tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11439680980279195132024-03-05T11:28:33.544-06:00The Long Dirt RoadMichele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.comBlogger608125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-58751366573846541752021-01-14T08:03:00.000-06:002021-01-14T08:03:49.250-06:00Guitar Grips- Hands Down These Are Cool! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczuLwf48n47FK3-cfB4SMhRlr4B6-yJUbrlD4jMFz7ZXqZevalWgFxX4ZGtwWcDdtmj_VBP8ILMHE-2hBlUDmSHnu72H9KaH4txEMee-i0s9uGVwSwJnevh6Apx0rowgGCSetbEz3S5tK/s3024/IMG_6493.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2849" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczuLwf48n47FK3-cfB4SMhRlr4B6-yJUbrlD4jMFz7ZXqZevalWgFxX4ZGtwWcDdtmj_VBP8ILMHE-2hBlUDmSHnu72H9KaH4txEMee-i0s9uGVwSwJnevh6Apx0rowgGCSetbEz3S5tK/s320/IMG_6493.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p>January 9, 2021 ~ We have had these signed guitars and fiddle for many years and I have wanted to really give some thought to not only where I would hang them but how I would hang them. Yes, I am slow at making decisions and have to visualize how it will look before I set my mind to something but when I make up my mind.... look out! (Thank goodness for a patient husband who lets me do whatever I want to do) I have talked to a few different people about custom building some guitar hangers but nothing really grabbed me. Y'all should know by now I have a very different style and want something kind of unique. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTce1wyCr9E65QgvA0Q4K7CHi8sRY9Sm7j_L_Ey8VjWeA5Rd5xLp7IlrCyYwbmumQ1uFPuavkN0bPHvrboixGE00-Q-N3i_DB7HnE53epxYTDUd7SnaQoZ5M9LpDmayXEfZI0rZdViH-HA/s3307/IMG_6395.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTce1wyCr9E65QgvA0Q4K7CHi8sRY9Sm7j_L_Ey8VjWeA5Rd5xLp7IlrCyYwbmumQ1uFPuavkN0bPHvrboixGE00-Q-N3i_DB7HnE53epxYTDUd7SnaQoZ5M9LpDmayXEfZI0rZdViH-HA/s320/IMG_6395.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I wanted to use this wall for our guitars. It's always fun and a little scary starting with a blank canvas because we would be putting some big holes in the wall to hold everything! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3o3tWmfkb7XeLhzkh9HUhCUgm_NUzlWZF4yJH1zQpNmquI0vYmnauv6srwpJzJr4_COABKEcZLOJBB4efCq3H6Eld80yxYURjLWuT0zi2TrSbDR_40c2n3caXTCIME02-uzaGvY340tt/s4032/IMG_6408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3o3tWmfkb7XeLhzkh9HUhCUgm_NUzlWZF4yJH1zQpNmquI0vYmnauv6srwpJzJr4_COABKEcZLOJBB4efCq3H6Eld80yxYURjLWuT0zi2TrSbDR_40c2n3caXTCIME02-uzaGvY340tt/s320/IMG_6408.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HZ2XaGEjBShf_-Zyr4EshNiWmOrXhbung63CB0fKdY5wlrUT0erdRoemEQXEAK04jPHuuKFhPiXFlq_R-zH6X9nLXjnEm-ful9K5o1pm2jSozbRFvc2kgrOxUDqr6xFqWRCIE0H4vRq_/s4032/IMG_6407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HZ2XaGEjBShf_-Zyr4EshNiWmOrXhbung63CB0fKdY5wlrUT0erdRoemEQXEAK04jPHuuKFhPiXFlq_R-zH6X9nLXjnEm-ful9K5o1pm2jSozbRFvc2kgrOxUDqr6xFqWRCIE0H4vRq_/s320/IMG_6407.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Hands down these were some of the coolest guitar holders I found! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I mean, your hands are what plays the guitar so why not have hands holding them on the wall! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pzgdHtoik-qSKqPlapK0xv9KERbEgyA_MM89YCcplABRLDxJ030NRd_9QxUxcbP7WFC7OV0dxlRwtJQcOhpAPdiVRJ5QEx57llqZhw7UWNQzE_IDxj1ZA5X-pjRAzOoV_f_XQiCHqNvQ/s1200/GuitarGrip-Logo-2020.03.20_1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pzgdHtoik-qSKqPlapK0xv9KERbEgyA_MM89YCcplABRLDxJ030NRd_9QxUxcbP7WFC7OV0dxlRwtJQcOhpAPdiVRJ5QEx57llqZhw7UWNQzE_IDxj1ZA5X-pjRAzOoV_f_XQiCHqNvQ/s320/GuitarGrip-Logo-2020.03.20_1.