tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86018309394774830142024-02-20T11:05:54.544-06:00The Inquisitive MagpieBarbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.comBlogger215125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-61563253571428867412018-01-01T12:48:00.002-06:002018-01-01T12:48:26.222-06:00Happy New Year 2018<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year everyone. It's been a cold couple of days in Austin, TX. No comparison to what other parts of the country are dealing with I know, but cold for us. At 12 p.m. it's 28 with a wind chill of 17. We did have a hard frost last night, we moved our potted plants into the garage and covered the outside ones. Weatherman said the last temps we had this low were in 2011. Have heard from friends in other parts of the country, the mid-west and north-east, where it is really cold. Brother reported -3 in his part of Idaho. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are lazing about today, Hubby watching football and I am puttering with some paper. Organizing my planners and getting the new ones set up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stack of some older spiral planners and a new red spiral one for this year. Decorated the cover with a page from Anthropologie catalog and some washi tape. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I bought two new turquoise planners at Michaels and some of their boxes of Happy Planner labels. I usually make my own labels, but got caught up in the 60% frenzy and talk from several young lady "planners" who told me I needed the latest things. Ha Ha. They had at least 10 different subjects. I bought the Appointments, Travel, and Wellness sets. We will see. They might be fun. I always love getting the new calendars for the year, just like I always loved getting new school supplies. </span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-56939601325783542332017-12-25T14:39:00.000-06:002017-12-25T14:39:01.285-06:00Christmas Greetings<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;">This morning I made a very quick, kind of wonky collage out of an invitation we had received to a party last week. I cut parts of it into shapes and added a few die cut snowflakes. Hope everyone I know is having a Merry Christmas and enjoying the day, whatever you are doing. </span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: start;"> </span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-28456111999883278352017-11-06T21:11:00.000-06:002017-11-06T21:11:32.742-06:00October, November.... A very busy Festival Season <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After spending 3 weeks in Idaho again, we came home October 17th, just in time for the Formula 1 races that week-end. Friday/Saturday/Sunday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The following week end was the Dia de Los Muertos festivities. There were parades at several locations, but we went to just the one, put on by the Mexic-Arte Museum. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shrines inside the museum</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday we attended the Texas Book Festival, held at the capital grounds. The festival was founded by Laura Bush,and the first one was held in 1996. Hubby and I have gone every year since the beginning. It is a wonderful gathering, free to the public to attend. The proceeds from the book sales go to keep the festival running and to support our school libraries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's always nice to see our beautiful capitol building in the background, plus be able to go into the chambers to hear some of the participating authors speak. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now it's back to work this week, I'm getting stuff done around the house, and Hubby is off to Orlando for the International Irrigation show. Coming up this week-end and next, is the yearly East Austin Art Studio tours. We love doing all these things, but sometimes it can be a little tiring to keep up with these "traditions".</span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-1965932708250150292017-08-10T16:20:00.004-05:002017-08-10T22:56:00.199-05:00An abundance of Succulents and other crazy ideas<span style="font-size: large;">Have you noticed how succulents have been showing up </span><span style="font-size: large;">everywhere for the past few years? In all the decor magazines, design blogs, everywhere one looks. No longer do you have to head to a plant nursery to find them, they are even sold in the grocery stores. A few years ago I had a hard time finding them anywhere except a garden center. I thought the trend was waning, but it doesn't appear that it is. Even if it is, I still like succulents and real ones grow pretty well in the desert climate in Boise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I found this wrought iron shelf/cd rack about 4 years ago, at the thrift shop. I think it is/was a cd rack anyhow. I really love the curvy shape of it. My plan was to eventually fill it with small succulents, using a collection of bowls and pots that I already had. It sat in a corner of the garage just waiting until I would finally move to my house in Boise. Well this last trip, I was in Michael's one day and saw that they had their faux succulents on clearance. A light went off in my brain, and I thought, wow, I don't have to wait for real ones, I'll just use these in the meantime. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm pretty pleased with how this project turned out. I've mixed in a few rocks that we've picked up here and there along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hubby used to roll his eyes at some of the ideas I would get. But he admits they usually turn out well, so he doesn't discourage me from buying or saving some mundane item that I will turn into something else. He's pretty impressed with the succulents. He also really likes the metal colander I turned into a light fixture over the kitchen sink. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One time long ago we were coming back from a Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas, and I spied a dead branch along the side of the freeway. We went back and got it and were almost arrested by the Highway Patrol. Even though it was supposed to be "temporary", it is still holding up the curtain over the entry door windows, 20 years later. Yes I have eclectic tastes and our home is a mixture of things we both really love. </span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-28737713563531170662017-07-29T13:34:00.000-05:002017-07-29T13:36:44.982-05:00July in Idaho<span style="font-size: large;">Hubby and I are winding down another stay at our Idaho home. It was unusually hot for July, high 90's and a few triple digit days. Leaving humid Texas is always a delight...however, even though it is a dry heat here in the high desert, when it is over 100 it is still really hot. It's still been in the 60's in the early a.m. so we get out early, have our breakfast on the deck, then get to work. Hubby has done a lot in the garden, thinned out a lot of overgrowth of flowers that tend to take over, redone the path that goes around the back of the garden under the pine trees. He's done a lot of basic home improvement projects, like he does every time we are here. I have done some work in the yard, and in the house. A little bit anyhow. Mostly I have done artwork, hung out with friends, cousins, Sister and Mom. I've read 2 Louise Penny novels while here as well. Oh and every evening and most mornings we are visited by the quails. They are so sweet, but they move so fast it is hard to catch a photo of them. I love watching them scurry across the yard. </span><br />
