tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20731872833956043642024-03-28T22:28:47.842-05:00AmigoNetAvocados Speeding Through The OzoneSmithshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13917462689801768725noreply@blogger.comBlogger2633125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-77674248730952248402024-03-28T11:21:00.227-05:002024-03-28T11:21:00.134-05:00Still going...Girl Scout Camping<p style="text-align: left;">Danielle's Girl Scout troop is still going, but hanging on by a thread. The seven remaining girls are just not as invested as they once were -- their interests and priorities have changed over the years. However, there is <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2023/02/10-years-of-girl-scout-camping.html">one thing that keeps them coming back</a>: <b>camping</b>! The hardest part is finding a date that works for everyone, but this year, we did manage to overcome that initial hurdle. Unfortunately, I procrastinated and did not immediately reserve a spot at a <i>Girl Scout</i> camp. All the Girl Scout properties were booked solid, so we were forced to find an alternative non-Girl Scout location (<i>and I was required to complete extra training</i>). Thankfully, <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks-map">Texas has several state parks</a> (and a great website for locating things) and we found one that met all the criteria: available on the specific date, less then 2 hours away and offered cabins. The winner: <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-richardson">Fort Richardson State Park</a>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Leading up to the event, I was pretty nervous about not being within the safe confines of a Girl Scout property. It would be more challenging to manage food without a kitchen, it would be more complicated to manage bathroom runs in a public area that were not close and there were no planned Girl Scout activities to fill the time, like<a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/technology-free.html"> archery and horseback riding</a>. I was quite stressed but a friend said, "It'll be OK -- it's new adventure". That totally helped me change my perspective, and turns out she was right! The weekend away turned out great -- and the park was wonderful and had tons to offer!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4YZZo6svK9SDSFDG5702D_10GEI8UH2x09SXD2vd_-K5u5on08KR712cdiLy2Dxi0-ghZ4GPPLXm-jE8OjyQgFbpjv0OCoufAaUp0sfgCTEVkImRKLFs38uyZ02ByYEK0VeBlhK9ehq5zngkASxLfh8H_PlFJMNoE38To_zBG9bslEKslJ6OHUZ8XN9X/s1080/fortrichardsongroup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4YZZo6svK9SDSFDG5702D_10GEI8UH2x09SXD2vd_-K5u5on08KR712cdiLy2Dxi0-ghZ4GPPLXm-jE8OjyQgFbpjv0OCoufAaUp0sfgCTEVkImRKLFs38uyZ02ByYEK0VeBlhK9ehq5zngkASxLfh8H_PlFJMNoE38To_zBG9bslEKslJ6OHUZ8XN9X/w640-h480/fortrichardsongroup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I was concerned about the cabin arrangements, but in the end it worked out. The cabin had bed space for 5 (one bunk bed was a double -- for leader and her daughter), and Danielle and I slept on air mattresses. There was A/C (which we didn't really need) and heat (which we didn't really figure out at first). It was incredibly basic, but provided just enough space to safely accommodate us. Luxurious compared to tents -- and NO bugs!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1cCcjHc06LbBHzZn8twa2q1Qyw-bgWt_Oy5_HSZFjR5YyT9kI20EcBI39GZGyJYgve4u5QrG-KggAp7EOiNFtXmu5MK7zkopyo2FKvKFetqBG7RHjmtQ7xARNHSNGWX_0cVOeALaMCX-0TcxLt5jeG79Gy6N2-FqxLpuvb05Ot_ydnnGAi-93HWmy_tW/s1080/cabin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1cCcjHc06LbBHzZn8twa2q1Qyw-bgWt_Oy5_HSZFjR5YyT9kI20EcBI39GZGyJYgve4u5QrG-KggAp7EOiNFtXmu5MK7zkopyo2FKvKFetqBG7RHjmtQ7xARNHSNGWX_0cVOeALaMCX-0TcxLt5jeG79Gy6N2-FqxLpuvb05Ot_ydnnGAi-93HWmy_tW/w640-h480/cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Regarding food, we kept meals super simple - all things that just needed assembly: cereal, sandwiches, fruit, veggies and only one meal that required <i>heating </i>pre-cooked food. Everyone found something to eat and the propane stove did its job to heat the popular "walking tacos" meat and beans for dinner!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbP1ugRaTJXRezb5SPWq8pJCOwTGNLr9sQVyykDND8RJjAYFURtwws5_1pa7ekuJekSmheqLQK1VWac_BpYkebIU0anaMIbF2SWaVacV_G57Fiu87Pd0FH4xkkEr9Jeaj1le5eqk4_zMb6hE67hbwJUNDMCQh9ogMaF79WBq7TPMvwUkdtYcZVqeQQdGC7/s1080/dinner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbP1ugRaTJXRezb5SPWq8pJCOwTGNLr9sQVyykDND8RJjAYFURtwws5_1pa7ekuJekSmheqLQK1VWac_BpYkebIU0anaMIbF2SWaVacV_G57Fiu87Pd0FH4xkkEr9Jeaj1le5eqk4_zMb6hE67hbwJUNDMCQh9ogMaF79WBq7TPMvwUkdtYcZVqeQQdGC7/w640-h480/dinner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBJEmXmQ2-lndnVkwDUxM8gkh35P27d9cZgK2-KRULBqwkwwLuTzQ1jb-Ew2Ocdq278gIGmIGxmejzTwEs8u2_Rg27Y2z0p7OhoAGy6Mwgzh2IobLXDceyK13QPHJTwt8qQxWEgMq4KTkwMuM-i0Sjo5eCTKjWpGalDVlvJ9OMdnD8khyzjFrEyS8MTVI/s1080/lunch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBJEmXmQ2-lndnVkwDUxM8gkh35P27d9cZgK2-KRULBqwkwwLuTzQ1jb-Ew2Ocdq278gIGmIGxmejzTwEs8u2_Rg27Y2z0p7OhoAGy6Mwgzh2IobLXDceyK13QPHJTwt8qQxWEgMq4KTkwMuM-i0Sjo5eCTKjWpGalDVlvJ9OMdnD8khyzjFrEyS8MTVI/w640-h480/lunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As far as activities, there was a TON to keep us busy. Nature is amazing like that...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnIcVUBaL_JiZmyIHUItBE1KjdMbmS9Yd4vWmAnEtJiRYwmenOtmO8YKi63aK5hxhW13MSEqkH63XoHFPbgLUOwM84jv7Uf37bgfzEIyvKcprqzF0rGrJ_M8D2QzJwZaPGP5j0rmn6JfEFW77J8L4xDpWoJlxtcn8sGGiY5j3Us51HJag_FUIUz6yZ5jW/s1440/pricklypeartrain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQnIcVUBaL_JiZmyIHUItBE1KjdMbmS9Yd4vWmAnEtJiRYwmenOtmO8YKi63aK5hxhW13MSEqkH63XoHFPbgLUOwM84jv7Uf37bgfzEIyvKcprqzF0rGrJ_M8D2QzJwZaPGP5j0rmn6JfEFW77J8L4xDpWoJlxtcn8sGGiY5j3Us51HJag_FUIUz6yZ5jW/w480-h640/pricklypeartrain.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-Sdp6Ywr9DhEu3_h87G5K-iOoHFgsiMdfovEBO-XWjgZuivuFMFbr6Y3EdAxRun0EGI58p0gAJuGKop2i3ATMN9xIy42noFnvsSWmwHUdX8pFhFaz5sPM1PfHlW7z2zpdMAyWMhAMkSHpMDGg9pJRNTCGNhs01oKxQa8HYOXv80Xsz0ERKSwE8BMggv2/s1080/trailcreek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-Sdp6Ywr9DhEu3_h87G5K-iOoHFgsiMdfovEBO-XWjgZuivuFMFbr6Y3EdAxRun0EGI58p0gAJuGKop2i3ATMN9xIy42noFnvsSWmwHUdX8pFhFaz5sPM1PfHlW7z2zpdMAyWMhAMkSHpMDGg9pJRNTCGNhs01oKxQa8HYOXv80Xsz0ERKSwE8BMggv2/w640-h480/trailcreek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfLJnIPK8iWjjdZoP13TjmC-4ddGzm72B1ig-8bMqoRUH56TdWpwfvAbJDp5f34L6IyUrGQJ6KEUqTcTH0PKM3dRUvtGi7zGzbSC-f42QGRHvMpcDZGqLqgxm0xvRLumO5QmzpXKNvSslh-jjPMUWhz9n5Sh7rdi-ILQ7HyQPh0PwmwYkZ5ExAwa63L5U/s1080/trailhike.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfLJnIPK8iWjjdZoP13TjmC-4ddGzm72B1ig-8bMqoRUH56TdWpwfvAbJDp5f34L6IyUrGQJ6KEUqTcTH0PKM3dRUvtGi7zGzbSC-f42QGRHvMpcDZGqLqgxm0xvRLumO5QmzpXKNvSslh-jjPMUWhz9n5Sh7rdi-ILQ7HyQPh0PwmwYkZ5ExAwa63L5U/w480-h640/trailhike.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD86KwDXpt_AcrGGIGvfa_CLs_Ch6TFVprBHSSDg-ToPpE_Oz09BBOSX8WIJELAN2D7S4nQsRR-ze2pLqv5Lk47kTHerptP8p7OQgZ92varuMyN3T46QSjqvS3qWzM8XFOpEen3BAVtBlQUH3b14N4rqDP7VaJKGrL6CXe06_ZRoxy05k7Xkt8qj-4177/s1080/trailrock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD86KwDXpt_AcrGGIGvfa_CLs_Ch6TFVprBHSSDg-ToPpE_Oz09BBOSX8WIJELAN2D7S4nQsRR-ze2pLqv5Lk47kTHerptP8p7OQgZ92varuMyN3T46QSjqvS3qWzM8XFOpEen3BAVtBlQUH3b14N4rqDP7VaJKGrL6CXe06_ZRoxy05k7Xkt8qj-4177/w480-h640/trailrock.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">This state park is also a <a href="https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-richardson/park_history">historical site</a> with ties to several battles with Native Americans and World War II. The girls enjoyed the interactive center and toured the historical buildings. History is cool like that...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK5cDEOBsodZS29-FMZORzDU55XrUZ623n0cGFbgW-RvMGOOFiXPdWYbrSJuK-ZIuu-ayBtJ_u1crQox7SJ7Y9_Ar679Z0KdPUpyk5IFQSgWKoYc8fD5MiCBGKqvJeYqaU8BQfKeIXPfRcDoZbWaZUlb77tEkhQyn_O17YMNs4lKoEfMnoYUtpRX_HDOB/s1080/fort.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK5cDEOBsodZS29-FMZORzDU55XrUZ623n0cGFbgW-RvMGOOFiXPdWYbrSJuK-ZIuu-ayBtJ_u1crQox7SJ7Y9_Ar679Z0KdPUpyk5IFQSgWKoYc8fD5MiCBGKqvJeYqaU8BQfKeIXPfRcDoZbWaZUlb77tEkhQyn_O17YMNs4lKoEfMnoYUtpRX_HDOB/w640-h480/fort.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GZ4xSca-INmFX-dN7RT-f6mCvy-JyKYWnYg7FIMSgKNkUkXENrjKjPb9awHk3lwLzeTINQvb3iKIi8tM80q4myj7Su2p_bbP_iphD_RC6Qm6z3yi5Sj9PYHDu8iNik8JcFWhpJzLr90Kh_MvNUJpmBBeeH9YZwbsEgQgRp-A431lIFyc_ZJA7rdpSTZc/s1440/fortflags.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GZ4xSca-INmFX-dN7RT-f6mCvy-JyKYWnYg7FIMSgKNkUkXENrjKjPb9awHk3lwLzeTINQvb3iKIi8tM80q4myj7Su2p_bbP_iphD_RC6Qm6z3yi5Sj9PYHDu8iNik8JcFWhpJzLr90Kh_MvNUJpmBBeeH9YZwbsEgQgRp-A431lIFyc_ZJA7rdpSTZc/w480-h640/fortflags.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YixCOBOxe8c_RhJ8hq4HcwkmGIVkn0uDBzmSwVHgJyUILvDl5Y0AHFEwRyOzXCPZV7la5dvyLxX_eiPBKmW4hHu20GjDDLDUNxGdZbMVq4ga65DR-kiNy5-oOBk6o05SJoRSAqOhb1MUT5GUfADLHyCM_W0TiRHHmBIB30hUn3DEApCaP2vsVXJSyC_c/s1440/fortmorgue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YixCOBOxe8c_RhJ8hq4HcwkmGIVkn0uDBzmSwVHgJyUILvDl5Y0AHFEwRyOzXCPZV7la5dvyLxX_eiPBKmW4hHu20GjDDLDUNxGdZbMVq4ga65DR-kiNy5-oOBk6o05SJoRSAqOhb1MUT5GUfADLHyCM_W0TiRHHmBIB30hUn3DEApCaP2vsVXJSyC_c/w480-h640/fortmorgue.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">In honor of the upcoming Easter weekend, my co-leader came prepared for an Easter egg hunt! The park offered tons of sneaky hiding places for eggs. Holiday traditions are fun like that...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHH8Zxy7nxhigRwNsyTsezlOCCcnHy5soSzRfSWyJSTnTMUDirqo6NPKovfkBZ5jZEI0YcgKQvhSkjhmeoeqvX9GCvneX8-zF-OpiXca7QSba_fO8wyCaABQU0zOt4dRdKRqtENBqTZoOzhwzfnQpMqISTUbx1Sm2FpRgG4Ipmv6FIOY0CmfzU0ygq0dK/s1080/eggdecorate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHH8Zxy7nxhigRwNsyTsezlOCCcnHy5soSzRfSWyJSTnTMUDirqo6NPKovfkBZ5jZEI0YcgKQvhSkjhmeoeqvX9GCvneX8-zF-OpiXca7QSba_fO8wyCaABQU0zOt4dRdKRqtENBqTZoOzhwzfnQpMqISTUbx1Sm2FpRgG4Ipmv6FIOY0CmfzU0ygq0dK/w480-h640/eggdecorate.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWG-UhKB5gOhdpsnq6CsZjos6tqNx6mNWLOnr6blDDidUXkG_Y3YWHmR9NK9huwTQZAVDHRBFxtuIokYUflA1ksVEMgF9AQbXtSHKuDifkqIcwnpXgk8UDAmGmH76_oizzUPd1V_pVyGkAQ1DHgEMuKrsK0mcse5MJRFEVHXG7hDqtR6PGodj9ciUF_oM/s1080/egghunt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWG-UhKB5gOhdpsnq6CsZjos6tqNx6mNWLOnr6blDDidUXkG_Y3YWHmR9NK9huwTQZAVDHRBFxtuIokYUflA1ksVEMgF9AQbXtSHKuDifkqIcwnpXgk8UDAmGmH76_oizzUPd1V_pVyGkAQ1DHgEMuKrsK0mcse5MJRFEVHXG7hDqtR6PGodj9ciUF_oM/w640-h480/egghunt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-7mLZjTD7y9c5HNI5cYgHw5RpySd4Z-5AIepctp20Vn3E65pzmTYvtpGFs-iWQMD70fOcwhTArgeViTiGm37ZuLivq6nj8GpNBjEP0KGF15kMRKRpV7inhXSHq0a00XtwfK1_KlbZBaNMlZb6bdIAe03D6bNfoBugf4gjumtIFoD8GATkks8YwS8_T1s/s1080/eggs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-7mLZjTD7y9c5HNI5cYgHw5RpySd4Z-5AIepctp20Vn3E65pzmTYvtpGFs-iWQMD70fOcwhTArgeViTiGm37ZuLivq6nj8GpNBjEP0KGF15kMRKRpV7inhXSHq0a00XtwfK1_KlbZBaNMlZb6bdIAe03D6bNfoBugf4gjumtIFoD8GATkks8YwS8_T1s/w480-h640/eggs.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>BONUS: There was a sand volleyball court!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P89ExMABUAxapWLYvXxT4uyHm_XBTYOGRN4y_0P9Ix1v2-l0kTYC9wB-6cJ5Sq1kUCNeJkex1B6mJxGAmYjzh9_SXKl5dGz5aXpcT4ggoXg4ew1Ks4mTy4ObKEMkjALwWo7uWJamL3XA2vrul0HDqfUhr6HS0Seot0Retj4rPdt39D_LLhkdo3ivjUSE/s1080/vb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2P89ExMABUAxapWLYvXxT4uyHm_XBTYOGRN4y_0P9Ix1v2-l0kTYC9wB-6cJ5Sq1kUCNeJkex1B6mJxGAmYjzh9_SXKl5dGz5aXpcT4ggoXg4ew1Ks4mTy4ObKEMkjALwWo7uWJamL3XA2vrul0HDqfUhr6HS0Seot0Retj4rPdt39D_LLhkdo3ivjUSE/w640-h480/vb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The weather was near perfect - ok, maybe a tad chilly, but plenty of sunshine to warm things up! And thankfully no rain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke7wQOMZU7hMuA2naqQv53hsGFRwgy3zlo01OOQOBzwl6buTvuhj-ry84-Mj3XJ-BpWsDmARIosmR63TimIRRw3XuQLKGmNAFmN_vxpA4NfvySqUwPYH9N-BU16r5Oe-eOzZjAgeH6hJqX1dZK5jjz4vuCm3AD-S38GyFcDryaz9uXbVLHGm3zRjU33aO/s1080/floodguage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjke7wQOMZU7hMuA2naqQv53hsGFRwgy3zlo01OOQOBzwl6buTvuhj-ry84-Mj3XJ-BpWsDmARIosmR63TimIRRw3XuQLKGmNAFmN_vxpA4NfvySqUwPYH9N-BU16r5Oe-eOzZjAgeH6hJqX1dZK5jjz4vuCm3AD-S38GyFcDryaz9uXbVLHGm3zRjU33aO/w640-h480/floodguage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Yes, there was still a little time to relax and enjoy the peace of the outdoors.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJfvlnq8MkmJ0-FlbRd1k9DcK-AfrYvkdvwxdhyphenhyphenOP1c7FRtp9AXoLkvJVgGRPft5U7vKv_iQ2Q7sEgMFzEyzV4zT-qTC6BHSZvpqin3s4agdNlLEUEBN4p5oJXiE_NNWiWPa6qeQ_ssUMxpAqM_K62hE1G01mv_kBdale6g8nzLn4s4sfO4-vWV-ck2ts/s1080/hammock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJfvlnq8MkmJ0-FlbRd1k9DcK-AfrYvkdvwxdhyphenhyphenOP1c7FRtp9AXoLkvJVgGRPft5U7vKv_iQ2Q7sEgMFzEyzV4zT-qTC6BHSZvpqin3s4agdNlLEUEBN4p5oJXiE_NNWiWPa6qeQ_ssUMxpAqM_K62hE1G01mv_kBdale6g8nzLn4s4sfO4-vWV-ck2ts/w640-h480/hammock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEOZKaxEYX3aY4c1gNZcwSwTtA0HdX_PY1BSDynXF1aPlhknZ30vEDpFtOuNmVRxFBVcCxY2ZAcSniUiYv4VGNtSjTB1xltB-ix5YOYydOh4YlWJREq8GGeoKawbgnKILoParVDQvgSr_QYZzl8nBRMdGlBp1YOJ2RRSlfFNhUtqGkyO0ibYSuH1gAWIl/s1080/relax.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVEOZKaxEYX3aY4c1gNZcwSwTtA0HdX_PY1BSDynXF1aPlhknZ30vEDpFtOuNmVRxFBVcCxY2ZAcSniUiYv4VGNtSjTB1xltB-ix5YOYydOh4YlWJREq8GGeoKawbgnKILoParVDQvgSr_QYZzl8nBRMdGlBp1YOJ2RRSlfFNhUtqGkyO0ibYSuH1gAWIl/w480-h640/relax.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Camping would not be complete without 2 more things...First, there was a <b>campfire.</b> Our campfire was used for s'mores! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vl4HsYhrojc-dpD8i0cTyadwA0bQEukxtNTrFKQRoINHMnccrLyp8Se8YfRT-i5HUlEqaXxqzInjw_NtcGfOjlwO2oNG3qZuNdVmyPrNDt_Dkvl-FGPjUA1wFjOcTQc18fHQNvSxeQkclg52plmfpeY4pu05VM4qFCmi4atJepOZy1OhCNWE-pZ51eKi/s1080/smores.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vl4HsYhrojc-dpD8i0cTyadwA0bQEukxtNTrFKQRoINHMnccrLyp8Se8YfRT-i5HUlEqaXxqzInjw_NtcGfOjlwO2oNG3qZuNdVmyPrNDt_Dkvl-FGPjUA1wFjOcTQc18fHQNvSxeQkclg52plmfpeY4pu05VM4qFCmi4atJepOZy1OhCNWE-pZ51eKi/w640-h480/smores.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">And we also hosted a flag retirement ceremony -- 4 flags were honored and respectfully retired from duty, per the United States Code which stipulates, βWhen a U.S. flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.β</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQdR3e4HcH-z6Fl6TThm5Jzmw3e4eyWshah5DT_lJFgmY3GQ7UKj4PcNAa1jGGuVF2YJORkfKRiPTCNHjfqkL9JSpFnEBMn2OEkQIwOCw-OkKeo6TTmsBtXAHnt8xmQ-AwxNWXvEg2PFnTzKzT31NZXGXtedYsxTkB6y0MjUZj7_kZVmMnNwmv6TG2Aoz/s1080/fireflag.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQdR3e4HcH-z6Fl6TThm5Jzmw3e4eyWshah5DT_lJFgmY3GQ7UKj4PcNAa1jGGuVF2YJORkfKRiPTCNHjfqkL9JSpFnEBMn2OEkQIwOCw-OkKeo6TTmsBtXAHnt8xmQ-AwxNWXvEg2PFnTzKzT31NZXGXtedYsxTkB6y0MjUZj7_kZVmMnNwmv6TG2Aoz/w640-h480/fireflag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">The second required camping event is...<b>animals</b>! We saw deer, frogs, birds, fish, rabbits, and a raccoon (or two!). If fact, one raccoon helped himself to our last remaining food items in the ice chest (yes, shame on me for breaking camp rule #1: secure all food items!) The little guy (or gal) moved the container on top, opened the ice chest and carried away a gallon-sized ziplock bag filled with our leftover cucumber, pepper, tomato and grated cheese!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_9zH7rFMFiSBVwW5dyrpEoU4FlmDeCSkRGkJOREFxSaztziheG7PmKSIlayPomzkigT_U-m7-5N8hDpefybF6vvoxNvHRXdDKVaSOHg1hydoLNkUyCJPEE0cscZoxM1hxT3Sny7n_D7Ao-wzuJQMUyC_spgCjXIthYY1BussI70PBjZ-SWtY_GdKZCdS/s1194/raccoon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="895" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_9zH7rFMFiSBVwW5dyrpEoU4FlmDeCSkRGkJOREFxSaztziheG7PmKSIlayPomzkigT_U-m7-5N8hDpefybF6vvoxNvHRXdDKVaSOHg1hydoLNkUyCJPEE0cscZoxM1hxT3Sny7n_D7Ao-wzuJQMUyC_spgCjXIthYY1BussI70PBjZ-SWtY_GdKZCdS/w480-h640/raccoon.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aD1nfJEgysBP5cbdAJQpugE1agYdzgGVHAXJldRCeP4kHy2U98zJFJ4rtfS66b9_FQeBDGY2w_6FoZbFP3o5WEbULzSbKBjrW0yXvwN5r0kM1SRkOdmTcV8ybAfhBIHuerQXBUGMUEqPMaWp61QE00X4AihcdkaPtQ1sx89YoeHGfLBeK-Pjj5KgqxUz/s1080/raccoonprints.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aD1nfJEgysBP5cbdAJQpugE1agYdzgGVHAXJldRCeP4kHy2U98zJFJ4rtfS66b9_FQeBDGY2w_6FoZbFP3o5WEbULzSbKBjrW0yXvwN5r0kM1SRkOdmTcV8ybAfhBIHuerQXBUGMUEqPMaWp61QE00X4AihcdkaPtQ1sx89YoeHGfLBeK-Pjj5KgqxUz/w480-h640/raccoonprints.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I'm thankful for the fun, drama-free and successful weekend, and happy to report that we all came home safe (although a little stinky, hungry and tired)!</p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-40789190522103179652024-03-25T12:12:00.311-05:002024-03-25T12:12:00.259-05:00Starbase Texas<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is well known that <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2022/11/artemis.html">I am a space nerd</a>. And I will use my parental influence to pass along at least an appreciation for the space program to N&D.</span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/stennisphere.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">2010: StennisSphere</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2015/12/nasa-marshall-space-flight-center.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">2015: Marshall Spaceflight Center</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-rest-of-kansas.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">2016: Cosmosphere</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2021/05/the-roads-less-traveled-in-houston.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">2021: Johnson Space Center</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2023/03/nasa-ksc.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">2023: Kennedy Space Center</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2023/06/the-actual-things-washington-dc.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">2023: Smithsonian Air & Space Museum</span></a></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, if we're less than an hour away from something important, I gotta take us by there, right?</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hgjwo1e_SqjXa6pDiOJdCaNIem5_Paz3kaiZ1Zvw4INcYf_Tgy5p9nhvvyEYHuuovrIN6tehhcBFoOvWyJKYIzlTWpI1hXSOWmy_Y5eUq627kHvKH_h0nGucSxMQ6vBvuO2Q9cEszUPRDKJpMijHWUTllgzJ4sgQRSGdZr2zv2YKm2C0nrIIiRyPfpVp/s4123/IMG_20240312_135846548_HDR~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2318" data-original-width="4123" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hgjwo1e_SqjXa6pDiOJdCaNIem5_Paz3kaiZ1Zvw4INcYf_Tgy5p9nhvvyEYHuuovrIN6tehhcBFoOvWyJKYIzlTWpI1hXSOWmy_Y5eUq627kHvKH_h0nGucSxMQ6vBvuO2Q9cEszUPRDKJpMijHWUTllgzJ4sgQRSGdZr2zv2YKm2C0nrIIiRyPfpVp/w640-h360/IMG_20240312_135846548_HDR~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brownsville TX: Gateway to <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/spring-break-southern-travels.html">Mexico</a> AND Mars!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.spacex.com/">SpaceX</a> kinda reminds me of the earliest days of NASA. Before the highways, hotels and visitor centers, and even the first astronauts, Kennedy Space Center was just a test facility out in the weeds near the Atlantic coast of Florida. Everything else came later, after they'd gotten off the ground (literally), when public interest took off (not literally).