Kansas City | Home | Studio Dan Meiners New Retail Space

<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MepUFyJwq0O3FWopbSJSHePvgZSkAlkMRhHL8VFdRdpXzSbsQP0n4rcV_AOgJacZ3mGs6pHl05nLkhIhF2R54RSACDaJKIhoEvncS0NhGnHhyesl8Qp-kMqYRkXKjzz1HSzBGUhJxbw/s1600/20843_412601138215_128589788215_4364442_3360797_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605631003112210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MepUFyJwq0O3FWopbSJSHePvgZSkAlkMRhHL8VFdRdpXzSbsQP0n4rcV_AOgJacZ3mGs6pHl05nLkhIhF2R54RSACDaJKIhoEvncS0NhGnHhyesl8Qp-kMqYRkXKjzz1HSzBGUhJxbw/s400/20843_412601138215_128589788215_4364442_3360797_n.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is official... STUDIO Dan Meiners new space is now open! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTM2nhwttbUE3Ul9s3ruXRi029wiTa0WemzvSpnjgOAxCe_wGRbpixlPFe4rHFAv1BCebJ7BzG0dhQmtZl9C61iieQS_cyUjm-UgWlRdytY7X4k_TBe0Zen8ZDh4S09E3-VapnBzyWvI/s1600/23331_410154428215_128589788215_4304686_174255_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605624768733394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicTM2nhwttbUE3Ul9s3ruXRi029wiTa0WemzvSpnjgOAxCe_wGRbpixlPFe4rHFAv1BCebJ7BzG0dhQmtZl9C61iieQS_cyUjm-UgWlRdytY7X4k_TBe0Zen8ZDh4S09E3-VapnBzyWvI/s400/23331_410154428215_128589788215_4304686_174255_n.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 222px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is a true work of art - way beyond just a floral design studio. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYqZCAk8UTSWgMEU52GpwHEOfEyPf6NMgna-ZCjA4UtH1_IqTiN7NLirsooSikBICdsyx6pf32zmTU6zAZh0rxBLOPXzNHOa6HH5ITPA2IuMZdQklU1R2PFqXotpSlLUVwbmGUvCJEDQ/s1600/23331_410154448215_128589788215_4304687_2808279_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605616830487682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYqZCAk8UTSWgMEU52GpwHEOfEyPf6NMgna-ZCjA4UtH1_IqTiN7NLirsooSikBICdsyx6pf32zmTU6zAZh0rxBLOPXzNHOa6HH5ITPA2IuMZdQklU1R2PFqXotpSlLUVwbmGUvCJEDQ/s400/23331_410154448215_128589788215_4304687_2808279_n.jpg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 333px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He's created lounge areas, a gourmet kitchen, and space to host a fabulous party <a href="http://blisslistkc.blogspot.com/search?q=dan+meiners">(wedding receptions, corporate events...</a>). <a href="http://blisslistkc.blogspot.com/search?q=dan+meiners">Click here to see photos of the event space</a>.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3E1S7ca8LqV1CzqtSiZLZYIfQQ740gRY9zJq_krYC6xpKWQ0yxGdLqiBBRTy0kpCd2kAgysLNr_R8XfjV58xTcCNM9EyZ76B6qhepEMWcC4FoN69tnfBGzDRY5MxrZ0mG_jPBPqJQFo/s1600/23331_410154478215_128589788215_4304688_6204312_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605632269928994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3E1S7ca8LqV1CzqtSiZLZYIfQQ740gRY9zJq_krYC6xpKWQ0yxGdLqiBBRTy0kpCd2kAgysLNr_R8XfjV58xTcCNM9EyZ76B6qhepEMWcC4FoN69tnfBGzDRY5MxrZ0mG_jPBPqJQFo/s400/23331_410154478215_128589788215_4304688_6204312_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 333px; height: 222px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></span></div>You must stop by before any of your home entertaining adventures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinby4LRs8SAikP6MrInelWdq33-dFBkXqZXmFfsrsDneSZ0GfL376jzkA0n0ctPBBeP8Hgpva3-8uE9K30To1zv37IkUFXRlFQK4X4x0TMS4Hf5O1wsfx8XHuhulC4_pdRLjBbC6TNxXg/s1600/30152_407320223215_128589788215_4236955_3261490_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605608597411810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinby4LRs8SAikP6MrInelWdq33-dFBkXqZXmFfsrsDneSZ0GfL376jzkA0n0ctPBBeP8Hgpva3-8uE9K30To1zv37IkUFXRlFQK4X4x0TMS4Hf5O1wsfx8XHuhulC4_pdRLjBbC6TNxXg/s400/30152_407320223215_128589788215_4236955_3261490_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 222px; height: 333px;" /></a>photo credit : jenny wheat<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1jzv0GsHErAd1_tbpIEj8JPJ7HL6CWzV1NHn60f1nrfjEQr8SS43WvEjtdGzQC_IRD3wbNhe0DI8WYwzND_PQV9ExClOTSwqiJt6FIQI9Xj7uSmsaKJld90MBCNEunBBuNXnUpH4rjc/s1600/30152_407320668215_128589788215_4236968_5806587_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605226459643138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1jzv0GsHErAd1_tbpIEj8JPJ7HL6CWzV1NHn60f1nrfjEQr8SS43WvEjtdGzQC_IRD3wbNhe0DI8WYwzND_PQV9ExClOTSwqiJt6FIQI9Xj7uSmsaKJld90MBCNEunBBuNXnUpH4rjc/s400/30152_407320668215_128589788215_4236968_5806587_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>photo credit : jenny wheat<div><br /><div>You can pick up a bouquet from the open flower market (think: build your o<div>wn bouquet from a french flower market), gourmet treats, candles, etc. <div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAu9CYog80hHFuzoHg9t99cKkBnDYRzQG4ZIM6GlU5quuy-q8u8zTDUSGlUbUZsWXdinpHJLz8ZlbsS_kUSM-Sbkbyf8quWvb2mgpA0XnQK5eJf633mU4XaI7vpS9W5-wJmT7xaoFoGE/s1600/30152_407321253215_128589788215_4236974_5428502_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605222954113266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAu9CYog80hHFuzoHg9t99cKkBnDYRzQG4ZIM6GlU5quuy-q8u8zTDUSGlUbUZsWXdinpHJLz8ZlbsS_kUSM-Sbkbyf8quWvb2mgpA0XnQK5eJf633mU4XaI7vpS9W5-wJmT7xaoFoGE/s400/30152_407321253215_128589788215_4236974_5428502_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a>photo credit : jenny wheat</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, stop by if you are going to a party... you'll find the most unique hostess gifts.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynQdJu9aT7AX_EKC01xim8r-hEpr-6E1pUuTvBqmiT8dMdP2CLjoD6F04lDH2_fXBMu9ZUkZDaw6wrUpF7OGDykMlmPrtOkcNQQwCp-qg3NmvWsmiA4tjiQqV9Ch9BqmQODXMQopyxnw/s1600/30152_407321623215_128589788215_4236980_7260857_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605218121633874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynQdJu9aT7AX_EKC01xim8r-hEpr-6E1pUuTvBqmiT8dMdP2CLjoD6F04lDH2_fXBMu9ZUkZDaw6wrUpF7OGDykMlmPrtOkcNQQwCp-qg3NmvWsmiA4tjiQqV9Ch9BqmQODXMQopyxnw/s400/30152_407321623215_128589788215_4236980_7260857_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /></a>photo credit : jenny wheat<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN8w3xun2a09RTInVVqETEmOs_xoLYB85xcm3v1rRq0ZmrRGR5yR__xDR4cL9m3IkxiTgR4jQNGPm3RFCOTSE-6OC_h_IIadiX2c7NhmztMBJ8DEzNHCX12D4R-eVJfjXoE_D0_Z5QZ8/s1600/30152_407322138215_128589788215_4236990_3599709_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605206927703058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN8w3xun2a09RTInVVqETEmOs_xoLYB85xcm3v1rRq0ZmrRGR5yR__xDR4cL9m3IkxiTgR4jQNGPm3RFCOTSE-6OC_h_IIadiX2c7NhmztMBJ8DEzNHCX12D4R-eVJfjXoE_D0_Z5QZ8/s400/30152_407322138215_128589788215_4236990_3599709_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">photo credit : jenny wheat</span></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>Not only is it a great resource for entertaining, in true Dan Meiners style it is a gorgeous space to visit.<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-SxLsKpQga5aEslCfioF-83G1fxgunJUOr9DLb6nMWno3jVxzRGhdBO29X1wFwADLcgWHP1rnVNA7YW1Y8F9nSjmuKIw2l8DmEdWouEUMSXYoK4lsnTD9XFIZt3sqY3-xq9MWNoGNQU/s1600/30152_407322478215_128589788215_4236998_4754487_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488605198772085586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-SxLsKpQga5aEslCfioF-83G1fxgunJUOr9DLb6nMWno3jVxzRGhdBO29X1wFwADLcgWHP1rnVNA7YW1Y8F9nSjmuKIw2l8DmEdWouEUMSXYoK4lsnTD9XFIZt3sqY3-xq9MWNoGNQU/s400/30152_407322478215_128589788215_4236998_4754487_n.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" /></a><div><div>photo credit : jenny wheat</div><div><br /></div><div>Dan - congratulations!</div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Kansas City | Home | Studio Dan Meiners New Retail Space

