tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16234640116172284862024-03-14T04:53:34.927-07:00The REAL Housewife of Snohomish CountyThe REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.comBlogger241125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-50630362171928857202018-03-05T16:21:00.003-08:002018-03-05T16:21:59.680-08:00M is for Motivation<div>
Many days I say the following thing..."Ugh...I have no motivation to get up and go outside." And it seems as of lately, that phrase has been uttered more days than not.</div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />It's extremely tough to...okay let me take a little detour here. After typing "It's extremely tough to..." I opened up facebook and scrolled through posts for about 10 minutes. What the hell?! I clearly can't even find the motivation to finish a thought, let alone a blog post.<br />
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Okay...back to the story. So most days it's incredibly tough to find the motivation to head outside and do the chores that have been piling up over the winter. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are blessed (or cursed depending on how you look at it) with rain...and most winters...lots of it. Now I feel it's a bit more of a curse because when the ground is super saturated, there is no where for the water to go. And on top of that, all the animals are knee deep in mud and muck. *barf*<br />
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Daylight hours on winter days are excruciatingly short here, but now that we've past the midpoint, the days are slowly getting longer. And when the sun comes out, Mikey sees all the things that need to be done...and what does that mean? It means that Brian will now have to find the motivation to get up off his ass and start doing things.<br />
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We've had some great sunshine in the past few weeks, and I've slowly started chipping away at the list of chores. But it seems like there is always a setback. For instance, several weeks ago I went down to do morning chores only to find a 50 foot tall section of our maple tree had snapped off in the middle of the night due to the heavy snow and crashed across the driveway and on the roof of the shop. And so began the *new* chore, getting said tree removed. It seems like when I finally get motivated to work on things, something else always rears its head.<br />
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But the biggest thing that I've let fall by the wayside is eating healthy and exercising. A few years ago I set out on a journey to lose weight. I made this decision after not being happy with what I saw in the mirror, in fact...I started avoiding the mirror all together. I felt uncomfortable in my clothes. I hated the way I looked in things, and I just hated feeling gross. So I set out to lose weight. And I did just that. Losing weight isn't necessarily the hardest thing...it's keeping it off that really tests a person.<br />
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Well over the last 6 months our lives have been hectic and I've just neglected myself. And I've gained back most, if not all, of the weight I lost. And I'm back in that place where I don't like what I see. So today I did what I've been putting off...I weighed myself **gulp**and went for a 5 mile walk. I prepared a healthy lunch and am getting ready to make a healthy dinner.<br />
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We all fall off the wagon every now and again, but it's up to us to get dust ourselves off and jump back on. We can't allow ourselves to continue to dislike where are at, and not do anything to change it. But we can't make changes unless WE are the ones who want them. My doctor told me I needed to lose weight, but until I finally hit my breaking point...that didn't matter. You can't do this for anyone but you. And you have to dig down deep to find the motivation...it's there...but it's buried. And no matter what don't kick yourself while you are down. So what if you had a bad day, lets see what tomorrow brings. I've learned to take life one day at a time. When I gave up pop several years ago (I've since gave up giving up pop lolol) I told myself...lets see if I can go today without having one. And the next day I thought the same thing. When you tell yourself that you will never have something again...if for some reason you slip up, you feel like you've failed. Don't set yourself up for failure, set yourself up to accomplish things.<br />
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Now I don't know if any of my ramblings have made any sense or not, but these are all the things that have been running through my head. I started a FaceBook group called "RHOSC Getting Healthy" last year and it's a wonderful community of people who are there to support each other in this journey. I let it fall by the wayside the past few months, but today I did a video and talked about where I'm at. And come to find out...several of us are in the same boat. And several people have said that me finding the motivation has given them a reason to find it as well. That's what a community is all about. We aren't there to shame one another when we trip up, we offer a helping hand and a hug.<br />
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I feel extremely grateful to have such a wonderful support network, something I know some people don't have. And I hope that this post has helped you to look deep inside yourself and find the motivation to do what you've been putting off. And most importantly...I hope that you will find the motivation to look in the mirror and love the person looking back at you.<br />
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Until next time...Keep cookin! </div>
The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-32530753747593051852018-02-12T09:23:00.002-08:002018-02-12T09:23:50.061-08:00Monday Meals - Mexican Stuffed ShellsEven though I love cooking...each day trying to figure out what to make is usually a struggle. How many of you feel the same way?<br />
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<a name='more'></a>For me it isn't the lack of ideas...its more so the fact that I want multiple things! So every now and again I try and figure out how to combine things! This recipe combines my love of pasta with my love of Mexican food! Over the past few weeks I've made this meal several times...and Mike even likes it...which is sometimes a crap shoot. Ha!<br />
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Before we start with the step by step recipe...please note that I use the Taco Sauce that I make and can. It's a SUPER simple recipe that you can find <a href="https://www.freshpreserving.com/taco-sauce---ball-recipes-br1142.html" target="_blank"><b>*HERE*</b></a>...I promise...it's simple! Or you can do what I did the first time, use the bottled taco sauce from the store. Seriously...these things are in the store for a reason...use them. But if you have the time, gumption and desire...make this sauce at home...you'll love it!<br />
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Also...you can use reduced fat cheese, and reduced fat cream cheese if you want...but honestly...why? Why? Let me ask that again. WHY?!? ;-) But just know...you can do that if you want. Oh! And if you want...use ground turkey or chicken. You can seriously make this your own.<br />
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How to make this amazing dish...(the written recipe, without pictures, is at the bottom of this post)<br />
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Ingredients:</div>
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- 30 Uncooked Jumbo Pasta Shells</div>
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- 1 Onion</div>
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- 2 lbs Ground Beef</div>
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- 16 oz Taco Sauce </div>
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- 3.5 oz Cream Cheese (I use Jalapeno Cream Cheese)</div>
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- 2 tsps. Chili Powder</div>
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- Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper, To Taste</div>
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- Olive Oil</div>
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- Sliced Black Olives</div>
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- Shredded Cheese (I used the Mexican Blend)</div>
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- Fritos Scoops Chips</div>
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First things first...get a large pot of water boiling. Season LIBERALLY with Kosher salt.<br />
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Cook pasta shells according to the instructions on the package.<br />
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After cooking time is up, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.<br />
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Dice the onion. I tend to dice on the small side...but if you like larger chunks...do a rough chop!<br />
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Heat a skillet (I'm used a cast iron one here) to Medium heat...add some olive oil.<br />
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Add onions, saute until soft. Season with Kosher salt.<br />
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**NOTE** It's important to season with Kosher salt along the way!<br />
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<br />Once the onions have softened...add the ground beef. Break it apart using a spoon, or you can even use a potato masher!</div>
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Season with Kosher Salt and Black Pepper.<br />
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Once beef is cooked, remove pan from heat and add 1/2 cup of the taco sauce, chili powder, cream cheese & 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.<br />
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Mix it all together.<br />
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Prepare a 9 x 13 baking dish by spraying with cooking spray.<br />
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Start stuffing cooked shells with a spoonful of meat/cheese mixture.<br />
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Arrange the stuffed shell in the baking dish...<br />
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Pour remaining sauce over the shells.<br />
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Cover with tinfoil and bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.<br />
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After the 20 minutes, remove foil, sprinkle with black olives and cheese. Use as much or as little cheese as you want!<br />
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Bake for another 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly!<br />
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Et, voila! Well maybe I should have said that in Spanish...ha! But you know what I mean.<br />
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Another fun way to do this dish is to bake them in individual little dishes. That way everyone's dish is already made! :)<br />
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Serve this dish with crunched up Fritos on top alongside a nice salad. And there you have it!<br />
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Like I said...this dish is easy to make and super yummy! It's been on our menu several times over the past few weeks! I hope you like it as much as we do!<br />
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Let me know if the comments if you make this dish and if you like it! :)<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!<br />
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Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Shells<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
- 30 Uncooked Jumbo Pasta Shells<br />
- 1 Onion<br />
- 2 lbs Ground Beef<br />
- 16 oz Taco Sauce<br />
- 3.5 oz Cream Cheese (I use Jalapeno Cream Cheese)<br />
- 2 tsps. Chili Powder<br />
- Kosher Salt & Fresh Ground Black Pepper, To Taste<br />
- Olive Oil<br />
- Sliced Black Olives<br />
- Shredded Cheese (I used the Mexican Blend)<br />
- Fritos Scoops Chips<br />
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Directions: **Note** Make sure to season with Kosher Salt along the way. **<br />
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1) Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and season LIBERALLY with Kosher Salt.<br />
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2) Cook pasta shells according to the package. Then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.<br />
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3) Dice Onion. Dice them into whatever size you prefer. I tend to dice on the smaller side.<br />
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4) Heat skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and saute onions until soft.<br />
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5) Add ground beef, breaking apart and cooking until no longer pink inside.<br />
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6) Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, about 1/2 cup of Taco Sauce & cream cheese. Also mix in about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.<br />
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7) Now stuff each shell with a spoonful of hamburger mixture. Place them in a 9 x 13 baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.<br />
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8) Pour remaining taco sauce over the shells. Cover with tinfoil and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.<br />
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9) After 20 minutes is up, remove foil, sprinkle with black olives and cheese. Bake for another 10 minutes.<br />
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10) Serve up with crunched up fritos on top. Enjoy!!!<br />
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<br />The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-79616719314478202962018-02-07T10:31:00.001-08:002018-02-07T10:31:45.973-08:00Wood Working Wednesdays - Turning a Figured Maple BowlBecause life on the farm isn't busy enough...I decided several years ago that I wanted to add woodworking to my resume. I started off with rolling pins because I figured how could one mess up a basic rolling pin. Well let me tell you...one can mess up a basic rolling pin!<br />
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Over the course of the past few years I've been honing my "craft." I put craft in quotation marks because honestly...I'm still shocked every time something comes off my lathe and someone purchases it. I guess its something that every artisan goes through when they first start making things to sell. We all hear the ever so common lines..."I could get this at *Insert Store Name* for 1/4 of that price." Or..."If I buy more than one of these, can I get a bulk discount?" Or the best one is when they have a friend near them and they ask, "Would you be able to make this for me? Here...let me take a picture so you can see what I want."<br />
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All of these things slowly chip away at an artisans soul. I don't think people truly understand what goes into making anything. I don't care if you can jams/jellies, sew quilts, crochet/knit items, hook rugs or make things out of wood...we all have heard any number or combination of those lines. And it's hard to keep your head up, it's hard not to say something snarky, it's hard not to pack up your things and just stop making things all together.<br />
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Over the past year I've learned that there will always be those who want things, but don't want to pay the price. There will always be those people who don't fully understand the time that it takes to create these items, or the tools you had to purchase...or just the basic cost of the materials. I've learned that I need to be proud of the items I make. Of course I see the flaws, but the person who chooses to buy it only sees this work of art that is handmade. I try to focus on those things, but the doubt always creeps in.<br />
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Recently I ventured into the world of turning bowls. Now I am by no means a master bowl turner...far from it if truth be told! But I'm truly having fun with this process.<br />
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Last December I took a class offered through the Woodcraft store in Seattle, taught by Captain Jack. Jack has been turning for 20+ years and you can just hear the passion in his voice. It was a day and a half long class, cost me an arm and a leg...but I walked away with a beautiful maple bowl and a maple mallet.<br />
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After leaving that class I set forth to buy the correct tools I needed in order to start on my new journey...ummm...and again...it cost me an arm and a leg! Seriously folks...I don't want to even tell you how much money I have invested in crochet hooks, wood working tools, equipment and materials. But I'm proud to say that all of this money comes from the sales I make through the <a href="http://bpfarms.etsy.com/" target="_blank">B.P. Farms Etsy Store</a>! So it's thanks to all of you that I'm able to continue doing this!<br />
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After purchasing the tools, I decided it was time to turn my very first bowl in MY shop! I would love to say that I walked into the shop, put the Padauk bowl blank on my lathe and turned the most beautiful bowl that afternoon. But I can't say that. What I can say is that I nearly shit my pants several times because for some reason I couldn't remember the correct way to hold the knife (lathe tools are called knives) and while attempting to hollow out the inside of the bowl it caught (more than once) and the bowl went flying off the lathe. Imagine a piece of wood spinning 1000+ RPM...catching on a tool and flying off in your general direction. You'd more than likely almost shit your pants too. Be honest!<br />
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Well I decided to take a few weeks break and work on some other projects. But during that time I set up a time with Captain Jack to have him teach me how to properly sharpen my knives and again go over the proper techniques to turn the bowls. I also watched about 976 YouTube videos, watching each of them to see how to properly hold the knives for each cut. And after building up my courage I went back into the shop and turned not only that first bowl...but two others!<br />
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Okay...so there is the back story on how I am where I'm currently at with my wood working! And I'm happy that you are able to now see it!<br />
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So shall we officially move on to what I hope will be a somewhat regular thing? "Wood Working Wednesdays"...a series of posts where I'll talk about what I'm working on in the shop and showing you the process it takes to get from start to finish with what ever it is I am featuring that day!<br />
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Today's item is a Figured Maple Bowl! I can honestly say that today it was fun just getting into the shop with the intention of turning this bowl for this post. Of course the entire time trying to get the camera set up to take the pictures and then awkwardly stand with my arms around the tripod or trying not to let my head or big ol' belly get into the frame. I'm sure that if anyone were to be looking through the window they'd wonder if I'd taken my meds for the day or not. ;) But I digress.<br />
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Onto the bowl!<br />
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After sharpening my knives I grabbed one of the three figured maple bowl blanks off the counter and set to work. To start this entire process you clearly need a piece of wood. Most of the ones I find at local stores are actually square pieces of wood, and the easiest way to start is to use the band saw to take the corners off. This makes it a bit easier to turn and get into a rough round shape. But luckily these maple ones were already rounded off. The first step today was to find the approximate center of the blank and attach the faceplate. The faceplate is what will hold the bowl on the headstock of the lathe. Once the faceplate is attached its put on the headstock and the tail stock is pushed up against the other side to help stabilize the blank. Then it's time to rock!<br />
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Now it's time to get to work. When I turned on the lathe there was a pretty good vibration because the blank isn't completely round, and lets be honest...I didn't get the face plate in the center. So the first few cuts are made to even out the blank before shaping. I learned to turn a bowl by starting with the outside, finishing it completely, before hollowing out the inside. <br />
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So I set to work on shaping the bottom curve of the bowl, getting the shape on the sides and then putting in a tenon on the bottom that the chuck can hold onto in order to hollow out the inside.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPCKp-NXYaYaJY0uP_nlARgeY5cMrL_8y3KfN9hyphenhyphentUjk-1Auju9Ni0pAlYQGIji7yRcl4x-00ZH4kHxFEgd9xwwscd05Z0XIyPOLSCDeTZyoYAdp1v91BwZjFXZptLWbhNZB61WIhJVY/s1600/IMG_5040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPCKp-NXYaYaJY0uP_nlARgeY5cMrL_8y3KfN9hyphenhyphentUjk-1Auju9Ni0pAlYQGIji7yRcl4x-00ZH4kHxFEgd9xwwscd05Z0XIyPOLSCDeTZyoYAdp1v91BwZjFXZptLWbhNZB61WIhJVY/s200/IMG_5040.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These first few cuts are to even up the outer edge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeMZ9URLcVcVfFUY_wwWdBke9l_cXWpFhMEX_T6ws3gcxJsD4dwohy27CQlHnCy101AWPGL_EbuKrShE1EJub4gzK1yWBTM4ghIvirNxxT9gTBMUKqO56sEW5V8VQnCC2eTVhd7ayXWk/s1600/IMG_5053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeMZ9URLcVcVfFUY_wwWdBke9l_cXWpFhMEX_T6ws3gcxJsD4dwohy27CQlHnCy101AWPGL_EbuKrShE1EJub4gzK1yWBTM4ghIvirNxxT9gTBMUKqO56sEW5V8VQnCC2eTVhd7ayXWk/s200/IMG_5053.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now it's time to shape the bottom.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOoIbSBF7vp5zOwaj67-WjFDjnxUi1CjGyDrlnOFdvQ1n6ctAcFXMlimOru7-jUHUzS2NXsQnoGiiNefTshN70OSx74_QxuoftN6o0iobbWE1jiwH6zf52KQOL6EseLWk7SFeMoF4ayY/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOoIbSBF7vp5zOwaj67-WjFDjnxUi1CjGyDrlnOFdvQ1n6ctAcFXMlimOru7-jUHUzS2NXsQnoGiiNefTshN70OSx74_QxuoftN6o0iobbWE1jiwH6zf52KQOL6EseLWk7SFeMoF4ayY/s200/IMG_5063.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shaping the sides.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqaN5qB2P57Kux4xYMA7NA1s4KAQOtVCQ_ge8NL14zyVvHFDT6OspeaE58tWSOUXhyphenhyphenEW5WayM48obTNWFCZTvh9SNBxjERmCuEp9SkMGhwQTwtaqKOmri6C1DtaIJH3SU6HyxRFvBJSo/s1600/IMG_5069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqaN5qB2P57Kux4xYMA7NA1s4KAQOtVCQ_ge8NL14zyVvHFDT6OspeaE58tWSOUXhyphenhyphenEW5WayM48obTNWFCZTvh9SNBxjERmCuEp9SkMGhwQTwtaqKOmri6C1DtaIJH3SU6HyxRFvBJSo/s200/IMG_5069.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the tenon. Notice the cool knots and holes in the wood!</td></tr>
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After the desired shape is reached...it's time to sand. Now there are some wood turners who are able to make beautiful cuts that require little to no sanding...I, however, need to sand. HAHA. But I'm okay with that. I have to remind myself that this bowl is only the 5th bowl I've ever turned. So it's on to sanding. I start with 60 grit, using a piece that I hold. Then it's onto the little sander increasing the grit up to 300+. I use this because unlike hand sanding, this won't leave the lines in the wood. Once it's all sanded, I grab a handful of the wood shavings to buff the bowl. This little trick I learned in the class! It's awesome! Then its time to oil the bowl. I use Doctor's Woodshop Walnut Finishing Oil. I apply 7 - 10 coats of this...to make sure it's soaking into the wood. Then I finish it with Doctor's Woodshop Microcrystal Wax Bowl Finish. This is friction activated...so applying it while on the lathe heats up the wax and creates a nice finish.<br />
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Now it's time to take the bowl off the lathe, remove the faceplate and attach it to the chuck. This will allow me to hollow out the inside of the bowl.<br />
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Turning the inside of the bowl is where I got into trouble before...so I still have a little bit of trepidation when starting. But once those curled shavings start flying...the smile returns to my face and I watch as the inside starts to disappear while the final shape continually gets closer!<br />
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You start in the center, slowly working your way to the outer edge.<br />
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One of the things I still struggle with is getting the thickness correct. Its important to have the same thickness throughout the sides and bottom of the bowl otherwise it can cause the wood to crack in the future. So I spend a fair bit of time going over the sides and that bottom curve.<br />
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But once all that is done...it's time to sand and oil the inside of the bowl. And its the same process that is used on the outside. Start with 60 grit...move on to the higher grits using the handheld sander...and then apply the oil and the wax!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurQlgw3I6buou3g162BQBFG-xJ-rEzF7N6kF_QLjxkYcrBbQN7u1WrVfv9oQETGmEwPdpHRdh06GYOgriwv3WgTLnEvzp0GSFnvH_VXO3At22G6cFDqzoHf95ijlwZmE-IYqZte1fMo/s1600/IMG_5300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsurQlgw3I6buou3g162BQBFG-xJ-rEzF7N6kF_QLjxkYcrBbQN7u1WrVfv9oQETGmEwPdpHRdh06GYOgriwv3WgTLnEvzp0GSFnvH_VXO3At22G6cFDqzoHf95ijlwZmE-IYqZte1fMo/s200/IMG_5300.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that knot in the bottom!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bowl is *almost* finished!<br />
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Next I get to use what looks more like a torture device...hahaha. It's actually a type of jaws that hold a turned bowl...allowing you to get rid of the bottom tenon. I don't have a separate chuck for this...so I have to take off the small jaws used to hold the tenon...and attach these bigger ones. Get the little rubber holders in the right spot...then put the bowl on. I always put a paper towel down first so the rubber stops don't mark up the bowl.<br />
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Once the bowl is on...then its time to get rid of the tenon. Then it's time to sand and oil!<br />
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And there we have it! A finished bowl. As you can see there are a LOT of steps. But once you get them down...it goes smoothly. When I was making the previous batch of bowls I completed each phase on each bowl before moving onto the next phase. By that I mean I turned/sanded/oiled the outsides of each bowl...then moved onto turning/sanding/oiling the insides...and then removed the tenon on all of them. That way I wasn't constantly changing the chuck out. <br />
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One of the things I love most about working with wood is how you never know what the finished product will look like. While I knew there'd be that beautiful "splotch" in the grain on the outside of the bowl...I didn't know that there would be that cool knot in the bottom. And while turning, you can either choose to cut past those things...or make them part of the finished product. :) So this bowl won't be able to be used to hold liquid...but it'll still be a beautiful piece to show.<br />
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So what do you think? Is the process easier or harder than you thought? Do you understand why I charge what I do for my products? I didn't even tell you the price of all the tools I needed to purchase just to start turning the bowls! That's on top of the original cost of the lathe and the chuck (which I had for turning rolling pins).<br />
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Thanks for joining me on this little bowl turning journey! I look forward to getting more bowl blanks and continuing to turn different pieces for you all to enjoy!<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!<br />
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<br />The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-28494485756911872882018-01-29T15:28:00.003-08:002018-02-07T17:41:51.953-08:00A Day in the Life...A day in the life of The REAL Housewife of Snohomish County isn't glamorous. I know, I know...I'm bursting the bubble of your view of my reality...right? Well, it had to be done at some point.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Here on the farm, I find myself thankful most days that no one is around to see what truly happens during my waking hours. Most days it's a struggle to get out of bed...not because I'm lazy. Well...maybe that's the reason. But I like to blame it on Cooper. that dog is seriously the best snuggle buddy in the world. And in the mornings, when he knows its time to get up...he tends to nuzzle even closer, making it almost impossible to get out of bed. That's right...I'm shifting the blame to Cooper. That's the great thing about being an adult, you can shift the blame onto unsuspecting children, or in my case, animals. :) Sorry Cooper...but that's how I roll.<br />
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Okay...I suppose that before I go any further I'll address the elephant in the room. An no I'm not talking about the extra winter pounds that I've put on. I'm talking about the fact that I've not blogged since last April. What happened to my, "I promise I'm going to start blogging again" post? Well, again, it's Cooper's fault. Okay...that's not true...it's Puck's fault!<br />
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In all seriousness...life has been clicking along here on the farm. And because of that I find that I tend to share more on the RHOSC Facebook page and Instagram...and less here on the blog. Well I don't share anything on the blog anymore. It seems like we've been conditioned to want our information in 140 characters or less. Or better yet, in pictures with small captions. And I find that while it's easier...I don't necessarily get to connect in the same way that I used to.<br />
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Every year when New Year's rolls around, we find ourselves making resolutions that we know we won't keep. I tend not to make any...that way I'm not disappointed in myself. See how that works? Try it! ;-) But I won't lie...I always think about the blog. I keep thinking that I'll sit down and type out a post and that will kick my ass into gear and I'll be blogging up a storm! Well...that's as far as it gets...the thinking about it. So I'm sitting here now trying to keep myself from getting caught in the same ol' rut...the rut that keeps me from sitting down and blogging. From sitting down and spewing forth whatever is in this head of mine out for all of you to see.<br />
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But...we'll see if this time it sticks. And I hope that you all are taking bets...make one of those calendars...place your bets on when the last blog entry will be. And if you pick today...I won't be angry! I may think you're a jerk...but deep down I will know that you are probably smart for choosing today. But then a part of me will go...I'm gonna turn this hater into a motivator! And I'll be all gung ho and ready to prove you wrong. (But you still might want to pick today.)<br />
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Okay...that's out of the way...so where was I? Oh right...my glamorous life. The past few months have seemed like one long rainstorm. Sure you'll say, "But Brian...you live in a rain forest." And I'll shoot you a nice smile and say, "You're right. I'm so silly!" When in reality I want to glare at you and say, "Why don't you take your opinions and shove 'em where the sun don't shine, Sarah!" (I don't know who Sarah is...but that's the first name that came to mind.)<br />
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Winter in the rain forests of the Pacific Northwest are wet, dreary and seem to go on for ages. We will sometimes get snow...but it rarely sticks around long. But I relish the days when the temps dip down low enough to freeze! Because for that brief window in time...the mud freezes and the stink freezes with it!<br />
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The winter also ushers in the days when the chickens become good for nothing, free loading, ungrateful jerks who demand food while giving nothing in return. And while the ducks and geese love the water...they tend to look like muddy beasts who can't seem to ever get dry. But I keep thinking that one day soon, hopefully, spring will come. And then summer will be close on it's heels! And then I'll be writing a blog (that's right...I plan to at least write one post in the summer) about how hot it is and how we've gone 37 days without a drop of rain! And wondering aloud..."I thought I lived in a rain forest!" see how that works? Here in the Pacific Northwest we are never happy with the weather. And we are never happier than when we are complaining. :)<br />
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A day in the life of The REAL Housewife of Snohomish County is far from glamorous. It's filled with mud, wet/smelly animals, rain and the occasional appearance of that bright, yellow blog in the sky.<br />
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But I will tell you one thing about each day...no matter how much I complain about it all...I'm the luckiest housewife around. I have an amazing husband, two great dogs, a beautiful home, 5 acres of gorgeous rain forest...and I life that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9814869 -122.04596300000003 47.9814869 -122.04596300000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-3305398875014497682017-04-14T14:58:00.000-07:002017-04-14T14:58:06.937-07:00Long Time GoneOkay...so I have *not* been around in quite some time! Blogging has fallen by the wayside, as it has many times in the past, but now I honestly feel like I need to get back to my roots. <br />
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It's been over 8 months since I sat down and typed out a blog...and there are days where I think that I have something to say...but I stop and realize that maybe it's not interesting to anyone but me. :) So that is the struggle, most days.<br />