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The main reason I love being in Boise, is the view of my backyard from the family room, kitchen and sun room. It's like staring at an aquarium to me, in the calm feeling it gives me. </div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">There are a lot of Hostas. I want to plant more of these giant ones in the shade beneath the pine trees. This one seems quite happy here. </span></div>
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Tiger Lilies I had forgotten were there. Discovered after Hubby cleaned and thinned out a lot of overgrowth.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've had the joy of being here almost the entire month of July this time. We had a family reunion of sorts a few Sundays ago. With so many cousins living here within a 100 mile radius, the family has these get togethers often. We miss most of them, but thankfully were here for this one. One of our cousins was out from Nebraska for a week, so of course it was a reason for another big dinner at Aunties place. We hadn't seen this cousin since we were youngsters many years ago, so it was great getting caught up. It was 100 that day and we had an outdoor picnic. It was incredibly hot, but there was shade and fans running. We all had a good time. My Aunt is 86 and her husband is 85...they have the most amazing garden, with flowers and veggies and fruits. We've had the most delicious raspberries, that taste just like the ones I remember from childhood. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One day husband, sister and I took a day trip to Shoshone Falls, a two hour drive from Boise. It was a nice drive, and the falls were beautiful, even though they were running quite low as it is late in the season. The best time to go this year has been in April. We still enjoyed it and got a few good photos. We also got to see some base jumpers at the Perrine Bridge that spans the Snake River. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We're heading back to Austin, where I hear they have had 25 days in a row of temperatures over 100. When it is like that I become a cave dweller of sorts. Out in the a.m. to do what errands have to be done, then home for the day, thankful for A/C. It takes me about a week to recover from the differences in humidity between Boise and Austin. If you've read this far, thanks for visiting me in My Own Private Idaho. </span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-84091034509141615152017-06-25T19:16:00.000-05:002017-06-25T19:16:53.898-05:00Road Trip<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hard to believe I have neglected this blog for so many months. Time really flies, whether one is having fun or not! Both hubby and I have been dealing with health issues, so mostly life has been about a lot of Dr, appointments. We are both doing pretty well at this time </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We did have a wonderful road trip a couple of months ago, and I finally got around to uploading the photos just a few days ago. We drove from Austin out to Boise, Idaho. We have done this drive a couple of times before, in a U-Haul truck and done it in 3 days. We decided to take 4 days and took a different route this time. We went through a lot of country we had not been through before, or at least some of it for a number of years. All of the photos I took were on my cell phone camera, most while travelling down the road. I think I want to buy a new camera.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Driving from Austin to Lubbock and then on through the flatlands of Texas are not all that picturesque. I think I only took photos of oil pump jacks and wind farms. So I don't really have any shots of day one. We did go see Buddy Holly before we left Lubbock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day two found us driving across New Mexico and crossing the Continental Divide (always a thrill for me) and spending the night in Farmington., N.M.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Day three, which was Saturday, we left early and drove to the Four Corners Monument, on the Navajo Indian Reservation. My Dad had always told us about visiting it several times, and thought we should go if we got the chance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We wanted to stop at Arches National Park, but the closest we could get was driving by the entrance. There was a rock climbing convention and a Jeep Jamboree and it was absolute mayhem both at the entrance and the town of Moab.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We spent Saturday night in Ritchfield, Utah.</span> <span style="font-size: large;"> Leaving there early Sunday morning, there was a light dusting of snow on the ground. We had a really nice drive on a two lane state highway and there was very little traffic. We drove 495 miles that day and arrived at our house in Boise at 7 p.m. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkbzMSnCss9f8wD4TA8SOdmpbbSqIPFj3lqbYR2u991ijSBbXS6qSaamgjzA_iVWhXB9Li0NO1_JXCMpq97SlxpCvNR8UMNPAkGxY7ofnAg2G9WZK8d7aySu9ybFBlwsXiUmBnvu_lT3z/s1600/Sunday+morning+ritchfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkbzMSnCss9f8wD4TA8SOdmpbbSqIPFj3lqbYR2u991ijSBbXS6qSaamgjzA_iVWhXB9Li0NO1_JXCMpq97SlxpCvNR8UMNPAkGxY7ofnAg2G9WZK8d7aySu9ybFBlwsXiUmBnvu_lT3z/s320/Sunday+morning+ritchfield.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is where the video I shot, where we only saw 2 cars and a big rig, would have gone if I could have figured out how to get it uploaded. It was too large, and I guess I need software to be able to edit it. Anyhow, it was a lovely quiet drive for some time</span>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xQ5Uf7dQin56jkK6oS_2cL3wZI5XgXg3FeA17SWWw3p8MmS_dE8da-mky5amNBxI4SMXhLlPd6zichxdihm52ZoHutPMWwPCIsjDXg2c1Gn-EPWPfVj6BmfFwNut7X9kSrBilB6GgjDD/s1600/4+09++2+40+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="808" data-original-width="1201" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xQ5Uf7dQin56jkK6oS_2cL3wZI5XgXg3FeA17SWWw3p8MmS_dE8da-mky5amNBxI4SMXhLlPd6zichxdihm52ZoHutPMWwPCIsjDXg2c1Gn-EPWPfVj6BmfFwNut7X9kSrBilB6GgjDD/s320/4+09++2+40+pm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a very nice trip, we sure felt like we needed it. Life has been pretty hectic lately, and this was a very relaxing 4 days on the road</span>. </div>
Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-69206364822741161762016-11-23T15:38:00.000-06:002016-11-23T15:38:05.398-06:00The colors of Idaho and Happy Thanksgiving<span style="font-size: large;">Last week Hubby and I returned from our trip to Idaho. We spent 2 1/2 wonderful weeks there, enjoying an unusually warm November. Hubby did a little yard work, we enjoyed time around the house, besides doing some home repairs and having things serviced. We spent time with family, especially my Mom. I was able to go with Mom and Sister to two of Mom's Dr. appointments, and find out she does have wonderful Doctors there.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">She was in good spirits, especially when we all were playing the card games she loves.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP5KJCmAMd6NSIgbbiVdZnOVChnZmU5Tt0rnydzk1uIwUSS-yt2RHOm6lfjgZMG3dNFo8s0Uy9CVwsO74C-Epkn7Jj2sNY1X7mx6MMus9foNoIzNTk-kAdiQh4ZpDLXObGeteUC-mpUfw/s1600/roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmP5KJCmAMd6NSIgbbiVdZnOVChnZmU5Tt0rnydzk1uIwUSS-yt2RHOm6lfjgZMG3dNFo8s0Uy9CVwsO74C-Epkn7Jj2sNY1X7mx6MMus9foNoIzNTk-kAdiQh4ZpDLXObGeteUC-mpUfw/s200/roses.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
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Still had roses in November</div>
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Sun rises every morning, view from our family room and kitchen</div>
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Turning colors and falling leaves, and some orange flowers still blooming</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On November 17th, Hubby and I celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary. With what we've been through lately, it gives more critical meaning to "in sickness and in health."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have planned a very low key Thanksgiving, as neither of are very cheerful, for a variety of reasons. We'll watch a lot of football, read and watch movies, and avoid news stories at all costs. Make of that what you will.</span> </div>
Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-50418509636250111592016-10-25T20:07:00.002-05:002016-11-23T15:49:09.850-06:00Oh, Hello<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sorry I haven't written. The months have marched on...Not much artwork to show, and even less to say. The struggle with health issues continues, but now hubby has joined the club. He spent a week in the hospital after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Then he had a gallbladder attack....had surgery, is recovering from both issues. We spend most of our time going to Dr. appointments or doing research on natural things we can do to stay away from the doctors. These are boring things to talk or write about, things no one wants to hear or read. I suspect this anyhow. And when there is nothing written, there is nothing to read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The garden is gorgeous, from all the rain we've had in Texas, Here's a sweet little pom from my miniature ornamental pomegranate tree. Also a portion of our back yard, with the sun shining through the palm tree.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The middle of September, we went to Indiana for a long week-end</span><span style="font-size: large;"> on business, then took a couple of extra days off to meet up with a friend from Columbus, Ohio. While in Kendallville, we visited the Mid-America Windmill Museum. It was dark and stormy most of the day, but it was still interesting. One of the business functions was held there.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v5909Nt_2Vab2kfk6Rhy7hGvnu1-UUOSlHNASjllHUBfLolRPS2eRxk8PWkr1_8RBVMc-NJxKYVOZc6J6b7AHszPv2yhrZxUOxDk9cN45MlPV20S5vofm85U7_9uMT_3g5swyjenwmb7/s1600/windmill+lightened.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0v5909Nt_2Vab2kfk6Rhy7hGvnu1-UUOSlHNASjllHUBfLolRPS2eRxk8PWkr1_8RBVMc-NJxKYVOZc6J6b7AHszPv2yhrZxUOxDk9cN45MlPV20S5vofm85U7_9uMT_3g5swyjenwmb7/s400/windmill+lightened.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We went to the United States Grand Prix this past week end. The weather was perfect, high 80's during the day. Record crowds reported of 200,000. There were 80,000 for the Taylor Swift concert after the race. We did not stay for the concert. The stage was in an open field area, with no seating except the grass or standing. We decided we are a little too old for those conditions. So...we missed our (probably) one and only chance to see Taylor Swift.</span> <br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-12460059087955484032016-02-11T14:47:00.001-06:002016-02-11T15:54:17.079-06:00Making slow progress in the rut that I'm in<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm busy but never seem to have anything to show for it. This is what's been in my view most weeks, one or two days a week. Since most of my Drs. are located in the same big conglomerate, I've finally started asking to make several appointments on the same day if possible. Then I can just hang out there all day, going from one office to the next. Yikes. I have two appointments tomorrow, one right after the other. One is the yearly Mammogram and the other is the bone scan to see if there has been any improvement from the meds I've been taking for a year. The same meds that the hospital said NOT to take because they raised my blood pressure, and helped contribute to the heart issues. But now that I am taking meds to lower my blood pressure, I can go back to taking the ones for osteoporosis. So the one cancels out the side effects of the other, that seems to be the way this works. When I told the internist I was distressed about all the meds I am now taking, she suggested I might be depressed, and offered up yet another prescription, which I declined. I'm pretty disillusioned with the medical community right now, and would like to run screaming from the entire bunch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the upside, I make sure I am getting to my exercise class 3 and sometimes 4 times a week. I think that is more responsible for me feeling better than is the medication. I do admit that some of it is necessary, but I sure don't like taking so much. My ultimate goal is to get off some of it. Hubby and I have gotten back to our juicing routine on a regular basis and both feel better for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I haven't posted much because there's just not much to talk about except my health. I haven't done any artwork, just tidied and moved my supplies around. In that process I have discovered a lot of unfinished projects, which has given me some inspiration. Nothing finished to show, but maybe one of these days. I'm mostly playing with washi tape...that can be very meditative, don't you know?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since I'm taking photos with just my cell phone, I'm not always happy with the outcome. But I still haven't taken the time to go and shop for a new camera. The Texas sunsets have been spectacular, but it is still hard to capture them with a photo. Both of these were taken from my front porch, first one off to the right, and the second straight on.</span> <br />
