tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61507791986807816692024-02-20T23:05:02.340-05:00The Harvest Moon GazetteBrenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-79848502851926242232022-09-20T01:00:00.003-04:002022-09-20T14:38:21.694-04:00Rose Are Tough, and So Are We<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXZGDeB9Mtnf97bgt34qJTVCFazUiR0EJgPy08tQxEsrXNl2kV7Ke_KCxwb6WdWp9QAEOItH0A1ysa2vgR8gnXXpeq-bGHQaAXA50RXDyuQjNdVQZ7WYWQsez8qpP3xENqdSOL3nDHxs/s1600/rosebuds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXZGDeB9Mtnf97bgt34qJTVCFazUiR0EJgPy08tQxEsrXNl2kV7Ke_KCxwb6WdWp9QAEOItH0A1ysa2vgR8gnXXpeq-bGHQaAXA50RXDyuQjNdVQZ7WYWQsez8qpP3xENqdSOL3nDHxs/s1600/rosebuds.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQE75KHC8NdCQjBTcCIuxR8y7jvidUdrBiAelPRhfo1ZAvftIhr-GFGWlO1cnfZ3FEEXNPpNSoFr9J0hjTyueo7gB2yklvc9H54WJ4O_7pc_5zxeVW1QGQWUwzCcW3s8BIDlUsFyOrrY/s1600/rose.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheQE75KHC8NdCQjBTcCIuxR8y7jvidUdrBiAelPRhfo1ZAvftIhr-GFGWlO1cnfZ3FEEXNPpNSoFr9J0hjTyueo7gB2yklvc9H54WJ4O_7pc_5zxeVW1QGQWUwzCcW3s8BIDlUsFyOrrY/s1600/rose.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">winter's tough, but spring's coming. I believe that there's a</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"> growing season. And I think that you realize that in life, you</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> grow. You get better. ~Steve Southerland</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rose in these pictures bloomed this season, and as you can see, it's beautiful. I bought this rose many years ago when we first moved into our home in the country. It was a bare root deal for about $3.00 at Tractor Supply. It was my first rose purchase, and I knew nothing of the variety, but didn't have much money and really wanted to start somewhere. I planted it in our side yard, and it did not thrive. In fact, it seemed to hate where I placed it. I gave it one more season in that spot, and it didn't improve. I carefully dug it up and moved it again. I think the rose gave a sigh, then continued to do poorly. Once again, I gave it another season, and it still moped and didn't thrive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I finally transplanted the poor thing to another spot and waited. I tended it, doing nothing extreme. This is the 10th season it has grown in that spot. Some years it is attacked by insects, or we get busy and I don't water it properly. Despite this, every year it blooms. As you can see in the pictures above it is now a delicate, happy rose with deep green foliage; content in the location it settled into. </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">I think I was like this rose in my early life. I was in the wrong place, with the wrong people and unhappy with my surroundings. I was almost 30 years old when I met my husband and we started a life together. I am now 62 years old and while many things have changed, my place beside him still nurtures my soul and makes me feel safe to thrive.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">I hope you all find your safe space, if you haven't already. It's worth the wait. <br /></span>
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<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-45386540924904916852017-09-13T11:04:00.000-04:002017-09-13T11:08:37.890-04:00The Last of the Roses in Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8e3QX-rr6tZru1W4Tc7QkDDeEXp1ebHy-VJsfDa2FwDriSs50In4fcVoermrzEEELbsRa5ieB9Lyevh8Gfk8fyaBh71Xggz62AoGYwmkvsuKFm352VO7O4MHfCpyFSopj9MafgnEZTE/s1600/fallroses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8e3QX-rr6tZru1W4Tc7QkDDeEXp1ebHy-VJsfDa2FwDriSs50In4fcVoermrzEEELbsRa5ieB9Lyevh8Gfk8fyaBh71Xggz62AoGYwmkvsuKFm352VO7O4MHfCpyFSopj9MafgnEZTE/s1600/fallroses.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: maroon; font-family: verdana;">The milkweed pods are breaking,</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: maroon; font-family: verdana;">And the bits of silken down</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: maroon; font-family: verdana;">Float off upon the autumn breeze</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: maroon; font-family: verdana;">Across the meadows brown.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: maroon; font-family: "verdana";">~Cecil Cavendish, </span><em style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: maroon; font-family: verdana;">The Milkweed</em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">(Source: http://www.gardendigest.com/autumn.htm) </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-40958695066658134612017-09-10T00:44:00.001-04:002017-09-10T09:08:51.634-04:00Nasturtiums: Edible, Easy and Colorful<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've grown nasturtiums for years and years, yet I never get tired of these cheerful,</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> edible blooms. This year was the best...some years I've had more leaves and less blooms. This year was the perfect mix. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This nasturtium was a brilliant red.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-QtNw68zLyFC32iP1imnxLv0bPBtgy3WQmbcVcX9yfy6O_w4s1b2-lU99qoLLtSIVNkrHtaNAh68Id3ao0AQFc6lBU599smeSbJsgD8jaoX86fQvt1aCk0URvW9tlA72BpAjivTdeK8/s1600/nast1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="500" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-QtNw68zLyFC32iP1imnxLv0bPBtgy3WQmbcVcX9yfy6O_w4s1b2-lU99qoLLtSIVNkrHtaNAh68Id3ao0AQFc6lBU599smeSbJsgD8jaoX86fQvt1aCk0URvW9tlA72BpAjivTdeK8/s320/nast1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The peach colored nasturtiums are so pretty. They are all just a little bit </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">different as far as the shades of cream and orange.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzO40yExt5Q4aas8yl_zp3QX6yguupScMijtjHQjzeXbbI7ky7lsEMjG6OFgJAdHmYVWcmAf-dPEnmOPkP45TkkgPKpEUfXyl3ew_Qyj2edVffDmnGfrKAxYeGkIFflFw5BVPOBbmkWQ/s1600/nast2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzO40yExt5Q4aas8yl_zp3QX6yguupScMijtjHQjzeXbbI7ky7lsEMjG6OFgJAdHmYVWcmAf-dPEnmOPkP45TkkgPKpEUfXyl3ew_Qyj2edVffDmnGfrKAxYeGkIFflFw5BVPOBbmkWQ/s320/nast2.jpg" width="312" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I went out to the garden one morning as it started to sprinkle, and took a picture of the yellow nasturtiums. The drops of rain looked like jewels against the soft yellow blooms.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGB94qltJa9o6MHO3Czi8LE3-Bz1Zsv5NOmRNF0JL0E5tLEhOVYz7FCMuF6P2Cg4bg4zlSiWgbV20YWEiQyk_Q4tOof0rIxunS_SLjyFiuy7gi91nbkSPIF-cnrPgJzpqXxMbKHiSvS4/s1600/nast3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="500" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGB94qltJa9o6MHO3Czi8LE3-Bz1Zsv5NOmRNF0JL0E5tLEhOVYz7FCMuF6P2Cg4bg4zlSiWgbV20YWEiQyk_Q4tOof0rIxunS_SLjyFiuy7gi91nbkSPIF-cnrPgJzpqXxMbKHiSvS4/s320/nast3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I grew them in the herb bed and a container garden. Both grew quickly and are still blooming into September. I have a lot of seeds developing, which should sprout next summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you haven't tried nasturtiums, give them a try next spring!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">~Brenda</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-75215304629048875642017-05-19T18:26:00.000-04:002017-05-19T18:28:23.479-04:00Give the Dandelions a Break<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love dandelions. I don't care if they clog up the lawn. Once you mow a few times they stop blooming. Mind you, my lawn isn't really true grass, so if yours if, you might be more selective. As proof of my love of dandelions and to explain why I love this quaint, prolific plant, I have these pictures to share.