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Over the last 8 months so much has happened. From the purchasing of new animals, the death of some of them...and an election from hell. <br />
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I know that there are so many people who don't like to talk politics...and some of my "friends" have given me an earful about not wanting to talk about it. I'm always a bit taken aback...especially when they've asked me, "How are you doing? What have you been up to? How is life?" When you ask those kinds of questions...you better be prepared to hear what I'm going to say. I would never ask you those questions but then add the caveat, "but I don't want to hear you bitch and moan about your spouse or all the animals you have. I only want to hear about the light and fluffy side of things." I find that to be a large crock of bullshit. So to those who have done that...I've pulled away from them. <br />
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I've also found myself distancing myself from family and "friends" who showed their true colors during this last election. Personally, this election wasn't about being a democrat or a republican...it was about being a human being. Being someone who actually had emotions, rational thoughts and compassion for those around them. <br />
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Sadly, many of my family members and "friends" didn't see anything wrong with a presidential candidate saying in the past that he would grab a woman by the pussy. Many of those same people think that I was offended by the word pussy. And to that I say...you have *no* clue...and you need to find one. The word wasn't offensive to me...the action he bragged about is what offended me. And to pass that off as locker room talk, or just "boys being boys" is another load of bullshit. <br />
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I've had some family members tell me to "get over it," and that I need to support the president. But I just smile and remember how during the last administration...these same people didn't nothing but bitch and moan about the president. So to that I say...hypocrite. And those are just a few of the reasons that I cut many of these people from my life. I took the liberty of making them acquaintances on my Facebook page...only letting them see what I want them to see. I did this because if you can vote for a man who has said he will do what he can to reverse the marriage equality ruling, and by doing so...nullifying my marriage to my husband...you don't need to see what goes on in my day to day life. <br />
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I wish I could say that I feel bad, or that I miss these people...but I honestly don't. That's the harsh reality of the current world we live in. And every day I am boggled by this man and what he is doing. I have many fears, more so than in any other past administration...democrat or republican. Just like you can't teach an old dog new tricks...you can't cure ignorance, and at some point you just realize that it's better for all involved to cut your losses and walk away. <br />
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Besides the joke that is this current administration...there have been many other ups and downs out here on the farm. We had our second phase of the remodel completed in December...and that entailed both bathrooms, the laundry room, the built ins in the living room and some other odds and ends. And I can honestly say that I'm super happy with how everything turned out. We didn't have any major hiccups like we did last time with Husky Cabinets (who suck by the way) and Albert Lee Appliance. So that made things quite a bit easier.<br />
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On New Year's Day I went down to feed the animals in the morning and found Allan dead. At some point in the night, he tried to get under a gate and became trapped facing downhill. And that situation is deadly to a ruminant. The gasses build up in their gut and they bloat and die. I felt horrible for him...knowing that it wasn't an easy death, and I wish that I would have heard him so I could have saved him. <br />
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But even in death, Allan was sticking it to me. He died on a day where it was freezing outside and there was three inches of snow on the ground. Digging a 5 foot deep hole in the frozen ground...not an easy task. I miss him...even though that damn goat did nothing but give me hell...he was one of my babies. <br />
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Life seems to be clicking along here on the farm. I have plans to get rid of half of my flock of chickens this coming weekend. I'm doing this for several reasons...feed costs, number of eggs laid and upkeep. My birds get organic, non-gmo feed...and they go through almost two bags a week (at $30/bag)...and that adds up quickly! My goal has always been to get them to pay for their own feed. But that rarely happens since most of the chickens I have, while pretty, are not producers of eggs. So I will be downsizing by getting rid of the "pretty birds," and replacing them with some white rock hens and a Rhode island red rooster to breed and hatch out "sex link" chickens that are good layers. So here's to feed costs going down...and egg numbers rising! :)<br />
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Other than that...not much else has been going on. We have some things coming down the pipe in our lives...but not sure when these upgrades will happen. We have our house set to be painted in the next month or two...and I have several projects happening right now (that I'm currently avoiding because I'm typing this post! ha!)...like building a retaining wall along the driveway...building a new shed behind the shop to house my hay/straw/farm supplies, finishing up my woodworking shop and other sorts of fun things! So look for updates! <br />
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Well I suppose...I'm burning daylight! I hope you all are doing well! And here's to hoping that I don't let blogging fall by the wayside again. Oh, and one more thing...you may not want to hear my political views...and that's fine...but it isn't your place to tell me what I can and cannot blog about. You have the ability to just scroll right on along. I don't tolerate any of that. Yes, you have the right to your views and opinions...but those should be shared on your own pages. I'm always open for a productive discussion...so engage if you want. :)<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!<br />
<br />The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-4187989074982257922016-07-19T11:40:00.003-07:002016-07-19T11:40:49.055-07:00This Five Month JourneyOver the last five months I've set out on a journey that I wasn't really intending to be on. And during this journey I've had to confront head on two of the dirtiest words that kept coming at me.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />Diet & Exercise. Those two words have been uttered by doctors, friends, family and exercise fanatics all around the world to many people. And for the first time in my life, I was saying them to myself...and meaning them. Sure, I've done some exercise before...and some quick diets or cleanses. Hell I even, in a moment of what I think was a drunken stupor, purchased the "Insanity" workout program and made it through most of it. But through out all of that...I was never happy, nor was I serious about getting things under control.<br />
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This time, the whole thing was kicked off by a family photo shoot that was looming in the future. I had in my mind that I was going to do another one of my "9 day cleanses." You know the ones...hell I've even asked people on here to join me in one! And none of you did...which I was disappointed in at the time. Ha! I had it in my head that I was going to do the T-25 work out along with the 9 day cleanse and then drop some weight so I didn't look like a beached whale in our family photos. <br />
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I'm not exactly sure what switch flipped inside me this time, but after a day and a half of the T-25, I realized that this wasn't what I wanted. I was miserable. I had headaches from the cleanse, and I absolutely hated, with every fiber of my being, Shaun T and his stupid 25 minutes of hell he wanted to put me through every day. <br />
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The flipping of that switch was crucial in this whole process. I finally wanted to get things under control, and keep them that way. It wasn't just a quick cleanse to drop some weight...then go right back to the weight I was at before it all began. That seemed to be my pattern. You know what I just realized? For the first time in my life...I'm like Oprah! Okay...I couldn't resist that comparison! But seriously...she has done every fad diet known to man...she's lost weight, told people, "I GETTTTT ITTTTTTTT!!!!!" And then she's gained the weight back. <br />
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On February 15th, I weighed myself...and I was at 206 pounds, the heaviest I'd ever been. I no longer liked to look in the mirror. I didn't like pictures of myself, and whenever I did my facebook videos I was constantly adjusting my shirt or holding the camera up higher so my double chin wasn't as noticeable. All of this was taking its toll on me. Michael even sensed how unhappy I was. But, god love him, he was always supportive of me. Never trying to tell me to lose weight or to change things. I think he knew that him telling me, or even my doctor telling me, to lose weight wasn't what I needed. It had to come from me, otherwise it wouldn't ever work.<br />
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So I set out on this journey, one that I'm still on five months later. So how did I do it? Well, that's where those two dirty words come in to play. Diet & Exercise. <br />
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Now let me get one thing straight, when I say "diet," I don't mean the *cut everything you've ever loved out and only eat wheat grass and drinking water from artesian wells from the purest sources.* I mean the kind where you watch what you eat, and start controlling your portions. <br />
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In order to do this I knew I needed something to help me. So I set out on my phone to look for an app. Good lord, there's an app for everything! On one of my other failed attempts at losing weight I started using an app, but I didn't really utilize it like I should have. The app is called "MyFitnessPal." This app is amazing. It allowed me to track everything from my weight to helping me determine how many calories I needed to be eating in order to lose weight. And I was determined to make it work this time. <br />
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I also downloaded the sister app, "MapMyWalk," which can utilize GPS to help track how many miles you walk, run, bike, or even mow the lawn! It tells you how many calories you've burned and really proved to be a great tool to get me to better my times while exercising. <br />
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With the help of these two apps, and my determination to make this time different, I set out on a journey to get down to 185 pounds. I began diligently counting my calories, looking at portion sizes on packages or in recipes, and doing what I felt was the best exercise for me...walking. That's right...walking. Some people think in order to lose weight you need to exercise hard core at the gym, or do some crazy workout tapes (hehehe man I was dumb). But I set out walking. My first day I walked 5 miles, and did that in just over an hour. It wasn't long before I was up to 8 miles and doing those in just under an hour and forty minutes. <br />
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Each time someone asks what I'm doing for exercise, I tell them that I try to walk 8 miles every day. I usually get the response, "Oh I could never walk that far!" Well guess what, I didn't think I could either. Yet here I am. We are our biggest obstacle, and we need to stop throwing up road blocks and just get off our asses and do what we know we need to do. So you can't walk 8 miles, or you don't have that much time...then walk as much as you can in the time that you have. Don't let the fact that you don't have an hour to commit to walking stop you. Do you have 20 minutes? Then utilize that! What? You work in an office, have a long commute and are tired at the end of the day? Well no excuses...I used to do the stairs in my office building during my lunch hour. Any exercise is better than no exercise at all. Stop taking the elevator or escalator...take the stairs. So what if it takes you a little extra time to get where you are going.<br />
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Most doctors, and even the app I use, tells you to shoot for at least 10,000 steps a day. That seems like a ridiculous amount...but it *is* doable. Stop looking at these numbers like they are unattainable. Stop letting yourself keep you from doing this. Make it a priority. Man...exercise is still a dirty word!<br />
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Now lets talk about food. Oh man, do I LOVE food. I've never met a tater tot I didn't like. And this time I decided that I wasn't going to deny myself anything. If I wanted tater tots, by god I was going to have tater tots. BUT, I was going to have the serving size. Did you know that a serving size of tater tots is 9 tots? That's right NINE. How sad is that?!?!? But I made those nine tots, ate them and enjoyed them! If I wanted a steak and potato dinner, I had the proper serving size of all items. Counting calories along the way. <br />
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I won't lie, counting calories sucks hard. But I was determined to get this done, and I needed to see this stuff in front of my face in order to keep myself motivated. I became one of those annoying people who looks at a package to see how many calories were in a serving size. I became one of those people who said, "Thanks, but that will throw me over my caloric intake for the day." But the difference was, I wasn't mad about it, I didn't feel forced into this. Sure I could have eaten anything I wanted, drank anything I wanted...but I knew that I had a goal, and that only I could reach it.<br />
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The other important thing when it comes to reaching a weight loss goal, especially when exercising, is drinking plenty of water. I'm seldom seen without my water bottle anymore. I started drinking so much water that I began to worry that government officials were going to come knock on my door because I was single handedly draining the world's water supply. I had to go to the bathroom ten million times a day, and it always seemed like my eyeballs were floating. But staying hydrated is important for many reasons, but I knew that if my stomach was full of water, I'd be less apt to stuff food in my face. <br />
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With all of these things combined I began dropping weight. I noticed my clothing was starting to fit again, and I no longer looked like an over stuffed sausage casing in some of my clothes. I saw my face beginning to slim down. And I noticed that walking became easier, and that I was able to get my average minutes per mile down. I started to feel better about myself, and I wasn't avoiding mirrors or pictures as much. The biggest thing was that people around me started to notice. <br />
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By the middle of May I had not only reached my initial weight loss goal, but I had surpassed it by almost 17 pounds. I was down to 168.2 pounds! I didn't realize how much weight I'd lost until I accidentally purchased a t-shirt that was a "small" instead of the "medium" I intended on. And when I put it on at home, it fit...and it actually looked good. I think my jaw hit the floor. <br />
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The biggest thing through out all of this was the support from Michael, my friends and family. Without that I don't think I could have sustained it. Looking back over the last 5 months I watched myself transform. Thinking about how I was carrying 37 pounds of unnecessary weight around almost makes me feel ashamed. But then I stop myself and remember that I am the one who started this journey. I did this for me, not for my doctors or those around me...but for me. <br />
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At the beginning of this journey, I only intended to do this until March when the family pictures were slated to happen. But as time went on, I kept going. I did take a two and a half month break from walking after exceeding my initial goal weight. But within the last few weeks I've started walking again. I stopped making the excuses, I've stopped settling with where I am at, and what my health was going to be like. I know that it's not usually right to pat yourself on the back...but in this instance, I'm proud of myself. I'm proud of myself for taking this seriously...for not letting some rain stop me (I'd just get on the elliptical machine instead of walking), for not forcing myself onto some fad diet or cleanse to quickly drop the weight like before, for not letting myself get discouraged during the weeks when my weight seemed to plateau instead of continuing to drop. And I'm proud of myself for keeping the weight off.<br />
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You have to want this, you have to be determined and show self control. That is the only way that you can accomplish something like this. We've always had sweets, alcohol and wonderfully fatty foods in the house. I knew that none of them were off limits...but I knew that I needed to account for the calories. <br />
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Life is too short to force yourself into exercise routines, or infomercial exercise programs and fad diets/cleanses that make you miserable. You have to find something enjoyable. For me that is walking. I put in my headphones, turn on the music (or lately audio books) and let my feet hit the pavement. It's not easy, I won't lie to you. There are days that I just don't want to do it. And you know what? That's OK! You don't have to walk every day, take a day off. Give yourself a cheat day when it comes to food. But know that you have to have enough control and desire to jump right back in the next day. <br />
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This morning I didn't want to go for my walk. It was gloomy out...and all I wanted to do was stay in bed. But I forced myself to get up, get dressed and get out there. And I have no regrets about it at all. I have no idea how I'll feel tomorrow, if I'll want to go for a walk or what. But I know that if I decide to take a day off...I won't beat myself up. Beating yourself up isn't worth it. We have enough things in our world today that beat us down constantly...don't let you be one of them.<br />
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Weight loss is a journey. And just like any other journey there will be tears, anger, sadness, joy, jealousy and everything else. But it's a journey that I'm happy to be on, and even happier that I've decided to make it a priority. Will you make it a priority? If you say yes, then get off your ass and do it. It's time to stop saying, "On Monday I'm going to start working out and eating right!" It's time to say..."Tomorrow is Wednesday...that seems like a PERFECT day to start my journey." Do it...stop putting it off. But make sure you do it for you. The most important thing is that you are looking out for your own happiness, not that of others.<br />
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Thank you for sharing in this journey with me. If you follow me on Instagram, you'll notice I tend to post a picture of myself every day while I'm out walking. I do it for a few reasons...I'm vain and now like pics of myself (totally joking on that one...kinda), and by showing you the pictures it holds me accountable for my journey and I feel like I'm having you all help me with it too. And every now and again I get a message from someone saying that I've inspired them to get up and go for a walk. And that is an amazing thing. <br />
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Until next time....Keep <strike>Cookin'!</strike> Walkin'!The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-65522829018971723992016-07-11T13:34:00.001-07:002016-07-19T10:34:34.643-07:00What's Your Word Worth?So I won't even begin to beat around the bush when it comes to my absence from blogging. After the events of our remodel last winter, I was a bit beaten down. Things got off schedule, I got irritated, and have yet to finish the blogs about the remodel. One day...one day those will get finished. But until that time...I think it's okay if I move on to other things that are weighing on me. That's what this is all about, right?<br />
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When I started this blog several years ago...I didn't know what it was going to be. I believe that what I'd hope for was that it would become a creative outlet for me. Well, for a while it was. Then it turned into a chore...and I started to take longer and longer breaks from it. But I always seemed to come back to it, because it's comforting. Comforting knowing that I'm able to express myself through written (or typed in this case) form...and that others sometimes completely get what I mean. Lord knows that most of the time I'm talking, I don't even know what the hell I'm saying. <br />
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The title of this post is something that has been rolling around in my head for a while. We live in a world where people say one thing...but then never follow through. Who knows what the reason is; maybe they said it out of politeness, or they just don't really care enough to follow through. Or even still, things happen, things come up...and we all get busy. Those are all reasons for people not keeping their word.<br />
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I try my hardest to keep my word. I want my word to be worth it's weight in gold. And because I'm this way, I sometimes expect that others will be that way too. And that's where I get into trouble. When you hold others to your standards...you are only going to be disappointed. Because lets be honest, we are hardest on ourselves...and so most of us strive to do the best we can. And I think we somewhat think others feel the same way. <br />
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I was taught from a very young age that when you give someone your word, no matter how small the thing, you kept it. If you said you were going to be somewhere at a certain time...be there, and be a little bit early. If things come up, be courteous to the other person/people by giving them the heads up. These things may seem like common sense to some of us, but in all honesty...it's amazing how many people just don't seem to realize the importance of them.<br />
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Take for instance the last job I worked. I had a coworker who was habitually late. As an office manager, I believed that it was my duty to be there before the others to get things in the office in order and ready to go. I was living up in Mukilteo, and commuting to Seattle...which was an easy commute on the Sounder (the commuter train)...as long as it didn't rain (or hell, even sprinkle) because there were always landslides that covered the tracks. But no matter what, I made it into town, on time. <br />
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This coworker didn't seem to care. They would waltz in 5 to 10 minutes late, give some half assed excuse as to why they were late this time, and then go about their day as if nothing were wrong. I remember sitting down with them and discussing this issue. And the thing I tried to impress upon them was, "By showing up late to work, or to a meeting or even just a get together with friends...you are telling those people that you don't care about them and their time doesn't matter." <br />
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Now it's hard for some people to see that point. You could argue that there was traffic, or that you had a flat tire, or that your alarm didn't go off. You could give a million excuses. But in the end, they are excuses. If someone or something is important to you, you make sure that you keep your word. Now that's not to say that there aren't unforeseen circumstances that do come up, because they do happen. But if you are the kind of person who is always late, or always canceling plans...this does nothing but speak to your character and lack of respect for anyone but yourself. <br />
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The younger generations (my lord listen to me...it's like I'm 80 or something lol) are growing up in a time where they are taught that they are the important one. They are being raised to expect things to be handed to them, and that if things are hard just walk away and find something else that is easier. They are lacking the same values that were instilled in so many in the past. And that truly saddens me.<br />
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I want to give you my word that I'm going to start blogging regularly...but I don't want to just pay lip service to you all. What I can say is that I'm going to make an effort to sit down and put my feelings into a blog post. Especially right now, when there is so much violence and hate in this world...and my heart is heavy and my mind is just jumbled with questions, fears and concerns. But sometimes, we just feel the need to withdraw from it all. I'm not saying that's right or wrong...I'm just saying that it's how we can feel. <br />
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Well I'd better get my butt in gear, I need to get some things done around the house before I have company this afternoon. <br />
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Until next time, Keep Cookin'!The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-83806798482430886962015-12-04T10:32:00.000-08:002015-12-04T10:32:16.167-08:00B.P. Farms - REAL Remodel - Week 4This blog post is about 5 days later than I initially planned for it to happen...and I wish that I had a good excuse. I don't really have a good one per se...so let me tell you some that I've come up with.<br />
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This past weekend turned into what I'd like to call a "painting shit storm/frenzy." In an effort to attempt to get two coats of paint on everything, I neglected certain responsibilities...i.e...Etsy orders, this blog post, and cleaning out the goat barn and duck house. So there you have it...not horrible excuses...but excuses none the less in my book. So I apologize to all of you. From the looks of the stats, about 50 people are reading about my remodel, and I hope that you'll forgive me for being late with this post! :)</div>
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So on with the remodel update. Last week wasn't as big of a week with regards to major changes, like the weeks before. But the exciting thing is they started on flooring. We also knew that it was going to be a bit of a short week, since Thanksgiving was thrown right into the middle of it all. All things considered, they made considerable progress! And I can honestly say that we have no complaints about the contractor and his crew, they've been giving it their all and you can tell they care about what they do, and have pride in their work. And that makes a HUGE difference when it comes to the end product.</div>
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Our contractor warned us at the beginning of the week that this is the point where it starts to slow down, and it won't look as if they've gotten as much done every day. And he wasn't lying. There are days that we are like...wow...not many changes. BUT in all reality, the major changes have already taken place, and now they are getting into the "putting it back together" phase. <br />
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Well, enough of my babbling...let's get to the pictures!<br />
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Monday:<br />
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Today was all about getting a coat of primer on all the walls. In order to do that, they needed to cover all the windows and doors and light fixtures. They managed to get one coat of primer on everything, and because of the fact that most of the living area was missing insulation in the ceiling, it was all staying wet still. Luckily we purchased a small dehumidifier, so that helped speed the process up a bit!<br />
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Tuesday:<br />
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Today they really rocked out getting the texturing done on all the walls and the second coat of primer! It's so amazing to see the walls coming to a point where we can paint them!<br />
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Wednesday:<br />
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With the primer and texture completed, it was time to start on the flooring. I laid out a box of tile on the floor so we could see what it was going to look like...and I have to say...I love it!<br />
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During all this craziness, I love finding the moments where you walk outside and see the sun streaming through the trees. It felt like a "Touched by an Angel" moment! HAHA I waited for Roma Downey to come out and Andrew to come take my hand to lead me "home." ;-)<br />
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By mid-day it looked so different with the windows and doors uncovered! So much light was coming into the space! And they started to get everything set up so they could do tile!<br />
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Today the Clean Crawls crew was here to remove all the old insulation from the attics on both sides of the house, along with cleaning up any animal feces and all that fun stuff. Yes...I said animal feces. We live in the woods, so it just comes with the territory! :)<br />
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After laying out their lines, it was time to start laying tile! Such an exciting day!<br />
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By the end of the day they'd completed the space in front of my bathroom, the laundry area as well as part of the hallway! Not bad! It was so much work, trying to get everything level (our slab is CRAZY), as well as making sure that you don't have big blocks of the same tile.<br />
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All the red things are "spacers," they are what make the spaces between all the tiles uniform for the grout. <br />
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Thursday:<br />
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Thanksgiving! No work done :) But we had a WONDERFUL dinner at Michael's parents' place. It is so great having family near us!<br />
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Friday:<br />
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Today was all about two things...laying tile and blowing in insulation. The contractor got to work and completely knocked out the tile in the old side of the house!<br />
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They managed to get the tile a few rows into the sitting room! I can't believe how much progress they made today!<br />
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Weekend:<br />
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Now this is where the painting frenzy started. We wanted to get all the walls and ceilings done before they installed cabinets, and since they were arriving on Monday, that left us two days to get it all done. Michael put one coat of paint on the ceilings in the "great room" on Friday night. And I put a second coat on all that, along with two coats of paint on the ceiling in the sitting room, along with two coats of paint on all surfaces in the pantry. A lot of work was done on Saturday!<br />
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Saturday night, Michael taped all the edges, windows and doors that way we could paint on Sunday. And my amazing mother in law graciously gave up her Sunday to help me! And with her help we were able to get two coats on ALL the walls in the living room/kitchen/hallway/entry and sitting room! I am so happy that she was willing to help! <br />
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As much as our contractor said that it wouldn't look like there was much change...a TON happened this week! And again I can't express how happy I am with their work, and how appreciative I am that my mother in law was so willing to help me! <br />
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Well, I suppose I should get on with my day. A lot to do today, and I need to get started on the blog post for this current week! Sheesh, it never ends! ;-)<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'...because I can't! :)The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-51515541353580360612015-11-23T12:32:00.001-08:002015-11-23T12:32:56.168-08:00B.P. Farms - REAL Remodel - Week 3Another week...another mess. Wait...that sounds bad. Another week...and a helluva lot of progress!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Yea, that's better! Progress! Looking back at last week I can't believe how much they accomplished, from ripping out walls and ceilings, digging big footings and pouring concrete, running a new gas line and then getting the massive beam in place. So much was completed, and it left me wondering how things would progress this week.<br />
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Two weeks into the actual remodel (I don't count week 1 when the cabinets were ripped out lol), and I think we've managed to hold up pretty well through all the chaos that's been going on around us. I've sealed the doors to our bedroom and dining room to attempt to keep as much dust out as possible. And for the most part...it's been working.<br />
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Michael and I walked into this remodel knowing that it was going to be loud, messy and stressful. And I think that we've actually handled it all quite well, even with the snafus that popped up this week. So let's get into the meat of it all, shall we?<br />