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-83179906706395493372015-12-23T16:27:00.001-06:002015-12-23T16:27:09.335-06:00Taking things easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU6OqaGf_XnyVzZbI02bFz7pphivHY7NMCKUtb6wSZF8K6lTE9EVVmtvKJ3YLqEtFRI22Nqt3mLxe6TMod77HmZcZJ6XSZYr8iV7q_6bxsgUxtlndpvFDmJApyh7RuybSbJIrwiua-fNN/s1600/arriving+austin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU6OqaGf_XnyVzZbI02bFz7pphivHY7NMCKUtb6wSZF8K6lTE9EVVmtvKJ3YLqEtFRI22Nqt3mLxe6TMod77HmZcZJ6XSZYr8iV7q_6bxsgUxtlndpvFDmJApyh7RuybSbJIrwiua-fNN/s320/arriving+austin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above photos, December 15. Leaving Boise, Arriving Austin. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The past month has been pretty much of a blur. I was able to go on my planned trip to Idaho </span><span style="font-size: large;">and spent two weeks there. Doctor had told me to get a lot of rest, and that is pretty much what I did. Spent time with my Mother and other family members. Spent a great deal of time just sitting by the fireplace drinking hot beverages and relaxing. Hubby did most of the cooking plus took very good care of me. It is really hard for me to sit back and let anyone do things for me. It always has been, which is part of my persona, but things need to change. After the heart attack and all the meds I am on, I do feel really tired most of the time. So I guess I am getting pretty good at this resting thing, simply because I have no choice. And when I do have a choice, things are going to have to be a lot different from now on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been back home almost a little over a week, and have had several doctor follow-ups. I'm back at aqua yoga, and I have had to modify quite a bit and it still tires me out. I've been told it's expected so I am going with the flow and taking things one day at a time. If I sound blue, it's probably because I am, but I think it will pass as I feel better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately hubby and I don't get too carried away for Christmas anyhow. This year will be even less than usual and it is just fine. I have these 3 little lighted ornaments in the bookshelf in the family room and that is it for décor. Oh except for wrapping a string of wire lights around one of my succulents on the hall table. Ha. We have lots of candles, they are battery operated and come on when it gets dark and go off 6 hours later. So there is no need to get stressed about Christmas, because it will come and go without us. I have been to no retail establishments since coming home except World Market and Target and they were very quick visits. These little lanterns are from World Market and are new this year.</span><br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-1536374178705801222015-11-26T07:41:00.001-06:002015-11-26T07:41:14.298-06:00Not my best look, but I feel fine now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. A very laid back day for me and the hubster today. Last Saturday while out visiting the East Austin Art Studio tours, I suffered a minor heart attack. Spent two nights in the hospital and got out Monday evening. Needless to say, it was not a lot of fun, and I am very glad to be back at home. This was a total shock to me, as I have been doing all the right things for my health. Lost weight, exercising, etc. But there were a few things I was neglecting. Some of the medications I was taking were raising my blood pressure, and I was not monitoring it so didn't know. I was also not practicing my zen techniques for not getting myself wound up too tightly. Ha Ha</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I saw the cardiologist yesterday and was reassured that I am going to be fine, if I take meds and calm down. When asked if it was safe for me to take a flight out of town soon, he said...Only if you fly first class! I like my Doctor! It's back to aqua yoga tomorrow at the Y.</span> Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-86668974786761269012015-09-13T17:39:00.000-05:002015-09-13T19:24:09.838-05:00Even though I know...<span style="font-size: large;">It's crap made in China, and most probably contains lead, maybe other toxins... and all the other ramifications of buying stuff made in China... Sometimes, not often, the "prettiness" of something outweighs my social conscience. Such was the case today at Targets One Spot. Well, what USED to be Targets One Spot. Mostly now, the stuff that catches my eye is $3. instead of $1. They mix the two together so that sometimes you think it's a buck until you get to the check-out. A young lady was telling me that as we both were picking out candles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyhow, back to the subject at hand. I read about these on a favorite blog called </span><a href="http://target-addict.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Target Addict</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. They looked really pretty but I wasn't interested in spending $3.00 on candles I don't need and may not want to burn, because of the above mentioned issues. Darn, they were pretty in person too. Faux mercury glass. As I was sniffing the scents, Pumpkin Butter, Fall Day, Autumn Air, Cypress Cedar, another lady noticed and asked me about them. She then decided she might need 10 of them for tables at an upcoming fall wedding! Good thing I had already picked my 4 and had them in my cart. She wanted them to all be the same scent, but I convinced her that it might be nice to have them different, since all the glasses were so pretty. Anyhow, with my 4 and her 10, we cleaned them out. She thought she might go to another Target and get even more. Part of the appeal to me is just the cute little glasses, which if one does burn the candles, could be used for mini vases later.</span> <br />