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kinda interesting to think about how different this place may look in 20 years. And all the more reason to visit now, while it's still in the raw. (Note to N&D: Before ya bring your own kids here in 2051, show em these photos for comparison.)</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjJnSfhY2NnU9i0Fs9cuiv6QtkTY0y-telt7DphnrSE_fGD2dHLdMesBF6wEgLiCEvxUUrTQKksUel3AP3PQkx4zclmWspS00PQQvG4UjI4eKdbX2psQBWPgqTf_w2lEoP8avOtLYhsQo-2wMo8FKGb6rYHAn5oRIJ9SdEqWYH7DPcJK8XQnH_PspXm21/s3264/IMG_20240312_123352810_HDR~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjJnSfhY2NnU9i0Fs9cuiv6QtkTY0y-telt7DphnrSE_fGD2dHLdMesBF6wEgLiCEvxUUrTQKksUel3AP3PQkx4zclmWspS00PQQvG4UjI4eKdbX2psQBWPgqTf_w2lEoP8avOtLYhsQo-2wMo8FKGb6rYHAn5oRIJ9SdEqWYH7DPcJK8XQnH_PspXm21/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_123352810_HDR~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SpaceX Boca Chica Launch Facility</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNKNPBa95GEYjzEGFlyyn4RzLgA5FmczY7etbgQ67zJjt3awrhyC2yPuSB7I3akyRfxR8kxr1DqX_5R8V6QttKQZRmSgrYdBgRpE0OxdQ07lJgi1VaiQWw6j18DbPRGgYpIJR1eVnAdrUfYhcDsGN1ZiycG8LeXs22QUifg6JoKmLklv0ovjpnnbX6Mpi/s3264/IMG_20240312_124652462_HDR~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNKNPBa95GEYjzEGFlyyn4RzLgA5FmczY7etbgQ67zJjt3awrhyC2yPuSB7I3akyRfxR8kxr1DqX_5R8V6QttKQZRmSgrYdBgRpE0OxdQ07lJgi1VaiQWw6j18DbPRGgYpIJR1eVnAdrUfYhcDsGN1ZiycG8LeXs22QUifg6JoKmLklv0ovjpnnbX6Mpi/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_124652462_HDR~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>March 12th:</u> Texas State Highway 4 is one of those cool middle of nowhere roads that just dead ends at the beach. But just before is hits the sand, it passes maybe 200 feet (?) from the launch pad. Not the launch <i>facility</i>, the launch <i>pad</i> with the fully fueled <a href="https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=starship-flight-3">Starship 3</a> rocket standing right there ready to go.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s8XiUINOLd1mguR-UKEGiHrrcViGzHiDM4XmMqzoZOE_WWo9D_9hcBU2of-OFq5LogzHieqQQLYbtqfUYQa1fUbRi1aVnVODrVvZ2bUDMK2co3r7V-nojjlo9IKXZ1Eitxd_k0ORfNlwTW_JuRaS-MREVrec-CRrNOlGtREuMMno9LLU8SewAZftA3kV/s1920/2024-03-14%20SpaceX%20Starship%20Launch%20Boca%20Chica%20arrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s8XiUINOLd1mguR-UKEGiHrrcViGzHiDM4XmMqzoZOE_WWo9D_9hcBU2of-OFq5LogzHieqQQLYbtqfUYQa1fUbRi1aVnVODrVvZ2bUDMK2co3r7V-nojjlo9IKXZ1Eitxd_k0ORfNlwTW_JuRaS-MREVrec-CRrNOlGtREuMMno9LLU8SewAZftA3kV/w640-h360/2024-03-14%20SpaceX%20Starship%20Launch%20Boca%20Chica%20arrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>March 14th:</u> Rocket launches are always cool. But even moreso when ya realize "We were just standing RIGHT THERE!"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8a_tvQ0rDXIAt7_XU-LkScbWcrkXfKYivHfO2xAYgD39z295nPnSkOTw8u8VvB5CLaSmgSJNUXN05woxpoJTsWGo9DjGN80HvvxJpN7En87WplfXyMVMG3pzlia84FCZUKy_ug6W49BUxBTkdEMiR664y2cGqfHYc85_3jU8CUjtJmoGLCImQhyAVmST/s2452/IMG_20240312_121217269_HDR~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1838" data-original-width="2452" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8a_tvQ0rDXIAt7_XU-LkScbWcrkXfKYivHfO2xAYgD39z295nPnSkOTw8u8VvB5CLaSmgSJNUXN05woxpoJTsWGo9DjGN80HvvxJpN7En87WplfXyMVMG3pzlia84FCZUKy_ug6W49BUxBTkdEMiR664y2cGqfHYc85_3jU8CUjtJmoGLCImQhyAVmST/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_121217269_HDR~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Apparently, rocket science is more than just math. (if it weren't, smart people would've figured it out a long time ago) Seems like there's a good bit of trial and error, and even some luck. Good thing they got their own smart people out here slowly figuring it out. Their progress and evolution on display in their own <a href="https://starship-spacex.fandom.com/wiki/Rocket_Garden">Rocket Garden</a>.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dOiDHvqTChN-giqeXv6IKvIj264KnbQoIOgoEGH08zYyoj5MnsUeFm1mAILmy21Ixa5tSdy7YkEyUKEzkNjBrKmvU9l97FSCGBUBKVvVZGndaLfneDVoSA3r-alfefwH4fIfY9hkbZ_G7Rlad2eCj5COTNNOR31hcFHrC-lDXl5xuEX5UBb24kD_-6Ps/s3271/IMG_20240312_123638108~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2452" data-original-width="3271" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dOiDHvqTChN-giqeXv6IKvIj264KnbQoIOgoEGH08zYyoj5MnsUeFm1mAILmy21Ixa5tSdy7YkEyUKEzkNjBrKmvU9l97FSCGBUBKVvVZGndaLfneDVoSA3r-alfefwH4fIfY9hkbZ_G7Rlad2eCj5COTNNOR31hcFHrC-lDXl5xuEX5UBb24kD_-6Ps/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_123638108~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gateway to Mars?<br />Hopefully someday...<br />(in my lifetime!)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-89659956370025067712024-03-23T12:12:00.116-05:002024-03-23T12:12:00.134-05:00Yes, Of Course, Duh, FLIP!<div style="text-align: left;">This has to be our longest running standing double date. <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2023/03/exhibitor-bartender-mystery-solver.html">Every year</a>, mid-March means <a href="https://texaspinball.com/tpf/">Texas Pinball Festival</a> with the Hundts! I mean, we do still check-in prior to just showing up there, but the response is always a reliable "Yes!", "Of course! or "duh!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Year 8 (of 10), here we go!</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKVBVNzGurI9ZZf285s16Wwy2RX4ojJr1ACZNXmjO7PndTHap4tf5MeD4_LHpb9Qbo5tCNeqr3TsqQeJr6070IDN6GVoMXx8QPtY1ZodGvCBvJDEAZo0zqe1V2l1Ud308VZ25a6NvOE2IdptpxfSY-ohKUI9p8cvmXQEO5g7I4EjYVrJmThcK9eajd6CA/s4390/IMG_20240315_182546833~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3291" data-original-width="4390" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKVBVNzGurI9ZZf285s16Wwy2RX4ojJr1ACZNXmjO7PndTHap4tf5MeD4_LHpb9Qbo5tCNeqr3TsqQeJr6070IDN6GVoMXx8QPtY1ZodGvCBvJDEAZo0zqe1V2l1Ud308VZ25a6NvOE2IdptpxfSY-ohKUI9p8cvmXQEO5g7I4EjYVrJmThcK9eajd6CA/w640-h480/IMG_20240315_182546833~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pregame @ Blaze Pizza<br />Guest - Guest - Guest - Exhibitor</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tVXmE-c8ovLuJPm2CcFbsRKlXPaBuX3571SR_iwQHaWzIZFSsMpG_EgDJQIfZnzs4H3w1vhokFFzC4tjxwfCT9vJpGg0w3oYwPa_7NZHrfBf7tdvusyNzl944USburXlsiHwgSI5sw7zXgw3z8GUbALccnFQbddRwZxx68Whww8OR6q6hrYYuCh62cOZ/s3340/IMG_20240315_233544081~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2504" data-original-width="3340" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tVXmE-c8ovLuJPm2CcFbsRKlXPaBuX3571SR_iwQHaWzIZFSsMpG_EgDJQIfZnzs4H3w1vhokFFzC4tjxwfCT9vJpGg0w3oYwPa_7NZHrfBf7tdvusyNzl944USburXlsiHwgSI5sw7zXgw3z8GUbALccnFQbddRwZxx68Whww8OR6q6hrYYuCh62cOZ/w640-h480/IMG_20240315_233544081~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Better lookin every year. Amazing!</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakhrhsu8NOn9wvYL9fmIsC_4j3DOWIwjQAmEbqkjlq3lcW4MhsFDiR3TPKhpddgkcdVBtAxKCagc12NaMkdwrrhm6ViGLiNLS1uZN09uCf7x0JEVxyJNS71lEkajfcHAq5_OQUOqxvMaqLNgs0vKfgsx59bq4Nk3QKpiixp5fTXirmEsQSXEfhbbR0G-G/s4173/IMG_20240316_114120998~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3128" data-original-width="4173" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakhrhsu8NOn9wvYL9fmIsC_4j3DOWIwjQAmEbqkjlq3lcW4MhsFDiR3TPKhpddgkcdVBtAxKCagc12NaMkdwrrhm6ViGLiNLS1uZN09uCf7x0JEVxyJNS71lEkajfcHAq5_OQUOqxvMaqLNgs0vKfgsx59bq4Nk3QKpiixp5fTXirmEsQSXEfhbbR0G-G/w640-h480/IMG_20240316_114120998~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You see my <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2021/09/extreme-arcade-2007-chicago-gaming.html">Extreme Arcade</a>, set up for all to enjoy.<br />I see our open bar!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDxcxmc88ylbQwVwzrRd7kiR9iJydTZubHZz5YFyb6f46zdXpQsC39-Rv86rTQ_1uaqqkvwpIprPlpScgkZ-wB5noLrMcIwXDIVb8RW66XjF2tIhwZzBbIs9kp53-wnpqoAdK_CkFUGqkz_hyyg5mpnY8Lb_7X_Q4eWfEHxNjUvAE3i_6orK_ZTKlgGms/s3777/IMG_20240315_143551488~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3777" data-original-width="2831" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDxcxmc88ylbQwVwzrRd7kiR9iJydTZubHZz5YFyb6f46zdXpQsC39-Rv86rTQ_1uaqqkvwpIprPlpScgkZ-wB5noLrMcIwXDIVb8RW66XjF2tIhwZzBbIs9kp53-wnpqoAdK_CkFUGqkz_hyyg5mpnY8Lb_7X_Q4eWfEHxNjUvAE3i_6orK_ZTKlgGms/w480-h640/IMG_20240315_143551488~3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Alot of new titles this year, but <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4l-kbTPALg">JAWS</a> is The One for me!<br />New officer in the Amity PD right here.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmwWobnBgy9lRnt77gnLU9ftqkrcdykGEtJnd-SthXAsPe9zkr-6td2Q4m2f2MRamOPe88l2YjxHJREFZQSFdyWPKi44Oyaw3jZrqmgQ5uYpE7O97IPRoCHw2HHuR16QaBFoLUm8uwcyoJWuoK7qhXJn7c-qSRR2BzXi9hXJd7-IoJmN6uOYinJk_1qwa/s3041/IMG_20240316_234321800~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="3041" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmwWobnBgy9lRnt77gnLU9ftqkrcdykGEtJnd-SthXAsPe9zkr-6td2Q4m2f2MRamOPe88l2YjxHJREFZQSFdyWPKi44Oyaw3jZrqmgQ5uYpE7O97IPRoCHw2HHuR16QaBFoLUm8uwcyoJWuoK7qhXJn7c-qSRR2BzXi9hXJd7-IoJmN6uOYinJk_1qwa/w640-h360/IMG_20240316_234321800~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheGOGORillas">Go-Go-Rillas</a>!</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bdecBWwKQc_P8Kxy3Af08CVeHNFNB4zZzdB9h1LAqusaPAO4LObiiuodtBKBzztsHDFlvWcen2WPYVWDkL136xTUIpT_kY2qX9YtKgiaaMQnerNr2tjjJ7P3XKgkN8HoBGoi3STY4y2-1qu_XOIekP3UI6Yi2Ox7_TQV0UufnsQE7_rPAUbmk1b6EtXD/s3897/IMG_20240317_002701870~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3897" data-original-width="2921" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bdecBWwKQc_P8Kxy3Af08CVeHNFNB4zZzdB9h1LAqusaPAO4LObiiuodtBKBzztsHDFlvWcen2WPYVWDkL136xTUIpT_kY2qX9YtKgiaaMQnerNr2tjjJ7P3XKgkN8HoBGoi3STY4y2-1qu_XOIekP3UI6Yi2Ox7_TQV0UufnsQE7_rPAUbmk1b6EtXD/w480-h640/IMG_20240317_002701870~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE: Remember <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2022/03/3-years-un-flippin-believable.html">this guy</a>? Good news: he found love!<br />Truly, there is someone for everyone. π</span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7k865MWC3k3Yurs6sw7b1KNAQdhaKIZyJxjQlJADTSIkt5_Djzs_mvg35282MW_NOSM8Gksue03b7bcIP058xBkhOKgGYSkoaGiYPZzj7lELDHmMX_pF-tNfFN0B1nWCsG17oFQdlRr2BtjCdaiejxs5DQ1_zs5Vy2lF8n8v2-1UJEeThMCFHSZigDIt/s4608/IMG_20240315_170929849~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7k865MWC3k3Yurs6sw7b1KNAQdhaKIZyJxjQlJADTSIkt5_Djzs_mvg35282MW_NOSM8Gksue03b7bcIP058xBkhOKgGYSkoaGiYPZzj7lELDHmMX_pF-tNfFN0B1nWCsG17oFQdlRr2BtjCdaiejxs5DQ1_zs5Vy2lF8n8v2-1UJEeThMCFHSZigDIt/w480-h640/IMG_20240315_170929849~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until next year! β</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-53199292254975624682024-03-21T11:21:00.024-05:002024-03-21T11:21:00.139-05:00RETR@migo: March 21, 2014<p><b><i>Looking back:</i></b> Naomi's interest in "spooky" has gone from this to Scooby Doo to Notebook of Doom to Nancy Drew to "true crime scene" -- didn't realize it's been on her radar for so long. Same with her creativity -- it has been there all along! π</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j6NvxkuzFLcm5Og1yJ-XrqBXwoyBw1Iem2UJpoOTyWh5hJgtzqCIn-L28qvhZAWgDlMWA0Vx3Vno0sjSfq4L1EmzXTMmxZ_8kRKgQJ5VIdew6tuQH4_bd2mA73BiE-CA7t_fCf_bbSGhPo5sAw-bU276pUr__oPGOAZmJgHhEDe1XcszozGqRDDqwISb/s640/RETR@migo%20Banner%20Black.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="640" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7j6NvxkuzFLcm5Og1yJ-XrqBXwoyBw1Iem2UJpoOTyWh5hJgtzqCIn-L28qvhZAWgDlMWA0Vx3Vno0sjSfq4L1EmzXTMmxZ_8kRKgQJ5VIdew6tuQH4_bd2mA73BiE-CA7t_fCf_bbSGhPo5sAw-bU276pUr__oPGOAZmJgHhEDe1XcszozGqRDDqwISb/w640-h138/RETR@migo%20Banner%20Black.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="article-header" style="display: table; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 750px;"><h1 class="title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #2ea4b8; display: table-cell; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 40px 0px 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 670px;"><a data-id="2824005656657426788" data-item-type="post" href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2014/03/naomis-death-zone.html" itemprop="url" rel="bookmark" style="color: #2ea4b8; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Naomi's DEATH Zone</a><br /><br /></h1></div><div class="article-content entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">I really think the monsters that jump out at ya (attached to drawers) are a clever touch.</div><div class="article-content entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_2ZAP25tCr9v7Pf9MdcFpzheDf5mZ_iUtJveKS6FePHRpWD7i2fphgU6TOj6ClWtl8_-7F_SewVYvlDogmg" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%;" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-89483412207680872822024-03-19T21:30:00.001-05:002024-03-19T21:51:56.697-05:00Spring Break: Austin is Still Weird<p style="text-align: left;">Heading back north to get home, we spent a bit of time in Austin, where they are still keepin' it weird. But <b><i>different </i></b>would be a more appropriate term for this, the <a href="https://sitagu.org/austin/">Sitagu Buddha Vihara</a>. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggls4prC3BlRkaFcndN5Lkx8VYRZa-q4IhrGA7f_Vp1TKbiBlL69rJUVJS28CYtLc5bHfp8BhndXvZIgBqc6rjd9YsEeet5zbOfPchiHzdd2kZIA8vkRyxp4cANi2KgySLN4u98Pw70-9BJhJXXWW7A39fi4leP1PoCgafV8pGkK_suuu3SW8FcwQoHtm/s4222/IMG_20240313_budistshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4222" data-original-width="3165" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggls4prC3BlRkaFcndN5Lkx8VYRZa-q4IhrGA7f_Vp1TKbiBlL69rJUVJS28CYtLc5bHfp8BhndXvZIgBqc6rjd9YsEeet5zbOfPchiHzdd2kZIA8vkRyxp4cANi2KgySLN4u98Pw70-9BJhJXXWW7A39fi4leP1PoCgafV8pGkK_suuu3SW8FcwQoHtm/w480-h640/IMG_20240313_budistshoes.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It is a serene campus in the hills, but weird that it was just on the edge of downtown in the middle of a neighborhood area. We only saw one other person and a cat walking around, otherwise we had the place to ourselves. <i>(Do notice the beautiful big, blue sky!!)</i></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6aH5FeHhgscanZqkYHTGyg-3MVOfe_YVbx5Q-i3aVorPAAmwAuLzRv3ySy5Lruc1CzrjUYwTS8QDxU0q24OML8XLlh-WejTXUY7rBH5O8oLJelztSo6KhK7Xa2kUcxFtDumbTMsr-BJvNbBJFvN-TP5rdeFCH6kJW8Q4ZnLZN0P2MBFGJOlOt7Pep976/s2514/IMG_20240313_budistpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2514" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6aH5FeHhgscanZqkYHTGyg-3MVOfe_YVbx5Q-i3aVorPAAmwAuLzRv3ySy5Lruc1CzrjUYwTS8QDxU0q24OML8XLlh-WejTXUY7rBH5O8oLJelztSo6KhK7Xa2kUcxFtDumbTMsr-BJvNbBJFvN-TP5rdeFCH6kJW8Q4ZnLZN0P2MBFGJOlOt7Pep976/w640-h480/IMG_20240313_budistpose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since there was no one around to guide us, we were respectful and curious, and did the best we could. Buddhism uses elements related to yoga, so it seemed fitting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E7ZTR7VHfxzy94EhwloEyltL1N21cKXiZ9QRM_SbznpUNFtiPyBgwKXdRBf3uofWda-MmUB0iT16QygCaC8Bm6k1p_cPybZrvo1vMTyo94kDuG0cYmam7roMsRPEpyzJ_-ZvmPetSTou6_DUJ4cXh91CEVURu87MnzAa1n4QFM9SZRw-OJY6ehg2gxXm/s3264/IMG_20240313_budisttemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1835" data-original-width="3264" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E7ZTR7VHfxzy94EhwloEyltL1N21cKXiZ9QRM_SbznpUNFtiPyBgwKXdRBf3uofWda-MmUB0iT16QygCaC8Bm6k1p_cPybZrvo1vMTyo94kDuG0cYmam7roMsRPEpyzJ_-ZvmPetSTou6_DUJ4cXh91CEVURu87MnzAa1n4QFM9SZRw-OJY6ehg2gxXm/w640-h360/IMG_20240313_budisttemple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Something that does qualify as weird, but still cool, is the <a href="https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2B034">Necropolis of Britannia Manor III</a>. This multi-stage cache includes puzzles and clues which lead you on a journey to a few scenic spots in Austin. We struggled a bit with the coordinates of the last stop, but thanks to notes in the documentation, we made it to the final destination! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCYug3lzSHia17Ws3_FKDZGqzfkU0sQ-sxaFriO7Nyvm-0CYMsE2J5lMH2eLmD5z-8Y1pE98auyATXoiNaRBv_ELpEGugdevzzvnyzqG1LlUCnU1KUM1XdaJCm61r8YDjw7k0DHuHaiwmul7DGWQWVJ5kloJjSui34KfdmG2rcmmIz0utpFYU25xaZ6md/s4240/IMG_20240314_cachetrail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4240" data-original-width="3178" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCYug3lzSHia17Ws3_FKDZGqzfkU0sQ-sxaFriO7Nyvm-0CYMsE2J5lMH2eLmD5z-8Y1pE98auyATXoiNaRBv_ELpEGugdevzzvnyzqG1LlUCnU1KUM1XdaJCm61r8YDjw7k0DHuHaiwmul7DGWQWVJ5kloJjSui34KfdmG2rcmmIz0utpFYU25xaZ6md/w480-h640/IMG_20240314_cachetrail.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHVRzXaMzRueGZ22GgGctP7r9Y_eogpRdckwLABIx4VnbuzH4zd933_xyS1mjeGvRp6cHzMCQNTG6bFOM95O3SZrQXNhDkVJYqKihEcOh7omYED765UpuYnRF7Mt0GFdErfD3O5LnQ52RoY56J5C_u5qjLHKX5H9oCSfSVGuj50K9hk66ng-zMWVgtosp/s4608/IMG_20240314_cachething.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHVRzXaMzRueGZ22GgGctP7r9Y_eogpRdckwLABIx4VnbuzH4zd933_xyS1mjeGvRp6cHzMCQNTG6bFOM95O3SZrQXNhDkVJYqKihEcOh7omYED765UpuYnRF7Mt0GFdErfD3O5LnQ52RoY56J5C_u5qjLHKX5H9oCSfSVGuj50K9hk66ng-zMWVgtosp/w480-h640/IMG_20240314_cachething.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />And even at the last stop, it was a short trek to the ultimate destination!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4lhRChEwx3kwSH49bkeNMz8NWgAOFe9Wo6lQR3kmqx0NBA_O_Trg2BkgqLbP8ULqi9yjEMpjCNFhZCk1gd8r_z49HOC1bMtHS08cdgEeCBkXwmQpxJAyZTAOvERZh5fgUFRNc1UbibREsRVkJ3A4ME6SE1EhBvARdIqctni7YOGYwMiOjUStpRIlpF02/s2679/IMG_20240314_cachehut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2008" data-original-width="2679" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4lhRChEwx3kwSH49bkeNMz8NWgAOFe9Wo6lQR3kmqx0NBA_O_Trg2BkgqLbP8ULqi9yjEMpjCNFhZCk1gd8r_z49HOC1bMtHS08cdgEeCBkXwmQpxJAyZTAOvERZh5fgUFRNc1UbibREsRVkJ3A4ME6SE1EhBvARdIqctni7YOGYwMiOjUStpRIlpF02/w640-h480/IMG_20240314_cachehut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>And even that just kept going...there was a combination to get inside to the treasure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6kWGqEGYGsQTmRQEDZp40ZUghXUAXZg2DKJYWR8S7tIT5sbIpdezpbidpIno_o-ZV9gdHtnTaHpcjhl3Qtis8lCop9M9BMFHSPvX5e-FXobsa-QAueftAC23A0FrUKbXu7YNU1uayZi1Tq5dcPCcxKjXwiyzITg5172FzGd455F25G3XZQwj8rllupBl/s4608/IMG_20240314_cacheinside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6kWGqEGYGsQTmRQEDZp40ZUghXUAXZg2DKJYWR8S7tIT5sbIpdezpbidpIno_o-ZV9gdHtnTaHpcjhl3Qtis8lCop9M9BMFHSPvX5e-FXobsa-QAueftAC23A0FrUKbXu7YNU1uayZi1Tq5dcPCcxKjXwiyzITg5172FzGd455F25G3XZQwj8rllupBl/w480-h640/IMG_20240314_cacheinside.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>The coolest treasure was the coin press, that turned quarters into trinkets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XmPXObA1mlAhbXAZYEwQ6XDipNeRPCmNHu22nBUdIepCCqphqMfYo4hVeUPU6nIBgP4E3OvDkxZJ-hbNancxX1wOXdD05IHkAbIWUrEm9tT5V91LZ8007y0hfCxEoFid88JH1WJnPtZTFG0LzJkoNz-aVeeMnm0XT2jOvhG4URKqoGh6s1Yn7kfe82e6/s1600/IMG_20240314_cachecoins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5XmPXObA1mlAhbXAZYEwQ6XDipNeRPCmNHu22nBUdIepCCqphqMfYo4hVeUPU6nIBgP4E3OvDkxZJ-hbNancxX1wOXdD05IHkAbIWUrEm9tT5V91LZ8007y0hfCxEoFid88JH1WJnPtZTFG0LzJkoNz-aVeeMnm0XT2jOvhG4URKqoGh6s1Yn7kfe82e6/w480-h640/IMG_20240314_cachecoins.