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We had a massive wind storm Tuesday afternoon/evening, which knocked out our power at around 2 in the afternoon. Luckily for us, we have the generator that kicks on automatically, and runs off the two enormous propane tanks we have. I won't lie, after the crew left, I was a bit terrified to be here alone. I stood on the deck for quite a bit of the evening, fearful of the trees all around us that were swaying back and forth. Praying that no damage would be done to our house, fence or animals while all this was going on. Standing on the deck I could hear all the trees popping, cracking and falling all around us...it wasn't a fun night. But we made it through the windstorm pretty much unscathed! Just some big branches to clear from the driveway and leaf blowing that needed to be done. So we lucked out with that!<br />
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Wednesday we hit a bit of a bump when the generator stopped working right after lunch time! Still without power, this left us in a lurch because the crew couldn't chip up the tile anymore. So I set out to find the manuals for the generator to see if I could fix it. I couldn't find anything in the manuals that would help, so I had to drive down to the gas station that's about 6 minutes down the road so I could get enough cell service to look up a service tech online. I called, and then waited for the tech to call me. While I was doing all this, the crew started to mud the dry wall. The tech called and asked what was going on, what the display was saying...and then told me to try and jump start the battery. Yes, I said jump start the battery. The generator has a car battery in it to run the starter. Well, the contractor jumped the battery, and it fired right up! YAY! But after 20 minutes it quit again. So I had to run to town and buy a new battery. But after installing it in dark, it fired back up and all was good! And then the power came on around 9 PM. *Phew*<br />
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The last speed bump of the week was a big one, and it's the one that really set me off. We purchased all our appliances from Albert Lee Appliance in Lynnwood. I placed the order in August, paying 1/2 the cost up front. On October 6th I went in and paid the balance and firmed up the delivery date. When the delivery drivers showed up on November 5th, they told me that my fridge was back ordered. And the dishwasher had been damaged in transit. So I was on the phone with Albert Lee trying to figure this all out. Turns out the manufacturer has been back ordering these fridges all year, and they were going to try and get it to me by the 30th. Ummmm...NO! I raised a stink, and our sales rep called his rep from KitchenAid and told me that there was one fridge coming in on the 20th, and it had my name on it to be delivered on the 21st with my new dishwasher.<br />
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On Thursday I got a call telling me that the fridge was back ordered until the first week of December. I lost my shit. I called and spoke with the store manager, he called the rep and then called me back telling me he could *probably* get me my fridge by December 2nd. I was over it. He was making excuses, and blaming KitchenAid. I told him that this was bullshit and unacceptable, especially considering that we ordered these in August, and I paid in full a month before the delivery date and not once did anyone tell me about a back order. He kept making excuses and I told him to cancel the fridge order and refund my money. While waiting for him to call me back, I had called Judd and Black and they had one of the fridges that just came in and they put my name on it. So after yelling at the Albert Lee store manager and hanging up, I drove to Judd and Black and paid for my new fridge. Feeling pretty accomplished I came home, excited that I was able to get the fridge and that it'd be delivered on Saturday! Screw you, Albert Lee!<br />
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The store manager from Albert Lee sent me an e-mail asking for me to call him because he'd been working on a solution and wanted to run it by me. I e-mailed him back telling him I already purchased the fridge from Judd and Black and he needed to refund my money. I was *so* over Albert Lee...it wasn't even funny.<br />
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On Friday morning, at the urging of one of my wonderful readers, I e-mailed the top three execs at Albert Lee, detailing everything, and copying them on all the e-mails that went back and forth. I received a call back from Ken, their General Sales Manager. He apologized for the problem, and even he tried to blame KitchenAid. But he offered me a 5 year warranty on the range we bought from them. I accepted the warranty, but I won't lie...I will NEVER use Albert Lee again. I can't believe that any sales person would allow this to happen. We spent a lot of money on appliances through them, and the fact that they dropped the ball and refused to acknowledge their mistake...well that's unacceptable.<br />
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Moral of the story...don't use Albert Lee...ever.<br />
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Well, now that I got all that off my chest...hahaha...let's get to the pictures! So much happened!!! Enjoy!<br />
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Monday:<br />
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Monday was a busy day, they immediately set to work attaching the roof supports to the beam so they could remove the temporary walls. By the end of the day, the space was wide open! And they managed to chip up all the tile in the kitchen and hallway! :)<br />
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Tuesday:<br />
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Tuesday was another good day, they managed to get a full day in before the wind storm hit!<br />
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Sheet rock was up put up on the ceilings throughout the space, and on parts of the walls.<br />
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Before they put up the sheet rock on the kitchen walls, I managed to catch that they missed pulling wires for the under cabinet lighting! **Phew**</div>
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So happy two have TWO skylights in the kitchen!<br />
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Wednesday:<br />
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Wednesday they set to work finishing putting up the sheet rock, and mudding the seams. They also started to chip the floor...but that couldn't continue since we lost power from the generator! (These pictures were taken during the 20 minutes that the generator was running again hahaha! That's why there are lights!)<br />
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Three feet into the sitting room and the power went out! (The lights are on here...because I took this after I got the battery jumped. lol)<br />
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Thursday:<br />
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Finally, with power restored they were able to get to work chipping out the rest of the tile! It was such a crazy scene! HAHA<br />
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While one of them was chipping tile, the other two finished the mudding...even getting the finishing mud up. <br />
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Looks sooooo great now that all that pinkish tile is gone!<br />
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Pretty soon all the flooring will be the same!<br />
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Friday:<br />
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Friday, since the mud wasn't dry, they spent all day chipping up the thin set that was holding the tile to the slab. It was an all day job, that was loud and dusty. I felt kinda bad...but honestly, this needed to be done. The only other option was to put tile over tile...and we didn't want that.<br />
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Weekend:<br />
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Over the weekend Michael and I set out to sand all the walls that still had original sheet rock, then paint them with Kilz to seal in the nasty cigarette smell. And then I needed to tackle the pantry. I ripped out the shelves, sanded the walls and ceilings and then painted it all with Kilz.<br />
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I went to the store and purchased a 4' x 8' sheet of 1/2" maple, had them cut it into 1' x 8' boards. I brought them home and stained them. They'll look great as my new pantry shelves!<br />
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Here is the pantry, all sanded and painted with Kilz!<br />
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The mud is all dried, the original sheet rock that is left has all been sanded and painted with Kilz...it's all ready for primer, texture and the rest!</div>
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It was quite the week, noisy, dusty and chaotic. And I have to admit that Saturday night, I had my first meltdown of the project. I think the frustration caught up with me...and I boiled over. But hey...it was bound to happen. I had a good "frustration cry," got it out of my system and we are good to go!<br />
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This coming week is going to see some major transformations! We have "Clean Crawls" coming to clean out the attics and install new insulation, which will really help with the heating/cooling of the house! The cabinets arrive, and the tile will be starting to go in! So exciting!!! I can see the end!!<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'! Oh...and do NOT shop at Albert Lee! ;-)<br />
The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-58052066122590032142015-11-16T08:59:00.001-08:002015-11-16T08:59:05.709-08:00B.P. Farms - REAL Remodel - Week 2Last week may have seemed like a whirlwind, but it was just a taste of what this week had in store for us. Getting ready for the actual construction to start proved to be challenging, and even a bit tense for us at times.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Between the time that Second Use left and when the construction crew started, I needed to get the entire first floor buttoned up! It was a bit of a shit show, in it's own right...if I'm going to be honest. For some reason I have this insane need to do all of this stuff on my own...I guess its my way of justifying that I work out of the home while Michael works outside of the home. Make any sense? I don't think so, either! HAHA But that is how it is with me.<br />
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I somehow managed to get everything packed up, and in the process felt like a doomsday prepper because our closet in the master bedroom has pantry things on all the shelves instead of clothing! HA! Other things, like big furniture, was crammed into the garage...while platters and kitchen appliances, dishes and other things were loaded into the gym room. And we decided throughout this whole remodel that we'd be living in the dining room, so we set that up in a cozy way to help us still feel a bit at home.<br />
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Our garage is full of big furniture! :)<br />
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Monday morning came quick...and I still had a few things to move. I got that all done before their 9 AM arrival, thank goodness!<br />
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Here's a video that I recorded before they got here. Please...don't judge me...hahaha. I watched this while editing and boy am I a cheeseball!<br />
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Monday:<br />
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The crew arrived and immediately got to work! And so much happened on the first day!<br />
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The calm before the storm!<br />
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This wall will be gone! I can't wait to see it gone!<br />
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The two types of flooring here will become the same! So excited. This is the view from the old side of the house towards the kitchen.<br />
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This is looking in from the far door. The stairs on the left go up to the other side of the house where we have two bedrooms.<br />
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Looking from the front door towards the living room. Soon enough you'll be looking straight in with no wall!<br />
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They wasted no time removing drywall!<br />
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Laminate flooring gone!<br />
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I couldn't believe it when I looked out from the dining room and all the sheet rock was gone!<br />
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View from the front door to the kitchen.<br />
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View from the corner of the living room looking into the kitchen!<br />
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I have to say, Monday was an extremely productive day!! So dang crazy!<br />
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Tuesday:<br />
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They got to work as soon as they walked through the door. They were chipping tile to prep the slab to be cut into so they could run the electric and gas to the island. <br />
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Trench dug!<br />
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They started prepping the space for the new skylight.<br />
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It's so crazy looking up and seeing the inside of the roof! HAHA. And it was quite chilly!<br />
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I'm already loving being able to see through to the windows!<br />
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By the end of the day they had all the insulation pulled and stacked nicely in the sitting room.<br />
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Wednesday:<br />
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Today they cut the hole in the roof for the vent for the new hood. <br />
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The plumber was here and ran the new gas line through the footing of the house, and to the island.<br />
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Then the MASSIVE beam arrived! This thing is just under 20 feet long!<br />
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Per plans drawn up by the engineer, they started to chip out part of the slab in order to pour the new footings that would support the posts holding up the beams!<br />
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This orange stuff is actually a sealant that they use to seal any cracks in the slab.<br />
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New can lights in the hallway leading to the bedroom and bathroom. I was extremely happy to see the track lighting leave!</div>
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By the end of the day, they were almost ready to pour the footing!<br />
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Thursday:<br />
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Thursday morning they cut the other hole for the footing, then set to work pouring concrete so it had enough time to set before they installed the beam and the posts. <br />
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Once the gas line was run, along with the electrical...they started to pour concrete to reform the slab.<br />
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The plumber did an amazing job redoing the plumbing and pushing it into the wall.<br />
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By the end of the day, the new skylight was installed!<br />
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It's so crazy to think that just a week ago...the kitchen was fully in tact!<br />
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They also finished installing all the can lights in the living room.<br />
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New gas line with shut off valve, and the electrical.<br />
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Friday:<br />
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Today was a BIG day! They installed the beam! I can't even believe that they got it done! <br />
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They had to build support walls, per engineers plans, before they could remove the current wall and install the beam.<br />
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The wall is almost completely gone!<br />
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The wall is gone...and now they are working the beam up into place!<br />
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Almost there!<br />
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It's in place! Now it's time to get the end posts set in place!<br />
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By the end of the day, the beam was in...and lights installed...and I can't even being to tell you how big my smile was!</div>
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Plumbing complete, and concrete re-poured!<br />
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Before they left, they finished installed the hangers so they could attach the rafters to the new beam.<br />
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What an amazing week! I can't believe how much they accomplished in 5 days! It's been so wonderful to see how much light has been flooding in, even though the days have been pretty dreary! I hope you enjoyed the pictures from this week! I sure as hell have enjoyed seeing all the progress that has happened! </div>
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Next week will be a big one. They'll finish tying the rafters into the beam, per plans, and remove the temporary walls. Then its on to chipping tile, surface grinding the slab and putting up the new sheet rock! I can't believe this is all happening! WONDERFUL!</div>
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Well folks...until next time...Keep Cookin'! :)</div>
<br />The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-1997712561381049552015-11-14T15:14:00.005-08:002015-11-15T21:52:56.456-08:00B.P. Farms - REAL Remodel - Week 1We've been in our home for almost a year and a half...and we've finally reached the point where we are ready to start the remodel that we've been planning since we first walked in.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>When we first purchased this home back in early 2014, we did it with the understanding that we'd be saving up our money to remodel the kitchen along with removing the wall between the kitchen and living room. Well folks...we've finally reached the a point in time where we are financially and mentally ready to take on this process!<br />
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Doing any remodel is something that is extremely stressful...and each part of it is stressful in its own way. We started this process back during the summer by setting up and interviewing contractors. Michael used Angie's List to find five contractors...and then I set to work calling and setting up the interview/bidding process. Out of the five...four responded, and I got to work booking the days for them to come out.<br />
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Out of the four, three were general contractors and one was a design company that would sub-contract out the work. One of the contractors did not sit very well with me. He kept asking, "Well how deep are your pockets?" Which is not the way to tell someone that yes what you want is possible, but it may cost a little more. So in my mind, he was already out of the running. While we liked the lady from the design company, we didn't feel she was the right fit for our project. So that left us with two contractors.<br />
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Out of the two we really liked the first one we met, and were quite excited to get his bid. However, he fell quite short with the bid, and his attitude really showed. This was reflected in many of the reviews that were left for him on Angie's List...and he responded to each and every one of those negative ones...with not so nice responses.<br />
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This left us with the contractor we ended up going with. A local contractor out of Everett, who is not just the owner of the company, but he works on each job. His bid was quite detailed, which appealed to Michael's Type A personality. And after accepting his bid, he told us what we needed to get done in order to get onto his calendar. So we set out to pick out all our appliances, the counter-tops, cabinets, flooring and back splash. After that was completed, we were added to his calendar...project set to start on November 9, 2015. That date seemed so far away when it was first set, but it arrived before we knew it!<br />
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One of the things that we wanted to do was to see if we could donate our cabinets and appliances. This would keep them all out of the landfill...and we'd also get a tax write off...which come on...win/win! So I did a google search and found "Second Use," a company in Seattle. I called and set up an appointment for them to come out and look at what we had. Brad showed up a few days later, was quite polite and told us he'd take it all! Cabinets, counters and appliances! So we set up the date for them to come and remove our kitchen. November 5, 2015.<br />
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The few days leading up to the 5th were a bit of a, pardon my language, shit show. I frantically tried to pack up my kitchen and clean things so they'd be ready for the 10 AM removal time. I somehow managed to get it all done! **Phew**<br />
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Two employees from Second Use showed up with smiles and the eagerness to get started removing our kitchen. And in a matter of four hours, they'd removed, packed everything into their truck, cleaned up the kitchen and were on their way. Leaving us with no kitchen...and only a few days to finish packing up the first floor of our house in preparation for the construction start date of the 9th!<br />
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Of course I wanted to document every part of this remodel, because it's quite an undertaking. And it's always fun to look back and see what things looked like before you put your touch to them! I hope you enjoy the next few weeks as I bring you along on this journey. There will be some great things, and I'm sure there will be some frustrations that we are facing as well. But that is all a part of it. Michael and I are going into this remodel with our eyes wide open, and are fully expecting setbacks or complications because we know that nothing ever goes off without a hitch. It's just a part of life.<br />
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I plan to write a blog post at the end of every week. This one is a little late, mainly because of the frantic state I was in trying to pack everything up last weekend! So you all will get a double whammy of posts this weekend! I hope you enjoy this journey with us, and I can't wait to hear what you all think!!<br />
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The kitchen is completely ready! Cabinets, drawers and fridge are all emptied! This is the view from the chimney.<br />
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View from front door.<br />
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View from sitting room. Most of the wall you see here will be removed!<br />
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View from pantry towards the front door.<br />
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View from the old stove towards the wall that will be removed.<br />
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Most of this wall will be removed! The entire span of the wall that separates the living room and the kitchen will be gone!<br />
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The guys from Second Use arrived!<br />
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They immediately got to work removing the granite from the island along with the upper cabinets.<br />
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More cabinets gone!<br />
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All cabinets and appliances are now GONE!<br />
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The plumbing wasn't buried in the wall like it's suppose to be!</div>
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Cooper was NOT quite sure what to think about the fact that the entire kitchen is gone! HAHA<br />
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Well folks...there is Week 1...completed! The actual remodel is projected to take 4 weeks...so hold on to your hats! It's going to be a fun ride!</div>
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'! Lord knows I won't be! </div>
The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-10646256470540898282015-05-07T08:25:00.000-07:002015-05-07T08:25:09.318-07:00Change: Scary or Fun?I've been thinking lately about how much our lives have changed over the course of one year. To some that may be a scary thing, while others thrive on change and the challenges that come with it. I like to think that I fall somewhere in the middle of those two. But I guess that depends on the day.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>On April 22nd of last year, after a few months of searching, Michael and I viewed the property that we would make our home. I still remember driving through the gates and immediately knowing that this was the property for us. Michael and I saw many properties, and he started to rely on me and my gut when it came to whether or not the house was for us.<br />
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We toured a beautiful log cabin that was east of Monroe and sat high up on the cliff overlooking the valley, truly stunning. The custom home was wonderful, and I could have seen us living there. But it just didn't feel "right." It had 5 acres, but most of that was the steep slope between the house and the valley...and that was unusable land. So we pressed on, and saw more and more that just wasn't right.<br />
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When we pulled into our current property, and up to the house, I was in love. After touring the house and walking around on the patio...I knew that this was it. So we had our realtor get on the phone and start the process of putting in an offer. Waiting for a response is one of the worst things when you are looking at buying or selling a home.<br />
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Over the next month we hurriedly got our home in Edmonds ready for selling, and that included having the exterior repainted. Life seemed like a blur as we worked to get things ready to sell as well as to close on the new property. So many balls were in the air, and we were trying our damnedest not to drop any of them.<br />
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It's funny now to look back on that time and realize that everything worked out like it was suppose to, and we just needed to breathe. But just like with anything you are going through, hindsight is 20/20, and when you are in the thick of it, it's hard to see the forest for the trees.<br />
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I'm sitting here at my dining room table, staring out the window. The sun is pouring through the trees into the windows and warming everything it touches. The sun is warming me, but I'm also warmed from the inside thinking of our life over the past year. <br />
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After our offer was accepted, and all inspections completed, we still couldn't breathe easy. We rented back to the previous owners so they could get ready for their move to New Mexico. We weren't able to take control of the property until the end of May...which seemed like a lifetime. But once we had keys in hand we immediately got to work.<br />
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The previous owners were heavy smokers, and the house smelled like cigarettes, which looking back...if we had it to do over again, I don't think Michael would have bought this place. We've spent a lot of time and money trying to rid the house of the smoke smell, and compared to last year at this time we are sitting pretty. We ripped out the carpet in the master bedroom as well as upstairs. While the carpet was out we had an ozone treatment done, and while I think it helped a little...I don't know that I'd spend the money to do one of those again. My mother in law also helped me scrub everything on the main floor...ceilings, cupboards, floors, trim, doors...well you get the picture.<br />
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Since moving in, Michael has taken on the task of painting. He picked a color palette and has done an amazing job. While he's been working on that, I've been building up our farm. If you've been following me here on my blog or on my FaceBook page you know that I designed and built my chicken coop, we've had a split rail fence installed, and we've added goats. I built them a barn that I think fits nicely in with our farm. The newest members of B.P. Farms are the ducklings and the goslings. I truly have a problem folks...this I know. :) But admitting I have a problem is the first step. The next step is to, well buy more! Right?<br />
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I've learned so much over the past year, and looking back I'm thankful for everything that has been thrown my way. I think one of the biggest things was losing Edgar in February. The pain from that loss still weighs heavily on me, and Michael has commented on more than one occasion that I've not been the same since we lost him. I think that's true, Edgar taught me to slow down, and helped me realize that there are more important things in life, and those things are worth slowing down for.<br />
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Looking back on the changes that have happened really makes me smile. I love getting up in the morning, walking outside to do morning chores. I feel so lucky to have chickens, goats, rabbits, ducks and geese. Yes, they are a lot of work, and some days I'm not friends with the goats (goats truly can be jerks LOL)...but they all add something to my life. They fill voids that for so many years I struggled to fill. My desire to be a father is so strong, and honestly we don't know if we'll ever have children, but we know that if we don't, we have a wonderful life already.<br />
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I've rambled on enough this morning, and I think it's time to head back outside to do more chores before heading to the store. But I want to leave you with my final thoughts on change. Yes, change is scary as hell. But it can also be fun and exciting. We all need to mix things up a bit in our lives, be it moving to a new home, city or state...or finding a job that we truly love, but being willing to leave our comfort zone. I've learned a lot about myself over the past year...how strong I can be, yet weak. How happy I can be, yet sad. How discouraged I can get, yet be very blessed.<br />
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I'm sure I've shared this with you all before but it's something that has stuck with me since my early 20s. I dated a guy in Boston when I first moved there, the relationship was doomed from the start, but he said something that really resonated within me.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I strive to be content with my life. I don't want to be 'happy' all the time. I want to be content, and feel the whole spectrum of emotions."</blockquote>
I think about this often, during the good times as well as the bad. We can't have a life that is 100% good. Because without the bad, we aren't truly living. And sometimes in order to get to "content" we have to evoke change, as scary as it may be.<br />
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Until next time...shake thins up a bit! The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com0Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-80947292519691656632015-05-01T09:21:00.000-07:002015-05-01T09:21:30.700-07:00Saying Goodbye to a FriendThis morning while sitting in my chair, tears are rolling down my face. Saying goodbye to a friend, or a loved one is never easy, and it makes it even harder when they've given you nothing but unconditional love since the day you met.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This morning my heart hurts so much for a dear friend who is helping her dog pass on.<br />
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I know there are plenty of people out there who think, "It's just a dog. You can get another one." But if you've never had a dog, you will never understand the true love and companionship that comes along with that wonderful relationship. I'm not a religious person, but I do have my beliefs...and one of those is that whatever higher power you believe in...they put dogs on this earth to help us humans. We find ourselves alone, lost, sad and heart broken...and these wonderful beasts can come up to us and with no words do more for us than any human could ever do.<br />
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Over the past few years I've had several friends lose their beloved dogs, and as a dog owner myself it cuts me deep. Some of these friends are ones I've never met in person, nor have I met their dogs...but that doesn't matter. If you've been loved by one dog, you know what it's like to lose that.<br />
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Over my life I've luckily been spared the pain of helping a dog pass on. Growing up we had a wonderful black lab named Ace. My dad got him when I was in the 6th grade. I grew up with that dog, and when I moved to Boston...I got the call from my father that he had to have Ace put to sleep. I could hear the pain in my father's voice. Here was a man that was sheriff, and could deal with things that most people couldn't...but losing a dog was able to break through all that.<br />
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I don't have many more words for this blog post. I haven't blogged in such a long time, but this morning my heart was just needing to get these words out. I don't know if they'll even make sense. My mind jumps to when we lost Edgar, and the pain that gutted me. Then it jumps to the fact that one day we'll be in this same position with our boys, a thought I don't want to entertain. <br />
