tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9259597871160991522024-03-12T21:43:21.180-05:00Sidetracked RandomnessI've been a sidetracked everything all my life, but I really do get things done when I want to (usually at the expense of more important things). This is to capture & embrace my "Randomness"!raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-27394940977739080382018-04-18T04:54:00.001-05:002018-04-18T04:55:32.860-05:00Celebrating Another Year Alive!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Game night, Joyce & me celebrating at Terry's.</div>
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My daffodils did NOT bloom for my birthday this year!</div>
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My Sunday morning birthday cake, made by Mickaela! </div>
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Birthday gifts from Saturday night. Wine glass flip flop/coaster!</div>
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I was hoping to clean up my garden area & spend sometime in the fresh air over my birthday weekend, but Chicago's idea of April was rain, snow & cold! So, I'm hoping for a do over this weekend!</div>
raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-7365273078130576322015-09-09T01:16:00.002-05:002015-09-09T01:16:53.508-05:00It all started on a Monday morning!<div class="mobile-photo">
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To be continued for the next 70+ days!<br />
No work, out of the house. More work inside of the house, one handed, with the family, no escape!<br />
Explanation, another day!<br />
A good time to start posting to my long neglected blog since I have no place else to go for a while! There's more than enough things to do at home that I always put off because I'm too tired or don't have time or just don't feel like doing! Now I have the time but not the other arm necessary to complete most of the things on the ever expansive "Things To Do" list!<br />
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Regret sucks!</div>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-79043264506683830832015-03-06T23:35:00.000-06:002015-09-08T23:40:50.489-05:00Last minute birthday gift for Dad!<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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A business card/gift card holder for Dad. He's always had tropical fish & I had this fabric sitting around for another project for him that never happened. It was really quick & easy and I made a second to have for my brother's birthday a couple months from now. He's another fish enthusiast!</div>
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By the way, Dad love it & was amazed by the fabric! I guess he's never been in a fabric store!</div>
raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-57851714931270841562014-01-04T16:00:00.000-06:002015-09-08T23:06:16.756-05:00Happy New Year 2014!<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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On my way to the airport.</div>
raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-64926990039795236342013-06-03T14:00:00.000-05:002015-09-08T23:01:13.723-05:00The Start of Something New<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cqFZAn-5sT9arVIJ6-dmtcoJOo44Y5Xg05dc4DuffTv7nHP9T0UDWLjuPlq0laAaL0yYMIe246ftJxXAXxgGjQcAP2M9cSrGnMiSXtqt1IK087LGskJoRE_pNgJ_JfUJlB5sNYcEwlYB/s1600/0609130747-719464.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5887448916285057874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cqFZAn-5sT9arVIJ6-dmtcoJOo44Y5Xg05dc4DuffTv7nHP9T0UDWLjuPlq0laAaL0yYMIe246ftJxXAXxgGjQcAP2M9cSrGnMiSXtqt1IK087LGskJoRE_pNgJ_JfUJlB5sNYcEwlYB/s320/0609130747-719464.jpg" /></a></div>
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More on this later!</div>
raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-71110843426728495592013-04-28T10:31:00.000-05:002013-04-30T10:45:07.936-05:001st Breakfast of Spring -Alfresco<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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The canopy is on the screenhouse in the backyard a little earlier this year than previous years. Yesterday was nice and Mom & Dad were stopping by with my birthday Pansies, and Terry & Fran were coming by later that evening. Since Jeff was around, he thought it should be put up to make it a little more cozy to sit out there. For me, it will just be another thing to worry about with all our abundant Spring rain lately since the water pools up in the corners & has to be emptied.<br />
