tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43012084847122205002024-03-28T00:57:37.148-05:00Oh Merci ::: Merci-Notes.blogspot.com<img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/389348252_507b6c2558.jpg">Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-35364917973892062952015-09-30T20:00:00.000-05:002015-11-19T09:38:10.433-06:00Rachel KhooHello,<br />
Just back from a wonderful trip with my husband! Warm sand, big waves, great company. We stayed<br />
at a Waldorf Astoria property and it was wonderful.<br />
<br />
Back to reality, the temps this week are in the LOW 60's with evenings being 40's. The crisp fall air,<br />
the darker blue sky and the leaves gently falling. All of this signals it is time for a trip to an apple orchard. <br />
Perfect que for this sweet petit video with Rachel Khoo, a perfect little fall picnic.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/urfCv0P000w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/urfCv0P000w?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Let me know if you try Rachel's recipe!Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-50143890005858261452015-08-01T11:03:00.000-05:002015-08-19T14:19:51.492-05:00Hello SUMMER! <br />
Are you taking the time to enjoy the hot sand at the beach?<br />
Or the coolness of a forest?<br />
<br />
Taking time we are finding is very important as we watch friends and family head out for a a wonderful break together, returning<br />
with smiling faces. We are frazzled with work and decisions that we were not contemplating to be done at the same time. <br />
How is that for a "frazzled" sentence!<br />
<br />
Growing up I had a few swims with cousins in cooling Michigan lakes. We would all help roll, yes roll, the ginormous inner tube<br />
down the lane to the lake. Once there, we set it to sail as we tried over and over to climb atop it! The small city slicker (me) is last<br />
to arrive to that party. Then we three slowly stand up together on top of the inner tube. At first we end up "in the drink" ~ over board :). <br />
However it does not take us long to be happily standing and bouncing atop the inner tube. Carefully at first, then recklessly so that<br />
we can fall again into the cooling lake and start all over again. What FUN!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YIKW0HJSUMU0OFnmJf-Dlvx2ZRv8wu-cRJpOcDVRxn-eTioaLECMHPm16bTncmKDWAo4hf5Hkcqv-1jtxufotYnTC7En7LK_kRBJqwGLrZFNtaUuLhFiWNj61e0nunn1rPaG_Tw-74Pt/s1600/innertubeHappiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YIKW0HJSUMU0OFnmJf-Dlvx2ZRv8wu-cRJpOcDVRxn-eTioaLECMHPm16bTncmKDWAo4hf5Hkcqv-1jtxufotYnTC7En7LK_kRBJqwGLrZFNtaUuLhFiWNj61e0nunn1rPaG_Tw-74Pt/s320/innertubeHappiness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was blessed with a wonderful Mom & Dad. They new what sacrificial love was. They had 6 wonderful *(i guess i will include myself) kids. <br />
In the heat of the summer days my Dad would call my mom up as he was leaving work. His request was to have the kids ready to jump<br />
in the car and head out to one of the lakes near our home. My Dad would also have us all jump into the station wagon and drive out of the sub<br />
with all of us asking, "Where are we going? Where are we going?" After a few miles he would pull slowly into the Dairy Queen with all of us<br />
jumping for joy. See, treats were just that, a sometimes event. Not seldom, but not often either. We appreciated these wonderful times very much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFBjSVA8JTAuhXjkqBFU5vkZh40DtXCaBthr3p2VVWVBujsSWGOEpLJq1Qcw5ysqe_FG2uMcnayGMTMDVaVvno7Jjd4Fm8blRGA3dx5ZjdWWQRX1L9e405fsQLigfxgVRPjwYcpi7kKs2/s1600/A%2526WRootbeer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFBjSVA8JTAuhXjkqBFU5vkZh40DtXCaBthr3p2VVWVBujsSWGOEpLJq1Qcw5ysqe_FG2uMcnayGMTMDVaVvno7Jjd4Fm8blRGA3dx5ZjdWWQRX1L9e405fsQLigfxgVRPjwYcpi7kKs2/s320/A%2526WRootbeer.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Other times we would go for a Sunday drive, usually in the Fall or Spring, when the sun broke out from grey clouds. Rolling hills, farms,<br />
cows, horses, white clouds on crisp blue skies, sll was ours to enjoy. Then at the end of the drive as civilization was all-around us,<br />
my Dad would pull into an A&W Drive Inn and we all would get a Frosty Root Beer drink!<br />
<br />
You may notice that my Dad is getting all of the credit. I think that that is how wonderful my Mom and Dad worked together. How wonderfully<br />
they loved each other. Sacrificial Love. I have no idea which one of them had the idea, it did not matter to them. But we knew that my Dad<br />
was the head of our home and our Mom backed him up. It seemed to me that everyday my Dad came home from work and made a bee line<br />
for my Mom, a kiss & a hug. Loving words. We KNEW how much they loved one another.<br />
<br />
Back to Summertime ~<br />
Are you collecting beach stones? Here is wonderful idea for displaying the collectiion!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh0YbegYrcq392Rdt0pBO9NnB8Ng4FpjqeSMHnFCmmTPHOJhrG55wCoCBhNsWhnD3vgsJMHa2aA9cEB4rLoqKVnPUFQjwgM5dVMBOLZ_PizIku-WR-EgRnFhK-rXSlX2OrMQL0coD4fp4/s1600/rocksAcrossAmerica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdh0YbegYrcq392Rdt0pBO9NnB8Ng4FpjqeSMHnFCmmTPHOJhrG55wCoCBhNsWhnD3vgsJMHa2aA9cEB4rLoqKVnPUFQjwgM5dVMBOLZ_PizIku-WR-EgRnFhK-rXSlX2OrMQL0coD4fp4/s320/rocksAcrossAmerica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Blogging at least once a week is my new goal. Not sure if it will be a certain day. Getting on Instagram is another goal.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your loved ones.<br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">With Kindness,</span><br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Mary</span><br />
*photos culled from Pinterest<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5014389000585826145%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fk3l8hDPB5c%2FVbztFAqTUHI%2FAAAAAAAAATk%2FrG4Vq8-EIJY%2Fs320%2FrocksAcrossAmerica.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Vb8xf6fxGyoi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1486px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5014389000585826145%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fk3l8hDPB5c%2FVbztFAqTUHI%2FAAAAAAAAATk%2FrG4Vq8-EIJY%2Fs320%2FrocksAcrossAmerica.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Vb8xf6fxGyoi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1486px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5014389000585826145%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fk3l8hDPB5c%2FVbztFAqTUHI%2FAAAAAAAAATk%2FrG4Vq8-EIJY%2Fs320%2FrocksAcrossAmerica.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Vb8xf6fxGyoi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1486px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D5014389000585826145%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fk3l8hDPB5c%2FVbztFAqTUHI%2FAAAAAAAAATk%2FrG4Vq8-EIJY%2Fs320%2FrocksAcrossAmerica.