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-85887303139489222842015-09-07T15:32:00.000-05:002015-09-07T15:32:43.925-05:00It may not be ART, but it sure is fun!<span style="font-size: large;">The crazy new phenomenon of Adult Coloring books is so funny and interesting. I did not know it existed until a few weeks ago, when I walked into Barnes & Noble for the first time in a very long time. They were everywhere, and everyone was talking about them. I couldn't believe it. How did this happen without me knowing about it? It seems to have taken over the world. There have been several magazine and newspaper articles mentioning it, as the new way of relaxing and getting relief from the technical world. Very good therapy, they all say. I think I have to agree.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Since then I have ordered a few on Amazon.com, bought a few here and there, dug out all my markers and pencils, and started having a great time with it. Yes, I admit, I have even bought a few more sets of pencils and markers, and am eyeing even more books. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday a friend took me out for a belated birthday breakfast, and then we went to Barnes & Noble and got all inspired once again. We came home and spent several hours coloring. The time flew by, and we had a very relaxing afternoon. My kitchen table was loaded down with supplies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have only bought 5 books so far, and these 3 seem to be my favorites. I like the Posh brand ones as they are about the size of composition books. For some reason, I like that size. I have started several pages in both of the Posh books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A page I finished yesterday. I used markers, Prismacolor pencils, Gel pens in both glaze and soufflé style. The gel pens get a raised embossed look, even though it does not show up on a photo.</span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-41266506548849053272015-08-29T10:37:00.000-05:002015-08-29T10:37:23.566-05:00What I've been doing<span style="font-size: large;">The end of July I went through two weeks of carpenters and painters hanging around the house. Doing a job that was supposed to take 4 days. In the end, they did a very good job, but the head contractor really underestimated their time. There were days that they showed up at 8, days that only 2 showed up because someone worked so hard the day before he was sick. Other days he couldn't locate his crew in the a.m. so they didn't come till mid-day. It was very trying. Yikes, I hate having anything done to the house. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyhow, the job got finished just in time for us to leave for Idaho again. Three weeks there were wonderful, hanging out with family and friends. While there we had our outside decks painted. It took 3 days, including the prep work. The guys showed up at 7 a.m. every morning, which was really nice. They did a wonderful job of removing any traces of the old redwood stain, and transforming my decks to a beautiful grey. The first step in getting rid of beiges, browns and reds. Next spring we will have them paint the house a nice grey/green with black trim. The interior is already taking on the blue/green/grey theme a bit at a time. There is still a lot of beige I am going to keep for the time being, such as the carpets. I am choosing color tones that go with it. I thought I might have to get rid of all the beige, if going to grey. But I am seeing a lot of beige/grey together and it looks fine. I have some rugs that have grey/black and beige in them. I don't want to, nor have the energy to do it all at once. Just a step at a time. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We arrived in Idaho in the midst of another heat wave, and after a few days, and some dry lightning storms, the entire state was burning up with wildfires. The smoke curtailed a lot of our outdoor activities, but we still had a good time. Hubby worked in the yard regardless, but I could not have the windows open because the smoke was so strong it made me ill. The smoke makes for some beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but is terrible on everyone's health. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had limited internet connection while there. I could read blogs, but somehow Google decided to mess with me and I could not sign into my own blog, and also could not comment on anyone elses with out being signed in to Google. Very frustrating, so now I am catching up on reading blogs now that I am back home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got a wild hare that I must do something arty while there, besides color in my new coloring books, which is just for fun and relaxation. And another subject entirely! I have a lot of art supplies there at the house, but I always want to do something different than what I have the supplies for. So off to Michaels and Aaron Bros I went and got some spray paint. I am always so impatient, so I didn't even change clothes to get started. In this photo you will see that I grabbed a plastic bag to put over my shoes, just in case. The plant material is goldenrod. First I tried pounding some, but it was way too</span> <span style="font-size: large;">dry.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below, partly finished, work in progress, using 3 colors, the paper is watercolor paper. A good start, who knows what I will try next. Maybe some shadow sketching of the plants. Might cut some up for collage backgrounds. Anyhow, it made me feel good to mess about a little bit.</span> <br />
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-19692232912872127152015-07-21T15:10:00.002-05:002015-07-21T15:10:58.206-05:00Who buys rubber rain boots in July? In Texas!<span style="font-size: large;">It's way too hot to wear them, much less shop for them. I had tried to get these boots last fall and they were all sold out in my size and never seemed to get them back in. Well, last week during Targets BOGO sale, I hadn't given any thought of buying a thing, because I didn't need anything. Then I remembered those boots and went online to see if they had them. Lo and Behold they did and a few mouse clicks later, they were on their way. And 3 short days later they were on my doorstep. Not only did I get one pair half off, I got an extra 10% plus my 5% Target red card discount. Even though the boots had gone up $5. a pair since last fall, that little discount made up for it. Sure could have used these when we had our torrential downpour and flooding earlier. But now I will have them for next time.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I already have a pair of plain black "mudders" up at my other house. Now all I need to find is that pair I saw once, in cowgirl style with the Skulls and Roses, and my rubber rain boot wardrobe should be complete. You are probably thinking, why on earth would anyone need more than one pair of rain boots...and you are right. But, because apparently, I can't ever have just ONE of anything, that's why!