Although, I must say, it was very peaceful to have a quiet breakfast in the yard with the birds singing to me.<br />
Coffee blended with coconut oil in my CMQG mug, an egg made in my new micro mc muffin maker & the most awesome apple strudel ever, brought as my birthday cake from Mom & Dad, and my 20 Minute Vegetable Gardener book, completed the perfect recipe for a Sunday morning! Thank you Universe!raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-54438883790050723312013-04-17T20:48:00.001-05:002015-09-08T23:29:47.259-05:00CMQG Spring Retreat<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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Chicago Modern Quilt Guild's Spring retreat was the weekend of my birthday! This pin cushion was a gift from my friend Beth who didn't attend the retreat. How thoughtful & a really awesome pincushion! Project completed at retreat were the turtle stuffy for a charity event, two pouches for my daughter's soccer bags, make up washcloths, and a composition notebook cover. </div>
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What a great weekend!</div>
raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-61083267740109140872013-03-29T13:00:00.000-05:002013-04-08T10:16:29.246-05:00Happy Easter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Now that the girls are teens, egg coloring is not a fun event they look forward to as in the past. Since we were gone much of the week of Spring break, they wanted to get out on Good Friday to hang with friends. They had to color the eggs before they went out, so they were completed in record time!<div class="mobile-photo">
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-8838994005464827132013-01-12T11:41:00.000-06:002013-04-08T10:09:55.791-05:00And now for something completely different!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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Always wanted to make yogurt but thought it was hard to do without a yogurt maker. Realizing that they've been making yogurt for way before yogurt makers & electricity was around, this is the year I attempt to make it. With all the blogging going on, it was easy to find many different ways to make it easier. And since I'm not one to follow one particular recipe, I combined a couple of ways of getting to the final product. Combining the use of a pot on the stove, the crock pot ceramic bowl & the oven, I woke up to perfect yogurt! After straining it for an hour or so, I had delicious Greek style yogurt! I will definitely make it again!<a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-9170547397194752982012-12-23T21:20:00.000-06:002013-01-08T21:21:52.762-06:00A new recipe<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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Found out about this easy macaroon recipe from Mark Lipinski's podcast. All you need is a can of sweetened condensed milk & a bag of coconut. I added the drizzling of chocolate to add to the sweetness. They were awesome!</div>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-71591561470493170482012-12-17T18:55:00.001-06:002013-01-03T22:15:59.367-06:00The countdown to Christmas begins with cookies!<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
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The girls needed a treat to take to Young Life, & these were faster, easier & more fun than baking, especially because they had to leave in 2 hours. They were delicious & everyone didn't believe that they made these!</div>
raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-83450084496290737322012-12-05T21:56:00.000-06:002013-04-30T11:07:35.063-05:00WXRT Party!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMvbWq3rShkhEP43Epcdk_5hOrj7lQIq4ecQ1JurFRD92OBCkhXQMa5tlHq9sevnBTUfLi3uM4f2SXvt0uyaKAqewXHz3hjdcUc8KEGpG6n-biTy5wD7nxRVX8eX9X9WxlLoJmkJTLDWa/s1600/xrtpic+me+maureen2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMvbWq3rShkhEP43Epcdk_5hOrj7lQIq4ecQ1JurFRD92OBCkhXQMa5tlHq9sevnBTUfLi3uM4f2SXvt0uyaKAqewXHz3hjdcUc8KEGpG6n-biTy5wD7nxRVX8eX9X9WxlLoJmkJTLDWa/s1600/xrtpic+me+maureen2.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun night, Free tickets, Free CD with Fun Friend, Maureen!</td></tr>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-76834111246280993402012-11-23T21:11:00.000-06:002013-01-08T21:15:02.684-06:00Anti Black Friday Crafting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiD6g7L9XcLU3DPwvJGoImGMRMOCFPs2eDcEcLm7ZsOXrTxD4XrdS1HZQRMnmlrmtrZ7nb9HO8zTg8OHObt9_xMe_z5qUF7_v6yUCPEOW4-SNBoaM4OIIt8SHBUKFglxD11QZdRg9M0Ds/s1600/1124120253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibiD6g7L9XcLU3DPwvJGoImGMRMOCFPs2eDcEcLm7ZsOXrTxD4XrdS1HZQRMnmlrmtrZ7nb9HO8zTg8OHObt9_xMe_z5qUF7_v6yUCPEOW4-SNBoaM4OIIt8SHBUKFglxD11QZdRg9M0Ds/s320/1124120253.jpg" /></a></div>
