tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18486435924445763732024-03-14T06:20:43.669-04:00Making Ends MeetHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-61287599792155149552015-09-23T08:54:00.000-04:002015-09-23T08:54:28.658-04:00Beowulf and the American SoldierMy daughter recently had to write and essay for her British Literature class comparing Beowulf to a modern day hero. The hero she chose was a soldier. I was so impressed with her essay that I asked her if I could share it. I hope you enjoy it.<br /><br />Jade's Essay:<br /><br />At first it may seem like Beowulf would have little in common with a modern day, real life hero; however, there are more similarities than one might think. Like Beowulf, a soldier hears the call of adventure and answers it. They do things most people would only dream of doing, to protect people they don't even know. While Beowulf has supernatural abilities, a soldier does not, yet they choose to risk their life anyhow. Beowulf and a war soldier are both extremely brave and protect people, but there are differences between them as well.<br />
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A soldier who fights to protect his country is, like Beowulf, remarkably brave. Both heroes complete trials most would not attempt. They answer the call and go into battle, knowing that they are putting their lives at risk. Beowulf has superhuman powers to assist him in battle. A soldier is just an ordinary human with extraordinary bravery.<br />
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Beowulf and his men heard that people were in danger, people they didn't even know, and traveled to help them. Similarly, a soldier goes to war to protect his country, and many people he has never met. Both heroes risk their lives to protect people from a threat. The threats Beowulf fought were strong, dangerous monsters. Although the threats facing a soldier are human, they can be just as scary.<br />
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Because the battles Beowulf and a soldier face occur in different times and places, there are some major differences in their experiences. After he defeated Grendel and Grendel's mother, Beowulf was crowned king. It is highly unlikely this would happen to an American soldier- America does not even have a king! Beowulf fought his enemies with his bare hands and a sword. A soldier fighting in the war today would probably use a gun or a similar weapon. A soldier fights alongside an army, while Beowulf fights many of his battles alone. These are just a few of the differences between their experiences.<br />
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These two heroes have both similarities and differences. Beowulf has supernatural qualities that aid him in his battles. A soldier, however, has no special powers, yet chooses to risk their life anyhow. Both heroes put their own lives in danger in order to protect others. While these heroes may have their differences, they are both extraordinarily brave, putting the lives of people they may not even know before their own.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-21756192720871407342015-09-21T23:05:00.003-04:002015-09-21T23:05:40.229-04:00More Scotland: Wester Dalziel CottageYes, it's been months since I've written. I'm not even going to apologize. Life is busy. I have missed writing and so here I am trying again. <br />
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Back to Scotland. I believe we left of with our arrival in Inverness. It was actually Dalcross. We stayed at a B&B called Wester Dalziel Cottage. The proprietress, Kathy, was about the sweetest person you could ever hope to meet. I would highly recommend it to anyone. <br />
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Picture time:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front of Wester Dalziel Cottage. That's our car on the left. It was a tight fit getting it in there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful rocking horse that was in one of the sitting areas of the B&B</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the back garden from the main sitting area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fruit and cereal selection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast! One thing I learned while I was in Scotland is that I love warm tomatoes with breakfast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY9QO5Oc1BoTcgJx23Ycly2NUsMIm0jyqkunG02QbZsle6L0jHoVWYemzXa7YGUyNHmV7_jexbsK1wn80iIhJx-tp2pGQAxjR7oc-8XS8Wz62aJ-4P4gkAWifVN5W2SqKHLy7-dE-JUoO/s1600/GEDC1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY9QO5Oc1BoTcgJx23Ycly2NUsMIm0jyqkunG02QbZsle6L0jHoVWYemzXa7YGUyNHmV7_jexbsK1wn80iIhJx-tp2pGQAxjR7oc-8XS8Wz62aJ-4P4gkAWifVN5W2SqKHLy7-dE-JUoO/s640/GEDC1287.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a view of Castle Stewart from the B&B. </td></tr>
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There are so many more pictures I could share here! I picked my favorites and I hope you enjoy them. It was such a nice quiet place to stay, yet it wasn't hard to get anywhere we wanted to be in the area from here. <br /><br />The quiet was much needed by the time we arrived. The drive from Glasgow up a far to narrow road with a much to large vehicle left our nerves a little rattled. Kathy greeted us and didn't seem the least bit upset that we were late. She simply showed us to our room, made us some tea and let us relax. <br />
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<span id="goog_1789053683"></span><span id="goog_1789053684"></span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-2653070271185821652014-12-30T11:50:00.001-05:002014-12-30T12:09:52.787-05:00More Scotland: Glasgow to InvernessMoving on from Glasgow we headed to Inverness. We picked up a rental car in Glasgow and headed out up past Loch Lomond and Loch Ness to our B&B just beyond Inverness. What drive! The scenery was beautiful, but the road was narrow and our car was big. If you ever go to Scotland, get a small car if you plan to drive on A82. Most of these pictures were taken from inside the car as we drove, but they are still beautiful and I hope you enjoy them. There are a lot here, and I left even more out! It's so hard to choose. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting close to Loch Lomond. This is nothing compared to how narrow the road would become. Had we known, mom probably would have chosen a different rout.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On of our first views of the Grampian Mountains.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pictures do nothing to show how breathtaking the scenery was. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would love to live in a little cottage like this. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted to badly to climb up and explore what was beyond this runoff. I decided trespassing wasn't a good idea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our rental car. It was nice and roomy. It was also far too wide for the stretch of A82 that runs along Loch Lomond. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bonny, Bonny Banks of Lock Lomond.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYetj3zb9YWtdPskPncp2VQcJ023lixZaaiTszENOXoOjcn3_L_jbgXBvT1BNd9cF3y36gSLtedxPDnMrg3iw9Ml2nGAxhFgXbHB-Uhyj74UR0MynHi42UEl0-RLVLEJifJTWGdbF98s5/s1600/GEDC1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYetj3zb9YWtdPskPncp2VQcJ023lixZaaiTszENOXoOjcn3_L_jbgXBvT1BNd9cF3y36gSLtedxPDnMrg3iw9Ml2nGAxhFgXbHB-Uhyj74UR0MynHi42UEl0-RLVLEJifJTWGdbF98s5/s1600/GEDC1076.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonnie Braes. It quaint little place we stopped for some lunch. The atmosphere was great and just what mom needed to calm her nerves a bit before getting back on the road. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tg24_7xngF_qZ8V5Qgiarrmzg6ow3AaVAeoSHg3NmnLBUaWTF_oLblg247f9AH1HnjXIylKI9mgIL41Xl9A1I5RJ6us8VzordwQtu9jzG5SHmEmBf66DbuWM90MryfgYaYHxIvkunERq/s1600/GEDC1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tg24_7xngF_qZ8V5Qgiarrmzg6ow3AaVAeoSHg3NmnLBUaWTF_oLblg247f9AH1HnjXIylKI9mgIL41Xl9A1I5RJ6us8VzordwQtu9jzG5SHmEmBf66DbuWM90MryfgYaYHxIvkunERq/s1600/GEDC1067.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea! I had never put milk and sugar in my tea before going to Scotland. It was always either plain or with honey/lemon. Now milk and sugar is my preferred addition to my tea. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPJFojm7SaKHeNKhCjuzz65b0SHhltYgbb_N6HHAMrARB3V9_26eU163QTYXpD-g-thWVJfyD1ZUsJIQwUMJgvlUHzPGmlTomqe_s7TavDIEAisI7vpKayzo7TBKZiC9PHzoj1ZLWpXoD/s1600/GEDC1072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPJFojm7SaKHeNKhCjuzz65b0SHhltYgbb_N6HHAMrARB3V9_26eU163QTYXpD-g-thWVJfyD1ZUsJIQwUMJgvlUHzPGmlTomqe_s7TavDIEAisI7vpKayzo7TBKZiC9PHzoj1ZLWpXoD/s1600/GEDC1072.