</span> Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-79497802308775380032015-07-02T15:38:00.001-05:002015-07-02T15:38:43.659-05:00and then June slipped away into the abyss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">As all days run together, I managed to while away the hours of the entire month of June. As I've mentioned, every year about this time, I get the blahs. It begins with the heat creeping in and the A/C having to run 24/7. The non-stop rain and flooding was added to it this year. Although the rain doesn't bother me, and would not have, if it hadn't been for such serious floods we had around here. The ground has become so saturated that now if we get a storm pass over, there is standing water in a matter of minutes. The above photo was taken on one of the days before another storm hit. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> My personal schedule has been yoga on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Most days I came home and collapsed into a 2 hour nap. Tuesdays and Thursdays were taken up with Physical therapy exercises and at least one Dr. appt. every week. Some days my knees feel almost normal, other days I am hobbling around like an old granny. I did tell the Dr. I saw yesterday, that I now have a full time job, just taking care of myself! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Its a very mundane life around here. I have longed to do some artwork, but just haven't had the energy to even clean off my messy work table. I walk into the room, have a look about, then turn around and leave. Even hubby has suggested that I might not feel so gloomy if I'd create something. Wow, could he be right? I suppose/know so. I guess I feel if I don't have any artwork to share, I have nothing to write about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One really positive thing that we have been doing for a few months, is juicing. Here's the usual morning juice. Kale, celery, cucumber, lemon, ginger, and 2 small apples. It's my job to get the veggies prepped, then from the time Hubby takes over, running them thru the juicer and cleaning the juicer, the time is less than 10 minutes. Hubby really turned his nose up at the idea of kale..but with the other ingredients, you can't even identify a kale taste, so it's worked out well. As long as we don't run out of apples. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now that we are into July, I am going to try to get with the program and get some creative stuff done. Hubby will be traveling a lot this month, so I will have a lot of alone time. That means I can spread art supplies out all over the place and not have to pick them up in time for dinner. </span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-5111700926157218192015-05-19T10:03:00.000-05:002015-05-19T10:04:02.611-05:00Busy April and May<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hubby and I spent 3 weeks in Idaho. While there we relaxed, visited with family, went to a couple of concerts, an art fair, spent Mother's Day with my Mom. Hubby got to play some golf, and we spent as much time as we could just enjoying our house and garden. Lots of spring flowers were coming into bloom. I did not have reliable internet there so spent very little time on the computer. Actually it felt quite nice to be away from the computer for awhile. It rained one day the entire time we were there.</span></div>
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Back yard</div>
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metal cranes by pond</div>
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Clematis</div>
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Honeysuckle</div>
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Iris</div>
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orange tulip</div>
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Tulips and hyacinth</div>
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First peonies-for Mom</div>
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Walk by the Boise river</div>
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Geese crossing, an every day occurrence</div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-4551697732439602842015-03-27T13:57:00.001-05:002015-03-27T13:57:36.989-05:00Some days it's amusing, some days annoying<span style="font-size: large;">Something I've never written about here on this blog, is the challenge of growing up as a girl named Barbara Anne. All through school, in a very small town, there was another Barbara Ann in my class. We started first grade together and graduated together. Keep in mind this was a class of 20 kids. I was in high school when those doggone Beach Boys put out that song. It should have been flattering, but from then on, every room I ever walked into, people would break out with BaBaBaBaBabra Ann. Yikes. Oh, just as an aside, my best friend was named Peggy Sue...remember her? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Through out the years I have gotten used to almost every place I went there was another Barbara. It</span> <span style="font-size: large;">hadn't happened for awhile, but recently... Well, when I went for my bone density scan the gal who did it was named Barbara. We laughed about it. Then a few weeks ago, at my Orthpedic Dr. I walked in for my appointment about the same time as another lady did. There are only two of us in the waiting room. As I sat down, the door opened and the office gal called out Barbara. I thought, wow that was quick. Usually I have to wait an hour! Well, the other lady got up and went in. Later the nurse said "did you see what happened"..to which I replied, "it always does." So day before yesterday I went in for the last appointment for my root canal. I am the only one in the office, another lady comes in and sits down. Ellie, the receptionist calls out "Miss Barbara"...and we both look up. Yesterday, I went in for my eye exam, to the place I have gone for 15 years. They have a new receptionist. Bet you can guess what her name is. When it happens twice in 2 days..YIKES.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At least, so far, in my aqua yoga class I am the only Barbara out of 12 ladies. But it's just a matter of time, you know it is.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONAscA7wZ4cU_HuylhrOan23VAwl1hNI2ZQkXMC40fPFvY8o8RpjplOjW9NmsIm73siPn1NPua5oUg2CfheiMmcGY6yxgENK57MgbXlFP6t4AhmwJOXLM4Qq65rwjFwH3r0rBu0SWUHy7/s1600/barbara+in+7th+grade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONAscA7wZ4cU_HuylhrOan23VAwl1hNI2ZQkXMC40fPFvY8o8RpjplOjW9NmsIm73siPn1NPua5oUg2CfheiMmcGY6yxgENK57MgbXlFP6t4AhmwJOXLM4Qq65rwjFwH3r0rBu0SWUHy7/s1600/barbara+in+7th+grade.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is Barbara Anne Conner, circa 1956, 7th Grade. I am only showing this one because of the cats eye glasses. I saw 2 pair yesterday at the opticians office that were remarkably like these. NO...I did not order them. I did however order a geeky looking tortoise shell pair. I may or may not show you those when I get them.