjtOFlw1SaNRPPgJMWiJg5uuxkStnuWwWbV6iPUbyNi3eo3nr/s1600/14502829_10157594078180088_3377453129070117559_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaPJetLE7xXN8q2KhJwSvW74mq7gU8U6o_tp7mbAATdFtfr1zqpthmt50zX_xPAxJ_0okrrHtRh_0vP4cZZVGMcpjNGIFjtOFlw1SaNRPPgJMWiJg5uuxkStnuWwWbV6iPUbyNi3eo3nr/s320/14502829_10157594078180088_3377453129070117559_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half the room. They have roughly 20 members currently.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The following Wednesday, Andrew rescued a stray puppy on his way to work - no collar, no chip, not fixed. We suspect she was abandoned at the park. According to the vet, she's 10 or 11 months old and was probably the "runt" of litter; she's not likely to get as big as Jenna was. Her name is Honey. The jury is still out on whether we're adopting her or just fostering her, but she's pretty terrific, though training a puppy is a lot of work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKCbbbT07i9FYGaX6Vh8i7M_2gSshR5baWkGpkzhL2yaY6FfGYVqpqOxFLES6CMBnHdYwvQmRzKEoNS6tXQE9rgn9rDdbwajCxhKRNWGPAKm5tSbw8cH9g9pAkmYkfOZ0oc9yt_vNT8MQ/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKCbbbT07i9FYGaX6Vh8i7M_2gSshR5baWkGpkzhL2yaY6FfGYVqpqOxFLES6CMBnHdYwvQmRzKEoNS6tXQE9rgn9rDdbwajCxhKRNWGPAKm5tSbw8cH9g9pAkmYkfOZ0oc9yt_vNT8MQ/s320/IMG_1591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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No. Really. A lot of work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpLUUyqqv6PY46O7v0zhz-_A3x4Tm148jIeNisxSMjaPiHiDj-zOl_WsZ0wardN5296nj5UHaurF3g4yhL9nDDvwZHp2QRSkqz5OaFLYxM8kyL9ICihuaD8_KI-e6I6Fe1jJXztDsWbk5/s1600/IMG_1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpLUUyqqv6PY46O7v0zhz-_A3x4Tm148jIeNisxSMjaPiHiDj-zOl_WsZ0wardN5296nj5UHaurF3g4yhL9nDDvwZHp2QRSkqz5OaFLYxM8kyL9ICihuaD8_KI-e6I6Fe1jJXztDsWbk5/s320/IMG_1599.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She thought my Malabrigo Nube (spinning fiber)<br />
was delicious.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq9b3GUbpySCdhWI3lV4DisK712a-pkxbcERkD4jnAo8WTJj_Z4xyxpHjAqeIjmYOUO2FYU8Bnqdsrk2PqhNnBatnFYKjYJhVAkf2_-u8hYaAMnCvut-yhy-1DVPVKSaw12TJMLq60VoT/s1600/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxq9b3GUbpySCdhWI3lV4DisK712a-pkxbcERkD4jnAo8WTJj_Z4xyxpHjAqeIjmYOUO2FYU8Bnqdsrk2PqhNnBatnFYKjYJhVAkf2_-u8hYaAMnCvut-yhy-1DVPVKSaw12TJMLq60VoT/s320/IMG_1630.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She slipped out of her collar during a walk,<br />
and I fell while chasing her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYi9RvmXKY7ITTrUvtqg2PAsVHz888E3VIiIQNbMMZm_TgySd3WaaNRb74htdNmdDRfiZY01d2fIaJxI1dsv2W81LEBpzD_ULnXdIV1rjyXCsMvBSDUVuMoGzrZH3YNUggW9Ws4IqbkHq/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYi9RvmXKY7ITTrUvtqg2PAsVHz888E3VIiIQNbMMZm_TgySd3WaaNRb74htdNmdDRfiZY01d2fIaJxI1dsv2W81LEBpzD_ULnXdIV1rjyXCsMvBSDUVuMoGzrZH3YNUggW9Ws4IqbkHq/s320/IMG_1650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She finds sock yarn an interesting toy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Because we couldn't secure puppy care, I had to stay home, but Andrew and the girls joined other family for a long weekend on a houseboat at Lake Shasta. Even in the rain, they had a blast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlrQIqm9Y5-bsouWbHm07YRvaRiQOnZbit5kIJ_AjnI2KDY1BDhvSf0Alu4FuaIYYnVMiOmT8MbORvKGBx0htXmX6DWwB0Jb-bFtR9ePM5bx8fA7x7lT97mZrL0ox7C_oAqSq3svgTwzc/s1600/14670849_10209544602924382_5855482170417225828_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlrQIqm9Y5-bsouWbHm07YRvaRiQOnZbit5kIJ_AjnI2KDY1BDhvSf0Alu4FuaIYYnVMiOmT8MbORvKGBx0htXmX6DWwB0Jb-bFtR9ePM5bx8fA7x7lT97mZrL0ox7C_oAqSq3svgTwzc/s320/14670849_10209544602924382_5855482170417225828_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwVZOiN8tkzEDGV_UZWH50Kfm_YzBMvdChGBZvZUsUJ16g-G72ZvXMkoTTcJhv97DllClvvexWf1PXRhLVKkX2Jsg1Nrh0J-G9xDIGAP4gdg6M4F3o9hjj-53cFSLiaJXjek2PLriLnsL/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwVZOiN8tkzEDGV_UZWH50Kfm_YzBMvdChGBZvZUsUJ16g-G72ZvXMkoTTcJhv97DllClvvexWf1PXRhLVKkX2Jsg1Nrh0J-G9xDIGAP4gdg6M4F3o9hjj-53cFSLiaJXjek2PLriLnsL/s320/IMG_1645.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abby survived having a small role in the fall play, being the<br />
understudy for the supporting role, and being the<br />