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=Vb8xf6fxGyoi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1486px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-89408243663697156832015-02-14T12:08:00.000-06:002015-02-14T12:08:41.116-06:00Saint Valentines Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6mYCDbLAJ71baMMXKQSgIJXOdOPfvY4WnYBocymWJANlMPQnEVF4Evu1_czpKmw2zvTCVvUCQHOSY4nOh49-SCekUj7b2f2jrz0f-T5W3gTZ-9MY3PDHG2qIGp0Tut18HHcSTq9vVK43/s1600/LOVE_ef29a7b019_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6mYCDbLAJ71baMMXKQSgIJXOdOPfvY4WnYBocymWJANlMPQnEVF4Evu1_czpKmw2zvTCVvUCQHOSY4nOh49-SCekUj7b2f2jrz0f-T5W3gTZ-9MY3PDHG2qIGp0Tut18HHcSTq9vVK43/s1600/LOVE_ef29a7b019_k.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Saint Valentines Day is a Day of Love to be sure. However it is not just for sweethearts. After all LOVE is the key to our world. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We need it in every aspect of our day and in it's many forms. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JW5Pv9GkFXC_3uGFcdQlErpl5l9HCrcfQyKcKVM1OBXdRtor86lxyCCj47Np12GtilCjMUtw6QKhbHR5Oj469oN8bcG9c1XYegF1F4lTCncsYcmFzYlar2-homUYzJ42eGlAQca6GK5D/s1600/ChocolatesurpriseCookies_270f06d98e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JW5Pv9GkFXC_3uGFcdQlErpl5l9HCrcfQyKcKVM1OBXdRtor86lxyCCj47Np12GtilCjMUtw6QKhbHR5Oj469oN8bcG9c1XYegF1F4lTCncsYcmFzYlar2-homUYzJ42eGlAQca6GK5D/s1600/ChocolatesurpriseCookies_270f06d98e_b.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
We can show our affection in so many ways. <a href="http://merci-notes.blogspot.com/2009/11/christmas-will-be-rolled-out.html" target="_blank">Surprise Cookies!</a> This is a quick recipe especially when you use a mix and then<br />
adorn them at the proper moment!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkNKLswMy2ffxv9Tdh8tgwpkeqBHuGSrzONqnnfaYR0U0b-QinRskZK1um873OHL9prBlyTYvjxFhm1YtJwOq2IsVGNw5N-rxeFR7DVu-zWLwphsfwZ6kedbH6GNOnSwnrGyXH12HPEj6/s1600/BountifulBrownies_e7e4f394e7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkNKLswMy2ffxv9Tdh8tgwpkeqBHuGSrzONqnnfaYR0U0b-QinRskZK1um873OHL9prBlyTYvjxFhm1YtJwOq2IsVGNw5N-rxeFR7DVu-zWLwphsfwZ6kedbH6GNOnSwnrGyXH12HPEj6/s1600/BountifulBrownies_e7e4f394e7_b.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Or perhaps you prefer a decadent treat! Then <a href="http://merci-notes.blogspot.com/2008/06/ohh-la-laaa.html" target="_blank">Bountiful Brownies</a> are for YOU!<br />
Just click on the recipe names and you will get to the recipes.<br />
ENJOY!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Valentines Day!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 804px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F--1xyo95z534%252FVN-LA2lDQnI%252FAAAAAAAAASU%252FnaYtQ0lDnU4%252Fs1600%252FBountifulBrownies_e7e4f394e7_b.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 804px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F--1xyo95z534%252FVN-LA2lDQnI%252FAAAAAAAAASU%252FnaYtQ0lDnU4%252Fs1600%252FBountifulBrownies_e7e4f394e7_b.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 804px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F--1xyo95z534%252FVN-LA2lDQnI%252FAAAAAAAAASU%252FnaYtQ0lDnU4%252Fs1600%252FBountifulBrownies_e7e4f394e7_b.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 804px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F--1xyo95z534%252FVN-LA2lDQnI%252FAAAAAAAAASU%252FnaYtQ0lDnU4%252Fs1600%252FBountifulBrownies_e7e4f394e7_b.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 804px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-14599826451168913992015-02-10T20:00:00.000-06:002015-02-10T20:00:00.922-06:00Mr. CatWhen I was inelementary school one of my best friends had a big siamese cat... "Mr" and then later "Mr II".<br />
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I am not sure how Mr died but ....<br />
This...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLEvNc_dCOvh_RMhLg4vyAE20Smc3XKG6lq7oRd55xz68XbiJM7keykQYMJPbhnKkLKnLZlvSs-ESsgo3kdLaSi2B-PVNu-Y9aG7cttLY9R0GU1fKIMvIgmGQ2SBjk2gVIlLW5kWtGWSs/s1600/no+jumping+on+the+bed_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLEvNc_dCOvh_RMhLg4vyAE20Smc3XKG6lq7oRd55xz68XbiJM7keykQYMJPbhnKkLKnLZlvSs-ESsgo3kdLaSi2B-PVNu-Y9aG7cttLY9R0GU1fKIMvIgmGQ2SBjk2gVIlLW5kWtGWSs/s320/no+jumping+on+the+bed_c.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
is almost what we did to "Mr".<br />
We would have a sleep over at my friends home. When it was time for bed,<br />
we would pull the sheets up to our chins and call to "Mr"... to come and jump up on the bed... and THEN!<br />
Holding the covers tight, we quickly rasied them up causing "Mr" to sail up into the air and sometimes ~<br />
<i>off</i> the bed. He came back for more fun! "The cat came back.." :) heheehe.<br />
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see you soon!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">p.s.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">he died years later</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">xo,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Mary</span>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-22928120170227421382014-12-30T20:00:00.000-06:002014-12-30T21:06:53.801-06:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PfZdYtSTMRJ6q4JqLk4nCDNOlGfaskWlDHGazP8Hz_lJSfOq33ri4MqHUR6ssooAlnpDlOt2Yr4RN0K7DaVC6c0TWsktJyrvL5UFm4Kzh-AKD02tGaQnhk602vPHVd4rpHSiIgj_Z1m6/s1600/2015stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PfZdYtSTMRJ6q4JqLk4nCDNOlGfaskWlDHGazP8Hz_lJSfOq33ri4MqHUR6ssooAlnpDlOt2Yr4RN0K7DaVC6c0TWsktJyrvL5UFm4Kzh-AKD02tGaQnhk602vPHVd4rpHSiIgj_Z1m6/s1600/2015stars.jpg" height="196" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ringing in The New Year with GREAT JOY & Thankfulness<br />
Our Daughter, Caitlin, received a kidney ~<br />
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from one of her best friends, Bridget!<br />
You can read about her journey a bit <a href="http://merci-notes.blogspot.com/2014/04/kidney-received.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjx1lS_MlLZenoK2Pqoj5lrPHYIRcQ7UXVE6IwgGdu51VGLaPDsDWeGhWwiX69sGlHll15kWIg4MySdWrh7RZjA1YXKJV2v49aCDmg3SeqF7w5gqe0e43Wgfv4YPCKMaDGX__ZOP3jlLJ/s1600/WishingNewYear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjx1lS_MlLZenoK2Pqoj5lrPHYIRcQ7UXVE6IwgGdu51VGLaPDsDWeGhWwiX69sGlHll15kWIg4MySdWrh7RZjA1YXKJV2v49aCDmg3SeqF7w5gqe0e43Wgfv4YPCKMaDGX__ZOP3jlLJ/s1600/WishingNewYear.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