</span> Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-24457233103563368122015-03-14T18:11:00.000-05:002015-03-14T18:13:26.086-05:00All roads lead to Austin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's that time of year again, when craziness descends upon our town. It's called <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_by_Southwest">South by Southwest</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> (SXSW). It opened yesterday and lasts till the 22nd. Thousands of people from across the globe come here for this festival. Some of the entertainment are big name bands, others are new young bands hoping to be discovered. Most of the streets downtown are closed off to through traffic. Traffic in general becomes even more of a nightmare than it is on any normal day. Many of the locals have come to really dislike this event. Reason: it has gotten so large it is almost out of control. The preview magazine alone is 59 pages! For this entire time, the city is immersed in SXSW. If you have business downtown, forget it, you won't be able to find a parking place or even get to where you need to go. We try to get anything we need from downtown in the 2 weeks prior to this event. I pity the folks who came here on vacation, not knowing about this. If they want to go see the Capitol, it will be a real challenge to get there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, hubby and I love live music, and the first 10, even 15 years we lived here, we attended every festival and event that was held here. Not so much any more. It is just too congested. And we don't have the energy for it, darn it. We will go downtown on the train and attend a few events that are held at the convention center and some of the small venues. But no big concerts for us, nosiree. Some things are streamed online, so I may catch a few acts that way. This event brings a lot of entertainment into the city, and a HUGE amount of $$$, but more and more it brings a lot of complaints, and a lot of changes. In years past, people who did not want to be here during the event, would rent their houses out. Also, people would rent out a room or two in their houses. Well, no more of that, once the city got wind of it. Seems they were competing with the hotel industry too much. As if it even made a dent...just my opinion. You know those hotels who raise the $250. a night rate to $750. a night and more. Now folks need a permit and have to pay taxes on the money they make. One way around that now, is people who wish to leave the city are doing a house swap with someone who wants to come to the festival. Hubby has a friend who has a condo right downtown. He is swapping for 2 weeks with someone in San Francisco. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Add to this congestion, the Austin Rodeo starts tonight, and the expo center where it is held is just down the road and across the freeway from where we live. So more congestion, traffic wise. The lineup for music is Willie Nelson tonight, Dwight Yoakam tomorrow night, and so on and so on, up through the 28th. Even The Beach Boys are playing one night. We love living in Austin, but sure do wish progress hadn't progressed quite so quickly around us. We are happy that the racetrack is on our side of town though, because that is something we go to. Hubby has Moto GP, motorcycle racing coming up April 11 through 13. He is going to it, not racing in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, that is just a snippet of what goes on around here in my little city. As much as I gripe about the congestion, I really do love having so many choices in entertainment. Even if I don't have the physical stamina to go to much of it anymore.</span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-18051590474860306442015-03-02T19:09:00.000-06:002015-03-02T19:09:46.491-06:00We had a frosty week-end<span style="font-size: large;">The news said that Friday night and Saturday morning there were over 200 auto accidents in Austin. This is the natural occurrence whenever we have icy weather. Everyone makes fun of "Texans on ice."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would have been happy to stay in but we had tickets to the Austin Symphony, so we trekked out over the icy overpass and slid around with the other Austinites, to get downtown. It was 34 when we left home. It was blowing sleet as we drove. But we made it there and all was good. After we crossed the rotunda and climbed the icy stairs to the hall that is. The people sitting next to us came in late, and during intermission she explained that they had spun out on one of the high overpasses and she was still a little shaken. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The show was called Fantasy in February, music from your favorite fantasy films. They did music from Harry Potter, Avatar, The Chronicles of Narnia, Fantasia, and several more. Quite a few people were dressed in costume, so it was funny to see so many Harry Potters and Gandolfs and hobbits and such. There were a lot of costumes I had no idea who they were or from what movie. After the orchestra was seated, the conductor paid a tribute to Leonard Nimoy who had passed that day. At the end of the show as everyone was leaving they flashed this photo across the screen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After the show it was still very cold, but a lot of people walked out to admire the Austin skyline, which seems to stretch out more every month, with another high-rise of lofts and retail.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKODEAkvbpZ7cOCCwg5mj-dK-Na6RlzoaYgMm3P7FS-yk6Xxr-zs5uRRGbFHhnt2yGRBQ0lYNZcXM-NrTty4ByDYnWqLKG2cbzd6lBYlZkMMTTD2lGxzEq2BeNyZETpWl2wzGldfd57u3C/s1600/austin+skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKODEAkvbpZ7cOCCwg5mj-dK-Na6RlzoaYgMm3P7FS-yk6Xxr-zs5uRRGbFHhnt2yGRBQ0lYNZcXM-NrTty4ByDYnWqLKG2cbzd6lBYlZkMMTTD2lGxzEq2BeNyZETpWl2wzGldfd57u3C/s1600/austin+skyline.jpg" height="158" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The next show we have tickets for is "The Mighty Russians" all Russian composers. I sure hope it will be a warmer evening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sunday it was just as cold and windy with icy rain. We stayed in and watched golf and ate soup and drank a lot of coffee and chai. Last night we binge watched the last 3 episodes of Downton Abbey. Now we have to wait till January 2016 for the next season. Drats! But the new season of House of Cards has just been released on Netflix so that is some comfort. I don't even know what else is on, as we don't watch a lot of things. </span>Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-28943649537638391472015-02-26T14:00:00.000-06:002015-02-26T14:00:32.813-06:00She who works well under pressure<span style="font-size: large;">Well, I finally did a wee bit of artsy stuff and boy did it feel good! I've been running in circles for the past two months, and had not taken any time for making art. I did not even start a new journal this year, even though I had gotten supplies out and they have sat on my worktable all this time.