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I'll be honest, when I saw the next entry on the itinerary, I was skeptical. Yes, we've played a <i><b>lot </b></i>of <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E5AmjXkvIyxgWwYt8YmhPpcxV6DNJ5Z0j7D2Aun0eQOa8Q3nRHQrck9DFhQ-dXY9CBymDZh-Zc4zm-5fkinZreBlaDZp2gW6T7JuFF1nAXEM__zzgmqFRVmYm0GyR4NpyIs4w9-77fQ/s1600/C360_2015-06-19-15-23-22.jpg"><b>mini golf</b> over the years</a>, but that is way different than swinging a wedge golf club. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy0df4ut2sZjPKGuhSoQ-j0QbUjSOMYX-cK7bV5s7VhGFymMT72SM9tVsIYaXJurn___0q5hWCVJGgW8uhphIMwR7G9Adt-2C52vjmhUUELTZ6jo9aXUQ2FJQvIfCTqstwCpIz2U70QhXGSxaQem9oL2A5TnGot8mKO3A4kOFyInDu2Vwgz_iMSxdrP1d/s3267/IMG_20240313_golfsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3267" data-original-width="3266" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy0df4ut2sZjPKGuhSoQ-j0QbUjSOMYX-cK7bV5s7VhGFymMT72SM9tVsIYaXJurn___0q5hWCVJGgW8uhphIMwR7G9Adt-2C52vjmhUUELTZ6jo9aXUQ2FJQvIfCTqstwCpIz2U70QhXGSxaQem9oL2A5TnGot8mKO3A4kOFyInDu2Vwgz_iMSxdrP1d/w640-h640/IMG_20240313_golfsign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>This was a par 3, 9-hole course, which is something Jeff and I have done before. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb-uMvzlt_y-lKyzoFsoINvNntHb6TBnoaVklza2q0AYkV34lLDlrIbgISJLF6BTsEWD7FMRnQQsnknjPCeQyTI_PO-I2McFuDDTRrsxWqyzDp0nKLp5GwMF4QmHLI1wtc24aDYWqxDYAG_b5MvlnQYjbAijYcftWaSqeDHCQ5iepGbJ_x21_NAQALp20/s4390/IMG_20240313_golfjef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3291" data-original-width="4390" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzb-uMvzlt_y-lKyzoFsoINvNntHb6TBnoaVklza2q0AYkV34lLDlrIbgISJLF6BTsEWD7FMRnQQsnknjPCeQyTI_PO-I2McFuDDTRrsxWqyzDp0nKLp5GwMF4QmHLI1wtc24aDYWqxDYAG_b5MvlnQYjbAijYcftWaSqeDHCQ5iepGbJ_x21_NAQALp20/w640-h480/IMG_20240313_golfjef.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNg1NOmd-sXEwvMPVTu_qRrXmMpT5s3NxH4BiBCsr7DEc1JdzhZFAOAGnvXn9pGvuZ18iGO9fAeYRNpCVB_Ioi9reT9cu-BpCkxU3GfEYsj1Gzy1t31VCO5OMdY4ziqo8D1s8gQCMAN0WLUO1PjPr3F33Y31LXJuImd9d2fhBMw-gIrUA3capncuB7SOy/s3154/IMG_20240313_golfjen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2364" data-original-width="3154" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNg1NOmd-sXEwvMPVTu_qRrXmMpT5s3NxH4BiBCsr7DEc1JdzhZFAOAGnvXn9pGvuZ18iGO9fAeYRNpCVB_Ioi9reT9cu-BpCkxU3GfEYsj1Gzy1t31VCO5OMdY4ziqo8D1s8gQCMAN0WLUO1PjPr3F33Y31LXJuImd9d2fhBMw-gIrUA3capncuB7SOy/w640-h480/IMG_20240313_golfjen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A totally new experience for Naomi and Danielle, and this is what parents do -- they expose their kids to new experiences! Jeff was a patient, articulate teacher, and his students were quite coachable! Naomi and Danielle both had nice shots off the tee with a sweet clicking noise and some air, more than once. (And yes, there were plenty that simply roll down the hill towards the green.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk440GOSfFjnNwQg4vXVwg2dqsLK0WKVWtSXhKdoeFBHfsS6dsnFwEoUmyGxpgDj0mIiqREwdgG3o6u6R4iGjLJVFn1IpXONuOWteAfr2m60IsC3WwQ0Mx3o4TjKW6oogSU_UShClW_q0RWkFJeFhZHVl_ANeuxwl7u2Q9NIRJmb8R-izo0x6Mk_d8Zk_/s3192/IMG_20240313_golfN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2393" data-original-width="3192" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk440GOSfFjnNwQg4vXVwg2dqsLK0WKVWtSXhKdoeFBHfsS6dsnFwEoUmyGxpgDj0mIiqREwdgG3o6u6R4iGjLJVFn1IpXONuOWteAfr2m60IsC3WwQ0Mx3o4TjKW6oogSU_UShClW_q0RWkFJeFhZHVl_ANeuxwl7u2Q9NIRJmb8R-izo0x6Mk_d8Zk_/w640-h480/IMG_20240313_golfN.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCrrfuHcXA1up95B4kj0C351hwA361SyX5g2ttLqJp1Lxgx3JkhrWMs9Ew6TzGnh4uujdjKmZKRPNlpNIDfxE-A4zks7-oOP5hfVIQwyxfG-osHb0XGV7EZ8XFGWwkKd1soYm9O1Ugx0vHXXeRDpdiHiMlCY_Az7UploZofCxqYHCXa9aPwx6bKvzpd4n/s4047/IMG_20240313_golfD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3034" data-original-width="4047" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCrrfuHcXA1up95B4kj0C351hwA361SyX5g2ttLqJp1Lxgx3JkhrWMs9Ew6TzGnh4uujdjKmZKRPNlpNIDfxE-A4zks7-oOP5hfVIQwyxfG-osHb0XGV7EZ8XFGWwkKd1soYm9O1Ugx0vHXXeRDpdiHiMlCY_Az7UploZofCxqYHCXa9aPwx6bKvzpd4n/w640-h480/IMG_20240313_golfD.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was the most perfect evening for a round of golf!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft-BisgvoUkDMtRdYwt-XRrMikrbFoXuTj2ctcauZ024j99Up3VA7VCu58n8t73vPFkeHGEQ6tpp0jIH0Cp1za0LUB_VVU6lRkDrEFaEFE0Y1bAeYbpjkcE4tBecc2mJChi9sNAPH4grGSjJE9SPRmMjS35cI_WCjzK9B5rxVttvfZTwnodHez7-rfRwZ/s1903/IMG_20240313_golfpose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="1903" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhft-BisgvoUkDMtRdYwt-XRrMikrbFoXuTj2ctcauZ024j99Up3VA7VCu58n8t73vPFkeHGEQ6tpp0jIH0Cp1za0LUB_VVU6lRkDrEFaEFE0Y1bAeYbpjkcE4tBecc2mJChi9sNAPH4grGSjJE9SPRmMjS35cI_WCjzK9B5rxVttvfZTwnodHez7-rfRwZ/w640-h480/IMG_20240313_golfpose.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Golf helps you work up an appetite, so we topped off the night with burgers and greasy onion rings and tots from <a href="https://www.topnotchaustin.com/story">Top Notch Burgers</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C7g_FKEcrIp0KqQszydDjKrZD9yae0Iz9hFpxrpVMteSGDdB08NrWAY54B1uamgi01lirqVqMiwU63090qy9zhl44E-sBOB72vl6L3sKtpbpB8asHA4fv0ROVOouk6SfzFxkGA0gya5KTa9vl6hd173UjtMhcDeTntGEUGtWh6XRWQzxUcC8HYbQFX-5/s3264/IMG_20240313_burgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7C7g_FKEcrIp0KqQszydDjKrZD9yae0Iz9hFpxrpVMteSGDdB08NrWAY54B1uamgi01lirqVqMiwU63090qy9zhl44E-sBOB72vl6L3sKtpbpB8asHA4fv0ROVOouk6SfzFxkGA0gya5KTa9vl6hd173UjtMhcDeTntGEUGtWh6XRWQzxUcC8HYbQFX-5/w480-h640/IMG_20240313_burgers.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>Hooray for Austin!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNV3JM5r3F_35q5TCNK-ZutRnlmqlzGniu-XJpe2nOcFbmgAvGG8bV4Ns6Dspt3BAoCx5I0d6MircaC2a4WorthrwkaIsNamlGIFtalylDcRkv-ACdSAo-ccOFOF5ORo0OK6xZ9q_a7yjrWwUcnheejr19ZaweR8W_Qoohi31Q_QFg7gDLCK6yi16NtLR/s3172/IMG_20240313_austinjump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2113" data-original-width="3172" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNV3JM5r3F_35q5TCNK-ZutRnlmqlzGniu-XJpe2nOcFbmgAvGG8bV4Ns6Dspt3BAoCx5I0d6MircaC2a4WorthrwkaIsNamlGIFtalylDcRkv-ACdSAo-ccOFOF5ORo0OK6xZ9q_a7yjrWwUcnheejr19ZaweR8W_Qoohi31Q_QFg7gDLCK6yi16NtLR/w640-h426/IMG_20240313_austinjump.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-90329818422121862012024-03-17T11:21:00.213-05:002024-03-17T11:21:00.131-05:00Spring Break: Southern Travels<p style="text-align: left;">It takes a bit of time to get allllll the way down to South Padre Island in the very tip of Texas, so Jeff collected a list of all the interesting sites that were in the area and turned it into part 2 of our Spring Break trip.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There is usually something <b>retro </b>included in that list, and this time is was Pizza Hut CLASSIC -- a throw back to old-school Pizza Hut locations with dining space (NOTE: Dallas only has pickup locations). We felt like we were back in the 80's. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUVef3SBhAz_7mCbixdWlyN6BkjOQ8IidIJMDxrzGYS3HRfJRLx03ZwF9a-mu0Z3dowQry7atfAiwk1JAmMsZ2DWGyuGQV4LiPibyefkyQiLtLiepC-_ajdQ1Khcj-gyl5Ze2noAphcrqsOX3524uReHvESGjq4ieoUhWuKsKQj4ZnGkTzYI-mp5xdihO/s3264/IMG_20240310_pizzahutclassic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUVef3SBhAz_7mCbixdWlyN6BkjOQ8IidIJMDxrzGYS3HRfJRLx03ZwF9a-mu0Z3dowQry7atfAiwk1JAmMsZ2DWGyuGQV4LiPibyefkyQiLtLiepC-_ajdQ1Khcj-gyl5Ze2noAphcrqsOX3524uReHvESGjq4ieoUhWuKsKQj4ZnGkTzYI-mp5xdihO/w640-h480/IMG_20240310_pizzahutclassic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2T29xVAY4qfjNvqkISzyKsIUDxL_bJCbbhxLLObDZNUcCpV67xifDMVWTm9EFJC2LepYjQ4szlTcrTUkBWbCIvETtrwBvS5QWL49pjH7Bo3esrKB0-xOiLkUYCnf3C0YooP4mvtPGAQgDUJzqQ3eKjEIeCEsvnb8ZmflL_TEPLCKQmv_pJ4ZUJWEfvm0/s3555/IMG_20240310_pizzahut.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2665" data-original-width="3555" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2T29xVAY4qfjNvqkISzyKsIUDxL_bJCbbhxLLObDZNUcCpV67xifDMVWTm9EFJC2LepYjQ4szlTcrTUkBWbCIvETtrwBvS5QWL49pjH7Bo3esrKB0-xOiLkUYCnf3C0YooP4mvtPGAQgDUJzqQ3eKjEIeCEsvnb8ZmflL_TEPLCKQmv_pJ4ZUJWEfvm0/w640-h480/IMG_20240310_pizzahut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, we were pretty far South, but not quite all the way to Easter Island. Lucky for us, somebody put up a few <a href="https://texashighways.com/travel-news/roadside-oddity-the-easter-island-heads-of-victoria/">replicas of the Moai</a> on the side of the road! </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QTD8a9V8t1r1TuJTSJwq1YNcrIowPNWv1Lfew6Nv2-RR1QqpcJPvkgarEVJTqpWIccTIFjN-gmwCv7jc5CAvzmDOhVqOx0e3DMOPrPNtgHlZM-9InNMCn0cXR5-YB6-NX149ovswuvTPDCEON-BdmH3u_go27D2bVR4sQDt_0kEHQlk2p-6mh70Wow5B/s3264/IMG_20240310_easterislandmoai.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2175" data-original-width="3264" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QTD8a9V8t1r1TuJTSJwq1YNcrIowPNWv1Lfew6Nv2-RR1QqpcJPvkgarEVJTqpWIccTIFjN-gmwCv7jc5CAvzmDOhVqOx0e3DMOPrPNtgHlZM-9InNMCn0cXR5-YB6-NX149ovswuvTPDCEON-BdmH3u_go27D2bVR4sQDt_0kEHQlk2p-6mh70Wow5B/w640-h426/IMG_20240310_easterislandmoai.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">The most <a href="https://allfiftyclub.com/southernmost-places-in-the-u-s-a/#:~:text=Brownsville%2C%20Texas&text=The%20city%20of%20Brownsville%20sits,actually%20called%20South%20Point%2C%20Texas.">southern point in Texas</a> happens to be Brownsville, so there we were. And we've got the nifty mural photo to prove it! This one was created by multiple artists -- such a cool way to capture the highlights of a city and share with countless others.<i> (Perhaps Amigonet HQ should consider adding a mural...)</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgQNfTFsopaVcEZaDUeL3_rYngc9l66FzM8bjC-2rLYZiIIpVWgEOSy739sv3YuXa2dsO5owpvJZkk1SmiwXuzq4x891_ARqzkT92-Pni7-Ljzyvu__pY0sBVguAKoZq490qBt3vXGiK9rblSfau7tDN6lPg65E3CD7FeYK758D3f14IJ3wm6WpCeSTzr/s2598/IMG_20240312_brownsville.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="2598" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdgQNfTFsopaVcEZaDUeL3_rYngc9l66FzM8bjC-2rLYZiIIpVWgEOSy739sv3YuXa2dsO5owpvJZkk1SmiwXuzq4x891_ARqzkT92-Pni7-Ljzyvu__pY0sBVguAKoZq490qBt3vXGiK9rblSfau7tDN6lPg65E3CD7FeYK758D3f14IJ3wm6WpCeSTzr/w640-h360/IMG_20240312_brownsville.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">And what is there to do in Brownsville? Well, not a whole lot, but we did discover black light mini golf at <a href="https://bobzworld.fun/black-light-mini-golf.html">Bobz World</a>. Tip: Skip hole 9 and go around for another round!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz7u6NpvWPRzfZ7GazntnxrTpA8o3r0N6yN5JMbl_BFBNxZtmPLez5BGRxQERrPduzWN_45erfP9YpaAs1p7j81iYQPEzoaLRenfhZE6Kf_JE1hwikYoSysoLDnTBYScE5rTqGpq-VNTOE1AWpjWHnX0Qju3ErmuupExxG8R9Xyupu4TjYYdqIFGEa46k/s3264/IMG_20240312_bvbobs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz7u6NpvWPRzfZ7GazntnxrTpA8o3r0N6yN5JMbl_BFBNxZtmPLez5BGRxQERrPduzWN_45erfP9YpaAs1p7j81iYQPEzoaLRenfhZE6Kf_JE1hwikYoSysoLDnTBYScE5rTqGpq-VNTOE1AWpjWHnX0Qju3ErmuupExxG8R9Xyupu4TjYYdqIFGEa46k/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_bvbobs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2T1TR8V85AlQA-n2s9eC37POYd3NFY_gNve0aknPs_W54nlfRXjgvyclxqNkbIWACIQ6KlNfS9IsOeNuVyz72jlaIJh19rhP6elw1qQAKlCpGTW8VKmqVyDgHA48_SwKak2_OHECKLHZNdLfXWcuokGNe5Zbvtrm1nOndmlxKxE6Ch5PN933iyuJOLK6/s3264/IMG_20240312_bvbobsshark.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2T1TR8V85AlQA-n2s9eC37POYd3NFY_gNve0aknPs_W54nlfRXjgvyclxqNkbIWACIQ6KlNfS9IsOeNuVyz72jlaIJh19rhP6elw1qQAKlCpGTW8VKmqVyDgHA48_SwKak2_OHECKLHZNdLfXWcuokGNe5Zbvtrm1nOndmlxKxE6Ch5PN933iyuJOLK6/w480-h640/IMG_20240312_bvbobsshark.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">And so while we were all the way down south, we decided Naomi and Danielle should once again experience our border with Mexico with their own eyes (ie. not biased by the news or by comments from other people). So alas, we headed to the <a href="https://www.cameroncountytx.gov/gateway-bridge/">Gateway International Bridge</a> to make our way into Matamoros, Mexico (<a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2022/09/seeds-of-love.html">for a second time</a>). Some of us were not excited about this endeavor (names have been redacted to protect the rights of the individual(s)), but we fueled up, purchased our pedestrian tokens and stuck together!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GYqFe3BT7c52azHPG5JV0vOawLCeuutRyzzDo8yTlsq3FkHbe3ko-K5c64NR8o1GaGKZaVthKgg4mag_ZgmRzi0fOZd04mVYUJHtPUYotIj61Hp1GJjjHiIfRVidaArFjgeAgU_WEo43miCbDOWy_dkf_tooY08qBfrF1fF1qt7zjCbz_81yHowdpXf_/s3264/IMG_20240312_snacks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GYqFe3BT7c52azHPG5JV0vOawLCeuutRyzzDo8yTlsq3FkHbe3ko-K5c64NR8o1GaGKZaVthKgg4mag_ZgmRzi0fOZd04mVYUJHtPUYotIj61Hp1GJjjHiIfRVidaArFjgeAgU_WEo43miCbDOWy_dkf_tooY08qBfrF1fF1qt7zjCbz_81yHowdpXf_/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_snacks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL5WxnUm0pPPiBanNoAoag-6a6S4JiyI3dUZJZyCTMnvoKLuOn51uK7jzzp4XGUkxllcGM2PuGMH7rFLzYywjHUtou_x-zdELmyrKEb3ZP0pkGu2h2W1MkSpNiBkxTx21dBDW2nawFDl6eDXdyDlCRAEYxmGu_Cp7kQKDZS21GMGbIZpBCLn2vzs7ajo3/s3456/IMG_20240312_bridgetoken.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2591" data-original-width="3456" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL5WxnUm0pPPiBanNoAoag-6a6S4JiyI3dUZJZyCTMnvoKLuOn51uK7jzzp4XGUkxllcGM2PuGMH7rFLzYywjHUtou_x-zdELmyrKEb3ZP0pkGu2h2W1MkSpNiBkxTx21dBDW2nawFDl6eDXdyDlCRAEYxmGu_Cp7kQKDZS21GMGbIZpBCLn2vzs7ajo3/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_bridgetoken.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There was very little traffic heading <b>into </b>Mexico -- only a few other walkers and a handful of cars, no lines. (<i>Note: the cars in the background are heading into the US</i>)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZbxjfrWw5FpolPHLWViMlI3DCje5GMlc4En9HR7k3G_IfOeKR5_h-XIRqbKwIF4BWo-BrGvQlH-RJedbmpfgWYebxwm1mOUCseQSVxDsoY4JIM579OuPVec2-pJ-2U63dE-d4gMEpiZ_HqTf7qJPquS4gFqyh58B2x0xCrtV5uM6ZlbGUs3TfXwSyRs_/s3062/IMG_20240312_enteringmexico.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="3062" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZbxjfrWw5FpolPHLWViMlI3DCje5GMlc4En9HR7k3G_IfOeKR5_h-XIRqbKwIF4BWo-BrGvQlH-RJedbmpfgWYebxwm1mOUCseQSVxDsoY4JIM579OuPVec2-pJ-2U63dE-d4gMEpiZ_HqTf7qJPquS4gFqyh58B2x0xCrtV5uM6ZlbGUs3TfXwSyRs_/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_enteringmexico.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>No man's land...uneventful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII4N7A1hkpa_YudikfQO9rbgpNDTZZZYNOPjqa5fc1YqtWzLPU5b0TgE34Jnyb4ZpRJuw1H0SDcaS07bSxVlkGQOKqAO3uBbTWhTwd2Ww881Fr9cFtpGronXRqVCR_H_IHpVRsbVJxAY82yFV8dzbxlz0knrQVkD42LbhdhBqLVlgmuKvqrtkp0Jo9Jm_/s4608/IMG_20240312_internationalspace.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII4N7A1hkpa_YudikfQO9rbgpNDTZZZYNOPjqa5fc1YqtWzLPU5b0TgE34Jnyb4ZpRJuw1H0SDcaS07bSxVlkGQOKqAO3uBbTWhTwd2Ww881Fr9cFtpGronXRqVCR_H_IHpVRsbVJxAY82yFV8dzbxlz0knrQVkD42LbhdhBqLVlgmuKvqrtkp0Jo9Jm_/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_internationalspace.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Jeff had identified a couple nearby destinations just across the border, but ultimately, we ended up just walking up and back along the main street. We did not want to venture too far off the known path, and our phones did not work there). It was all very typical of a downtown area. There were no scary people (only one single person that made anyone nervous), no line of migrants and no drug deals happening around. Everyone we saw was just making their way through the day, just like the rest of us in life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YbcgjjG_3CB1mVKxsm2K0-2bp3bVCuNRhBLyA6flkLyMACsBj-bzwtmp9MH2YRKj-jLZS-ZiOsV_qrAZkUg3W94LIPkopSYKTmen9CnLOivA_4dvwgAVUYtI_-zoq2VnHX57PEsR5wFcrHbvJtwU_SxpudCEdsPrkylIfzvIE9lLLy4MCeGhGJUqwDus/s3264/IMG_20240312_sculpture.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YbcgjjG_3CB1mVKxsm2K0-2bp3bVCuNRhBLyA6flkLyMACsBj-bzwtmp9MH2YRKj-jLZS-ZiOsV_qrAZkUg3W94LIPkopSYKTmen9CnLOivA_4dvwgAVUYtI_-zoq2VnHX57PEsR5wFcrHbvJtwU_SxpudCEdsPrkylIfzvIE9lLLy4MCeGhGJUqwDus/w480-h640/IMG_20240312_sculpture.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-96D8tJ2hpW-InXoyTt7y4TnZcBqoYZxGvngSdHKTcWrKl5bj0i_d9FK_SlrhCK3AsDO6OZ3otpkBCRwIzynBeiZCzZsn5cNnO_YJWGpaNz21jfxM5VB55zW3CIhzXMncE487U0XMIEm02HAhmlKMpCSTiwRUtHWcDW-sGuA1rvlkJl2dOnSaJDAFXhyphenhyphenk/s3264/IMG_20240312_mexico.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-96D8tJ2hpW-InXoyTt7y4TnZcBqoYZxGvngSdHKTcWrKl5bj0i_d9FK_SlrhCK3AsDO6OZ3otpkBCRwIzynBeiZCzZsn5cNnO_YJWGpaNz21jfxM5VB55zW3CIhzXMncE487U0XMIEm02HAhmlKMpCSTiwRUtHWcDW-sGuA1rvlkJl2dOnSaJDAFXhyphenhyphenk/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_mexico.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgsumY5Yv_kuyzxpxWfGkzaYMZ1ahd6LI0MqkV68bX3ut5NdvtCFnbxCBKpdW38azU9-Nrn1_UrLV2xH19W4hWc9Zlx_I2UJorv2cGEIrzQ4-zxcsgHe5rjwVGMPPrJ8acGQaUsKTnEAxdltdFPepEZAYr9U-Gh2NhSctH1imKNXquNDgOA78t8cqG8kV/s3264/IMG_20240312_walkinginmexico.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgsumY5Yv_kuyzxpxWfGkzaYMZ1ahd6LI0MqkV68bX3ut5NdvtCFnbxCBKpdW38azU9-Nrn1_UrLV2xH19W4hWc9Zlx_I2UJorv2cGEIrzQ4-zxcsgHe5rjwVGMPPrJ8acGQaUsKTnEAxdltdFPepEZAYr9U-Gh2NhSctH1imKNXquNDgOA78t8cqG8kV/w480-h640/IMG_20240312_walkinginmexico.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Doubtful this would pass code or inspection in the US!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujqgKnJnhTnco8RB0LDExCS-b0pRIR5VvmHvk6Ub2nUr-mjfLBoj1E4_kc2sbQqC9dnNhvBZcDrdL-t41gqEz6vyxJ5o1S69V2bh1qPeABsL0CNBFtbpFa8TZ8q4VoguCz2N8c2k7Saki_vEfRIprb8sgq2gqXLI5v24kHr0PpRkh15alMJL7oFcRayxM/s4608/IMG_20240312_wiresinmexico.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujqgKnJnhTnco8RB0LDExCS-b0pRIR5VvmHvk6Ub2nUr-mjfLBoj1E4_kc2sbQqC9dnNhvBZcDrdL-t41gqEz6vyxJ5o1S69V2bh1qPeABsL0CNBFtbpFa8TZ8q4VoguCz2N8c2k7Saki_vEfRIprb8sgq2gqXLI5v24kHr0PpRkh15alMJL7oFcRayxM/w480-h640/IMG_20240312_wiresinmexico.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">We only stayed about 1 hour, and decided to head back -- we had seen the line to get into the US and weren't sure how long it would take. But thankfully, it was super fast and easy. No chaos, everyone just waiting their turn. We did stand in line for a bit, until a nice gentleman told us that if we had a US passport we could head on up to the front. I made friends with the guy, Lawrence, and followed his lead. Turns out, he was from South Padre Island, a Cowboys fan and was NINETY-THREE years old!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClerbXbA-4DKKmHvnTB03S4g08Com8Jzh57i6d35Bwm8mbR2a-L0T-Psx6kiU6hh6_anhavWxLNELGi6WcPznd-5XQlu51Z_UWyTkPiOlXr7trIYWTzNDiL9pzVF4LsXIXHQPn6vCT13wh-Kx_QgJe5xKuUtgszcdBYyQSKGk7EGTQWB2PpXkdI4WO5L-/s4042/IMG_20240312_lineintousa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4042" data-original-width="3030" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClerbXbA-4DKKmHvnTB03S4g08Com8Jzh57i6d35Bwm8mbR2a-L0T-Psx6kiU6hh6_anhavWxLNELGi6WcPznd-5XQlu51Z_UWyTkPiOlXr7trIYWTzNDiL9pzVF4LsXIXHQPn6vCT13wh-Kx_QgJe5xKuUtgszcdBYyQSKGk7EGTQWB2PpXkdI4WO5L-/w480-h640/IMG_20240312_lineintousa.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We walked past about a hundred people in two different sections, and went straight to the border agents checking passports and documents. The border agent asked each of us questions individually. Danielle had to give the name of her school. Naomi had to confirm she had no bags with items from Mexico. Jeff and I had to answer what we doing in Mexico.