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I've been so blessed to have Cooper in my life. I love little Puck, but he is 100% Michael's dog. He would go to the ends of the earth and back for Michael. It's Cooper who would follow me anywhere. Unless there was a squirrel...or something shiny...or something that ran fast...but I digress. <br />
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I'm going to end this blog post by sharing some quotes or things that friends have posted.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." ~ Anonymous ~ (Shared by my friend Karry Ann)</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"When the Man walked up he said, 'What is Wild Dog doing here?' And Woman said, 'His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always.'" ~ Rudyard Kipling ~ (Shared by my friend Paula)</blockquote>
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There is nothing in this world like the love between a dog and their human.<br />
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Until next time...go snuggle with your furry friend. The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com4Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-7597832175503500092015-03-01T12:07:00.002-08:002015-03-01T12:07:35.095-08:00Egg-citing Times on the Farm!With all that has been going on over the last week, I'm happy to say that there have been some bright spots as well. And I'm so excited to share with you what is happening right now here! Are you ready?!?<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Eggs!!! I received my eggs from Cluck N' Chatter Ranch! Wendy was so gracious and sent me not just one dozen, but TWO dozen silkie hatching eggs! :) I can't even begin to explain how happy I am! In that two dozen she included 3 silkie/easter egger cross eggs! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGU6BZfCK852O6GM_g_gzUzp5SCxXjZXP85hYH2l1fFb2TShYdVBX7mK23tJV5D1LI4CzOyH3nuSumr-O3PR-DH5q_CcZ4VbedHo4_En8PN3ZCuoz_H1Ek7c5y5K0MW6CRXAeZAhJYFY/s1600/IMG_9867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGU6BZfCK852O6GM_g_gzUzp5SCxXjZXP85hYH2l1fFb2TShYdVBX7mK23tJV5D1LI4CzOyH3nuSumr-O3PR-DH5q_CcZ4VbedHo4_En8PN3ZCuoz_H1Ek7c5y5K0MW6CRXAeZAhJYFY/s1600/IMG_9867.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soooooooo eggcited!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD4R2HBHp8zMbDwj3EF3St5PRmBe9Vvc5BCFA0i2QD1hQGm_xw3WkWj2keHXx1GMnliIGiPFOcIPMxsjwM5YVBvifvTB_N2bNxSMz_aqU83xlp1F09Nu1w_6NNILUDn_ieTP29ByoFDU/s1600/IMG_9869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRD4R2HBHp8zMbDwj3EF3St5PRmBe9Vvc5BCFA0i2QD1hQGm_xw3WkWj2keHXx1GMnliIGiPFOcIPMxsjwM5YVBvifvTB_N2bNxSMz_aqU83xlp1F09Nu1w_6NNILUDn_ieTP29ByoFDU/s1600/IMG_9869.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how perfectly they were packed! And she sent along a little surprise!</td></tr>
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I've never hatched shipped eggs before, and I know that viability of them goes down due to shipping. But I'm hoping that the fact that they only took a day and a half to get here that there wasn't too much jostling or damage done to them. I candled them the day I got them and some had saddle shaped air sacs...while a few were detached, which isn't a good thing. But I let them set for a little over 48 hours to help them settle a bit.<br />
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Hatching eggs in the past has been a wonderful experience, especially since I was using my Brinsea Mini Advance incubator. I honestly can't say enough good things about that incubator! Not only is it simple to use, but Brinsea as a company is wonderful! After my first hatch I noticed that there was a crack in the base, I contacted them via e-mail and got an immediate response from Rose, their office manager. No questions asked they shipped me out a brand new base, free of charge! Now THAT is customer service!<br />
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Since moving to the farm I've had dreams of more and more chickens. And in order to fulfill this dream I needed a bigger incubator. So at the beginning of this year I reached out to Brinsea to see if they'd be willing to offer me a discount on a bigger incubator so I could use it and share my experience with all of you! They graciously offered me a wonderful discount and I accepted and in a matter of days my incubator was at my door. I can't even begin to tell you how it's killed me to leave it in the box and not throw eggs into it immediately! <br />
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But the time finally came for me to bust open the box and set it up! And I can't even begin to tell you how easy Brinsea makes their products to use!<br />
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I could barely stand it! This box was SCREAMING for me to open it! <br />
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I took out all the contents:<br /><br />
- The Incubator Base<br />- The Incubator Lid<br />
- Incubator Cord<br />- Egg Tray & Wire Dividers<br />- Turning Cradle End Pieces<br />- Turning Cradle Bars<br />- Instruction Manual<br />
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Attaching the bars to the two Turning Cradle ends was super simple!<br />
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After sliding the rod onto the peg, you use a phillips head screw driver to screw in the included screw. This screw goes into the peg and expands the peg, which holds the bar in place.<br />
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Once you do that on one side, repeat with the other side. And Voila!<br />
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Okay...I won't lie...I'm not a big reader of instructions...but I did have to look to see where you connect the power cord for the Incubator lid! It's under the cap that the screw is holding in place! Sneaky!!<br />
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Plug in the cord, place and screw on the cap and you are ready to go!<br />
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And that is it! How simple was that! Clearly I cleaned out the inside of the Incubator Base and Lid with a warm, damp cloth just to make sure there wasn't anything in there. But seriously...you can't get any simpler than that!<br />
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After getting the incubator set up, Brinsea recommends (and I fully stand behind it) that you plug in the incubator and allow it to run for several hours at a minimum, longer if you can, to allow it to come up to temperature and you can make sure that it's working properly! Don't skip this step! It's truly important because you don't want to just plug it in, toss eggs in and lose the whole batch. So my incubator ran for a good 10 hours before I even thought about setting the eggs.<br />
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Once it was time to set the eggs I got everything ready. Now the Brinsea Octagon 20 Advance is such an amazing incubator, it's all digital and displays the temperature as well as the humidity. While my incubator was running for the 10 hours I did have a thermometer in there that tracked the temperature and humidity as well, just to double check everything was working as it should. And I'm happy to say that my Brinsea was spot on! :)<br />
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In the instruction manual that's included with your incubator, they give you a bunch of wonderful information. If you need to change any of the settings, it's all spelled out for you in black and white. This is useful if you are setting eggs other than chicken eggs. The temps may be different, so they allow you to change it with the click of a button. They've worked so hard at making this an almost fool proof operation!<br />
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One thing they suggest is that you track the weight of your eggs in order to make sure that they are losing the correct amount of moisture during incubation. This is important because you want to make sure that they aren't retaining too much moisture, or losing too much because this will affect your hatch rate. So the way I do this is each egg is numbered and I grab a notebook and write down all the numbers and then weigh each egg with my kitchen scale, but I do it in grams.<br />
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This gives you a good starting place. I also use this time to candle the eggs one last time before putting them into the incubator. I'm checking for cracks as well as making sure the air sacs look good. For my birthday last year, Michael bought me the Brinsea OvaView and OvaScope. He did this because he didn't like the one I made. LOL But hey...this works a heck of a lot better! So thanks to him candling has become a lot easier! <br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">After candling them I placed them into the egg tray, using the wire dividers to hold them upright. This is such a great system because it makes it totally versatile! You can hatch eggs as large as goose eggs, or as small as quail. I've even seen some people use it to hatch parrots or finch eggs. But I won't get into that! ;-) After all the eggs were weighed, candled and securely placed in the egg tray, I weighed the entire tray. I did both for a few reasons. I know that not every single egg is going to hatch, nor will each egg that was sent be viable, that's just a part of this entire process. So by weighing each of these eggs individually, I will always be able to add them up to get my "initial weight" even if I have to remove eggs. This will help with tracking the weight loss of the eggs.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each egg is numbered and their initial weight is recorded. </td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1457261951">And with that...we are ready to roll! Well actually the dividers are in there so they don't roll around! I normally write their initial weights down on a piece of paper, but I will eventually enter them all into an excel spreadsheet so it's easier to track...yea I'm a nerd like that! </span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">After the incubator had run for 10 hours, and I checked it several times to make sure the temperature and humidity held steady...it was time to set the eggs in. </span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">Cover comes off, egg tray goes in, cover goes back on and we are IN BUSINESS! Now they recommend that you don't make any changes to the incubator for 24 hours to allow the eggs to come up to temperature. I'm also holding off on putting it on the cradle for a while too to allow the eggs to settle. </span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">I'm super excited about this hatch! I can't wait to see if I get some wonderful little silkie chicks!! And I'm thrilled to be using this wonderful incubator! I've created a page here on my blog that I will be posting daily updates and they will continue on into moving the chicks into the brooder! I so love sharing all this with you, and I hope you take the time to check out Brinsea's page!! And place an order! While their products are more expensive than the Styrofoam incubators...I'm a firm believer in, "You get what you pay for." </span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">Oh, now would be the time to tell you all that I even set up my Brinsea Mini Advance so I could hatch a few of my own eggs as well! Check out my Hatch A Long page to read more about the eggs I put into that one! </span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">To find the Hatch A Long Page here on my blog, I placed a link on the right side of the page. Just click on that, bookmark it in your browser and we are all set! </span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">Take the opportunity to check out Wendy's FaceBook Page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/CluckNChatterRanch" target="_blank">"Cluck N' Chatter Ranch"</a>! She has beautiful birds, and if you can get your hands on some of these eggs...do it! Or I know she even sells some of her chicks, straight run, locally! Keep an eye out for that!</span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">And don't forget to check out <a href="http://www.brinsea.com/" target="_blank">Brinsea's</a> page! They have been so wonderful to me, and they truly are a company that appreciates your business and they want you to succeed in your hatching and raising of chickens! They are so wonderful in fact that they gave me a discount code to pass along to you all! How great is that!?! </span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">Well I'd better get a move on! I have so many things to do today, but I couldn't wait to share this with you all! </span><br />
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<span id="goog_1457261951">Until next time...Keep Cluckin! ;-)</span><br />
<span id="goog_1457261951"> </span><span id="goog_1457261951"> </span><span id="goog_1457261952"></span><br />
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<br />The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com6Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-35723704803881260772015-02-28T08:30:00.001-08:002015-02-28T08:30:08.835-08:00Life and Loss on the FarmWe've had an unusually warm winter, minus the 3 inches of snow that we got at the end of November. And because of the warmth, new life is popping up around me everywhere I look. The ornamental fruit trees are in full bloom, the lilac bush in our backyard is budding out, as well as some of the trees around the property. But as anyone with a farm knows, with life...comes loss.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I've been attempting to write this blog post for the past week...but the words weren't ready to come out. And to be 100% honest with you, they still aren't ready. As an animal owner, I know that at some point each wonderful creature, be it feathered, finned, or furred...here on this farm will at some point pass away. But I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting to lose one so soon.<br />
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Last Saturday started out as any other day here on the farm. I woke up in the morning, fixed four bottles with 16 ounces of whole milk and 3 tablespoons of kefir milk. I filled the sink with warm water, set the bottles in it so they could warm up slowly. I walked around the house kind of like a zombie...little did I know I would end my day the same way.<br />
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After the bottles were warmed I threw on my jacket, slipped into my mucker boots...and just as I'd done for the past weeks, I made my way down to the goat pen to feed the kids. Edgar, Allan, Betty and Rue all came running to the fence line bleating at me because I hadn't fed them in what they were sure was 3 years. Goats are liars, you know. :)<br />
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I popped the bottles through the fence as they lined up perfectly like they always had. It seemed no matter how I fed them, through what part of the fence, they always lined up from left to right in the following order; Rue, Edgar, Allan and Betty. And I'd gotten the feeding down to a science...well actually they had! It took them just under 3 minutes to slurp down 16 ounces of milk, and then lick their faces wondering why there wasn't another 16 ounces waiting for them. After they finished, I gave them each a tussle on the head and made my way back up to the house. I always looked back just in time to see them take off running through the pen...jumping, twisting and kicking the entire time.<br />
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The morning went on as it normally did. I puttered around the house then headed into town to go buy groceries. After making it back and eating some lunch, I wanted to build the kids another jungle gym type thing for them to play on since they destroyed the last one. Goats are hard on things, and I know this will not be the last time I rebuild this thing. So at around 1 PM I made my way down to the shop. Walking past the goat pen they all ran to the fence, expecting me to have milk for them, because they were SURE that is was feeding time. Truth be told they still had about 2 hours before they got their lunch. This was the last time things around here would be normal that day.<br />
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What I'm going to share with you is very personal, and I'm not sharing it with you to garner sympathy, but I'm doing so in order for you all to learn from the loss others suffer so that you may never have to be in the same position. So...here we go. **deep breath**<br />
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At around 2 PM I loaded up the jungle gym and pulled it up to the goat pen. On the way up I could hear them all bleating for me, letting me know they were hungry. I got to the gate and noticed it was just Allan, Betty and Rue. I looked around and saw Mr. Edgar, doing what I initially thought was, basking in the sun. I called him and he didn't respond back, and normally he's very talkative. So I walked into the pen and called him again. He tried to get up, but was on a bit of an incline and he rolled onto his side and back. Now I've seen them do many not so graceful moves, including this very thing when they try to get up too quickly. But this time was different. He righted himself and managed to get up, but I noticed that he was salivating quite a bit. I walked over to him, pet him, and then observed him for another minute.<br />
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He was having quite a bit of trouble walking, he'd walk backwards, stumble a bit and then lie back down. I knew this wasn't good so I grabbed my phone and immediately called the lady from the dairy. She asked me a few questions, like if there were any poisonous plants in the pen, if he'd eaten normally that day...and then she asked if I could take him to the dairy so she could see him. And of course I dropped everything I was doing and by 2:30, Edgar and I were at the dairy.<br />
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She immediately said she didn't like how full his stomach was, for having eaten 5 hours before that. Her first thought was constipation, so it was now time to get things ready. She gave him a shot of C & D Antitoxin, which would help destroy the clostridium bacteria in his gut. Before starting my research on goats I had no idea that their guts were so complicated. Cartoons and television shows all perceive goats as eating machines that will eat anything and everything in front of them without any harm. This isn't the case. Their gut is a very temperamental thing, and it's the very thing that is keeping them running. It acts as a large furnace that heats the body, and the rumen is what breaks down all the cellulose, which is why they can eat plant matter that we cannot.<br />
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After that shot, she gave him some penicillin, and prepared to give him an enema to get him unstopped. After the enema she got a few rather hard droppings out of him, and we stood there watching him. I got down to his level, and was petting him and talking to him the whole time. He was rather docile, and wouldn't move much...and this was not normal for this normally big bundle of energy and mischief. She gave me a baggie full of electrolyte powder and told me how to mix that up, and said that he shouldn't get milk for the next 24 hours. She told me to keep my eye on him, try to get him to drink the water with electrolytes and to give her a call in the evening to let her know how things are going.<br />
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So I loaded him back up and we made our way back to the farm. We stopped outside the goat pen and I had to grab him out of the dog crate and put him back with his siblings. He didn't move much, which still had me worried, but she said it should take him a few hours to bounce back to normal. So I went to the house to prepare 3 bottles of milk and one with for him with the electrolyte solution. His siblings ate like it was their job, and he just stood there, refusing to drink anything. His stomach was still pretty full, so I spent time down there with them...he came over and stood close to me...and his eyes just had this far off look to them.<br />
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I walked him up to the house and put him in the dog crate outside the door so he could have some peace and quiet...because Allan was giving him a little bit of hell before I left so I figured I'd let him get some rest. It was at that point that the crying started. If you've never heard a baby goat cry, it sounds like a child screaming Mom.<br />
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He wasn't crying that much, it was mainly when he'd either try and get up, or lie down. So I knew he was uncomfortable. As the time went on, I noticed his stomach still wasn't going down...and when Michael woke up he came outside to find me trying to get Edgar to drink some water with electrolytes, as well as getting a little bit of baking soda in him to try and help settle his stomach a bit. He wasn't thrilled with any of this and cried some more. So I decided to leave him to rest as I went in and made Michael's dinner.<br />
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At about 7:15 I called the dairy again, told her that he wasn't improving, that I couldn't get anything in him. She told me to try and get some vegetable oil down him and some baking soda. Neither of those ventures were very successful, and she at this point was sure that it was bloat. So she asked me to bring him back to her and she'd show me how to tube him so we could at least get some of the water and electrolytes as well as milk of magnesia in him. So again I loaded the little guy up into the dog crate and drove to the dairy.<br />
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It was at this point that something changed in me. I was no longer in the frame of mind that Edgar was having just a rough day...I knew that we were trying to save him. He cried the entire car ride, and I did my best to hold back the tears...it was breaking my heart to hear him in so much pain and feeling helpless.<br />
<br />
We got back to the dairy and I got him inside and he started crying, and she said that isn't a good cry...she never likes to hear that cry. So she gave him another shot of the antitoxin, and then we tubed him to get the water and electrolytes down him. She showed me how to do it, then had me do it in case I needed to get more in him later. She then wanted to try another enema, just to get things moving. But before that she wanted to give him a shot of pain killer. While she was getting that ready he went and laid down. She warned me that the usually scream when they get this shot because it's one that stings. So I grabbed his head and pet him while she gave him the shot. He didn't even flinch. It was at this point that my stomach dropped.<br />
<br />
She asked me to take him over to her and hold him over my knee so she could give him the enema. The entire time he was whimpering and grunting and crying. I was holding him, petting him and telling him that I loved him and that we were trying to help him. After she was done she was massaging his belly and I was petting his head...and I noticed that his mouth was really cold. She picked him up...and held him close to her. I looked at her and said, "This isn't good, is it?" And she just gave me the look.<br />
<br />
She sat down in the chair, still holding him and she started to cry. I started to cry as well...and all those tears I'd been holding back all day were finally let go. She held him, rocked him and talked to him while I held onto his foot. We sat like this for about 45 minutes. Then she handed him to me. I kissed his head...and I just cried. He was fighting so hard, and just wouldn't let go. I kept telling him I loved him...and how sorry I was.<br />
<br />
At about 10 PM, I told her that I wanted to take him home, knowing that we'd done all we could...I wanted him at home in front of the fireplace. So she carried him to the car, I got in and she placed him on my lap. I didn't want him back in the kennel, I wanted him with me. I wanted to hold him, love him and be there for him during this time. I decided to drive to Everett, I had Michael call me and had him meet me in the parking lot. He got into the car and asked what was up.<br />
<br />
I completely broke down. I said, "I wanted you to have the opportunity to say goodbye to him, because I don't think he'll be with us when you get home in the morning." As any good doctor would do, he kept asking if there was anything else we could do...could we wrap him in warm blankets, try to get his temperature back up. Is there anything we could give him. I just looked at him and said that he is hypothermic and his body is shutting down. Michael kissed him, and felt his muzzle and said, "Oh his muzzle is freezing cold." I started crying even harder. We sat in the car, Edgar on my lap, Michael's head on my shoulder...petting Edgar and telling him how much we loved him.<br />
<br />
I finally said I should probably get him home. Mike asked if I wanted him to go with me, if I was okay to drive...and I said that I'd be able to make it. So he kissed me...and then kissed Edgar and thanked him for being such a wonderful goat. I could tell Michael would have rather been coming home with us to be with us...but he had to go back to work. So we made the 25 minute drive home.<br />
<br />
Edgar cried the entire way, he was in so much pain. I kept talking to him, telling him we were almost home. We got home and I carried him into the house, and I set him on the floor in front of the fire place, kissed his head and told him I was going to get some towels to place on the floor so I could wrap him and keep him comfortable. When I walked back into the room he looked at me with those pain filled eyes and cried out. I collapsed on the floor in a heap with the towels, crying and telling him how sorry I was. I made my way to him...picked him up, wrapped him and held him in front of the fire. I scratched his ears, kissed his head...and promised him that I'd take care of Allan, Betty and Rue. That is was okay for him to let go. I told him that he was such a good goat, and that I was so sorry for being hard on him, not letting him jump on me only because I knew that when he was an adult he would knock me over doing that.<br />
<br />
I rocked him for what seemed to be an eternity. He kept crying, and looking at me as if asking, "Why aren't you helping me? Why aren't you stopping the pain?" And I just sobbed, because I could do nothing else. I could fix this, I could do anything but be there with him. I felt completely alone and helpless.<br />
<br />
At 11:40 Edgar took his last breath. I held him and rocked him. Told him I loved him...and apologized to him. I laid him on the floor in front of the fireplace....grabbed my phone and let Michael know that Edgar was no longer with us.<br />
<br />
I went out to the car, grabbed the dog crate and brought it into the house. I grabbed Edgar, and held him again. I placed him into the dog crate, curling him up like he would have been if he were sleeping. I took him out to the locking shed, so he'd be safe until the morning when Michael and I could bury him. As I closed the shed door I started crying even harder.<br />
<br />
I made my way back to the house and got the bottles ready for the other 3 kids. I made my way down to them...felt their bellies and fed them their meal which was a few hours late. I sat in the goat barn and cried. I reluctantly locked them in for the night and made my way back up to the house to feed Cooper and Puck. Cooper ate right away, but while I was sitting in the chair crying, Puck walked over to me...jumped into the chair and put his head on my chest. I just held him. I wiped my tears and told him it was okay for him to go eat. He walked over to his dish, grabbed a few pieces of kibble, ate them...then walked back over and looked at me and wagged his tail. He repeated this until he was finished with his food. <br />
<br />
I walked around the rest of the evening like a zombie...the same way I started the day. I didn't want to go to sleep...because I knew that I would have to get up in the morning and bury Edgar.<br />
<br />
I'm sitting here now at my kitchen table...and just to the right of my computer is Edgar's little red collar. I'm not ready to put it away yet. I still find myself grabbing four bottles out of the fridge, looking for four sets of eyes running towards the flashlight beam for the night time feedings. I know that it's going to take time...but I also know that losing animals is a part of this whole process. But that doesn't make it any easier.<br />
<br />We buried Edgar across the driveway from the house behind a retaining wall. I plan to plant some bulbs over his grave, and Michael wants to also plant a shade plant there. I look over there whenever I walk outside to do anything. I'm happy we chose that spot, because I don't want to forget him. He taught me so much. I've slowed down my life since he died. I now spend more time with the goats, I now try to be very hands on. I feel their bellies before and after I feed them. I check them over multiple times a day. I'm going a bit overboard, but the pain is still fresh.<br />
<br />
In his six short weeks here on this earth and at B.P. Farms...Edgar wagged that little tail right into our hearts, and the hearts of everyone who ever watched a video with him. He didn't know what personal space was, and was always sticking his nose in my face. He really was a sweet boy, and I miss him, as does Michael. Allan ran the fence line on Sunday morning calling for his brother...and he spent the day looking lost, not really sure what was going on. My heart still hurts for him, but together we are continuing on day by day. And that's the good thing about life on a farm...it never stops. I couldn't just lie in bed crying and hiding from the world. I have chickens, dogs, rabbits and other goats that need my love and attention. And because of them I'm pushing forward.<br />
<br />
From this horrible tragedy I've learned so much. The biggest thing is to slow down. We all have a million things going on, but you need to slow down and take time to do the things that are important. And for me it's checking all my animals, being hands on with them and making sure they are doing well. <br />
<br />
I want to thank all of you for the messages of support I've gotten in the last week, and how understanding you've been. My friend Karry Ann posted something on her FaceBook page last Sunday that really hit the nail on the head...and with her permission I'm sharing it:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I sit here in my house - miles away from my friends and my heart is
sad for the loss of the loved animal of a friend, an animal that I have
never seen and will never see, and a friend who I have yet to meet face
to face.<br /> I am amazed at the response from miles and miles around the
country, when the call for help is sent out. There might not be 'hands
on' but there are words of advice full of love for the wellbeing of the
sick animal and they bring years’ worth of their own ex<span class="text_exposed_show">perience.<br /> We might not be there to hand our friend the Kleenex box, but we can be there in words, in thought and in spirit.<br />
When an animal under our care passes on, we question every move we made
or did not make. We need someone else to step back and tell us that we
did all we could or maybe, 'here are the lessons we all need to learn
for next time'.<br /> People who understand our love for our animals will
never question what we did - they will always support us and hold us up
in our loss because they know the pain that our heart are going
through... because they themselves have been there a time or two before.
The loss is a lesson big enough - we don't need someone pushing it in
our face. <br /> For that reason - I count my blessing today for the
loving and helpful community of farming - animal welfare - husbandry
people that I am surrounded with here on Facebook.<br /> I am amazed and
so grateful for those who will stay up late at night to stand beside the
one who is having troubles. Then first thing in the morning we are all
checking in again hoping for the best.<br /> The loss for one of us, is
the loss for all of us in different ways. We share our loves and get to
know each other’s animals so well that we feel like we lose a little
bit of our hearts when one of our friend’s animals pass on. </span><br />
Thank you Face Book, for bringing together such wonderful people and
letting us farm our little farms miles apart but yet only a keystroke
away. Thank you to people who understand and give all the help and
expertise they can give without wanting anything back, and then for the
ones who shed a tear with us when we cry. <br /> Thank you for the people
who care enough to know our animals by name just like we do and ask
after them or will remember them should they pass on. <br /> I am so glad the world is full of caring and compassionate people and I am so glad I can call them my friends.</blockquote>
Her words still warm my heart, just as the words of everyone who sent theirs to me as well. We here on the farm miss Edgar...but we feel lucky to have been able to have him for the time we did.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rest in Peace little one. You will be greatly missed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edgar B.P.<br />January 7, 2015 - February 21, 2015</div>
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The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com20Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-31496016456256170642015-02-21T08:41:00.001-08:002015-02-21T08:41:57.246-08:00What's Your Secret?Secrets...they can be large, small, harmless or hurtful...and we all have them. Today I'm going to confess a few things to you...some of them I'm not proud of...while others, I guess you do what you have to do. But don't get me wrong, not all secrets are horrible, deep and dark. They come in all shapes and sizes.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The secrets I'm talking about aren't the deep, dark, harmful secrets. I'm talking about the day to day ones that we as housewives, stay at home parents or just people in general have. I know your brain is working right now, trying to think about what yours are, huh!<br />
<br />
Well recently I was busted on not just one, but two of my secrets. We all know that Michael works outside of the home, while I get to stay home and take care of the farm, the animals and the house. And we all know that there are days where life is so busy that we don't get a chance to do even the smallest of tasks. This is the challenge we all face...not enough time in the day.<br />
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Secret Number 1:<br />
<br />
Picture it...Sicily, 1915. Just kidding...that's Sophia...not me!<br />
<br />