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What JOYS will 2015 hold for YOUR family and ours? <br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Mary<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6I1AELmhaCU%252FVJ2O-kRkZ2I%252FAAAAAAAAARA%252FmF23RC6zDQ4%252Fs1600%252FWishingNewYear.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 802px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6I1AELmhaCU%252FVJ2O-kRkZ2I%252FAAAAAAAAARA%252FmF23RC6zDQ4%252Fs1600%252FWishingNewYear.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 802px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2292812017022742138%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6I1AELmhaCU%252FVJ2O-kRkZ2I%252FAAAAAAAAARA%252FmF23RC6zDQ4%252Fs1600%252FWishingNewYear.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 356px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D4301208484712220500%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2292812017022742138%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F3.bp.blogspot.com%252F-6I1AELmhaCU%252FVJ2O-kRkZ2I%252FAAAAAAAAARA%252FmF23RC6zDQ4%252Fs1600%252FWishingNewYear.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 356px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-40923202964619768432014-12-26T10:22:00.000-06:002014-12-26T10:22:17.182-06:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQb-njEZZvEzHxwkmrWfrnWSlVR6xInU9PSY0JXKSNlmjwL3QNVtk4EUnhhBrrznsWc72zS8JswyTgVj56aSMGnqkKoViDj3j6gMEtAnLacP-TOWK1Sv_7aw_-APsMbziHOyBhUzadwJT/s1600/MerryChristmasSilverDeerWreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQb-njEZZvEzHxwkmrWfrnWSlVR6xInU9PSY0JXKSNlmjwL3QNVtk4EUnhhBrrznsWc72zS8JswyTgVj56aSMGnqkKoViDj3j6gMEtAnLacP-TOWK1Sv_7aw_-APsMbziHOyBhUzadwJT/s1600/MerryChristmasSilverDeerWreath.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-29661924038140589902014-07-09T20:00:00.000-05:002014-07-09T20:00:00.342-05:00Happy Summer! I am a bit late to the party but you cannot deny, summer has bloomed! Summer brings a heavenly<br />
Mock Orange, several Clematis, a tall Daisy, white Lilies, a scented yellow Day Lily variety and a Sweet Pea around<br />
our mail box with a will of it's own! <br />
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I do love cutting what I can and bringing in vases of flowers for neighbors & friends and for our own home as well. <br />
Here we have some sweet, slightly shabby, Raspberry Sundae Peonies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasB57HC9lgevwV1nXcL_5JPnuktSJIQiwWvs_gceJbWz4hSZJBcH3HayHvLj8UQXSBzuG8YiaeLIsellTTNEpX_pHGs1VCE-R1PCpnrDo-fap2vKTRak9KHCnU4dherHLiHTWFCCtYP0j/s1600/RaspberySundaePeonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasB57HC9lgevwV1nXcL_5JPnuktSJIQiwWvs_gceJbWz4hSZJBcH3HayHvLj8UQXSBzuG8YiaeLIsellTTNEpX_pHGs1VCE-R1PCpnrDo-fap2vKTRak9KHCnU4dherHLiHTWFCCtYP0j/s1600/RaspberySundaePeonies.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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One last bouquet for the year ~ <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAAOlXS0U1vJPVG3KERGecbvNPWwKXhN_NxuUYzlr9z8vpX0B5QtktQOsQhEx8oUu71hI2N0fhjjTaTdOK5CHtuUTLGdIJvUiUIt_gmofxByq21AhAR8ZiqczJbvl_ciPQbLuY2spZdQB/s1600/PeonyBouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAAOlXS0U1vJPVG3KERGecbvNPWwKXhN_NxuUYzlr9z8vpX0B5QtktQOsQhEx8oUu71hI2N0fhjjTaTdOK5CHtuUTLGdIJvUiUIt_gmofxByq21AhAR8ZiqczJbvl_ciPQbLuY2spZdQB/s1600/PeonyBouquet.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></div>
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I hope these lovely flowers are a nice peace offering to you. I have been a neglectful Blogger for some time now. <br />
Yes, I have been taking care of family and home on a bit oaf an amped up speed. Caitlin is doing very well now and<br />
I do Thank God along with all of your thoughts and prayers. Yet, it is now time to return to my friends here and look<br />
forward to new ones... to get back to a bit of a day. Yet we will never be the same. We have grown and stretched and<br />
re-prioritized. THAT is the clincher, some things are much more important now. Family and home are more than ever in my heart. <br />
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<i><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: white; font-size: large;">Miracles DO happen, everyday. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbRbIROA2yMVzltPG_jEXEH6R0dXVB7r0E2usRnAS4xCPEKy9r0LeXGZ8x5Rpu2hpwlyDwr3IT2vdsFSraGMknnTgmdxIkAiK3dJloLDzZn0A2Dak6CfupqeFKwicVv4SSCsuBrHMXdYs/s1600/6351207375_45e9a1296c_m-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbRbIROA2yMVzltPG_jEXEH6R0dXVB7r0E2usRnAS4xCPEKy9r0LeXGZ8x5Rpu2hpwlyDwr3IT2vdsFSraGMknnTgmdxIkAiK3dJloLDzZn0A2Dak6CfupqeFKwicVv4SSCsuBrHMXdYs/s1600/6351207375_45e9a1296c_m-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-88018354541112833452014-07-04T10:42:00.004-05:002014-07-04T10:43:37.847-05:00<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">Happy</span> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cccccc;">4th </span></span><span style="color: blue;">of July!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Links ~ </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"> Home of the Brave ~<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?post=2926229681&group=0&frame_type=a&blog=3911633&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank"> The Golden Sycamore</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;"> America the Beautiful~ </span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/moglea/5900469081/in/set-72157621006485823" target="_blank">Original work by Meg Gleason</a><br />
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<br />Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-71711553119463006102014-05-15T19:00:00.000-05:002014-05-15T19:20:41.483-05:00Caitlin & ~Hello! It feels like early Spring this week. I am welcoming the slow transition into Summer. <br />
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It is much like an easy shift into life again for Caitlin also! She is looking AMAZING! The water weight and puffiness,<br />
to put it lightly, is gone and in fact I now see that she was puffy in her face during dialysis. This I did not realize at the time. <br />
The Port into her heart for dialysis came out after the transplant, just before she left the RUSH UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL...<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">It all adds up to a MIRACLE.</span> </span><br />
She is feeling better and better each day. Sure, she has some changes in medicine/anti-rejection meds, but is doing well! We are<br />
so grateful to Bridget's willingness to give such an AMAZING GIFT of a KIDNEY! Bridget has not yet received the OK to<br />
head on out to New Zealand, but it is anticipated shortly. I am sure she is anxiously waiting to be re-united with Myles. <br />
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Other news ~ We have two nieces in the same family who are expecting babies this Spring. Actually, Jessica (& Ryan) has<br />
already delivered a handsome baby boy and her sister Lacey and husband Glen are due in early June! Their older sister Anna<br />
and husband Mike already started the grandchildren rolling in for their parent's with Charlotte, who is to be three this year! <br />
Sadly they all live out of my state. But hey! We will be able to get out more now that Caitlin is on her way back to life!!!<br />
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Now that I am better at crocheting, I decided make up my own Modern Crochet Baby Blanket ~ as I like to call it. It is<br />
not the typical baby blanket, I wanted something special for them. So I used a modern twist on a French pattern.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J_cj_iVATIEKha2LeJPWHV7ZKP_dD05uJTMSDnzQnGLNOEOSir4SUCYJPiTNhzn9OiSIss8o-2llYm7-0hWlMHaxkP-YxmxhBRfv6_lLHSirZCiupVZ36WMzNYaibryK-gvHrrFzV7S9/s1600/CrochetBabyBlanketGold2.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/AVvXsEg-J_cj_iVATIEKha2LeJPWHV7ZKP_dD05uJTMSDnzQnGLNOEOSir4SUCYJPiTNhzn9OiSIss8o-2llYm7-0hWlMHaxkP-YxmxhBRfv6_lLHSirZCiupVZ36WMzNYaibryK-gvHrrFzV7S9/s1600/CrochetBabyBlanketGold2.jpg" height="307" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;">This was so very enjoyable to figure out a pattern for. Once the </span></div>