assistant director, all at the same time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Sarah worked off and on, but as Halloween got closer, more and more (she's working at the local Halloween store).<br />
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I'll get pictures later, but Sarah is dressing as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Canary">Black Canary</a>, and Abby is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heathers">Veronica</a> from "Heathers".</div>
Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-87632209487014049712016-10-04T10:17:00.002-07:002016-10-04T10:17:45.698-07:00A Fall Assortment<b>GOOD NEWS:</b> I am making progress once again on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ericah64/rose-city-rollers">The Boring Socks of Boringness</a>.<br />
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<b>BAD NEWS:</b> Said progress is due to spending several hours in the ICU waiting area at Kaiser Hospital in Richmond, where Andrew's cousin Angie was admitted last Wednesday. Her improvement is slow but steady. As of the most recent update, she is relying less and less on the the ventilator, her color is coming back, edema is going down, etc. She could still use thoughts and prayers, though.<br />
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<b>KNITTING: </b> The lace Pi Shawl is coming along, though the going is slow with 512 stitches per round. I'm on the last lace section. Once this is done, I have to figure out what type of edging I want to use.<br />
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<ul>
<li>RELATED: I'm going to need some test knitters soon. I have a friend who usually tests for me, but I'm going to need three items tested at once, so, even if she's able, I'll need two more people to help. Items that will need to be tested are: a garter-based mobius cowl; a half-circle shawl; a Pi shawl. All are in lace weight yarn on US size 5 needles. Please comment or email me if you're interested in testing. I can't afford to pay you, but it should be good fun.</li>
</ul>
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<b>BAKING:</b> I've been trying different muffin recipes lately because I want something Abby can grab to eat on her way to school in the morning or to tide her through afternoon rehearsals.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xsdp0YwBxZOC1ccyUk7mXOMIp7Yo9bN7wy2JkQhZqHEUxoamwbUer3bnxk5Bsgfez_AVHyg_xxBC6dr6VErF_StmYQveHzKy-KtOqby2fh_9GTc7ZlBporXDGkSY3vKSbg1QWOu4PIHf/s1600/Pinterest+Fail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Xsdp0YwBxZOC1ccyUk7mXOMIp7Yo9bN7wy2JkQhZqHEUxoamwbUer3bnxk5Bsgfez_AVHyg_xxBC6dr6VErF_StmYQveHzKy-KtOqby2fh_9GTc7ZlBporXDGkSY3vKSbg1QWOu4PIHf/s320/Pinterest+Fail.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first attempt (a baked oatmeal recipe) was a fail.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Second attempt was Trader Joe's pumpkin bread mix with added pecans. They went over well. Third try was a variation on the first ones - better, but just "meh" (no more baked oatmeal for us!). <a href="http://www.sunnydayfamily.com/2015/07/bisquick-banana-muffins.html">Banana muffins</a> were OK.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahemWhrQdEDCDhz5_a2QkuXr_nn3l_GEmiVmXZrLGTibI3_9FQTXhWviUQ4Cx-kxX269mn7mY2vINiyG0ULOWZZogj315jeuz2rydOzh30ezXbN1BQagHsWRMkmng03IgCEvCzcuhFvVO/s1600/IMG_1464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhahemWhrQdEDCDhz5_a2QkuXr_nn3l_GEmiVmXZrLGTibI3_9FQTXhWviUQ4Cx-kxX269mn7mY2vINiyG0ULOWZZogj315jeuz2rydOzh30ezXbN1BQagHsWRMkmng03IgCEvCzcuhFvVO/s320/IMG_1464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These <a href="http://www.anaffairfromtheheart.com/2015/02/easy-berry-bisquick-muffins/">Easy Berry Bisquick Muffins</a> were a hit.<br />Don't judge me for using Bisquick, OK?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>MODIFICATIONS:</b><br />
<div>
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<div>
Banana Muffins: I added 1tsp vanilla extract and...a handful (?) of pecan pieces.</div>
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Berry Muffins: I added 1tsp vanilla extract and forgot to sprinkle sugar on the tops of the muffins.</div>