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I saw a pickle and cheese sandwich on the menu it sounded intriguing. I like pickles and I love cheese. So I ordered it. BIG MISTAKE. It may be the worst thing I have ever tasted. It was the only meal I had in Scotland I did not enjoy at all. I would go back to this restaurant with no second thoughts, but I would order something else to eat. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5mIuv7UusOx4y5voY0G2VEwqGOxYc1vR2Uh21txcylSzcs76xo981pHzCSttcgkt299fmGTIGcLb-6L-9RSZiNXtLHdTSKkzPxpMsYdKHBJfIEP5-pzofYAZSy5WQve0T6X6nOx7gho-/s1600/GEDC1080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5mIuv7UusOx4y5voY0G2VEwqGOxYc1vR2Uh21txcylSzcs76xo981pHzCSttcgkt299fmGTIGcLb-6L-9RSZiNXtLHdTSKkzPxpMsYdKHBJfIEP5-pzofYAZSy5WQve0T6X6nOx7gho-/s1600/GEDC1080.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now you get a look at how narrow the road was.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKz3qo-0z8pZMwIUWcN_7_ReMuS4d69FWES1gJ_I4vXvZR_e32RlguUOBI1TsHFqHFCBF2JK1g1lpbhyaJ7al3N8T4AqKzqmFo5SWzMFGaiYb3IYFDG7pB9kp-N4TENyH6Z7uqbzY03F7/s1600/GEDC1127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKz3qo-0z8pZMwIUWcN_7_ReMuS4d69FWES1gJ_I4vXvZR_e32RlguUOBI1TsHFqHFCBF2JK1g1lpbhyaJ7al3N8T4AqKzqmFo5SWzMFGaiYb3IYFDG7pB9kp-N4TENyH6Z7uqbzY03F7/s1600/GEDC1127.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuck in traffic. It turns out there was an accident up ahead somewhere. There was no way out so we waited. It was over an hour, but it gave us a chance to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC6F_o8taSKchBC8zspI3LzeekoTLbiSxSV7la3AmjT1DWKUlPa41djZN9mXNiAOtsTfu5ads8NwPLunABM8baQxdBkZdd43Y2tQ_o6cZckcCPfzTHJfyfzDXg83YbEt8PReTqRGissEv/s1600/GEDC1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVC6F_o8taSKchBC8zspI3LzeekoTLbiSxSV7la3AmjT1DWKUlPa41djZN9mXNiAOtsTfu5ads8NwPLunABM8baQxdBkZdd43Y2tQ_o6cZckcCPfzTHJfyfzDXg83YbEt8PReTqRGissEv/s1600/GEDC1135.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More mountains.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUmPJxKl7_LjyJaLr1bjrHLm4BsVVK_7Vb5SGOk7hLl4-oUJE6e9wpVjIlXL4c7p2NYV1HikThzd0znPmy8-uzZl8JXh4rP9zYeQESts2Vx2DR1Mvzo-HzS_0Z2y_PXGlzHNJM4jGz1KI/s1600/GEDC1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUmPJxKl7_LjyJaLr1bjrHLm4BsVVK_7Vb5SGOk7hLl4-oUJE6e9wpVjIlXL4c7p2NYV1HikThzd0znPmy8-uzZl8JXh4rP9zYeQESts2Vx2DR1Mvzo-HzS_0Z2y_PXGlzHNJM4jGz1KI/s1600/GEDC1145.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more mountains.......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXeasTyphLifu2NHtEfRKSK0oVnUFHR-Jit9chDL5DJZCi-4UR6w4JEZWWRs_AC0zHwMNM2IHdjzlezY3YJQ93TlU-K1_-OsaYfdwFOpfQkK6LlV7LUyNqHiU0a70iBZqJp24JZ5ic0qk/s1600/GEDC1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXeasTyphLifu2NHtEfRKSK0oVnUFHR-Jit9chDL5DJZCi-4UR6w4JEZWWRs_AC0zHwMNM2IHdjzlezY3YJQ93TlU-K1_-OsaYfdwFOpfQkK6LlV7LUyNqHiU0a70iBZqJp24JZ5ic0qk/s1600/GEDC1147.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even more mountains...........</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr16Rt7cJXw4MnXMru0k-W9Z4QkxZ3bSgw4jHKugcYO97_ct7r91gjnmizN7fsq5T9MQ0qq4XLa5mMUMYCkM_q2NaollyN4yCVerIyu_ah5Lp90PWIcIutdZMJ4-MMCXE85sHXqyY4R13a/s1600/GEDC1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr16Rt7cJXw4MnXMru0k-W9Z4QkxZ3bSgw4jHKugcYO97_ct7r91gjnmizN7fsq5T9MQ0qq4XLa5mMUMYCkM_q2NaollyN4yCVerIyu_ah5Lp90PWIcIutdZMJ4-MMCXE85sHXqyY4R13a/s1600/GEDC1166.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish the pictures could capture how grand and amazing it felt to be here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeDzCgM_XjSLLLR30sJEX6wb91BCTmL0xrFCDdthjFbrMIlkcRnmx7T44cQcB1NpPU9mXyD09_T3igeFOD_HVpM6OovkRDGPVfLzQiKfbvcno6LdH7ruHANdZHJGLhFSjNaH6n1-oYc6a/s1600/GEDC1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeDzCgM_XjSLLLR30sJEX6wb91BCTmL0xrFCDdthjFbrMIlkcRnmx7T44cQcB1NpPU9mXyD09_T3igeFOD_HVpM6OovkRDGPVfLzQiKfbvcno6LdH7ruHANdZHJGLhFSjNaH6n1-oYc6a/s1600/GEDC1187.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-1HaEC_1_y7Fzy3bI5EV4JixqYrPzT_PlBi9e3ctV1W4A0EFbvchNhh2IbC7-Z3n5EoaFXgKregoql066g-sjyHpNoeCxsT32VKh4iWgUJIra6hBSrpUck5Kb6TihW9gpG8GioAPpZpf/s1600/GEDC1192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-1HaEC_1_y7Fzy3bI5EV4JixqYrPzT_PlBi9e3ctV1W4A0EFbvchNhh2IbC7-Z3n5EoaFXgKregoql066g-sjyHpNoeCxsT32VKh4iWgUJIra6hBSrpUck5Kb6TihW9gpG8GioAPpZpf/s1600/GEDC1192.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road ahead winding through more mountains.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmccbkt4O968j0qCQ9HUlgcq4dE4XKZ6N1ysbroESTIUvrlYtoyYWiYL9iy_sKqV00NQFu1I8aHzkpb7XuqFB-Wmmkxmvs-nfjbE0Bs2moz0z3TAfVGIXrVk5vEN99hhjopdWsGm4UgqC/s1600/GEDC1217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOmccbkt4O968j0qCQ9HUlgcq4dE4XKZ6N1ysbroESTIUvrlYtoyYWiYL9iy_sKqV00NQFu1I8aHzkpb7XuqFB-Wmmkxmvs-nfjbE0Bs2moz0z3TAfVGIXrVk5vEN99hhjopdWsGm4UgqC/s1600/GEDC1217.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know nothing about this church. It was a lucky shot from the car window driving by. There were so many little churches and houses dotted here and there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAak9s-NeGPuVTeqH9rS2EdY6t6bW6ID7Yeyg5hkrNK_0brgP_kbYCQMkYNGGz3XrrQ0esi3L9_0fkd82oWbvIHSIVGw6zolCkEcqgquqzc5bdIAFOG-Vax_aPJdfRJxTBLrWj3go94oBr/s1600/GEDC1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAak9s-NeGPuVTeqH9rS2EdY6t6bW6ID7Yeyg5hkrNK_0brgP_kbYCQMkYNGGz3XrrQ0esi3L9_0fkd82oWbvIHSIVGw6zolCkEcqgquqzc5bdIAFOG-Vax_aPJdfRJxTBLrWj3go94oBr/s1600/GEDC1246.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow! I don't remember where this was. Possibly Fort Augustus, but I'm not sure.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEcaSCreUa63MxJjaH1JQ7Cyc0V9PCm26ve5UZwaYbTNSfoxxiIWpLxo5fdWLZUKGUPHq8IakJFeJ8LejCKDA-JA7vCUZhztzo21beINrARvpKonGe6wzG_37vzauQhs4nVuogPQDYMOO/s1600/GEDC1259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEcaSCreUa63MxJjaH1JQ7Cyc0V9PCm26ve5UZwaYbTNSfoxxiIWpLxo5fdWLZUKGUPHq8IakJFeJ8LejCKDA-JA7vCUZhztzo21beINrARvpKonGe6wzG_37vzauQhs4nVuogPQDYMOO/s1600/GEDC1259.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Ness! There will be more coming of Loch Ness. By the time we got this far we were tired and almost to our B&B. We came back the next day for more pictures.</td></tr>
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We only drove through Inverness this night and we got lost! I don't really have any good pictures of driving through Inverness since I was busy with a map trying to find a way out. We made it to our B&B very late. More on the B&B next. It was a great place to stay. <br />
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-38682072060048487032014-12-27T10:41:00.000-05:002014-12-27T10:41:53.753-05:00Glasgow Part 3: Glasgow Necropolis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think Glasgow Necropolis was my favorite place in Glasgow. It was
peaceful and full of history. There weren't many visitors there the day
we went which added to the serenity of the place for me. I don't have a
lot to say about this place as I think the pictures speak for
themselves. It's quite simply a very old and very large cemetery. And also very beautiful. You
can read more about it at http://www.glasgownecropolis.org/.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrXNjX4ux88YusGGYe0JmCa1PROWqClgj6fKf6t5t_lHwlBalJLlrdX1bwYDR271ViOhW0Sb_xopXaupRDK4GZU4OMDHqKKq3gIVUW3bfuLJ8A5bY5kuri1DT8_KmZodgHoAefL7mW0Uf/s1600/GEDC0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrXNjX4ux88YusGGYe0JmCa1PROWqClgj6fKf6t5t_lHwlBalJLlrdX1bwYDR271ViOhW0Sb_xopXaupRDK4GZU4OMDHqKKq3gIVUW3bfuLJ8A5bY5kuri1DT8_KmZodgHoAefL7mW0Uf/s1600/GEDC0882.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old stone bridge leads from the grounds of the Glasgow Cathedral to the Necropolis.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMikSI1UTno-Y8hpfsuYQ31pcUxeE782dmDzew0a6CHDgtb2AIkCRAUzJ91Gxlr0gutmak0oTEcaSH9eq1HWJGQojKq_E9wjbodyRy3th5-lBY0PW8GW36FzN2YmCt6BPF1Na5IN6kfOKZ/s1600/GEDC0885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMikSI1UTno-Y8hpfsuYQ31pcUxeE782dmDzew0a6CHDgtb2AIkCRAUzJ91Gxlr0gutmak0oTEcaSH9eq1HWJGQojKq_E9wjbodyRy3th5-lBY0PW8GW36FzN2YmCt6BPF1Na5IN6kfOKZ/s1600/GEDC0885.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author of Wee Willie Winkie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtA1TCwLa6FqrrLNDUjAfoW2fBCVY38gts6_LytJrj099RPLsuKK5jhtC2bWzpz7Hx4S9RGZNQwDA2817m4T6CC3ZRIiWVFiSuhR4YlS-Vff7GFItqFbRRK8mBxfF5-8Tn7rEvtoYswCA/s1600/GEDC0888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtA1TCwLa6FqrrLNDUjAfoW2fBCVY38gts6_LytJrj099RPLsuKK5jhtC2bWzpz7Hx4S9RGZNQwDA2817m4T6CC3ZRIiWVFiSuhR4YlS-Vff7GFItqFbRRK8mBxfF5-8Tn7rEvtoYswCA/s1600/GEDC0888.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rows going up the hill are in tiers. It was quite a steep climb.