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxv5Qdtp7DtFQerdZyVmWAofAdtW1YbFwhDeIq4ChO_yDlNjHBHpXcaNTb8M2mJCJgNgC8p-F3mriJV_jdIur3rtBnI4vexWdfNFLlNblRXKqxYbQTyzamXAB_IIYkwPfZGS5w9oiaGI/s1600/dandelion2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxv5Qdtp7DtFQerdZyVmWAofAdtW1YbFwhDeIq4ChO_yDlNjHBHpXcaNTb8M2mJCJgNgC8p-F3mriJV_jdIur3rtBnI4vexWdfNFLlNblRXKqxYbQTyzamXAB_IIYkwPfZGS5w9oiaGI/s1600/dandelion2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">You fight dandelions all weekend, and late Monday afternoon there they are, pert as all get out, in full and gorgeous bloom, pretty as can be, thriving as only dandelions can in the face of adversity. ~</span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">Hal Borland</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3gZS7-5u_Ja4qMN3MEP3jA7QpfdhYLIrbwj-rAM7ZbIQ4kdjhKCc9PAzyaQNYhK0S9YXacBzADdFcfPH81Zg-FAW6t5_Z5yMq0BwUbbQixqlgzatM79MNZEBZZ5vjK-4jU6QoNphh-I/s1600/dandlion6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3gZS7-5u_Ja4qMN3MEP3jA7QpfdhYLIrbwj-rAM7ZbIQ4kdjhKCc9PAzyaQNYhK0S9YXacBzADdFcfPH81Zg-FAW6t5_Z5yMq0BwUbbQixqlgzatM79MNZEBZZ5vjK-4jU6QoNphh-I/s640/dandlion6.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn. ~</span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">Andrew V. Mason</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO7ctD0e-VeMFT2hgE38i5apOJhPYFVNAFl0rvKypXIaSLQNiZQF7IBpIFi6YEtu9sfzd1rIV5Vz1x_wOGpxgw00gZ5Rm0rgmv9zXobtJc-IkpwsQFMrh8iu6tX_qPcn38phDqRdF1fs/s1600/dandelion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO7ctD0e-VeMFT2hgE38i5apOJhPYFVNAFl0rvKypXIaSLQNiZQF7IBpIFi6YEtu9sfzd1rIV5Vz1x_wOGpxgw00gZ5Rm0rgmv9zXobtJc-IkpwsQFMrh8iu6tX_qPcn38phDqRdF1fs/s1600/dandelion3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: #fffbf0; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Every child is born a naturalist. His eyes are, by nature, </span></b></span><b style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">open to the glories of the stars, the beauty of the flowers, </span></b><b style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-align: -webkit-center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and the mystery of life. ~</span></b><span class="c14" style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-align: -webkit-center;">R. Search</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R20GgY7KeXzzYnyc-K-zWAEDmC1u75-UdrxiAOnmLclTGZDJKSnP0bxF6vtSWIb2EDkCc4XwxFIQmJyD6WqT-Qh2cuCIcFtxC9fD2bCo_DruxLIEIWeJ8zhQcV4qNk3Pi6xNxvT8his/s1600/dandelion1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6R20GgY7KeXzzYnyc-K-zWAEDmC1u75-UdrxiAOnmLclTGZDJKSnP0bxF6vtSWIb2EDkCc4XwxFIQmJyD6WqT-Qh2cuCIcFtxC9fD2bCo_DruxLIEIWeJ8zhQcV4qNk3Pi6xNxvT8his/s1600/dandelion1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them. </span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">~</span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"> A. A. Milne, Eeyore from </span><i style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">Winnie the Pooh</i></blockquote>
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<i style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">~Brenda</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-47500283463755073192017-05-16T10:18:00.000-04:002017-05-16T10:19:40.562-04:00Changing the Way We Garden After 50<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been gardening for over 25 years. I started when we bought our first house, and my boys were toddlers. I love gardening. It soothes my soul to sow seeds and tend my flowers and herbs. My body is another story. I have two types of psoriasis, thankfully it's mostly confined to my hands and feet at this point. I'm fairly healthy besides the psoriasis--my blood pressure is above normal and I need to lose weight, but it's under control.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've always been a creative introvert with social and generalized anxiety. Gardening soothes me, and meds take the edge off so I can work through the panic and worry. When I can't write, and my brain is insists I take on the problems of every person I know because they NEED me to help, no matter what they say, I head out to my garden. I sit. I breathe. I pull some weeds, and I settle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fffbf0;"><big>It is only when you start a garden - probably after age fifty - that you realize something important happens every day.</big></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; font-size: medium;">~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gardening is hard work, and sometimes you'll feel like you' ve taken on too much. Perhaps, you are doing too much. You'll need to be honest about how many hours a day, or week, you can dig, pull weeds, plant and maintain your garden. It's not an all or nothing situation. Perhaps you'll decide to grow a few culinary herbs, a tomato plant and your favorite flowers. Downsizing your garden is not a bad thing. It's about quality instead of quantity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In my case, I have decided to focus on herbs and flowers in an area in the backyard I'm working on with my husband. The rest of our landscaping will be trees, shrubs and perennials that won't have too much physical maintenance. Maybe you'll need to limit yourself to a container garden close to the house, or a raised bed outside the back door. It doesn't matter if you have more or less, as long as you are honest about what you have the time and energy to maintain.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are a few things I've changed in the last two years or so:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1. ALWAYS cover feet and hands with garden gloves and sturdy shoes.</b> No more casual weeding and digging in the soil, exposing skin to bacteria. (Last year I had two infections.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Sunscreen is NOT an option</b>. Make yourself use it every time you're outside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Drink water! </b> Before you head out into the yard, grab a large cover cup with a straw and fill it with ice and water. Dehydration is no joke at any age, but when you're older it can be very very bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Sit, if you need to take a break from working</b>. Don't keep weeding, planting, digging or sowing seeds when you get a pain in your back or vertigo makes an appearance. I start off standing, then grab a stool and sit while I keep working. If that doesn't do it, then I take a break and stretch out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Make lists and learn to focus.</b> Figure out what needs to be done, then break it into sections, and work on one thing at a time. Work in the mornings and again in the evening when it's cooler. Everything will get done if you make a plan and stick with it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of all I've learned that it's important to be honest with myself about the type of gardening I want to take on now that I'm older. The truth is that my body has limitations, but as long as I work with them it will be fine. I won't double dig the soil, or weed for hours at a time because I know it's too much for my back. I like the feel of soil running through my fingers, but I also know wearing gloves is safer and better for my cracked skin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M2t3aGJxa-MTi9uZ-PubWXMQcPefXrf0_tRcR7J9UCnBn51XeQ5k3JQMO6O_wQ3vCbNWDe3QCjGDGO3sgN7d_Us4s2N62Pc8woDTpZlHPT7QrFr6WWUwbiiwpPaIcCEo6uDIS5V_vaE/s1600/sunflowers3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2M2t3aGJxa-MTi9uZ-PubWXMQcPefXrf0_tRcR7J9UCnBn51XeQ5k3JQMO6O_wQ3vCbNWDe3QCjGDGO3sgN7d_Us4s2N62Pc8woDTpZlHPT7QrFr6WWUwbiiwpPaIcCEo6uDIS5V_vaE/s400/sunflowers3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Growing things brings me joy. Overworking my body brings pain and injury, which is counterproductive. It's not an all or nothing situation. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden. ~Ruth Stout</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tasha-Tudors-Garden-Tovah-Martin/dp/0395436095/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1494193520&sr=8-1&keywords=tasha+tudor&linkCode=li2&tag=seedsofknowledbo&linkId=d80841d10669b3538e31854a75f2c4b0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0395436095&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=seedsofknowledbo" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I want to be like <a href="http://amzn.to/2qQqk1u">Tasha Tudor</a> or <a href="http://amzn.to/2pR4lcZ">Ruth Stout</a>, two gardeners who adapted and changed throughout the years so they could continue to garden as they aged, sharing their joy and expertise with those around them.