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Instead of shopping the day after Thanksgiving, I'm participating in Anti Black Friday for the past few years by making a few little things. Gift card holder/wallet, fabric flower, coaster & some cleaning wipes. Mick & I did go to a store, but it was a thrift store & we brought 3 bags of donations, got 25% off our purchase which was around $8. It was a very good day!</div>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-65605447039722433512012-11-10T21:13:00.000-06:002013-01-08T21:16:13.389-06:00Happy Birthday, Karli!<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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Swirled cupcakes that I made for her "friends" party. All her friends took pictures of these cause they thought they were so cute!</div>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-3213957080663562792012-10-30T19:30:00.000-05:002013-04-30T11:09:41.059-05:00Just finished carving!<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnuO4kcEklEjn5-0WI3ouZYOFFnjYXsApFfnFUxwNWJB72-FM6RqIAH5O1vQVj16DaxNm2f6xaRTjXC3zuOX0euFT2AfCONvPrmikHK7fGkGzAO-D2xdk4EEPFprEmqPWGRpjGhgVa31k/s1600/1030122216-752655.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnuO4kcEklEjn5-0WI3ouZYOFFnjYXsApFfnFUxwNWJB72-FM6RqIAH5O1vQVj16DaxNm2f6xaRTjXC3zuOX0euFT2AfCONvPrmikHK7fGkGzAO-D2xdk4EEPFprEmqPWGRpjGhgVa31k/s320/1030122216-752655.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5805307376796838338" /></a></div>
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I can't let Halloween go by without carving a pumpkin! </div>
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The girls don't really care anymore (teenagers!), but I do.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VKfOMi9Q3P8KfA-YAc5UmG8MoCjw-PUamLYbCzwiKO4MX0rGJ8VfrlXzwVQRZUxmUckef9Z8wQEJ7NI1pa0iTMb7KqbneUG36UpC_kosdqAbzaUtPJQBoYizEwrs7n734Kx53SkNnli9/s320/1030122219-788650.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQK7cpW06_9xhVSjLQPIKGcmuuDNzkorQjLZ-9u9YkzWLc2192hRtoMQAlQoPMODQDEUaC2IEnDTVW0B1QO6p1cU1uEA-u5ubB0R75_sug6sn0uUb8VTHlLC4H2P4rR32wO_XFKuwm99M/s1600/1023121323-760008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5802573238335871458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQK7cpW06_9xhVSjLQPIKGcmuuDNzkorQjLZ-9u9YkzWLc2192hRtoMQAlQoPMODQDEUaC2IEnDTVW0B1QO6p1cU1uEA-u5ubB0R75_sug6sn0uUb8VTHlLC4H2P4rR32wO_XFKuwm99M/s320/1023121323-760008.jpg" /></a></div>
My neighbor gave me some of these a couple summers ago. I love that they bloom later & last into November & are such a delicate fresh look before the cold weather arrives.raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-75134619597548366182012-10-17T16:29:00.000-05:002012-10-24T15:34:28.033-05:00Cooking with the power out.<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6G6pbYBfLIN4E2evMKPfk1uBHGidfIX3XE8xaFkt_FfHJPRmgojwxUAt_IJwFCr8Bg_elVOf5Jn86iuHnp3zwF-tI8R3AXltadnxlGom3aPaY_msZ5IzDT9TOiMIZ-9Su-uibe6thZYu0/s1600/1017121628a-708737.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5800394178206248642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6G6pbYBfLIN4E2evMKPfk1uBHGidfIX3XE8xaFkt_FfHJPRmgojwxUAt_IJwFCr8Bg_elVOf5Jn86iuHnp3zwF-tI8R3AXltadnxlGom3aPaY_msZ5IzDT9TOiMIZ-9Su-uibe6thZYu0/s320/1017121628a-708737.jpg" /></a></div>
A van took out a main pole 1 block away. Planning to use the microwave to heat up dinner, the menu changed to soup made on the stove with candlelight. Thank goodness I have gas burners!<br />