Picture it...it's 6 PM, I've just gotten a text from Michael saying he's on his way home from work. Most people would be like...YAY! My spouse is coming home! What goes through my head? "SHIT! I didn't clean the kitchen, I have last night's dishes still on the stove and counter...I'll never have enough time. So what do I do?<br />
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That's right...I hide dirty dishes in the oven. This works wonderfully unless your husband says for dinner he wants something that requires the use of the oven. Then you have to wait until he leaves the room and then you frantically move things from the oven into the pantry as quietly as you can! <br />
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I know that this isn't something I should be proud of, because as a housewife...one of my biggest duties is to keep the house clean...and that includes the dishes. But come on...when the weather is nice, I need to be outside building things and doing the outdoor things before the rains come back, right!? I thought you'd agree.<br />
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Secret Number 2:<br />
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We had Michael's parents over for Superbowl Sunday, it was such a fun day! I made a bunch of finger foods and Michael's mom brought a DELICIOUS hot spinach and artichoke dip! I wish it were Superbowl Sunday EVERY Sunday! :) Well, when it came time to watch the game, we realized that we needed another chair to sit in. The logical choice was the chair that I sit in when I want to watch TV and knit/crochet.<br />
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I'm not going to lie...I did NOT want to move this chair. I even contemplated just sitting on the floor. Why you ask? Well...<br />
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Behind this chair is where I hide the stash of yarn that I've purchased that Michael didn't know about. **hides face in shame** Mike was like, "Just pull that chair over!" And when I reluctantly moved it, he said, "What is all THAT?" To which I replied..."Shhhh! The game is on!" I knew I had been busted. Michael's mother leaned over and said to me, "I hide mine in the upstairs closet." LOL. We had a wonderful little bonding moment there over our guilty pleasure...stock piling yarn...and then hiding it so our husbands don't see it and question us.<br />
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I was visiting a friend of mine the other day and was telling her about the yarn behind the chair and she couldn't stop laughing. She then confided in me how she brings new fabric and clothing into the house without her husband knowing. We both had a wonderful laugh, and it just confirmed that all us housewives have these little secrets when it comes to our guilty pleasures, or our daily household duties.<br />
<br />
Within the next few weeks I'm going to be starting my next big project...my office. I'm going to build an office for myself in the corner of my shop, The B.P. Farmpidou...you know the place I house all my "modern art." I'm so excited about this, for a couple of reasons. I will finally have a room of my own...this may seem weird, but I'm one of those people who loves to have one room that is "theirs." Why? It is my retreat where I can hang what I want on the walls, display all my little tchotchkies and what not without any input from my better half. This office will also act as the Head Quarters for B.P. Farms and any ventures that come with that. But the biggest reason...I'll have a place to hide new purchases that is behind lock and key! ;-) Watch out Michael...LOL<br />
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So my question for you, dear readers: What's <i>your</i> secret(s)?<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'! <br />
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The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com15Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-74915342703380376992015-02-06T07:46:00.000-08:002015-02-06T07:46:15.665-08:00New Year...New Additions!Well friends, I honestly can't believe that we are into 2015...and already a week into February! I think with all of the changes that happened in the middle of last year...that sped things up for us and time just flew by!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Living on a farm...okay so I shouldn't really call our place a farm...because technically it's a house on 5 acres with a few garden beds and some animals...but hey, if they can call Disneyland "the happiest place on earth," then I live on a farm! But I digress.<br />
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I can't even being to tell you how much I've enjoyed living out here, life seems quieter...well except for my hillbilly neighbors that like to drink and shoot their guns at all times of the day or night! We live on a beautiful piece of property and our house sits on top of a hill in the middle of the 5 acres. We have a wonderful buffer of hemlocks, firs, cedars and big leaf maples that surround the cleared part of our land that blocks the sight of all the neighbors. I truly feel like we live in some sort of a park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PHpZVBgWiSvGO95lUHyTAjTFW3wfKW8zs5SxFk-7c8RiAObMm4dzUO_-cHIbnJfbUj4bMpWXzTqJdFCjk9rt76Q8914yFyADSM6LQbqer2LVpPe-J6ye8-9ptb54lt-ry-LOJ_2puY4/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6PHpZVBgWiSvGO95lUHyTAjTFW3wfKW8zs5SxFk-7c8RiAObMm4dzUO_-cHIbnJfbUj4bMpWXzTqJdFCjk9rt76Q8914yFyADSM6LQbqer2LVpPe-J6ye8-9ptb54lt-ry-LOJ_2puY4/s1600/IMG_6149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to our property</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The driveway up to our house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-oLlJyVyt1uv40XnmieBsA8RJHgSBaTF9x0vn83kfxYJ9Qz-l_fXX2zN9Az8WOXWwK56m6eUT7ouwcUR_ZDoKPQSztwDq7ss0pquWgqbVesNJlIG4qHsQCzpdmK7P2PK852igpcVl3c/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-oLlJyVyt1uv40XnmieBsA8RJHgSBaTF9x0vn83kfxYJ9Qz-l_fXX2zN9Az8WOXWwK56m6eUT7ouwcUR_ZDoKPQSztwDq7ss0pquWgqbVesNJlIG4qHsQCzpdmK7P2PK852igpcVl3c/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the driveway (heading from the house towards the gate)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of my coop from our deck.</td></tr>
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We've added so many things to this property in the past six months...but in all honesty...the fun has just begun! :) Over the summer I managed to get myself up to a staggering number of chickens, a number that I refuse to reveal for fear of judgement by others...and shame that I inflict upon myself! ;-) But I'm happy to say that I'm now down to a healthy 32, one of them being a rooster. Of the hens that I have, about 15 of them are laying or have laid eggs. I'm waiting for the rest to start catching up!<br />
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But all that being said, it's been wonderful navigating the space where the "World of Housewife" and "World of Farmer" collide! I find myself daily learning new things, things that I had no idea would be a part of my life. I also find myself enjoying living out here, dreaming of the updates to the house and the property...as well as the addition of new animals! Oh...so should we talk about the animals now?<br />
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I guess now is as good of a time as any to let you all know that Michael and I have welcomed 4 kids into our lives. Yep...it's finally happened. We thought we only wanted two...but I decided...what the hell...I'm already feeding two...why not two more. They are just kids, right? What kind of kids? Goats...that's what I'm talking about. There is a dairy near us that raises Oberhaslis, a beautiful breed of milking goats. We have been talking about getting goats for quite some time, mainly because I'm tired of doing brush and grass control on my own! But we didn't know that we'd be willing to get day old kids to bottle feed.<br />
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Edgar and Allan came to live with us on on January 9th. Edgar was 2 days old...and Allan was a wee 1 day old. :) <br />
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I honestly fell in love the first moment I saw them. Hearing them bleat is so cute...and watching their little tails wag is enough to make anyone smile and melt. As the days went on I took them outside to explore...and they were quite intrigued by the chickens...who wouldn't be! :)<br />
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I had to figure out how to feed two kids at once...so after thumbing through a goat book I purchased I found this idea and made one of my own! It worked quite well.<br />
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Cooper was NOT thrilled about the new additions to B.P. Farms. HAHA :) But he's slowly starting to come around.<br />
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And because I don't have enough things to do already...Betty and Rue came to live with us on January 24th. They are twin sisters that were about 24 hours old. :)<br />
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So I've gotten a lot of questions regarding the goats...so I want to take a minute to answer a few of them.<br />
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1) Why did you get two boys? Because...we wanted to. ;-) Just kidding. We started with Edgar and Allan, and we will have them castrated so we don't have to deal with smelly bucks that want to break through everything. We initially just wanted them more for brush control...and the biggest factor...they were only $25 each.<br />
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2) Why did you have them in the shop in an enclosure and not out in a barn? Well, we don't have a barn here on the farm...and I was going to build a house for them, but I wanted to wait until it stopped raining for a day or two. And being that this is the Pacific Northwest...it was raining non-stop, so the easiest thing to do was to set up a pen in one of the bays of our shop.<br />
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3) Why did you get the two females? And will you now not castrate Edgar and Allan and mate them? We, well I, decided that now is the best time to get two females because I'm only wanting to do this feeding thing once. So if I'm feeding two, what is two more. And we are still planning on castrating Edgar and Allan, and we'll have our girls bred when it comes time for that.<br />
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Okay...so that was only three, well kind of 4, questions...but believe me, those same questions have been asked over and over and over...almost to the point of me pulling my hair out. So there you have it. We have kids...finally! I told my mother that now I've given her four grand"kids"...and my kids LOVE Amazon gift cards! I don't think she really bought it! :) But who knows...we'll see when their birthdays and Christmas roll around!<br />
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Life on the farm has really been an amazing adventure. I sit back and think about the fact that we haven't even been here for a year...and then I think about all the major changes that have happened here on the farm as well as in our lives. I'm loving life, tired as all get out...but that shall pass when the kids get weaned. This new year has many things in store for us as I add ducks and geese to our growing number of birds. And who knows...maybe I can talk Michael into a miniature donkey! :) Wouldn't that be grand!<br />
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Well, I'd better get a move on...chores wait for no one, nor do they wait for the rain to stop!<br />
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Until next time, Keep Cookin'!<br />
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**here are a few more pictures of the kids**<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DgFUvuEhIYaoWuCXA_eVbBBHWlqhmvSHjz5ANcFuJFqKDsdP5wK6loebMiaObrFhYQu7pPJW_3N4qNNoe-sThX5KpRPThQdHMfmynIlX2FUv1G9WrpdhM3RponKc7dzY0oKQl4H-ysA/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DgFUvuEhIYaoWuCXA_eVbBBHWlqhmvSHjz5ANcFuJFqKDsdP5wK6loebMiaObrFhYQu7pPJW_3N4qNNoe-sThX5KpRPThQdHMfmynIlX2FUv1G9WrpdhM3RponKc7dzY0oKQl4H-ysA/s1600/IMG_9542.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edgar trying to bust out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoGLDdiQ8G9c3NJVYoltOzHN4933_Rd9Ey75cV1GEo_whZmgQdcC1V-5Lm_5CTBehPBSAK0j45jKwCDevG5I9TDbbbunFDUrZAg_ac-_AFDusxnBqpG88H0UfkNuAV3vM06D0A-hyUi8/s1600/IMG_9613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoGLDdiQ8G9c3NJVYoltOzHN4933_Rd9Ey75cV1GEo_whZmgQdcC1V-5Lm_5CTBehPBSAK0j45jKwCDevG5I9TDbbbunFDUrZAg_ac-_AFDusxnBqpG88H0UfkNuAV3vM06D0A-hyUi8/s1600/IMG_9613.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue, Better, Edgar & Allan...The B.P. Farms Kids :)</td></tr>
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<br />The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com26Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-60460041304940796472015-01-16T11:47:00.001-08:002015-01-16T11:47:40.711-08:002014 - A Year in ReviewWell folks...2014 flew by so fast that I'm not quite sure what really happened and if most of it was a dream or not. And here we are half way through the first month of a new year! It truly is amazing how much has happened in the past year...and how many people are now on this journey with me.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>When I started blogging back in 2011 I honestly didn't know what it would lead to, or who would even read my ramblings. I started out talking about food that I was cooking and then it turned into more. This past year I took a rather long break from blogging because of things going on in our lives...the biggest being the move to our new home north of Snohomish.<br />
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Let's take a stroll back through 2014. Here...grab my arm...walk back with me...<br />
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January 2014<br />
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Michael and I vowed to get healthy...we purchased an elliptical machine, started eating healthier and I even purchased T25! (Fast forward a few months...there sat the elliptical machine...we continued to kind of eat healthy...and T25...well its the same angry guy yelling at me on the screen and me yelling at him LOL). At the end of January we took a trip to Honolulu. 10 glorious nights we spent on Oahu, we had a great time catching up with friends and just enjoying just being with each other. Hawai'i still holds my heart, and no matter how long between visits...she welcomes me, and now Michael, with open arms.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ_scppxj2DJGojvwF4yk-odI2C-e-gvhdr3wh5-vd6-FXBD0UDFvc-A9ajJo05OJeCYqh_APS3i0Vaax3poKSJDp5_wKSdp39hoithlhZTSMo_a2ovH3H69XxpFbE_2wz_xMg7fyNdQ/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ_scppxj2DJGojvwF4yk-odI2C-e-gvhdr3wh5-vd6-FXBD0UDFvc-A9ajJo05OJeCYqh_APS3i0Vaax3poKSJDp5_wKSdp39hoithlhZTSMo_a2ovH3H69XxpFbE_2wz_xMg7fyNdQ/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing beats a Hawaiian Sunset....nothing.</td></tr>
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February 2014<br />
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February was a quiet month for us...Michael worked a lot and I spent my days with the chickens and living the housewife life! :)<br />
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March 2014<br />
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In March we took trip to Napa Valley to attend a conference for medical professionals at The Culinary Institute of America. I was allowed to attend this conference as well...and most of it went over my head! :) I think one of the take-aways from this was...when you feed 400 people beans and fiber for four days and stuff them all into a conference room...well...not smart! But in all seriousness, we had a wonderful time, and I learned so many wonderful things and even had the opportunity to cook in the kitchens there! What a wonderful thing! We also enjoyed Napa Valley immensely, making our own wine and purchasing a nice 2010 bottle of wine to have on our 10 year anniversary. After the conference we drove to Nevada City to see and stay with Michael's uncles. It's always wonderful to meet more of his family! Also...I set more hatching eggs to attempt to get some more hens for my flock!<br />
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April 2014<br />
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April turned out to be a busy month for us, in an unexpected sort of way. After we returned from our trip to Napa...I started getting that itch...the itch that could only be scratched by having a house in the country. Michael tried as hard as he could to fight it...but he started getting the itch too. So we set off to look at everything within a 30 mile radius! We saw houses on 1 acre and some on 20 acres...but most of the ones we were drawn to were on 5. After seeing dud after dud we started to get a little disheartened...until the end of April...when we found and put an offer in on the house that would become our new home! During all of this I had another hatch of chicks (and a purchase of a few others lol) So things were quite busy around here!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the patio at the new house!</td></tr>
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May 2014<br />
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May proved to be quite a challenging month for us. Michael worked a ridiculous amount that month and while he was doing that I was busy getting our home in Edmonds ready to be put on the market. I had to remove the wooden retaining wall and replace it with a stone one in the garden, have more soil blown in...have the exterior of the house painted and get the inside in tip top shape. Our house went on the market on May 17th and we were officially in escrow on the evening of the 21st...which happened to be the day we closed on our new house! Things were falling into place...but still incredibly busy! Even though we closed on our new home...the former owners asked for a rent back period, which worked out because we were still working on the house in Edmonds.<br />
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June 2014<br />
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If I thought May was busy...I had no idea what June was going to bring. The movers came on June 14th...and before that we had a ton of sorting, Goodwilling, throwing, packing and moving of other things to do. I made many trips back and forth between the Edmonds house and the new house. I also put in motion the plan for my new chicken coop. Michael told me to build the coop of my dreams...because I get one shot...no tear downs and complete remodels. :) So I had an 8' x 16' cement slab poured and then got ready to build the coop of my dreams! The last week of June I started building my coop, and the inspiration was the chicken coop I had on my model farm set when I was a kid...and that progressed into July. I also had my first batch of chicks delivered from Murray McMurray Hatchery! Life on the farm was really starting to get busy! Oh...and did I mention that I also picked up more hatching eggs? HAHA!<br />
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July 2014<br />
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Chicken coop building was in FULL SWING! I worked on the coop in the mornings and then in the house in the afternoons when it was warm. I also had a 2nd batch of chicks delivered the third week of the month...right around the time the eggs in my incubator were set to hatch! :) My coop was ready for its residents on the 22nd of the month...and I have to be honest...I couldn't have been happier with how it turned out! :) Of course over the next several months things changed and evolved...but that's what happens when you build something, you learn and correct things. :)<br />
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August 2014<br />
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This is where things here on my blog and on my RHOSC FaceBook page really took a turn. My friend, Lisa at Fresh Eggs Daily, posted a link to my blog post on the building of my coop. I had a flood of activity both here and on the FaceBook page, and because of that I have built up a wonderful base of loyal fans, some who have turned into friends. I went from a few people interacting and seeing my posts...to well over 1000 in a short period of time. Talk about overwhelming! I also used that as motivation to kick myself into blogging a bit more. I can't tell you how much I learned in the month of August when it came to raising chickens. I now had close to 50 chickens (shhhhhhh) and I relied heavily on pages like <a href="http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/" target="_blank">Fresh Eggs Daily</a>, and the knowledge of my friend Lisa and her book! So a big shout out to Lisa! :) Thanks for your help, your inspiration and motivation when I feel like things are getting the best of me!<br />
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September 2014<br />
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In September I had the amazing opportunity to once again be a part of Camp Erin of King County. This year they split it up over two weekends, and I had the honor of working with both the kids and the teens. I won't lie...I wasn't prepared for the kids...and I felt that it showed...but nonetheless I was there, and I hope that that in and of itself helped. :-/ But I can't say enough how blessed I feel to be able to be a part of this wonderful experience. Grief is something that we all experience at some point in our lives, and when a child is going through it, having a place to go that will give you the tools and permission to do it...well that can change your life.<br />
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At the end of the month we had the split rail fence put in here at the farm, and I can't even begin to tell you how much of a difference it made! We also had the fencing company set the posts for my permanent run, and Michael helped me put up the wire fencing around it! <br />
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October 2014<br />
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October was all about preparing for fall, the leaves were starting to turn color on the Big Leaf Maples, and I had a feeling we were in for some trouble when it came to the amount of leaves we'd be dealing with! :) Things around the farm started to consume the day to day life and I found myself just getting lost in the beauty of this place I am so lucky enough to live! <br />
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November 2014<br />
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In November I made the decision to have some of my chickens processed. By processed I mean, prepared for the freezer. I ordered an abundance of Red Star chickens with plans for a business of sorts, but that didn't pan out so I sold a few to a friend and then took the others to a farm nearby where I watched and helped process the birds. There is something about knowing where your food comes from that is an amazing feeling! As November flew by, I began preparing for our Thanksgiving meal with Michael's parents. This year my sister and her family opted to stay on their side of the water. So I busied myself with those plans, as well as getting ready for our amazing vacation that was to come in December!! What I wasn't prepared for was the 3 inches of snow that fell on the night of the 28th! But we were blessed with an amazing winter wonderland around us! The trees looked like a scene out of a winter village where the snow hung on the branches dramatically. I was in awe! I wasn't in awe of the fact that the snow was wet, sticky and heavy and collapsed the netting on the top of my run...but hey...you win some and you lose some!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpNXYycvWV8KgQp8VLImM-6bOKTRtlFNda_GE6mMpYAY52xHrneeX_HKhW6UdxiJuOTUTnZtomdkshJSnp-qj5qOPznXAwbCjtgjxbdeijExiMCts8cqUinWChyphenhyphenYxW_zJnnvSfAMhE-I/s1600/IMG_6669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpNXYycvWV8KgQp8VLImM-6bOKTRtlFNda_GE6mMpYAY52xHrneeX_HKhW6UdxiJuOTUTnZtomdkshJSnp-qj5qOPznXAwbCjtgjxbdeijExiMCts8cqUinWChyphenhyphenYxW_zJnnvSfAMhE-I/s1600/IMG_6669.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How blessed we are to be able to share a wonderful meal with family!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our front yard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our home in the winter wonderland!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs0MOna77Y8YrMXh49KCd10uRmlcxlIPYxMv4ffr6KGBOD7Q7KsAN2eJXjRbPEG3J6OalOH1oAoijnkST2igokfvS0SeHCLV2zjtNN56lL-0FGvnJfe3xx6WuR9-4hj1mbYZJlE8UbUs/s1600/IMG_6721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs0MOna77Y8YrMXh49KCd10uRmlcxlIPYxMv4ffr6KGBOD7Q7KsAN2eJXjRbPEG3J6OalOH1oAoijnkST2igokfvS0SeHCLV2zjtNN56lL-0FGvnJfe3xx6WuR9-4hj1mbYZJlE8UbUs/s1600/IMG_6721.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved how the snow weighed the branches down!</td></tr>
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December 2014<br />
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If there was a month that would win a contest...December would have taken the cake for us. We left on December 1st, for our vacation in France. We spent 11 nights in France, most of those in Paris. We had an amazing vacation, and as always I blogged through the entire trip! I can honestly say that I am so blessed to have an amazing husband, an amazing home, wonderful friends and family and the ability and means to travel. I don't take any of this for granted...and I'm thankful for everything that my husband provides for us and our family. After returning from our trip, we again were blessed with spending another holiday with Michael's parents.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxAcs3crknu7GyoeliUV6uU9QM60MQiKUInFhJFe9yr9SBAz-sBcCmVo2e0lbrRxhN_Nj_swW2iTzn5TqFG9ejOCzhzufH3yg6JY1gXYF21kC9cy9QoYIbMxbo8xKDXkZO7_oYnxIli8/s1600/IMG_7380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxAcs3crknu7GyoeliUV6uU9QM60MQiKUInFhJFe9yr9SBAz-sBcCmVo2e0lbrRxhN_Nj_swW2iTzn5TqFG9ejOCzhzufH3yg6JY1gXYF21kC9cy9QoYIbMxbo8xKDXkZO7_oYnxIli8/s1600/IMG_7380.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chateau de Chambord...my summer home!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another wonderful holiday meal with family!</td></tr>
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Looking back over the past year I can't believe how truly blessed I am. As I said before, I have a wonderful husband, home, family and friends and I wouldn't trade any of it. This past year has taken us to Hawai'i, Napa Valley and all the way to France. But each time we returned to our home and our life together. And even though that home changed physical locations...the love that we have was there. (Okay that was mushy and gross...sorry about that. LOL) It's amazing to look back at the last 6 months even and see the changes that we made in our lives...and how our "farm" in Edmonds turned into a hobby farm with chickens, dogs, rabbits and gardens here in Snohomish...and we know that is just the beginning! :)<br />
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I hope you all had a wonderful year...and I encourage you to take a trip back through the archives of my blog and stroll through the streets of Paris and the French country side with us. Take in the beaches and the sights of Oahu. Drink wine and cook with us in Napa. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my blog, I don't take you for granted either. I appreciate each and every one of you.<br />
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For this new year, going forward...I am going to make it a point to blog more...I know I say that all the time, but as our lives, family and farm grow, I want to share that with all of you! I hope you come along for this ride, a ride where being The REAL Housewife of Snohomish County not only entails cooking and housework...but mucking chicken coops and maintaining a farm.<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'! <br />
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The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com2Machias, WA, USA47.9814869 -122.0459630000000347.9389809 -122.12664400000003 48.0239929 -121.96528200000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-84397803389812801162014-12-12T15:31:00.000-08:002014-12-12T15:31:47.670-08:00Final Day in Paris...Shopping, Wheel & Food - France Vacation -- Day 12It is so hard to believe that today was our final full day here in Paris. It seems like we just got here yesterday...but at the same time it feels like we've been here for months. Do you ever get that feeling when you are on any vacation?<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This morning I popped out of bed at around 7 AM. Yesterday I planned out with Michael that we'd take a few hours this morning to ourselves, go our own way and meet up for lunch. I had some shopping to do, and Michael wanted to walk through the Louvre again. This worked out perfectly. Unlike my husband, once through a museum is usually good for me. But Michael is able to go back time and time again to see some of his favorite works. I guess it's similar to how I can watch the same episodes of The Golden Girls each time they are on TV and still love them. Okay...maybe that was stretching it!<br />
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Michael headed out to the Louvre while I was doing things around the flat. I showered, got ready and made my way to the Metro. I wanted to head back up to Montmartre. When we were there last week Michael saw a painting by one of the street vendors that he really liked, so I thought I'd go back up and get that for him. When I got to the Abbesses station I came above ground to some rather blustery weather. It wasn't raining terribly hard, but it was enough that I used my umbrella. I made it to the top of Montmartre and there were only a few of the vendors there...and sadly the guy selling the painting I wanted wasn't there. I saw a few more vendors coming in so I decided to hang around and wait for a bit. I walked back down the hill to get euros from the ATM, and then back up the hill to see if any others had arrived. Well...no luck. :( So I decided to head back towards town to make another stop.<br />
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I have been wanting a mezzaluna, one of the curved knives with a handle on each end, because I've watched Nigella use one. That's a good enough reason to get one, right? HAHA. Well it's good enough for me! So before I left the flat this morning I searched for kitchen stores here in Paris. The first one that came up caught my attention because of it's reviews. E. Dehillerin is apparently a mecca for anyone who is interested in cooking. I described it to Michael as a "Restaurant supply store on steroids, but packed into a smaller space." And this truly is just that! <br />
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When I found the store, it looked a little...well unkempt from the outside. I honestly didn't even know if it was open because it looked rather dark inside. But I made my way to the door and saw people milling about so I slowly opened the door and entered into the place where all my kitchen dreams were hiding. The space was narrow, but tall, wooden shelves lined all the walls and aisles. Pots, pans, sieves, utensils and everything else imaginable hung from the ceiling. I think at one point I may have been drooling. All I could think was..."Thank God I don't live here...because I'd buy so much stuff right now." I took some pictures as I walked through the place.<br />
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I found the mezzaluna, and of course bought the biggest one I could find! And I managed to snag some of the "french wooden spoons." I've eyed them at Williams-Sonoma but couldn't stomach paying their prices. After grabbing the things I wanted I realized that there was a downstairs. I cautiously made my way down the steps and that's when I saw it...the food mill to end all food mills. This thing stood 3 feet off the ground and was SCREAMING for me to take it home. I walked by it...caressed its wooden handle, told it I loved it...and walked away.<br />
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I'm pretty sure that at that exact moment, Michael felt this weight lift off his shoulders while he was at the Louvre...not realizing that it was because I had passed by the food mill without grabbing it. LOL. But I digress.<br />
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I paid for my items and made my way back to the flat to meet my husband for lunch. I arrived about 20 minutes before him so I had time to kick my feet up after all the walking I did this morning. We settled on the Italian place down the street, where we had the yummy pizzas last week. I ordered the same thing...SURPRISE! I'm a creature of habit...I know it, and I accept it.<br />
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After lunch I told Michael we should head back up to Montmartre to see if the street vendors were there since it wasn't raining anymore. Well we made our way all the way back up there...and they weren't there! What a bust! But we meandered the streets of Montmartre before heading back towards our flat. When it came time to switch trains, Michael suggest we walk back across the Seine. So we emerged from the station at the base of Le Grande Roue de Paris. I asked Michael if he wanted to go for a ride, and he somewhat agreed. But before he knew it I was handing the lady money and we were getting into our own cab. We rode around it twice getting to see the city one final time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21LBZL1f9rUG3yKd9kHinacQinfr4KbdzKgIxG45N8s08u7FYASgn6MIpvuAzBSLEIpWH85haFS0w2sF0VRfKGFtjD2qCuOzvQnDi73aGsFQL6QRGTTJRHhw3QSnyyqCuLX2DtAoeTzQ/s1600/IMG_8909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21LBZL1f9rUG3yKd9kHinacQinfr4KbdzKgIxG45N8s08u7FYASgn6MIpvuAzBSLEIpWH85haFS0w2sF0VRfKGFtjD2qCuOzvQnDi73aGsFQL6QRGTTJRHhw3QSnyyqCuLX2DtAoeTzQ/s1600/IMG_8909.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montmartre</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I adore the streets in Montmartre...well in France in general!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Grande Roue de Paris.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the Louvre</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the Arc de Triomphe...through Christmas mania!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg5kytmjcVb4_C_bf5-ZvZeZLPIU4IfzdnYUfFvDKrt5P1y9zpqAD_dMXijZ4gfv7kBvhGwEoGLcTih-uEFxeOKL2pBFwHbLy0UfJ2S386_388eiZ4TaijWufTJDRp8aV9ZCcWGl0-EY/s1600/IMG_8918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEg5kytmjcVb4_C_bf5-ZvZeZLPIU4IfzdnYUfFvDKrt5P1y9zpqAD_dMXijZ4gfv7kBvhGwEoGLcTih-uEFxeOKL2pBFwHbLy0UfJ2S386_388eiZ4TaijWufTJDRp8aV9ZCcWGl0-EY/s1600/IMG_8918.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musée de l'Orangerie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIniLS9E9pBcld3hax9JMAQPJlmiHhyphenhyphen5T5Fplq-DTfZewQxLzCOWRgyOLMV5Hr1YmSTNSSDgiK3mnD1Nrjuwg3rvt7N3sWZvqwYruf8r7DxWGJE2PyDULP1HgDGETOPeTQD1nXVWukPk/s1600/IMG_8921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZIniLS9E9pBcld3hax9JMAQPJlmiHhyphenhyphen5T5Fplq-DTfZewQxLzCOWRgyOLMV5Hr1YmSTNSSDgiK3mnD1Nrjuwg3rvt7N3sWZvqwYruf8r7DxWGJE2PyDULP1HgDGETOPeTQD1nXVWukPk/s1600/IMG_8921.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Louvre</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGIVbp2EWY3Nz23Mlse1INwXf3Y3EETVT0nU39ip2Ke4z22XW56pPC8tprcge1xm13nNHLa9eQYI9lxfk_NQIOPl6k0l9qsQsML3NpamUtVf9T3ZdWlaYQFvbqIwZp9f8-IPW0C0AHV4/s1600/IMG_8922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGIVbp2EWY3Nz23Mlse1INwXf3Y3EETVT0nU39ip2Ke4z22XW56pPC8tprcge1xm13nNHLa9eQYI9lxfk_NQIOPl6k0l9qsQsML3NpamUtVf9T3ZdWlaYQFvbqIwZp9f8-IPW0C0AHV4/s1600/IMG_8922.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">**sigh** I'll miss you, Paris...</td></tr>