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Abby loves poppy seed muffins, so as soon as I get my hands on some almond extract, I'm going to try my hand at <a href="http://www.fatgirltrappedinaskinnybody.com/2010/05/poppy-seed-muffins/">these</a> Costco-esque babies, though I won't make them as giant as the Costco ones.</div>
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<b>COOKING:</b> I've put Sarah in charge of making dinner once a week or so. She has her own binder of recipes and has wanted to make <a href="http://lilluna.com/chicken-and-dumplings-soup/">chicken and dumplings</a> for a while, but it was too warm out for a soup-like meal. Yesterday was cold, grey, and a little rainy, so she made it, and Andrew and Abby really liked it. Abby said it tasted "like the inside of a pot pie", so I know it came out right, LOL.</div>
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<ul>
<li>Modifications: homemade chicken stock instead of canned (because we had some in the freezer that needed to get used); cut-up baby carrots instead of canned (because ICK); leftover shredded chicken instead of canned (because GROSS and because we had some in the fridge that needed to get eaten); left out the parsley</li>
<li>Recipe supposedly serves six, but that would only work if you were also having a salad or something with it. If the soup is your entire meal (Hey, it has protein, veggies, and carbs all in one!), I'd suggest doubling the recipe in order to have any leftovers.</li>
<li>Yes, I'd prefer that she make something I can eat, too, but I don't really mind it as long as what she makes goes over well; I am in the minority, after all.</li>
</ul>
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Speaking of Abby, I found this on the desk after she had stayed up late to work on an essay for her English class. Just based on the picture, any guesses on what piece of literature was the focus of the assignment?<br />
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-5896960216003035322016-10-04T09:02:00.000-07:002016-10-04T09:02:39.077-07:00Overdue Birthday PicturesFINALLY remembering to post about our newly-minted legal ADULT.<br />
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Even though she didn't have to get up for school, she gladly got up early for our traditional morning bestowal of the birthday gifts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G95r7QF7XBBprRRn3P9e_QC-PqxQK7qR4Vd6N3OrDmIwTD5dOyRPOKirosxD9MEc3TbI3ZQrgGaZW7r2BaLu3AzVaZ0hC-jbtWVC83rogBN8uAJIRRYYQseczNHE5SrvHmYsy6LkSD8E/s1600/Morning-+Birthday+Girl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G95r7QF7XBBprRRn3P9e_QC-PqxQK7qR4Vd6N3OrDmIwTD5dOyRPOKirosxD9MEc3TbI3ZQrgGaZW7r2BaLu3AzVaZ0hC-jbtWVC83rogBN8uAJIRRYYQseczNHE5SrvHmYsy6LkSD8E/s320/Morning-+Birthday+Girl.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The only picture she would allow me to take of her.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvgxRbHcHXj5s07nVsgICrVxlxFTBrT5YzfIAg19L8nEXcKk-srgyIod8ErwwsIFwYAMOrRJsfEs0elZCcnbl6Pz3x7-8R7NwMy5SX8vI1meAPHHdtcM-VwqlAfovZV7eImh3aYBNlYpN/s1600/Morning+-+Breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvgxRbHcHXj5s07nVsgICrVxlxFTBrT5YzfIAg19L8nEXcKk-srgyIod8ErwwsIFwYAMOrRJsfEs0elZCcnbl6Pz3x7-8R7NwMy5SX8vI1meAPHHdtcM-VwqlAfovZV7eImh3aYBNlYpN/s320/Morning+-+Breakfast.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">By request, Trader Joe's pumpkin cinnamon rolls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Abby wasn't feeling well that night and elected to miss out on our traditional dinner out, so Andrew and I took Sarah to, of all places, Armstrong Brewing for their special bring-your-own-stein Oktoberfest event. We hung out with the usual gang from work, ordered Indian food from Copper Chimney next door, and had a good time. I promise there was no underage drinking going on (like me, she had Diet Coke), but how many kids can say "My parents took me to a taphouse for my 18th birthday"?</div>
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A few days later, we had family and a few of her friends over for pulled pork and other delicacies.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfir_ytFnxySzpWYiLAgRbvKm94Aj_2HnPFsFUzgKlPQ-IPAkRAAlramzmp8q-Q7NQZ4zBvnG7f5NEMzLHhj8NOF1xClT1OdtK1ax_eyW-dvKHNOerWBMf90LV5sAiT7rjU5Gaeyj4vO5J/s1600/Party+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfir_ytFnxySzpWYiLAgRbvKm94Aj_2HnPFsFUzgKlPQ-IPAkRAAlramzmp8q-Q7NQZ4zBvnG7f5NEMzLHhj8NOF1xClT1OdtK1ax_eyW-dvKHNOerWBMf90LV5sAiT7rjU5Gaeyj4vO5J/s320/Party+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sarah loved her TARDIS cake, even though the edible picture<br />tore when I was putting it on.</span></td></tr>