It is official... STUDIO Dan Meiners new space is now open! It is a true work of art - way beyond just a floral design studio. He's cre...

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Entertaining | Clambake 2010

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRTFqQDJuzoYIGa4ZDj4FQCodwO5DJQVmnWYpeZ7ur3Xkl2bKVeU6HNCb_YAUsNZiNdN1Hbv1LBQiIBtAx807XT-PTk2V39wlkfLSRfeC7bYgAOLzeVx4PyAM3c-MFf9G2PZX4m9MOlo/s1600/Clambake-2010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488597856812333298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRTFqQDJuzoYIGa4ZDj4FQCodwO5DJQVmnWYpeZ7ur3Xkl2bKVeU6HNCb_YAUsNZiNdN1Hbv1LBQiIBtAx807XT-PTk2V39wlkfLSRfeC7bYgAOLzeVx4PyAM3c-MFf9G2PZX4m9MOlo/s400/Clambake-2010.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" /></a><br /><div>We held the 4th annual (gasp!) Clambake at our home over Memorial Day Weekend. As always, it was a fun night full of great food, family and friends.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVAGWWi47cU0MiELI9jwvAOLcCu87ea4JvEpNnAoQFMJYOoNleksQ0NkmgVLggb5IsAm2AfVkmp_cnhanH8SynRxCk-EAF4EUqnbT8Fs8BVVOsgZmF6Rc2araal9lWiwc0AzzdvXZ78I/s1600/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377784965338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488597506126012706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVAGWWi47cU0MiELI9jwvAOLcCu87ea4JvEpNnAoQFMJYOoNleksQ0NkmgVLggb5IsAm2AfVkmp_cnhanH8SynRxCk-EAF4EUqnbT8Fs8BVVOsgZmF6Rc2araal9lWiwc0AzzdvXZ78I/s400/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377784965338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" /></a>I set a long table in the back yard - using the "Clambake Linen" I made 4 years ago... it has been a feature every year. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqnHV564GjfvZRz-iwKJ02arDFW4Iw1KU4X0XK0G-i0fZPwm0j8Nb4CVHMpUboA9zZRy36MG06Hp-b3Hz7Nk6EZd1WTTy7qtQhbKI6sQt222XG2CVzZAU40-vJ9hmL5ivFMeAGSUO_pc/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-96%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=337778623;338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488592944655517890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqnHV564GjfvZRz-iwKJ02arDFW4Iw1KU4X0XK0G-i0fZPwm0j8Nb4CVHMpUboA9zZRy36MG06Hp-b3Hz7Nk6EZd1WTTy7qtQhbKI6sQt222XG2CVzZAU40-vJ9hmL5ivFMeAGSUO_pc/s400/232323232%7Ffp-96%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=337778623;338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I snipped some blue hydrangeas from my plants and used a lot of votives, pillar candles, sage green plates and white linen napkins.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMttSi6caSKCyECRgGvkeM92bRMXMctqJJsn8RqEzxXMc62VCHjQN-YqMambZTh0NWCVna3qCzvBpbZ-zJk4cb7lsolxFMzke7Nm9JAoKBSRWzCwhlUy4Qzc91It1JHLTND3hIL2PTBhU/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-79%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377784279338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488592923984464834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMttSi6caSKCyECRgGvkeM92bRMXMctqJJsn8RqEzxXMc62VCHjQN-YqMambZTh0NWCVna3qCzvBpbZ-zJk4cb7lsolxFMzke7Nm9JAoKBSRWzCwhlUy4Qzc91It1JHLTND3hIL2PTBhU/s400/232323232%7Ffp-79%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377784279338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>I hung votive candles from our umbrella - it created great ambiance.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkP6Kxb9DbO3GjpvuvJ9GbJ6LICiTB2CWBryg50OgvRGUzqVF8ZZbuHuqJxd4_Ai3ycUNhgNb_kqGoCzRyXeTUeifq703gLJ-fgbAcAW7ojgv0_7i3NSUJVyjJYxprBL6TTTgnvqzLCM/s1600/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377784957338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488592942972178706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkP6Kxb9DbO3GjpvuvJ9GbJ6LICiTB2CWBryg50OgvRGUzqVF8ZZbuHuqJxd4_Ai3ycUNhgNb_kqGoCzRyXeTUeifq703gLJ-fgbAcAW7ojgv0_7i3NSUJVyjJYxprBL6TTTgnvqzLCM/s400/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377784957338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div>The hydrangea plants are doing well! I created this planter from stones I found around our property.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ35535ImMm9cEIqbp2kyX6mV_ye_w27JIuN2Hj1HzaeFrMFLOQeYCOuUEr4iim6PqNGyLpKiZFRtIcK0AT5i70VmqQHPyPkVa0UFNm8CMpFUkNswefxqOVxbajyLedUd9GSuXqhyphenhyphenB6HE/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-82%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=337778496-338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488597128255201138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ35535ImMm9cEIqbp2kyX6mV_ye_w27JIuN2Hj1HzaeFrMFLOQeYCOuUEr4iim6PqNGyLpKiZFRtIcK0AT5i70VmqQHPyPkVa0UFNm8CMpFUkNswefxqOVxbajyLedUd9GSuXqhyphenhyphenB6HE/s400/232323232%7Ffp-82%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=337778496-338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></div><div>Samantha and her parents - her first clambake! We started the night with a bruschetta platter :</div><div><br /></div><div>Chopped Olive Tapenade</div><div>Tomato & Basil</div><div>Artichoke & Goat Cheese Spread</div><div>Toasted Baguette Slices</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCljNivecmkioq8wRCsfaiEs8x3CMdG8JfB6TPCkmX_Atbf-Si-XPmELtB2MliQTpsQRvkC6EsmqwxJ0ATrg9YyPuRwklT7EyfBechAARltEJdU3PGzox0fbtqvz6WEdxALtkonJbklo/s1600/232323232%7Ffp9-9%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786273338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488596468437839426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCljNivecmkioq8wRCsfaiEs8x3CMdG8JfB6TPCkmX_Atbf-Si-XPmELtB2MliQTpsQRvkC6EsmqwxJ0ATrg9YyPuRwklT7EyfBechAARltEJdU3PGzox0fbtqvz6WEdxALtkonJbklo/s400/232323232%7Ffp9-9%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786273338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /></div><div>She was dressed perfectly for the occasion - baby madras and her mizzou rattle. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRWRfVMR-sMrsEBDf6JpQDepqTnZDfgJF4TMURcRI5D0JmalZqFK4fFtzDpFTQ4D5JrXLHridWg441-797wbtd7N4xL0qlCqTe7eUPlAwaZxKkAemEFCfgsat8avrQlFlDlEjGq9lg9I/s1600/232323232%7Ffp935%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786276338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488596457985762130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRWRfVMR-sMrsEBDf6JpQDepqTnZDfgJF4TMURcRI5D0JmalZqFK4fFtzDpFTQ4D5JrXLHridWg441-797wbtd7N4xL0qlCqTe7eUPlAwaZxKkAemEFCfgsat8avrQlFlDlEjGq9lg9I/s400/232323232%7Ffp935%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786276338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /></div><div>Our friend Caroline... note the beginning of the navy and white theme - never planned, but always happens! </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHl1GOcPXdbEmitHkMdxuqsCDIttJQg6L0_PdJDdsfBuNb2h3sKzRb9qMh1lgaICBwnrmPQElu1WRUqIOJ-1qRwna-2P9pTNIe6h5MCya9DPf1M3qJZA67mnyFTHxKKZqMhxxKlk9EwM/s1600/232323232%7Ffp9-2%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377784978338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488596454388756978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHl1GOcPXdbEmitHkMdxuqsCDIttJQg6L0_PdJDdsfBuNb2h3sKzRb9qMh1lgaICBwnrmPQElu1WRUqIOJ-1qRwna-2P9pTNIe6h5MCya9DPf1M3qJZA67mnyFTHxKKZqMhxxKlk9EwM/s400/232323232%7Ffp9-2%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377784978338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /></div><div>Katie and Julie... more navy and white!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF7X3JTk5zo3Xu4a3JQd7YlgRr8qng-3A5s2bUncfqm7aYIPiQXJm0lE1pOeVq0w6tq7EQHFUzBnZmcUzHkoq2l3suXlu4-YC2u2FH8T1l4uMb94kCncleIvt9OvmqYwNriuJr9_n5_E/s1600/232323232%7Ffp8%3C8%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786279338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488596446351726386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF7X3JTk5zo3Xu4a3JQd7YlgRr8qng-3A5s2bUncfqm7aYIPiQXJm0lE1pOeVq0w6tq7EQHFUzBnZmcUzHkoq2l3suXlu4-YC2u2FH8T1l4uMb94kCncleIvt9OvmqYwNriuJr9_n5_E/s400/232323232%7Ffp8%3C8%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786279338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><br /></div><div>Cocktail hour - Mr. Darcy is looking for any dropped bruschetta.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdt1QY9oaHyrzud6lz4iGzcm-cw7RzDm5jgj7dVtraIYRKn0Z6LkiV-RDi43nwUVfSQxkgt314COLIStrwQDZHgRcRgp9_tAzIpx9UJCf2iip2p4Dg1PGOxVB3ZhTzOU5_sTEt4mJwuA/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-87%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786286338nu0mrj.jpeg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdt1QY9oaHyrzud6lz4iGzcm-cw7RzDm5jgj7dVtraIYRKn0Z6LkiV-RDi43nwUVfSQxkgt314COLIStrwQDZHgRcRgp9_tAzIpx9UJCf2iip2p4Dg1PGOxVB3ZhTzOU5_sTEt4mJwuA/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-87%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786286338nu0mrj.jpeg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdt1QY9oaHyrzud6lz4iGzcm-cw7RzDm5jgj7dVtraIYRKn0Z6LkiV-RDi43nwUVfSQxkgt314COLIStrwQDZHgRcRgp9_tAzIpx9UJCf2iip2p4Dg1PGOxVB3ZhTzOU5_sTEt4mJwuA/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-87%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786286338nu0mrj.jpeg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistAXpXXDzEY2f7FMvXaiwy0dGqw5a9cBnrb3BQNIMlrLZuxzWzZ6UnJs782MJnfc_1yijzc4Yb4kUYRabbYHhuAxfO4foNP1O-tolnyoe5yrn1wD7z2y0-y8Zdckvvt8N7Yn46JHd4-Y/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-95%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=337778498;338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488593810815862018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEistAXpXXDzEY2f7FMvXaiwy0dGqw5a9cBnrb3BQNIMlrLZuxzWzZ6UnJs782MJnfc_1yijzc4Yb4kUYRabbYHhuAxfO4foNP1O-tolnyoe5yrn1wD7z2y0-y8Zdckvvt8N7Yn46JHd4-Y/s400/232323232%7Ffp-95%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=337778498;338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488596443053478322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdt1QY9oaHyrzud6lz4iGzcm-cw7RzDm5jgj7dVtraIYRKn0Z6LkiV-RDi43nwUVfSQxkgt314COLIStrwQDZHgRcRgp9_tAzIpx9UJCf2iip2p4Dg1PGOxVB3ZhTzOU5_sTEt4mJwuA/s400/232323232%7Ffp-87%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786286338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></span></span></div><div><br /></div>I found the white buckets at Target in the dollar spot - perfect for our shells.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylRXToFc9F-IOQOIHVXHmP8_5AfNLGj05EqVMwXJWrB0W2reTbowOzgHOyV0kFKrsLvRG3OLX1o8S45fHX2ssVdpmAL5m7CgfowGWHilIxd6p2vBD3oK04G19W4XWJLtW7mqY_kLU4T0/s1600/232323232%7Ffp9;2%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786288338nu0mrj.jpeg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488593803128598562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylRXToFc9F-IOQOIHVXHmP8_5AfNLGj05EqVMwXJWrB0W2reTbowOzgHOyV0kFKrsLvRG3OLX1o8S45fHX2ssVdpmAL5m7CgfowGWHilIxd6p2vBD3oK04G19W4XWJLtW7mqY_kLU4T0/s400/232323232%7Ffp9;2%3Enu=323-%3E-%3C5%3E2;8%3EWSNRCG=3377786288338nu0mrj.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " /></a></div></div></div>