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=seedsofknowledbo&l=li2&o=1&a=0395436095" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />They both gardened into their 90's, writing and sharing their wisdom with others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lastly, always ask for help when you need it. Family and friends can't read our minds. If we need help in the garden, we need to ask. Grandchildren can be amazing garden helpers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">~Brenda</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-60569958040061133182017-04-26T21:37:00.000-04:002017-04-26T21:37:17.475-04:00Lessons From My Herb Garden<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The new herb garden I started last year was as lovely as I had hoped. After a year of hospital and doctor visits because of my psoriasis which led to infections and a nasty drug interaction, I was ready for a round of stress relief. Growing and harvesting herbs has always been relaxing and peaceful. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsRLt2OfGGq9DHWDZ8cN1dQx6erGpJr-2IKjslvzQXL_DRZANN9kDH5jmwBaBNAK4801zIksqOeDy007XHeIC4d6eZ2ZoOmFp5BXypyv_l2JgVggcUAOB9n_6B7jm7O8oH_x4BFvVguY/s1600/herbbed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsRLt2OfGGq9DHWDZ8cN1dQx6erGpJr-2IKjslvzQXL_DRZANN9kDH5jmwBaBNAK4801zIksqOeDy007XHeIC4d6eZ2ZoOmFp5BXypyv_l2JgVggcUAOB9n_6B7jm7O8oH_x4BFvVguY/s400/herbbed2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been growing herbs since we lived in the city almost 20 years ago. I learn something new each season, which, for me, is part of the joy I find in gardening. Below are the herbs I grew last season. I've included the good, bad and the ugly in growing each plant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Nasturtiums:</span> I've grown this beautiful herb from seed every year in whatever plot of land served as my garden. I find they do better in the ground, rather than in pots.Nasturtium will trail far and wide with optimum conditions. In my excitement, I ignored this lesson. They will also crowd shorter herbs such as thyme or oregano. The picture below was taken after I pulled up an entire plant that had grown to cover half of the oregano plant. This year I will plant fewer nasturtiums and sow them next to the outer edge where I can guide them to trail over the edging blocks, so they won't crowd other plants. <b>Lesson</b>: Sow nasturtiums where they can trail and wander without crowding other herbs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXKMBJ-NJJFoz99aKj_4d7u1OOhKRzCdjzRJuFfLkjAp_6jN2qy_Iwnl-ppVlRW5xwzxBjnLHwQoVk5amhch47KDlSMWvFsN3HxVQ3oAM09DtLr7X19q8lM70Hse16iEi86suiZR9es/s1600/nastcrowding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IXKMBJ-NJJFoz99aKj_4d7u1OOhKRzCdjzRJuFfLkjAp_6jN2qy_Iwnl-ppVlRW5xwzxBjnLHwQoVk5amhch47KDlSMWvFsN3HxVQ3oAM09DtLr7X19q8lM70Hse16iEi86suiZR9es/s400/nastcrowding.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Calendula</span>: This is another of my favorite annual herbs, which is why I lost my mind momentarily when I planted TWO packets of calendula seeds. Honestly, this size herb bed only needed 2-3 plants. They grew fast and furious, giving me more blooms than I could keep up with in the deadheading department. I ended up making four small tins of salve. (I'm tweaking the recipe this season before I share it.) The picture below shows both blooms and seed heads.<b><i> </i>Lesson</b>: Sow LESS seed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH2YUrgQA_s8ASajMdZYQTNM9Sz3CcjBQmK2ZSP0fikvPnVJ5tYHmgoF9t74ZVp7qhfdj_ZZUgPP7ry7W_llNM4_LIWg_nOtJ9ESPtO1yjAs3u0FCBpt5kUYQfduk6zCj5vNvq6o5M9c/s1600/seedsandblooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH2YUrgQA_s8ASajMdZYQTNM9Sz3CcjBQmK2ZSP0fikvPnVJ5tYHmgoF9t74ZVp7qhfdj_ZZUgPP7ry7W_llNM4_LIWg_nOtJ9ESPtO1yjAs3u0FCBpt5kUYQfduk6zCj5vNvq6o5M9c/s400/seedsandblooms.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lemon Verbena</span>:</span> The first time I grew lemon verbena was at least 13 years ago. I bought a small pot, knowing it wouldn't survive our Zone 5 winters. The fragrance of lemon verbena is unlike any other lemon scented herb. I can only describe it as delightful and uplifting. Last season I bought the same size pot from a local nursery, planting it in my herb bed. I watched in amazement as it grew to at least 5 feet tall and about 3 foot wide. The main "stem" by the end of the season was thick and woody, much like a small tree. <b>Lesson<i>:</i></b> Give lemon verbena it's own space. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0FsO2aii-noeAuDrz7PLo6_Tp6GAdzycm-uCVLlpkiPOylTeGyDS2nTs0NyDFQMaFVKZTeLCDkpjqXVgooj-E2gVmK2fWLGOFnwzn9eFn3rykbBxR23HzVGUDQdyUG_gBHcqKh-wdF8/s1600/tootallverbena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0FsO2aii-noeAuDrz7PLo6_Tp6GAdzycm-uCVLlpkiPOylTeGyDS2nTs0NyDFQMaFVKZTeLCDkpjqXVgooj-E2gVmK2fWLGOFnwzn9eFn3rykbBxR23HzVGUDQdyUG_gBHcqKh-wdF8/s400/tootallverbena.jpg" width="290" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oregano/Lavender/Catmint:</span> The only problem these three herbs developed was a lack of growth because of overcrowding that resulted in shade from the nasturtium and monster lemon verbena. They should recover this year. <b>Lesson<i>:</i></b> Pay attention to the spacing requirements given for an herb or flower. It makes a difference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Other herbs grown last season:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oregano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lemon Thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Assorted Pansies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moss Rose (<i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">Portulaca grandiflora)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lavender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catmint</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>From seed:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basil (pots)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nasturtium</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Calendula</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, the pansies and moss rose were a pretty addition to the herb bed, adding color while I waited patiently for the herbs to bloom. The pansies needed watering quite often, but the moss rose LOVED the heat and sun. They do well in the hottest part of the summer and rarely need watering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait to apply these lessons this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you all have a lovely day,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brenda</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-30659119885722129662016-10-11T10:08:00.001-04:002016-10-11T10:08:22.284-04:00Wild Asters in Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UGQAz4R-leLozQRJfl4ge0sEhhcei8a4zufj-Kjwyi-s4_okhZWokFWtieCEnTFiHdayGg6DZE5FzFEi4U7Y8Cfryd1SIxKkWFERQgKm43Il_7TIguhBEnV6IeI_UKvCm3YRIDKiPHU/s1600/asters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UGQAz4R-leLozQRJfl4ge0sEhhcei8a4zufj-Kjwyi-s4_okhZWokFWtieCEnTFiHdayGg6DZE5FzFEi4U7Y8Cfryd1SIxKkWFERQgKm43Il_7TIguhBEnV6IeI_UKvCm3YRIDKiPHU/s1600/asters.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Mrs. William Starr Dana admires the autumn aster in her book from 1900, How to Know The Wild Flowers:</span><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit;">This beautiful genus, like that of the golden-rod, is one of the peculiar glories of our country. Every autumn these two kinds of flowers clothe our roadsides and meadows with so regal a mantle of purple and gold that we cannot but wonder if the flowers of any other region combine in such a radiant display. </span></em><br />
<em style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></em><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Asters are lovely, whether wet on a dreary day, or bright and cheerful on a gorgeous, sunny day, they always make me smile. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~Brenda</span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-51660564415408461152016-08-31T10:15:00.000-04:002016-08-31T10:16:11.894-04:00The Beauty of Weeds<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Look to the weeds</span></span></div>