Of course, the power went back on after we were done eating!raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-70506465474347219652012-10-16T16:52:00.000-05:002012-10-24T15:43:03.942-05:00Summer's officially over for us! <div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-nEj_sf8rBWNWfvCxUTplP0eU2QAEpnW2c0uvAaW2BBR-sfWjNg_9Qcr5RvyzyeFpz13k9J3rslRYFbHoVAyyIGeilNA3OuTHohPXhI8eK8jG_c8h8PB1PRRA6bhHZJT1-YpBOEzTJX2/s1600/1016121652-730212.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5800029200721571346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-nEj_sf8rBWNWfvCxUTplP0eU2QAEpnW2c0uvAaW2BBR-sfWjNg_9Qcr5RvyzyeFpz13k9J3rslRYFbHoVAyyIGeilNA3OuTHohPXhI8eK8jG_c8h8PB1PRRA6bhHZJT1-YpBOEzTJX2/s320/1016121652-730212.jpg" /></a></div>
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No more screenhouse! :( </div>
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The winds were picking up today & the top was flapping wildly! Karli helped me take it off, fold it up & put it away til next May. I love having dinner with the girls in it. It makes for a relaxing dinner whenever we're outside.</div>
raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-3245129697067632072012-10-15T21:36:00.001-05:002012-10-15T21:36:04.742-05:00Road Trip with the Books & Bordeaux Book Club<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/AVvXsEhJpTG3_gBYwGy2YEVtH3TXg8rsgPEyauWBKDAvltp1xRPwxp66ebyvUf8ZtBYt0wcljniwYuAqNqI9KwH8-Fyw4mWafpt3PjAbXa9diLQZEszwowGK6utGQMwarIVQZltlF3VTkVLmBQLJ/s1600/DSCN7560.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpTG3_gBYwGy2YEVtH3TXg8rsgPEyauWBKDAvltp1xRPwxp66ebyvUf8ZtBYt0wcljniwYuAqNqI9KwH8-Fyw4mWafpt3PjAbXa9diLQZEszwowGK6utGQMwarIVQZltlF3VTkVLmBQLJ/s320/DSCN7560.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty clear picture from I-55 heading to the Skyway.</td></tr>
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A perfect Fall day! Unfortunately, it didn't stay this way for our first B&B getaway. Due to the time of the year, only 4 of us could leave our families to fend for themselves for a well deserved weekend away to Saugatuck, MI.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgXhIBrauNv7v_jkzw4VSPpfNXE_vpqTf9gqsTcT4yXJsrX5lSbxal__lW4b4GTjlA-boSt1KQ5WIa0UqNo745yuEVh4XxKRb9ytAOPjoXw-a78ITbYr2cfzaC1fqSLRkn6e_jnU_vh9B/s1600/1012121847.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgXhIBrauNv7v_jkzw4VSPpfNXE_vpqTf9gqsTcT4yXJsrX5lSbxal__lW4b4GTjlA-boSt1KQ5WIa0UqNo745yuEVh4XxKRb9ytAOPjoXw-a78ITbYr2cfzaC1fqSLRkn6e_jnU_vh9B/s320/1012121847.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
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This was our cute rental located 2 blocks from town. It was very clean, modern & roomy. The gas fireplace turned on with a flip of a switch & warmed us up quickly after walking in the rain all day Saturday.</div>
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That's an artists paint palette before Saugatuck. There were many galleries & shops selling local artists works. That's what kept us busy walking in the rain all day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1nnkZh2fRHeUsRNGQrud2eVOUrplyv_0Px8w88uMPTGS7-WSb44MU2dmiqWQ7Kbg9LYqHn088e2Gs7rrWD4Xk9-0nsC3u2k9fDoOPqcHi17erJAVFTsdhWhqfpbLY1T6jopBZH1HsDXS/s1600/DSCN7585.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1nnkZh2fRHeUsRNGQrud2eVOUrplyv_0Px8w88uMPTGS7-WSb44MU2dmiqWQ7Kbg9LYqHn088e2Gs7rrWD4Xk9-0nsC3u2k9fDoOPqcHi17erJAVFTsdhWhqfpbLY1T6jopBZH1HsDXS/s320/DSCN7585.JPG" /></a><br />
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It was a fun time to go to see all the towns decorations for the Fall Fest that was supposed to take place that weekend but was a little dampened by the rain. We all wondered why the squirrels didn't bother any of these gourds & pumpkins because at home, our squirrels ruin them the minute you put them outside!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcRE_VznfUjfzYzg6IjoreBGFhKLNidtVwV7d-a6UA8o3Vcvh_fbB5-6nZs81i7AwbyxMX6uoM4Tqsg3fNiJrSQ0vCMpWuCsKSl3Y2PsozvGJzKhvjSp65QwhtUPeenZgb8_aDTku_-jl/s1600/DSCN7601.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcRE_VznfUjfzYzg6IjoreBGFhKLNidtVwV7d-a6UA8o3Vcvh_fbB5-6nZs81i7AwbyxMX6uoM4Tqsg3fNiJrSQ0vCMpWuCsKSl3Y2PsozvGJzKhvjSp65QwhtUPeenZgb8_aDTku_-jl/s320/DSCN7601.JPG" /></a><br />
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We drove around to see the dunes & Oval Beach which apparently is on the list of best beaches. All the colors with the sand was something I've never seen together before. The beach opposite this was really beautiful even with the mist of the rain & gray skies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAxw7_q_OLeyfsXHDgjQHNBDgQeDWL7K5hjZwJq4ktQSaYJ_IIHAsoJwmOxgqAfl6uHOO_XwBZ7TqO8d9rFlvbUvIQRE7XigJPNS4YtGgxjcxO0RgtAxix2c7AH_zZoiEugaARysAq-Jn/s1600/DSCN7612.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqAxw7_q_OLeyfsXHDgjQHNBDgQeDWL7K5hjZwJq4ktQSaYJ_IIHAsoJwmOxgqAfl6uHOO_XwBZ7TqO8d9rFlvbUvIQRE7XigJPNS4YtGgxjcxO0RgtAxix2c7AH_zZoiEugaARysAq-Jn/s320/DSCN7612.JPG" /></a><br />