Entertaining | Clambake 2010

We held the 4th annual (gasp!) Clambake at our home over Memorial Day Weekend. As always, it was a fun night full of great food, family and...

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Got Milkweed?

<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPnxD3zMtx5kXW4dqTqcB8OBppkAV8IN9PqmorO7_7i1HtDyZujcBVNZlQrntwJucEpIjB4y2qdPUOVmd0MdERfdwhYRSqjyyAoGXwadGxXQnG45_b4j98aXIwRJ7RSG4LhaCygZmlKo/s1600/IMG_2760.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126651698544978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPnxD3zMtx5kXW4dqTqcB8OBppkAV8IN9PqmorO7_7i1HtDyZujcBVNZlQrntwJucEpIjB4y2qdPUOVmd0MdERfdwhYRSqjyyAoGXwadGxXQnG45_b4j98aXIwRJ7RSG4LhaCygZmlKo/s400/IMG_2760.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I'm STILL waiting for my formal decision letter from the Zoning Board of Appeals. They say it takes "about" 30 days. Today is Day 29. Once I get that letter, I can take the "Public Notice" sign off my door (which most people think means my house has been condemned) but then I have to wait 20 more days to allow someone the opportunity to appeal. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> </div><div align="center">My contractor is going to see if he can get a demo permit so we can at least peel back the layers and see what's underneath. Until that happens, what lies beneath is anyone's guess and it would be nice to get a better idea of what I've gotten myself into.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">In the meantime, there's not much I can do but enjoy summer. The garden is just about at it's peak. When I started the garden two summers ago, There were a couple of milk weed plants that kept coming up by the back corner of the garden. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiIu99Lg6HnXK6D_0DBTMy2jZLoQ7FRnkRtVvvoMleQeNPHUXb0wsbBK-Z-kdL0CC_SN6-0CJoGk2N44apPR3UeXt4bajxREQdX9dXMV3XUR3BYvp59lQPPiPqVDMtLSIMNmvCV-YwuA/s1600/IMG_2762.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126642069391554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiIu99Lg6HnXK6D_0DBTMy2jZLoQ7FRnkRtVvvoMleQeNPHUXb0wsbBK-Z-kdL0CC_SN6-0CJoGk2N44apPR3UeXt4bajxREQdX9dXMV3XUR3BYvp59lQPPiPqVDMtLSIMNmvCV-YwuA/s400/IMG_2762.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I eventually kind of let them go and on July 4th, a woman walked down the little alleyway when I was sitting on the back porch and said, "Oh, I LOVE milkweed; it smells WONDERFUL! And how nice you leave it here for the butterflies." I thanked her and couldn't wait for her to leave so I could go get a whiff for myself. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbDgB438wRNEghdf8McDJMqw_nXXkRoIF_vLsL9NPEQTbaJQgnHzQss9UCXZW7ZT2KZpLn_YkbAUPQQhAtJRXbl21wkcK0hFOgTfjBuldNgRyTiSQrwxQbIv8qQe6gtIM7xE8kX5fjyo/s1600/IMG_2763.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126637422213314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbDgB438wRNEghdf8McDJMqw_nXXkRoIF_vLsL9NPEQTbaJQgnHzQss9UCXZW7ZT2KZpLn_YkbAUPQQhAtJRXbl21wkcK0hFOgTfjBuldNgRyTiSQrwxQbIv8qQe6gtIM7xE8kX5fjyo/s400/IMG_2763.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> She was right. Not only does it smell great but it also seems to attract Monarch butterflies. So now I leave these two plants until after they've bloomed. I kind of like how the flowers look in contrast to the japanese maple.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MpuDxPOgmq4S2XbtNdGUOFs9P7ulC2va0l7wLqJxE2jqS0mYrXsW3ETRNOh4YG9rc5DzrVD880t83NI7Uz0uYcQKPKmHzxIfdRBOOsr1c9Adq7bXhpiE2zeOoPfgMnpN2-ThZjbS2-k/s1600/IMG_2754.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126635325740226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MpuDxPOgmq4S2XbtNdGUOFs9P7ulC2va0l7wLqJxE2jqS0mYrXsW3ETRNOh4YG9rc5DzrVD880t83NI7Uz0uYcQKPKmHzxIfdRBOOsr1c9Adq7bXhpiE2zeOoPfgMnpN2-ThZjbS2-k/s400/IMG_2754.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><p align="center">I also like the white daisies in front of the dark red of the maple.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5KxXd-mOxJdXyKmF1ciRGxn4moY4XTsiGuGhbRdUbzKMoaLh8ZGlERykAoYq7HfLAOWyfFuu_DpgKsud3y_E-gu1EJj929SpCDVLt2wP6_w-S1ENaS1HSV4LJHsBw1HgsXkQP0lOz2Y/s1600/IMG_2753.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126629263080850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5KxXd-mOxJdXyKmF1ciRGxn4moY4XTsiGuGhbRdUbzKMoaLh8ZGlERykAoYq7HfLAOWyfFuu_DpgKsud3y_E-gu1EJj929SpCDVLt2wP6_w-S1ENaS1HSV4LJHsBw1HgsXkQP0lOz2Y/s400/IMG_2753.