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I found these on the internet when I was searching for ideas. I would highly recommend Guitar Grip for hanging any of your guitars because the customer service is amazing, they are handmade in the USA and they are just that cool! I had a couple questions and wanted to know if he made a smaller set of hands to hang our signed fiddle. Mike responded back promptly and said they didn't have any at this time but hopefully, in the future, they would have smaller options. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">It all worked out as the standard hand-worked to hang the fiddle which I was very happy about because I had purchased 5 of the guitar hangers and didn't have an "extra" hanging around. The hands showed up in a timely manner and very well packaged so they wouldn't get broke during shipment. They are well constructed and handmade in Detroit. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Check them out at: <a href="https://guitargrip.com/">Guitar Grip</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZUXjC0CjAl02lb7ha77NsWB2rlKEFGS6SY_V3KRh0luebXzK-ZSM93-hNLxXXHhRhEVRIWW_EyuyNa_f8MSAPJqzPaU3OTJFF2o5SWfV4CULkLDYeTuPy-kyBBO9-WlYr4f-Wki_dj3U/s4032/IMG_6409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZUXjC0CjAl02lb7ha77NsWB2rlKEFGS6SY_V3KRh0luebXzK-ZSM93-hNLxXXHhRhEVRIWW_EyuyNa_f8MSAPJqzPaU3OTJFF2o5SWfV4CULkLDYeTuPy-kyBBO9-WlYr4f-Wki_dj3U/s320/IMG_6409.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">To take on a task like this I called a professional... my Pops! I mean, if someone is going to drill into our walls and for me not to worry, it's this guy! Together we have hung 99% of the things in our home because frankly, I didn't want to listen to Brandon bitch about why I wanted something in a certain place or where I got it. Babe, it doesn't matter... just hang it! LOL! Trust me it's easier to have Pops do it! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwuaL9Sw0n6AkbWyB14bOxGfSRINxDPuOuFA-HW_AmWP2r66CkCRqZE0AR0gUoxpPvxr7q7JkrTtbWeRpVJ1wk71v1z0nIhAz92uT55ZBK_9MmwgvP4-EjNoVv12ALphXrCRx9IvW8LT1/s4032/IMG_6421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwuaL9Sw0n6AkbWyB14bOxGfSRINxDPuOuFA-HW_AmWP2r66CkCRqZE0AR0gUoxpPvxr7q7JkrTtbWeRpVJ1wk71v1z0nIhAz92uT55ZBK_9MmwgvP4-EjNoVv12ALphXrCRx9IvW8LT1/s320/IMG_6421.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">We had Momma and my nephew, Asher over to watch Papa hang my guitars, and then our friends, Jake and Jessica came over with their kiddos so we had a whole lotta people watching while the kids played! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Pops didn't think I was watching so he was answering his text messages.... Pops, tell the boys it's not beer time and that you are working today! LOL! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GySmghlArU9EQ7DbZxb0CmJ5HRnr-UEzDByOghNovxry3YvAm07hdwJoAJYaBdT3DXM0ihgyVVNncw-paTn4nKzMG2Vz_raQCU70Zxw248HaTEaX3tFwtLwnQjfeCwGzxhLNrwYFaP_r/s4032/IMG_6422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GySmghlArU9EQ7DbZxb0CmJ5HRnr-UEzDByOghNovxry3YvAm07hdwJoAJYaBdT3DXM0ihgyVVNncw-paTn4nKzMG2Vz_raQCU70Zxw248HaTEaX3tFwtLwnQjfeCwGzxhLNrwYFaP_r/s320/IMG_6422.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">BUSTED! Ha! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSwnqqHTT90tqdPsJZ7wPYStxsG3qkK8EyoGsfIlrd2nLL36Gt18r2v11KkFnFxTUvPw01tvB4oeQ2ju41HxpMu4lImY6eZgizEw3F4KB8jrnyo9JgkHhMMJNmJ5DOITARo9HkLKKtVnr/s4032/IMG_6442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSwnqqHTT90tqdPsJZ7wPYStxsG3qkK8EyoGsfIlrd2nLL36Gt18r2v11KkFnFxTUvPw01tvB4oeQ2ju41HxpMu4lImY6eZgizEw3F4KB8jrnyo9JgkHhMMJNmJ5DOITARo9HkLKKtVnr/s320/IMG_6442.