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUzAwJ_dLwjO-ihc8-c2nGP6qVScBoiHy3sShTBfD4YXhHyNNgXtGFC8kb-PbmnPodGHTDXuwH7z6mkbNnkDbW3uOvTsklXu0wO8Dlzn4s8yLtiCtw0-p8zVpliWsvmk-OcC7ywSShwLV/s1600/GEDC0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUzAwJ_dLwjO-ihc8-c2nGP6qVScBoiHy3sShTBfD4YXhHyNNgXtGFC8kb-PbmnPodGHTDXuwH7z6mkbNnkDbW3uOvTsklXu0wO8Dlzn4s8yLtiCtw0-p8zVpliWsvmk-OcC7ywSShwLV/s1600/GEDC0909.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom looking out from the top of the Necropolis at Glasgow Cathedral. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was one of a few tombs we saw.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normally a broken statue like this would make me sad. As a Doctor Who fan a beheaded stone angel seems less frightening than one with it's head attached.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, the cemetery stretches quite far.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of the stones hear the top of the hill.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kYAY7Et0Oh_uzW62qg5CbN7RZhEY8rZWfJjfCyc6axqqYe2Yn4GWParOWxzatMBi_0CLkil9QWlLGjaA_cqXvUypXhWJ18ZqCEeSst8KA53Zjt-u6-ojIsIafOiKTtvzaTvUShxMIsk5/s1600/GEDC0952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kYAY7Et0Oh_uzW62qg5CbN7RZhEY8rZWfJjfCyc6axqqYe2Yn4GWParOWxzatMBi_0CLkil9QWlLGjaA_cqXvUypXhWJ18ZqCEeSst8KA53Zjt-u6-ojIsIafOiKTtvzaTvUShxMIsk5/s1600/GEDC0952.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8m2YkIlq66yVVDcOmruY3TgSwiOooxHk2Ax3LTFwOyf6H9VivBGymTMX46fk_A0xtMJ8SrrnLuRSmmJlIIfrJiCyzALqgxybQMAwwiAx8gF4Hto1fEj8MZzSTZVLEYFiiOZ7qL-AJJW5/s1600/GEDC0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8m2YkIlq66yVVDcOmruY3TgSwiOooxHk2Ax3LTFwOyf6H9VivBGymTMX46fk_A0xtMJ8SrrnLuRSmmJlIIfrJiCyzALqgxybQMAwwiAx8gF4Hto1fEj8MZzSTZVLEYFiiOZ7qL-AJJW5/s1600/GEDC0956.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were so many wildflowers to photograph. Lots of thistle, foxglove and ivy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1JY5itLGwVSCAawqThSMGITxn-u3vbSB3IcheYqwfVpOyvX0XaXjG3v-X1xfQjKItRh87dkmte4Oc8jSEBjCL_w_qKgNjYyzF9GOKpQ5ctdFPET09jJbeOzxVg6WFUx9UFxoHLdVxQ2N/s1600/GEDC0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1JY5itLGwVSCAawqThSMGITxn-u3vbSB3IcheYqwfVpOyvX0XaXjG3v-X1xfQjKItRh87dkmte4Oc8jSEBjCL_w_qKgNjYyzF9GOKpQ5ctdFPET09jJbeOzxVg6WFUx9UFxoHLdVxQ2N/s1600/GEDC0958.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the oldest areas are quite worn, and overgrown. Yet at the same time the whole place seemed well groomed.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hOWqytiR2sXY9Ld3anC69mF0WdOBvBWYA82KX3Syd9lAr-1S4igGiXRFCM5h2RjX7yDegV_6O2C7AjtLEXgD_jAss2JTL6jhTwC_m74DufN_OLrZ13PMkSEmbE4axPCmD9IDR-wh3V1b/s1600/GEDC0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hOWqytiR2sXY9Ld3anC69mF0WdOBvBWYA82KX3Syd9lAr-1S4igGiXRFCM5h2RjX7yDegV_6O2C7AjtLEXgD_jAss2JTL6jhTwC_m74DufN_OLrZ13PMkSEmbE4axPCmD9IDR-wh3V1b/s1600/GEDC0941.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more view stretching out toward the city.</td></tr>
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<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-12202531080268744902014-12-26T15:50:00.000-05:002014-12-26T15:50:03.013-05:00Glasgow Part 2: Glasgow Cathedral<br />
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When I started out writing this post I had intended to put Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow Necropolis in one post together. Then I realized even getting it down to my favorite pictures of each would be too many for a single post.<br /><br />I loved the Cathedral and this alone would be enough to bring me back to Glasgow. The Cathedral was so full of things to see. The inside of the Cathedral is such a mix of time periods that it is almost overwhelming and most certainly awe inspiring.<br /><br /><br />
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This altar is just one example of the amazing stone carvings we saw on our visit to the Cathedral. <br /><br />It's hard to imagine the time and labor needed to complete a work like this. I don't know the actual age of this altar, but I do know it is OLD.<br />
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The ceilings in the main part of the Cathedral were decorated with beautiful wooden beams. <br />
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I don't remember what the significance of these stones was. I just thought they were worth sharing. I guess I should have taken some close up pictures of the signs.<br />
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This room to the right was my favorite in the Cathedral. It's sort of a basement room. The ceiling had beautiful colored decorations where the beams come together. Below are a few pictures of those as well. It was so hard to choose what to include here.<br />
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It was a rather dreary looking morning with all the clouds. It's kind of funny how I don't remember thinking that at the time. I was simply in awe of my surroundings. I was in Scotland with my mom and we were having an adventure. <br /><br />Below is a picture of Glasgow Cathedral. In the background on the right you can see the Glasgow Necropolis. My next post will be all about the Necropolis. Be prepared for a lot of pictures. <br />
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I have not forgotten to finish my trip posts. My family has been very sick this last week, and now mom has it. So while you wait, here's a little something for my fellow Doctor Who fans. This was a huge highlight of Glasgow for me. <br /><br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-59597604393662553742014-09-18T16:52:00.000-04:002014-09-18T16:52:01.910-04:00Glasgow: Part One One of the big things I wanted to do while in Scotland was have Fish and Chips. So dinner the first night was at this Fish and Chip shop. <br />
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You can't see it in the above picture, but there was actually a surprising variety of things offered here. I am not sure what I expected though, maybe I was expecting it to be just simple Fish and Chips on the menu. </div>
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In the end, simple Fish and Chips is what I got, because it was what I was after. I don't even remember what else was on the menu. I also had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irn-Bru" target="_blank">Irn Bru</a> (pronounced "iron brew") to drink. It is something that is inherently Scottish and so I had to try it. I didn't care for it and so it was also the last Irn Bru I had to drink. <br />
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This was not, however, the last fish and chips I had to eat. It left me wanting as the fish was just warm and the breading soggy. However, the chips (fries to Americans) were delicious!<br />
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In my research before the trip, I came across several references to a "Full Scottish Breakfast". This is the closest I got in Glasgow. Breakfast at the hotel was served buffet style. The black sausage was surprisingly good, although I don't think my mom could bring herself to try it. I also discovered that I love tomatoes and mushrooms for breakfast the way they cook them over there. The ham looking meat on top is bacon. It's very different than American Bacon, but similar to what we call Canadian Bacon. Still, the flavors are a bit different even from that. The sausage underneath I don't remember the name of. It was good and I would probably eat it again if it was on a breakfast buffet like this, but I don't think I would go out of my way for it. All in all, breakfast was good and filling and carried us a long way through our day. <br />
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Here we are on our walk to Glasgow Cathedral (which deserves a post all it's own). According to Google Maps, it's only a 15 minute walk from our hotel. I'm pretty certain it took us much longer than that. I'm not sure if Google Maps is off by that much, or if we walked that slow. It's probably a combination of the two. We also stopped a few times along the way.<br />
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I'm sure we've all heard the phrase "Dr. Livingstone, I presume". What I didn't know was that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Livingstone" target="_blank">Dr. Livingstone</a> was a Scot. This statue is one of many of him that exist in Scotland.<br />
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This is just a pigeon I liked. Every time I saw a pigeon on our trip, I would think of my kids singing the words to Mo Willems' book "Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus".<br />