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeHDW5sXauyA-xJtWpsq4lyUj3YrG96CPHnCNmUZ1CWRNwOpd-UK6H0mRSsRAiwDuOu4jscIKD0saav99KYzP606TJazJyXwX24LHv4ysHUj8TC9PlVqnq3w3eTg7vqsrErUXILRr5Q_uANzjHtoqsB-PhsTyx3KtlZnF7ogzd-MXrS_oKpAFMudCQj4R/s2666/IMG_20240312_backinusa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="2666" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeHDW5sXauyA-xJtWpsq4lyUj3YrG96CPHnCNmUZ1CWRNwOpd-UK6H0mRSsRAiwDuOu4jscIKD0saav99KYzP606TJazJyXwX24LHv4ysHUj8TC9PlVqnq3w3eTg7vqsrErUXILRr5Q_uANzjHtoqsB-PhsTyx3KtlZnF7ogzd-MXrS_oKpAFMudCQj4R/w640-h480/IMG_20240312_backinusa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>And by that time, we were all famished and ready for some yummy Mexican food!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkDJfjSOgR6aSwEmy2naowlqhPbMFVQCfzGyIvthyphenhyphen3cBQAqzisznsgLr1T-UEseQEEBnR3okGBJUUPwZZ1-_7iYFVhq_17HlsGAdp-jBCexDj_7r9QMsICEAbomxXkW_O_Pe_ssS5LjDopKVCQlW929Sh64q6bUE24TXz-TO1LszMMHwIEYaMieJjTY4N/s4608/IMG_20240312_bvnachos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAkDJfjSOgR6aSwEmy2naowlqhPbMFVQCfzGyIvthyphenhyphen3cBQAqzisznsgLr1T-UEseQEEBnR3okGBJUUPwZZ1-_7iYFVhq_17HlsGAdp-jBCexDj_7r9QMsICEAbomxXkW_O_Pe_ssS5LjDopKVCQlW929Sh64q6bUE24TXz-TO1LszMMHwIEYaMieJjTY4N/w480-h640/IMG_20240312_bvnachos.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-81634154313862000572024-03-15T11:21:00.257-05:002024-03-15T15:52:12.554-05:00SPI: Family Spring Break'ers<p>Where's a great place to head for Spring Break in Texas? South Padre Island, of course! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R4Md2aabtUgDwsET4tCLMMe24hNWK172b17I3Yg1shBT676AYtKs9z8RydwuI1pr-w1sCs_PJ8O142VzexLuH3uiHgek09Fuwg0veyoqHvq7VCDlsxnVN5SenKZrpXTerDV9m3t_RIW3ALExK7HqDDQ0wbLPWOt1DmLHh1Cc8vLApKA964aQ8X-LaIbs/s1913/IMG_20240310_spisign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1912" data-original-width="1913" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R4Md2aabtUgDwsET4tCLMMe24hNWK172b17I3Yg1shBT676AYtKs9z8RydwuI1pr-w1sCs_PJ8O142VzexLuH3uiHgek09Fuwg0veyoqHvq7VCDlsxnVN5SenKZrpXTerDV9m3t_RIW3ALExK7HqDDQ0wbLPWOt1DmLHh1Cc8vLApKA964aQ8X-LaIbs/w640-h640/IMG_20240310_spisign.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">But not quite for the same reasons that some [college-aged] kids head that way. It is an entertaining place for <b>family fun</b> too. Bring on all the greatness that comes with the sound of the waves! While the weather was nice, the temperatures were not quite inviting enough to get too far <b><i>in</i></b> the water. So, Jeff, Naomi and Danielle spent their time in ankle-deep water. No sharks at that depth!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2LJYpY8lHCN9rZUwUNIwFscKsVT7_-Zv25hEznvi7Db33YgsgYqkWAc1dIbTofAn_QffHgNvUojJ4m1mV7UaRp9yUOIjt7opwA__YbEVuwRf74wawPKsAe87VeluTv0i4hyphenhyphenQvqcpUXVox-duGOOWuFn9EyLVpBiVgp8koRXVTZDrqHKTDuH2kyWU_ZR6/s3256/IMG_20240310_spibaeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2441" data-original-width="3256" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2LJYpY8lHCN9rZUwUNIwFscKsVT7_-Zv25hEznvi7Db33YgsgYqkWAc1dIbTofAn_QffHgNvUojJ4m1mV7UaRp9yUOIjt7opwA__YbEVuwRf74wawPKsAe87VeluTv0i4hyphenhyphenQvqcpUXVox-duGOOWuFn9EyLVpBiVgp8koRXVTZDrqHKTDuH2kyWU_ZR6/w640-h480/IMG_20240310_spibaeach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruEbrtEL6EiOO9ipYRW3hIQ-bqqOIlk0zlPQ545BegJqGt9ASJk5d0MsZPD9QH3WdthGc8gTPAIugvkRrzacvC3mKaYOY-48yffe8mXk93tGOmixbK2_Qz67rpA3DpHR019ENwL9SjgX1couDTZHyekpedlWc-o88yy_xf6oTCVkx2F97zUaXEvRfGcNv/s3943/IMG_20240310_spibeachjump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3943" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruEbrtEL6EiOO9ipYRW3hIQ-bqqOIlk0zlPQ545BegJqGt9ASJk5d0MsZPD9QH3WdthGc8gTPAIugvkRrzacvC3mKaYOY-48yffe8mXk93tGOmixbK2_Qz67rpA3DpHR019ENwL9SjgX1couDTZHyekpedlWc-o88yy_xf6oTCVkx2F97zUaXEvRfGcNv/w640-h480/IMG_20240310_spibeachjump.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent my time <i>in the wind where the sand meets the sea</i>. (Sounding poetic makes my aversion to cold-water seem a little nicer.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCpkadPy7UW-vuGjbjHuJbpb_v_d5jz5caa1SOz1-ckD83o0yHDmiG3OzrO3lbezJVYof1fyzYWN3V1E4yyT1dAi967Ial9Y0X01qrIJ5XqqSAcdnKEnF9LhIS05AQawLNkmEboLtr-81H-EElA1MsB8LSOE8zQzHXE2-A2sh7gSWd1AIPZDi7LleW-dN/s3264/IMG_20240311_spibeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCpkadPy7UW-vuGjbjHuJbpb_v_d5jz5caa1SOz1-ckD83o0yHDmiG3OzrO3lbezJVYof1fyzYWN3V1E4yyT1dAi967Ial9Y0X01qrIJ5XqqSAcdnKEnF9LhIS05AQawLNkmEboLtr-81H-EElA1MsB8LSOE8zQzHXE2-A2sh7gSWd1AIPZDi7LleW-dN/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spibeach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Danielle did have a vision for her beach time. She packed her latest book and her treasured volleyball and made good use of the time! Oh, and she posed for esthetic pictures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTgkFThIY6gx62EONla11rdjgXJDvsMASGibmxt_A4Y0sBxRm2kRRvDr98iJOeLTWRKS8mL0f69L53YQ1bgdyAG7mg_GMfFrKSWjOoCv9vKW1p8fAGDV-ixxlzi2pGH5kaZhyjzGlDoiX11Cfa9xjYsQMhFwpwhjRJklOEXHBJ0-QOrzQAQxXYKHr25qr/s3660/IMG_20240311_spidread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2744" data-original-width="3660" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTgkFThIY6gx62EONla11rdjgXJDvsMASGibmxt_A4Y0sBxRm2kRRvDr98iJOeLTWRKS8mL0f69L53YQ1bgdyAG7mg_GMfFrKSWjOoCv9vKW1p8fAGDV-ixxlzi2pGH5kaZhyjzGlDoiX11Cfa9xjYsQMhFwpwhjRJklOEXHBJ0-QOrzQAQxXYKHr25qr/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spidread.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHduX3EUdZhV8XyzrllzUD4A_LKvP4_DwHwc44BZ7UBHNLHG_Wl_8yrOuOUH-J4zdUt5_Kop6ZX1MdH94iFhDHGhXu5AFW6q0NedHIrXbHFiACBSfBfjCBAOYc4J4VkvuQ78PJQC_jYe4e2geuPFKO8dZz7OKM9Q7spov63HZxjoqfIT7GTVjG9EDaqga/s2741/IMG_20240311_spivb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2741" data-original-width="2054" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHduX3EUdZhV8XyzrllzUD4A_LKvP4_DwHwc44BZ7UBHNLHG_Wl_8yrOuOUH-J4zdUt5_Kop6ZX1MdH94iFhDHGhXu5AFW6q0NedHIrXbHFiACBSfBfjCBAOYc4J4VkvuQ78PJQC_jYe4e2geuPFKO8dZz7OKM9Q7spov63HZxjoqfIT7GTVjG9EDaqga/w480-h640/IMG_20240311_spivb.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">With all that sand, there's bound to be some sandcastles. Yes, South Padre Island has a semi-permanent <a href="https://sandcastlevillage.com/">Sandcastle Village</a>. People's creativity is amazing and their skills are impressive. Apparently, there is a bit of magic too with tools that compact the sand and a slight mix of glue -- makes a world of difference and some incredible art!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwoTzKgSUAykemUbWK7tKXADC9AhTmM43SNXnH9SmxjMm3Jvu-0-nNiR9O8h7Kp972siT5pPnUCRF9t8cK48mFXsJrGn5XLkjVBq2fpe6vRzFsrS-_wueOY-ZHhElqCo5xY-QiOb7sgIuQcoTyYK_dLWeeNcgVKM8MLJcivJR9bdSiAFolJoZYousOg5m/s3264/IMG_20240310_spisand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwoTzKgSUAykemUbWK7tKXADC9AhTmM43SNXnH9SmxjMm3Jvu-0-nNiR9O8h7Kp972siT5pPnUCRF9t8cK48mFXsJrGn5XLkjVBq2fpe6vRzFsrS-_wueOY-ZHhElqCo5xY-QiOb7sgIuQcoTyYK_dLWeeNcgVKM8MLJcivJR9bdSiAFolJoZYousOg5m/w640-h480/IMG_20240310_spisand.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We used our skills for pickelball -- a recently added family fun activity for us. This was such a lovely place to enjoy the outdoors. Just remember the sunscreen next time -- Naomi and Danielle got sunburns on the <i>backs </i>of their legs. Ouch.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCmUXkEf3PEO6X-cr6Vm93sjPtSTUyii0qM2Mu_ppINI4e06RxFRkWAhTnSmLx0_h4OMgBgobOZmormea_M79TMx3XczTas374cgVeuHkqUM3bZnve7UVjczTKQCvLTQCgKf4d5Y7k0JNYes_ZeeH4syiBHop9_rIcQi36H6R7ew4cVTY693jQgyTpull/s2519/IMG_20240311_spipickelball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1888" data-original-width="2519" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCmUXkEf3PEO6X-cr6Vm93sjPtSTUyii0qM2Mu_ppINI4e06RxFRkWAhTnSmLx0_h4OMgBgobOZmormea_M79TMx3XczTas374cgVeuHkqUM3bZnve7UVjczTKQCvLTQCgKf4d5Y7k0JNYes_ZeeH4syiBHop9_rIcQi36H6R7ew4cVTY693jQgyTpull/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spipickelball.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When surrounded by water on an island, there are a few things you definitely need to do -- like head out on a boat for another view. Normally, that would mean a ferry ride, but this time our boat ride had a mission: a <a href="https://theoriginaldolphinwatch.com/">dolphin watching cruise</a>. We lucked out with a mostly-shady spot at the front of the boat for prime viewing. I kept my expectations low, just in case, but the dolphins did not disappoint! The ride first included an "eco-tour", where nets were lowered to see what creatures we could catch and learn about (blowfish, shrimp and tiny squid). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SfP7QJZMow0PQ5AsZ14pz4ymp9eZROt1lDt5F2ipTAHpGPDfSFN6QAtw_A8uPgJHY19hZgJswti1CqHwFquWpBruuGl_Y1Ak7R7oGPPeENfpZmsvWgS5dxH5PLwP4a-LZMaPMSIMvTZb3sBNPdcFwe_hT0EbgQTTdS-in7vQk6MP8MiMmz2E_e00Wn9A/s2814/IMG_20240311_spiboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2109" data-original-width="2814" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SfP7QJZMow0PQ5AsZ14pz4ymp9eZROt1lDt5F2ipTAHpGPDfSFN6QAtw_A8uPgJHY19hZgJswti1CqHwFquWpBruuGl_Y1Ak7R7oGPPeENfpZmsvWgS5dxH5PLwP4a-LZMaPMSIMvTZb3sBNPdcFwe_hT0EbgQTTdS-in7vQk6MP8MiMmz2E_e00Wn9A/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spiboat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After that, we rode around to different areas where we encountered several small pods of dolphins that were quite active. No tricks on command, but a few definitely seemed like they were "playing" and having fun! And they just naturally look like they are always smiling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfZp29nKWmky4G2gFP-z3q9qjk63MCWrPGcs3i_S57_LBNo32E_eaP6YeBT2GZWRlrQsbJLRWvdEGcYeZPne1FPqpBv6vaB0VJ1dsz_MnhX0HlVRNhfU_RU81yqtBMmyO8h7rIKNYJdrCk4JAzI-Uew8KZuNvSh7kvGaAaPQ1zz7ir8y7n2_iLfk3zm2c/s1482/IMG_20240311_spidolphin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1111" data-original-width="1482" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfZp29nKWmky4G2gFP-z3q9qjk63MCWrPGcs3i_S57_LBNo32E_eaP6YeBT2GZWRlrQsbJLRWvdEGcYeZPne1FPqpBv6vaB0VJ1dsz_MnhX0HlVRNhfU_RU81yqtBMmyO8h7rIKNYJdrCk4JAzI-Uew8KZuNvSh7kvGaAaPQ1zz7ir8y7n2_iLfk3zm2c/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spidolphin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjcQhlQIfrVPAUJcA4Btgqk8LkhOddMZ72Sr26xCc7CQEsPgc-ZchcsFGLp9_RnAxG1eW9BGvt70GWSofWV8R_j6AdyfWKFiL_HLn3x53RN-rrwaA8dPgKCVaEYme9FPdx2IKw5xSmT7NUeH56vCQn6u6bXKEJu5_1yy8O91D3vQ6V7MtJIkuKXDvuzXa/s1390/IMG_20240311_spidolphins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1390" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjcQhlQIfrVPAUJcA4Btgqk8LkhOddMZ72Sr26xCc7CQEsPgc-ZchcsFGLp9_RnAxG1eW9BGvt70GWSofWV8R_j6AdyfWKFiL_HLn3x53RN-rrwaA8dPgKCVaEYme9FPdx2IKw5xSmT7NUeH56vCQn6u6bXKEJu5_1yy8O91D3vQ6V7MtJIkuKXDvuzXa/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spidolphins.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Thankfully, no sharks were spotted! In fact, the only sharks we encountered were quite harmless.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIPFaXDNSiAUlKpMyeOy_ynjFj-ZZ3ruzSMZeC6jeXCIwbpIrtF3519LoDnwimxRkvnhW1zvcYvuDCFIJWux9_A3z5sXyGC1IQwGVmM-90PThE8AeIfvAzEIQh24Vq2nXQyg-PtvI83gjg57dzKclEZePz5w8mD4MutCDD60V4nw6cCd3QqJ8KFrZXh4s/s4320/IMG_20240311_spishark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4320" data-original-width="2879" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIPFaXDNSiAUlKpMyeOy_ynjFj-ZZ3ruzSMZeC6jeXCIwbpIrtF3519LoDnwimxRkvnhW1zvcYvuDCFIJWux9_A3z5sXyGC1IQwGVmM-90PThE8AeIfvAzEIQh24Vq2nXQyg-PtvI83gjg57dzKclEZePz5w8mD4MutCDD60V4nw6cCd3QqJ8KFrZXh4s/w426-h640/IMG_20240311_spishark.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Another requirement when at the edge of land, is to seek out a lighthouse. <a href="https://portisabellighthouse.com/lighthouse/">Port Isabel Lighthouse</a> provided spectacular views of the bay and a great photo backdrop! (I appreciate Jeff having an eye for interesting pictures.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRXA-Y_l4uWAKz37IYfYcmAelW_ooB3Piap5SMmAgeHt_xwNFnOeUH4Gme7r5ZQSlp5bWvfWClWFJ-WImSvr5emGP8fijPuLAbrYOEb9D43ltveNOEKNcG1F38l2u-Th1h1hrrndBEGeZljFmUI7d1KytBEGTB8TD6SkXPa3NL7ilDonZB3JYdsMofGr5/s2256/IMG_20240311_spilighthouse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2255" data-original-width="2256" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqRXA-Y_l4uWAKz37IYfYcmAelW_ooB3Piap5SMmAgeHt_xwNFnOeUH4Gme7r5ZQSlp5bWvfWClWFJ-WImSvr5emGP8fijPuLAbrYOEb9D43ltveNOEKNcG1F38l2u-Th1h1hrrndBEGeZljFmUI7d1KytBEGTB8TD6SkXPa3NL7ilDonZB3JYdsMofGr5/w640-h640/IMG_20240311_spilighthouse2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCIupoNJTaiP7uVs74sMgDTEFwJ3OXn8okNsMIBt4lxVufau0bpbI9X72YnuCPjXuKuPWSrbXmnpzAbqtLafDvNYUYotSXvatkR5_CZaOreVl3rgws1O70Xp7zcnB4czKQKPAHM3zU_nwSZBfxAW_2j0wD536-XPzP5iTWv_c4UJEZj6Gkl60qTIxFX6n/s3457/IMG_20240311_spilighthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3457" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCIupoNJTaiP7uVs74sMgDTEFwJ3OXn8okNsMIBt4lxVufau0bpbI9X72YnuCPjXuKuPWSrbXmnpzAbqtLafDvNYUYotSXvatkR5_CZaOreVl3rgws1O70Xp7zcnB4czKQKPAHM3zU_nwSZBfxAW_2j0wD536-XPzP5iTWv_c4UJEZj6Gkl60qTIxFX6n/w640-h640/IMG_20240311_spilighthouse.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jeff puts in extra effort to find interesting places for us to eat while on vacation, including this trip at <a href="https://www.pirateslandingrestaurant.com/">Pirate's Landing</a>. The vibe was good, the decorations were a perfect island setting and the buttered biscuits were a-mazing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtvzJRgRX_Na7QdWsOaeCBwSKXYV6dj-Xne9EqSeFuEr6RMjXtztt1x_RD3A-UgdKmVTFee9sCEzky8ZIfuj08jql1G3PhFh1miPp06-K4JxYm2hND0TQKt7AEBAHNHp-39YJkAbf5s0LbhIb3yn1MTBoQwOxDW9pCiqjCnSSS5fVa8bE2_llpQBdjYge/s2747/IMG_20240311_spipiratelanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2061" data-original-width="2747" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtvzJRgRX_Na7QdWsOaeCBwSKXYV6dj-Xne9EqSeFuEr6RMjXtztt1x_RD3A-UgdKmVTFee9sCEzky8ZIfuj08jql1G3PhFh1miPp06-K4JxYm2hND0TQKt7AEBAHNHp-39YJkAbf5s0LbhIb3yn1MTBoQwOxDW9pCiqjCnSSS5fVa8bE2_llpQBdjYge/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spipiratelanding.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At restaurants, we typically politely wave off the wandering performers that appear at our table. However this time, I'm glad we did not -- this sleight-of-hand magician (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHm7C0fVkx8rq0UPrBbAa4g">Krooked Hands</a>) was incredible. We focused with every bit of attention, but could not figure out how he did his tricks! A fork, bills, cards, pen and a billiard ball. (<i>At the end, he did reveal that he had a tiny assistant! HA!</i>) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95jd-Ei2s5UVLiid9F5tdorZhIjwaQ9OTl2zqAUwMqMxtZdtzRef-R6W2lNmECBHhrxfpX6HFImHeNwthWxJicsPNfJMlWrI3c7Q0xPjbZ-gpDfOGs1qJCAQssxirmgc19lwV9948JmOmJZI2f-J30naFn6V6jCbU2lTrvUQvpB5aBEaPIv0XbthS1nzm/s3777/IMG_20240311_spimagician.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2831" data-original-width="3777" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95jd-Ei2s5UVLiid9F5tdorZhIjwaQ9OTl2zqAUwMqMxtZdtzRef-R6W2lNmECBHhrxfpX6HFImHeNwthWxJicsPNfJMlWrI3c7Q0xPjbZ-gpDfOGs1qJCAQssxirmgc19lwV9948JmOmJZI2f-J30naFn6V6jCbU2lTrvUQvpB5aBEaPIv0XbthS1nzm/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spimagician.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final mandatory near-the-ocean activity: find a pier to stroll along! This one was pretty lively-- while walking out we saw a guy catch and <i>carefully </i>release a stingray, and when walking back we saw the same guy catch and release a good-sized crab. There was also a couple of chatty fishermen from Kansa at the end of the pier, who were eager to make conversation and share their fishing stories!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnFfZeVADTLbDxlBkY3TB3izgotp1EgextYQXQVo7gsXxpHvy9oDR489Uoskhz7qtk7dgeHV8rxPQF911VQjVPl_bbRaKNy4cUh6jVV371D28t0AcXLZ4ZqqsV_lUWE9jQHf1b-YB7VEv1Ec1Qkhgxp98y9qF9rXM1Iez12W_ldgZYx-GCaw14Vs88LWj/s3197/IMG_20240311_spipiratepier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2397" data-original-width="3197" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnFfZeVADTLbDxlBkY3TB3izgotp1EgextYQXQVo7gsXxpHvy9oDR489Uoskhz7qtk7dgeHV8rxPQF911VQjVPl_bbRaKNy4cUh6jVV371D28t0AcXLZ4ZqqsV_lUWE9jQHf1b-YB7VEv1Ec1Qkhgxp98y9qF9rXM1Iez12W_ldgZYx-GCaw14Vs88LWj/w640-h480/IMG_20240311_spipiratepier.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The family connection and memory-making continues!! </p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-52062072925069422192024-03-12T12:12:00.236-05:002024-03-12T12:12:00.253-05:00Two Icons, One Night<div style="text-align: left;">Talk about a long time coming!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But ya know, COVID taught us to be patient.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When our <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2021/11/gimmie-shelter.html">2020 Stones concert</a> was pushed back to 2021, we opted to hold our tickets. And hope they didn't die. (which <i><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/charlie-watts-rolling-stones-drummer-dead-obit-1161926/">mostly</a></i> held true) RESULT: Great show, eventually.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">So when our 2023 Stevie Nicks & Billy Joel concert was pushed back to 2024, we again decided to stand pat. And hope neither of them died. RESULT: They didn't - whew!</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4ZjcXOJnL59UYwuDPdZUClCN2MrdtkaybEAkl9L2BNTAt3VPb_Cx8nuHHZp1W2Pr84wG4x385qZHJQbiA4ndIOipeVLlA_Cl6BZb2L1S_i0axX-rJd9xyGSXWrGLmacM2L5IK5bT8g2DiRhrp1BPMGMYI8cY4ubq5X1jvCoEWAqvNssewCS_9dtcxVnA/s225/2i1n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4ZjcXOJnL59UYwuDPdZUClCN2MrdtkaybEAkl9L2BNTAt3VPb_Cx8nuHHZp1W2Pr84wG4x385qZHJQbiA4ndIOipeVLlA_Cl6BZb2L1S_i0axX-rJd9xyGSXWrGLmacM2L5IK5bT8g2DiRhrp1BPMGMYI8cY4ubq5X1jvCoEWAqvNssewCS_9dtcxVnA/w640-h640/2i1n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><strike>April 8, 2023</strike><br />March 9, 2024</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKvqyZXYVDP3tnlE5m1zRQq_CkX4kVksSAfu0gfmWIDc8DW6-pluafM92cgo2grxz3USW4aR-4kKvLoKPP6fls63IHgpZNChLF4GqukqowXdv2AWPI5toHLERyi4TziJcD04vECSqSslbxNNxSQd2rVkgyXGdVG4Gcif-04FJmKuoPOqwS0NzQmoW18e5/s3264/IMG_20240309_180846437_HDR~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKvqyZXYVDP3tnlE5m1zRQq_CkX4kVksSAfu0gfmWIDc8DW6-pluafM92cgo2grxz3USW4aR-4kKvLoKPP6fls63IHgpZNChLF4GqukqowXdv2AWPI5toHLERyi4TziJcD04vECSqSslbxNNxSQd2rVkgyXGdVG4Gcif-04FJmKuoPOqwS0NzQmoW18e5/w640-h480/IMG_20240309_180846437_HDR~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, AT&T Stadium... definitely NOT the best concert venue given it's enormous size,<br />but... that's what ya get when ya have co-headliners. π€·</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As the last member of Fleetwood Mac still out there gettin it done, Stevie Nicks is a must see for me. This is the second time I've seen her solo show, and she does not disappoint. She does her Mac hits, her solo hits, and sprinkles in a few influential covers. (any <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2008/09/face-in-crowd.html">Friend Of Tom</a> is a friend of mine) All good, and as close as you're gonna get to seeing the mighty Mac these days. We'll take it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyautBdXp1rqqEc8nVsvCFIqVPcge1jGw8bcUu5MuVkj-HyX1xzxYl6P2cS2VPHifURIugWZQug-84KOPUAXLo3JQFDht1HHkNpB1itFMI0kE_4jcQ36QO5ww3Nx9_5OLsd4k4ETghMUvGAYnjg84RkiizteVXoTqL3jzcmMTnmKncRI6uuGwLIaZbpKc/s4499/IMG_20240309_192414347~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3373" data-original-width="4499" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyautBdXp1rqqEc8nVsvCFIqVPcge1jGw8bcUu5MuVkj-HyX1xzxYl6P2cS2VPHifURIugWZQug-84KOPUAXLo3JQFDht1HHkNpB1itFMI0kE_4jcQ36QO5ww3Nx9_5OLsd4k4ETghMUvGAYnjg84RkiizteVXoTqL3jzcmMTnmKncRI6uuGwLIaZbpKc/w640-h480/IMG_20240309_192414347~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Billy Joel is actually a callback from wayback (<a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/billy-joel/1990/reunion-arena-dallas-tx-63f45eef.html">November 25, 1990</a>) for Jenny & I. Call it an early anniversary present to ourselves. It's <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/billy-joel/1990/reunion-arena-dallas-tx-63f45eef.html">one of the first concerts we went to</a> when were dating, and if memory serves, her dad and sister accompanied us! (chaperones maybe?) Not so this time. Married almost 29 years, I guess they trust us to behave on our own now. And the show? EXCELLENT! Billy Joel is a musician's musician: live, loose, and a freewheeling setlist not all that different from that show way back when.