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Luckily, Jake came to the rescue while I was busy playing with the kiddos and not doing my job of capturing photos of this awesome job going on! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheRWNm_dkZ6sqFn93cm0QoA5k-8ISIjuNO93quYdl8hDYyqAcBWlK1_MrqRhVYPEUFallNDjCWjR2jytKW9Z2KPdJ0MYVbXiGrEgkj4Fj8p8F39uY7PdbO0ELTTnCwtmSbbWEFhVPyEYJ/s4032/IMG_6445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheRWNm_dkZ6sqFn93cm0QoA5k-8ISIjuNO93quYdl8hDYyqAcBWlK1_MrqRhVYPEUFallNDjCWjR2jytKW9Z2KPdJ0MYVbXiGrEgkj4Fj8p8F39uY7PdbO0ELTTnCwtmSbbWEFhVPyEYJ/s320/IMG_6445.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure my Pops was trying to arm wrestle with this hand! Ha! </p><p style="text-align: center;">It was weird that these hands were cast from a real hand so they were very much life-like! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWR5WzHJWX8Q2gR3m2617s9l1fzHB7WiC4QIf4eQh6RFAPR-Y5h4gFV85WWirCHmIVAavneTrvqKUJYQfT2FXbwPguSO7rm1c3QltQoWbG5OScB1F5Qt-frVx3EmiKxH_aJG2_D57l9Ji/s3172/IMG_6447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2941" data-original-width="3172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWR5WzHJWX8Q2gR3m2617s9l1fzHB7WiC4QIf4eQh6RFAPR-Y5h4gFV85WWirCHmIVAavneTrvqKUJYQfT2FXbwPguSO7rm1c3QltQoWbG5OScB1F5Qt-frVx3EmiKxH_aJG2_D57l9Ji/s320/IMG_6447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Pops' job was done here! They look awesome hanging on the wall and just need to call up housekeeping to come to clean up his mess... he is great at making messes but not so good at cleaning them up! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQfphsmSa5XgJ22VNDhhLmqs4WNq63EWGg_ipDxnT51Xe8Nd6rNq2D0y5_fBSkyuPPYdxGmEPxRkPO9ZePNgWqZs3p-LNvKrjeoovjFAU-f35ljRH5MJmUiJaIZ4Ivh6VafjUXl-BOHSJ/s4032/IMG_6451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQfphsmSa5XgJ22VNDhhLmqs4WNq63EWGg_ipDxnT51Xe8Nd6rNq2D0y5_fBSkyuPPYdxGmEPxRkPO9ZePNgWqZs3p-LNvKrjeoovjFAU-f35ljRH5MJmUiJaIZ4Ivh6VafjUXl-BOHSJ/s320/IMG_6451.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I found a super cute helper that really enjoys running the vacuum... well chasing people with it more than actual cleaning but whatever... he's smiling and having fun so we will give him a break! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLww6O_McswwgEpVbplzCgHvt-fEWQ0FHsJSnXOuXcTkPGg-vNNIRGTmVuZPfnJgG8-a1dzMmze5-Mj8UY2o327I9YRhokhMxhQ3COoUAA11-i56fkIcvUPuQ7KouApRJSXQks_ulECN7/s4032/IMG_6463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLww6O_McswwgEpVbplzCgHvt-fEWQ0FHsJSnXOuXcTkPGg-vNNIRGTmVuZPfnJgG8-a1dzMmze5-Mj8UY2o327I9YRhokhMxhQ3COoUAA11-i56fkIcvUPuQ7KouApRJSXQks_ulECN7/s320/IMG_6463.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Asher is my 2-year-old nephew and he is a ham! He's a terrible housekeeper and in fact, he can destroy a house in 10.2 seconds but luckily he is cute so you don't think much about the mess he leaves behind! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bnfkoj14aHwfGzhkVHbIRfglZgL9i_BDAn2E1fK3iOQX7Mpa-FDkEGvRAXJcWgcR4_Wz-CcZNGZCW3qj4cT5BPeP9Ne-SEoFqWCT_8Rtahyphenhyphene4I5mbqVGHufkAW1OBy_PlG5ooPALaJ8r/s4032/IMG_6455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bnfkoj14aHwfGzhkVHbIRfglZgL9i_BDAn2E1fK3iOQX7Mpa-FDkEGvRAXJcWgcR4_Wz-CcZNGZCW3qj4cT5BPeP9Ne-SEoFqWCT_8Rtahyphenhyphene4I5mbqVGHufkAW1OBy_PlG5ooPALaJ8r/s320/IMG_6455.