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I cannot remember what this building was! And right now I don't have time to go look it up. But it was huge! And beautiful. <br />
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Here's a close up of the statue on the building. I'm not sure who it is. I really need to find time to look this all up, because I'm sure it's fascinating. <br /><br />I promise when I do get a minute to look it up, I will post about it. <br /><br />
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In the distance here you can see a picture of the Glasgow Necropolis. Such a beautiful place, and I promise you there are more picture to come of this.<br /><br />I must sign off for now. Enjoy.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-63374898624282175682014-09-14T08:25:00.000-04:002014-09-14T08:29:15.119-04:00Airplane Food ~or~ Getting To Scotland<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Back in June I was lucky enough to be my mother's traveling companion on her dream trip to Scotland. I can still hardly believe I got go! Not only was it amazing to see Scotland (and a bit of Ireland), but I have memories of a time with my mom that I will cherish for the rest of my life. <br /><br />That being said, I know that one post would never be enough to share how awesome our trip was. So I thought I'd revive things here with a series of posts and pictures. And who knows, maybe a few other things in between. </div>
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We flew out of Chicago. In the above picture you can see just how close the airport is to the main road, and where the trains come in between the airport and main road. I'm trying to remember if that is a highway over pass on the right or if it was a runway that went over the highway. </div>
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We got to the airport with plenty of time to spare and so had a few hours to kill. I am actually surprised that I have so few pictures of it as I took well over 2,000 pictures of the trip. I guess I didn't find O'Hare all that interesting after all. <br />
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Now we get to the part about the airplane food. We flew on an Irish airline, Aer Lingus. While there were things about the flight I did not enjoy (it was a very loud and busy overnight flight), the food was actually rather delicious and the attendants were so polite. I mean it, if you've heard any stories about how nice the Irish are when you visit their country, you still don't understand. They were that nice. <br />
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But back to the food. First off I was rather surprised at how much there was. I've only ever been on one other long flight (two really since it was round trip) that included meals and this was a much larger meal than we got then. We had Shepard's Pie with Salad, a roll, butter, a brownie and crackers. Water and our choice of hot tea or coffee to drink. I think the little container with the orange top in the bottom corner is the salad dressing, but I can't quite make out what it says. <br />
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It wasn't the best meal I had on the trip, but it was surprisingly good. It didn't leave me wishing for a better meal or wishing for a larger meal. All in all it was a good way to start the trip if you ask me.<br />
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We had a short layover in Dublin, Ireland. It was a smaller airport than I expected. I'm not sure what I expected. Maybe I just still had the size of O'Hare stuck in my head. Overall though, Dublin is a bit of a blur. I was pretty exhausted by this point as I had not gotten any sleep to speak of on the flight across the Atlantic. <br />
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From the air I understood why they call Ireland "The Emerald Isle". This was one of the last things I saw before we touched down in Scotland. Did I mention how tired I was? It was only an hour flight from Dublin to Glasgow, but I slept the whole way. </div>
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And then we were there. We had a hired car take us to our hotel where we really did think about sleeping for a while. In the end, we just couldn't do it. We had to go out and see a bit of the city. I don't remember what this picture is of, but I do know it's not far from our hotel. Glasgow is a large city and more industrial than tourist. We still saw some beautiful sights there. <br />
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Stay tuned for part 2...........Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-84663068248601007352014-06-24T20:49:00.005-04:002014-06-24T20:53:54.117-04:00Sorry, I've Been Busy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, so maybe I could have found five minutes here and there to post something in the last three months. And really, I should have. I generally have a lot to say, even if no one wants to hear it. Sometimes I just need to focus on other things. The last three months was mostly about getting my kids through school. <br />
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So now I'm writing today. Just don't expect me to have too much to say in the next couple of weeks. I leave tomorrow on vacation to Scotland and Ireland with my mum. It would be an understatement to say I'm excited. I'm also a little nervous about flying, but not nearly as nervous as I was when I flew to Germany almost four years ago.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLABCkye_PAktL3XjCQGpkO1UAtrpsYl9SGOH7Z8OVz4VhJ3x1CSGezfLDR4DRyh7ycVl9nGHODKByr3nG77L7y7FqkibikBDMkw95FbcSpKcw8wPWXQM2tWx0rkIK9wnWINl8AAXbukc3/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLABCkye_PAktL3XjCQGpkO1UAtrpsYl9SGOH7Z8OVz4VhJ3x1CSGezfLDR4DRyh7ycVl9nGHODKByr3nG77L7y7FqkibikBDMkw95FbcSpKcw8wPWXQM2tWx0rkIK9wnWINl8AAXbukc3/s1600/018.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
Somewhere in the picture to the right is all the garlic I planted last fall. I bet you can't find it. But I promise you it is there. I have actually been pulling some of the weeds closest to the garlic plants. I'm hoping it survives until I get back home and can it properly take care of.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9SAxIFC83CagHSmHESWVI_AVQcuWgGaoI9eBhhoBPc5J4cOyK4eBqHCy-qb4i62bhCXkieJnFkWNTo7WUqGqvIezEv2Fb3k13uXMxb1EHa_PuuOBv7OnrNp5TfgVwMrTRUXUlewluNNO/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9SAxIFC83CagHSmHESWVI_AVQcuWgGaoI9eBhhoBPc5J4cOyK4eBqHCy-qb4i62bhCXkieJnFkWNTo7WUqGqvIezEv2Fb3k13uXMxb1EHa_PuuOBv7OnrNp5TfgVwMrTRUXUlewluNNO/s1600/017.JPG" height="360" width="640" /></a>And would you just look at this beautiful plantain? All this rain and cool weather has allowed it to grow to a size I've never seen before. There is so much of it! I'm thinking this will be the year I lean how to harvest it and prepare it for future use. <br />
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There's so much more I'd love to show you, but I just don't have time right now. I have to go pack. <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> </b><u><b>SCOTLAND OR BUST!!</b></u></span></span></span>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-34397061363681280602014-03-16T16:16:00.001-04:002014-03-16T16:16:26.156-04:00Perfect Portions: Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Browsing through Pinterest I'd often see salads in pint sized mason jars. They all look really pretty, but I'd always think to myself that it would be so hard to get the dressing all the way to the bottom of the salad. Of course you could dump it into a bowl. But then you have the problem of all your toppings being on the bottom. <br /><br />Then it hit me. Build the salad in the jar upside down! Build it in layers starting with what you would normally put on your salad last. Why didn't I think of this before? Umm....probably because I wasn't trying to make salads ahead in perfect sized portions before. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtzweECwypdsvkC-ziiYecvqPc6rwqzp6MsH1GJ29euOVVBbXN5uhiDUofXgv7gDuxnPa-nDYnK6BPpvDD_6N_FjmjwW8JU9GVgVoD1QWGaTwIn0lGsCuHzCpRHLpK1ew4YO9JC-FENgv/s1600/JarSalad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtzweECwypdsvkC-ziiYecvqPc6rwqzp6MsH1GJ29euOVVBbXN5uhiDUofXgv7gDuxnPa-nDYnK6BPpvDD_6N_FjmjwW8JU9GVgVoD1QWGaTwIn0lGsCuHzCpRHLpK1ew4YO9JC-FENgv/s1600/JarSalad2.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></a></div>