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half-way point was reached it was a breeze. I used metallic gold </div>
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for Lacey who is told she may have a girl. The metallic yarn is </div>
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very soft and should be nice for a baby. I love it.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Metalic Silver </span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajO655VEV3BHBdX-HJHru6IZW8WcQsZSLwcBNi5vVRQut3zI01pzlaQ90YzrQruqow3EuWVQ9OW1Xjdowg7MsHBmD7owwCRVw0uvaojKsXFwSvolE4w33ZNfu1eFs6rO6ca5UoqPfEsX6/s1600/SilverCrochetBabyBlanket3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajO655VEV3BHBdX-HJHru6IZW8WcQsZSLwcBNi5vVRQut3zI01pzlaQ90YzrQruqow3EuWVQ9OW1Xjdowg7MsHBmD7owwCRVw0uvaojKsXFwSvolE4w33ZNfu1eFs6rO6ca5UoqPfEsX6/s1600/SilverCrochetBabyBlanket3.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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Some lavender sachets with petit poms & flannel receiving blankets with crochet edging.<br />
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Adorable wooden petit hangers, poms added for fun.</div>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Special Delivery on it's way!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">*My Plan is to get back into the creativity mode = start designing again!</span><br />
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Links<br />
<a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2012/3/4/lauras-loop-flannel-receiving-blankets.html" target="_blank">Flannel Receiving Blanket</a><br />
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<br />Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-220595034173224972014-04-21T20:00:00.000-05:002014-04-21T20:04:41.786-05:00Kidney Received!!!<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">JOYOUS!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">Have you ever felt almost <strike>numb </strike> unable to convey an emotion equal to the event? That is how both my Husband and I </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">both felt this past week. You are told there will be a transplant, but you know that the rug can still be pulled out from </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">under your baby, your little girl, your young adult child. Even on <i>the</i> day it could still be cancelled. The Transplant surgeons </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">must like what they see once they start operating. You know it will happen AFTER it happens. They protect </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">both recipient AND donor. A very good thing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;">Caitlin is blessed. No doubt, a recipient of a miracle. Caitlin received a kidney from Bridget, one of her very best friends from High School. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">They have been bests since 1993 when we moved here. H</span><span style="color: #783f04;">er smile gave her away</span><span style="color: #783f04;"> as she walked </span><span style="color: #783f04;">down the quiet hospital corridor toward us </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">at five~ish in the morning on Wednesday (almost 2 weeks ago now). Her Ausie boyfriend, Myles, along side of her. Bridget. A wide, happy & </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">wonderful smile. Eyes twinkling. </span><span style="color: #783f04;">Bridget is a most, most lovely young lady!</span><span style="color: #783f04;"> She has gone off to college, worked and traveled. Now, one of </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">the </span><span style="color: #783f04;">most important journeys of her life has been taken, the giving of her kidney, a life extending gift for our daughter, Caitlin. In 6 weeks time, </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">God Willing, Birdget will be in New Zealand soaking up the wonderful landscape, starting another chapter of her life with Myles! </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span><span style="color: #783f04;">Many, many loved ones have tried to donate, some coming very close, <a href="http://merci-notes.blogspot.com/2014/03/update-snow-and-another-update.html" target="_blank">See Jennifer</a>. All willing to donate one of their own kidney's. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">All willing to sacrifice for another person! Some related, some good friends. Pretty cool.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">*</span><span style="color: #783f04;">To all who donate ~ THANK YOU!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">*</span><span style="color: #783f04;">To all who try to donate ~ THANK YOU!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">*</span><span style="color: #783f04;">To all who support, give after transplant care for their loved ones ~ THANK YOU!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-26947511869141955912014-03-29T16:32:00.000-05:002014-05-15T16:05:02.678-05:00UPDATE #2<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">Here is THE UPDATE! </span><span style="color: magenta;">(</span><span style="color: magenta;">4.9.14)</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"> One of Caitlin's girlfriends from High School has come forward and has been testing. </span><span style="color: #6aa84f;">ALL tests have been passed. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">There is ONE more thing before the transplant... that is the final cross match!</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Please keep them in your prayers. </span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Again, I Thank You from the bottom of my heart for your thoughts & prayers and for continuing to stop by... I see you in my stats :)</span><br />
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Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-19456834785332523682014-03-27T14:44:00.000-05:002014-03-29T16:33:21.701-05:00Update & Snow ~ And Another UPDATE!!!<span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; font-size: large;">Hello and Happy New Year! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #6fa8dc;">*yes it is SPRING! I am going to start posting more ~ Thank You for your Patience.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><b style="background-color: white;">February :</b></span><br />
I know it has been a very long time since you have heard from me. I had hoped to have some wonderful news to share,<br />
a transplant for Caitlin. It went down to the wire pretty much. In fact it was the last appointment for our donor, <br />
Caitlin's cousin Jenny! A wonderful young lady!!! She decided to donate even though she was to be married one year<br />
from the transplant! WOW! Amazing gift. She came in from Denver for her very last appointment, easy peasy,<br />