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">After getting everything cleaned up I moved these chairs in the space. I bought them new years ago from Furniture Row and hate the thought of getting rid of them however, they aren't what I really wanted for this space. One of these days I will find exactly what I am looking for and sneak them in the house to replace these but for now, these will do! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ez-Ouxi1sDiZVyTg4GJzOirXAX584KYRDSf4yXj0gJk3MpEBu-g4tYJjVTx7LeSRuF7QgxVHsYBEhuw5SqAATHxulpZD1oM-xz3dMgiGoF7VBSTY2TSsNtGtChOss67cL_RNoRmwUggD/s4032/IMG_6459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ez-Ouxi1sDiZVyTg4GJzOirXAX584KYRDSf4yXj0gJk3MpEBu-g4tYJjVTx7LeSRuF7QgxVHsYBEhuw5SqAATHxulpZD1oM-xz3dMgiGoF7VBSTY2TSsNtGtChOss67cL_RNoRmwUggD/s320/IMG_6459.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I love how the guitars don't touch the wall except the one at the top. Keeps them from rubbing the walls and if I need to take them down to dust them it's not a big deal! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41-7HRx5BdEqxI6Po5dc2agpLmDC9QeW_0W7j7HtDMD61AEXHoxQmyNkF-K9RXNT0WdvIHtxatH8O5DXuJUNbal8N65yM9QIg4qwEEw0d_CgG87q6ngpOqUtvx0kUaOYjxY0Zw9HudnqQ/s4032/IMG_6901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg41-7HRx5BdEqxI6Po5dc2agpLmDC9QeW_0W7j7HtDMD61AEXHoxQmyNkF-K9RXNT0WdvIHtxatH8O5DXuJUNbal8N65yM9QIg4qwEEw0d_CgG87q6ngpOqUtvx0kUaOYjxY0Zw9HudnqQ/s320/IMG_6901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">In order to hang this guitar horizontally, we had to get creative and turned the hand sideways and used a wire on the other end where a guitar strap would go and screw to the wall. I love it! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwuXt5EC6Dj4_vRe5VEb90uuflQwFXSc-ng8t-k5a52Qfqlx_3SSCVXwfK0_7C9WAU1OYUuqSvvFa3wkaPqI0bBgnWzG_hLcu-BjohGXIds4lorZNhZSf3aTOkINZd3Jv3BiNprdVQn_T/s4032/IMG_6903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwuXt5EC6Dj4_vRe5VEb90uuflQwFXSc-ng8t-k5a52Qfqlx_3SSCVXwfK0_7C9WAU1OYUuqSvvFa3wkaPqI0bBgnWzG_hLcu-BjohGXIds4lorZNhZSf3aTOkINZd3Jv3BiNprdVQn_T/s320/IMG_6903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When ordering you have the option for a right hand or left hand so luckily the left hand worked perfectly! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn7sBXzrOrzT69udO0sAU6WTLwdJrc4y-9QZCYBgjtfKuUETIMm3-G_Snki6uIIo1Tnea3y30n_MmdLTzHbrWv1-0YMQEV_vVVRq-CgGK-2UegH2Tc9yoSFqP9s_2-dvhyQdkQztaZUy-/s3735/IMG_6904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2652" data-original-width="3735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQn7sBXzrOrzT69udO0sAU6WTLwdJrc4y-9QZCYBgjtfKuUETIMm3-G_Snki6uIIo1Tnea3y30n_MmdLTzHbrWv1-0YMQEV_vVVRq-CgGK-2UegH2Tc9yoSFqP9s_2-dvhyQdkQztaZUy-/s320/IMG_6904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I won this guitar from a raffle in Marceline, MO at a Toon Town Fest years ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Marceline, MO is where Walt Disney grew up with his family and how he designed Walt Disneyland. If you ever get a chance to visit check out their website below but they have the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, The Disney Farm, The Dreaming Tree, and Walt's Tree that are worth seeing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check them out here: <a href="https://waltdisneymuseum.org/">Walt Disney Hometown Museum</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqMAV-sKku6FrpAX5_C9nfvlNlIo6YCjrPRXosbxFde2Xzx7EFYcIM_Xaak9hEeCwQgef_7nL4ta7SjcAv9clY9fIxBA6SlRYAcTGLuvFCwiqA_3uD1ze3h3gIaHkMnrC0AiiXKtsOO41/s4032/IMG_6494.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqMAV-sKku6FrpAX5_C9nfvlNlIo6YCjrPRXosbxFde2Xzx7EFYcIM_Xaak9hEeCwQgef_7nL4ta7SjcAv9clY9fIxBA6SlRYAcTGLuvFCwiqA_3uD1ze3h3gIaHkMnrC0AiiXKtsOO41/s320/IMG_6494.