See how pretty it is? I'm doing the Atkins Diet at the moment trying to shed as many extra pounds before my trip to Scotland as I can. Salads make the perfect go to lunch if they are pre-made and ready to go. <br /><br />You could layer this with anything at all you would normally put in a salad. This one is (starting from the bottom):<br /><br />Diced Ham<br />Chopped Hard Boiled Egg<br />Sliced Cucumber<br />Sliced Red Onion<br /><br />Then I packed as much lettuce in as I could manage. This time it happens to be a combination of iceberg and romaine. I don't do iceberg lettuce often, but while I'm on Atkins I really miss the crunch of things like crackers and croutons. The crunchiness of the iceberg helps a lot with that.<br /><br />When I'm ready to eat my salad, I'll just dump it into a large bowl and put my dressing on. <br /><br />I wonder what else I can pre-portion.<br />
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<br /><br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-18590024742498167752014-03-14T00:48:00.003-04:002014-03-14T00:48:59.863-04:00Seven Year Old In The House!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Monday was Braden's seventh birthday. First he wanted a dirt cake. Then he found out it had whipped cream in it. After that, he wanted a cake that looked like a turtle. THEN, he read a story about a caterpillar in school and he saw a couple of caterpillar cakes while I was browsing Pinterest. Once he saw them, he was in love and wanted nothing else.<br /><br />To be quite honest, I was grateful. This is one of the easiest cakes I've ever made for one of the kids birthdays. <br /><br />He's also pretty easy to please when it comes to food. Chili dog Mac and Cheese is his favorite. We don't often eat a whole meal of processed food around here, but when it comes to birthday dinners all bets are off. The child gets what they want. <br />
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It's pretty simple. Combine chopped up hot dogs with boxed mac and cheese. Then stir in a can of hot dog chilli. We like the kind without beans!<br /><br />I'm sure you could make the mac and cheese from scratch as well as the chilli. For us, it's something we have so rarely that I've never bothered putting that much work into it. And everyone needs a fast throw together meal to fall back on every now and again. <br /><br />Just because I want to, here are a few more pictures of the birthday fun.<br />
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<br /><br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-14123229597262964462014-03-05T11:58:00.000-05:002014-03-05T11:58:10.270-05:00How I Stay Warm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I tend to crochet afghans in the winter months. It keeps me warm in the evenings. We really needed a new afghan for our bed. I had a lot of left over yarns and several unfinished projects that were never going to get done. So I randomly put them together to make a huge afghan for my bed. My bed is a queen size, but I'm pretty sure this thing would fit a king size bed. <br /><br />Now I'm working on one for the kids. Eventually I'll actually make something from a pattern again. Until then, it's fun seeing how scrap afghans turn out.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-1381036484793885302014-02-28T15:02:00.000-05:002014-02-28T15:02:21.977-05:00Volunteering: If Not You, Then Who?This afternoon I have a training session for Girl Scouts. I've been volunteering with Girl Scouts in some capacity for the last five years. I've been a troop leader for the last three. Somehow a training I should have had at least three years ago got overlooked, so now I am getting caught up. <br />
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I also volunteer with 4H as a project leader in my children's club. The two things keep me pretty busy. And for the most part I really don't mind. <br />
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I never actually wanted to be a Girl Scout leader. But when my younger daughter, Meg, wanted to join Girl Scouts, it was either volunteer or she wouldn't have a troop. How could I tell her that her older sister could go to Girl Scouts, but she couldn't? So here I am years later. <br />
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What makes me sad is that there are still so many girls in our area that don't have troops. They want to be a part of Girl Scouts, but there aren't enough volunteers. Some people just truly do not, and will not volunteer. Others mistakenly think it is too hard or they aren't qualified or have some other misconception that keep them from stepping up.<br />
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Let me tell you, as much as I did not ( and some some days still do not) want to volunteer with Girl Scouts, it has been easier and more rewarding than I could have imagined. It's such a great feeling when girls and their parents tell you how much they enjoy coming to Girl Scouts. <br />
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It's also been a great thing for my confidence level. I have always struggled with speaking in front of people, even if they are kids. Even though I still have a little anxiety over it when adults are present, I am so much better and more composed than I was three years ago. It also doesn't take as much time as I thought it would. The leaders decide how often and where to meet. <br />
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The hardest part of being a Girl Scout Volunteer is cookie sales. I am honestly not overly fond of this part of it. But with each year it has gotten easier and really does not seem like such a big deal this year (don't tell my co-leader I said that!!). And there are always other volunteers to lend a hand or give advice. <br />
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Now my son is joining Cub Scouts. I have to admit that I am so glad my husband is going to take control of this one and take him to his den meetings. This way HE can get roped into volunteering instead of me. It's not that I wouldn't love to help, but I'm already stretched and fear if I added something else right now all areas would suffer. <br />
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I do wish more parents would realize how easy it is to volunteer though. We have so many girls in our areas who need someone to step up. What's worse is some parents actually will get irate and rude to other Girl Scout volunteers when there isn't a troop available for their daughter's age level, but they offer no help in finding a leader or refuse to volunteer themselves. <br />
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So please, if you would like your children involved in an organization such as Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, 4H, etc., remember that it can only exist if volunteers step up and help. Even if you can't run a troop, den, or club you may be able to help ease the burden in other areas. Never be afraid to ask for information, you might be surprised what you can do.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-42960241517392283582014-02-27T13:31:00.001-05:002014-02-27T13:31:11.841-05:00Wildcrafting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow, have I really gone four days without a post? Yikes! I'm not sure what happened there. I've been so ensconced in working with the kids on their school work that I had not even realized it had been that long. Let's hope I keep better track from now on.<br /><br />Along with my interest in traditional and herbal medicines, I also have a huge interest in wildcrafting. Wildcrafting is the act of harvesting plants from their wild habitat for use as food or medicine. My interest in wildcrafting started when I was a child walking in the woods with my grandmother. In the spring we would go out looking for morel mushrooms and she would point out plants to me and tell me what they were used for.<br />