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> And here are those odd double daisies that appeared last year. I thought they were gone but I'm happy to see they're back. I'm going to try to save some seeds to see if I can get more to grow.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126282669510610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs293WGSQdRgHaR5Ccd5FuC8sqOINxbs8hQoj0p57eeEI0ppubKa8YGWINvEYyV5glbhFQNHUFJ96OgfgUZf5Bx4Un0UliO68mJDSx4a2XNESgfp0EnRzzf9UcMV7JdVWI6mDKMtdjS58/s400/IMG_2755.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center"> Behind the echinacea is yarrow "Cerise Queen." It spreads fairly vigorously but it pulls out really easily. It comes in this bright pink...<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4CrWabx7tr-_4By-IpqMQEpvRp3bhAAU85dtgdeBcT_lVxHsTDP5ivt93kxRrsXVfrLRec3TEG_IM2RxnlLwWG_4AX8bxHUyjVAtoHYujJSF4zpu5FZBd-GLYXaADo5UitZ8Bm05_nU/s1600/IMG_2786.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126272178249986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4CrWabx7tr-_4By-IpqMQEpvRp3bhAAU85dtgdeBcT_lVxHsTDP5ivt93kxRrsXVfrLRec3TEG_IM2RxnlLwWG_4AX8bxHUyjVAtoHYujJSF4zpu5FZBd-GLYXaADo5UitZ8Bm05_nU/s400/IMG_2786.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><p align="center">...this very pale pink, almost white...<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUALVO7xVydoqO4xnoZkMpW9x7Bw_yv3BbuUY3-xBGwaDAP6x1F3g1LTMPogc-emuDUmKKZExEXbtXXNqIZC1avoVeSEkvKgY02PYYBD4CFjM0NQQQOT7rPkLux4eqiuGtrSw_WOk4is/s1600/IMG_2759.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126268907209058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUALVO7xVydoqO4xnoZkMpW9x7Bw_yv3BbuUY3-xBGwaDAP6x1F3g1LTMPogc-emuDUmKKZExEXbtXXNqIZC1avoVeSEkvKgY02PYYBD4CFjM0NQQQOT7rPkLux4eqiuGtrSw_WOk4is/s400/IMG_2759.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 351px; CURSOR: hand" /> </a><p align="center">...and this amazing deep ruby red. There are only two little plants that bloom in this color but I'm hoping to let this one spread so I can move it to a few other places in the garden.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeUpmsmJaIyhE7k66tlNT3-2f0IrmEU84NLczRbeR93kTNPJirPTbFrKl2xf4ZyjFFS7lBSrmwbBq4pmkiqHF8eCoNI_CylnnZvs9s34jwICuRYbRmzMXRMNtWEP3YVBjdb1KnuIxDDw/s1600/IMG_2766.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126265171450850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeUpmsmJaIyhE7k66tlNT3-2f0IrmEU84NLczRbeR93kTNPJirPTbFrKl2xf4ZyjFFS7lBSrmwbBq4pmkiqHF8eCoNI_CylnnZvs9s34jwICuRYbRmzMXRMNtWEP3YVBjdb1KnuIxDDw/s400/IMG_2766.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> </a><p align="center">This is one of my day lilies. It's a melon color--I can't remember the name--and the flowers are HUGE.<br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xsOTM2yFKtqnZDMPVyQFaCkzW_Fd34ama8TQeve4N8ZJK3j3s_1gYyQwX2LhVkvAdhCVHlGzmKGecztaPLNrgLphp53ksUCgvIIJUYZyfSypQ-41a0Asn4bEFBm9K5kPw3IAT1FC7rs/s1600/IMG_2768.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486126260279988418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xsOTM2yFKtqnZDMPVyQFaCkzW_Fd34ama8TQeve4N8ZJK3j3s_1gYyQwX2LhVkvAdhCVHlGzmKGecztaPLNrgLphp53ksUCgvIIJUYZyfSypQ-41a0Asn4bEFBm9K5kPw3IAT1FC7rs/s400/IMG_2768.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> </a><p align="center">Here's a shot of the sunny end of the garden.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YIzDh7shdNfJ9v852ooEtJJ7TJjuFSHWTlh7zKu2L-dQkwut7KCAEeBEf_sV3Doijw1lnBdKobNgubNmSwroD1F6DJVDEHTLEc-FkUXeqW8ym4JQRmsEAenY8AWpubXG9yBguH43OJI/s1600/IMG_2793_3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486496445007528146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YIzDh7shdNfJ9v852ooEtJJ7TJjuFSHWTlh7zKu2L-dQkwut7KCAEeBEf_sV3Doijw1lnBdKobNgubNmSwroD1F6DJVDEHTLEc-FkUXeqW8ym4JQRmsEAenY8AWpubXG9yBguH43OJI/s400/IMG_2793_3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 363px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></a></p><p align="center">And check out the tomato plant on my porch!</p><p align="center">You'll probably not hear too much from me until the house is being stripped so enjoy the summer weather and have a safe and happy July 4th.<br /><br /></p>

Got Milkweed?

I'm STILL waiting for my formal decision letter from the Zoning Board of Appeals. They say it takes "about" 30 days. Today is...