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and find the beauty hidden within them.</div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">~ </span><span style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7801464.L_F_Young" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">L.F.Young</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Daisies are one of my favorite wildflowers, a.k.a. weed. This is a wild, or OxEye daisy that grows in small bunches on our property. I never know when they will pop up, or where I will find this sunny flower. I did have some success transplanting a couple of roots to one of my flower beds, but they seemed to be fairly short lived. This year I found a small grouping near our large oak tree. It was a lovely, bright spot in a meadow of green.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">~Brenda</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-66820669747652983822016-08-24T11:30:00.000-04:002016-08-24T11:30:03.416-04:00Edible Flowers in the Herb Garden<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When buying herb plants and seeds I always look in the flower sections. Many herbs are also considered edible flowers. They are beautiful and can be used in salads, as a garnish, in vinegar, herb butter and much more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Calendula and Nasturtium varieties will often be listed in the flower sections of seed catalogs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Below are some of the edible blooms I'm growing in my garden.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've planted three lavender plants in my herb garden. Lavender can be dried easily and used in teas, dessert, sachets and balms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Calendula petals are edible and medicinal. The flowers turn to seed fairly quickly, but at the stage shown in the picture they can be harvested by snipping them off the plant at just above the first set of leaves. The petal pull away from the center easily and are ready to use in salads. They also can be used in recipes for lotions and balms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nasturtiums are one of my favorite herbs because it's easy to sow and grow. Cherry rose, below, is a lovely variety. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Alaska variety is another good choice with it's pretty variegated leaves. The blooms and leaves can be used in salads, or as garnishes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many other flowers and herbs that are edible such as:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Chives</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Basil </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Borage</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mints</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fennel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dill</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thyme</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rose</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oregano</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~Brenda</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-51265476352712506322016-08-20T21:41:00.001-04:002016-08-27T19:30:33.861-04:00Blooming Herbs and Flowers<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today I'm sharing more pictures of the herbs and flowers I planted this garden season. Everything is doing well. I do need to get out and deadhead the calendula and the snapdragons, which will bloom right up until a hard frost.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sb13kopk0AedQWDQxkbGslmYHXY22YXGXgVoZbOvwzkSnp_DTVLncfDVeOIV21Be950yvgHXmK6fjij4Ui522GwBVRpBF3V5oV4fJta8w1POtncZH6F3xJszxVRYI1AV8sCcceovK5Q/s1600/calendula2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sb13kopk0AedQWDQxkbGslmYHXY22YXGXgVoZbOvwzkSnp_DTVLncfDVeOIV21Be950yvgHXmK6fjij4Ui522GwBVRpBF3V5oV4fJta8w1POtncZH6F3xJszxVRYI1AV8sCcceovK5Q/s320/calendula2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>CALENDULA</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmpHUz-9qNPKL8hv2gzxNpldp3EpIFMpLlzYtInTcratxOTmCib3oLldolKifkxCYZs8cuQp_y0O8x7NTjxMZDqo9OYWKE-y-ae8CcxhtS_yIFRWMCFGPKeHl7DSMF9EJECQyyPCjPrE/s1600/lavender2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmpHUz-9qNPKL8hv2gzxNpldp3EpIFMpLlzYtInTcratxOTmCib3oLldolKifkxCYZs8cuQp_y0O8x7NTjxMZDqo9OYWKE-y-ae8CcxhtS_yIFRWMCFGPKeHl7DSMF9EJECQyyPCjPrE/s320/lavender2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4uBAsgdH-B_RHcsn0unepftsVWjLOvNlaTSYFQUJRlKqgtOzeMXIs3f015MeeFcxPY8xzdq3924bfh7EgcqikUPBTq4aOxYDZD6o52qp34xO7CFl9bpTxw-hNrM8jE9VEdSyDOjcfHE/s1600/calibrachoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4uBAsgdH-B_RHcsn0unepftsVWjLOvNlaTSYFQUJRlKqgtOzeMXIs3f015MeeFcxPY8xzdq3924bfh7EgcqikUPBTq4aOxYDZD6o52qp34xO7CFl9bpTxw-hNrM8jE9VEdSyDOjcfHE/s320/calibrachoa.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">CALIBRACHOA</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoRZ50NiS-AwU-hV_b9st9Gj-5R1sfUdIqrtxxM4-JFKdhmEDAR03beCI226wI8O0h_Uke4z_-lyi772ZFCUPGVlYjX399e7x6YMekFamfiednrM1yZX8eEg-ebvGyABYOcSW3Efc07o/s1600/lemonverbena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoRZ50NiS-AwU-hV_b9st9Gj-5R1sfUdIqrtxxM4-JFKdhmEDAR03beCI226wI8O0h_Uke4z_-lyi772ZFCUPGVlYjX399e7x6YMekFamfiednrM1yZX8eEg-ebvGyABYOcSW3Efc07o/s320/lemonverbena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><b>JOHNNY JUMP UP</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>LEMON VERBENA</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF3B4pCM8-1Oq4ijOGJUzBEv1rZUlBR5ks6nrNFYWFH80rm7Njw-Zjkl4hWInXSXLhqyKyf5SfmeyMfUDIgIfgWB_qNHIiaOPb4rsmWMMYuxMM2qtudMO8LOA3sfB757V4Wf6yFpoYRE/s1600/mossroses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEF3B4pCM8-1Oq4ijOGJUzBEv1rZUlBR5ks6nrNFYWFH80rm7Njw-Zjkl4hWInXSXLhqyKyf5SfmeyMfUDIgIfgWB_qNHIiaOPb4rsmWMMYuxMM2qtudMO8LOA3sfB757V4Wf6yFpoYRE/s320/mossroses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">MOSS ROSE</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQorztKpJlehqgOcyvGO4DOJ4C-6ppE3q1cuibJZCj7JmGRFqPYn-H-ZQdilYKy7TUAMpBxo5XG8OfJu2_dg-pNvvgzXdc6W5VoZtFJnaVXcMM7wzh6zBQcOnKPyWtwpC6cAW-TiEc7I/s1600/rainnasturtium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQorztKpJlehqgOcyvGO4DOJ4C-6ppE3q1cuibJZCj7JmGRFqPYn-H-ZQdilYKy7TUAMpBxo5XG8OfJu2_dg-pNvvgzXdc6W5VoZtFJnaVXcMM7wzh6zBQcOnKPyWtwpC6cAW-TiEc7I/s320/rainnasturtium.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">NASTURTIUM</span></b></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Bramblemoon Farmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01245480846208089568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-381442614443373582016-08-04T12:00:00.000-04:002016-08-04T12:02:22.933-04:00Growing Culinary Herbs Again<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Since leaving behind my herb garden in the city I've struggled with creating another garden. I think it's much like an artist looking at a blank canvas three times larger than they've worked with in the past. I was overwhelmed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We went from a city lot to ten acres in a rural area with a large field, horse pasture, a small wooded area and a bit of wetland scrub. At the time I had visions of grandeur where I created large, amazing gardens, a pond and fields of wildflowers. While some of that may yet become a reality as money becomes available, it wasn't a realistic plan. My imagination was much larger than our wallet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, after much experimentation I finally turned part of our yard into a garden area, starting with a round herb bed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last year we placed the blocks and put down plastic to smother the weeds and grass. This year, in early spring we bought a yard of planting soil, which was a step up from topsoil. I worked in an organic fertilizer and allowed the bed to sit for about two weeks. This was the bed after I added a few pansies and the "centerpiece" of the bed, which is the top of a cast iron chiminea we've had for over ten years.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOljULlhdbehLHy2qtlb84eHIbc79oMHNl3EOCIDqKohEoR0J5wILvnEocbwQPsJoI8bwxv1Qp16aoI0uHNSYBJTkp7mnTlLesBuBVMxxmSe4Hgt1xh0bXIwBDDQPgw2u2t6nVDRzU1Y/s1600/beginningbed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOljULlhdbehLHy2qtlb84eHIbc79oMHNl3EOCIDqKohEoR0J5wILvnEocbwQPsJoI8bwxv1Qp16aoI0uHNSYBJTkp7mnTlLesBuBVMxxmSe4Hgt1xh0bXIwBDDQPgw2u2t6nVDRzU1Y/s320/beginningbed.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's shaded in the morning, but only before about 11:00 a.m. or so. The rest of the day the bed is in full sun. Here is the herb bed now:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SeDhGGxPoLLo0goUCRuZbLPbtuwPP9ZPkWPy00n9TArNmoddekh2Ajs4pl-QjgWi2GyZwHCZm3xfntPu1rsdPzuHvhG6IVZOUOOMGhZNJ6Yxe8VY-Z9X5_Yyu8I_hMQ61MEVo933DK0/s1600/herbbed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SeDhGGxPoLLo0goUCRuZbLPbtuwPP9ZPkWPy00n9TArNmoddekh2Ajs4pl-QjgWi2GyZwHCZm3xfntPu1rsdPzuHvhG6IVZOUOOMGhZNJ6Yxe8VY-Z9X5_Yyu8I_hMQ61MEVo933DK0/s1600/herbbed2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I planted annual herbs and flowers until the perennial herbs fill in the bed. I included:</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Pansy</i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Moss Rose</i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Calendula</i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Nasturtium</i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Petunia</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The perennial herbs include:</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Oregano</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thyme </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Sage</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Lavender</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Catmint (Nepeta)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Chives</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also planted lemon verbena, although in Zone 5 it can't be overwintered. I simply couldn't resist the wonderful fragrance. I also planted basil in a long "windowbox" type planter and dill in another pot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've been watering the herb bed in between rains. The containers always need more watering. After the perennials establish themselves they won't need extra water. Which is one of the many reasons I love herbs. They are easy to grow, lovely, fragrant and useful.