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After our trip up and around we decided to walk towards the Arc de Triomphe up the Champs-Élysées because they are having their Christmas time extravaganza the entire way on both sides! It was madness! We each grabbed a glass of Vin Chaud, hot mulled wine. It was so delicious! And it was a great treat on this windy day! :) We made our way up the street all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. I snapped a few pictures and we made our way back to the flat to rest a bit before heading out for dinner.<br />
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We decided that for dinner we'd go to the place that we had our final dinner at in Paris the first time we visited. It is actually where we had lunch on the first day we arrived on this trip! We decided this would be our "tradition." We have to have those, right? I think it makes traveling to the same place fun! We cleaned up, put on nice dress shirts, nice jeans and our dress shoes and headed out into the rain. We arrived at the restaurant, were seated and dined on an excellent meal. After last night's experience...this was a FIVE STAR experience. :) I did have to ask them to cook my steak a tiny bit more, but it was done in a flash and was tender, juicy and seasoned perfectly! <br />
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After our meal we walked back across the Champ de Mars and I looked at the Tour Eiffel all lit up. This trip truly has been spectacular. There have been fun times, serious times and even times where we wanted away from each other. But that happens when any couple takes a trip. But all those times are what make these trips memorable. I wouldn't want anyone else by my side for vacations...well except maybe Dughi Face. :)<br />
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Well I'd better get to bed. We have to be up early to get to the airport for our 10:30 AM flight! We leave here at 10:30 AM and get into Seattle at around noon. Too bad it isn't just an hour and a half flight! LOL Tomorrow night I plan to kind of "wrap up" our trip to France...talk about some of the highlights, and maybe things that I forgot to blog about. :) We'll see how I feel when I get home...that may have to wait until Sunday. But here's to hoping!<br />
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Well my friends, thank you SO much for taking this trip with me. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing it with you, and getting all the comments here and on my FaceBook page. Writing about my day never felt like "work," it felt like telling my best friend about what I did that day. So thanks for being there!<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com4Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.6894645 2.0294984000000178 49.0237635 2.6749454000000177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-8434903567802120752014-12-12T00:38:00.001-08:002014-12-12T00:38:11.003-08:00Lazy Morning follwed by Châtea de Vincennes and the Top of the Tower - France Vacation -- Day 11Bonjour mes amis! Today was a rather low key day in the morning, then packed full of walking and fun in the afternoon. This post won't be as heavy as the last one...I promise. But in all honesty, I'm happy that I had the chance to write the last post.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>After finishing my blog this morning I pulled myself off the couch and got ready for the rest of the day. Michael suggested that we try to go to the top of the Tour Eiffel since it looked nice out. We walked over there and the sign said that the top deck was closed! We've been encountering that a lot on this trip. We've tried, unsuccessfully, many times to go to the top. So we decided to make our way to the outskirts of Paris to check out Le Château de Vincennes.<br />
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Château de Vincennes was built in the 1300s, but kept evolving throughout the next several hundred years. Most notably, it was used by Charles V, who by the descriptions given during the audio tour, was a wonderful man who was extremely organized and treated people well.<br />
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We toured this château learning about the reign of Charles V, and how Napoleon I turned it into a military stronghold and then used it as a prison. The history behind this château, and all the others we've visited, is really amazing when you think about it. Being almost 700 years old, the château has gone through a ton of restoration. And as I've said many times throughout this trip...it's amazing to think that I'm walking through the same corridors and staircases that people in the Middle Ages did. If the walls could talk...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The moat was crazy wide!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The keep.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sainte-Chapelle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the ceiling at the top of one of the spiral staircases</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The thickness of these doors is incredible!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want this lock for my chicken coop HAHA</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside of Sainte-Chapelle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A model of Château de Vincennes when all the towers were still standing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing in the balcony overlooking the church</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stone and stained glass work are so amazing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun came out while we were up top and the stained glass shot its beautiful colors across the ceiling</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a pretty stormy day...</td></tr>
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After touring the château, we grabbed a late lunch across the street then headed back towards the city center. We made a brief stop at The Moulin Rouge. And I won't lie...the entire time we were standing in front of it I had "Lady Marmalade" running through my head. I mean...everyone does, right?<br />
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I snapped a few pictures of it and we dropped back down into the Metro to catch a train back towards our flat. As we neared our stop, I told Michael we should walk over just to check to see if the top of the Tour Eiffel was open. Well...luckily for us..it was! We stood in a long line, and snaked our way through ropes finally reaching the ticket office. Honestly, I was quite surprised at how fast the line actually moved! After getting our tickets, we boarded the elevator that would take us up to the 2nd deck of the tower. There we made our way to the smaller elevator that would take us up the center of the tower to the top observation deck.<br />
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When you get out of the elevator, you step into an glass enclosed observation deck. It was wonderful seeing Paris all lit up at night. It's something you really can't appreciate about a city until you are towering over everything. We made our way up the stairs to the top deck, which wasn't enclosed by glass. Okay...while on the ground it was a little chilly...up top, the wind was HOWLING! If you stood still you could feel the tower swaying back and forth. I won't lie, I did get scared at first thinking about what would happen if the tower toppled while we were at the top. Why do we think of these things?? HA!<br />
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We walked around the top a few times and then snapped our obligatory pictures of us in front of the lights of Paris. Standing over 900 feet above the Parisian streets was out of this world. I'm so happy that we finally had the chance to make it to the top! We were even up there at 7 PM when the tower started to sparkle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arc de Triomphe is in the center of the picture...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Trocadéro</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Seine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champ de Mars</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Louvre is in the center</td></tr>
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On the way down we stopped on the 1st floor of the tower. In recent years they've done some upgrades to it, trying to attract more visitors there. One of the features they added was glass floors that give you the opportunity to see yourself standing 200 feet above the ground. We we first approached them I told Michael to walk out on it. He immediately looked at me like a little kid and said, "No! I don't want to!" HAHA. I'm only laughing because I didn't want to get on them either for fear of the glass falling out and dropping me to the ground. I don't think its natural for us to stand on a panel of glass above the ground, but that's just me! Well eventually we both did it...and when I did it...my legs were jelly and I wanted to puke! LOL But I made it! We walked around the deck and I found myself standing on another glass panel and panicked when I realized it! It was crazy!<br />
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After making it to the bottom we decided to grab some dinner. There is a little cafe at the base of our building and it was suggested to us by the guy who owns this flat we are staying in. We were seated by this lady who was probably in her late 60s. We perused the menu trying to find something to eat, and she came back over to take our order. After that is when the "fun" began. She walked behind the bar and poured us our wine, these were no stingy pours! She used her finger to wipe the drip from the bottle, and then licked her finger. LOL. Grossed out by that? Keep reading.<br />
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She brought us our wine and then went back towards the kitchen, which was open to the cafe. She reached into the cabinet where they keep their baguettes, ripped off a chunk and then dipped it into whatever sauce the cook had simmering on the stove. About that time a customer was leaving and said goodbye to her. She turned around, and with sauce on her face, waved and said goodbye. I started to tell Michael about this, and he just chuckled. I think he might have had more of a reaction if he could have actually seen her. After this, I looked up to see the bartender pouring himself a beer...and chug it.<br />
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When our food finally came it looked rather good. Michael had a roasted chicken with fries and a salad and I had their chicken pasta dish. Both were tasty, but it was a bit unnerving knowing that she was in the kitchen dipping out of a pan that I'm sure had my sauce in it! LOL. I watched as she started to hack up a lung, you know the smoker's cough I'm talking about. She grabbed a napkin, wiped her mouth, blew her nose and then went a grabbed a plate for the guy who was sitting a few tables away from us. At this point I started to get quite grossed out.<br />
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After we finished our dinner, we had dessert coming to us. I ordered an apple tart with some vanilla ice cream. I saw her go to the fridge, pull out a baking sheet, cut a chunk and use her bare hand to toss it into the toaster oven. She put the rest back into the fridge and licked her fingers. LOL. She started to make Michael's coffee...and while doing it she sneezed. Michael had his back to the coffee machine, and he looked at me and said, "She sneezed in my coffee, didn't she?" I just started laughing because...he was right. She then grabbed the little desserts that were to go on his plate.<br />
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We graciously accepted our desserts, and mine was still ice cold. I'm not sure that the toaster oven was plugged in. LOL. After she dropped our desserts off, she walked to the serving station and grabbed a cigarette and headed out front for a smoke. She came back in, and grabbed another hunk of bread from the cabinet and continued to dip into the sauce on the stove. It took a while to get our check, but when we finally did, I couldn't pay fast enough. We left the place laughing at everything that happened. It just seemed to be a comedy of nastiness going on in there. But hey...we had dinner...so I guess we shouldn't complain too much, right?<br />
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Well tomorrow is our last full day here in Paris. In a way its sad, but in a way I can't wait to get home. I should probably head to bed...tomorrow morning we are going to head off on our own, then meet up for lunch. I have some things that I want to buy and Michael may go to the Louvre. :) Should be interesting to see if we both make it back to the flat! HA :)<br />
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Well my friends, I hope you are having a wonderful week! Do you want to know what I just realized? I never got my vanilla ice cream! HAHAHAHA!<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com1Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.6894645 2.0294984000000178 49.0237635 2.6749454000000177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-334105674454121332014-12-11T02:58:00.002-08:002014-12-11T02:58:31.840-08:00Arromanches 360, D-Day and Back to Paris - France Vacation -- Day 10Yesterday was a rather long and emotion filled day. We arrived back in Paris at around 11:30 PM and reached our flat at around midnight. The events of the day were weighing quite heavily on my heart so I decided to put off writing this post until today.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>We woke up yesterday morning and went about our morning routine. Showers, packing, planning the route and then heading out. The night before we went to the grocery store and I bought a baguette and some sliced salami so we'd have something to snack on while we drove. Thinking ahead, since most of the little towns along the way seemed to be closed up for winter. We have found on this trip that most of these beautiful little towns seem to be quiet, with no people walking around or children playing. I wonder if that changes during the summer months, it just seems odd.<br />
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We made our way into Bayeux because Michael wanted to go to the Tapestry Museum. When he was talking about this, I won't lie...my eyes rolled back into my head. I pictured this museum filled with tapestries that would take us hours to get through. But I have to say I was wrong.<br />
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Bayeux is a beautiful town, we parked near the Cathedral and I couldn't help but take a few pictures. No matter how many you see, the sheer size and beauty of them never get old. We continued through town and came upon a little river, and there was a water wheel there. I spent about 10 minutes taking pictures because it was so picturesque! After I had my fill, we crossed the street to the museum.<br />
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We walked in, paid the gentleman at the door and continued in to see the only tapestry they had. The Bayeux Tapestry. This amazing work of art dates back to 1066, and is almost 70 meters long. It chronicles the conquering of England by William, Duke of Normandy...better known as William the Conqueror. We weren't suppose to take any pictures, but I did sneak one. I wonder if they mean that there isn't suppose to be flash, but I didn't want to risk getting caught...so I snuck just one. The Tapestry is in a "U" shaped room, and it is hung along the inside wall. It's quite impressive. It has numbers above each scene, and the audio guide led us through each one.<br />
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After seeing the tapestry we moved upstairs to another gallery where it talked more about the battles as well as how the tapestry was made. The process is quite mind blowing. The entire thing is embroidered, and to imagine how long they had to work on it, I just can't even imagine. The tapestry has a wonderful history, where it was housed, when it was displayed and even how it changed hands several times before it finally came to rest in this museum where it is preserved. It's hard to believe that something almost 1,000 years old still looks as good as it does. It goes to show, we just don't make things like we used to.<br />
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After we finished the museum we made our way to the next stop which would be the start of the three stops that weigh so heavily on me still this morning.<br />
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We drove through the Normandy countryside, snaking our way through small towns, pastures and fields until we came to our first stop. The Arromanches 360 was suggested to us by one of my friends, and I'm so thankful that she told us to stop. The circular theater sits atop the Arromanches clifftops and looks out over the water. We walked around in silence and I couldn't help but picture what it looked like on June 6th, 1944 with the water full of ships and the air full of smoke.<br />
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After taking some pictures outside, we made our way into the theater. We had a few minutes to wait before the next showing so I snapped some pictures of the inside. When the theater doors opened, we walked in to see 9 screens above our heads all around us. We were the only ones in the theater for this showing. Thinking about the videos that played, the images shown, still overwhelms me. The death, the devastation and the joy of the people of France after the Allied Forces beat the Nazis. It all started to become so real, instead of just something in a text book. I found that after leaving the theater that I was left the way I would be for most of the rest of the day...without words.<br />
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After the film we made our way silently to the car, my head was full of the images of the mortars, the people running or walking through their bombed out town...images of soldiers being shot and their lifeless bodies being carried back to the ship. My heart started to become heavy.<br />
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We got into the car, and set the GPS to take us to our next stop. We again snaked our way through one lane roads, sharp curves, small quaint towns and farmland to reach our next stop. Omaha Beach. We drove down to the beach and got out. As I stepped onto the beach...I lost my breath. I was standing on the beach where thousands of U.S. soldiers landed on D-Day, and many of them lost their lives. I was standing on the beach that was called "The Beach of Blood." I looked out over the water as my eyes welled up with tears. So many men gave their lives so I could stand on this beach, that all these years later look like any other beach.<br />
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After spending a little time on the beach we made our way up to the American Cemetery at Normandy, which sits on the cliffs above Omaha Beach. We reached the top and parked the car...and headed back towards the beach where they had a few monuments. Neither of us really spoke during this part. We walked around the monuments, stared out at the water...and I touched the names that were written on each one. I don't know why I did it, but it felt like it was a way I could say thank you, honoring them as my fingers ran across the letters of their names.<br />
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We made our way back up the hill and into the Cemetery. This is so wonderfully maintained, and I'm so impressed with the entire place. The respect that fills that place could be felt. We walked into the museum and started to walk through all the exhibits. It talked about preparing for the day, it gave stories of some of the people involved. Right before you get to the end of the museum you walk through this long hallway. As you are walking, they are reading aloud the names of those killed. You walk into a room where they display picture of those recognized for their courageous acts.<br />
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Right before you leave to go outside, in the center of the the room is the gun of a soldier stuck in the ground, with a helmet on top. The simplicity of this scene says so much more than any words could.<br />
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As we made our way outside to the cemetery, we decided to walk up to the memorial first. It was starting to rain, so we took shelter under one of the sides of it. It looked as if it were letting up so we crossed to the other side. In the center of the memorial is a bronze statue which symbolizes "Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves." As we got under the other side of the memorial, I turned around to see a rainbow, and the hand of the statue touching it.<br />
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As we walked towards the area of the cemetery with the head stones I felt my breath leaving me again. You truly don't understand the magnitude of the sacrifice made for the rest of us until you are walking through the head stones of all those who gave their lives for our freedom. I feel so privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to step foot on this dirt where so many men and women gave their lives. I felt so humbled as I walked through the head stones, reading names and seeing all the ones who were not identified yet still given a place to rest. I felt so small when I realized how even I take all the freedoms I have for granted. Even now, typing this, my heart feels so heavy and I feel the tears building up. I have no more words, so I'll share pictures.<br />
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After we left the cemetery, we made our way to our final stop, Pointe du Hoc, which was also suggested by my friend. Pointe du Hoc is the highest point that sits between Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. It was fortified by the Germans, and on D-Day, The American Army Ranger Assault Group of over 225 men landed and scaled the 100 foot cliffs to defeat the Germans. When the battle was over, the group of Army Rangers was reduced to around 90.<br />
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Today, you can see the bombed out German fortified casements and gun pits. And you can see the deep holes in the ground where the bombs hit. It's amazing to walk through there, and imagining the scene from that day.<br />
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After this final stop we got back into the car and made our way back to Rennes. We had our dinner, then waited for the train to head back to Paris. When we got home I wanted to go to sleep, but my head was still spinning from the day. I posted a video that I took from The American Cemetery at Normandy on FaceBook and I got a message this message from a family friend:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".3i.1:3:1:$comment849083681781785_849095421780611:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".3i.1:3:1:$comment849083681781785_849095421780611:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".3i.1:3:1:$comment849083681781785_849095421780611:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Wow
Brian. Thank you for sharing. I wanted to share with you, that while on
a visit there, my youngest daughter called me. She was 16 at the time
and on a tour of France. When I first heard her voice over the phone
that day I was certain something horrible must have happened. She was
choking back tears and trying to describe what she was seeing. When she
was able to, she tried to express what you just showed us. She just
kept saying "there are no words" and that "she loved us". It is hard to
cross the line between age or generation but, it appears that for that
place at least, age does not matter. It's impact leaves you speechless
and moved beyond words.</span></span></span></blockquote>
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This was the message that I needed...and finally the tears came. I don't know why they didn't come earlier in the day while I was walking through the cemetery. I do know that the entire train ride back to Paris I thought about the beaches of Normandy and the men and women from not only the United States, but the rest of the Allied Forces, who gave their lives to liberate France and secure our freedoms as well.<br />
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Out of everything we've done on this wonderful vacation, yesterday has changed my life. I cannot express the gratitude and respect I have for the men and women of the Armed Forces for their willingness to fight for the rest of us. Who give so selflessly to make sure that we can sleep at night and live the lives that we do. I will always remember this day at Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, and I'm better for having stepped foot on that dirt. The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com5Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.6894645 2.0294984000000178 49.0237635 2.6749454000000177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-65161746637927525322014-12-09T15:09:00.002-08:002014-12-09T15:09:36.825-08:00Paris to Normandy: Le Mont Saint-Michel et Crépon - France Vacation -- Day 9It's funny to me that it wasn't long ago that I was waking up in the morning to go feed the chickens and do my morning chores. Today I woke up to get ready long before the sun rose, to catch the train to Rennes to start our two day trip on the Normandy Coast of Northern France.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>After our 5 1/2 hour nap yesterday afternoon/evening, it was hard crawling into bed after "dinner" to attempt sleep. But I managed to grab a few more hours before my alarm went off at 5 AM. We awoke, showered, packed and made our way to Montparnasse to catch our 7 AM train. The Metro stations were quite a bit busier today, unlike over the weekend when we caught the early train to Tours. But we managed to make it to the train, find our seats, and settle in for the 2 hour journey across the countryside.<br />
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The sun started to peek above the horizon right around Le Mans, which is about 1/2 way from Paris to Rennes. There was a hard frost that covered most of the ground, but the ponds and rivers were still bustling with ducks and other water birds, even in the pre-sunrise hours. As the sun made its way up, the sky was painted with pinks and yellows while long light clouds stretched across the sky. One thing I've noticed, and grown to love, about the French countryside is that in their fields they tend to clear all the trees except one or two. The starkness of the cleared field is broken by this one large, gnarly branched tree reaching upwards and outwards. I don't know if this intentional on their part, or why these trees still stand. But I appreciate their beauty in an otherwise flat landscape.<br />
<br />The train made a brief stop in Laval where people got off and others boarded the train to Rennes. An older lady sat in the seat opposite Michael and I, and it became apparent that she had a love of corduroy. Her pants, jacket and purse showed this. But she sat down, and slowly undid her braided hair, ran a comb through it and then went to re-braid it. It wasn't a fancy braid, more of a practical one...but what struck me odd about it was how she did it. She of course separated her hair into three pieces, and while she was working with two, the other one was held firmly in her mouth. And when it came time to use that one, she pulled it out and replaced it with another one. It took all I had not to laugh at the blank look on her face as she alternated strands of hair into her mouth. You could tell this is something she did on a daily basis, so that it almost became another mindless task.<br />
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As we pulled into Rennes we gathered our things. We made our way to the car rental place, signed our lives away and headed to the parking lot. We reached our car, loaded our things and set to getting the GPS ready. After my love/hate relationship with Timmy, I was quite nervous to see what was in store for me. Well, "British Male" was to be the new friend for our trip. As we started driving, I quickly began to realize that he, while not Timmy, was also a bit of an ass. At one point I said, "Damnit Robert!" And henceforth he became known as Robert. Robert doesn't talk as much as Timmy did, but Robert beeps whenever you start to go over the speed limit. Timmy would display the speed limit, and leave the rest up to you. Robert doesn't show you what the speed limit is, but beeps obnoxiously at you when you start to go over it. Timmy used to give you multiple warnings about upcoming turns. For example, if there was an upcoming series of turns within a short period of time, the words spewing forth from Timmy would sound like, "In 20 meters turn right, then turn left, turn right, turn le...turn right. Turn left now." It's a wonder I didn't drive into a building with Timmy leading the way. Robert on the other hand isn't much for words. He tends to tell you, "In 200 meters, turn right." And then he doesn't say anything...until you miss the turn because there are two turns quite close together and his little arrow didn't move correctly. After you miss it he starts to tell you to "Turn around." Sorry Robert...I am on the motorway and I can't just flip a cookie here to please you.<br />
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Robert and I fought most of the way to Mont Saint-Michel. But he did his job by getting us there...so I give him that. More on Robert later.<br />
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We arrived at Mont Saint-Michel a little before 11 AM. As we neared the coast you could see it towering in the distance. I'm going to be 100% honest, I hadn't heard of it before...just like I hadn't heard of many of the châteaus we visited. So when you see this beautiful creation rising up from the mud flats, it takes your breath away. Mont Saint-Michel is an Abbey that was built on a hill that is surrounded by water during high tide, and then mud flats when the tide goes out. It was built here to provide protection from invasion, and between the water and the mud, it proved to be quite effective.<br />
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The one downside to it right now is that they are using heavy machinery around it to help the river move more of the sediment away from the mont so it didn't turn into a hill. Also, they are preparing it for the 2016 Tour de France, where it will start. So there is a lot of work happening, scaffolding climbing the sides of the abbey to do repairs as well. But that being said, it was easy to ignore all of that as you approach it. Did my explanation make sense? Probably not...so here are some pictures of the information they provided!<br />
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We parked our car and decided to walk out to it. It was about a 45 minute walk, but it was worth it. We arrived at the entrance to the village that sits below the Abbey and started to make our way up the steep, narrow streets. Everything is decked out for Christmas right now, and I love to see how they've converted certain parts into restaurants, hotels and gift shops. I don't know why, but I love to look at them and ask, "Do you think this is original? Or did they modify this?" Michael just rolls his eyes. I'm sure the joke got old after the 1st time I said it to him...but for me...makes me smile every time. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawwGHUoA5vyxGWOW4DToNFs1wijLOrjtydu0w454L4VabYvlQY_gjOVPffVOP2U-ZcqoGR4jnSgtp-1rr54vkKNWE-EhyFtakdCvGnrGFsGYe5cXvxogL-MHf1iRDYJ36MOC2Yr2Q3N0/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawwGHUoA5vyxGWOW4DToNFs1wijLOrjtydu0w454L4VabYvlQY_gjOVPffVOP2U-ZcqoGR4jnSgtp-1rr54vkKNWE-EhyFtakdCvGnrGFsGYe5cXvxogL-MHf1iRDYJ36MOC2Yr2Q3N0/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An English cannon :)</td></tr>
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We took a little detour on our way up, stopping through the home of Betrand du Guesclin, who was a Knight of the Middle Ages. That's about all I know about him...and that comes from the sign out front. Well we made it to the entrance to his home, and were surprised at how many Euros they wanted to tour it, but we felt obligated to do it. Word to the wise...don't. Look at my pictures, and you'll see enough. While interesting...it's nothing really worth paying 9 Euros a piece for. They had some wonderful furniture pieces as well as some interesting books...and the one thing that really made us go..."Ummm...Okay!" was a chastity belt. Take a look at that picture and appreciate the fact that you live in the century that you do!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally found my knight...in not so shining armor!</td></tr>