to see which kidney to leave in her and which one to take out for Caitlin! <br />
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We all laughed when we read in the brochure that ONE in 750 people are born with one kidney. Ha! That turned out to be<br />
our Jenny. I was with her when we were told she had only one kidney. I fought back my tears. Would her future be<br />
the same as Caitlin's now is? Thankfully they told us that she is strong and healthy, gee, she was approved to donate a kidney! <br />
That is now changed. She continues on her healthy life and I Thank God.<br />
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We still had to tell Caitlin, who had left us earlier to get to dialysis. Everyone at the center was so happy for her. Now<br />
to have to tell her this extremely sad news. For Jenny to realize she could not help her cousin after all. Immense pain for us all.<br />
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So that is it. We go on looking for a donor. I contemplate how God must be saying, "I got this", for we have had quit a number<br />
of donors match and make it to near a transplant date only to be turned away after all.<br />
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I like this quote that goes something like this: PRAY, PRAY and keep rowing the boat. <br />
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NOW ~ In our neighborhood I have seen a number of snowmen but no snow forts, which are a personal favorite of mine. <br />
We had a snow fort every year in our parents front yard. Once we had two forts at one time. That would have been when<br />
my brother was involved with his friends. We always tried to use the big chunks of snow from the snowplow coming through. <br />
We filled up our snow saucer (remember those?) with them, some taking up the entire saucer! We had many a good snowball fights! <br />
No ice balls etc. We governed ourselves in snowball fighting etiquette and no one was ever hurt. <br />
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Caitlin and her brother Doug made "snow houses" complete with snow chairs and tables and roads... ROADS courtesy of Doug! <br />
They made the fort around our light post in the yard so they could enjoy it in the evening dusk. They made them the only way<br />
a snow fort can be made, entirely by themselves each year. Great Fun and Great Memories!<br />
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What where you or your children able to make in the snow through the years?<br />
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Thank you for keeping up with me, I see you have been checking in, apologize but I had to wrap my mind around things. <br />
I also know that we are not the only ones with challenges, so many others are in my prayers.<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> *images from Pinterest</span>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-79295253684043592702013-05-13T15:09:00.001-05:002013-05-13T15:09:40.346-05:00Hello!<br />
The news today is ~ Cailtin's shop is open again! Yes, for the first time since her not so fun 2012 Valentines Day date with<br />
the ER and days of hand holding in ICU she is ready for a bit of fun in limited amounts.<br />
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We are still patiently waiting for a transplant ... this is a roller coaster ride we have found.<br />
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I will be back soon on another wonderful and amazing transplant of a different kind and of U.S. importance!<br />
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On to <a href="http://www.nice-etc.com/" target="_blank">FUN CULT</a><br />
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With Kindness & Love,<br />
MaryMerci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-90468047486374579012013-02-01T18:12:00.000-06:002013-02-01T18:12:12.439-06:00I believe I have not even wished you all a Happy New Year~<br />
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The new year broke with lots of hope for us. We are<br />
still hoping & praying. I know that God will bring<br />
us through this stronger. <br />
He knows how to strengthen us, even though we do<br />
not like the process many times and it is way too long<br />
to get to the finish line ~ His time not ours.Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-52693747905752687862012-12-29T11:06:00.000-06:002012-12-29T11:06:16.204-06:00A belated Merry Christmas to you all. Ours was very Merry and I hope all of yours were also.<div>
No changes for Caitlin... hope...believe.</div>
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Today I would like to immediately direct you to a young persons blog and a post one of the </div>
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girls did on December first, 2012. <a href="http://4lifesavers.blogspot.com/2012/12/99-balloons.html" target="_blank">99 Balloons</a> </div>
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With Great love for you all,</div>
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Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-3579230442187883352012-12-11T16:39:00.000-06:002012-12-11T16:39:25.566-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Caitlin, my daughter, made an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohmerci" target="_blank">Oh Merci</a> gift guide for the Holidays! I am still shipping U.S. orders for Christmas delivery until </div>
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the end of Sunday December 16th. Contact me for rush order requests. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67389006@N00/8264623569/" title="xmascatalog by oh_merci, on Flickr"><img alt="xmascatalog" height="2897" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8264623569_f16f5a36d9_o.jpg" width="750" /></a></div>
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Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-48155177250531540042012-08-22T12:22:00.000-05:002012-08-22T12:22:47.010-05:00<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67389006@N00/7839192074/" title="nest pretty things by oh_merci, on Flickr"><img alt="nest pretty things" height="491" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7839192074_7a35213f05.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Earlier this summer I treated myself to a pretty summery ponytail holder From <a href="http://nestprettythings.com/" target="_blank">Nest Pretty Things</a>.<br />
The rest of my order is sent off to some special young girls. <br />
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Caitlin, my daughter, is doing well with her medical tests... getting her closer to being on the<br />
kidney transplant lists. She must be on the list(s) even if she is going forward with a live donor<br />
transplant. this covers all bases. Right now Her father and I are perfect 6's... we match all 6 points! <br />
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YEAH ~ and now please keep us in your prayers as further tests are done for the ability to give up a kidney. <br />
IF all goes well... well it is so wonderful! I will let you know when we know more facts on a transplant! <br />