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The next week, she made use of her birthday present from us and took three of her friends with her to the Blink 182 show. Though she's seen many big-name groups up close at the various Genentech summer concerts, this was her first actual paid concert. Because she chose a trustworthy friend of ours as one of the three friends to take, I wasn't worried about what they'd get up to or how late they came home (1:34 a.m.). They had a blast.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">For the record, she's not wearing a micro-mini.<br />That's a long, swingy tank top over a pair of shorts.<br />I was actually surprised she chose to wear<br />the Army jacket instead of the<br />black motorcycle jacket.</span></td></tr>
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<br />It has been a little weird, knowing that's she's supposedly an adult now, but I gotta say that I'm so pleased to see the kind of young woman she is becoming. Proud of this girl!<div>
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Oh, and she got a seasonal job at the local Halloween store. Once she was hired, she had to fill out a bunch of forms online, read the online employee handbook and be tested on it. We expect to hear today about hours, etc.</div>
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Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-61475614178242516622016-09-19T08:43:00.000-07:002016-09-19T08:43:02.556-07:00Miscellaneous AssortmentIn only THREE DAYS, we will have a third legal adult in our home. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?<br />
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Last week, I started a part-time job which varies from 4 - 12 hours/week. Friends of ours take care of their invalid grandma and had some gaps in their week where, despite their staggered work schedules, no one was available to be home during Grandma's naptime. 99.999% of the time, it's the easiest job in the world - I just hang out and knit while Grandma sleeps, checking on her pretty frequently. In case of an emergency like Grandma falling out of bed (last time she fell out, she got a concussion!), it will be a good thing I was there, and I'll earn every penny. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaXdtkkpC6YcGAC4-NwLo6Ji0TBC36yyYw8KPBFm2DKq3495aXhzjHWL8Pg2KrL2l-9XoHnCN6YvacTlLwPYyi7zTqGVm8wPtW7UK4qfryZ6yTCZLrOt10MnSYqCALxKef5Z-a6p3Yk_l/s1600/Working+While+I+Work.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCaXdtkkpC6YcGAC4-NwLo6Ji0TBC36yyYw8KPBFm2DKq3495aXhzjHWL8Pg2KrL2l-9XoHnCN6YvacTlLwPYyi7zTqGVm8wPtW7UK4qfryZ6yTCZLrOt10MnSYqCALxKef5Z-a6p3Yk_l/s320/Working+While+I+Work.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Working while I "work"; life is good!</span></td></tr>
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Speaking of knitting, my current design projects are going well. Can't show you much, but here are two peeks:<br />
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Abby currently has an A in Chemistry Honors and an A- in Pre-Calculus. If I hadn't been present and awake at the birth, I'd wonder if she was really MY kid!<br />
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Speaking of Abby (and Sarah), look what my dad dug up from when Abby was almost eight:<br />
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<br />Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-80491054678945338722016-09-06T09:25:00.004-07:002016-09-06T09:25:54.616-07:00September 6th CraftLit Crafty ChatShall be livestreamed here. You know the drill.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mg9ZuT9MgNM" width="560"></iframe>Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8540620265273350796.post-50433703423605406462016-08-30T09:10:00.000-07:002016-08-30T09:10:05.706-07:00August 30th CraftLit Crafty ChatWe're back, and we're bad! We'll be livestreaming at 10:30am PDT, right here:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fI3_UyxFEfU" width="560"></iframe>Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13889557512574235204noreply@blogger.com0