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After we made it to the top of that tour, we were just below the entrance to the Abbey. We purchased the audio tour and made our way into the Guard Room, then up the Grand Degré, which is the staircase that goes up between the abbey buildings and the church. The walls of the church tower on your right, while the walls of the abbey buildings stretch up on the left. When you reach the top you come out onto a terrace that looks towards the mainland. You can see the mud flats all around and the causeway that they've built to access it now, during modern times.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eeWAQA-DP7oQg09HX0xoqivx9vikK3WgbfS26csQPw6K5jJrKz0AQxmGN-_91TTsbEd2jzYb56YUcCfMTHe5gtZ5G2q7UjNJQM62_RsTEEATOYQz2hbj6Y_cQy3tSvd1TxNiAi04UlA/s1600/IMG_8286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eeWAQA-DP7oQg09HX0xoqivx9vikK3WgbfS26csQPw6K5jJrKz0AQxmGN-_91TTsbEd2jzYb56YUcCfMTHe5gtZ5G2q7UjNJQM62_RsTEEATOYQz2hbj6Y_cQy3tSvd1TxNiAi04UlA/s1600/IMG_8286.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guard Room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcqLC7-xob8zqwJPWCr8HHaIOreQDH5vuWHxh-VYpbThCINvQgxjOUxBtqUtvMG9KYnhW2gI7QVazL0uyzo6TJ9jsxdkLdWrsj_gZT7VDKDRhKFesV1RBFxeoxGMy77YIjfJrj6diKZg/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcqLC7-xob8zqwJPWCr8HHaIOreQDH5vuWHxh-VYpbThCINvQgxjOUxBtqUtvMG9KYnhW2gI7QVazL0uyzo6TJ9jsxdkLdWrsj_gZT7VDKDRhKFesV1RBFxeoxGMy77YIjfJrj6diKZg/s1600/IMG_8287.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Degré</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1LPHD_O_uEl3-fYqn146HhulR1Kgrqi_H3ji3tU0o1rpjcDj5RX6gPBJh6qtEYpDpntDuH-pdGbXKDklVlgncxjC7DQ8aShyRHas2weeQSRllwNOZ7v1G0k2bmGVfOpyqKCDpr_gaNw/s1600/IMG_8293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1LPHD_O_uEl3-fYqn146HhulR1Kgrqi_H3ji3tU0o1rpjcDj5RX6gPBJh6qtEYpDpntDuH-pdGbXKDklVlgncxjC7DQ8aShyRHas2weeQSRllwNOZ7v1G0k2bmGVfOpyqKCDpr_gaNw/s1600/IMG_8293.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The abbey buildings on the left...church on the right</td></tr>
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The tour continues onto the west terrace which looks out over the west and north. It was amazing to see while we were there how far the tide went out in such a short period of time. You could truly see how effective those flats were as a defense. After the terrace, we made our way into the abbey church. They were doing quite a bit of restoration work throughout Mont Saint-Michel, so I wasn't really able to capture the true beauty of everything. But the ceilings soar above you, and the walls are broken up by stained glass. In one part of the church you could see the pipe organ. Sadly, it had a bunch of scaffolding around it, but nonetheless, it was beautiful. The thing that really caught my eye in the abbey church was this rope that hung from the ceiling in the very center of the church. It was the rope used to ring the bells in the bell tower!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKPzNIN_EZKCYo8z94liwn9Jtjpqu_IEwhsZN5f8mJBv2AZI0P_6lXHWnkcdIUqn12-reTrwf0BKtNM9SEV_bQXulni6ZuND_bUq5843lTK9J7tyP7NapzuL9I__V1eTs7kgxG9eFjkU/s1600/IMG_8327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKPzNIN_EZKCYo8z94liwn9Jtjpqu_IEwhsZN5f8mJBv2AZI0P_6lXHWnkcdIUqn12-reTrwf0BKtNM9SEV_bQXulni6ZuND_bUq5843lTK9J7tyP7NapzuL9I__V1eTs7kgxG9eFjkU/s1600/IMG_8327.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rope to pull the bells</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GWDSrfHe_hhy77TFFUfsBFB8s5K_hqCsGLL3xJchNFKNSL6DEwnzr1bA0kcgbgWgJp1NxBmQRl9rvXhIkIuMQXzhcMs5puC1Jmj9di8zD38dHxHcswldu9w_xyqiUIA3z64lc4CsJ7M/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GWDSrfHe_hhy77TFFUfsBFB8s5K_hqCsGLL3xJchNFKNSL6DEwnzr1bA0kcgbgWgJp1NxBmQRl9rvXhIkIuMQXzhcMs5puC1Jmj9di8zD38dHxHcswldu9w_xyqiUIA3z64lc4CsJ7M/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going all the way to a hole in the ceiling of the church!</td></tr>
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From the abbey church we moved out to the cloister. This had to be one of my favorite parts of Mont Saint-Michel. In essence, it was a rooftop garden with beautiful galleries surrounding it. I can't even use words to explain it's beauty, so I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.<br />
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We made our way back inside and continued the tour which took us down further and further into the heart of Mont Saint-Michel. You pass by several more chapels that are "underneath" the main church abbey. You could tell the difference in status the lower you went. The bottom level, while beautiful, was very simple, while the further up you went, the beauty was more evident.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5nzdy704BAxUtVSFjn_nBKmlY6L_IzX3b80ef54ERuU9NC-ztQ173rKT9Zv_NpUxPJGYFM1A9Qxjen6Z3eoEBhFGoyGVbpWpD5mrpXdcbPXr6YGMBWrbPtsuJzdG-fxHpHC9gYay8GY/s1600/IMG_8349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5nzdy704BAxUtVSFjn_nBKmlY6L_IzX3b80ef54ERuU9NC-ztQ173rKT9Zv_NpUxPJGYFM1A9Qxjen6Z3eoEBhFGoyGVbpWpD5mrpXdcbPXr6YGMBWrbPtsuJzdG-fxHpHC9gYay8GY/s1600/IMG_8349.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The refectory</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iivT6FR9_FE7auAciNA-pQ3cQUeWDf-eOBL9u0dgsOUq-EudCroGfDI0o6nfAzDpkfznWLfnZ1c4j21dQm5wAI7aHKAKNvRK0Rwj34jWHT5MvHRU1jkUNg8gnozMF7kdTp9wcLwHvFc/s1600/IMG_8375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iivT6FR9_FE7auAciNA-pQ3cQUeWDf-eOBL9u0dgsOUq-EudCroGfDI0o6nfAzDpkfznWLfnZ1c4j21dQm5wAI7aHKAKNvRK0Rwj34jWHT5MvHRU1jkUNg8gnozMF7kdTp9wcLwHvFc/s1600/IMG_8375.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When taking this picture I kept singing, "Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heaven's Door..." ;-)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHeCGasuT2KR5qAplkgoYyUxSHMYgjSwVCu8iQlUcEkAZUSJIdr-zk3_OO8nArKT1BDPYOQYacHuqrBG6QKbLdc1CCgpG_0FnYpPoNvskAyZJ8EerAWE5YElwYCfoyu8uFq6IZD9nOk8/s1600/IMG_8388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHeCGasuT2KR5qAplkgoYyUxSHMYgjSwVCu8iQlUcEkAZUSJIdr-zk3_OO8nArKT1BDPYOQYacHuqrBG6QKbLdc1CCgpG_0FnYpPoNvskAyZJ8EerAWE5YElwYCfoyu8uFq6IZD9nOk8/s1600/IMG_8388.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Etienne chapel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDV4YYgYcV_a2mcNqMFgvsnlYP05G-YsLYYWD5aOncqUHMh4hdMDkFQSfqQhMrBCEFEeSpveo2Q1xtfJ7G5wpZlhLIBDy-wKM0rssrWYkgjkWty5yOJJTaaD9eYAxOJtR8LCvpCbZOTY/s1600/IMG_8394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDV4YYgYcV_a2mcNqMFgvsnlYP05G-YsLYYWD5aOncqUHMh4hdMDkFQSfqQhMrBCEFEeSpveo2Q1xtfJ7G5wpZlhLIBDy-wKM0rssrWYkgjkWty5yOJJTaaD9eYAxOJtR8LCvpCbZOTY/s1600/IMG_8394.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The North - South stairs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CDVJA_7fHqdnNI6rAlJ4Xi8XKgF0Zrufz0eFVNVMVwFH12HjUA8SuHz25YJzmXj-v_hOqZ_JLx4ZRKNjvyxRLr2T03qV5QaWf9M3FLtH7rJMmdgVcU-uuNF9EhaRAA_7O8r2uM185I4/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CDVJA_7fHqdnNI6rAlJ4Xi8XKgF0Zrufz0eFVNVMVwFH12HjUA8SuHz25YJzmXj-v_hOqZ_JLx4ZRKNjvyxRLr2T03qV5QaWf9M3FLtH7rJMmdgVcU-uuNF9EhaRAA_7O8r2uM185I4/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knights' Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj790lUH7PGIc3ygzv_LK0RjhfY-NORb_wWMEEXwlaoIBXXYar2hdwUYWRMUFCJau-Gos5k1vNjI8x228f3bIOZ_q4uoFSYvU075YKPCVO-OK6CMqSKcrarbVUnpN8SfwatqITchUKAGho/s1600/IMG_8409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj790lUH7PGIc3ygzv_LK0RjhfY-NORb_wWMEEXwlaoIBXXYar2hdwUYWRMUFCJau-Gos5k1vNjI8x228f3bIOZ_q4uoFSYvU075YKPCVO-OK6CMqSKcrarbVUnpN8SfwatqITchUKAGho/s1600/IMG_8409.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staircase down to the almonry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4xohy3s_ikaqNlBh4cUJYqG7Z96J5pETVKC35HBi-_J-XK8pZ8WI6yZ5_8I2m-20X7RYwrkrhoC7ELJSjGKfFtFLsr9FBewBBFxufJzpYskvZAMMBQK0fi1WKuccv_-oM8tNPZ6ligU/s1600/IMG_8412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4xohy3s_ikaqNlBh4cUJYqG7Z96J5pETVKC35HBi-_J-XK8pZ8WI6yZ5_8I2m-20X7RYwrkrhoC7ELJSjGKfFtFLsr9FBewBBFxufJzpYskvZAMMBQK0fi1WKuccv_-oM8tNPZ6ligU/s1600/IMG_8412.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The almonry</td></tr>
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After the audio tour finished, we walked around Mont Saint-Michel, and were surprised by how free we were to walk anywhere we wanted. Most places have things blocked off, and signs telling you where you can and cannot go. This seemed to be a bit more lax. I was able to take some wonderful pictures, but sadly I don't feel that any of them were really able to capture the true beauty of Mont Saint-Michel.<br />
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We made our way back to the car and started our journey to Crépon, which is where we are spending the night. Robert and Michael had a brief fight in the parking lot, and then I took over the fight as we tried to get out of the parking lot. Robert wanted me to go one way (which happened to be all ripped up with construction) while I knew we needed to head back the way we came. Robert kept telling me to take routes that would turn me around and head back the way he initially told me to. I didn't listen to him, instead I made my way back to the main roads. But we did stop by the Ancien Moulin de Moidrey, which is this beautiful windmill. After that brief stop, it was time to get back on the road.<br />
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We made it back onto the motorway, Robert trying to get me to turn around the entire time, and headed towards Caen. When we got closer, we knew we didn't want to go all the way into Caen, but rather we wanted to head north towards Beyeux. So we took the exit marked "Beyeux." This pissed Robert off, and he kept telling me to turn around to head back to the motorway. Well we laughed as Robert kept telling us, and we continued to ignore him. Then Robert got quiet. He seemed to have gotten on board with our idea of heading north, and he recalculated the route. We started to let our guard down. Then Michael pulled out his phone and opened Google Maps. As Robert was instructing me what to do at the round a bout in 80 meters, Micheal yelled out, "Wait! Don't listen to him!" Here we thought that Robert was on our side again, but he was quietly planning how to get us back to the motorway, one round a bout at a time. Sneaky bastard. As soon as we caught on to him he started telling us to turn around. At that point, Robert's volume was turned down as we'd had enough.<br />
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We finally made it to Crépon and pulled up to where we are spending the night, Ferme de la Rançonnière, a 13th Century Farmhouse. Michael found this place on Expedia, and being the off season, and last minute, we managed to score another smoking deal. Such a fantastic place! We checked in, settled into our room, then went to walk the grounds so I could take pictures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the part we are staying in. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our room makes up the 2nd floor of the "tower."</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway to our room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from the doorway in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back towards the door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bedroom</td></tr>
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After taking pictures we had some time to kill before dinner. Both Michael and I were starving because we hadn't eaten since we left Paris! So we made a mad dash to the grocery store that was 4 km away in Graye-sur-Mer. I have to tell you, the country roads around here are narrow one lane roads, paved...but one lane. And the French drivers drive like bats out of hell! Michael held his breath while I was driving because I'd have to pull off the road because a car came flying by us. But we made it to the store and back with time to eat our snacks, rest a few minutes then head to dinner.<br />
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The ambiance of this farmhouse is definitely worlds different than Domain de La Tortiniére. A few nights ago we were treated to a fine dining experience. Tonight, we were treated to a nice meal, with a homey feel to it. The dining room was set like that of a home, the food was good, but wasn't quite as polished as that in the Loire. But nonetheless we had a wonderful meal. We shared 1/2 bottle of wine then started our meals. I ordered the Trio of Goat Cheeses for my first course, then we each had Norman Apple Sorbet with Calvados, for my entree I had Stuffed Chicken Breast with Neufchâtel cheese and cider sauce. And for my dessert I had Puff Pastry with Caramalized Apples with Salted Toffee Ice Cream.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Course</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entree</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert</td></tr>
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After this wonderful meal, we made our way back to the room where it's now time to crawl into bed. We've had another long but wonderful day here France. Tomorrow we have a few other stops we are making our here near Crépon before we head back to Rennes to catch the 9 PM train to Paris. I can't believe how much we've packed into the last few days, but it's been wonderful!<br />
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Well my friends, I'm going to get some rest because I know Robert is currently brooding in the car trying to figure out how to mess us up tomorrow! Wish me well!<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!<br />
<br />The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com4Crépon, France49.316261 -0.5498420000000123849.274855499999994 -0.63052300000001238 49.3576665 -0.46916100000001237tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-41808398127857618032014-12-08T16:26:00.000-08:002014-12-08T16:26:56.452-08:00Mustard and Relaxation - France Vacation -- Day 8Bonjour, mes amis! Today was our one day of down time in Paris between our trip to the Loire and our trip tomorrow to Normandy. And I think that we took full advantage of this day in many ways!<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This morning we woke up around 7 AM, but I laid in bed until around 8:30...I won't lie...it felt wonderful. The past week we've definitely been on the go each day with early mornings and late nights. I think that the lack of sleep finally caught up with me, and it showed today!<br />
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After finally rolling out of bed I went down to the convenience store and the boulangerie...came back up to our flat and made us a fried egg and some other things for breakfast. I was looking for orange juice this morning and they only had clementine juice. Let me tell you...it is much better tasting than regular orange juice! And because I'm writing about it...I think I need another glass! Ha! It's got a nice bold flavor.<br />
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After breakfast I finished uploading yesterday's blog...okay, okay...I typed yesterday's blog! **hangs head** I usually am able to keep up with the blog, but the lack of good WiFi at the castle made it hard two nights ago so that put me a day behind. But now I'm caught back up...hopefully our upcoming trip will have some more reliable WiFi...but I don't know.<br />
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While I was writing the blog, Michael was working on getting our trip to Normandy all set up. I'm excited for what's to come ahead! Just like before I'm going to leave you all hanging just a little bit on what we have planned, and I think you are going to like where we are staying. And again, it's the off season, and last minute booking so we were able to get a smoking deal on our suite! :)<br />
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After I finished blogging, and Michael finished booking our trip, we decided to make our way out into the city. We planned on trying to go to the top of the Tour Eiffel, but due to the weather they had the top deck closed. I took a few pictures of the Tour Eiffel and we continued on to the next thing we had planned. We made our way across the Seine to the area near the Palais Garnier, where we saw the opera last week. We made our way to the Maile store. The last time we came to Paris, Michael's sister gave us a crock that she and her husband purchased there when they came for their honeymoon. When you buy a crock of the mustard, you can use it up, then clean it and bring it back to have it refilled. Well, that time it was closed, as was everything else in France that trip. :) But luckily for us it was open today! And Michael's sister told us it was such a fun place to go. How can a mustard store be fun, you ask? Well my friends...let me tell you! ;-)<br />
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Okay so in the store they have little tiny breadsticks, I'm sure they have a name lol, and you can try several of their mustards. Some are wonderful...and some don't really suit our tastes. But that being said we killed about 30 minutes in there looking around, tasting and figuring out what we were going to buy. I won't lie, we spent an obscene amount in there, considering it was a mustard store! LOL. But we bought ourselves somethings as well as some gifts for other people. So it was all worth it!<br />
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After our stint in Maile, we decided to cross back over the Seine, or under in our case, and grab lunch before heading to the MonoPrix (grocery) and back to our flat. We were going to eat at this crêperie, but we didn't see anything on there that truly caught our eye. So we went to a place on the corner. We had a grumpy waiter, Monsieur Grumpy Pants. I ordered a Croque Madame, and he brought me a Croque Monsieur. Normally I would have been like, "Oh well...I'll just eat this it'll be good." But because of his grumpiness I went up to someone and said that this wasn't what I ordered. A few minutes later they brought my same plate back with an over easy egg just slapped on top of the croque monsieur. The whites weren't quite set, so it resembled snot...but I wasn't about to send it back a second time because I knew that they would just spit on it even more! LOL<br />
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After we ate our lunch, we went to the MonoPrix to get wine and laundry detergent...great combination, no? :) And then it was time to head home. After returning Michael was playing a game on his computer while I caught up on messages. And then I decided to take a little nap. Well, this little nap turned into 5 1/2 hours! We woke up at around 9:30 realizing we missed dinner time. LOL Paris closes early! So what did I do? What any housewife would do, that's what!<br />
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I threw together a meal for us. We each had a fried egg on our plate with sliced baguette. And to go with that, Michael had stinky cheeses and smoked salmon. I had a mixture of salami and smoked bacon. Yum! And of course we had the wine that we bought earlier in the day. As we were eating Michael said, "For missing dinner out, we sure are feasting here at home!" I smiled knowing that pulling dinner out of the air is what I do. :)<br />
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**Sidenote** As I'm sitting here typing this blog, the Tour Eiffel is no longer lit up throughout, but the twinkling lights are going right now. It's AMAZING! I will NEVER tire of this view! **end sidenote**<br />
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Well I should head to bed. Our train leaves tomorrow morning at 7 AM from Montparnasse. I'm looking forward to this trip, and I look forward to your feedback on it as well! I hope that you all have a wonderful day! And remember to check out my RHOSC FaceBook Page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/trhosc" target="_blank">(Click Here)</a>, the RHOSC Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/rhosc" target="_blank">(Click Here)</a> and don't forget to leave me comments here on what you think!<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com2Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.856614 2.3522219000000177 48.856614 2.3522219000000177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-76750493951762294572014-12-08T03:07:00.000-08:002014-12-08T03:07:04.257-08:00Château de Chenonceau, Château de Villandry, Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and More of the Countryside - France Vacation -- Day 7Bonjour! We have finally come to the end of Day 7 of our wonderful vacation here in France. I can't believe everything that we've done...and so excited for everything that we still have coming down the pipeline! If I haven't said it before...I feel truly blessed that we are fortunate enough to travel! But enough of that...let's talk about our day! Ready?<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This morning we woke up at around 7:45 AM. I won't lie...it was hard to roll out of bed. It seems like we've been having some late nights and very early mornings. But I honestly wouldn't trade it for the world. When we returned to our flat in Paris tonight I looked at Michael and said, "It feels like we were gone for weeks!" It's so funny how amazing vacations can fly by but feel like they've lasted much longer, in a wonderful way!<br />
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After getting ready and packing up this morning, we made our way to the car and let it warm up since there was frost on the windows. As we let it warm up, we decided to walk around a little bit. I can't believe how beautiful the grounds of Domaine de La Tortinière are! The trees are magnificent, and the fallen leaves just add to the charm. There is a swing hanging from a low branch on this beautiful oak tree. Its the kind of thing that every child should have in their life growing up. It was just such a peaceful scene. And of course I couldn't help but having Michael taking a picture of me while I was swinging. :) I'm still a kid at heart.<br />
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When we got back to the car, the windows were still covered with frost, so I had to improvise. Thank goodness I brought my Safeway Rewards card! ;-) <br />
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After checking out we decided that our first stop of the day would be Château de Chenonceau. We made our way through the countryside and into a little town called Athée-sur-Cher where we found a little boulangerie, as well as a little trailer where a woman was selling roasted chickens! So cute! We made our way into the boulangerie, and I said good morning and the woman looked at me like I had 8 heads. So I said, "Bonjour, deaux pains au chocolat et une baguette, se il vous plaît." We paid and went on our way. :)<br />
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Driving through these little towns its amazing how narrow the streets are! In the U.S. we have so many large cars that would never fit down most of these streets! It's so crazy! But its also part of the major charm that these little towns hold. The front doors open right onto a narrow sidewalk and the street, the alleyways are cobblestone with the walls full of shuttered windows. I could just walk through these little towns all day...well until it was time to get some food. Then I'd drive...and fight with Timmy some more!<br />
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We made our way up to Château de Chenonceau, and walked up the Great Drive towards the château. Michael pulled me off the drive to check out the maze that was designed by Catherine dé Medici. There was still frost on the ground and on the hedges that made up the maze. It was so quiet and so peaceful, we were the only ones at the maze at that time. After walking through it and snapping some pictures we made our way back to the Great Drive and continued on.<br />
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When we are walking up these magnificent drives, or on the grounds of any of these châteaus, I can't help but think about what it would be like to live during those times and walking the grounds. They built these places as homes, fortresses and "vacation homes"...you could say. I bet they had no idea that hundreds of years later millions of people would walk the great halls admiring the work that we could never replicate with the tools they had.<br />
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I took huge amount of pictures today, and I wish that I could post each one of them in this blog...but it would take too long, so I will post them all on my SmugMug account after we return to Seattle.<br />
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Château de Chenonceau was built over Le Cher, and I have no idea how they accomplished this amazing task. In today's world we'd pound pilings into the river and create a wall to divert the water. They didn't have this luxury. The castle was built on the original site of fortified castle. And it was originally just the main "keep" that was built. But Diane de Poitiers had a bridge extended across Le Cher so Henry II could cross it to hunt in the forests on the other side. She's also responsible for creating the gardens on the north east side of the château. She had them raised up to protect them from the flood waters of Le Cher.<br />
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After we toured the gardens, we made our way into the château. The people there had fires going throughout and it was quite pleasant inside, unlike in Château de Chambord where I thought my hands were gonna freeze off! :) We again bought the audio tour and made our way through all the rooms. The most impressive were the Galleries. These were built on top of the original bridge that Diane de Poitiers had built. It was Catherine dé Medici who ordered the two great galleries to be built so she could host lavish parties.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Great Galleries</td></tr>
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The château was all decked out for Christmas...trees in most of the rooms, trees in the alcoves in the galleries. It was so amazing to see. Granted I know that that is a modern touch, but one can only imagine how this château was decorated for parties and every day life. The floors in the Gallery were beautiful! They were a checkerboard pattern with white freestone and black slate...they extended the entire length of the room and made it feel massive...well it was massive...but I digress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TSPv18-Xx6D2iZMkOdxHo4bRzth23dON-LFCrd-Byzr6uyDFbLw9EUmMgfIcqnfpCtgtPsVFowoJ37BT0_CRADgIRM76DSzyNOvDYrZqVhO9amn8y2BnsxZIqeRXLjeZcB4L6jKQV4c/s1600/IMG_7833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TSPv18-Xx6D2iZMkOdxHo4bRzth23dON-LFCrd-Byzr6uyDFbLw9EUmMgfIcqnfpCtgtPsVFowoJ37BT0_CRADgIRM76DSzyNOvDYrZqVhO9amn8y2BnsxZIqeRXLjeZcB4L6jKQV4c/s1600/IMG_7833.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bread Oven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boucherie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJB9RQakTd7hLNJcdVT_SkBV9lUIaBoSJ4PckM88etmlyDIwD379XBNxoeCLXUwwcIPEGJvW7EgjZs5rEvVLRHxlcGyGlsN9tMN7uuMS5hBqwmDPBAB3Ie7PML2eoajUmAN3gXLFNJZZA/s1600/IMG_7841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJB9RQakTd7hLNJcdVT_SkBV9lUIaBoSJ4PckM88etmlyDIwD379XBNxoeCLXUwwcIPEGJvW7EgjZs5rEvVLRHxlcGyGlsN9tMN7uuMS5hBqwmDPBAB3Ie7PML2eoajUmAN3gXLFNJZZA/s1600/IMG_7841.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how they drew water up into the kitchen from Le Cher</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt6bjBY1WrHsmEJvcvJbmTDZKXmE9J3i1QWueq7iHLI_SysoyJGXf7TVfsk0NIS_BhWVB11FTMh3djEMHj0gFFIXCWNHzkdTRTvPWfqAAR4HuVdmRFQ0YXMJKcX_YTrVxgdP9rvy4Mws/s1600/IMG_7851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt6bjBY1WrHsmEJvcvJbmTDZKXmE9J3i1QWueq7iHLI_SysoyJGXf7TVfsk0NIS_BhWVB11FTMh3djEMHj0gFFIXCWNHzkdTRTvPWfqAAR4HuVdmRFQ0YXMJKcX_YTrVxgdP9rvy4Mws/s1600/IMG_7851.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This will be in my new kitchen hahaha</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ERKcNWMuo3bIm-4ixzUXJwXLiXTGIAAzkpN-IIxBC7zQNTTL1Odb9LZhrZLKUByTPsUe2bvcfYnqcQMVkbz-lPYq2mMKSu9GpZKPfAgjAcCkJuogO6dax4xGNDegcIoqWTB9slNUhzg/s1600/IMG_7917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ERKcNWMuo3bIm-4ixzUXJwXLiXTGIAAzkpN-IIxBC7zQNTTL1Odb9LZhrZLKUByTPsUe2bvcfYnqcQMVkbz-lPYq2mMKSu9GpZKPfAgjAcCkJuogO6dax4xGNDegcIoqWTB9slNUhzg/s1600/IMG_7917.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shows the stages of it being built, renovated</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This black Christmas tree was gorgeous! It was in Louise de Lourraine's bedroom. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her bedroom was decorated in black because she moved there to mourn her husband King Henri III who was assassinated.</td></tr>
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After touring the entire château we walked through the 16th Century farm yard and through the gardens where they had the green houses. I think Michael had a little garden envy. The massive amount of space they had there for their gardens was impressive, and I can imagine them being tended daily so they could harvest food to feed the kings, queens and their guests.<br />
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While Château de Chambord was amazing, Château de Chenonceau was more interesting for us to walk around. Michael said you can tell the difference between when a King creates a château, Chambord...and when a Queen (or the King's favorite lady) creates one. The rooms in the Château de Chenonceau felt like they were meant to be lived in, and it felt welcoming. Château de Chambord seemed like it was all about a man flexing his muscles and his wallet to show others what he could create, and then not ever spend much time there. But that being said, both are exquisite!<br />
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After we finished Chenonceau, we made our way to the Château de Villandry. When we arrived there was only one other car that had pulled up, and they walked in so we followed. The tours of the inside of the château were closed but we were still able to walk the grounds and the gardens. We made our way up to the terrace and then onto the lookout over the gardens. Stunning! While we would love to see these full of flowers in the spring or summer, we know that at this time of year we aren't fighting the crowds that come along with those. It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves!<br />
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We walked through the water gardens, where they had an enormous pond...and it happened to have two swans that were swimming around. We made our way through the gardens, the hedges and around the little fountains that were shut off for the winter. Michael insisted that we do the maze, so I agreed. We made it to the center and I told him we should race to the exit...he would take one route and I would take the other. Without knowing how the maze was laid out...I happened to choose the one that only went through 1/4 of the maze. Michael had to run through 3/4 of it! I was standing at the exit laughing while he kept yelling..."What the heck! How long is this???" I reminded him that the maze was his idea.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the terrace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Le Cooper</td></tr>
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We made our way back to the main part of the château and decided to walk along the moats. There were two other swans swimming so while I took pictures of them, Michael was off doing heaven knows what. I heard a loud creaking sound and Michael had opened up a LARGE door that led into a big rotunda and courtyard. I couldn't believe that he did that! LOL After snapping a picture of the rotunda we decided it was time to head out.<br />
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We were making our way back to Tours so we could get dinner and catch our train back to Paris...but Michael wanted to take in one more château. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau sits nestled in the trees built by the notary and secretary of the King, Gilles Berthelot. For some reason the château was open for free, so we gladly took the tickets and went to walk around. We didn't do an audio tour on this château because we just wanted to do a quick walk through so we could get back to Tours before dark.<br />
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This felt like a home, you could tell that people truly used this as their residence. We toured through the Great Attic, the aristocrats apartments and the ground floor of the château. The warm tones of the woods used was so welcoming. The carvings done in them was simple yet elegant. I'm happy that we made this little stop on our way back to Tours.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The drive up to the castle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Great Attic</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I adore the spiral staircases</td></tr>
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We got into Tours right around the time it was getting dark and I had to make my way down the main streets to get back to where we had to drop off the car. We also needed to put diesel in the car. We found a gas station and the pumps look nothing like those in the U.S. So I walked inside and the cashier didn't speak a lick of English...so we made hand gestures. HAHA. Apparently I needed to pump then pay. So I went out and filled up the tank. And apparently the automatic shut off on the pumps aren't quite like those in the U.S. either. Why do I know that you ask? Because diesel came shooting out from the tank and down the side of the car. I kept picturing the scene in Dumb and Dumber where Harry was filling up his Shaggin Waggin and he was getting gas all over. We looked for towels but there were none, so we wiped up the best we could and made like sheep and got the flock outta there! And don't worry...I did pay! :)<br />
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We had dinner at this place that was inside Gare de Tours. I welcomed a LARGE beer as well as a burger and some fries. I know...what the heck...BUT that's what this place served. And it hit the spot. We then made our way out into the streets to walk through their Christmas markets. Such a wonderful evening.<br />
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We caught the 7:30 PM train back to Paris, transferred to the Metro then came back to the flat. As we walked in I couldn't help but feel that we had been gone for weeks and I said, "It's so nice to be home." :)<br />
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I am currently a day behind in my blog posts...BUT...this will be posted overnight for you to read when you wake up! I just need to get some sleep so I can be bright eyed and bushy tailed for tomorrow! I plan to sleep in! :)<br />
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Well thanks for traveling to The Loire River Valley with us! I hope you've enjoyed the tours of the châteaus as much as we have! We are going to spend tomorrow in Paris and then take the train up to the Normandy coast on Tuesday! I'm absolutely loving this trip! And just like yesterday's post, I'm not putting up that many pictures in this post...but I will post all of them on my SmugMug account when we return to Seattle!<br />