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Check out <a href="http://www.nice-etc.com/2012/08/hi-hi.html" target="_blank">Caitlin's update</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67389006@N00/7189889721/" title="P7150029/edts me by oh_merci, on Flickr"><img alt="P7150029/edts me" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/7189889721_66873c4910_m.jpg" width="152" /></a><br />
<br />Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-89564861936876001492012-07-18T17:51:00.000-05:002012-07-18T18:00:56.329-05:00Road To ValorAs you may have noticed from an earlier post, I do enjoy <a href="http://merci-notes.blogspot.com/2012/05/ahh-warm-sunshine-sand-water-biking.html" target="_blank">bike riding</a>. That is as a nice casual ride. Perhaps to the grocer,<br />
a ride around the petit lake in our neighborhood... mostly for fun. Although I must say that this summer has not presented<br />
any time to do such a recreation.<br />
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Perhaps you know that the Tour de France 2012 has been running since June 30th and winding up this Sunday, July 22. <br />
However did you ever hear of Gino Bartali?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3zuUlQTDiP4" width="560"></iframe><br />
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For a wonderful end of summer read, <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/book/200393/road-to-valor-by-aili-mcconnon-and-andres-mcconnon" target="_blank">Road To Valor</a>, by Ali and Andres McConnon is the perfect book.<br />
Thoroughly researched by this sister and brother writing team! A REAL LIFE story! What a life!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67389006@N00/7189889721/" title="P7150029/edts me by oh_merci, on Flickr"><img alt="P7150029/edts me" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/7189889721_66873c4910_m.jpg" width="152" /></a>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-89565900880237241562012-06-15T11:28:00.001-05:002012-06-15T11:30:32.493-05:00Everyday is a Holiday!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Summer is upon us.</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Time for fun.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Are you ready? I am!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Get your very own <a href="http://everyday-is-a-holiday.blogspot.com/2012/06/introducing-beach-bungalow-collection.html" target="_blank">Beach Bungalow Collection</a> from Jenny and Aaron!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/67389006@N00/7189889721/" title="P7150029/edts me by oh_merci, on Flickr"><img alt="P7150029/edts me" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/7189889721_66873c4910_m.jpg" width="152" /></a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>P.S. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I will show you what I make with this beautiful pack </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>at a later post. Stay tuned, summer has just begun!</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-54723221513272834942012-06-13T11:36:00.001-05:002012-06-13T18:23:47.218-05:00Would you like something soft and textural to walk upon, barefooted?<br />
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How about this lovely?<br />
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I guess one could set out to make all of these sweet flowers. <br />
OR you can hop over to <a href="http://www.serenaandlily.com/Kids/Kids-Rugs-Natural-Flora-Crocheted?utm_campaign=type75&utm_medium=HardPin&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">Serena and Lily</a>.<br />
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I will try to get some cuteness from my studio to show you soon.<br />
News on Caitlin coming soon also. Thank You for all of your well wishes.<br />
It is another point in life that fine tunes one.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><i>Hugs,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><i>Mary</i></span>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-56524915274502374302012-05-25T13:55:00.001-05:002012-05-25T13:55:18.363-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Happy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-size: large;">Memorial</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Day</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktuMAfv2oA9W1gTHwvyP8V1C-rQe6FJp4rAmXvDDDQQjQk5pxbgpHvIImcv0IC7Jdlc6fu0aY-b-f8nBqD5p3oFzUs0dmqGjt99c1rTJMIK_kz7v_KqZ6dvLA8HJ1dUlCBJnXH5Jc5GkH/s1600/memorial+day1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktuMAfv2oA9W1gTHwvyP8V1C-rQe6FJp4rAmXvDDDQQjQk5pxbgpHvIImcv0IC7Jdlc6fu0aY-b-f8nBqD5p3oFzUs0dmqGjt99c1rTJMIK_kz7v_KqZ6dvLA8HJ1dUlCBJnXH5Jc5GkH/s640/memorial+day1.jpg" width="411" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Previously, this has been a day that pre 9/11 I took for granted. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Not anymore. I am very thankful to the brave for protecting </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">our Land of Liberty and Freedom.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Palatino; font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Palatino; font-size: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Palatino; font-size: 19px;">~ Benjamin Franklin</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-90855049773690494712012-05-18T17:32:00.000-05:002018-03-03T15:37:47.348-06:00<div style="text-align: left;">
Ahh ~ warm sunshine, sand, water & biking. Just a few of my favorite things. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7FdYNbB84F_oA08aHZi3YPZh5SEhEvrUl04UEOVJBSYnhUQVdaOD0zxl-MW8KnI3RCzITywFK7mHICkNMrqb_4ybTecvzaSKBQzoCNfslpEV1kpKHjDvBljUBYCaGae3fKYBFBTPNFmj/s1600/perfectalmost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7FdYNbB84F_oA08aHZi3YPZh5SEhEvrUl04UEOVJBSYnhUQVdaOD0zxl-MW8KnI3RCzITywFK7mHICkNMrqb_4ybTecvzaSKBQzoCNfslpEV1kpKHjDvBljUBYCaGae3fKYBFBTPNFmj/s1600/perfectalmost.jpg" /></a></div>
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The bike above is about perfect, notice the two colors. Maybe a soft aqua shade of blue and creamy white </div>
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I love it's <i>low bar</i> to hop over in getting on and off. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Being able to touch the ground while still being seated & sitting up straight is what I am after!</span></i></div>
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I also like<i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">pedal brakes</span></i>... old school. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p-BucV5EMaVJbXQAMZHOvIeWUqvh1yeW4vvlYIRbbWv1nXrOzOMyzwpCiotezxGAfeZctkby60jTOrxusJUWh7OpugKeYKJnevOvh3l26y5y7uM40eko96hPRT78ApO4kAxHkOgBowaH/s1600/creamy+blue+Gigi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p-BucV5EMaVJbXQAMZHOvIeWUqvh1yeW4vvlYIRbbWv1nXrOzOMyzwpCiotezxGAfeZctkby60jTOrxusJUWh7OpugKeYKJnevOvh3l26y5y7uM40eko96hPRT78ApO4kAxHkOgBowaH/s640/creamy+blue+Gigi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Always something to tweak.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB2eiWJja-3qpAkLvV1iTcsy3Wyy27FOg390S04-dwyukfiolo4ngHRdE-7YeV-OEgDNzl0IjuPpOF7lrec6J1iFogJjr5lqy08VjJyb8ZO2IksbtfYlNfdnXBX3MvHZRzn5koJEK9MeP/s1600/f_bellafash_w_1_whit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB2eiWJja-3qpAkLvV1iTcsy3Wyy27FOg390S04-dwyukfiolo4ngHRdE-7YeV-OEgDNzl0IjuPpOF7lrec6J1iFogJjr5lqy08VjJyb8ZO2IksbtfYlNfdnXBX3MvHZRzn5koJEK9MeP/s400/f_bellafash_w_1_whit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Wonderful white on white! So refreshing!</div>