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Man, I love how these look! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsmuS66nGgA2niXkgmysXWXjMVVWfG5XnhNQmo7R9SV5k_IkGJEfUazviMktwbnt5Ne34oiufWFpsl3pad4BkXEDpvdAJ99e9hBUUtBUAaW78qwopr7r3y-rgfRNtBa_TY7RQWT3zwSdM/s3976/IMG_6490.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3976" data-original-width="2591" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsmuS66nGgA2niXkgmysXWXjMVVWfG5XnhNQmo7R9SV5k_IkGJEfUazviMktwbnt5Ne34oiufWFpsl3pad4BkXEDpvdAJ99e9hBUUtBUAaW78qwopr7r3y-rgfRNtBa_TY7RQWT3zwSdM/s320/IMG_6490.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a signed guitar that we got years ago and has been stored in its original box. I loved it when we got it but when it's out of sight it's out of mind so I kind of forgot about it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You should know that we love The Eagles and good ol' Country Music. While we don't have a signed Eagles guitar, we did get an opportunity to get backstage passes to meet Joe Walsh in Las Vegas - you talk about an awesome experience and I wish they would have let me take a guitar backstage. That would have been really cool! (I have one wall that would be perfect for a signed Eagles guitar.... just sayin' if you are looking for a unique gift for us!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy5Z-rQ3o_A4YLFPOKQj5mdXqERLOY5my0Y-wSYtAJivwI1FfwDMH5G8djgEMX5gkNvmn5bIkrceInyY0DURf6cnvn1e-JT0SsZgRkcr-yabxlZEc8yEl1x4mYor5p4QBzzAkEYYyLivr/s4032/IMG_6908.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy5Z-rQ3o_A4YLFPOKQj5mdXqERLOY5my0Y-wSYtAJivwI1FfwDMH5G8djgEMX5gkNvmn5bIkrceInyY0DURf6cnvn1e-JT0SsZgRkcr-yabxlZEc8yEl1x4mYor5p4QBzzAkEYYyLivr/s320/IMG_6908.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This guitar has signatures of some country music legends and many of those have since passed away. Some of the signatures are: Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Don Williams, Kenny Rogers, Buck Owens, Gene Autry, Randy Travis, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, George Strait, Kris Kristofferson, Linda Rondstadt, Barbara Mandrell, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is certified and all signatures are verified. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G7pdHcv4GKuy3Ky-XFMUkkv6t7OT5Ap4cFJYw2x-E7GvR_2lvEHVDvhLIXMxZF5F99vHWkBTvqb_5Mv4n27RdIUHEDhd9HU5LELJ25yhObSj7yU-2Re2Tat3P6cDpwEjY2BfcagRs-J8/s3838/IMG_6489+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3838" data-original-width="2729" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G7pdHcv4GKuy3Ky-XFMUkkv6t7OT5Ap4cFJYw2x-E7GvR_2lvEHVDvhLIXMxZF5F99vHWkBTvqb_5Mv4n27RdIUHEDhd9HU5LELJ25yhObSj7yU-2Re2Tat3P6cDpwEjY2BfcagRs-J8/s320/IMG_6489+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This guitar was signed by "The Queen of Country Music" Loretta Lynn!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We traveled down to her ranch in Hurricane Mills, TN with the family to see Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn play in concert. It was an amazing trip and one we will never forget. We brought several things back from that fun trip and one of those things was a signed guitar I purchased. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDEgZ-5o48qfbs1rbpjLwZ6ODZRR7H_ANEcK_BI4gqA4OaeKfOWJNrIebrXszV6DyUyHPDHLOGzRM_ZPwGzHyH8qjGR-MsiGrFUD7WdipTJ6_3g9r9gFQFLjWmj6udpY6_p8cte_vxnmW/s3388/IMG_6906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3388" data-original-width="3023" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDEgZ-5o48qfbs1rbpjLwZ6ODZRR7H_ANEcK_BI4gqA4OaeKfOWJNrIebrXszV6DyUyHPDHLOGzRM_ZPwGzHyH8qjGR-MsiGrFUD7WdipTJ6_3g9r9gFQFLjWmj6udpY6_p8cte_vxnmW/s320/IMG_6906.