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com4Paris, France48.856614 2.352221900000017748.856614 2.3522219000000177 48.856614 2.3522219000000177tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1623464011617228486.post-16480660243554087922014-12-07T14:21:00.002-08:002014-12-07T14:33:54.504-08:00La Loire...Château de Chambord, Blois et Domaine de la Tortinière - France Vacation -- Day 6Bonjour mes amis! Well today has been a big day! I just finished uploading all the pictures I took from my phone to my computer! And let me tell you...I took a TON! So this post will be more words than pictures, and when we return to the U.S. I will upload them all to my SmugMug account! Sound good?<br />
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<a name='more'></a>This morning we woke up in our flat in Paris. After just a few hours of sleep I reluctantly rolled out of bed and made my way to the shower. For once I didn't have much to say. Michael tried to make conversation but I think I merely communicated in a series of grunts, groans and side eye looks. Yea...apparently The REAL Housewife of Snohomish County was a *little* cranky this morning. But I hopped into the shower, got dressed and packed for our trip to the Loire River Valley.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the Metro.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay...ummm...I think it's *that* one! ;-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our train.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had my train ticket and my croissant. I'm ready for the trip.</td></tr>
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Michael has been to the Loire before, on his first trip to Paris when he was in college. This was my first experience. We made our way from our flat to the Metro, and then on to the high speed rail. It was a quick hour and a half trip from Paris to Tours, where we were going to pick up our rental car. Right now, the sun doesn't start to make an appearance until around 8 AM...so as we were flying through the countryside I couldn't see much except the moon. It was what I call a harvest moon. Normally you see it like this in the early evening...it's when the moon is enormous and it's almost as if its too heavy to make its way up into the sky so it sits low on the horizon. And the color of it is similar to one of the yolks from our fresh eggs. I stared out the window at the moon, thinking of some friends back on the other side of the pond. Karry Ann told me before I left that when she looked up at the moon she'd think of me, and that I'd possibly be looking up at it too. Well we both were. :)<br />
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The closer we got to Tours, the more the sun started to make it's way above the horizon. It lit up the French countryside that was dotted with old stone farm houses, small towns with cathedral spires jutting up into the air, and also showed the fog that was slowly rising from the lower areas. Everything was quiet, and still waking up. I imagine that the only sound was that of the train cutting it's way across the landscape.<br />
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When our train pulled into Tours, we made our way to the car rental place, but they weren't going to be open for about another half hour, so we walked around outside the station for a few minutes and then went back in to hang out. I think one of the things I've loved most about this trip is the people watching. Everywhere I look there are always young couples that are sitting on benches embracing each other, stealing kisses...romantic, right? ;-) Yea, after a while it gets old...I feel like a curmudgeony old woman who is like..."Oh yea...why don't you get married to them and see how long this cutesie, pukey stuff lasts!" LOL I think I need more sleep!<br />
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When the rental place finally opened, we made our way in and got the information for the car and headed out to the parking lot to find it. The key for the car is the shape of a credit card, but the thickness of like four or five of them and it goes in a slot just below the stick shift to start it! After we found that, we fired it up...and then tried to get the GPS to work. Once we got that all figured out and the address programed in it was time to back up and get out of there. Only there was one...little...problem. How the hell do you put this thing in reverse? It wasn't the normal gears of the US cars I've driven. We pulled out the manual, which was all in French, and had no luck figuring it out. I contemplated walking into the office building in front of the car and asking them, but LUCKILY something in me said...pull up this little "sleeve" thing beneath the head of the stick shift. And VOILA! It released the stick so it could move further to the left to go into reverse! Holy cow...that was about 20 minutes of our lives...forever lost.<br />
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As we pulled out of the parking lot and onto the roads one thing really hit me...I have no flipping clue what any of the French street signs mean! What's the speed limit? Why does it say 70 with a red circle around it and then a little further down the road the 70 has a big black circle around it with a slash going through it. What's this thing that looks like a snake? Does that mean "s" curve? And why in God's name are there Right and Left turn arrows coming out of the center dashed lines?! Yea, this was what was going through my mind while trying to look at the GPS, maneuver all the round-a-bouts and try to not get run over by the other drivers. All the while Michael is going....you're doing good...can you imagine if I actually tried to get us to buy a paper map instead of spending the money on the GPS? To which I replied..."I would have rolled you out of the car about 3 km ago!" ;-) We had a good laugh and then it was time to hit another round-a-bout! Both hands on the wheel!<br />
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We made our way up the Loire River Valley to the first castle/chateau that we wanted to see. And that happened to be Le Château de Chambord. Michael had been to this one before, but was excited to go back and actually do the audio tour. Again...audio tours...a GREAT IDEA! As we got closer to Chambord, I could see it starting to rise in the distance. I honestly had no idea what to expect because I didn't look any of these up before we left. So driving up to it was my first glimpse!<br />
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We pulled into the parking spot and made our way up to the château. Of course I had to take some pictures. ;) Who could resist. And I've said it a million times, but pictures do not do any of these things justice. It's so hard to gauge the size of these structures without standing beneath their towering walls. We made our way inside, purchased two tickets and two audio tours. When we got to the door the ticket taker saw that the cashier charged us for 2 enfant audio tours. Well she marched us back over and they began to talk about how we owed them more money. Michael stepped in telling them they charged us the correct amount, and that we didn't owe any more. It just printed the wrong ticket. I stepped back and looked at the floor as Michael got a little agitated...and finally got his way. By the way, he was right. But from that point on I decided that whenever he does something that embarrasses me on this trip I'll say in my best French accent, "Rude American!" and walk away. Good plan, right? I thought so too.<br />
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Well after we straightened that all our we made our way into the courtyard of the castle. This is truly a magnificent work of art. We walked around following the audio guide as it led us through the King's Royal Quarters, the chapel, the Queen's Quarters, the royal apartments for guests and the magnificent staircase that started in the middle of the ground floor of the keep and stretched all the way up past the terraces. Honestly it was breath-taking!<br />
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The audio tour helped us step back in time to see what it was like to walk through those great halls and what it must have been like to be a visitor trying to get an audience with the King. It also gave us a great feel for how cold it gets inside these castles/châteaus! They had a few fires going in a few of the fireplaces, but that didn't do much for the warmth of the rest of the place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road in front of Chambord...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp75gh8JN_t3GRlgrz8GJXUWHWMnnQhcUYL-TbAl7jRbq8YcPI-MA6oifgUtUF2tWPDnVuxfF58i20RVc8_7siGW46LfyY54FkHguVYXJN4ZHHwxCCrXH8uzXVraDyPLm9k8I8AtN5jbU/s1600/IMG_7380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp75gh8JN_t3GRlgrz8GJXUWHWMnnQhcUYL-TbAl7jRbq8YcPI-MA6oifgUtUF2tWPDnVuxfF58i20RVc8_7siGW46LfyY54FkHguVYXJN4ZHHwxCCrXH8uzXVraDyPLm9k8I8AtN5jbU/s1600/IMG_7380.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this château looks good on me!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietE-Sul0iJeWAOYdgIQMzQPVfvXvcpM0ONOgYdIFXJP1rayo29jmUUx54BSYjmMiRwju-XeuoTDDyIdTePdZgpmPCOIfd_nL5UbwLc8ackMjPbIqrguHzx5mP-TLm338ocW-1BLauKIo/s1600/IMG_7396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietE-Sul0iJeWAOYdgIQMzQPVfvXvcpM0ONOgYdIFXJP1rayo29jmUUx54BSYjmMiRwju-XeuoTDDyIdTePdZgpmPCOIfd_nL5UbwLc8ackMjPbIqrguHzx5mP-TLm338ocW-1BLauKIo/s1600/IMG_7396.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH91OVUzmYcr5SzlnY3TSXgNHHp1Tv84waHe1otCJVc4-SGh1rjuvsboKiyUFllfv085VbsEqvTZjgAiGgOg_Vs-xUUGbsydEGVnqQ-I3YRaTmHH_JuDYOiGykoCkZQqa9KSVLcaenrE/s1600/IMG_7410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH91OVUzmYcr5SzlnY3TSXgNHHp1Tv84waHe1otCJVc4-SGh1rjuvsboKiyUFllfv085VbsEqvTZjgAiGgOg_Vs-xUUGbsydEGVnqQ-I3YRaTmHH_JuDYOiGykoCkZQqa9KSVLcaenrE/s1600/IMG_7410.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't resist.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsag2EAaeGijbPvQ9ONoYrjqE4Azha6vN_KylFXQJ2F2rhJZQcPi8udLJ0voXXHWBGeNjNsrggLr3Yn1qYZiXl5vSNrK9hzvfT4gg03W5RHa5TRWEGIUrO0RwD4Jn4XWmPrbyhMxzO74/s1600/IMG_7417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsag2EAaeGijbPvQ9ONoYrjqE4Azha6vN_KylFXQJ2F2rhJZQcPi8udLJ0voXXHWBGeNjNsrggLr3Yn1qYZiXl5vSNrK9hzvfT4gg03W5RHa5TRWEGIUrO0RwD4Jn4XWmPrbyhMxzO74/s1600/IMG_7417.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay...I can't resist these things no matter where they are! Come on!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPwaCCuEuwkkJTjVQ34u6E4JCI2VkdqEHcVIikl_hXJkeDsMGjDubTwcX52Vu4-DmQ007xJRDjPg3m6qHkTXnOan4Ria4CHNuka9EUzr3HiT-XzfeBlX_jnAqnVgFlWpV0nBGuz6iyRs/s1600/IMG_7419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPwaCCuEuwkkJTjVQ34u6E4JCI2VkdqEHcVIikl_hXJkeDsMGjDubTwcX52Vu4-DmQ007xJRDjPg3m6qHkTXnOan4Ria4CHNuka9EUzr3HiT-XzfeBlX_jnAqnVgFlWpV0nBGuz6iyRs/s1600/IMG_7419.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBsQdDgcprLhSZEdopE24qZyY7CIvqhFzc2d7qtQ9diPSjBwSRmcQnw0WPgWVe5qGMtKfz0ZRrhBTyOQAsFIck2VUu83ndPgELDM5DvHXUNBgNlhPEhvq1UfCic2aLUtAyP56c3udKmk/s1600/IMG_7420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBsQdDgcprLhSZEdopE24qZyY7CIvqhFzc2d7qtQ9diPSjBwSRmcQnw0WPgWVe5qGMtKfz0ZRrhBTyOQAsFIck2VUu83ndPgELDM5DvHXUNBgNlhPEhvq1UfCic2aLUtAyP56c3udKmk/s1600/IMG_7420.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The is the staircase. It is amazing! It is TWO staircases that swirl up the center. </td></tr>
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During part of the tour, we made our way into a room that looked as if it had been roped off, but there were people inside. Michael and I walked in and looked around, I took some pictures. It wasn't long before we were the only ones in the room, and someone comes in yelling at us in French. Apparently...we were NOT suppose to be in there. There was a group of Asian tourists who were just ahead of us for most of our time there, I think they took down the rope and opened the door and went in. They didn't get caught, but we received a good stern talking to. The guy seemed pretty serious (I had no idea what he was saying), so we just left and didn't make eye contact. Whoops!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y0Fb3mefmXZW7dZ6pCl1cMouUFbVjRyNfzB7NGfHFY4TvR-1G8KJ-qwMRcLAbAzbdUg6iS41VcSALoOpwYPGh6Ov5hW3qPYA5Zm-mYpVGQjwnKMLBfY1ajCtgf_wDOyQ1Z-fBk5596o/s1600/IMG_7429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Y0Fb3mefmXZW7dZ6pCl1cMouUFbVjRyNfzB7NGfHFY4TvR-1G8KJ-qwMRcLAbAzbdUg6iS41VcSALoOpwYPGh6Ov5hW3qPYA5Zm-mYpVGQjwnKMLBfY1ajCtgf_wDOyQ1Z-fBk5596o/s1600/IMG_7429.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was looking at this picture when I got yelled at. LOL</td></tr>
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As we made our way up each floor in the castle it was amazing to see all the rooms, hallways and staircases. When we were in the King's Royal Quarters, there was a staircase that went down from one of the galleries. It was apparently built to go right to the moat. King Francois I decided that he was going to reroute a portion of the Loire River so he could be boated directly to his door whenever he traveled there. Or in case of an attack or an emergency he could be slipped out the back. Well needless to say, they never rerouted the river, so this staircase just went to the moat and was never used.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajr2um83vh3hQVhGDrG2nTSFbIbP90ZrXpJw1O1sXubkzBopzL2IqffFExmRxeHwPBp0gytmlhs0C1l6E_umD9wfkOriJ0N_X-r6zZH1WRj5vI7QNAD9U_rCPV260Vggq2RzBA_VYrQg/s1600/IMG_7450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajr2um83vh3hQVhGDrG2nTSFbIbP90ZrXpJw1O1sXubkzBopzL2IqffFExmRxeHwPBp0gytmlhs0C1l6E_umD9wfkOriJ0N_X-r6zZH1WRj5vI7QNAD9U_rCPV260Vggq2RzBA_VYrQg/s1600/IMG_7450.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the staircase that leads down to the moat.</td></tr>
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There is so much I could say about this beautiful place, but I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. I'll try to caption as many of them as I possibly can. I hope you enjoy the tour of my summer estate! ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhfPMkCH1ItaBMXE4dtxyJNxqzFCeGdBAcuj7u6xeiv-ZN9VQ8anzQDh-cm0TWwGvYVYZDEmoDGntwKbnQOvC7FsFuYYECuw8kvXK8AzC8ON2d-7N-7-uYnwAXOXNYZwHtgKA22KydyQ/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhfPMkCH1ItaBMXE4dtxyJNxqzFCeGdBAcuj7u6xeiv-ZN9VQ8anzQDh-cm0TWwGvYVYZDEmoDGntwKbnQOvC7FsFuYYECuw8kvXK8AzC8ON2d-7N-7-uYnwAXOXNYZwHtgKA22KydyQ/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from the bottom up the center of the grand staircase. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPW31Gq74gdu9zMo4PSJiHVvNZEC-hM1sHXWUi65c7YDbVo7XSVvDeha7ef9wWUMhAH4EKRVufy51oBCpFrYiTafUgs0ImvVXKHBp9Uh8mcv-cshWln6m8joolCb3AyAUtMQHanhT8_I/s1600/IMG_7461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPW31Gq74gdu9zMo4PSJiHVvNZEC-hM1sHXWUi65c7YDbVo7XSVvDeha7ef9wWUMhAH4EKRVufy51oBCpFrYiTafUgs0ImvVXKHBp9Uh8mcv-cshWln6m8joolCb3AyAUtMQHanhT8_I/s1600/IMG_7461.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chapel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VsVThOTwuUP04n1pEzuEBbzMW0FepseG3V5-95xuurCUI7w0D0hrpOSiyTotswkHgX5tKD0_7rgUAoCAhSmRdPYHR0a5z3AU6Wp06RTn5xto8LK-89p51Jd9cp57E8KRNdqckgE7s98/s1600/IMG_7504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VsVThOTwuUP04n1pEzuEBbzMW0FepseG3V5-95xuurCUI7w0D0hrpOSiyTotswkHgX5tKD0_7rgUAoCAhSmRdPYHR0a5z3AU6Wp06RTn5xto8LK-89p51Jd9cp57E8KRNdqckgE7s98/s1600/IMG_7504.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love that most of the doors need two keys to open them.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiIl0QpIcaos8JBvLSsyw-Mg-2yFKRMsBM4UbtjjMczVWUitYDPAf6HUwu7raxS6mVm3lEnYoSpiJXzlBexE3fNdNfCBwbn2Wl2N7E5b3J3UPIL7rPdsj-coL6M2sDOKn1JAs9CWJ5tE/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiIl0QpIcaos8JBvLSsyw-Mg-2yFKRMsBM4UbtjjMczVWUitYDPAf6HUwu7raxS6mVm3lEnYoSpiJXzlBexE3fNdNfCBwbn2Wl2N7E5b3J3UPIL7rPdsj-coL6M2sDOKn1JAs9CWJ5tE/s1600/IMG_7523.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out over Le Cosson.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlGejPOjHWFfouEd_tRb686WNBQmyz8j4g5_XGD-3vrfCM_bN96mZvgitGHCaB33LmTUqeghS8Tjq5D5AMkGuwDh5-M4fkGrsKZ_6YKm-1WKcTnzir8CsSpPBiHnyXAvGjHAwSUOjiZ0/s1600/IMG_7525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlGejPOjHWFfouEd_tRb686WNBQmyz8j4g5_XGD-3vrfCM_bN96mZvgitGHCaB33LmTUqeghS8Tjq5D5AMkGuwDh5-M4fkGrsKZ_6YKm-1WKcTnzir8CsSpPBiHnyXAvGjHAwSUOjiZ0/s1600/IMG_7525.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This staircase is so breathtaking! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarFJWExW3Kobo3qr43UpfyVpZeN3dI-vtX1Tb-FI0gPbYbluRxVpcG8rMj53ZTkkjBTIlNlsN2oL2z_IkLDT6sWHgvhpTNODJufjHFzFz86mGKgnxyQGO13SCORNTbBqjZNm_XzzI68s/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarFJWExW3Kobo3qr43UpfyVpZeN3dI-vtX1Tb-FI0gPbYbluRxVpcG8rMj53ZTkkjBTIlNlsN2oL2z_IkLDT6sWHgvhpTNODJufjHFzFz86mGKgnxyQGO13SCORNTbBqjZNm_XzzI68s/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek a boo! You can see people walking on the opposite staircase through all the windows!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhS0ODKI7BnmPx986ukr54eA5ct7NCsHdcttStQDuUTKOMgRPU26cZp0mDizbXVwdKudB9xYtndVNgoi3cUutqHJzIGB6dgCV7pAXFTcOxBKOch84VOgy7tOARmAGmQKMFTg3P9QJG3Y/s1600/IMG_7531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhS0ODKI7BnmPx986ukr54eA5ct7NCsHdcttStQDuUTKOMgRPU26cZp0mDizbXVwdKudB9xYtndVNgoi3cUutqHJzIGB6dgCV7pAXFTcOxBKOch84VOgy7tOARmAGmQKMFTg3P9QJG3Y/s1600/IMG_7531.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the terraces to the south.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvh9CU0zzlrgkn2-hU9HaFBrsap2kejUZXbmnAxc8ofIfYXWwDY_J_s_O9C1NuEXC89SOWDCkmdJjELa8um9p6PPb6rBUPQI8VBrDIsjJ48nM_SM88ejbGOLS52fbi3mjbycsOvnGGcU/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvh9CU0zzlrgkn2-hU9HaFBrsap2kejUZXbmnAxc8ofIfYXWwDY_J_s_O9C1NuEXC89SOWDCkmdJjELa8um9p6PPb6rBUPQI8VBrDIsjJ48nM_SM88ejbGOLS52fbi3mjbycsOvnGGcU/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the rain spouts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKATcMGHbOeL2yEqdUl4sFvXh_7HJ6DxVnsXXR3PrMLLScVy77hWufZE2vA38dUGfQXV_oaeg7qgTAwFYS6nZcMQ7i-pVMkwRH6yjbzagICk8yFT3ke03JD_Ikdu-WJNA_VDiokzq65lc/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKATcMGHbOeL2yEqdUl4sFvXh_7HJ6DxVnsXXR3PrMLLScVy77hWufZE2vA38dUGfQXV_oaeg7qgTAwFYS6nZcMQ7i-pVMkwRH6yjbzagICk8yFT3ke03JD_Ikdu-WJNA_VDiokzq65lc/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the very top of the inside column of the grand staircase.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGbYSRgip2vt0pOebOghSAkKEpg-dC9Y3VTqmCt0hFRjqV_d1bhK7bybzfu_qdhIFqP5nJoIMd16ryqxFoobn8vTliJWSk977W2JDTAkEnUcaTAv5w3PdNUrNiQi3dlHTmtXwzmX0XXo/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGbYSRgip2vt0pOebOghSAkKEpg-dC9Y3VTqmCt0hFRjqV_d1bhK7bybzfu_qdhIFqP5nJoIMd16ryqxFoobn8vTliJWSk977W2JDTAkEnUcaTAv5w3PdNUrNiQi3dlHTmtXwzmX0XXo/s1600/IMG_7567.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridge of Le Cosson</td></tr>
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After we finished touring Chambord, we decided to make our way back down to Blois for lunch. I have to say that I'm completely head over heels in love with the towns in the French countryside. They are so cute and charming! The buildings are made of stone and have been standing for hundreds of years. As we made our way back to Blois we turned the GPS back on and decided to use the voice command feature. We chose Timmy who was apparently British. Timmy was an ass. There, I said it. Man that makes me feel better. Timmy was annoying, rude and led me in the wrong direction. We were trying to make our way to a restaurant that Michael had looked up on Yelp...so like true tourists...we trusted Timmy. Well, Timmy told me to turn right and then follow a road up and make a left and there would be the restaurant. Well...because of Timmy...I may or may not have driven down a pedestrian walkway through the middle of an open air market...and driven the wrong way down a one way street. The entire time I was telling Timmy to shut the hell up because he kept telling me to turn around. Michael was sitting next to me laughing while I was have a shouting match with Timmy. Needless to say I got back onto the main road, told Timmy to go to hell and found parking further down the road. Stupid Timmy.<br />
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We made our way through the side streets in Blois and came upon this cathedral that Michael saw from the main road. It is so amazing to be walking through these narrow cobblestone streets then coming into an open plaza with a cathedral rising in front of you. We stepped inside the cathedral and I snapped a few pictures before heading on our way. We managed to find the restaurant, we went in and the guy behind the bar gave us a mean look, said something in French and motioned for us to turn around. We think that they close after the normal lunch time before they do dinner service. So we continued on and walked down the pedestrian pathway that I drove down just a few minutes before.<br />
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We found a place in one of the squares, went in, were greeted, seated and fed! The food was pretty darn good. I ended up getting the "Chef's Recommendation of the Day." And Michael got another fish dish. :) The recommendation was a braised lamb shank with roasted fingerling potatoes and a salad. It was quite delish and definitely warmed up my belly after walking around that chilly château and having that fight with Timmy. Stupid Timmy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdoZhbH7F4u441bHSFOGl81HoWW0bh1nZzUrVCBy9C2VXjFOPBQQqfGypLNY9hF_cSf0yE1e9bW2VMhgkTSB4GbqsvG0AuUNLOf4a2b5Xi4tpN1sI5oZCW0GgM9DXEVhqwngOv2PpnJ4/s1600/IMG_7592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdoZhbH7F4u441bHSFOGl81HoWW0bh1nZzUrVCBy9C2VXjFOPBQQqfGypLNY9hF_cSf0yE1e9bW2VMhgkTSB4GbqsvG0AuUNLOf4a2b5Xi4tpN1sI5oZCW0GgM9DXEVhqwngOv2PpnJ4/s1600/IMG_7592.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike's lunch...pan fried mullet with a pasta tossed with a salmon and cream sauce. He liked it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mikey had to get dessert. :)</td></tr>
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After lunch we decided it was time to head down to where we were going to be staying for the night. Michael told me that he found this smoking deal online and that we were staying in a castle. Okay...seriously...I was expecting something similar to The Bates Motel. First of all we drove...and we drove...and we drove...and we drove. Making our way down narrow country roads, past fields of fava beans, pastures full of chickens and sheep. And stacks of hay bales lining the road. It felt so quaint.<br />
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We finally arrived in Veigne, where we were staying, headed across a narrow stone bridge that went over the railroad tracks and came to the gate of "Domaine de La Tortinière." We drove this road that wound through the forest and finally the castle came into view. Now this isn't a castle in the sense that I was thinking, it was more of a grand estate. But nonetheless it's a castle, or that's what they tell us! :) This place apparently get's four and 1/2 stars on what ever site Michael found it on. We made our way to the reception area and were greeted by the front desk staff. They checked us in and a lovely young lady was put in charge of leading us to our room and showing us around. I'm always so impressed by how well most people here speak English. My hat is off to them, even when they stumble and act shy I'm like..."Oh believe me, you are leagues ahead of me!" They usually smile and continue talking.<br />
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She led us to what I think used to be the stables on the property. We aren't staying in the main château, but we were happy because they upgraded us to a bigger room! Score. Not only did we get this for almost 50% off the normal rate of the room...we got an upgrade! She explained to us how the WiFi works, and told us to feel free to walk around the grounds and let them know if we'd be having dinner here at the restaurant or going into town. She let us know that there was a menu posted outside the main château. So after settling in, we started to walk the beautiful grounds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first view of the château driving up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqymgoj0u_zipkAOJxYQLYs1ChW1pE7xbE77sMYL874A4wlgFPiunwp419hyphenhyphensFYNvXtSjX3vz7duAO13aQ3Pzp0EisIhnBVQaeOMq4_0ZbnbcnXnFstvTF5VfM5AFd3GOUvQyW679FDI/s1600/IMG_7625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqymgoj0u_zipkAOJxYQLYs1ChW1pE7xbE77sMYL874A4wlgFPiunwp419hyphenhyphensFYNvXtSjX3vz7duAO13aQ3Pzp0EisIhnBVQaeOMq4_0ZbnbcnXnFstvTF5VfM5AFd3GOUvQyW679FDI/s1600/IMG_7625.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the sitting room on the lower level of our suite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JwvzyfZ7Ym1k_5pKG5DYMYsvfNMZuB-UQqIJblvofv9r8qd7q7mHK0M0rHhoXtQFtn2eCtrdL-95mdt6LSq14xm6Ij-FGuWI9lbvZCZ6dTalV46GqNqzuCKFlMQpN3y54XdnFG-f5qY/s1600/IMG_7626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JwvzyfZ7Ym1k_5pKG5DYMYsvfNMZuB-UQqIJblvofv9r8qd7q7mHK0M0rHhoXtQFtn2eCtrdL-95mdt6LSq14xm6Ij-FGuWI9lbvZCZ6dTalV46GqNqzuCKFlMQpN3y54XdnFG-f5qY/s1600/IMG_7626.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The door to our suite.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wc7E8Y-xDM3mD_lJKkM1H-BwSusei4i_60kfT7AyMcHQ-UHkgDqxo3wMn-ts6objTaUNtoerSNp6KUCn18FdRSDXWBFhQwYNum2PoJhW9XQNxKB5zShsiLqakm5vIkVd1WwEIWrmLsI/s1600/IMG_7627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wc7E8Y-xDM3mD_lJKkM1H-BwSusei4i_60kfT7AyMcHQ-UHkgDqxo3wMn-ts6objTaUNtoerSNp6KUCn18FdRSDXWBFhQwYNum2PoJhW9XQNxKB5zShsiLqakm5vIkVd1WwEIWrmLsI/s1600/IMG_7627.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cute reading corner on the lower level.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh107t3fXnyqmv0ACyDt9zC-9omxsrc-sQagYJePRNEBPyfbpWiadDghb-Rvgy7pwq3v-5rKfuigM3wIcKA64_Q_EAlebS5YrtkuX8wVIFtykjl60qmt26MvmWD9d6wqZCEKlA59v_0Yk/s1600/IMG_7628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh107t3fXnyqmv0ACyDt9zC-9omxsrc-sQagYJePRNEBPyfbpWiadDghb-Rvgy7pwq3v-5rKfuigM3wIcKA64_Q_EAlebS5YrtkuX8wVIFtykjl60qmt26MvmWD9d6wqZCEKlA59v_0Yk/s1600/IMG_7628.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staircase that leads to the bedroom.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAzE1osiFHQK_wmjQD-8lgRNydV9GRe00OKO_QuCTrQ96WjaC_-m6VuSdWIBQmQoIywfk5D5Rg6UKbYZ3yNnh1NEQah4Nbz4ifRKx1cumS3FaRodDEHvKNkKmeFIdbVGsKRXh4lKAZFo/s1600/IMG_7630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAzE1osiFHQK_wmjQD-8lgRNydV9GRe00OKO_QuCTrQ96WjaC_-m6VuSdWIBQmQoIywfk5D5Rg6UKbYZ3yNnh1NEQah4Nbz4ifRKx1cumS3FaRodDEHvKNkKmeFIdbVGsKRXh4lKAZFo/s1600/IMG_7630.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnyhh4ialZXlyEcVsLXN_JXFXhmOP1ocQKiDVrvoc3UqTn1rjPPmMm7sFfmXhnaRH7Pnn-WJTcc7Oj5EjMmvYRoB303ZxlibCRTuA6z3dYZZkb_bYBya7nHDzSXGjkb0e8OENkmms3DM/s1600/IMG_7631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnyhh4ialZXlyEcVsLXN_JXFXhmOP1ocQKiDVrvoc3UqTn1rjPPmMm7sFfmXhnaRH7Pnn-WJTcc7Oj5EjMmvYRoB303ZxlibCRTuA6z3dYZZkb_bYBya7nHDzSXGjkb0e8OENkmms3DM/s1600/IMG_7631.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had our own little terrace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The desk where I typed this blog. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjYAm99FZhVWxnVBHzbatYttSQsS59fhA_NXrJ7_KieXDOISzzjWkwpjI8-mxOjpEwxV3GplLVEfX-Yc1leRlg3BuzW2JUlKJOesfxETPmw225xNXf7cWjn9s1-IlQSgGIifDUw_4i74/s1600/IMG_7633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjYAm99FZhVWxnVBHzbatYttSQsS59fhA_NXrJ7_KieXDOISzzjWkwpjI8-mxOjpEwxV3GplLVEfX-Yc1leRlg3BuzW2JUlKJOesfxETPmw225xNXf7cWjn9s1-IlQSgGIifDUw_4i74/s1600/IMG_7633.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom is on the right...the closet and toilet are on the left.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-NIaCQcoua7qjnmRFPJA6RQSbNpqrBWxbuDq0h85odqPY4nWrEFTPLNxPoQePDSwkRVt8VDCjM3JQQCS8WpEBIoPFcvMpZjjE1ZLQv64mwgwwPfgYz07FY45M24EdhYcerNncC41VIo/s1600/IMG_7635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-NIaCQcoua7qjnmRFPJA6RQSbNpqrBWxbuDq0h85odqPY4nWrEFTPLNxPoQePDSwkRVt8VDCjM3JQQCS8WpEBIoPFcvMpZjjE1ZLQv64mwgwwPfgYz07FY45M24EdhYcerNncC41VIo/s1600/IMG_7635.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was literally an RV bathroom in the closet! LOL</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EVsgA9lu-C8onHNz1F31eatbPu-ioIWS0SKVjUiCUGdShPjZuHRTRXw4QhPykNScBxihYVGBu2pVxFcIokRE2UeU5nsnbpT75c4YU2d_qrM-uU_emdtuRaXBS0BCACpKYrhvbZhFZn0/s1600/IMG_7646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EVsgA9lu-C8onHNz1F31eatbPu-ioIWS0SKVjUiCUGdShPjZuHRTRXw4QhPykNScBxihYVGBu2pVxFcIokRE2UeU5nsnbpT75c4YU2d_qrM-uU_emdtuRaXBS0BCACpKYrhvbZhFZn0/s1600/IMG_7646.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of the château...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zRPX2Hx9WeLplPddNZfM9u04TgfGovDgIiReefTrL-0rn2Idajyvurm_pPBlEvBfgG5D_X5VtGl3Ylc1JW4nticnvzYeV04-cuaULG3An6UM-ZxjXX_uwMfNApY8JsoEsNOVxYVy9K4/s1600/IMG_7657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zRPX2Hx9WeLplPddNZfM9u04TgfGovDgIiReefTrL-0rn2Idajyvurm_pPBlEvBfgG5D_X5VtGl3Ylc1JW4nticnvzYeV04-cuaULG3An6UM-ZxjXX_uwMfNApY8JsoEsNOVxYVy9K4/s1600/IMG_7657.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these two trees dancing in the sunset.</td></tr>
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We made it here right about the time the sun was setting in the distance. The colors were fantastic and to view it from in between the trees just magnified it. I walked down to the front side of the château and saw two deer in the meadow below, they of course ran off not long after I walked towards them. I snapped some pictures of the château and then continued walking up the road towards the main gate. I was surprised by some local wildlife...a cat that clearly roams the property. He was quite friendly and followed me to the gate and back to the château.<br />
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We looked at the menu and decided that we would in fact stay on site for dinner. So we told the front desk then headed back to our suite so we could take a quick nap. After the nap we woke up, and made our way to dinner.<br />
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I have to say that I wasn't sure what to expect...but I was honestly blown away. We've eaten at a lot of places in Paris and other cities...and we've paid some pretty hefty tabs. But rarely does the food seem like it's on par with the pricing. Here...it was. We were taken down to the dining room and given champagne and some little nibbles. Mike was the taste tester to see if any had fish. One did, so he got them both LOL. I managed to have two of the others though. We asked for help picking out a wine and the waiter did a great job. Michael explained what he looked for in a wine and the waiter pointed to one...and let me tell you...it's the kind of wine we like. We have had a hard time finding wine we like here on this trip.<br />
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When it came time to order dinner, I ordered for the first course - Hot breaded Camembert cheese with leek, cider emulsion. For the entree - Pan-fried skirt steak of Angus, shallots and balsamic vinegar sauce. For dessert - Shortbread biscuit with creamy caramel and poached pear. Très magnifique! Just look at the pictures! The cheese dish was amazing! The steak was fried to perfection and was tender and melted in my mouth (hard to do with skirt steak). And the dessert...well need I say anything?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzh0wWe8ZLTPPCYBe0ZuOOOLiK69kiK9tutpWGNI-noT6ZIHrtHoPyG745sJcZmy4k4FPH6k0HAe75XIg-aqf7U3YI1K7uehfHvJav5GMpuR1bz-SmDs7-_5RhyXyLclf1a8ulOEyZqeM/s1600/IMG_7685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzh0wWe8ZLTPPCYBe0ZuOOOLiK69kiK9tutpWGNI-noT6ZIHrtHoPyG745sJcZmy4k4FPH6k0HAe75XIg-aqf7U3YI1K7uehfHvJav5GMpuR1bz-SmDs7-_5RhyXyLclf1a8ulOEyZqeM/s1600/IMG_7685.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dining room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Menu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ9stjQlk0Dz8BzvhGvBsw5BDK7hESxZRcOaUgucZ_F8giv9zGQanMhJRuNHl4ApbcNLGvCIuarKKDaojUfWkws29hCEltPckwSSsoWjPunXEJwZt7dxS2caSSw8RMQhGfdyMvwdFVMM/s1600/IMG_7687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ9stjQlk0Dz8BzvhGvBsw5BDK7hESxZRcOaUgucZ_F8giv9zGQanMhJRuNHl4ApbcNLGvCIuarKKDaojUfWkws29hCEltPckwSSsoWjPunXEJwZt7dxS2caSSw8RMQhGfdyMvwdFVMM/s1600/IMG_7687.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Champagne</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Course </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entree</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiJgrZkltjQx2xvKao6-5pn-9EAmtn6GIhimjpO1_udGR8HVcaZhk2Zhic__qBYcrQ6p00UEajL0F6FkS23dq58ES5ZOU8I3TunC6hVDMDSrypVde4__P0Q4SuYDKneNRWFlQH3GdM2o/s1600/IMG_7690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWiJgrZkltjQx2xvKao6-5pn-9EAmtn6GIhimjpO1_udGR8HVcaZhk2Zhic__qBYcrQ6p00UEajL0F6FkS23dq58ES5ZOU8I3TunC6hVDMDSrypVde4__P0Q4SuYDKneNRWFlQH3GdM2o/s1600/IMG_7690.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboPquO8l0MzkUXAFyQUfzQcJ-pER6kGS8K0QGIrm-fBufrIjQlT5zXKAdWQpckX4FvzkNqI4QkXrm8XF6_L1KL-4RtzfATdbQBazlAOLUp4ExqjJ5jwCA1gGmlEIhFPnRf0eEF8wV-Tc/s1600/IMG_7691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboPquO8l0MzkUXAFyQUfzQcJ-pER6kGS8K0QGIrm-fBufrIjQlT5zXKAdWQpckX4FvzkNqI4QkXrm8XF6_L1KL-4RtzfATdbQBazlAOLUp4ExqjJ5jwCA1gGmlEIhFPnRf0eEF8wV-Tc/s1600/IMG_7691.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little coffee.</td></tr>
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I almost forgot, they started us with a small glass votive of something. The waiter brought it and said it was fish in a cream sauce. I told her I didn't eat fish and she whisked mine away and came back a minute later with a warm goat cheese and cream sauce. Both mine and Michael's, the fish, was amazing! And I couldn't believe that they actually brought me something!<br />
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We made our way through dinner, enjoying every bite. And I even ordered some coffee at the end. What? Who am I? :) Yea...it was that good of a meal.<br />
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And now here I am...sitting here telling you all about our day while Michael sleeps behind me. I think it's time to crawl into bed. We want to visit one or two more châteaus tomorrow before we head back to Paris. We'll see if we can fit them in!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwLk1qq2kMPFeiZUz0qmukUOUzug8NVW4wOR985DCIrRPj7B2mNgnawqPw93xob8pTh3MCWIZzkGpHEu-sMXE7NfQUStUafzWECe0Ae1UqN6Zqy4EhR_x7h9VPpWnXmpW57gx3F5f9yg/s1600/IMG_7674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwLk1qq2kMPFeiZUz0qmukUOUzug8NVW4wOR985DCIrRPj7B2mNgnawqPw93xob8pTh3MCWIZzkGpHEu-sMXE7NfQUStUafzWECe0Ae1UqN6Zqy4EhR_x7h9VPpWnXmpW57gx3F5f9yg/s1600/IMG_7674.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Domaine de La Tortinière.</td></tr>
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Until next time...Keep Cookin'!<br />
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The REAL Housewife of Snohomish Countyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716573783394291080noreply@blogger.com8Chambord, France47.614158 1.516878000000019747.528536 1.3555165000000198 47.699780000000004 1.6782395000000196