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwW3GGGx1wOFrFtJAV-tzTZkdcXhdah50MTds3tNqVDNRUYr1hG-2RooafZgFpmFTydgYuF_o0MvhR820aGqwI5pXnRvubyMfXeZD3zdQvM0IUlWApvX3cVih5Obg0O-S6n0D4lJSsIEnjNmHfU5TNEoK4YFY0PgwHpxCTQJUa8NtXjssF5H-vgtK5Bzk/s4107/IMG_20240309_212743394~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3078" data-original-width="4107" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwW3GGGx1wOFrFtJAV-tzTZkdcXhdah50MTds3tNqVDNRUYr1hG-2RooafZgFpmFTydgYuF_o0MvhR820aGqwI5pXnRvubyMfXeZD3zdQvM0IUlWApvX3cVih5Obg0O-S6n0D4lJSsIEnjNmHfU5TNEoK4YFY0PgwHpxCTQJUa8NtXjssF5H-vgtK5Bzk/w640-h480/IMG_20240309_212743394~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGCm74Y_yF7E3KAR_P1j8zirG_JZyqRCTlBxouXc3tX1pK_nYVf7GQZYmQGhGmS8tlWQuovtZIfgDdrhDYaqw5fMesA-oztdCHM7JbHXk8S1_cWwlPM6oL6KUUbzCesr_gytdHRzQBleH-0zfrqC9XPxvhIqGsJV_nMho20Ff8dre8QryWIxXm4Q-XGTJ/s4123/IMG_20240309_212643346~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3091" data-original-width="4123" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGCm74Y_yF7E3KAR_P1j8zirG_JZyqRCTlBxouXc3tX1pK_nYVf7GQZYmQGhGmS8tlWQuovtZIfgDdrhDYaqw5fMesA-oztdCHM7JbHXk8S1_cWwlPM6oL6KUUbzCesr_gytdHRzQBleH-0zfrqC9XPxvhIqGsJV_nMho20Ff8dre8QryWIxXm4Q-XGTJ/w640-h480/IMG_20240309_212643346~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">BONUS: Another thing that comes with co-headliners...? The crossover! I love it when bands or performers do this. Always feels like you're getting something special.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW-rdBlHHelXvFP35szCBq9Ce7lqudfSboYwc05DypqrUJnQ28772L0mRcp_MZrxAkLNzpWYY-aYVSj5ZlY43i_pbiZf8wTK6xRn3dclnAzAoyAHCqoQjJ6rXaYo6LaCbzPp0BXtxSdtD8ZRlu2v2Vp_SGd6l0E-DGEzLCSIzJNJdpt8Wk4dUm0-5ypmC/s4449/IMG_20240309_193655428~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3335" data-original-width="4449" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW-rdBlHHelXvFP35szCBq9Ce7lqudfSboYwc05DypqrUJnQ28772L0mRcp_MZrxAkLNzpWYY-aYVSj5ZlY43i_pbiZf8wTK6xRn3dclnAzAoyAHCqoQjJ6rXaYo6LaCbzPp0BXtxSdtD8ZRlu2v2Vp_SGd6l0E-DGEzLCSIzJNJdpt8Wk4dUm0-5ypmC/w640-h480/IMG_20240309_193655428~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop Draggin My Heart Around</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are firmly in the classic rock genre nowadays, and 2024 is shaping up to be a good year for live music. Off to a great start!</div><div><br /></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-41106206069845755092024-03-09T12:12:00.248-06:002024-03-09T12:12:00.131-06:00What Happens To It...... when ya die?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymXPwnnt9WYEEFT0MYHvxIjLN7h_c61zaI2sABKu1P032xF2zATpTX7o-RRprIyHpeUh159d_Gx0pjPnHybW2xIrJS3GPAzVyAnkNN3maGnFQZ0t3_uy8OAktZPXiCQ7wzyrMuSUZPp-aFwL57TyPc78dqbAKiqAwsSQqr_wdenxXz_ZaOmLKBY1Zb8DP/s1600/AmigoNet%20Arcade%20Lineup%20color.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymXPwnnt9WYEEFT0MYHvxIjLN7h_c61zaI2sABKu1P032xF2zATpTX7o-RRprIyHpeUh159d_Gx0pjPnHybW2xIrJS3GPAzVyAnkNN3maGnFQZ0t3_uy8OAktZPXiCQ7wzyrMuSUZPp-aFwL57TyPc78dqbAKiqAwsSQqr_wdenxXz_ZaOmLKBY1Zb8DP/w640-h358/AmigoNet%20Arcade%20Lineup%20color.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_JQ3zn7NJdcIGmUfLt1jBUlWebO6wbrzcxDvZBP7lCxn_RhhjknL2JB4qoyjQ3jzau4z9eA29oWIjAQ4I2xypytDGlH5XcVXpc57ZFrg7FJDOchBWPT74ezcmeVauTO0fLB9sRmX58QDGZnvYot9PPpnR8uTnbAqEXvUpcFtYLECRh95emTzXscRMGfN/s3371/2022-04%20retroLAB%20Logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1895" data-original-width="3371" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_JQ3zn7NJdcIGmUfLt1jBUlWebO6wbrzcxDvZBP7lCxn_RhhjknL2JB4qoyjQ3jzau4z9eA29oWIjAQ4I2xypytDGlH5XcVXpc57ZFrg7FJDOchBWPT74ezcmeVauTO0fLB9sRmX58QDGZnvYot9PPpnR8uTnbAqEXvUpcFtYLECRh95emTzXscRMGfN/w640-h360/2022-04%20retroLAB%20Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a great question. Not one that I ponder often, but it does cross my mind occasionally.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To be clear, I'm not really concerned about any of the above being thrown out. Pretty sure my family knows it's valuable based on my reverence for this stuff. I mean, I have a room and a half dedicated to it! I trust they'll know better than to toss it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I do shudder a bit though when I think about stuff being dispersed willy nilly. Especially the <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">retro</span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">LAB</span></b> collection with all it's various pieces that work together. It's been a slow process of acquiring the right monitor to go with the right computer, the right (working!) disk drive and software to go with each system, etc. I think now that it's collected, it should all stay together, right? Make it easier on the next guy, right?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@tested/videos">Adam Savage</a> talked about this recently, and it's given me a fresh perspective...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g5mzMaxRbRg?si=oBjr9dcrv_AbbrCJ&start=86" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">None of this stuff is precious. All of it is meant to be used.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, disperse away my descendants! And let it go in whatever willy nilly fashion the next guy wants it. If that next guy turns out to actually be a descendant, great! If not, I'll still be happy that it's still in use at all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the meantime, I'll try to keep it all organized!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-43186112177787986642024-03-06T19:30:00.004-06:002024-03-21T21:45:36.404-05:00Long Jumper<p>For track season this year, Danielle was not interested in trying out for any <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2023/03/danielles-track-and-no-field.html">running events</a>. Instead she opted to focus on field events, well, a single field event, that would get her on the team and the ability to hang with friends at the meets. <i>(Isn't that really what life is all about anyways???)</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSeptwevQsmpyQCnGcY5IQwppsaHWX1FeoWxXj_IrOd0hx98cp960NI__ijaa4EYlr0THd26leegDH_T4PxsVvFOGGY_mYuEP8o661Yhfx1zv9VyYlUGWN3BYDMlHxUbUN9AbYb2jKCmFheiMsrHxtJJQfnzbqOf3Jkm_3kmB8otMOEpmyP-mSO-mHS4u/s3507/IMG_20240221_Dtrackfriend.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3507" data-original-width="2629" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSeptwevQsmpyQCnGcY5IQwppsaHWX1FeoWxXj_IrOd0hx98cp960NI__ijaa4EYlr0THd26leegDH_T4PxsVvFOGGY_mYuEP8o661Yhfx1zv9VyYlUGWN3BYDMlHxUbUN9AbYb2jKCmFheiMsrHxtJJQfnzbqOf3Jkm_3kmB8otMOEpmyP-mSO-mHS4u/w480-h640/IMG_20240221_Dtrackfriend.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Enter: Long Jump. And hey, I really like it because the pictures are quite fun (because they are <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2024/02/leap.html">jumping pictures</a>!!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlw060MdPPYY4VXi8E3uI_BKkhWDYKTB1ow7o0uaef2cyoCwjlvuVk7B6_lbt98UjRGXzgLhlyFyMGG7ePAByDGqpF6XaLI1Fan5VkhJdvjpt63skKEiOU-_rvaXNOyPp-bgFy1WXcCfdqbhdnYFWVSIzjlgETunGaeK2AqcctHehIaDYHOcLcYlD4SWJ/s1711/IMG_20240221_jump.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="1283" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlw060MdPPYY4VXi8E3uI_BKkhWDYKTB1ow7o0uaef2cyoCwjlvuVk7B6_lbt98UjRGXzgLhlyFyMGG7ePAByDGqpF6XaLI1Fan5VkhJdvjpt63skKEiOU-_rvaXNOyPp-bgFy1WXcCfdqbhdnYFWVSIzjlgETunGaeK2AqcctHehIaDYHOcLcYlD4SWJ/w480-h640/IMG_20240221_jump.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLR5L8Rhxn0g679SW8Vdk4iFEfy1b3OD2TNgOIqFauePctrmPo_6-XbUncr7Ynub4Djs9ZPvFKVDn7J3nZn7_78lF4KcBEOAQX30PYSmu8dixMq9si0982MMF9sZ7ue0zg8MRmN_ZUU-HM5n5WkiQ6Ofv7QYNEgyMthI4Rq3IndCd5pZbYrbyLtwhTVy6/s2500/IMG_20240226_jump.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1696" data-original-width="2500" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLR5L8Rhxn0g679SW8Vdk4iFEfy1b3OD2TNgOIqFauePctrmPo_6-XbUncr7Ynub4Djs9ZPvFKVDn7J3nZn7_78lF4KcBEOAQX30PYSmu8dixMq9si0982MMF9sZ7ue0zg8MRmN_ZUU-HM5n5WkiQ6Ofv7QYNEgyMthI4Rq3IndCd5pZbYrbyLtwhTVy6/w640-h434/IMG_20240226_jump.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFoBbVBJX3gnhqjof6I43qZNAqM7NN3mkVfG4qAxeostIIbMk2yh2QBRYtghhOahOtgXYdALr6OK_qjAOTdBJTm6fema3jOGnm-aANaHECZj26ejz6jnBy5Z9J-pLYTu1aL7XjaVCX-KGVMWq_jIdCHmgT7ZvUN9uXZVOiu2hNoexTqzrFxMyl2xNK7g7/s4050/IMG_20240304_jump.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4050" data-original-width="3038" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFoBbVBJX3gnhqjof6I43qZNAqM7NN3mkVfG4qAxeostIIbMk2yh2QBRYtghhOahOtgXYdALr6OK_qjAOTdBJTm6fema3jOGnm-aANaHECZj26ejz6jnBy5Z9J-pLYTu1aL7XjaVCX-KGVMWq_jIdCHmgT7ZvUN9uXZVOiu2hNoexTqzrFxMyl2xNK7g7/w480-h640/IMG_20240304_jump.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWnSvNLR-X2hcHspuPEVIfNNi0J_ufArRyQYXqzK3qlFUMqWoJgtolZ4pFC3qaq8H21Pot7Dy_0CPzc1tDoH34DRVcGqtanBKBEOluuKUEyScI6JqIU-EaL3DVf0nPBuNjOSqmvDH5IL4v0g7joLIQy84td0_PlgqRCCN4SFT7jy0CIOgWjOivUjyltZW/s3156/IMG_20240304_jumpside.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2365" data-original-width="3156" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWnSvNLR-X2hcHspuPEVIfNNi0J_ufArRyQYXqzK3qlFUMqWoJgtolZ4pFC3qaq8H21Pot7Dy_0CPzc1tDoH34DRVcGqtanBKBEOluuKUEyScI6JqIU-EaL3DVf0nPBuNjOSqmvDH5IL4v0g7joLIQy84td0_PlgqRCCN4SFT7jy0CIOgWjOivUjyltZW/w640-h480/IMG_20240304_jumpside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Turns out Danielle is pretty good at jumping! She has steadily improved her distance over 3 meets. From 11'2" to 13'1" to her most recent <b>first place finish at 13'4"</b>!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0scmP0_VMwP4zRw6giGiHYmEzv1JZSK9_w8YgGzxTEH1WHhaJsAiImOoA2FvGpiWOlfXEX8psYxkV7KpDyZwpR4DyoVJaJQQCeLIDCoB9tB-R1Qshxhjwp3QVGsY1Bv5aevJkX-fmBJQJ1S799uZ8XEQHPSjmhFxtcaa_3N_nuBcAnHJzEsOEx3M_fyz/s1050/Dtrack1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0scmP0_VMwP4zRw6giGiHYmEzv1JZSK9_w8YgGzxTEH1WHhaJsAiImOoA2FvGpiWOlfXEX8psYxkV7KpDyZwpR4DyoVJaJQQCeLIDCoB9tB-R1Qshxhjwp3QVGsY1Bv5aevJkX-fmBJQJ1S799uZ8XEQHPSjmhFxtcaa_3N_nuBcAnHJzEsOEx3M_fyz/w274-h400/Dtrack1.png" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VWoYsNK4VJKTl6FOG5Edp8LAEr61WIXNIcxANflbIqrNonlhXpzwk32QsWqX0uB_a-c851KgcZxZFuHT2ZYQkgR20GjjIDfgJFFnoPVoBejcJ4cfNxsqBZELhrhapHnpbeMFaVRZWp9m51C_PYZtparyb4zOh3Aozwa8eUxsHTNV7OahQ3u85YVqF1Rc/s738/Dtrack2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VWoYsNK4VJKTl6FOG5Edp8LAEr61WIXNIcxANflbIqrNonlhXpzwk32QsWqX0uB_a-c851KgcZxZFuHT2ZYQkgR20GjjIDfgJFFnoPVoBejcJ4cfNxsqBZELhrhapHnpbeMFaVRZWp9m51C_PYZtparyb4zOh3Aozwa8eUxsHTNV7OahQ3u85YVqF1Rc/w312-h320/Dtrack2.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRw6gE6LDRKXOfjZKMqiT7TraApRXcrrt5pM6nkyeyPWR12a9pA5zI49AhvXK3Iv1Sz5qj2i9Ijq1ccJ1DKe8z8OYrZ9o9_BUiJ_HX9VCv2ZSkofV99_wglB3OVQnLCwoNO9YLUCY4TSpupxs1A0w0pFN7EMUGa3at8Mre6baK-WP1TyfsJkdX0UCS_Ew/s1255/Dtrack3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRw6gE6LDRKXOfjZKMqiT7TraApRXcrrt5pM6nkyeyPWR12a9pA5zI49AhvXK3Iv1Sz5qj2i9Ijq1ccJ1DKe8z8OYrZ9o9_BUiJ_HX9VCv2ZSkofV99_wglB3OVQnLCwoNO9YLUCY4TSpupxs1A0w0pFN7EMUGa3at8Mre6baK-WP1TyfsJkdX0UCS_Ew/w230-h400/Dtrack3.png" width="230" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is one final meet before the district tournament (<i>if</i> she qualifies in the top 8 overall, she was 16 after the 2nd meet.) But regardless, it is neat that she can now add "Long Jump" to her middle school athletic accomplishments.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And she's learned to keep her hands in front!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbqKqyIwmGA_7Y1FCq9yFTvyxEicBnbzixwQ3U_lwleHZ8hbQwC4NAhUGFU6wiXvR7FKHKYQiOTbPQhg2pqq0LxxnV4faWUR5d8tfk_VZN03-Yv7CDgyJisOYFFTXh2me2IqtRuddd6TTuFqpt2gOJ886eO9cf_UQ2VnfrHr0QhYfOF47flRwjHqfUx6A/s725/20240304_195941-ANIMATION.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="544" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisbqKqyIwmGA_7Y1FCq9yFTvyxEicBnbzixwQ3U_lwleHZ8hbQwC4NAhUGFU6wiXvR7FKHKYQiOTbPQhg2pqq0LxxnV4faWUR5d8tfk_VZN03-Yv7CDgyJisOYFFTXh2me2IqtRuddd6TTuFqpt2gOJ886eO9cf_UQ2VnfrHr0QhYfOF47flRwjHqfUx6A/w480-h640/20240304_195941-ANIMATION.gif" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ6unmNUvOOT6UGRXv8RxMZ0kL1X2fIrwIwPN6Peh85Wu0jK1NE1WtO_IUXYklaJTjlH_roQ9nOZJQpwjixUXlswRYL0HD17rdUUpeTvga7m073YBxuSTocd4iZCIP2AMWrY4uvbeaCrnF7nEoLtZv2g3REwkvnWJvpFGalyH_tECnVG5_TP8FHr8ge_9/s725/20240304_195650-ANIMATION.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZ6unmNUvOOT6UGRXv8RxMZ0kL1X2fIrwIwPN6Peh85Wu0jK1NE1WtO_IUXYklaJTjlH_roQ9nOZJQpwjixUXlswRYL0HD17rdUUpeTvga7m073YBxuSTocd4iZCIP2AMWrY4uvbeaCrnF7nEoLtZv2g3REwkvnWJvpFGalyH_tECnVG5_TP8FHr8ge_9/w640-h480/20240304_195650-ANIMATION.gif" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BsJK5fhr65pfwlOAlja4uta2syL6GFwk6muxxrq53xkt0-zQi0rN3xtgrhqLuobiqkrivlci4n9MSH6mNyGXOE7zo51JpI96AErxeX_8j_TakQcQZtRSDIKGMvHHDWPVjFP__PvclD9cYLSS2oAtnu9pIRpCd2UpLRKhpCybpb0n0a7hyi7XcVNBPQ76/s4010/IMG_20240221_Dtrack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4010" data-original-width="3006" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BsJK5fhr65pfwlOAlja4uta2syL6GFwk6muxxrq53xkt0-zQi0rN3xtgrhqLuobiqkrivlci4n9MSH6mNyGXOE7zo51JpI96AErxeX_8j_TakQcQZtRSDIKGMvHHDWPVjFP__PvclD9cYLSS2oAtnu9pIRpCd2UpLRKhpCybpb0n0a7hyi7XcVNBPQ76/w480-h640/IMG_20240221_Dtrack.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">UPDATE: Final meet results are in...Danielle improved another 2 inches, setting a new personal record of 13'6".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall for the season, she tied for 14th in the district (<i>15 middle schools</i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVhPQNaGQmZ7u6b04FV4_Xnkj910jc-fo_UJ80BatcXp77y1gUjVtgUFpuagU5mBNMiU0yqCBqm_tZ0hwednm8SaLznNKhSN-u6KmsNRhLe0oC09aRNAE31sMbz5GXcr3U8CRK1KiEhV9os3EZgnVADwIP1G8SQ6E3xs-58z1hHkBumXdNSLjDYWNInia/s1073/finals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1073" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVhPQNaGQmZ7u6b04FV4_Xnkj910jc-fo_UJ80BatcXp77y1gUjVtgUFpuagU5mBNMiU0yqCBqm_tZ0hwednm8SaLznNKhSN-u6KmsNRhLe0oC09aRNAE31sMbz5GXcr3U8CRK1KiEhV9os3EZgnVADwIP1G8SQ6E3xs-58z1hHkBumXdNSLjDYWNInia/w640-h418/finals.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-46714703858941885862024-03-03T12:12:00.091-06:002024-03-03T12:12:00.254-06:00Sacrificial Scanties<div>Why? I dunno why. It's just how I'm wired.</div><div><br /></div><div>You toss out your old skivvies. We burn em.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYugGn6pgllsWP8IbNWz-JEzrYNIyB-vUwhLXUqLML-798PyD1JhiN18bGQcrFLEDjJnbyndnpylMWyVpNuMghhw5HIz_Pwg-Iz9T8Ip65sbtEqZTY0K3_G1y2mLPV2qu0tu2BtRWRFULmpql1EaPEUH1fGI8GWlWJZR0ld8pk6wgO50sm-EkzL8psEwg/s4229/IMG_20240228_174436424~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4229" data-original-width="3170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYugGn6pgllsWP8IbNWz-JEzrYNIyB-vUwhLXUqLML-798PyD1JhiN18bGQcrFLEDjJnbyndnpylMWyVpNuMghhw5HIz_Pwg-Iz9T8Ip65sbtEqZTY0K3_G1y2mLPV2qu0tu2BtRWRFULmpql1EaPEUH1fGI8GWlWJZR0ld8pk6wgO50sm-EkzL8psEwg/w480-h640/IMG_20240228_174436424~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is some odd precedent here. Although <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-cleansing.html">the last time we did this</a>, it was to mark the end of Coronavirus lazy livin. This time, it's just burnin underwear.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr07RWfD8TRGdy4KQtU8oiIgXpa19QPul5EgRIqfeSa6656YnhXDoP2oB4nUm5365sE2c4-NGRTtFgf6D701u_AfWL3ECGx55Z4Lpow4iPhC0jP1pNg0gbDS9KnGowMIsn3sy5W24a_RcWQ9aCK1xhhm0IsVtF599X_lTIpoXl7s8gg6A7uwEm4vySuY_V/s2275/IMG_20240228_180319161~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2275" data-original-width="1708" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr07RWfD8TRGdy4KQtU8oiIgXpa19QPul5EgRIqfeSa6656YnhXDoP2oB4nUm5365sE2c4-NGRTtFgf6D701u_AfWL3ECGx55Z4Lpow4iPhC0jP1pNg0gbDS9KnGowMIsn3sy5W24a_RcWQ9aCK1xhhm0IsVtF599X_lTIpoXl7s8gg6A7uwEm4vySuY_V/w480-h640/IMG_20240228_180319161~3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A: 3 leg holes is one too many. Time to go.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yljGXO-nEZj9uXfmkHIwVAbKygTfx3Pus2JG6Io_7V4VipPm41gn5ThPl0-j5_6uNIVXkJpFAM-4qUj9RRI_xlRaCRkRr-4rDp62gvnEd8FZ5TVtKYZsUQl2AM3b8EJi5RRpO30EiwGPfc9CtZaAWx5SsKy7gJyKQZUzvEGRno2kUcUF04Pt3QOYlAQ2/s3255/IMG_20240228_180131802~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3255" data-original-width="3254" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yljGXO-nEZj9uXfmkHIwVAbKygTfx3Pus2JG6Io_7V4VipPm41gn5ThPl0-j5_6uNIVXkJpFAM-4qUj9RRI_xlRaCRkRr-4rDp62gvnEd8FZ5TVtKYZsUQl2AM3b8EJi5RRpO30EiwGPfc9CtZaAWx5SsKy7gJyKQZUzvEGRno2kUcUF04Pt3QOYlAQ2/w640-h640/IMG_20240228_180131802~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 in all: 3 of mine, 2 of Jenny's.<br />All in comically bad shape.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKIz41ucKfep-oxDg_AURxICJkxz6OwwdqyplcfmgA77a4hc1YGTknXktLSsuvoOy31inZEdicKAr7IDZgc2VIK0MYUBrzBGzM9sFdK8_fGQiHz2u8Ko-AhQpCDVR_I52Qbdyvd52fguVoV81Kouoy8teSB_vVvO0a0nY33N7D5l_SGGi7IAZB0WC0nrS/s1840/IMG_20240228_180403493~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1840" data-original-width="1379" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKIz41ucKfep-oxDg_AURxICJkxz6OwwdqyplcfmgA77a4hc1YGTknXktLSsuvoOy31inZEdicKAr7IDZgc2VIK0MYUBrzBGzM9sFdK8_fGQiHz2u8Ko-AhQpCDVR_I52Qbdyvd52fguVoV81Kouoy8teSB_vVvO0a0nY33N7D5l_SGGi7IAZB0WC0nrS/w480-h640/IMG_20240228_180403493~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, they hung around too long, but they did their job. So we send em off with honor.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1DKiisP_PbAVslJYb5wNDSlvus2nAGsHDybGtvDopFCnwuhRsEFbJFmlaE6q8Hx7DTI9CzwlM3lbqhzt523a9hK0uG27_CCVbyl-bUYy2xbNsTYze6MMzbrWwpr5OdEUEb7R3qmEAEEgH6eJZdmJT0cstvBriib8fopMXH3V9apCJ2hCkxkgize9QwMx/s4608/IMG_20240228_175846396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1DKiisP_PbAVslJYb5wNDSlvus2nAGsHDybGtvDopFCnwuhRsEFbJFmlaE6q8Hx7DTI9CzwlM3lbqhzt523a9hK0uG27_CCVbyl-bUYy2xbNsTYze6MMzbrWwpr5OdEUEb7R3qmEAEEgH6eJZdmJT0cstvBriib8fopMXH3V9apCJ2hCkxkgize9QwMx/w480-h640/IMG_20240228_175846396.