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A Trip Back Home

<div align="center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqgCwAhmDPjgJ1DNXqpPDKir4DeQUgT7rWoTGrQ5IHqms0eESM6SZjf6g6rauRz_JyRub6UoaOm04rvnfYuEZ1Su15AyTYEty5nBXQehobsWvXrPDs0itRQ1LSoQ7LMxHB6l2PjlsRTU/s1600/Picture+3.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483326545658255106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtqgCwAhmDPjgJ1DNXqpPDKir4DeQUgT7rWoTGrQ5IHqms0eESM6SZjf6g6rauRz_JyRub6UoaOm04rvnfYuEZ1Su15AyTYEty5nBXQehobsWvXrPDs0itRQ1LSoQ7LMxHB6l2PjlsRTU/s400/Picture+3.png" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The images in my last post were taken around the area where I grew up in Western New York on Lake Ontario near the Canadian border. It's mostly farmland but there are also some lovely villages with old homes that are to die for.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3wWb7LLQ_-bv30-6nEgRz3JGRHUc5tlkR9ubacSfjXnR2dNNGZLxLpFOqYb4dgu5-klXNoK66uuW3jXjTJj_MxOi5GJo40EOSBKc3tM0fqj669Yl6q-AH3XSTBd0x5hrawI46HlOumE/s1600/fort_niagara_main.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoSQCRvDgxHO_w_9IpQFGvY5sIdUdaD6P8xZsMWM-7NuR70lVA70mz1w5NwC1sFWGsEoGND5lgjQq-KV46AmgJUliq_x2j0JVbKNQQqDtsoil9WEZAkIarkDhMj3Xls6YWEBumb7YQFc/s1600/IMG_2746.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483173700260535282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoSQCRvDgxHO_w_9IpQFGvY5sIdUdaD6P8xZsMWM-7NuR70lVA70mz1w5NwC1sFWGsEoGND5lgjQq-KV46AmgJUliq_x2j0JVbKNQQqDtsoil9WEZAkIarkDhMj3Xls6YWEBumb7YQFc/s400/IMG_2746.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>This is Main Street in the town where I grew up on the Erie Canal. As you can see by all the hustle and bustle, there's no end to the fun!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsZifbrSqtlhF9wSaFfHf7NrCip5vRHbY9R7im8yfC_xHZ8wOsRAdnBadJO8g5cGoXJMmEi_Gb3GX4zB-WKZMQcrzvyXgTGvyGvay5jLkSgBKr9DvUnIPs2mmlF-P-86dIQwdI-N_Yjo/s1600/IMG_2679.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483173453502428322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsZifbrSqtlhF9wSaFfHf7NrCip5vRHbY9R7im8yfC_xHZ8wOsRAdnBadJO8g5cGoXJMmEi_Gb3GX4zB-WKZMQcrzvyXgTGvyGvay5jLkSgBKr9DvUnIPs2mmlF-P-86dIQwdI-N_Yjo/s400/IMG_2679.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>About an hour west is Lewiston, New York, just north of Niagara Falls on the border of Canada. My family moved here when I was a teenager so I lived here through my college years. This is the Niagara River and the monument in the background is in Queenston, Ontario, Canada.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGnzYs9-YvBT87zgYRMvFKq7zgKUt-nuMSIcSBCvp7YuaBcySi3k46zpojkzKKI56Y1rd_yPLsMWSSz0JDPqOaaCNMIh8nQ9AcP7NMN8JWKV9yRTBM31fIKeOEz-LGUt2K1fq_lfYIU8/s1600/IMG_2667.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483173447827474722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaGnzYs9-YvBT87zgYRMvFKq7zgKUt-nuMSIcSBCvp7YuaBcySi3k46zpojkzKKI56Y1rd_yPLsMWSSz0JDPqOaaCNMIh8nQ9AcP7NMN8JWKV9yRTBM31fIKeOEz-LGUt2K1fq_lfYIU8/s400/IMG_2667.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">It's a quaint historic town where much of the historical feel has been maintained.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FnCbaLcjjxsX0AaZZ14f1B-ida4Sf4Qi8UqThJhkPCWA1BUCXLIeQaDZ1dF086L1zgqEE4UUyKDv5h2pLM8Y4wKLHqY6_t-xRf3WsPu6xP_mlIFn2AAaXYp2160mu4-k2rgLeXZkJ_o/s1600/IMG_2670.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483173441515451938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FnCbaLcjjxsX0AaZZ14f1B-ida4Sf4Qi8UqThJhkPCWA1BUCXLIeQaDZ1dF086L1zgqEE4UUyKDv5h2pLM8Y4wKLHqY6_t-xRf3WsPu6xP_mlIFn2AAaXYp2160mu4-k2rgLeXZkJ_o/s400/IMG_2670.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">This is the park at the center of town.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEJPg4uzE81ybzJkBUsC5WqNhdYkFwHFbj49p-DEZT04dHA4_qwPx_zIMstQb1uThyphenhyphenq4Oa_IcJq2YYxagrswJSRYmgThznXx9adI8w7qN9ODbRyZP7qKg_ZfrPLgOkqRuOvvWsPuQA2M/s1600/IMG_2671.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483173437016523426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEJPg4uzE81ybzJkBUsC5WqNhdYkFwHFbj49p-DEZT04dHA4_qwPx_zIMstQb1uThyphenhyphenq4Oa_IcJq2YYxagrswJSRYmgThznXx9adI8w7qN9ODbRyZP7qKg_ZfrPLgOkqRuOvvWsPuQA2M/s400/IMG_2671.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>The town was burned to the ground by the English during the war of 1812 so many of the houses were built in the early to mid 1800s. As you can imagine, there is where my love of old houses first started.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBNHdEm-14zfDJln7Lw3KfTb8yR9aky5EMPWClUWvoOPeylCa35QE5UT28_TG2X9vIwtgVoPQduZlSqS35oBOEorIhKygyYvhHtYXUURuXxvzLqSy5kBODaCMXU8jMw4NrYnytuGj9ug/s1600/Picture+3.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483173429638337330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBNHdEm-14zfDJln7Lw3KfTb8yR9aky5EMPWClUWvoOPeylCa35QE5UT28_TG2X9vIwtgVoPQduZlSqS35oBOEorIhKygyYvhHtYXUURuXxvzLqSy5kBODaCMXU8jMw4NrYnytuGj9ug/s400/Picture+3.png" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Even though we lived in a simple split-level ranch, the town has many enormous mansions overlooking the Niagara River gorge.