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Rachel Ashwell also loves biking. Lovely<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQzxnIMzeuGsqcDiNWn4sRGpqNbBvOLzMAOiyt5CHhYm9XYLN1beF2K8PW5CPFi8h211PyqjctiKzobJUB0xu5sHztvJZsXj5T_UH9ignPZRQ7zxUPxnmc-M5-D_mfLZXOdEUGHJ4dRhc/s1600/corporate_slideshow_slide_07_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQzxnIMzeuGsqcDiNWn4sRGpqNbBvOLzMAOiyt5CHhYm9XYLN1beF2K8PW5CPFi8h211PyqjctiKzobJUB0xu5sHztvJZsXj5T_UH9ignPZRQ7zxUPxnmc-M5-D_mfLZXOdEUGHJ4dRhc/s400/corporate_slideshow_slide_07_thumb.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodRTN7IazQVb-6rKBoOqpyw-NCYCiM78BQyg3vUxsYo6MnjmQfNm1uCoMFemCWQJUc7smLSQjCRX2MHhxjxUL-3N6dtG79EQ0_Eul5E3L7gTmobSFFjjUecGwVrwioJv4r8xL9yEKcqxV/s1600/pink+schwinn+26+inch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodRTN7IazQVb-6rKBoOqpyw-NCYCiM78BQyg3vUxsYo6MnjmQfNm1uCoMFemCWQJUc7smLSQjCRX2MHhxjxUL-3N6dtG79EQ0_Eul5E3L7gTmobSFFjjUecGwVrwioJv4r8xL9yEKcqxV/s400/pink+schwinn+26+inch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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...pedal pink...</div>
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Every bike needs a bell!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg606r7qBuYTIytcnIDPx8VyU1r_sKd2oPKYY6cjDfmEXo3S1VlxBNYzYc2ZiPIUaXuF-eEdCJZ-psYzdVYbYWU2BHjYls_64eT3JEAIKbRZsPeNBxRod3dqBPEBxRCoA_CqTXnjR30XLFN/s1600/ringer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg606r7qBuYTIytcnIDPx8VyU1r_sKd2oPKYY6cjDfmEXo3S1VlxBNYzYc2ZiPIUaXuF-eEdCJZ-psYzdVYbYWU2BHjYls_64eT3JEAIKbRZsPeNBxRod3dqBPEBxRCoA_CqTXnjR30XLFN/s320/ringer.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ptWJL8PUXnjKdbgi8PuqNyOecVy79uR0P4fa39JLAhwhgAN5_XzNhGP45o7yfG7ilr4yiN-Aac9iPPYzuHlx16N85DZnB4vi3Cw241p6MKNaqlVDnxDtzeSKginjgkHDa2_Z-j4-3nhe/s1600/womens_be_whiteblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ptWJL8PUXnjKdbgi8PuqNyOecVy79uR0P4fa39JLAhwhgAN5_XzNhGP45o7yfG7ilr4yiN-Aac9iPPYzuHlx16N85DZnB4vi3Cw241p6MKNaqlVDnxDtzeSKginjgkHDa2_Z-j4-3nhe/s320/womens_be_whiteblue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...nice...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsNu8SDz7ZU5am3QJWZ7ix3AH18MJQLTmb2RvwtHUBmQ4FrmVokyDQLaW6YnowmcuH9bcC4bO83svYfacJ-TI1KkiOIUOBTKHgp0mUwiqM2jBYXYq9uqn52wbAh_ktbDyIBpSy6wB0iza/s1600/montage_hotels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsNu8SDz7ZU5am3QJWZ7ix3AH18MJQLTmb2RvwtHUBmQ4FrmVokyDQLaW6YnowmcuH9bcC4bO83svYfacJ-TI1KkiOIUOBTKHgp0mUwiqM2jBYXYq9uqn52wbAh_ktbDyIBpSy6wB0iza/s320/montage_hotels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QxqLTU_LUzILsax6na4naT0pqQW4qnCER75CDSanjxCRSkrT0YbsMGArsjvRdBoV6somawq3mh3_EaHHHLByJDVg3Uw3d_gUBSy98EwMFXIDbP_PrA4TjRye68FpqMI_-nWUE2Lv2fwV/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QxqLTU_LUzILsax6na4naT0pqQW4qnCER75CDSanjxCRSkrT0YbsMGArsjvRdBoV6somawq3mh3_EaHHHLByJDVg3Uw3d_gUBSy98EwMFXIDbP_PrA4TjRye68FpqMI_-nWUE2Lv2fwV/s320/red.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Red bells!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGdbKV3O_vSoXJXCFly9nXgTPTmoefvVgDVJrAXk72c1odXo9gAlF3KxQOnRvDXhxsleamYHtJvnCOfQsSMDHaOt7P9ITvn8vqQu55hygBTldHZm3DONOEYlqJLGpw58M0rjpmZrZuVzD/s1600/yellow+bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGdbKV3O_vSoXJXCFly9nXgTPTmoefvVgDVJrAXk72c1odXo9gAlF3KxQOnRvDXhxsleamYHtJvnCOfQsSMDHaOt7P9ITvn8vqQu55hygBTldHZm3DONOEYlqJLGpw58M0rjpmZrZuVzD/s320/yellow+bike.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I do have a soft spot for yellow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-6FvTF5jRYwosprJ9nxx9gZVOWn5q9G4wV4-teO3PVTaUmNBCAZ7PsA-pqDzaL-an82xALSQrBwaBtRQJGQtmOcRsnKPOv0l_nfqxpDrP1DIv4R6dHyViRNGciOuoHRf8Feuo79rLtay/s1600/aqua+Huffy+26%22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-6FvTF5jRYwosprJ9nxx9gZVOWn5q9G4wV4-teO3PVTaUmNBCAZ7PsA-pqDzaL-an82xALSQrBwaBtRQJGQtmOcRsnKPOv0l_nfqxpDrP1DIv4R6dHyViRNGciOuoHRf8Feuo79rLtay/s1600/aqua+Huffy+26%22.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ooo la la</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_tJ6ggVOZutOYvnY4rkExWpgsPJ0XTa0f7gWRfQhVDmZju8z3qL_9T3FA_IfXBsllyH96-Tgeykw0s85bQxaXUTzh8DmOgKH74kC6aDjILEswCgTKeJep2zg0McJ0IcVhKER7fWUHvvp/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_tJ6ggVOZutOYvnY4rkExWpgsPJ0XTa0f7gWRfQhVDmZju8z3qL_9T3FA_IfXBsllyH96-Tgeykw0s85bQxaXUTzh8DmOgKH74kC6aDjILEswCgTKeJep2zg0McJ0IcVhKER7fWUHvvp/s400/blue.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">I'm ready for a bike ride and a picnic! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">*note, pick up bike basket</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: x-small;">*hope for a new bike :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><i>x.o.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><i>mary</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">links:</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><a href="http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/town/cruiser/womens_cruiser/" target="_blank">Trek</a></span></i></div>
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<i><a href="http://www.electrabike.com/Bikes/cruiser-gigi-bikes-ladies-154111" target="_blank">Gigi 3</a></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.beachbikes.net/index.php?p=product&id=874&parent=212" target="_blank">White Bike</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.republicbike.com/corporate.asp" target="_blank">Republic Bike</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=bikes+cruisers&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=7983033056468904145&sa=X&ei=wZ22T5eTLIb1sQKajJ3iCQ&ved=0CM0BEPMCMAM#ps-sellers" target="_blank">pedal pink</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.republicbike.com/corporate.asp" target="_blank">bell</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.beachbikes.net/index.php?p=product&id=392&parent=212" target="_blank">"nice" blue/white</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.republicbike.com/corporate.asp" target="_blank">black/white ~ green/red bikes & Red ringer </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.beachbikes.net/index.php?p=product&id=873&parent=278" target="_blank">soft yellow=Vanilla</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=bikes+cruisers&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&prmd=imvns&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=5767301926572324659&sa=X&ei=wZ22T5eTLIb1sQKajJ3iCQ&ved=0CMcBEPICMAI#ps-sellers" target="_blank">aqua bike/black basket</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.republicbike.com/corporate.asp" target="_blank">the Saguaro</a></div>
Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-5397536393006762752012-05-14T10:35:00.003-05:002012-05-14T11:42:07.407-05:00Sometimes, lately, with everything that is happening, I feel like I am in a tunnel. <br />