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-39556145039987733432016-02-10T18:17:00.000-05:002016-02-10T18:17:55.734-05:00Valentine's Day is a Family Affair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMn6jZ7Nvwvfl0ICgIkVRPmP0VMa8ykauE01XXxFIjpRSQycTAuFlKAOxBF8ViV3AtAPM_hg83x_Ym84h0QHEHC_QOcE5jqTN7Uiu8XxoayjoJlAdZo37cM7oZQMKFRFLiuYRcblgZbU/s1600/roses4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMn6jZ7Nvwvfl0ICgIkVRPmP0VMa8ykauE01XXxFIjpRSQycTAuFlKAOxBF8ViV3AtAPM_hg83x_Ym84h0QHEHC_QOcE5jqTN7Uiu8XxoayjoJlAdZo37cM7oZQMKFRFLiuYRcblgZbU/s320/roses4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Valentine's Day was always rather melancholy for me until I met my husband in 1988. No one in my life really celebrated the holiday, and it left me feeling lonely and left out. My husband changed that for me:) We didn't have much money but I never felt as if the day passed me by because even the little things are romantic when it's the right person. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After my children were born I loved Valentine's Day even more because it was so much fun to have little parties with them at home, and later at school. I wasn't online then, so I had no Pinterest, Facebook or We Heart It for inspiration. I was determined that I would make the day special for everyone, no matter what their age. We had tea parties once my daughter was born, and yes, her brothers always participated. We colored, made crafts and always made Valentine's Day cards for each other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My grandson is almost three, so now I get to include him in the festivities. His little brother is only three months old, so he'll have to wait a bit before attempting to color or craft:) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today I have some neat printables I found online while planning our tiny Valentine's party for my grandson. I couldn't resist </span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">sharing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Another grandmother blogger shared these adorable Valentine's Day cards that come with a free printable. What I love is that it can be kept simple for little hands or jazzed up by the older kids.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF7VR7Xz2L7Du7w8saxg-dE0kqqCa18wzkqbgU_fxWcaCmI3k3NqoRfnf8XYlOxFdIGWSMCOWsDA_-F4EqqOSGaUnnLuuO4XxxRIOkzAXKiHSEzyx1fO30w7FxJVTQ8HXsTBq-DLBvfQ/s1600/polka-dot-valentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF7VR7Xz2L7Du7w8saxg-dE0kqqCa18wzkqbgU_fxWcaCmI3k3NqoRfnf8XYlOxFdIGWSMCOWsDA_-F4EqqOSGaUnnLuuO4XxxRIOkzAXKiHSEzyx1fO30w7FxJVTQ8HXsTBq-DLBvfQ/s1600/polka-dot-valentine.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You'll find the printable links and instructions <a href="http://grandmaideas.com/polka-dot-valentines" target="_blank">HERE.</a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqeOStgZLMWPV5H8bbbec39vzQXDPRzHJwcWUHaZpvn-lDlOzhsnkKaxeHMIJOS75oBIfEN-xvgB4JPVy45damAZUkXBsK7r-3ztix4lbuFFizE8NbLwrsMRuIcdirz5sKjwra22BIDo/s1600/LOVE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLqeOStgZLMWPV5H8bbbec39vzQXDPRzHJwcWUHaZpvn-lDlOzhsnkKaxeHMIJOS75oBIfEN-xvgB4JPVy45damAZUkXBsK7r-3ztix4lbuFFizE8NbLwrsMRuIcdirz5sKjwra22BIDo/s320/LOVE.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The DIY Village Blog has three lovely chalkboard prints like the one above that can be printed out for free to craft with or use as Valentine's Day cards. <a href="http://www.thediyvillage.com/2014/01/valentines-day-chalkboard-printables.html">Click here</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygZbm2vKSXAZFvDIFRTlbNe5hdHYsemDLs7pzPk5L9aMzcEMeFwLy3HWisAGi_0l5JOxYc3JtSWnuVbJkeVMhErUR36bLjKfIc_n3m-_2ZMK5R22oDPk8ZcEB6giDvZbEGu6piaEg21s/s1600/Valentine-340x425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygZbm2vKSXAZFvDIFRTlbNe5hdHYsemDLs7pzPk5L9aMzcEMeFwLy3HWisAGi_0l5JOxYc3JtSWnuVbJkeVMhErUR36bLjKfIc_n3m-_2ZMK5R22oDPk8ZcEB6giDvZbEGu6piaEg21s/s320/Valentine-340x425.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The print above is one of several that can be printed off from DebbieDoos blog. I especially loved this graphic. </span><a href="http://www.debbie-debbiedoos.com/2014/02/20-free-printables-february.html" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;" target="_blank">Click here</a><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> for instructions and the printable graphics</span>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwwINvcQi8CCeevR2U5B7OeAqBpEbj6uZx8kbUITnu0Rph2drnuB58TFy-hpcXEu9FF0wrsTBiFKCDyKCiEvndcd51vVmga9iwUdzPJilePllhDjOcjhnZMCE-f3o1VpU9p9XJIAWB6k/s1600/Bemine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwwINvcQi8CCeevR2U5B7OeAqBpEbj6uZx8kbUITnu0Rph2drnuB58TFy-hpcXEu9FF0wrsTBiFKCDyKCiEvndcd51vVmga9iwUdzPJilePllhDjOcjhnZMCE-f3o1VpU9p9XJIAWB6k/s320/Bemine.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The blog at Yellow Bliss Road has several printables like the one above that can be printed in three different sizes. These can be used in many different projects for adults or children.<a href="http://www.yellowblissroad.com/mine-free-printable-valentine/" target="_blank"> Click HERE.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Finally, I came across a lovely blog post from Kari Anne at <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/extra-butterflies-included/" target="_blank">Thistlewood Farms</a> about how even adults still get butterflies at times. Her story is a must read for Valentine's Day. <a href="http://www.thistlewoodfarms.com/extra-butterflies-included/" target="_blank">Click HERE</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KNrJnhTiSDMBhG0iZ8M_8SXUNb7OZJkNyj31i4E3v1hVHSgYErB1kqcqtVtVcx557jvmAROmlrld-vAoERu9IT8Mf-Wa4Mfi72FbSikZjDUln7jhyphenhyphen5zvF7CXTmVDJm88CF7EyQouDTA/s1600/heartlady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KNrJnhTiSDMBhG0iZ8M_8SXUNb7OZJkNyj31i4E3v1hVHSgYErB1kqcqtVtVcx557jvmAROmlrld-vAoERu9IT8Mf-Wa4Mfi72FbSikZjDUln7jhyphenhyphen5zvF7CXTmVDJm88CF7EyQouDTA/s320/heartlady.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you have a Valentine's Day full of love and laughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Brenda</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-80573428622845113862016-02-02T09:00:00.000-05:002016-02-02T09:00:02.487-05:00Thrift Stores Part I: The Basics of Smart Spending<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Shopping at thrift stores is not just for those that can't afford new clothing. For some it's a "hip" thing to do, for others it's about searching for vintage and collectible items. For me, it's practical, thrifty and challenging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of my shopping is done at Goodwill stores because they are close and convenient. I've also found, at least here in Michigan, they are clean, organized and frequently add stock to the shelves. What do I look for when I'm shopping?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkl2i6l8lWHqM7oRtbGOdgjYFX2ScBcyzbE08THLRo_bI-USuF_XXcUAC9l-2WT2lF7fOYMnLBRN9MvORBg31-pTZfAQmcg_ViDm10fI8Rau3XI2Dp7kU_5L26T38gQ7q5Nwsgfeb3qMk/s1600/20151019_164659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkl2i6l8lWHqM7oRtbGOdgjYFX2ScBcyzbE08THLRo_bI-USuF_XXcUAC9l-2WT2lF7fOYMnLBRN9MvORBg31-pTZfAQmcg_ViDm10fI8Rau3XI2Dp7kU_5L26T38gQ7q5Nwsgfeb3qMk/s400/20151019_164659.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Casual and dressy clothing for my teenage daughter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Baby and Toddler clothing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Shoes for everyone in the family</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brand name clothing for my sons who are 21 and 22</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Clothing for my husband and I</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Baking pans, dishes and glassware</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Books</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Toys</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Frames</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gardening items</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wood furniture</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Scarves, hats, gloves, purses, w</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">allets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blankets, Afghans</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To get the most for your money it's important to remember a few things when shopping at thrift stores. Think before you buy. Impulse shopping will only add to the clutter in your home. It's easy to get distracted in a thrift store. <i><span style="color: red;">The shiny will call to you.</span></i> Do not let yourself become distracted. Buy what you need. It's easy to start tossing things in the cart without thinking purchases through. Ask yourself:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do I need this item?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Will it be worn/used?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is it a quality item?