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I remember being particularly fascinated with Bloodroot. The flowers were beautiful and it was so cool to a little kid that when you broke open the root it really did look like bright red blood was coming out of the plant.<br /><br />She would point out all the plants that we could eat, such as dandelion and nettles. I don't remember all the information she gave me specifically, but every year when I'm walking through the woods on my own land I remember my time in the woods with her. <br /><br />I spend a lot of my time identifying the plants growing here and finding out if they are useful or not. I know that even if I don't remember what my grandmother taught me, it was that time with her at such a young age that fueled the desire I have as an adult to know more and make use of what nature has provided me.<br /><br />I've taught my kids what things they can snack on while they are playing. Of course the wild raspberries are a huge favorite, but so are the red clover flowers. My younger daughter, Meg, watches and waits all year for the Autumn Olive berries to ripen in late September or October so she can enjoy them. <br /><br />You might be amazed to find out what is useful in your own backyard, even if you live in the city. A great source of information is <a href="http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/">http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/</a>. Steve Brill has been leading groups through parks and woods for years and teaching people about the wild foods around us. <br /><br />If you scroll down on the left, under the heading "For Sale" you will see "Wild Cards". I highly recommend these to anyone who wants a nice, easy to carry reference. I have these and find myself reaching for them because they are so easy to carry along and the pictures make it easy to identify plants. <br /><br />I do have several books and use them often. But rather than try to carry them in the woods with me, I use them to study what I've found. And if I do come across something I can't identify with my cards, I generally have my camera with me, so I can take a picture and use the internet to identify it later. <br /><br />Always remember that if you are not sure about a plant to NOT ingest it. When at all possible take someone into the woods with you who has experience. Or at least start with things you already know, but may not realize are edible such as violets, dandelions or daisies. <br />
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<br /><br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-74161977279073442742014-02-23T18:47:00.000-05:002014-02-23T18:47:02.501-05:00Word Thinking Day AdventureFirst off, I forgot my camera! So all the pictures in the post are from my oldest daughter, Jade. She took them with her tablet and was nice enough to share them with me for my blog. <br /><br />We got everything loaded into my Bronco and headed out. We stop to get gas about five minutes from home, and a lady pulls in behind us. She gets out of her car and knocks on my window. So I open the door (because the window doesn't work right) and she tells me that the back tire is wobbling like crazy on the Bronco. *sigh* <br /><br />In a most amazing twist of fate, at that same moment I realize I have a text message from a fellow Girl Scout leader, Gretchen, asking if I need a ride. It's kind of sad that I need a rid often enough that she asks me regularly. Again, *sigh*. At any rate, I quickly call her and explain my situation and she sends someone to rescue us and take us to her house where we all finish getting ready. <br />
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We still don't know what is wrong with the Bronco, as there hasn't been time to look at it. Rob's car is broken as well and he has been working on that all day today. <br /><br />So back to World Thinking Day. At Gretchen's house we get to chatting and lose track of time. It's suddenly noon and the event is 30 minutes away. So we load up as quick as we can and hit the road. We get there with 15 minutes to spare. *Whew!*<br /><br />There were six countries represented at the event. I have pictures from each one except for Ireland. I'm not sure how that one got missed. I think maybe it was because their presentation was so interactive that it Jade took fewer pictures.<br /><br />At any rate, here are some pictures. Other than Germany, I can't tell you much about the demonstrations. I was far too busy to have a chance to see. I do know that in Ireland the girls got to learn a bit of Irish dance.<br />
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Germany was my country for the day. It was a lot of fun as I was able to tell the girls a little about my trip there a few years ago. <br /><br />I started with greeting them in German:<br />"<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="de"><span class="hps">Willkommen in Deutschland.</span> <span class="hps">Ich bin</span> <span class="hps">Frau</span> <span class="hps">Ebels</span><span class=""></span></span>." That got the girls quiet really fast and seemed to be a good ice breaker. <br /><br />Beyond that I taught the girls a few numbers and colors in German. I also taught them to say snowman (schneemann) and Girl Scout (Pfadfinderin).<br /><br />I also talked about the food, tourist attractions, industry, etc. Then I told the girls that Gummy bears were invented in Germany and gave them each a small packet of Haribo Gold Bears. <br /><br />A huge thank you to Biz, one of my volunteer parents who showed up to assist me and ended up running her tail off. If it weren't for her I would never have appeared as organized as I did.<br />
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Here is the display board from Italy. I really do not know what was talked about much. I do know that she told the girls some cool facts about Girl Scouts in Italy like their Promise and when Girl Scouts first started in Germany. She also gave the girls some Italian cookies that I heard were delicious. My girls didn't save me any. <br />
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The leader who did Japan had the most beautiful display of the day. She has been doing this for a number of years, and you can really see the love that she has poured into this.<br /><br />Her craft for the girls was to make zen gardens. My youngest daughter, Megan, has already spent hours playing with hers. <br /><br />Each girl also received a beautiful paper crane at the end of the demonstration.<br />
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Here my Megan is getting ready to decorate her Swedish Dala Horse.<br /><br />Since Gretchen and her daughter were the leaders presenting Sweden, I did get to hear a bit of what their plan was. <br /><br />Did you know that Swedes are such good recyclers that they import trash from Norway to meet their demand for recyclable trash? <br />
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Russia was actually in the same room I was. You would think that would mean that I got to hear their presentation. Not really since I had a group of girls at the same time!<br /><br />She did have some great nesting dolls to show the girls and they were able to talk about the Olympics. I'm sure there were a lot of other things discussed as well, I just wasn't able to hear.<br /><br />The girls seems to leave the demonstration very excited, so whatever they talked about it must have been fun!<br />
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All-in-all it was a great time and was wonderful to see the excitement in all the girls faces.<br /><br />In case you don't know, World Thinking Day is a special Girl Scout day set aside for the girls to learn about and especially think about, global issues. One way to bring awareness of things to the girls of things happening around the world is to teach them a bit about different countries and cultures around the world. Events like the one our Service Unit put on help the girls earn their World Thinking Day badge in a fun way with a day filled full of things that spark their minds. <br /><br />I am already looking forward to next year. <br />
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<br /><br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-20041742520634328622014-02-22T09:51:00.000-05:002014-02-22T09:51:34.193-05:00guten MorgenI have been busy, busy, busy. (Am I the only one who always thinks "busy, busy, busy" in the voice of the magician from Frosty The Snowman?) <br /><br />Today is World Thinking Day for Girl Scouts. In few hours I will be at an event where several leaders from our Service Unit will be hosting booths representing different countries. In case you don't know, World Thinking Day is a day for Girls Scouts to think about and learn about cultures and Girl Scouts / Girl Guides around the world.<br /><br />My booth is Germany and I can't wait to see the girls all trying to say Pfadfinderin (that's German for Girl Scout). I'll put up some pictures of my boot (and maybe some of the others) tomorrow.<br />