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi took it hard.<br />(Maybe it was my speech? Rev. Jeff can really stir the feels!)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO23Z5ATvmHftubQfW2B1M-8DSINaY_cO0QO2t45GYv7HIg8b1qyFOj2thtc2Q3W32xhbJN2pNJaaw0FPRQgbyaiseHFjGW5YFNYxz_7JpEXEgarsAoYjqtX60WG9OW73BP4ju7W5JHnCv0oyjD-DF2cUNV2NAvBx4Iyalgwsc-igePdCymS-pLIMy9Q_4/s4608/IMG_20240228_175951745~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO23Z5ATvmHftubQfW2B1M-8DSINaY_cO0QO2t45GYv7HIg8b1qyFOj2thtc2Q3W32xhbJN2pNJaaw0FPRQgbyaiseHFjGW5YFNYxz_7JpEXEgarsAoYjqtX60WG9OW73BP4ju7W5JHnCv0oyjD-DF2cUNV2NAvBx4Iyalgwsc-igePdCymS-pLIMy9Q_4/w480-h640/IMG_20240228_175951745~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danielle took it... appropriately.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-49969143260886904382024-03-01T12:12:00.062-06:002024-03-01T12:12:00.135-06:00RETR@migo: March 1, 2016<div style="text-align: left;">"The more things change, the more they stay the same." Only this time, it's not the political spectrum that's got me searching. It's age. Yes, I'm sayin' it: Biden is too old. While I believe in him, his policies and his <i>intentions</i>, I suspect it'll be another case, like Reagan's second term, where the cabinet ends up running the day-to-day while the Chief Executive is literally asleep at the wheel. That gives me pause. Not enough pause to stop me from voting however I best see fit to keep Donald Trump out of office, but pause nonetheless. Seems weird sporting a "Vote Biden's Cabinet! β" button, but here we are.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">FWIW, if I thought Nikki Haley had a realistic chance, she might be my guy. But she doesn't. (sorry to Ms. Haley and her mother)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeYKqcrodtmRAhWo-_ncGVZKyXKQc5OWx0B_SUcAeCegelYYhba9Qu3OIN36I_KH6iMhHi3gZGqnn0jDU0xNh8BiFAY_bbSbW2UDmWyp3xL4R0iXbKs96WIpsyI6f474DRdqdk__MR854XIPPHTMxjQj_b36rM67j7mWE_sDIasxjM6qO396hW41W5-Zj/s1436/RETR@migo%20Banner%20Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="1436" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeYKqcrodtmRAhWo-_ncGVZKyXKQc5OWx0B_SUcAeCegelYYhba9Qu3OIN36I_KH6iMhHi3gZGqnn0jDU0xNh8BiFAY_bbSbW2UDmWyp3xL4R0iXbKs96WIpsyI6f474DRdqdk__MR854XIPPHTMxjQj_b36rM67j7mWE_sDIasxjM6qO396hW41W5-Zj/w640-h138/RETR@migo%20Banner%20Black.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="article-header" style="display: table; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 750px;"><h1 class="title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #2ea4b8; display: table-cell; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 40px 0px 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 670px;"><a data-id="3431708746744099807" data-item-type="post" href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/wheres-my-candidate.html" itemprop="url" rel="bookmark" style="color: #2ea4b8; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Where's My Candidate?</a></h1></div><div class="article-content entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">"Fiscally conservative, socially progressive."<br /><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">That's how I describe myself if someone comes right out and asks me. It means I don't wanna pay more taxes to cover someone else's college tuition, but if Larry and Bob over here wanna get married, that's fine with me.</div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_sz3GfjiM9FMR1f_F4rzay-ivdzHnu0EgakJnK3n_I7KvRyBEMBUg6CnHCpMoOUdTm4_VkwRPCMpH8R8oZUy83qrH31K0lMXZ8rg-AuZ5yfSZ7uZmTCEwl39Oq7-IIyPgF_grxzSROv4/s1600/isidewith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_sz3GfjiM9FMR1f_F4rzay-ivdzHnu0EgakJnK3n_I7KvRyBEMBUg6CnHCpMoOUdTm4_VkwRPCMpH8R8oZUy83qrH31K0lMXZ8rg-AuZ5yfSZ7uZmTCEwl39Oq7-IIyPgF_grxzSROv4/w640-h638/isidewith.jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not you, me.</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">As such, I've voted for candidates from both political parties in past elections - whoever seemed right at the time. Usually the moderate. And there usually is one, or at least someone who's closer to center than the other(s).</div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">But who is that today?</div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">How can I support a Republican candidate to hold the line on government spending, while not supporting xenophobia, gender bias, obstructionism and just plain bad behavior?</div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">And on the flip side, why does voting for a Democratic candidate who treats <i>everyone</i> equal have to come with a higher tax burden and a determination to help people who decline to help themselves?</div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">If I thought John Kasich had a realistic chance, he might be my guy. But he doesn't. (sorry to Mr. Kasich and his mother)</div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">So, now what? Who's the moderate?</div></div></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-42207110612675936412024-02-29T20:00:00.009-06:002024-02-29T20:35:30.908-06:00Leap!<p style="text-align: left;">It's incredibly random, but<a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/leap-for-joy.html"> I've said it before</a>: I <b>really </b><strike>like</strike> love Leap Day!! </p><p style="text-align: left;">I like the <b>science </b>element of the day-- the fact that we have to correct our calendar to match the orbit around the sun. There is <b>math </b>involved -- the year has to be divisible by 4. I like that it only happens every 4 years -- so that makes it <b>rare and special</b>, but not so infrequent that you miss out. I like the notion of "<b>leaping</b>" -- it's just a happy connotation to me. </p><p style="text-align: left;">But the best part is that it is a great chance to capture leaping pictures -- I really like the expressions and body positions that come with leaping pictures -- and all the laughter from the failed attempts. Plus it is great to have a built-in, recurring photo op for <b>comparison </b>photos (<a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/semi-annual-trek-through-amarillo.html">which I also really like</a>)</p><p style="text-align: left;">So here we go... 2024...another chance to celebrate all of the above!</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXfbpXdhTCTvKWkSjV6J28HIjLXj9hEV-MvHx8yG5cBFaRyAKiD-xxej3hRrTeC7dD3MAXkUefo_na64G5FayRqgqsBje1-D2CTAM43TdyVYVkm9h2uNVZtxmPAmcVO2tTHqWBfjx4SFr4pwVSBgVETDlZ0Xa6o-JkFnfPG3McoyvbbFwrgARLhZemcGi/s4032/IMG_8843.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXfbpXdhTCTvKWkSjV6J28HIjLXj9hEV-MvHx8yG5cBFaRyAKiD-xxej3hRrTeC7dD3MAXkUefo_na64G5FayRqgqsBje1-D2CTAM43TdyVYVkm9h2uNVZtxmPAmcVO2tTHqWBfjx4SFr4pwVSBgVETDlZ0Xa6o-JkFnfPG3McoyvbbFwrgARLhZemcGi/w480-h640/IMG_8843.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDGT9cJIgYgSlF_C_oT7qyrsmo7aIcPZbfuNgVyGa8192HQq__KemsASRiYtYHQzhhsKzr22RjuXSi09Bjwgw4W09fNAdavTrIX-YeSiQcLPLk9BGV2MkxG6S02GAU70yx3nmulNVKKUiKO_uaYubvt2dUE4Ms3DF1K6oVEdme_FTNr7lkps_CJGOeRN8/s4032/IMG_8867.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDGT9cJIgYgSlF_C_oT7qyrsmo7aIcPZbfuNgVyGa8192HQq__KemsASRiYtYHQzhhsKzr22RjuXSi09Bjwgw4W09fNAdavTrIX-YeSiQcLPLk9BGV2MkxG6S02GAU70yx3nmulNVKKUiKO_uaYubvt2dUE4Ms3DF1K6oVEdme_FTNr7lkps_CJGOeRN8/w480-h640/IMG_8867.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJGQopodxztag8PJqKKdLaAg-3h6_OpacEvXfVZsW85fGqPQe8bW1_hh6ebgooHTYUas1oRwh-DdQIquxK9Pn9EwhJGf3w7YBCDConAcehBtoUwg7JdhoSN70-QNgRG_Ujm1kgc1__I18CQ4HAwXG-Ldum0rtBDB8a1F71jNI4deD0slXLh1XMmEanJyj/s4032/IMG_8898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJGQopodxztag8PJqKKdLaAg-3h6_OpacEvXfVZsW85fGqPQe8bW1_hh6ebgooHTYUas1oRwh-DdQIquxK9Pn9EwhJGf3w7YBCDConAcehBtoUwg7JdhoSN70-QNgRG_Ujm1kgc1__I18CQ4HAwXG-Ldum0rtBDB8a1F71jNI4deD0slXLh1XMmEanJyj/w480-h640/IMG_8898.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcsaB87PEI6LGypUUUKYR2WVIwjvAbNa1EmahSd0AG-Pe6nGbpcnkctel39_9uNB9q8RUHREBf1_ThXd2QRU6mttbyb7-eYRQ5PE6xa2KtEGnuanw4ZlCGxOAHqv86za3WT8IoFFAdEOL22jscz7XPBibXYwycq29ZIJaD9IxgLxkdZzoeS3VkTvPonZ7/s4032/IMG_8833.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBcsaB87PEI6LGypUUUKYR2WVIwjvAbNa1EmahSd0AG-Pe6nGbpcnkctel39_9uNB9q8RUHREBf1_ThXd2QRU6mttbyb7-eYRQ5PE6xa2KtEGnuanw4ZlCGxOAHqv86za3WT8IoFFAdEOL22jscz7XPBibXYwycq29ZIJaD9IxgLxkdZzoeS3VkTvPonZ7/w480-h640/IMG_8833.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">And to make the comparison easy, here it is with 2012, 2016, 2020.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3-frQDrDLuSkUPlIGUfsFGYESq6cGJt6GEP4TwO1K5udezyhji0PTve3khyobK8TpV_V2SuXmjNK5sCvCWOc5fmCv3TsDUr5L1m8RuJP0JExRNi6M70q3S6VjpVm3s7EeqYu5fnX8NgJ-BxKqXO2Kv-G7ZkMDvkJweBNEN9DgrKEKbJczB2v-YSIiRqn/s1187/leap1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="1187" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3-frQDrDLuSkUPlIGUfsFGYESq6cGJt6GEP4TwO1K5udezyhji0PTve3khyobK8TpV_V2SuXmjNK5sCvCWOc5fmCv3TsDUr5L1m8RuJP0JExRNi6M70q3S6VjpVm3s7EeqYu5fnX8NgJ-BxKqXO2Kv-G7ZkMDvkJweBNEN9DgrKEKbJczB2v-YSIiRqn/w640-h208/leap1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>And a new entry this year...π</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhDqGFm_I3ZrlUcgncRsnIpuX4WOJ1R0g91oLIxiQxNUw5OJOAldQ72IV0lPMEPkxp3-BaclHt6g1855q1N-9goSU5b3uyFL5THXc0OUi04uPXWD0r8ZzRjipz72zyu_zD953baMQuJIfrSmXXzfvhLKN8mgL_8_4uQr2gQvxKXhcVuiKLaJOcPnFL_5M/s1080/meleap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhDqGFm_I3ZrlUcgncRsnIpuX4WOJ1R0g91oLIxiQxNUw5OJOAldQ72IV0lPMEPkxp3-BaclHt6g1855q1N-9goSU5b3uyFL5THXc0OUi04uPXWD0r8ZzRjipz72zyu_zD953baMQuJIfrSmXXzfvhLKN8mgL_8_4uQr2gQvxKXhcVuiKLaJOcPnFL_5M/w480-h640/meleap.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-64717839220915876662024-02-27T11:21:00.061-06:002024-02-27T11:21:00.154-06:00Collegiate Academy, Round Two<p style="text-align: left;">As an 8th grader in LISD, Danielle had the opportunity to apply to Collegiate Academy at The Colony High School. Yes, <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2020/02/collegiate-academy.html">same as Naomi 4 years ago</a>. This program allows high school students to earn 60 hours of dual credit from Collin College, and receive their Associates Degree weeks before graduating from high school.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Danielle went thru the process and completed all the required steps: lots of forms, a video recording and the TSI English college-readiness assessment test. She passed with flying colors and was recently invited into the program!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP6nVx2PQkU17c2-5PDNgGuFvyP451z_mfJjSfacEHpS9IBQxtfARx3wjRatRnFPat5IpPIT9PmL6WhuYyyvhkMmJFAq2J3u7eXbj7ZlOlwytr4smQlh_izcIJ1MzPppFMaHZ0sv0A7Lt8YQMjZH-WdLxpOXqAiqp0MQ_Rd2yKB8xeHKGGqgD7Xno2Wee/s2048/2024-02-06%20Danielle%20TCHS%20Collegiate%20Academy%20Acceptance.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP6nVx2PQkU17c2-5PDNgGuFvyP451z_mfJjSfacEHpS9IBQxtfARx3wjRatRnFPat5IpPIT9PmL6WhuYyyvhkMmJFAq2J3u7eXbj7ZlOlwytr4smQlh_izcIJ1MzPppFMaHZ0sv0A7Lt8YQMjZH-WdLxpOXqAiqp0MQ_Rd2yKB8xeHKGGqgD7Xno2Wee/w640-h428/2024-02-06%20Danielle%20TCHS%20Collegiate%20Academy%20Acceptance.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Second row from top, just left of center</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The big question: Can she do Collegiate AND play volleyball? The answer: YES! (good answer.)</div><div><br /></div><div>The next big question: Are any friends doing it? YES! (another good answer.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Danielle is officially in for Cohort 8, class of 2028! Congrats Danielle, we are super proud and excited to see how your collegiate journey unfolds!</div><div><br /></div><div><i>So, yeah, this means we've now got TWO college students in our midst. </i></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-44486561179513974072024-02-24T12:12:00.120-06:002024-02-24T12:12:00.134-06:00Roller Meal<div style="text-align: left;">Checked out of school for a recent mid-day appointment, Danielle & I stop at Racetrac...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Are you getting back in time for lunch?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><i> <span> No.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Oh, ok. Just a sec, lemme run in and get my drink.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span> </span><span> I'm coming too!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>[passing the roller grill] Ever had one of those?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span> </span><span> A hot d... ooooooo! What are those?!?!?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>There's different ones. [pointing] cheese sticks... taquitos... that's like, a pancake wrapped sausage on a stick. OH! Those buffalo chicken things are really good!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><i> </i>π²<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Want that for lunch?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span> </span><span> Which one should I get?</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><i>You pick. And look, they're 2 for $3! Get two!</i></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pqTZ1yJRUH7PLH3j_zaZmQRplK0bHnnJYWzMkai8tETqhVyKKK1On9XuW8JPG4UvfYXkohgRW6j-F9i5K-TRMRBSnI7rwMW8veJKXpsdV04Ff1ya-R1f-aBk3sSMgJro_C6jIjomWVYsi7KlGY79E7U1SHOkYBFxPm-XFGc-SL1dYD72965FKOmql61f/s3264/IMG_20231109_130935928_BURST000_COVER_TOP~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pqTZ1yJRUH7PLH3j_zaZmQRplK0bHnnJYWzMkai8tETqhVyKKK1On9XuW8JPG4UvfYXkohgRW6j-F9i5K-TRMRBSnI7rwMW8veJKXpsdV04Ff1ya-R1f-aBk3sSMgJro_C6jIjomWVYsi7KlGY79E7U1SHOkYBFxPm-XFGc-SL1dYD72965FKOmql61f/w480-h640/IMG_20231109_130935928_BURST000_COVER_TOP~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SCORE! 2x RollerBites Buffalo Chicken<br />TASTY!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Her world is bigger now. She's seen things.</div><div><br /></div><div>Roller things.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bringin em up right. π</div><div><br /></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-76659109930660672792024-02-21T23:21:00.001-06:002024-02-23T10:30:30.492-06:00RETR@migo: February 21, 2014<p style="text-align: left;">Thankfully no rats this time around (possibly in part to coyote urine strategically placed in the attic!), but we have had our share of winter-time sniffles that tends to happen this time of year! Danielle was under the weather 2 weeks ago, I felt quite bleck last week and Naomi is taking her turn now. Hoping Jeff does <b><i>not </i></b>have one of those days. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0DqCmXE5wUkNPQqD4kjkSAxajQyLYYGwYUYN0T184Ck6ShCd4oKLiXnIuXN54_7DdpJUwoMM1emYfX3wUHwrVGDDbCdJUs-iJ4BKg_tdpj9Df1YMilI9ZUjsQMp7Lfpi4vZvdtEUmU0Ffwyqkv7k6BcdBEHdz7qtffcyDR8f3EFwjCXwXP_npUghV8nE/s640/RETR@migo%20Banner%20Black.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="640" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0DqCmXE5wUkNPQqD4kjkSAxajQyLYYGwYUYN0T184Ck6ShCd4oKLiXnIuXN54_7DdpJUwoMM1emYfX3wUHwrVGDDbCdJUs-iJ4BKg_tdpj9Df1YMilI9ZUjsQMp7Lfpi4vZvdtEUmU0Ffwyqkv7k6BcdBEHdz7qtffcyDR8f3EFwjCXwXP_npUghV8nE/w640-h138/RETR@migo%20Banner%20Black.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="article-header" style="display: table; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 750px;"><h1 class="title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #2ea4b8; display: table-cell; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 40px 0px 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 670px;"><a data-id="3754988000516391167" data-item-type="post" href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/ever-have-one-of-those-days.html" itemprop="url" rel="bookmark" style="color: #2ea4b8; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Ever have one of those days?</a></h1></div><div class="article-content entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">Well, we had our "one of those days" this week.<br /><br />Let me preface this by saying (1) Danielle just gotten over strep throat last week and (2) our pest control guy recently put rat poison in boxes around the yard and in the attic...<br /><br />It all started with a foul smell in the garage that had been getting stronger and stronger. This week we isolated the smell to my car. We finally noticed this under the hood of my car (right in the center of the picture):<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTJlqpGVpJ1IC4Jd_v_4aknqc8E-Qd_mYTcvbHKTAN0hG3vPnPkUHMraf9-yJCDyDTfGmlcYvnbkCM9Wv2iPTmZVjWQc1LhJQ036UHNYW8t9UqsOSGPFOQtTGvEaneg2yOkqHZDw1WnM/s1600/2014+02+18+car+rat2.jpg" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTJlqpGVpJ1IC4Jd_v_4aknqc8E-Qd_mYTcvbHKTAN0hG3vPnPkUHMraf9-yJCDyDTfGmlcYvnbkCM9Wv2iPTmZVjWQc1LhJQ036UHNYW8t9UqsOSGPFOQtTGvEaneg2yOkqHZDw1WnM/s1600/2014+02+18+car+rat2.jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 9; border-image-width: 9px; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now we know that <i>that smell</i> is the smell of a decomposing rat. Jeff earned husband-of-the-year award by extracting the small furry body that was lodged in the engine of my car.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Uqe5TkqQ9t1m0LCIpHPu-beNxqdMOWGG3fYS2tMhsEIwpnsGesOTl6Peeq_XU5uMTSGTOjoxzqKMa7mTUnyTLwnOXYq1kdQ-LaffNWVfh5-27-LUw6tiG-ClZEZaxPp7WomQ3JlKPg/s1600/2014+02+18+car+rat.jpg" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2Uqe5TkqQ9t1m0LCIpHPu-beNxqdMOWGG3fYS2tMhsEIwpnsGesOTl6Peeq_XU5uMTSGTOjoxzqKMa7mTUnyTLwnOXYq1kdQ-LaffNWVfh5-27-LUw6tiG-ClZEZaxPp7WomQ3JlKPg/s1600/2014+02+18+car+rat.jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 9; border-image-width: 9px; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><br />So the very next day, I get a call from Danielle's daycare -- Danielle is crying and complaining of a stomachache. By the time I get there, she's already thrown up. We get home, she throws up again. As I'm comforting her, Jeff calls me from the driveway asking why I've locked the garage door. I didn't lock anything...turns out, the giant spring that lifts the garage door has broken.<br /><br />Shortly after that, I go upstairs to get new clothes for Danielle from her closet. Just as I open the closet door, I'm overwhelmed by that same decomposing rat smell. Aye yi yi.<br /><br />Jeff heads up into the attic in search of the source of that smell.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NZaW0nVqlqAuqv1h6PpnehOdnjxHXYOXmrTwhKJ_TmRt0j6TTDcwvoh3bJsgk1z4CZhv_IFCpiEepq3UFjCxZym4rP4RDA3ozX1pKziqRJ0-X8s1Fh_QtiCZDtYp8mlAaVGe8iqYuM0/s1600/2014+02+19+attic+rat.JPG" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NZaW0nVqlqAuqv1h6PpnehOdnjxHXYOXmrTwhKJ_TmRt0j6TTDcwvoh3bJsgk1z4CZhv_IFCpiEepq3UFjCxZym4rP4RDA3ozX1pKziqRJ0-X8s1Fh_QtiCZDtYp8mlAaVGe8iqYuM0/s1600/2014+02+19+attic+rat.JPG" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image-outset: 0; border-image-repeat: stretch; border-image-slice: 9; border-image-width: 9px; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="300" /></a></div><br />Fortunately, rats don't cover their tracks very well and Jeff noticed a hole burrowing through the insulation. After a little digging, he found what he was looking for! Mission accomplished.<br /><br />And then our "one of those days" was finally over!