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you answer no to any of these questions put the item back on the shelf. If you aren't sure, put it in your cart but pause before going up to the register to consider again if you REALLY need it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Before checking out it's also smart to go over each item for damage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Next time I'll have more detailed tips based on my experiences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Brenda</span><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-18072612597717889272016-01-26T19:04:00.001-05:002016-02-10T18:19:28.089-05:00Garden Dreams<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know many of you are under snow, some literally, so it's hard to look ahead to spring, but we can dream. The seed catalogs have been arriving already, and I'm dreaming of a garden makeover. I'm going to try something different this year using containers and raised beds, rather than a traditional garden plot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Until it's warm enough to dig in the dirt, I have a few freebies I found while browsing online that I thought I'd pass along.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6Ysj_Ds2ty7uLnF3d3m1SnjzeRwSaSei95Pg9DKpASZ_oZ0mSqzlhfmmeG0cxH_7qiClYgBsGdaRqjLPp8awfmB6AXhNECbsSP7-ozJ9tEb9uTZjtQCWo_3d_-ieufih8iLy3T3FHPw/s1600/20151015_115846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6Ysj_Ds2ty7uLnF3d3m1SnjzeRwSaSei95Pg9DKpASZ_oZ0mSqzlhfmmeG0cxH_7qiClYgBsGdaRqjLPp8awfmB6AXhNECbsSP7-ozJ9tEb9uTZjtQCWo_3d_-ieufih8iLy3T3FHPw/s400/20151015_115846.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>FREE PRINTABLE CHARTS</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When you subscribe to Lady Lee's Home newsletter (and anytime afterwards) she'll give you access to a few free printable charts for the garden season. Her blog is lovely with recipes, garden tips and do-it-yourself projects.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_363634567"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://ladyleeshome.com/">http://ladyleeshome.com/</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>COLOR UNTIL YOU CAN PLANT</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For an escape on a cold day or evening, print out this adult coloring book from Botanical Interests.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.botanicalinterests.com/botanical-interests/botanical-interests-coloring-book">https://www.botanicalinterests.com/botanical-interests/botanical-interests-coloring-book</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>PLANNING FOR PEONIES</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love peonies. They are old fashioned, fragrant, beautiful and once established they live for many years. Peony Envy (snicker) is a peony grower with oodles of amazing varieties of peony. They also have an in depth section on planning your peony garden that is very helpful. Since peonies are so long lived and don't appreciate moving to new spaces, it's important to place the plants carefully.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://peonysenvy.com/planagarden.html">http://peonysenvy.com/planagarden.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u>A WILLOW PLAYHOUSE</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This isn't exactly a garden project but it would be amazing near the garden area. It's a Willow Playhouse. If you don't have a willow tree on your property find someone who does and explain what you need. It won't hurt the tree and you can share the instructions with them so they can make their own playhouse. The instructions are here:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_363634573"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.homesteadlady.com/diy-willow-playhouse/">http://www.homesteadlady.com/diy-willow-playhouse/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stay Warm,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brenda</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-48336220341078083772015-09-07T21:17:00.002-04:002015-09-07T21:17:54.880-04:00A Late Summer Walk<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's Labor Day weekend and the dew point has been over 70 percent all week long with temperatures in the 80's. It's felt like a rain forest outside, and we're in Michigan, where we've already had nights in the 50's in August. Earlier in the week I took a walk around our ten acres, which oddly, is a a mixture of wet, very dry, sandy and finally, some fairly fertile soil. This summer has been rainy with a weird range of temperatures. It cools off and we have a beautiful breeze, then it turns very hot, rainy and humid. This has made a big difference in which kinds of herbs, flowers, grasses, wildflowers and weeds have flourished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have a lot of Autumn Olive on our property, which is extremely invasive, but it does add visual interest in the fall with its bright red berries. I've been doing research for a blog post later in the month. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know Dandelions are considered weeds, but I love them . Their bright yellow flowers had my grandson running all over the yard in the spring yelling "Flowers!", and the seed heads still fascinate me. Watching children blow on the fluffy seed head is something I never tire of during the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My hibiscus are in bloom, which is always lovely. I had thought the Japanese Beetles weren't attacking the plants with their usual aggressiveness, but they have been busy munching on the hibiscus, and the plants aren't faring that well this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Trumpet Vine is growing like mad, obviously enjoying the extra rain and heat. Sadly, I haven't noticed any hummingbirds near the blooms because the vines out near the road, where they can grow unhindered on a rustic piece of fencing. I need to do a little pruning and control next time around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was looking for a bird nest in one of our large pines and this walking stick landed on a branch near my head, and cooperated for this cool picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thistles are tough, and when I'm weeding the flower beds, they are the bane of my existence. When I'm in nature mode on my walks, I can't help but love them in all their variety. This is a small thistle in our wet area that is only about a half inch wide. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is a wild sunflower, or more specifically, Western sunflower (<span style="background-color: white; border-radius: 0px; box-shadow: none;"><i style="font-size: 14px;">Helianthis occidentalis). </i>We don't have many of this wildflower on our property, mostly I find the blooms on the roadside.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love walking on our property and taking note of the differences from year to year. I'll share more throughout the autumn. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you all have a lovely Labor Day Weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Brenda</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-52423345865238543662015-05-18T09:00:00.000-04:002015-05-18T09:00:07.502-04:00How to Handle Mom Guilt<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All good moms have Mom Guilt. It's the nagging voice in your head that whispers things such as: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I should have eaten better when I was pregnant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I didn't breastfeed long enough, or wait, was it too long? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I gave my kids too much candy and now they will end up in prison. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Red dye? Does that mean the cherry drink they sucked down all last summer might have stunted their learning? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I should have KNOWN her eye sight was bad BEFORE they sent the letter home from school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think you get the idea. Mom Guilt can drive you insane and make you doubt yourself. It starts when we find out we are pregnant and goes nonstop from there on out. It doesn't end when your kids move away from home. It's there, waiting to jump out at you when you least expect it. It makes you question all of your decisions involving your children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's up to us to talk back to our Mom Guilt. Get in it's face and say:
<i>I'm a good mom. My kids WILL be okay. I'm nurturing them and doing my best.</i>