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For now, have a great Saturday and if you live in Michigan (or any other storm hit area) be careful out there.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-61747811621956388472014-02-19T13:36:00.000-05:002014-02-19T13:36:07.818-05:00Contemplating EducationIf you have been reading this short lived blog for any period of time, you are probably assuming I'm talking about my kids education. While I do often spend time contemplating the education of my children, at this point in time I'm actually contemplating my own education.<br /><br />When I was 19 or 20 years old I got a part time Job at a GNC store. I already had some interest in natural medicine and that sort of thing. Working there continued to spark my interest and I've been learning things and collecting books ever since. <br /><br />I use a lot of what I have learned and do enjoy sharing what I know with others. The problem is, I really have no authority to back up my knowledge. 20 years ago not many people were able to get any sort of education in areas of natural health. Although a few schools did exist at that time, I just didn't know about them. <br /><br />The internet and the booming interest in natural medicine has made formal education in such areas much more accessible. So now all I have to do is find a credible school that offers online learning (most of which do) and come up with the money to pay for it. I just wish it was as easy it sounds! <br /><br />I did find the website for the<a href="http://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/" target="_blank"> American Herbalists Guild</a>. They seem to have compiled a lot of information there that looks helpful. Now to make a plan! <br /><br />What dream have you had laying dormant in the back of your mind? What can you do to bring it back to life?Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-2032489816839729842014-02-18T16:06:00.003-05:002014-02-18T16:19:02.311-05:00Got Snow?The accumulation this year has been crazy!<br />
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The ducks use to like getting under that trailer. I'm not sure they can anymore.<br />
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There are five steps from the ground to the top of this porch.<br />
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That is a kiddie pool in there that we usually are able to dump and refill. We are reduced to scooping out what we can with a bucket and then refilling. The ducks don't seem to mind as long as they have water to play in.<br />
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That's a three foot fence you can see about 8 inches of there.<br />
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The summer goat house. Good thing we don't have anyone in there right now.<br />
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<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-24553206476351431072014-02-17T10:36:00.001-05:002014-02-17T10:36:51.499-05:00Mushroom Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I forgot to take a picture of the soup! It was delicious, unless you ask Megan. The above picture pretty much depicts what she thought of it. If you don't like mushrooms, you probably won't like the soup. <br /><br />Jade and I happen to love mushrooms and we thought the soup was amazing. Baby Bella, also known as crimini mushrooms, were on sale at Aldi. That meant I had to buy some. Then once I bought them, I had to decide how to use them.<br />
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Normally when I buy fresh mushrooms, I saute them with onions and use them on top of burgers, brats or just about any other meat. I wanted something different this time. I've been getting tired of the same old thing. So I came up with this soup. <br /><br />For those of you who read the words "Mushroom Soup" and think of that stuff in a can your mom used for casseroles, this is nothing at all like that. Not even a little bit. This is a rich, flavorful soup that you will want to eat again and again. Unless, of course, you don't like mushrooms. <br /><br />Just a couple of things before I give you the recipe. I used wine in the recipe. Any white wine that you like will work. I used my homemade dandelion wine. If you don't like to cook with wine, you could just skip it or use white grape juice. The grape juice adds more sweetness than wine would, but still give a slight tang to the flavor of a dish. <br /><br />Now for the recipe:<br /><br />1 Medium Onion, finely chopped<br />
1 Pound Baby Bella (a.k.a. Crimini) Mushrooms, diced<br />2-4 Cloves Garlic, finely diced<br />
1 Cup White Wine<br />
4 Cups Chicken Stock<br />2 Cups Heavy Cream<br />
2 Cups Milk<br />Salt and Pepper to taste<br />2-4 TBS Olive Oil (for sauteing)<br /><br />Heat 2 TBS of oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Saute the onions until they begin to caramelize. Add the mushrooms and continue to cook until they reduce in size by about 1/3 - 1/2. You can add more oil if you need it. Add garlic and cook for about 10 seconds.<br /><br />Add wine and let cook until wine (or grape juice) is reduced by about half. If you are not using wine (or grape juice), skip this step.<br /><br />Add Chicken stock and simmer for 20-30 minutes. <br /><br />Slowly stir in heavy cream and milk. Simmer until heated through. <br /><br />Salt and pepper to taste.<br /><br />Serve with your favorite grilled sandwich. We had grilled ham and cheese. <br /><br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-3898091842493951032014-02-15T11:45:00.000-05:002014-02-15T11:45:14.708-05:00Writer's Block!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've started no less than four posts in the last two days and I can't seem to get more than a couple sentences in. It's very frustrating!<br /><br />While I'm not trying to be some big name successful blogger like The Pioneer Woman, I don't want to be wishy-washy either. I've read several articles on successful blogging and for the most part they vary a lot from one blogger's perspective to another. The one bit of advice they all give consistently is to blog everyday. Even if you don't know what to write about, just post something. <br /><br />So keeping that in mind, today I will give you a picture of a giraffe. It should at least make my friend Jennifer happy. <br />
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<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-25320684566690228162014-02-13T01:11:00.001-05:002014-02-13T10:46:58.608-05:00Peanut Butter Brownie CookiesSo the <a href="http://mkingendsmeet.blogspot.com/2014/01/best-ever-chocolate-cookies.html" target="_blank">Best Ever Chocolate Cookies</a> were a huge hit with the kids, but the husband said they were too rich. I loved them, but I also had ideas on how to make them better. The first idea was peanut butter. Then I also had some other thoughts on how to tone down the richness of the cookies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2ruZQDvZY4BynTZZ0T43rKwo50PKCCCaNA0qAAjur1RTtQ-nLhjyjbY_9mk27TsZcRsge_fFBhc4c0tJetfJ25V5u7VTu4G3WATFapSsZJ68MJQclvS9Fv3-CUfkN3ClFHouGmJt1ZK0/s1600/PBBrownieCookies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2ruZQDvZY4BynTZZ0T43rKwo50PKCCCaNA0qAAjur1RTtQ-nLhjyjbY_9mk27TsZcRsge_fFBhc4c0tJetfJ25V5u7VTu4G3WATFapSsZJ68MJQclvS9Fv3-CUfkN3ClFHouGmJt1ZK0/s1600/PBBrownieCookies2.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
What I came up with is a cookie that is sort of like a bite sized brownie. Almost. It's got this sort of dry, crisp layer on the very outside of the cookie. Yet the inside is moist and chewy. <br />
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I replaced some of the butter with peanut butter. I also cut down the amount of cocoa powder a bit. The other thing I did was change it to using all granulated sugar instead of part brown sugar. <br />
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I think the sugar added a lot of the richness since I had made it myself by mixing black strap molasses with granulated sugar. It's a much stronger molasses than is generally used in brown sugar.<br />
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At any rate, here is the recipe. I hope you enjoy it.<br />
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Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies<br />
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2 1/4 cups flour<br />
1/2 cup cocoa powder<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 cup butter<br />
1/2 cup peanut butter<br />
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
2 large eggs<br />
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Preheat oven to 350F.<br />
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Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.<br />
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Beat together butter, peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add in eggs and beat until well combined.<br />
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Add in flour mixture slowly until well combined. The dough will be quite thick. <br />
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Place rounded teaspoons on baking sheet about 1 inch apart. You may want to roll into balls and then flatten slightly on the cookie sheet before baking. Bake for about 10 minutes. Cool and enjoy.<br />