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWC-o1ITnD15lNajPqv-Ru-7P9PqEBO0caH1aapiEerdIECHbbSw5lwv1UlubdguSJ7DbOQu9a-X0KD95o5-zzHZr1KSFTk-qhUlp-PuTJ4yOCj13_sRXR6pjeuQAjWmGV4R_bvGFHnI/s1600/IMG_2660.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483172260300999842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWC-o1ITnD15lNajPqv-Ru-7P9PqEBO0caH1aapiEerdIECHbbSw5lwv1UlubdguSJ7DbOQu9a-X0KD95o5-zzHZr1KSFTk-qhUlp-PuTJ4yOCj13_sRXR6pjeuQAjWmGV4R_bvGFHnI/s400/IMG_2660.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This mansion is one my favorites and it actually started one of my OCDs. It's now several (gorgeous) apartments and if you live here, you can't touch the curtains--white cotton panels with white ball fringe--pulled back just so to ensure a consistent look. I had never thought about that idea but, to this day, all of my curtains have to appear white from the outside. Is that crazy or just good sense? <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAOmdICCP8F7mISGqLWC5VIrNtnsdnzroX6VYWorjO0Hf79AiSuiDsmdzk23R1ba2MKVn1qt54PR8aaClTj-d7NZKV4o6EV0MMkqo0f6zLFC97Ajk0C7m5j17J8ppeinwrqEryiHeJNo/s1600/IMG_2683.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483172249529268002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAOmdICCP8F7mISGqLWC5VIrNtnsdnzroX6VYWorjO0Hf79AiSuiDsmdzk23R1ba2MKVn1qt54PR8aaClTj-d7NZKV4o6EV0MMkqo0f6zLFC97Ajk0C7m5j17J8ppeinwrqEryiHeJNo/s400/IMG_2683.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">How's this for a front porch?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg417HQGq-tNXruLp7EJUt6lno8VLhIpgDK4p7c7JzV7yTasAEhjHJx2FMAoZ0WQ0taDDbkSmTouV_2IzfF_nEl-b7KAtrlALVvrDxsMUV8PsVz9VBjVfoiF6N7hubNvratwGVVF9IMOow/s1600/lewiston+house.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483172236751151634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg417HQGq-tNXruLp7EJUt6lno8VLhIpgDK4p7c7JzV7yTasAEhjHJx2FMAoZ0WQ0taDDbkSmTouV_2IzfF_nEl-b7KAtrlALVvrDxsMUV8PsVz9VBjVfoiF6N7hubNvratwGVVF9IMOow/s400/lewiston+house.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">This 1837 colonial was for sale. Mom thought they should weed the stairs but I thought it was quite charming. </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">We're just passing through for lunch so it's time to move on...</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3wWb7LLQ_-bv30-6nEgRz3JGRHUc5tlkR9ubacSfjXnR2dNNGZLxLpFOqYb4dgu5-klXNoK66uuW3jXjTJj_MxOi5GJo40EOSBKc3tM0fqj669Yl6q-AH3XSTBd0x5hrawI46HlOumE/s1600/fort_niagara_main.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483177854249424498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3wWb7LLQ_-bv30-6nEgRz3JGRHUc5tlkR9ubacSfjXnR2dNNGZLxLpFOqYb4dgu5-klXNoK66uuW3jXjTJj_MxOi5GJo40EOSBKc3tM0fqj669Yl6q-AH3XSTBd0x5hrawI46HlOumE/s400/fort_niagara_main.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 391px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 310px; CURSOR: pointer" /></a>...just to the north to Fort Niagara on Lake Ontario. This fort, built in 1729 by the French at the mouth of the Niagara River and was integral to trade between America and Europe. It was captured by the British and later by the American colonists.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVd693P75wywXTGRQkTA1YP-Msh3luTHqKkEOB7wyRODs1cofO_K9-reJimQYk5Hl1q_bm_9b3pz4x6x8lg3xoqNZWVpmnweqLmdkrbvOs9KSJ9mG6fr6s1w-GHNXZvWxN3U-aMz3pEg/s1600/IMG_2743.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483172231485252514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyVd693P75wywXTGRQkTA1YP-Msh3luTHqKkEOB7wyRODs1cofO_K9-reJimQYk5Hl1q_bm_9b3pz4x6x8lg3xoqNZWVpmnweqLmdkrbvOs9KSJ9mG6fr6s1w-GHNXZvWxN3U-aMz3pEg/s400/IMG_2743.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>But we're headed a little more to the east into the country where old farmhouses such as this one dot the landscape between corn and cabbage fields and apple and peach orchards along the coast of Lake Ontario. Notice how simple and spare everything is. No landscaping, no flower gardens. All the time is dedicated to the farm.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs3v-HaDE7H8yVvHl1ZHCIhs30WM0yurtqcNANlUSaZnk4oLJZ5v470eFTNG2WAbwt9ksigkbJ9_vg9eaatcPKFXwg4coIaoc9ujqQ3r6A4LeGnytyzmeRIJnE_5p-7bpT8uBUh5mf_Y/s1600/IMG_2736.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171755622445618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAs3v-HaDE7H8yVvHl1ZHCIhs30WM0yurtqcNANlUSaZnk4oLJZ5v470eFTNG2WAbwt9ksigkbJ9_vg9eaatcPKFXwg4coIaoc9ujqQ3r6A4LeGnytyzmeRIJnE_5p-7bpT8uBUh5mf_Y/s400/IMG_2736.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Here is a lighthouse on the edge of Lake Ontario just about a mile from my mom's and sister's house.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEHrdJMW68twWAZ3zqCU76K382TD2dQ1WTfA_7fTcxKK0piqjzUalx_KtC_OSgn98ngbfcPk5FukaSUqcjtmtechrR5dqRGDrdahcE9X4T-kB6JMmOjsZy1yYNJUKwaSgPElnUd4qOVo/s1600/IMG_2708.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171753162943282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEHrdJMW68twWAZ3zqCU76K382TD2dQ1WTfA_7fTcxKK0piqjzUalx_KtC_OSgn98ngbfcPk5FukaSUqcjtmtechrR5dqRGDrdahcE9X4T-kB6JMmOjsZy1yYNJUKwaSgPElnUd4qOVo/s400/IMG_2708.