I have to make sure that I bring a light with me always. <br />
A new direction of treatment was stated last week for Caitlin.<br />
<br />
Mothers Day snuck up on me this year. I like to whisper in Caitlin and Doug's ears that all I need is<br />
a bit of the day with them. They both have the love of their lives in their lives. So that means that<br />
their special someone is lucky to have their Mom near them too. The day always works out well.<br />
<br />
We have only purchased two homes so far in our life. Out first home was a very nice ranch that used<br />
every bit of space so very efficiently and beautifully. The perfect amount of space everywhere. We were<br />
the happy 4th owner of a 1953 Ranch, blessed with magnificent neighbors. We found it for our relator. :) <br />
One of the wonderful features that one of the previous home owners put in was a half door for the basement. <br />
A much nicer "safety gate" than the type you buy at the baby stores.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmX-p8rFzwe7bDKs98tpm_39pq-SZMzLSSoU226d8KBy6Pql6rR_8hPF3TljjjYz1M2jRP55nXIvraloqnlz13o7Lh9uV0KMwQIZuvmA0rPyFVUlniBkNdXjykOr35rqMuz8kbBqpx-wc4/s1600/dutch+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmX-p8rFzwe7bDKs98tpm_39pq-SZMzLSSoU226d8KBy6Pql6rR_8hPF3TljjjYz1M2jRP55nXIvraloqnlz13o7Lh9uV0KMwQIZuvmA0rPyFVUlniBkNdXjykOr35rqMuz8kbBqpx-wc4/s320/dutch+door.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a bit like this beautiful Dutch Door. Our basement door had the lower half only and was not painted. <br />
It was secure and nice looking, keeping my babies safe as it was in a fairly high traffic area. I do love<br />
dutch doors for exterior doors! Ah, the scent and feel of the fresh breezes.<br />
<br />
The door above came from <a href="http://www.jonespierce.com/" target="_blank">Jones Pierce Architects </a><br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">I hope that you all had a beautiful Mothers Day!</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">xo,</span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Mary</span></i>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-55957132248750854062012-04-28T11:38:00.005-05:002012-04-30T09:33:53.691-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you ever gone to an auction? I have. We were expecting our first Child and we were given a tip from my hubby's brother. </div>
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So we went and during the preview we found THE PERFECT dresser. </div>
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It had two drawers with pretty legs and sat low with a large oval mirror on top.</div>
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It was wonderful. Perfect for a little ones bedroom, especially if we had a girl.</div>
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So I said I would love to have that one and we should spend X $$ for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2obnNcpXJ-3Yno_ZlXMho5m0bOwEfuWFg_MkW3dPXTAROw6uiBFtcv4CJY5eSmAkh_KY3o9uauXc2hbpUQeKJl-iMnpsiWysIlP6rrfTG18bmckXoUXu95L65zxmjdKWA3POvqwWeEg_/s1600/Paris+Hotel+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2obnNcpXJ-3Yno_ZlXMho5m0bOwEfuWFg_MkW3dPXTAROw6uiBFtcv4CJY5eSmAkh_KY3o9uauXc2hbpUQeKJl-iMnpsiWysIlP6rrfTG18bmckXoUXu95L65zxmjdKWA3POvqwWeEg_/s320/Paris+Hotel+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Finally the dresser came up and I gave the little nudge for the hubby to start bidding. But he did not start bidding so I nudged more<br />
and said "GO" and he thought I said "NO". So, said dresser went for the very amount that I wanted to pay for it. We had a laugh<br />
at our nervousness to not move the "wrong way" and our misunderstanding.<br />
<br />
I do not belong to ebay however I know that many of you do! I came across <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/160791078788#ht_500wt_1413" target="_blank">these beautiful knives</a> just now and<br />
there is time to get in on the bidding. I hope that you hop over and develop your strategy and one of you "win" these gorgeous knives! <br />
Let me know if you do!<br />
<br />
What tales do you have of auctions? Some happy ones or funny ones like mine?<br />
<br />
Stop over to see <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/160791078788#ht_500wt_1413" target="_blank">these knives!</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">xo,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Mary</span>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301208484712220500.post-33078723911126394102012-04-20T12:19:00.001-05:002012-04-20T12:25:00.669-05:00Feeling wiped out today ...yet, after stopping by <a href="http://dottieangel.blogspot.com/2012/04/book-of-granny-chic-goodness-no-less.html" target="_blank">Tiff's</a> and another favorite spot I felt much better. To top it off, a friend<br />
called in need of tile design input, which always increases happiness when you can help out!<br />
<br />
This photo brought back memories of my Dad. My Dad died fairly young, and suddenly. Well, my Dad was great! He always<br />
had time for us... all 6 of us. He would whistle and sing on some Saturday evenings. I asked him once why he was<br />
whistling and singing. He said, "because your Mom and I are going out together tonight."<br />
I LOVED that my Dad loved my mom so much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPty1R9b23B6yioYgrlCGBQG8aEAuXQF2qAKNvlW_6nl6MA50PUXSQleRmFYPgOsrLHhmkuc24klnzSIdjda7Hzu5nZljXzFK0myPiI3rV6EZwRX8BY1Y32ZgxC0_p30fP1K76E0erGqH/s1600/gold+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPty1R9b23B6yioYgrlCGBQG8aEAuXQF2qAKNvlW_6nl6MA50PUXSQleRmFYPgOsrLHhmkuc24klnzSIdjda7Hzu5nZljXzFK0myPiI3rV6EZwRX8BY1Y32ZgxC0_p30fP1K76E0erGqH/s320/gold+rings.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My Dad also took us to find night crawlers at night. I guess that is when you can find, said night crawlers. Sure enough my sister<br />
Kelly and I found some. She was brave enough to pick them up, not me.<br />
<br />
He also took the two of us, because we were the oldest girls, to work and showed us his project he was making for our mailbox. <br />
He took old, huge washers from the huge turbines and welded them together for a mailbox for our Mom. It was wonderful! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jaysonhome.com/whats-new/brass-link-boxes.html" target="_blank">The above design</a> that I found this morning reminded me of my Dads project and of my Dad. HIs was on a much larger scale<br />
but still I see the link. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">*no pun intended </span>I miss him always but especially right now. I miss my Mom too. She is a bit far away and lovingly<br />
volunteers almost everyday at the hospital. I know she would come if I asked.<br />
<br />
So a post for Fathers... a bit early but still brimming with love.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">XO</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">Mary</span>Merci-Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14425587321074501328noreply@blogger.com3