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It was a weekend of lots of good food, lots of good conversation & lots of good walking, even if it was in the rain! It was nice to get away & enjoy the scenery. I think we're all now a little more prepared to embrace Fall & the coming holidays and all that comes with them. Thanks for a nice weekend, ladies!</div>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-3106424865257447172012-10-03T10:11:00.000-05:002012-10-03T10:11:18.051-05:00Last look before they go on a long trip!<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/AVvXsEgplW3LNX_9uqU1cREgAk15uRf_TyOX5QI091x1ZPxKOUGsznSUsC8yEOqh1E16z_2Z3_b-wtLV1LfOKb0hYqxjlWfAgVd90dbxOCiJ8ZdUo5SXgEkrVicoZgGhxvEmpX4XxgaPnDl978Hk/s1600/DSCN7489.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplW3LNX_9uqU1cREgAk15uRf_TyOX5QI091x1ZPxKOUGsznSUsC8yEOqh1E16z_2Z3_b-wtLV1LfOKb0hYqxjlWfAgVd90dbxOCiJ8ZdUo5SXgEkrVicoZgGhxvEmpX4XxgaPnDl978Hk/s320/DSCN7489.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the Art Challenge I made for fellow guild member Kate based on the painting, "Party Trees", that she loves, shown in upper right corner</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqjp2yzSevxjIKMZqco6asP8kvxDQs3GQ_v8EG2-xGzMaureERgjDP1AxuIPdzwesBEQelQrD0SELaPJlO2gLbQZt86LT5mYWvFTbrt6o24hiqDjaRj2A4HnM-PE0MyfgpNvATOk492P4/s1600/DSCN7492.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqjp2yzSevxjIKMZqco6asP8kvxDQs3GQ_v8EG2-xGzMaureERgjDP1AxuIPdzwesBEQelQrD0SELaPJlO2gLbQZt86LT5mYWvFTbrt6o24hiqDjaRj2A4HnM-PE0MyfgpNvATOk492P4/s320/DSCN7492.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the one made for me by fellow guild member Reneau based on the picture of the Chicago Theater hanging in my living room & a piece of 70's floral fabric I picked up at the Allstate Arena flea market that I love!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They are going to be part of an exhibit to travel around the US with<a href="http://www.sewingexpo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo</a> as The Chicago Modern Quilt Guild. How cool is that?!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I wanted to hang this in my livingroom but that'll have to wait about a year! Thanks to member Sara H & her professional connections to the show, this is all possible! Thanks Sara!</span></td></tr>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-12477598753090047562012-09-10T18:33:00.001-05:002012-09-10T22:07:21.580-05:00The Changing of the Guards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc8ppx5-mopHvDCJNnZYF-udRjhx_3a8k-W3bWF9xlkoo5bSIbE2O45jk3aysTtwnxq16froLHQXsy7Xgt4OEORBXGT5HHu0iiGZWf6kXOsTJNmEF_4CqWs5Wg6DNFpP5yOkkP4zvOUM1/s1600/0910121831-717267.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5786695412396298002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc8ppx5-mopHvDCJNnZYF-udRjhx_3a8k-W3bWF9xlkoo5bSIbE2O45jk3aysTtwnxq16froLHQXsy7Xgt4OEORBXGT5HHu0iiGZWf6kXOsTJNmEF_4CqWs5Wg6DNFpP5yOkkP4zvOUM1/s320/0910121831-717267.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Accepting the end of Summer with the changing of the wreath on the front door to Fall.<br />
Indian corn, scarecrows & fall leaves. The summers keep going by faster! This year was VERY hot & dry. I wonder what kind of winter it will bring.raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-11931698520422520892012-09-08T15:58:00.000-05:002012-09-10T21:59:30.119-05:00Last Minute Book Club Hostess Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzyQWKYOYTzVQSYeywzuVfFuWJJmqFl0p1B5v6SUw0ET9aWIi10hQXG58eL5rrMBG__x2FJ73Nk51ApS_gtP9QkbOQ3vjmAGN-bg27w2w1w12gdx_oxN_XjgJ6Sk22-tK9yNQisOhkyEj/s1600/0908121347_0001-725560.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="245" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785880695095775202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzyQWKYOYTzVQSYeywzuVfFuWJJmqFl0p1B5v6SUw0ET9aWIi10hQXG58eL5rrMBG__x2FJ73Nk51ApS_gtP9QkbOQ3vjmAGN-bg27w2w1w12gdx_oxN_XjgJ6Sk22-tK9yNQisOhkyEj/s320/0908121347_0001-725560.