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>A few houses overlooking the lake.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hLsNmHdkNs-8ByPrVKYXdTmzoKS9euFu5iUoD_3VOSfp9SAERtjBGNCNHpsp0gU9bA5ou5Suk84-24jdyXZ1GgiD98hkv-jnc3yr_j5y0sdNIPp9GWQj1jA0AM9CJ7epR4Ilq1BuRTk/s1600/IMG_2704.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171746875794530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hLsNmHdkNs-8ByPrVKYXdTmzoKS9euFu5iUoD_3VOSfp9SAERtjBGNCNHpsp0gU9bA5ou5Suk84-24jdyXZ1GgiD98hkv-jnc3yr_j5y0sdNIPp9GWQj1jA0AM9CJ7epR4Ilq1BuRTk/s400/IMG_2704.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>And the little marina.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdmmZMniBnsueZd01u0S9CD2tqRrQRBy_IOHTvbNLPlE2CZbKOhSJDE8RgWhpIF0IHOkadH0e_navCsa_E9HNLv5uVQw5DwkoCjWVPKbsAudHUYLw7CmIVTdKvrnBcFMPzD-k-h_I0lU/s1600/IMG_2645.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171745669002114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdmmZMniBnsueZd01u0S9CD2tqRrQRBy_IOHTvbNLPlE2CZbKOhSJDE8RgWhpIF0IHOkadH0e_navCsa_E9HNLv5uVQw5DwkoCjWVPKbsAudHUYLw7CmIVTdKvrnBcFMPzD-k-h_I0lU/s400/IMG_2645.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>And finally to my mom's house. This antique tractor was on the property and she kept it there as a lawn ornament.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuELYE4CEqGJTyZOPsFfvjY-Rnleov4N_u9tiAPVEpekkTqGEobqS3RJIxSYzpbLF1QUSmaz3L7BC6I5TdpebtnR0YbpzfdJrUerFomh5aEyr5Xwn1XHxhQ3E4Q0E1UC43fRY1t3EGOA/s1600/IMG_2697.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171740072305794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuELYE4CEqGJTyZOPsFfvjY-Rnleov4N_u9tiAPVEpekkTqGEobqS3RJIxSYzpbLF1QUSmaz3L7BC6I5TdpebtnR0YbpzfdJrUerFomh5aEyr5Xwn1XHxhQ3E4Q0E1UC43fRY1t3EGOA/s400/IMG_2697.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>Mom collects (a lot of) teapots...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-RYUdg268h3bXNCpk_nRZE_maQwLSaThKUTiQ2zR5eB26cucafvYDC_5JTqJJQPQTZv35PKeXaBcqJnduNbs-t9thMg37MJ_uqtBqidegA60ZGt3CjOf5wB3XVaSBB1cvID2UKPHK5w/s1600/IMG_2695.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171406355386658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-RYUdg268h3bXNCpk_nRZE_maQwLSaThKUTiQ2zR5eB26cucafvYDC_5JTqJJQPQTZv35PKeXaBcqJnduNbs-t9thMg37MJ_uqtBqidegA60ZGt3CjOf5wB3XVaSBB1cvID2UKPHK5w/s400/IMG_2695.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>...and she's got some lovely antique pieces.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-JNjb7csDFqJd3lMoGGcdLeCVwgUotj5jifOFQ5-EGeoXn08y5lfGaqtMlayUJbxuCWidhgTebnJw1GpHXWc4EWcwP8AjDU8QCRMJf4Fv1jSFkhenkamZDp-AiF-nbol0KLjX7rkyxw/s1600/IMG_2647.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171404656695954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-JNjb7csDFqJd3lMoGGcdLeCVwgUotj5jifOFQ5-EGeoXn08y5lfGaqtMlayUJbxuCWidhgTebnJw1GpHXWc4EWcwP8AjDU8QCRMJf4Fv1jSFkhenkamZDp-AiF-nbol0KLjX7rkyxw/s400/IMG_2647.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> There are some great antique barns nearby that we were sure to hit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQKg3trJfWHlnqGWv4nGZl9ryb-_jtfY1RcHZb215OvXz_2GeT4AWzG9XuKJfiIXVeXNFU7IbsQID1R5MbOivNjJSCnd9GXs7isnWxAyOzxVROckjJIHxFEXLKWY7o2rIv-SacBd3ysE/s1600/IMG_2650.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171400042402018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQKg3trJfWHlnqGWv4nGZl9ryb-_jtfY1RcHZb215OvXz_2GeT4AWzG9XuKJfiIXVeXNFU7IbsQID1R5MbOivNjJSCnd9GXs7isnWxAyOzxVROckjJIHxFEXLKWY7o2rIv-SacBd3ysE/s400/IMG_2650.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> They had lots of McCoy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbkC7jJz9mOJGy8Yjrf1ih8vKPmtoPXX82oORSYgKdwLCOdri9yihZHYN-FO9oXSnhg60v8YWe30sV51p8F78P9IliwW8kNw64fMtZUWDKwjbmnCKJAX9PeTD2N8NyIt50YJcIvFGj-E/s1600/IMG_2654.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171394482905330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbkC7jJz9mOJGy8Yjrf1ih8vKPmtoPXX82oORSYgKdwLCOdri9yihZHYN-FO9oXSnhg60v8YWe30sV51p8F78P9IliwW8kNw64fMtZUWDKwjbmnCKJAX9PeTD2N8NyIt50YJcIvFGj-E/s400/IMG_2654.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>This dealer had everything organized by color which made a nice presentation.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EE_6gmWUiL0W_L_4pNjlF6zp0WyoZrrzUMgzv8-6aSjq4t3RVwkn9_FiQlPsc1GdWi9sGqco9BIYKIyYGcdt9EcvQmVbRpC87Bgf7Gvdzs2MaZtzOugimgGg2Lm0UdFWCYV0oN9RbNM/s1600/IMG_2653.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483171389919863810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EE_6gmWUiL0W_L_4pNjlF6zp0WyoZrrzUMgzv8-6aSjq4t3RVwkn9_FiQlPsc1GdWi9sGqco9BIYKIyYGcdt9EcvQmVbRpC87Bgf7Gvdzs2MaZtzOugimgGg2Lm0UdFWCYV0oN9RbNM/s400/IMG_2653.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>And here's where I found the vintage light from an old schoolhouse in Niagara Falls. It was $40. I love when I find something for the house when I'm away on the trip. This light will always hold a memory of that trip home to visit my family.</div>

A Trip Back Home

The images in my last post were taken around the area where I grew up in Western New York on Lake Ontario near the Canadian border. It'...

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