Don't let the "experts" tell you that you aren't doing things the right way. Read advice and ask questions, but follow your gut. Learning is good. Asking questions is also good. Believing <b>everything </b>you read on the internet or view on television is bad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your mom instincts are important. Don't ignore them. Sometimes you have to push aside the Mom Guilt to get to them, but they are there and they are awesome. I have an example of a situation where I didn't follow my instincts and later wished I had. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My son had a dry cough on and off for a couple of years. We have a family doctor. We'd been in for all the check-ups. I'd asked questions, but was politely told it was fine and not to worry. I KNEW it wasn't just a dry throat. We moved into the country and one weekend my son had an asthma attack. After taking him in to the ER, they FINALLY figured out he had mild, allergy induced asthma. Lo and behold, they gave him an inhaler to use once a day, and prescribed an allergy medicine. No more dry cough. No more bronchitis. Amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Doctors have the education and the skills, but they don't know our kids like we do. My INSTINCT told me something was wrong and I pushed it aside. I should have trusted myself and pushed harder for answers, but I didn't. Instead of feeling guilty about what happened, I use the experience to remind myself that I need to trust my instincts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Over the years, I have heard from many moms who worry they aren't doing something correctly when it comes to their children. I have found that when a person worries they aren't doing it "right", they tend to be a loving parent who wants the best for their children, which is why they are questioning themselves. Mom Guilt is busy whispering in their ears, causing them to doubt everything they've done as a parent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moms, and Dads, need to have more faith in themselves and their instincts. Look the doctors, dentists, teachers and experts in the face and tell them you don't agree, or that the situation needs to be looked into further. Ask for other options, second opinions or better explanations. Don't give in unless you are satisfied with the answers you are given.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As parents, we know our children better than anyone. Don't let someone tell you differently, including yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Repeat to yourself (while looking Guilt in the face):</b>
I am a good parent. My kids WILL be okay. I'm nurturing them and doing my best. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, make yourself a cup of tea and give yourself a break. You deserve it.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-56380704910642542952015-05-13T12:54:00.001-04:002015-05-13T12:54:17.483-04:00What Does Mom Need?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I became a mom, I lost myself for awhile. It happens. Caring for the baby, entering into a new relationship with your husband as a partner in parenting, and dealing with changes in your body that no one warned you about. Don't let anyone tell it's not overwhelming. They will be lying to themselves and you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All mothers need someone to vent to that will not judge or try to fix what is wrong. Sometimes we just need to say: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"What the heck was I thinking. This is SO hard. Why didn't someone warn me." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Moms need to vent often. They need someone online or offline that will let them scream, cry and rant. Afterwards they will feel better, and laugh at what made them so crazy. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As much as I love my husband; I found you really need another mom, or two, as a sounding board. Do not vent on social media. Afterwards the guilt will set in, and once the words are out there, they can't be taken back. Venting about children, who we love without fail, needs to be with people who can be trusted, have a sense of humor and are like-minded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moms need time to themselves EVERY day. I don't care if it's a half hour in the bathroom pampering yourself with a bath and a good book, or a quick walk by yourself around the block while cranking up the tunes on an MP3 player. Moms NEED space to breathe. Take my word on this. There were times when my children were toddlers that grocery trips were my outings. We still laugh about this in our family, but those trips to the store were a sanity saver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moms also need to talk to their partner in a calm and rational voice BEFORE things build up and there is banshee-like screaming or baby style weeping. Explain what you need and work out a plan. This is different for each couple depending on who works and what your schedules are from day to day. Do not assume that he won't be comfortable with certain things. If you don't talk it out you won't know. My husband encourages me to take time for myself. Are we always calm and rational? Hardly. However, throughout the years we have both learned to talk things out rather than hold in our thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Motherhood is everything I thought it would be and at the same time NOTHING like I imagined. It's a daily adventure; one that can make a mom forget that she is also a woman who had a life and interests before having children. The key is to be true to yourself, knowing that your children will look at you as an example of what they should strive for as they grow and learn. Moms need to care for themselves, emotionally and physically, just as they care for their children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~Brenda</span><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-18495433809742175762015-04-01T17:36:00.002-04:002015-04-01T17:36:33.600-04:00Potluck Favorites: Coconut Quick Bread<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband is a registered nurse in a city hospital, and has been for over 15 years. His co-workers love potlucks. They have more potlucks than a church auxiliary. If a resident or nursing student moves on they throw up a sign up sheet in the break room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the years I have sent many dishes, desserts and breads with my husband on Potluck Days. The quick breads I bake are by far the most popular, but I always feel the need to mix it up with new recipes. Last week I used a recipe for lemon bread but changed the ingredients and came up with a coconut bread. It was a big hit, which means it's a keeper. Enjoy...</span><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Coconut Quick Bread</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 box white cake mix (18.5 ounces)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 large eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup vegetable oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 box coconut cream instant pudding (3.4 ounces)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup light or regular sour cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare two 8 inch bread pans with cooking spray or butter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. The batter will be thick. Spoon the batter into the bread pans, splitting evenly. Place the pans in the center of the middle rack, spacing several inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees. F. for 45 minutes or until done. A toothpick gently pushed into the top center of the loaf will come out clean when the loaf is finished baking. Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use a knife around all of the edges, and gently pat the loaf to remove it from the pan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cut off the ends (perfect for taste testing), then slice the remainder of the bread and place the slices on a platter. Wrap well with plastic wrap until it's time for the potluck. I usually bake the night before the event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Notes</b>: I'm making this again on Sunday, along with lemon bread, but I'm going to add in mini chocolate chips. It will be a nice treat, along with our brunch menu.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Brenda</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-43058605540346642292015-03-25T11:19:00.000-04:002015-03-25T11:19:04.058-04:00The Patience of Grandmothers<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One day I was sitting on the couch, coloring with my grandson. I was "in the moment" with him. My mind wasn't chanting at me about the work I wasn't doing, or throwing problems at me that I needed to fix RIGHT then. I was coloring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Why is it easier to be patient as a grandmother? I think it's because we have watched our children grow into adults, and we KNOW how fast the time flies. I now know that those moments of play when it's just the two of us won't last long. The morning snuggles are precious because before we know it, toddlers become big kids. Sure, there are new wonders to discover together, and no diapers to change as kids mature, which is cool. Still, those first years are gone in a flash. I've been through it three times and still can't believe how fast the time seems to fly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a grandmother, I don't take things for granted. I MAKE time to color, even though the laundry isn't finished, and the dishes don't wash themselves. I can do those chores on the days Little Man is with his mom or dad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Will I still have patience when I have two, or three, or six grandchildren? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Bring it on.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
~Brenda<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-48711400090267878052014-06-10T08:59:00.000-04:002014-06-10T08:59:03.096-04:00The Best Laid Plans<div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes we plan things and despite
everyone's best effort they change. While this can be frustrating, it can often
have surprising results. Take my Mother's Day for instance- the plan was for my
kids and my husband to spend the day preparing my new garden bed, and they had
breakfast and dinner planned out so I could garden all day and not have to cook.