</div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-16829076764571419862024-02-19T19:21:00.003-06:002024-02-19T20:17:32.148-06:00Disappointed<div style="text-align: left;">I don't make a lot of extraneous purchases -- usually only immediate consumables. So I was <i>very </i>excited about my latest purchase, something I selected to be my fun item after my recent work bonus. I selected a countertop "Sonic Ice" nugget ice maker! It claimed to make soft, chewable ice like Sonic in 7 minutes, which is exactly what I wanted. Most of the reviews supported the claim, it was a good price for Sonic-like ice, so I clicked Purchase! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It arrived 3 days early. I carefully followed the instructions to let it sit for 1 hour (to let the refrigerant settle properly after being shipped on it's side) and I completed the cleaning cycle. I was ready, for my long-awaited Sonic ice at home! </div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At about 8 minutes, the first 4 tiny nuggets of ice dropped out. And then a few more over the next couple minutes. They <i>looked kinda </i>like Sonic ice, although a little more cube-like than a cylinder pellet. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlvWw-xcbEbqbbIDuBEaVpu-ZNdj_OfyhS71QY5NSbnCEGDCG8NiXHGT3GHdqLG-eGPOLGvC7Q7gcsiUZDE5cO8urc21g2E8qB3OPXYcvDlO9Qf8O41gbQ4-jTCAAU4m_o9wmSAk65YEXRC7CsmTFMFEPRZLoXALqfZKLdRhAzbpfx3YeLII8wuFTaWxS/s1080/ice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlvWw-xcbEbqbbIDuBEaVpu-ZNdj_OfyhS71QY5NSbnCEGDCG8NiXHGT3GHdqLG-eGPOLGvC7Q7gcsiUZDE5cO8urc21g2E8qB3OPXYcvDlO9Qf8O41gbQ4-jTCAAU4m_o9wmSAk65YEXRC7CsmTFMFEPRZLoXALqfZKLdRhAzbpfx3YeLII8wuFTaWxS/w640-h480/ice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The speed was a bit underwhelming, but speed was not my number one concern. It was the texture that I was holding out for! So, I waited a few more minutes for the official chew test.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzmlAHVm98gD69if1i7s_NqYF2HsORpynw7C9dRzlcqXnE10sRiJYqOXJMgV6OPUQIuHqmBJkCgVEdn0ragqQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">π</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, it was "chew-able", but only because it was small. It was NOT the chewy, crumbly Sonic-textured ice like I was hoping for.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">35 minutes later, I had enough ice to fill my water bottle. And an hour later, the ice-making cycle made it through the .3 gal reservoir to make about a half container of ice. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>I really, really wanted to like this and have it work out. But sadly, I have already processed the Amazon return. I think I might have unrealistic expectations.</div><div><br /></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-22608776987553098372024-02-17T12:12:00.023-06:002024-02-17T12:12:00.129-06:00RETR@migo: February 17, 2015<div style="text-align: left;">Somehow, they're costing us way more money, and we're getting alot less work around the house out of em. Naomi <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2023/05/naomis-new-job.html?q=naomi+work">works outside the house</a> (where the pay is better) nowdays, and that somehow translated (ok, it's our laziness on toeing the line) into Danielle getting to quit doing her regular chores too. It's like they unionized or something.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIQBaiChUsZtEUIrBoHsmx263Ds0iGNP-J0U7EEHbYw1Xnbw4B_TGbVd89iT05Ivic2lfI40j3JRXZaWNuuWVyXXf9RQoNp1TqYHMufnwW1lBLhtRQayHB1FM2lElrGrAMnh_-OTFBZNxcoDJvMJHvcWVLaJX95_K83afxBxa2-0HbkqLPyVFZBcL9_C2/s1436/RETR@migo%20Banner%20Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="1436" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIQBaiChUsZtEUIrBoHsmx263Ds0iGNP-J0U7EEHbYw1Xnbw4B_TGbVd89iT05Ivic2lfI40j3JRXZaWNuuWVyXXf9RQoNp1TqYHMufnwW1lBLhtRQayHB1FM2lElrGrAMnh_-OTFBZNxcoDJvMJHvcWVLaJX95_K83afxBxa2-0HbkqLPyVFZBcL9_C2/w640-h138/RETR@migo%20Banner%20Black.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="article-header" style="display: table; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center; width: 750px;"><h1 class="title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #2ea4b8; display: table-cell; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 40px 0px 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 670px;"><a data-id="92166494462814150" data-item-type="post" href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/personnel.html" itemprop="url" rel="bookmark" style="color: #2ea4b8; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;">Personnel</a></h1></div><div class="article-content entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" style="clear: both; color: #333333; line-height: 1.4; margin: 10px auto 5px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Jobs are coming back. You've prolly seen it in the news. Thanks Obama!</span><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Things at AmigoNet are so good in fact, that we decided to add one more person. Danielle was very interested in the job, and as our resident intern the last couple years, she got first crack at it. Of course, she nailed the interview.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjN2YskEp1wVWtkrfhgF50dg-2dPcMQKN2P60fxdVGlhQn_zlB2OZ6vt9tpeN0ecF_AgXEy8l1bT4BhcJNM-VnvyY7w7Od5oasaCCb8sTtvPLwJA7i3mBRhPJiW8y9q6BJwtbmpnCSLR4/s1600/20150215_chore+contract+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinjN2YskEp1wVWtkrfhgF50dg-2dPcMQKN2P60fxdVGlhQn_zlB2OZ6vt9tpeN0ecF_AgXEy8l1bT4BhcJNM-VnvyY7w7Od5oasaCCb8sTtvPLwJA7i3mBRhPJiW8y9q6BJwtbmpnCSLR4/s1600/20150215_chore+contract+(2).jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Don't worry about Naomi - <a href="http://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2012/06/naomi-joins-workforce.html" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;" target="_blank">we take care of our people</a>. In addition to our generous benefit package (healthcare, savings plan, free snacks & drinks in the break room), she got a 50% raise! (way better than any of our competitors were offering)</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvBcZfxJSxw4AlJYMCdK8gspNsbpI12TahbUS7wI_H2k5eeNdHScs1BGNi78-_OzDLqeyTioQZ3d-bFzPC4RhrcSgo0_bmUxqts4F_9X_r8ktiYkw6ZmYRbcsE9anWYkncVlwXTf-Bryd/s1600/20150215_chore+contract+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvBcZfxJSxw4AlJYMCdK8gspNsbpI12TahbUS7wI_H2k5eeNdHScs1BGNi78-_OzDLqeyTioQZ3d-bFzPC4RhrcSgo0_bmUxqts4F_9X_r8ktiYkw6ZmYRbcsE9anWYkncVlwXTf-Bryd/s1600/20150215_chore+contract+(1).jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Official copies on file with HR.</div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5IcfbuPYYTOpQyoXeCFrZC01cXVgSrcEA2YaqXw9cGP2ftObXiycIgWQUnQ7C-hlI6e0Lm_6bVjAWZ4_kyEAwlxe9d9HfCju5WLCVhyTcZ_yEbRIUE0c9IGc_PAsfYNk7CedMQIIDYKy/s1600/2015-02+Danielle+Allowance+Contract.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5IcfbuPYYTOpQyoXeCFrZC01cXVgSrcEA2YaqXw9cGP2ftObXiycIgWQUnQ7C-hlI6e0Lm_6bVjAWZ4_kyEAwlxe9d9HfCju5WLCVhyTcZ_yEbRIUE0c9IGc_PAsfYNk7CedMQIIDYKy/s1600/2015-02+Danielle+Allowance+Contract.jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmA_eCOtqTdPJXyyaGUNkGBf01ArqkBThiOm9hzZmQIkTuUT2Z-LCMlAsTVzwF2fPR_lihERdPNwFs4azT-OlLKp5oiKh4YeMn_xMtQDUekQvMvyhAkE2_k1-PF7lWZozVnTYoYmrEuDF/s1600/2015-02+Naomi+Allowance+Contract.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #009eb8; display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.3s ease 0s;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmA_eCOtqTdPJXyyaGUNkGBf01ArqkBThiOm9hzZmQIkTuUT2Z-LCMlAsTVzwF2fPR_lihERdPNwFs4azT-OlLKp5oiKh4YeMn_xMtQDUekQvMvyhAkE2_k1-PF7lWZozVnTYoYmrEuDF/s1600/2015-02+Naomi+Allowance+Contract.jpg" style="-webkit-border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 fill / 9px stretch; border-color: initial; border-image: url("data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAUCAMAAAC6V+0/AAAAOVBMVEUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD///+8yHYvAAAAEnRSTlMAAgEDBAUJBwYzCw0UChARDghnBteEAAAAhElEQVR4XnWRSxJDIQgEEx1Axd/L/Q8bKCuuyOzsohHxdZLS25LSOV2ULQdflgEiIDu9KqiIFILXXpeEx2ChXwdnKNxUGxc4dZbNfXjPufkp5H0Nwtymq/dltUIweNy9qmXt08EgydDZ6+dT+9Qh9AeGenhROFI0fPjMaCHx6uIlh9/xBSJuB3l0A/6JAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC") 9 / 9px / 0 stretch; border-style: none; border-width: 9px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: auto; margin: 10px auto; max-width: 100%; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="260" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-29282657011629386582024-02-14T12:12:00.070-06:002024-02-14T12:47:01.441-06:00Carpenter's Bluff<div style="text-align: left;">Carpenter's Bluff sits on the border of Texas & Oklahoma. While never the most common route across the Red River, it's historically seen enough traffic to warrant a bridge nevertheless. Originally a railroad crossing (1910), it's now been bypassed by trucking and the <i>new</i> bridge built for vehicular use.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Today, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtOV8TIWD6I">the old bridge remains</a> as a pedestrian crossing. But I wouldn't advise using the footpath!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Jenny & Jeff, Carpenter's Bluff, January 2024</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMvOZ1b6ahl5HnBqBm6gXzNiTizTIXrERzyN2jmZ3aUxNQ9ZnM1t_iNokR0qhzMyduHm9o2rsM-cQLoOVPOfO_ocyE-qpqv-1jo36wdgmaFWT5a5FTyCBywGPeQPcN-K7P4nhQtxJl0b8OSK7snk142UPQzM2SXpoFJfbMpMJup1bh2iziH1Phd_u4Tc2/s3063/IMG_20240127_142659557_HDR~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1721" data-original-width="3063" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMvOZ1b6ahl5HnBqBm6gXzNiTizTIXrERzyN2jmZ3aUxNQ9ZnM1t_iNokR0qhzMyduHm9o2rsM-cQLoOVPOfO_ocyE-qpqv-1jo36wdgmaFWT5a5FTyCBywGPeQPcN-K7P4nhQtxJl0b8OSK7snk142UPQzM2SXpoFJfbMpMJup1bh2iziH1Phd_u4Tc2/w640-h360/IMG_20240127_142659557_HDR~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNYv3Bh4BNftVq0F6laOBXXvAV1kgwaiUKU1VADLZeK4zdzFZ2a5rk3Koj7MNKpFO0Fmdm4PeliLjtGW3qL2A_UtCL-6M7TlXrpxcb4fmpxGokWGUMZEz3tzDxqhFEni9sL5yblXaLC9MZSAH5-LV9I4OzDLDs1DXo3xYiyo5rCop5uRjW7a9kOIXmL44/s3647/IMG_20240127_144538734_HDR~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2734" data-original-width="3647" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNYv3Bh4BNftVq0F6laOBXXvAV1kgwaiUKU1VADLZeK4zdzFZ2a5rk3Koj7MNKpFO0Fmdm4PeliLjtGW3qL2A_UtCL-6M7TlXrpxcb4fmpxGokWGUMZEz3tzDxqhFEni9sL5yblXaLC9MZSAH5-LV9I4OzDLDs1DXo3xYiyo5rCop5uRjW7a9kOIXmL44/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_144538734_HDR~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ-ewSXw6lb7whPvRwjNhlubdUc3XlLx9M30aVs5tqiEbVgpox-Cz-UB9e3EgMNpR-KMGwdBaotdHwnJKECwaZxtMNRIvyNMBr-O-dBGPrKa592Iiyvi22liPZqSlZJ_h0u9nZJZUVAh7hn7DxlPXrxlkYAuwZ1Ht1lBUCfF1D8Lg_F44oKWzR3BAcQP3/s2775/IMG_20240127_144154274_HDR~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="2080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJ-ewSXw6lb7whPvRwjNhlubdUc3XlLx9M30aVs5tqiEbVgpox-Cz-UB9e3EgMNpR-KMGwdBaotdHwnJKECwaZxtMNRIvyNMBr-O-dBGPrKa592Iiyvi22liPZqSlZJ_h0u9nZJZUVAh7hn7DxlPXrxlkYAuwZ1Ht1lBUCfF1D8Lg_F44oKWzR3BAcQP3/w480-h640/IMG_20240127_144154274_HDR~3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsgDMzmqxxEdgVxdNoMQ0COwbR-TtJdDSqsAuDXs5pN0LvUQjJpx85yNf40OPGyQ-HVeewgXAfMJ3rQNAaVivyPIu-_4Aht32ac7tCkr5616SO2akl6_nMduaH08HzoSQBYfi_MOepwG-AMGGxWJeVQaYQfp7iGwIlJdbqTP5jgZ_9W97odWV3bsSm5nl/s3575/IMG_20240127_144621072_HDR~3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2382" data-original-width="3575" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsgDMzmqxxEdgVxdNoMQ0COwbR-TtJdDSqsAuDXs5pN0LvUQjJpx85yNf40OPGyQ-HVeewgXAfMJ3rQNAaVivyPIu-_4Aht32ac7tCkr5616SO2akl6_nMduaH08HzoSQBYfi_MOepwG-AMGGxWJeVQaYQfp7iGwIlJdbqTP5jgZ_9W97odWV3bsSm5nl/w640-h426/IMG_20240127_144621072_HDR~3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3929" data-original-width="2946" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSfFPPbsDoEyOBdXstF0zT_Kt674Hgg8LHkBTTBrhCKGQ8VpPm-sRZ1bCnCzUgdHGm-L9eiYVo1asFlAi-vgFBn18WJAnVLEuxNE4eulpaMJ-OyehOhOZyDdVbK1DPSpsqDgPkUyT_BXgDJbixKzPBOXfKOSUPCcEAaChbU6Sdct3cXR7yJMRXnQUHA6-/w480-h640/IMG_20240127_150234882_HDR~3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3Kz-bHVgy0MrhpSDcR2MHaQpe2Lbvw65eDYHO9S4xNfR5tfzs1c9b9NREKaNqBoay-IU6HV6o3piFcmobdM7h34HR0RUunl9chSCViGtTlqysDiwXjNyRHDYXm4oXeQWMYDglZBlJHByL9Ua3QOIFkVs6vkadT3FU9zwqEMzK7oR790q8i8-LcsXXtTq/s3773/IMG_20240127_151334834_HDR~4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2829" data-original-width="3773" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3Kz-bHVgy0MrhpSDcR2MHaQpe2Lbvw65eDYHO9S4xNfR5tfzs1c9b9NREKaNqBoay-IU6HV6o3piFcmobdM7h34HR0RUunl9chSCViGtTlqysDiwXjNyRHDYXm4oXeQWMYDglZBlJHByL9Ua3QOIFkVs6vkadT3FU9zwqEMzK7oR790q8i8-LcsXXtTq/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_151334834_HDR~4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXQVMOTcTvF91bJBEGrAJ8KpuTr50CkE4RaNdLNJXDeVoWBOgcgF1y3LVW7ekELLsxCeIklC7jqxVmu4dTgqDPHveW9Mv5MbmEFRMDb7Jtgv9qggMfaItxJQ7U4-6DQRnrDVhvQmYqOJtv-Hq6VMVfF85-CgDKnHlAKrU3ZzPzqopyoVq06YArGsc2M7-/s1987/IMG_20240127_153359059_HDR~4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1987" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXQVMOTcTvF91bJBEGrAJ8KpuTr50CkE4RaNdLNJXDeVoWBOgcgF1y3LVW7ekELLsxCeIklC7jqxVmu4dTgqDPHveW9Mv5MbmEFRMDb7Jtgv9qggMfaItxJQ7U4-6DQRnrDVhvQmYqOJtv-Hq6VMVfF85-CgDKnHlAKrU3ZzPzqopyoVq06YArGsc2M7-/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_153359059_HDR~4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-62489488363946255612024-02-12T17:21:00.017-06:002024-02-12T18:00:48.268-06:00Taylor Bowl<p style="text-align: left;">Super Bowl LVIII is now in the history books -- Kansas City Chiefs claim victory in back-to-back wins! But more importantly, yes, Taylor Swift made it to the game in plenty of time after her Tokyo Eras concert performance. π </p><p style="text-align: left;">We hosted a Super Bowl watch party with our usual framily friends, but Taylor got much of the attention, as did the halftime performance by Usher (<i>at one point on roller skates!</i>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFZLENUyIn2pG1IXuKIR4ubXXiFxTox4hf2XtU-WqDWhDYJ8aRFRkG3qpo9CLhjjodsdkGAKqEyEcIyoxBI_WiTosE6iwI2mdXbobCwzDRtFmt0sHisODdpXF80Vo_T8_8EHzZxqf3vWJjVssAsOeqo-M36RlhePlaKQncBDyxAtLVVUhQPZryriRSxIS/s1920/A4DA222ED759_1707699356946~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFZLENUyIn2pG1IXuKIR4ubXXiFxTox4hf2XtU-WqDWhDYJ8aRFRkG3qpo9CLhjjodsdkGAKqEyEcIyoxBI_WiTosE6iwI2mdXbobCwzDRtFmt0sHisODdpXF80Vo_T8_8EHzZxqf3vWJjVssAsOeqo-M36RlhePlaKQncBDyxAtLVVUhQPZryriRSxIS/w640-h360/A4DA222ED759_1707699356946~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">And for the first time ever, Danielle stayed tuned throughout the entire game.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NO9qnrRzhvBAVdY0bVOEz-sQdomc_GKHZbE-2YoO1GUZw8QUhVYasY5pBhIF5xP8pK4nL7eBe9xLnm9hZ6ogU8q_za4H7An27LzJNUR_ARqsg5k4OLj5rG6uzrabK_JWqu72bbjvIWs2EAwZQNJDl01AB2fkxmB518HqIG9pkoeII3_VrJuSX9ECPPz-/s2662/IMG_20240211_221202248~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2661" data-original-width="2662" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NO9qnrRzhvBAVdY0bVOEz-sQdomc_GKHZbE-2YoO1GUZw8QUhVYasY5pBhIF5xP8pK4nL7eBe9xLnm9hZ6ogU8q_za4H7An27LzJNUR_ARqsg5k4OLj5rG6uzrabK_JWqu72bbjvIWs2EAwZQNJDl01AB2fkxmB518HqIG9pkoeII3_VrJuSX9ECPPz-/w640-h640/IMG_20240211_221202248~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">NOTE: This is mostly here to document the moment, so that when Danielle looks back on the significant things from her childhood, Taylor Swift will be captured.</p><p><i>Also making an appearance at Super Bowl LVIII, for posterity, let's see if this ever catches on:</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpYpQ3ExuP3rn5uSSOfYYf5Nu8hc0IhOFxVoEMmbk8zgsUnZ86qCyM8rLk_oYyyHhLe-icA4AT_kJDTC2BrkfxZn-cJH6ofHv3R5Njov3Uh64bSe2H25zN7vljU4Y5c73uihBpKFZD91_S67EHDY0hxM6qIjs8PvA11ixeDAif3iPttMzvy23QgDasA5l/s4330/IMG_20240211_164036934~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4330" data-original-width="3246" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpYpQ3ExuP3rn5uSSOfYYf5Nu8hc0IhOFxVoEMmbk8zgsUnZ86qCyM8rLk_oYyyHhLe-icA4AT_kJDTC2BrkfxZn-cJH6ofHv3R5Njov3Uh64bSe2H25zN7vljU4Y5c73uihBpKFZD91_S67EHDY0hxM6qIjs8PvA11ixeDAif3iPttMzvy23QgDasA5l/w480-h640/IMG_20240211_164036934~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-9898790475508500762024-02-09T12:12:00.294-06:002024-02-09T13:17:08.780-06:00Yeah, Yeah, Yeah<div style="text-align: left;">I have to say, the more excited people are about something, the more dismissive I am of it. Straight up. I admit it. It's not a great a personality trait, but there it is. If they're that excited about it, my mind immediately assumes they're overreacting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>OMG, <b>Taylor Swift</b> dropped another clue for her next album! See her red earrings? Everyone is saying it'll be Red (Taylor's Version) next!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><i> <span> Cool.</span> But... hasn't she already said she's rereleasing all of them to get the ownership back?</i></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><i>Do you guys play <b>pickleball</b>?!?! It's so fun! We have to go to Chicken & Pickle!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><i><span> </span> Ok...</i></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span><span><i><br /></i></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Girls Night In was amazing! We picked up $200 of <b>charcuterie</b> and it was beautiful! Everyone loved it!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> Oh, look at that. It's a meat and cheese tray.</i></div></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRu2nr4cAhNnb0KVCc5KuUvzrfbw3JMSUNYhED0ubBnm0jrb0OPoQJN65qUomTMG0OPqNsWIYtzCTTjPbk2kLCV70afHlocSrd2UfMMtdymW2846OLUP5cFSf-oJhbHERAovDxi77s1kBXnQYGi6d1_6D_dwiai4MFX0r9rNV8JACJOPnYBiqLL6wHbNh/s498/han-solo-star-wars.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="498" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRu2nr4cAhNnb0KVCc5KuUvzrfbw3JMSUNYhED0ubBnm0jrb0OPoQJN65qUomTMG0OPqNsWIYtzCTTjPbk2kLCV70afHlocSrd2UfMMtdymW2846OLUP5cFSf-oJhbHERAovDxi77s1kBXnQYGi6d1_6D_dwiai4MFX0r9rNV8JACJOPnYBiqLL6wHbNh/w640-h454/han-solo-star-wars.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've lived people. I've seen things. I've done things.<br />Yes, new things are fun, but calm down will ya.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">See? I'm not <i>against</i> what they're saying, it just feels that way by comparison. So let me take a minute to clear things up...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Taylor Swift:</b> She's not my jam, but I do fully appreciate her talents as a songwriter and musician. She's the real deal, which is kinda rare for the pop audience that is usually served by producers rather than artists. She is showing (mostly) young women what a live performance by a real musician playing real instruments looks like. HUGE props for that! ππ</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pickleball:</b> Ok, people are right, pickleball is really fun! And easy to pick up. And social. I was wrong to dismiss. I am IN for this one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Charcuterie:</b> Yes, its yummy, and it has more stuff. But it's still basically a meat and cheese tray. We've had em at Super Bowl parties and the like forever. Enjoy! But calm down people.