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This month's book was The Paris Wife. Inspiration always comes at the last minute for what to bring the host. The usual is flowers in a jelly jar with something from the books theme added or I make a candle lantern from a jar & decoupage something pertaining to the book for the candle to glow through. I was bored with these & wanted to do something new. I made a fabric corner bookmark like these a while ago that was too bulky & didn't have the charm on it. I really like the way these turned out & will definitely be making more. Pretty quick to make, too. And both co-hosts loved them!raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-79364969943262268082012-08-30T21:28:00.000-05:002013-01-08T21:30:09.107-06:00New Bag<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrVcFa8oCshY-j__OoYhS1ApNqqMn4hQJglcjqYxDFylElQWQg8lyqCweyL1yNXLb1PMuyibYWa51hU2H4GjJNZDm9X-1WxO6o_RTlzr6fiDYGzocbFKJWknQjsDqHJbOEf1CzXvGE_YN/s1600/0830120938+%25282%2529.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrVcFa8oCshY-j__OoYhS1ApNqqMn4hQJglcjqYxDFylElQWQg8lyqCweyL1yNXLb1PMuyibYWa51hU2H4GjJNZDm9X-1WxO6o_RTlzr6fiDYGzocbFKJWknQjsDqHJbOEf1CzXvGE_YN/s320/0830120938+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a><br />
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When the girls were born, my sister would gift us a zoo pass every year. One year, she gave me a small pouch purse to keep my camera & the zoo pass in. Many years later, I still have the bag but wanted to make a larger one of the same style since I liked it so much. This was my first attempt & it turned out great! I just need to tweak a few things.</div>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-2886313633798032742012-08-15T11:01:00.000-05:002012-08-15T11:01:11.179-05:00First Day of School for my Little Girls!<div style="text-align: center;">
August 15th! Too early! It's still summer!</div>
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Although, I will admit that getting back to a schedule will be a good thing, even though I hate schedules.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuQGZd_EhFchU5yzEGjllxlCaoFRTflblUGKhF13fCnB-R7MPb7oDSkk19y17i8u7r_agmAgZTJPkJ81PkPcxzgHR8xIpOBGQKFPC84v0K9NiZNKaMdTc3vDwbKtwRX51XBm1gqkKaKgY/s1600/DSCN7398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuQGZd_EhFchU5yzEGjllxlCaoFRTflblUGKhF13fCnB-R7MPb7oDSkk19y17i8u7r_agmAgZTJPkJ81PkPcxzgHR8xIpOBGQKFPC84v0K9NiZNKaMdTc3vDwbKtwRX51XBm1gqkKaKgY/s320/DSCN7398.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Freshmen started at 8 am.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Juniors started at 10am so she went to her friends house first.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Where did the time go?! They were just in middle school together!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">How do they grow so fast right before our eyes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The first day of school is always a hard one for me. Mostly because its the end of summer and I feel like I lose them til next summer & they'll be another year older. Next summer I will have a 15 & 17 year old. That means possibly working & driving teens that definitely won't have time for Mom. It all came so fast but I'm glad I was home with them all these years! </span></div>
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raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-925959787116099152.post-14841732497176539622012-08-12T17:25:00.000-05:002012-08-15T11:32:15.496-05:00CMQG WIPThis is my Chicago Modern Quilt Guild Art Challenge "work in progress".<br />
We all chose a work of art, a piece of fabric and swapped bags with another guild member. I am working on a mini quilt based on a painting called "Party Trees" by Ellen Thomson for Kate C.<br />
Here's the art, then my interpretation so far, subject to change in the next few days since its due back to the owner next Sunday.<br />
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I plan on adding a few sketchy chairs & outlining the shapes with thread drawing/painting. The heart needs to be wonkified so its not so cutesy looking. I will probably bind it with the fabric she gave me since I didn't use too much of it. I hope Kate likes it. I'm also excited to see what my partner made for me!raebethrivhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03187363833178334610noreply@blogger.com1