It was a wonderful plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Saturday we found out that my husband's
Uncle John, who has a pacemaker and has been on dialysis three times a day, had
decided that he was tired and ready to stop fighting. He was in the hospital and
his heart could stop in hours or days. We called my son who attends college in
the city, and once he was able to get home we all climbed in my husband's truck
and headed to the hospital, which was about two hours away. It wasn't the
Mother's Day we had planned, but we were able to visit with John while he was
awake and chatting with all of us about our lives and our plans. He hugged each
one of us and told us he loved us before we left, which was a hard thing to do.
I wouldn't have traded that time with him for anything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Uncle John was the youngest in his family
and was only 58. The doctors warned his kids that he would only live another
year, but that was four years ago. His body was tired, and I think his soul was
as well. Uncle John loved to chat with our boys, and always had a good word for
all of us, along with a hug and a smile. I can't count how many times he
brightened my day by just smiling and giving me a big hug when I was a bit down
in the dumps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Uncle John, in the picture above from a
few years ago, loved making tamales with the Hyde family- it's something they
started doing long before I married my husband. They make the dough from
scratch, and grind roasted pork to place in the middle of the dough, all wrapped
in a corn husk. It's a "by feel" recipe, and there is always a bit of
"discussion" over how much seasoning to add to the dough and meat. I'm so glad
I took pictures of the times we all gathered at my in-laws house to make
tamales. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Uncle John died a week later after we
visited him in the hospital, and it was a tough time for his family, especially
his grandson who is 9 years old. When the minister asked if anyone wanted to
say a few words, he ran up to the podium and told us how much he loved his
grandpa and how he had been there for him all of his life. It was
heartbreaking, yet precious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This post has been waiting for me to
finish it for a bit now. It was an emotional May with everything that was
happening. We will all miss Uncle John, just as we still miss his wife, Aunt
Marsha and his mom, Grandma Dorothy. I will always be thankful for their
friendship, and the love they showed me during the last 25 years. All three of
them took the time to learn that I was quiet when something was bothering me,
and I knew when they asked me how I was doing they REALLY wanted to know. If I
talked, they listened. If I needed a hug they gave me one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know they are at peace now, and while
I'm grateful for that, I will never stop missing their hugs and
smiles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Brenda</span></div>
</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-81765635215541625222014-05-05T14:15:00.001-04:002014-05-05T14:15:17.285-04:00The Dandelion<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">You fight dandelions all weekend, and late Monday afternoon there they are, pert as all get out, in full and gorgeous bloom, pretty as can be, thriving as only dandelions can in the face of adversity. ~</span><span style="background-color: #fffbf0; color: #000099; font-family: verdana, geneva, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">Hal Borland</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-16690015395995636872014-05-01T12:11:00.001-04:002014-05-01T12:11:28.755-04:00The Garden Projects Begin!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had posted previously about moving landscaping blocks from the front yard to the back for a new herb bed. My husband moved the blocks just before a rain shower, with a little bit of "help" from our grandson.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jace was convinced that grandpa was making him a new seating area:) He was also fascinated with grandpa's truck. His Aunt Emily observed "He's such a boy!".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that the herb bed is in place we need to work up the soil, remove the sod and add more soil, then I'll transfer some plants and buy others. It's a start!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>HOSES AND MORE HOSES...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband also took an hour or so out to make a holder for our hoses, which tend to lay tangled on the ground most of the garden season. We have two faucets and a lot of property, so we have four hoses. He used a scrap 4x4 (We have a lot of them leftover from things we took apart after moving out here.) and cut up another piece of scrap wood, then screwed it all together. I will probably paint it at some point when he finishes building a small box that will set on top of the post to hold nozzles and sprinklers.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsU2F9Sdd3PZRdQ_dSOcWFRGTIo0rIm-jm_22mKXzZ4RIjp7bOQxOlwHz-yubJMfmQNh_tBNZbcffVdHBFnKL2YHnf068y3C-EkJQULF-P0ikm2yGqbomuZcGr8XUOK0LyqF5_bWjPmw/s1600/hosepost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsU2F9Sdd3PZRdQ_dSOcWFRGTIo0rIm-jm_22mKXzZ4RIjp7bOQxOlwHz-yubJMfmQNh_tBNZbcffVdHBFnKL2YHnf068y3C-EkJQULF-P0ikm2yGqbomuZcGr8XUOK0LyqF5_bWjPmw/s1600/hosepost.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can see our old post hole digger behind the post. This is one tool we couldn't do without, and it was given to us years ago. Remember, it's okay to be a moocher, especially when it comes to garden tools:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">~Brenda</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-2719815799581778002014-04-25T09:33:00.002-04:002014-04-26T11:56:36.031-04:00Hear Our Children's Voices<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYf7AFbr7NCN65Ce8LWT07dL-J6Wh6SU1fSIaeegoCXJYow_HRLlRSOJub06iWn-fHJdaRYZDWhGDeBxtB-dGe1dJwf9HEtI6095YCJ-Y6sr0c8xOtePuBkEs2Dlr2Hw9B_yv5l9_1Ek/s1600/childrensvoices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYf7AFbr7NCN65Ce8LWT07dL-J6Wh6SU1fSIaeegoCXJYow_HRLlRSOJub06iWn-fHJdaRYZDWhGDeBxtB-dGe1dJwf9HEtI6095YCJ-Y6sr0c8xOtePuBkEs2Dlr2Hw9B_yv5l9_1Ek/s1600/childrensvoices.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-25220268157305782912014-04-16T16:32:00.001-04:002014-04-16T16:32:51.726-04:00A Child in the Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHGrhaBFXwzLEmV1-ugZAJmDOsW1DEfalIVeB4OkHtdLMqVkBqLRlAVTQPUpK5zfyGCOWmBrylR5b75u7jYuDbnbzPQx64YMcVjQHPqC6CiIKl5MNvZWLRU-B96H9VeGi7ZjiEUSfEPQ/s1600/childinthegarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHGrhaBFXwzLEmV1-ugZAJmDOsW1DEfalIVeB4OkHtdLMqVkBqLRlAVTQPUpK5zfyGCOWmBrylR5b75u7jYuDbnbzPQx64YMcVjQHPqC6CiIKl5MNvZWLRU-B96H9VeGi7ZjiEUSfEPQ/s1600/childinthegarden.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6150779198680781669.post-43695483468069540382014-02-12T16:16:00.001-05:002014-02-12T16:16:51.095-05:00Quote of the Week: Love Makes Us Feel Alive<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaH1y6FQBc5XinTO5DJ5bOprHKKOuhhrz8HyqcRPB4bjnIAT6tRHGudrO4GfTakVPg0BGfoDbrfsXSXxR0HJIK5uS2ocK9XkgpTgFmt4uMP9T-_XhyphenhyphenrUkBHtwS0RCPsEYhKnGfgsFiPk/s1600/valgreeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaH1y6FQBc5XinTO5DJ5bOprHKKOuhhrz8HyqcRPB4bjnIAT6tRHGudrO4GfTakVPg0BGfoDbrfsXSXxR0HJIK5uS2ocK9XkgpTgFmt4uMP9T-_XhyphenhyphenrUkBHtwS0RCPsEYhKnGfgsFiPk/s1600/valgreeting.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><strong><big>The hours I spend with you I look upon as sort of a</big><br /><big>perfumed garden, a dim twilight, and a fountain singing</big><br /><big>to it … you and you alone make me feel that I am alive.</big><br /><big>Other men it is said have seen angels, but I have</big><br /><big>seen thee and thou art enough.</big></strong><br />- George Moore</i></span></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit our blog to share tips or leave comments. All content is copyrighted. Email for permission to reprint. </div>Brenda Hydehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02835509260670748144noreply@blogger.com