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Keep an eye out, because I have some other ideas for new flavors with this cookie. Enjoy!Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-83921404135602594212014-02-12T16:18:00.002-05:002014-02-12T16:18:46.298-05:00Gourmet Tomato Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1fuPxj-Fo-8H-GdCPv0CZkgSZjqMU2rGt2LYAXHUs1gEzPEUXmpppTQH3BN1k65ZV7TFFUsfh5T1_mir7zerEGFxXfHPw3hU2pJocDugGphfw6J2YrGH7nYyODtKmLb2CWc__WwO5Iss/s1600/TomatoSoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1fuPxj-Fo-8H-GdCPv0CZkgSZjqMU2rGt2LYAXHUs1gEzPEUXmpppTQH3BN1k65ZV7TFFUsfh5T1_mir7zerEGFxXfHPw3hU2pJocDugGphfw6J2YrGH7nYyODtKmLb2CWc__WwO5Iss/s1600/TomatoSoup.jpg" height="385" width="400" /></a></div>
Lately I've been wondering how I could make good tomato soup quick and easy. I like creamy tomato soups, so something with cream in it would be good. Of course we all know I started out by googling for tomato soup recipes. That got me no where because so many of those started out with peeling tomatoes and sauteing onions. I wanted quick and easy.<br />
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So then I started thinking again. The main components of a creamy tomato soup are pureed tomatoes and cream. So what could I do to combine those in a quick and easy way and come up with a wonderful soup. Then it came to me. It was staring me in the face as I stood there in the grocery store. Pasta sauce!! <br /><br />Really, I'm not kidding. It is already full of flavor, pureed and ready to use. All I needed to do was add cream. Or at least that is what I was hoping would work. Of course I did end up adding a little more seasoning. 2 out of 3 kids gave their approval and that is amazing since none of them will touch a tomato unless it's on pasta. <br /><br />Before I give you the recipe let me say, this does not taste like pasta sauce and yet it does taste like pasta sauce. The cream and additional seasonings alter it, but the underlying flavor of an Italian red sauce is still there. <br /><br />I used jarred sauce because my homemade sauce has been gone for months. But you could easily use homemade sauce for this and it would probably be even better. I also used dried herbs because that is what I have. I am looking forward to making this again in the future with fresh basil.<br /><br />Cheater Tomato Soup<br />1 24oz Jar Pasta Sauce <br />1 16oz Carton of Heavy Cream<br />1/2 tsp Salt<br />1 tsp Garlic Powder<br />1 tsp Onion Powder<br />1-2 tsp Italian Seasoning<br />Fresh Ground Pepper to taste<br /><br />Combine all ingredients in a pot over medium-high heat. Stir until hot. <br /><br />That's it. You may want to adjust the seasonings depending on the pasta sauce you use since some have more seasonings than others. I used a "traditional" flavor so the seasonings were minimal. <br /><br />My daughter, Jade, and I area discussing adding chopped pepperoni and topping it with shredded mozzarella cheese for a Pizza Soup. We would serve it with fresh bread sticks. <br /><br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-64076166010636633442014-02-09T15:25:00.002-05:002014-02-09T15:25:52.226-05:00Layer Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy519pL8a77ydUU7HlV2HaMPR28QoyP2gqDG8cB1IJMNPqVyx54tYtH5vah_356vYSMRfKZNHEAWMwWQi5WAc-6ynpC84Wffs8EJW1XdATeSACInD5m3y21vEBIShliU8rTdsd24GanSo/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhy519pL8a77ydUU7HlV2HaMPR28QoyP2gqDG8cB1IJMNPqVyx54tYtH5vah_356vYSMRfKZNHEAWMwWQi5WAc-6ynpC84Wffs8EJW1XdATeSACInD5m3y21vEBIShliU8rTdsd24GanSo/s1600/004.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This is the layer salad that I made for our Christmas gathering yesterday at my Mom's house. There are so many layer salad recipes out there that I had not originally planned to post this one. However my mom asked for my recipe and true to form, I had read several recipes and then made up my own. So I couldn't point her in the direction of the recipe I used.<br /><br />Layer salads are always popular and I'm really not sure why I've never made one before now. Probably because a tossed salad is faster and takes less planning and work. But that doesn't mean that a layer salad is a lot of work. It's really not. You just layer your ingredients instead of tossing them and put a special "layer salad" dressing on top. <br /><br />Since my mom asked for the recipe exactly as I made it, that's what I'll give here. But this recipe can be tweaked and changed to fit your personal tastes. I wouldn't leave out the peas though. Even my pea hating husband loves this salad peas and all.<br /><br />Heidi's Layer Salad<br /><br />3 Hearts Of Romaine, chopped (This is the center part of a head of romaine lettuce and can be bought in packages at my local Meijer. Firm, crisp lettuce is very important to this salad so it doesn't collapse and go limp.)<br />4 Roma Tomatoes, chopped<br />1 large cucumber, halved and sliced thin<br />
2 Cups Colby Jack cheese, finely shredded<br />1/2 pound turkey bacon cooked and chopped<br />3 Cups frozen peas<br />2 Cups Mayonnaise<br />
1 Cup Sour Cream<br />1/2 tsp Salt<br />
1 Tbs Sugar<br />
1 tsp Garlic Powder<br />
1 tsp Onion Powder<br /><br />Layer the first six ingredients in order in a bowl.<br /><br />For the dressing, combine Mayo, Sour Cream, Salt, Sugar, Garlic Powder and Onion Powder. Pour this over the top of the salad and smooth to cover evenly. <br /><br />Cover and refrigerate 2 hours to over night. <br /><br />That's it. Pretty simple really. And honestly, I doubt I will make it the same way twice other than the dressing. Also, I would have preferred real bacon, but I forgot to buy real bacon. I had a coupon to get the turkey bacon really cheap, so had planned to pick up both kinds of bacon. Whoops!! And everyone raved about the salad even with the turkey bacon. <br /><br /><br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-47574536060133609652014-02-08T12:30:00.003-05:002014-02-08T12:30:41.116-05:00I Have A Goal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So we have worked out a budget and I know exactly how much money I have to work with for anything I may want to buy. To keep me from spending willy-nilly with no thought to what I really need, I have picked something to save for. <br /><br />I went to my Amazon Wish List and found the thing I want most that will be the most useful to me. I had to specify most useful because I probably would be saving for a movie in Norwegian right now instead if I hadn't. But I digress.....<br /><br />Here is what I'm saving for:<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61AiGqUEVpL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61AiGqUEVpL._SL1500_.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Isn't it beautiful? It's a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008GKDQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1ABMG11UC5SBC&coliid=I29EYXHM2DV4EX" target="_blank">Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Griddle</a>. On the other side is has ridges so that I can make those beautiful grill marks on meat even in the dead of winter. It's going to take a while to get it because even the allotted "fun money" is a tiny amount. It will be well worth the wait though.<br /><br />If you could choose one thing that is practical that you would love to save for, and make realistic, what would it be? <br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848643592444576373.post-29840112745967420462014-02-06T09:34:00.003-05:002014-02-06T10:32:06.607-05:00Chocolate GranolaI was making a batch of granola last night. It was just going to be my basic mix with cinnamon. That is, until I opened the cabinet door to get the cinnamon out and saw the cocoa powder sitting there. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSAhhbn2LATzuLTDrB3uoRY9e2FCeX9Aq2hrw1qNxWdVU0CdKtW9AlNLOprIDm-smirrgcE8htAGhNjNaNncTvMDxPPXaZgqk-tZdT17-_xSJ83j2jilQrU7txkwmj5ejiye3Rt92s6hV/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSAhhbn2LATzuLTDrB3uoRY9e2FCeX9Aq2hrw1qNxWdVU0CdKtW9AlNLOprIDm-smirrgcE8htAGhNjNaNncTvMDxPPXaZgqk-tZdT17-_xSJ83j2jilQrU7txkwmj5ejiye3Rt92s6hV/s1600/020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Granola with toasted pecans and dried cranberries.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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You can find the recipe for my basic granola base <a href="http://mkingendsmeet.blogspot.com/2014/01/granola.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. For the chocolate granola I mixed 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1 TBS cinnamon into the oil mixture before adding it to the oat mixture. From there proceed as usual. <br />
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As a really cool added bonus, this turns your milk chocolatey!! Who knew you could get that effect from a homemade cereal? Talk about excited kids. <br />
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Next I'm going to try using apple syrup as my sweetener to make apple cinnamon granola.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16035716943476641688noreply@blogger.com0