</div><div><br /></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-12090209511362288612024-02-07T11:21:00.130-06:002024-02-07T21:46:51.408-06:00A Joy-Filled Stoic<p style="text-align: left;">I stumbled onto a particular book that I asked to get for Christmas. (No, I could not trace the steps that led me to that book-- it could have been one of the daily emails I get or it could have been from a quote I saw somewhere...I just keep a list of things that sound interesting, so that I have a few ideas for when my birthday or Christmas rolls around.)</p><p style="text-align: left;">The book: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/29093292">The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance and the Art of Living</a></p><p style="text-align: left;">I like "daily" readings. It includes writings by historical people I've heard of but didn't really know much about (Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius). And who doesn't like to persevere and gain wisdom?! So it made my list, and ended up under the Christmas tree with my name on it! </p><p style="text-align: left;">So now I'm learning about the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism">Stoic philosophy</a>. </p><p style="text-align: left;">The main idea: <b>Accept what you can and can't control: you can't control the world around you, only how you think & respond - with courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice.</b> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Basically:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyV9-7BqaOfiGNgqmmTcan_D5Q7dO9xVYnBhp9FbTk06KMRF2NPlkHK1j5mvWbfP7udSraIfn8wQd9r7Ewy66VoMSYGfXfirSYWG8qz2Kb6jPaMSYkkNfXxdidPGk2k7OP8ddTMi1-A09Aog7L7EoVxlM8lB8AXv9iQquZdEccJgCQXu813DKjEYTTXqY/s2560/serenity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="2560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyV9-7BqaOfiGNgqmmTcan_D5Q7dO9xVYnBhp9FbTk06KMRF2NPlkHK1j5mvWbfP7udSraIfn8wQd9r7Ewy66VoMSYGfXfirSYWG8qz2Kb6jPaMSYkkNfXxdidPGk2k7OP8ddTMi1-A09Aog7L7EoVxlM8lB8AXv9iQquZdEccJgCQXu813DKjEYTTXqY/w400-h400/serenity.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">I think there is some analysis that stoicism is archaic and depressing, but I actually see lots of the goodness in it like living simply, finding beauty and joy in every day and recognizing that our actions impact others. Although, it is likely that I'm just focusing on the things that already align with my values! (ie. confirmation bias)</p><p style="text-align: left;">I'm enjoying a bit of philosophical reading each day, and bonus: it's got <b>366</b> entries -- perfect for 2024, which happens to be a leap year! Serendipity.</p><p style="text-align: left;">And now I've got <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quotes-Calendar-Perpetual-Inspiration-Motivation/dp/B0BF3RW6JZ/ref=asc_df_B0BF3RW6JZ/">a new item on "my list"</a>!</p><p class="yiv7174527020" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Oxygen-Sans, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 1em 0px; outline: none !important;"></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-28512467578339641522024-02-04T12:12:00.062-06:002024-02-04T12:12:00.135-06:001 + 1 = 0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seems like a <i>no brainer, must try</i>, right?</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysVdHZgp9axCRvUGGHVkEh8q_Yj0es9T5178FYWFuH-_4dcWN8VukunqfeQ-cLOE3RcsWqKr1f_YH5jiVSL-JHNSpEOxF49OC7hRlmF2X_1RtK0NGbOMVzpdBG_0VPoRzB_FKuwKwKgXIcFzH86Aej3vn44GAXKQo6A2u6BDSp90REX3L6A32rgil1tQ-/s1750/Sonic%20PBB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1750" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysVdHZgp9axCRvUGGHVkEh8q_Yj0es9T5178FYWFuH-_4dcWN8VukunqfeQ-cLOE3RcsWqKr1f_YH5jiVSL-JHNSpEOxF49OC7hRlmF2X_1RtK0NGbOMVzpdBG_0VPoRzB_FKuwKwKgXIcFzH86Aej3vn44GAXKQo6A2u6BDSp90REX3L6A32rgil1tQ-/w640-h332/Sonic%20PBB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon makes it better!<br />usually</td></tr></tbody></table>TAKEAWAY: Bland.<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eJ2eGBfXUjX2-sgylKGeHRBi8dmCGYFvbdF_xQok9qRIoEmhA4Dm_p01n_b3zISUxidhRUS5SGx-7VJ5elpKpH5bU61zToGxu2FIoNlUBlNBkLjJu-DpSvgTxdH3U7UOdcTAseMa9bxX8uiKdmRYpbvAWHZ6XWPpkYUOS44elAoncZdKIgjevoC6JgGb/s3456/IMG_20240126_200413770~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5eJ2eGBfXUjX2-sgylKGeHRBi8dmCGYFvbdF_xQok9qRIoEmhA4Dm_p01n_b3zISUxidhRUS5SGx-7VJ5elpKpH5bU61zToGxu2FIoNlUBlNBkLjJu-DpSvgTxdH3U7UOdcTAseMa9bxX8uiKdmRYpbvAWHZ6XWPpkYUOS44elAoncZdKIgjevoC6JgGb/w640-h640/IMG_20240126_200413770~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">meh</td></tr></tbody></table><i><div style="text-align: left;"><i>WHAT???</i></div></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know, right? How can that be? Well, the craveable flavors were just too weak. Instead of a <b><i><span style="color: #b45f06;">PEANUT BUTTER</span> <span style="color: #990000;">BACON</span> <span style="color: #3d85c6;">SHAKE</span></i></b>, a vanilla shake with notes of peanut flavor and little crunchy bits of bacon. Slightly savory, but far short of expectations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A swing and a miss, Sonic.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-67759206906202675752024-02-02T12:12:00.165-06:002024-02-15T22:57:13.003-06:0080 Grams<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Milestones are important.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">And we have a couple of em back-to-back on the Smith side. First, a <a href="https://amigonetblog.blogspot.com/2023/12/60th-family-tree.html">60th wedding anniversary</a> (WOW!), and now this...</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO4oWtB-PyRGOe4exvAvoarWBP9GKcVbnJK2uoqGxZRhGlV9hU6qiKAzSex6PFxkPIh-3-DjZ6mQRQrRCBYvgeZnWO2vpM54QgIcqVFF34jPWj7iyFDfOt9dGBV7apo1C2VHEhs8NonDun7CJRjBxC1mxprG6NjsK0V3V3jaKEdpHiNycrBmp0sP-Ka7R/s904/2024-02-01%20Grammie%20Birthday%20Zoom~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="820" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO4oWtB-PyRGOe4exvAvoarWBP9GKcVbnJK2uoqGxZRhGlV9hU6qiKAzSex6PFxkPIh-3-DjZ6mQRQrRCBYvgeZnWO2vpM54QgIcqVFF34jPWj7iyFDfOt9dGBV7apo1C2VHEhs8NonDun7CJRjBxC1mxprG6NjsK0V3V3jaKEdpHiNycrBmp0sP-Ka7R/w580-h640/2024-02-01%20Grammie%20Birthday%20Zoom~2.jpg" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>! ! ! H A P P Y 8 0 T H G R A M M I E ! ! !</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Our norm is to meet for dinner on these occasions. No big deal. Just a chance to catch up and celebrate someone's new high score. Always an easy good time.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDgqTgxtYMbe0JxJpubxgHxzKt5Dr128R_nM18aUg4U8uAFa6OSLxomDQiiDT8_AgCWkHiKN6l7sR9IWuq3T0k4bsbJ06EH23qbaNPzPV6aPVYqGdp6tYY-tI3WJHWlzHb2o_SbLdOboCzUHO2xrw52j7FTI7iMW3bto6_kvtYjNX1V_SAdYK_2FxGlxH/s4608/IMG_20240201_193952513~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2590" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDgqTgxtYMbe0JxJpubxgHxzKt5Dr128R_nM18aUg4U8uAFa6OSLxomDQiiDT8_AgCWkHiKN6l7sR9IWuq3T0k4bsbJ06EH23qbaNPzPV6aPVYqGdp6tYY-tI3WJHWlzHb2o_SbLdOboCzUHO2xrw52j7FTI7iMW3bto6_kvtYjNX1V_SAdYK_2FxGlxH/w640-h360/IMG_20240201_193952513~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dickey's BBQ, always a hit</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">But when that score rolls into a new decade, we had to take it up a notch. Everyone wants to be a part! Locals in person, farther aways Zooming in...</div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq2hQ2y8EET2AdzWEvb1e_bEc536Oaw5xKe70eyQjrPOUIUOhdUs7-dQHX8n-YQwz1fLmwcTyd356ShWkft5SMK6cQSUoG-6ncoBtzvhXWIPpjpN-4oAvbrfWb3E0h1rKFhKesLzOhVBh6UocAsYQoxl1_2_S2z8RuQkIJN7fuXTGqhHHBtBeELtJor74/s4040/IMG_20240201_190823646~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2692" data-original-width="4040" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrq2hQ2y8EET2AdzWEvb1e_bEc536Oaw5xKe70eyQjrPOUIUOhdUs7-dQHX8n-YQwz1fLmwcTyd356ShWkft5SMK6cQSUoG-6ncoBtzvhXWIPpjpN-4oAvbrfWb3E0h1rKFhKesLzOhVBh6UocAsYQoxl1_2_S2z8RuQkIJN7fuXTGqhHHBtBeELtJor74/w640-h426/IMG_20240201_190823646~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SIDE NOTE: Hey look, hair! I don't see the back of my head often. Good to know it's still hangin on.</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">And therein came the <i>real</i> surprise, delivered by good ol' Aunt D (Adrienne, my Mom's sister): "Maureen, we're going on a trip!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not a drug trip. (that we know of, unless it's one of the many prescriptions people take at that age)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nope, it's a road trip, long talked about by my Mom and her sister, and now finally organized by my organized sister Suzi. The three of em are off on a weeklong nostalgic tour of all their memorable spots in Texas. Being a nostalgia lover myself, I know it'll be fun, especially the sisters being able to bounce memories off each other. <b>HUGE HUGE HUGE props to Suzi for doing the driving.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here we go!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZFDNXUmydMZJPAzF1OEoqFAl13vJZHw3rjpkgII7aiyQvvjfuCNyJgRAwHBtA5LB8QyA8Lm-iyUpZIWvlGexpOIjxa7I7J-q9kYiSLyvqbab_xt4qJE4tDRaFiaG8RrIMPygsQs5eeRtUR8tjaHqk0bC6gZjtJrbdm1xswidD6nPcPL5Ul0CWv_WodRx/s3264/IMG_20240210_173708748~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2175" data-original-width="3264" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ZFDNXUmydMZJPAzF1OEoqFAl13vJZHw3rjpkgII7aiyQvvjfuCNyJgRAwHBtA5LB8QyA8Lm-iyUpZIWvlGexpOIjxa7I7J-q9kYiSLyvqbab_xt4qJE4tDRaFiaG8RrIMPygsQs5eeRtUR8tjaHqk0bC6gZjtJrbdm1xswidD6nPcPL5Ul0CWv_WodRx/w640-h426/IMG_20240210_173708748~2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McKinney: Birthday party kickoff with Suzi and Adrienne</td></tr></tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxmBPkt6iH05NoNkB3dGbirLNFDTCOtodbs7_l9UQqAkxjc7B7vnQqYRatoUhHKGiK2MAGfThWQBRSqZBd9xvSVe9jWqoVL7Rqb_0jmNKwDgb0QFv5UONl06fLRdbH2e5OzvGvvcjGJWNP4i5TftEdZYIgZNaNrk5iNap5Kvhgtxh_13grPV9Iwi9VLyP/s720/1946%20&%202024%20Fort%20Worth%20House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxmBPkt6iH05NoNkB3dGbirLNFDTCOtodbs7_l9UQqAkxjc7B7vnQqYRatoUhHKGiK2MAGfThWQBRSqZBd9xvSVe9jWqoVL7Rqb_0jmNKwDgb0QFv5UONl06fLRdbH2e5OzvGvvcjGJWNP4i5TftEdZYIgZNaNrk5iNap5Kvhgtxh_13grPV9Iwi9VLyP/w426-h640/1946%20&%202024%20Fort%20Worth%20House.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Worth: First house (1946)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwNTf2ouxYir2FGA-5rMGLns2nRMDF82P3A1wEPT8qTGro8VYbC5GYrAezj_AVRmtfgaCHOS0qTvhAc0EHsqSxXW_iBVKtrUKKcAnpmmLR6QflAPWjaJ8IFcfijq7dwVT4IP9ukW1E9WXA7dHCP26Mtu2LnbzeDNxxULohGiDawjfJuyJApSZafmPRvbx/s474/1947%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Fort%20Worth%20House1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="474" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwNTf2ouxYir2FGA-5rMGLns2nRMDF82P3A1wEPT8qTGro8VYbC5GYrAezj_AVRmtfgaCHOS0qTvhAc0EHsqSxXW_iBVKtrUKKcAnpmmLR6QflAPWjaJ8IFcfijq7dwVT4IP9ukW1E9WXA7dHCP26Mtu2LnbzeDNxxULohGiDawjfJuyJApSZafmPRvbx/w640-h480/1947%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Fort%20Worth%20House1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Worth: Sitting on the front steps of that first house. (1947) </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj135v6SntAPAsZDNdVEqj7IrOOeHd1FweNnALoIdT8NX85zYa34vOqAgbIUYXtjITwCakYsqLIYYTkMiTdugwzDvIz_G0IfL03gDZ5PJZ_2sCIIE3U0Ot2gygdvG-UgwaUz088EYmvrl3nttcyuzFMyvKWO3qGAIbApEOagnPXkpf0UwHYrfyj62cDp_EI/s480/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Center%20TX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj135v6SntAPAsZDNdVEqj7IrOOeHd1FweNnALoIdT8NX85zYa34vOqAgbIUYXtjITwCakYsqLIYYTkMiTdugwzDvIz_G0IfL03gDZ5PJZ_2sCIIE3U0Ot2gygdvG-UgwaUz088EYmvrl3nttcyuzFMyvKWO3qGAIbApEOagnPXkpf0UwHYrfyj62cDp_EI/w480-h640/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Center%20TX.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center, TX: Home of Mom & Adrienne's grandparents, Little Mama & Papa.<br />I've heard stories about this place my whole life, but never been there.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_rjKXWrld04WXGGI1OYc5LSEQOBce2Fmg4VYm4zn27hzWmE0K4ul4FO1zzTQHQiBs-447sueP-j-4M6kth16nh4ks6pYBTJtrKqaAW8OzTANxsRax6EmfJ3JdJ8FkcoJZRPAv8I8Madxa7ERslxvLy51_Yy2U9ZRIrI0IjZ_HnDT0Ej6REq2egFB7dIL/s360/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Little%20Mama%20&%20Papa%20Coke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_rjKXWrld04WXGGI1OYc5LSEQOBce2Fmg4VYm4zn27hzWmE0K4ul4FO1zzTQHQiBs-447sueP-j-4M6kth16nh4ks6pYBTJtrKqaAW8OzTANxsRax6EmfJ3JdJ8FkcoJZRPAv8I8Madxa7ERslxvLy51_Yy2U9ZRIrI0IjZ_HnDT0Ej6REq2egFB7dIL/w640-h640/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Little%20Mama%20&%20Papa%20Coke.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center, TX: Sharing a Coke with Little Mama & Papa (their grandparents) at Antioch Cemetery.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXxdpzYVPNCx2B7F8iQpw4LrVjwwzQPUtzmS-1VU88cPqCMdWcrz_SB1klxDvG4-KKQJD1V5otxXpemd_i9YxlwhRVc-wfZ2rZUeH3ci3ybiHI9BeN-1KVa8gRc_pnQUWtnxRAAB_0oozgHhOwAmXARXO-zywIfVrdKac1QvHNScxCHy63lj5HTZ_CJez/s434/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20St%20Christopher%20Catholic%20School.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="434" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXxdpzYVPNCx2B7F8iQpw4LrVjwwzQPUtzmS-1VU88cPqCMdWcrz_SB1klxDvG4-KKQJD1V5otxXpemd_i9YxlwhRVc-wfZ2rZUeH3ci3ybiHI9BeN-1KVa8gRc_pnQUWtnxRAAB_0oozgHhOwAmXARXO-zywIfVrdKac1QvHNScxCHy63lj5HTZ_CJez/w640-h480/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20St%20Christopher%20Catholic%20School.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houston: St. Christopher Catholic School, where Mom was allowed to start a year early when her Dad sent her to school on the first day <b>with a whole cooked ham!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjUBPYNboymOhHK6p98xsb37oVJTIabBXx1ruLQkCVtXFn-GaQa8PvJ739UORGwUi833irn9_PM66hBIPkiiVliaDl5aky-et4AnYnemVGXxzeji010wybJP4r0M3o_FJ95WKXl_YRW_51TApZOzGDFJZhqEcdXq3zvUEZCaZvwPU1hiWCu6sK8RnRQMZ/s396/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Laura%20Childs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="396" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjUBPYNboymOhHK6p98xsb37oVJTIabBXx1ruLQkCVtXFn-GaQa8PvJ739UORGwUi833irn9_PM66hBIPkiiVliaDl5aky-et4AnYnemVGXxzeji010wybJP4r0M3o_FJ95WKXl_YRW_51TApZOzGDFJZhqEcdXq3zvUEZCaZvwPU1hiWCu6sK8RnRQMZ/w640-h480/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Laura%20Childs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dickinson: Met with old friend Laura Childs for lunch on the bayou.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAhp2oNoyqsRZGs5DZyB4JpHIUssLsRWkXLSFhq7U4DQeoFrYiC9qdcBHKJBfKQrToqqudYAjhj5nNGS9yIEPJlU8yo3rigi_5paCXlTgyyACPwChhtr6FYPwDbdq3jiOpFriaNCBsqi56TjCe3iijOWUUbzX1Of5yQx5IRWOT7ieX6TIZEu2wSxKVCp7/s758/1970%20&%202024%20Oak%20Ridge%20House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="506" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAhp2oNoyqsRZGs5DZyB4JpHIUssLsRWkXLSFhq7U4DQeoFrYiC9qdcBHKJBfKQrToqqudYAjhj5nNGS9yIEPJlU8yo3rigi_5paCXlTgyyACPwChhtr6FYPwDbdq3jiOpFriaNCBsqi56TjCe3iijOWUUbzX1Of5yQx5IRWOT7ieX6TIZEu2wSxKVCp7/w428-h640/1970%20&%202024%20Oak%20Ridge%20House.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conroe: Mimi & Pa's house, the one I grew up visiting. (1970)</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheqxf48Yds9xm1pSfZqL-BqTci6nHO5mIrAW_FQXDsxD5qs0F3q4ddGxndGyOlFNjSQk0pmUV-HrHdK_PR1qqZEeQ5vVJQGkQU7ae_1geWdrONrjSnJGXRj_XurT_EB6f0lfcSaWPxanOGAZzpXfqqofBLs_B3SGxdl1R9cvPZR92a4fWQA0PvFiirxbI/s320/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Mimi%20&%20Pa%20Earthman%20Cemetary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheqxf48Yds9xm1pSfZqL-BqTci6nHO5mIrAW_FQXDsxD5qs0F3q4ddGxndGyOlFNjSQk0pmUV-HrHdK_PR1qqZEeQ5vVJQGkQU7ae_1geWdrONrjSnJGXRj_XurT_EB6f0lfcSaWPxanOGAZzpXfqqofBLs_B3SGxdl1R9cvPZR92a4fWQA0PvFiirxbI/w480-h640/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Mimi%20&%20Pa%20Earthman%20Cemetary.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houston: Visiting Mimi & Pa (their parents) at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OyUZ0BbpCPBVXgBQeIOqh3LkBUtYc2C1UJeXBrMkvf4FPbVokQpB5VbqsEjYLPjmtRQ3VIYkoik3xfbBIpzAr6PsoY6xarK2odpzTWIU9f1mhYRUZQPOc85YxqC9XqJSaM6SH6Dey8Z_ekaR-ucE75_lfo2FKpwifOL-ZLH0N4B023Dy0DQwp2WkBCFR/s1200/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Allan%20&%20Doug%20Austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OyUZ0BbpCPBVXgBQeIOqh3LkBUtYc2C1UJeXBrMkvf4FPbVokQpB5VbqsEjYLPjmtRQ3VIYkoik3xfbBIpzAr6PsoY6xarK2odpzTWIU9f1mhYRUZQPOc85YxqC9XqJSaM6SH6Dey8Z_ekaR-ucE75_lfo2FKpwifOL-ZLH0N4B023Dy0DQwp2WkBCFR/w640-h480/2024%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Allan%20&%20Doug%20Austin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Austin: End of the road 3 night stay at Allan & Doug's B&B!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozOgLnUwiEdXb1XT7zFtjXvy6xzZACDs0dSiUgykQodIrGuPVv8zV3146tVtBJvTOH67vkE4I6AQk6BRZspQA2C12urMUoQpdJlLufirlEd5Jjd67RblJHnrMZIbMk90u4Gj8-GeWDQG3rIdQmsS-mMIJxQ4iVzg6JrkcFTrzCv3XoV_B0RVgla8ZFz_3/s1004/1947%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Fort%20Worth%20House%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1004" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozOgLnUwiEdXb1XT7zFtjXvy6xzZACDs0dSiUgykQodIrGuPVv8zV3146tVtBJvTOH67vkE4I6AQk6BRZspQA2C12urMUoQpdJlLufirlEd5Jjd67RblJHnrMZIbMk90u4Gj8-GeWDQG3rIdQmsS-mMIJxQ4iVzg6JrkcFTrzCv3XoV_B0RVgla8ZFz_3/w640-h480/1947%20Maureen%20Adrienne%20Fort%20Worth%20House%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers to Mom/Maureen & Adrienne on a fun week of nostalgia, 80 years in the making. (1947)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16313033789763023404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073187283395604364.post-47297696146793124512024-01-31T11:21:00.040-06:002024-01-31T11:21:00.147-06:00Relative<p style="text-align: left;">I was recently sick for about 5 hours in the middle of the night with either a stomach bug or food poisoning. Whatever <b>it</b> was, wanted me to be completely devoid of any liquid or nutrition in my body. It was awful. The next day, I was weak, but functioning.</p><p style="text-align: left;">And then...the majesty...the first full day <i>after</i> recovering from being miserable, is the.best.day.ever! You feel SO good after feeling SO lousy. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I can describe a similar experience with the temperature. Normally, I struggle to get out and jog when it's like 30 degrees. But after facing several days of temperatures in the teens with wind-chill even colder, 30 degrees feels fabulous!</p><p style="text-align: left;">It's all relative. </p><p style="text-align: left;">You don't know how great it is to just feel "normal", unless you have a really bad sick day, or deal with a miserably cold exercise day to give you perspective!</p><p style="text-align: left;">You can't have a mountain without a valley. You can't have light without dark. You can't have calm without occasional chaos! Well, at least you don't tend to <i>notice and appreciate</i> the goodness of every day delights until you are without. As the saying goes: you don't know what you've got until it's gone!</p><p style="text-align: left;">So pause and take stock of the goodness and little pleasures all around! </p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16533534455087843021noreply@blogger.com0