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've known all week that today would be my last day at physical therapy, and I thought it would be nice to take a little something to my therapist. But did I do anything about it, nope... It kept percolating in my brain, even though I didn't know quite what I would do. I knew it had to be something quick and simple. Finally last night about 7 p.m. I started running around like Chicken Little for awhile and almost gave up. But then I grabbed a box of already in progress Artist Trading cards, but couldn't find a glue stick or an ink pad that was not dried up. Yikes...I need to purge some supplies and reorganize what's left. Anyhow, here's what I ended up with. Nothing to write home about, but it sure was nice to do something. Now that I am home, I need to clean up the mess I made while throwing things around. The bottom line is, now I am jazzed about making stuff and am going to continue to finish some ATCs and maybe even start working on that journal. Sometimes all you need to do is say the heck with chores and things that have to be done and just MAKE TIME to create. I know all this, why do I keep forgetting it?</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The middle one is for Scott, my therapist. Left and right are for Melissa the office gal, and Mariah the assistant, who loves owls.</span> Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-83017292502495305742015-02-05T08:25:00.000-06:002015-02-05T08:25:36.016-06:00100 Years Ago<span style="font-size: large;">Today would have been my Dad's 100th birthday. He was born in Nebraska and was a farm boy until he came to Idaho. Before he was my Daddy he was a Cowboy and remained so for the rest of his life. The photo on his funeral card is one I took 19 days before he died. He looked good for 99. The smaller photo, on the horse named Ranger, was taken in 1936. I used it for the covers of the cds we made for the family, of some of his favorite songs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> R.I.P. Daddy, I miss you every day.</span></div>
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Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-59264282817418508422015-02-04T17:53:00.001-06:002015-02-04T17:54:37.206-06:00How I let January slip through my fingers<span style="font-size: large;">January came and went and flew by in the blink of an eye. I have spent the entire month going to Dr. appointments and to physical therapy 2 and 3 times a week. The therapy seems to be helping, but it is very intense and wears me out, so I don't get much else done, except the exercises I need to do at home on the off days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">No artwork, nothing creative of any kind. I feel like I am just keeping my head above water. I am hopeful that one of these days I will be able to get something creative done. Oh, here is one photo I took with my phone and did a cartoon effect on. We have been eating a lot of clementines and mandarins this winter. They are sweet and juicy and easy to peel.</span><br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-76942444358985053162015-01-01T10:24:00.000-06:002015-01-01T10:26:14.585-06:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pecan pie appetizer before breakfast, with happy news that Downton Abbey starts the new season on January 4th.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our team won the Fiesta Bowl last night, and we are getting ready to watch the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl game later. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's 34 and "sleeting" here in Austin, Texas right now. A good day for staying inside.</span> </div>
Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8601830939477483014.post-62944318413011079582014-12-28T13:08:00.000-06:002014-12-28T14:39:46.247-06:00Christmas week 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And the sky turns to fire, December 22, 2014 sunset, out my front door</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas was very low key around here, and thankfully it is over. I got really sad the few days </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">leading up to Christmas. December 24th is/was my parents wedding anniversary. It was a sad day for all of us, Mom especially. But, she consoled her kidlets like she always has, and with a few tears and lots of happy, laughing memories, we made it through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've had a few days of really chilly weather, for Texas anyhow. Rain, wind and dark days. Hubby and I spent the week-end hunkered down in the house, reading and watching a few bowl games and a movie or two. Just being cozy. Today it was starting to look like we might be getting low on food supplies, so we trekked out in the rain this morning to replenish the larder and get ready for the onslaught of more bowl games this coming week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christmas week also brought me an introduction to my new orthopedist, 2 cortisone injections, and a schedule for physical therapy. Yikes! I found out I have bursitis in both hips and osteoarthritis in both knees. The knee that had been hurting the worst was actually in better shape than the other one. Well of course I knew something was wrong, so the diagnosis was not really a surprise, more a shock since my Dr. in the past had always told me I showed no signs of arthritis. Up to now that is... Well, some of it can be fixed or at least alleviated. He says the physical therapy will help my hips. The knee...well, when he explained how the cushioning cartilage was gone...he said "the train has left the station, the horse is out of the barn, that bridge has burned, that ship has sailed, etc. etc. Yes, he did, and a lot more of those that I can't remember. He told me he will give me cortisone shots as often as is allowed, but that in a couple of years I would be begging him for a knee replacement. ???? I start physical therapy tomorrow, no time will be wasted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Did I ever show you or tell you about the cute little garland I made a few years ago, using candy papers? These are the paper cups from the Ferrero Rocher candies. I always save them, they make me laugh, and have such possibilities. The gold paper wrapping is nice to recycle too. Fortunately, I did not buy any of those candies this year, I like them too much. I did hang a wreath on the front door and put up a tiny table tree, but that was the extent of decorating around here.</span><br />
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<br />Barbarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00500856043950615621noreply@blogger.com4