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved that it was signed in gold sharpie! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are ever taking a trip to Nashville and have an extra day or so you should stop and visit her ranch. Lots of things to see and do! Check it out here: <a href="https://www.lorettalynnranch.net/main/">Loretta Lynn's Ranch - Hurricane Mills, TN</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qeiku7kwxsMJePPui1vYX4JdZEqTE-6HKsap8hwGrRu6CLU-FGHxkAQikK9lKl-7Dxzbt4QSj9QYqEJpBWMlqCECAgQFEE5yZziEuijf5xuQgugruYnccIG85774ovjHWlaVbk25Hwj7/s3880/IMG_6488+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3880" data-original-width="2717" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4qeiku7kwxsMJePPui1vYX4JdZEqTE-6HKsap8hwGrRu6CLU-FGHxkAQikK9lKl-7Dxzbt4QSj9QYqEJpBWMlqCECAgQFEE5yZziEuijf5xuQgugruYnccIG85774ovjHWlaVbk25Hwj7/s320/IMG_6488+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last guitar we have is one signed by King George Strait! We had an opportunity to attend "The Cowboy Rides Away Farewell Tour" in New Orleans several years ago. We had front row tickets and each person received a signed George Strait guitar! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lge5Dw4vOOq1SlA0eRSNjzshC2TxVuXtXxcAPcjbPzIldlVBAP96hBFpu8FBcd-21FDNKgGdSy0rvTnQsFeTVam63aIEf-os2ohcS2zawej8a8OdIXCcRrmu0kB-5Iazu63MQLlRF4E7/s4032/IMG_6909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Lge5Dw4vOOq1SlA0eRSNjzshC2TxVuXtXxcAPcjbPzIldlVBAP96hBFpu8FBcd-21FDNKgGdSy0rvTnQsFeTVam63aIEf-os2ohcS2zawej8a8OdIXCcRrmu0kB-5Iazu63MQLlRF4E7/s320/IMG_6909.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did go to one more of his concerts and had 2nd-row tickets that came with a pair of George Strait Justin boots! I love his signature! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, we would probably go see him again if the opportunity comes up. I have tried twice to get backstage to meet him but I wasn't going to pay the price tag they wanted - although the money goes to his late daughter's foundation, <a href="http://www.georgestraitfever.org/RememberingJenifer.html">The Jennifer Strait Memorial Foundation</a> which I admire greatly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think he and his wife would be so fun to hang out with one day on their ranch. Now, that would be cool! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUqo0tzpO6sXep5RLeJtjpf0Xw4wvdniKZEaMi-EX13wXveMRgIpDX4rqGjf7bTLyQgnqyJKcH8jH4LqVmCR0864tCI6nHJnwK3ngrTz6HwIS7Tu41X6S6sBErkjLOlZ7aWPiPwbVXc5N/s4032/IMG_6899.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUqo0tzpO6sXep5RLeJtjpf0Xw4wvdniKZEaMi-EX13wXveMRgIpDX4rqGjf7bTLyQgnqyJKcH8jH4LqVmCR0864tCI6nHJnwK3ngrTz6HwIS7Tu41X6S6sBErkjLOlZ7aWPiPwbVXc5N/s320/IMG_6899.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This fiddle was one that I purchased from Charlie Daniels store about 10+ years ago. I thought it was unique to have a fiddle mixed with the guitars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted a smaller hand for this one but after trying it out for size it actually worked really well! My Pops had the idea to hand the bow on the fingers so there weren't any additional nail holes in the wall... I like his style! I think it turned out perfect! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4S7HteA8kD3MSb8QNaqJ3sIBDABOmMAKeQvowc6cQaFWkGCQYrXqfRTHnuP0WK6d8IOjRHdj3uVUjIuDrxblN6HhUs9dJqsijhlyuxW6ujBVrGtgrZkmsPJRJKXdbIK9KbX0Pvkl9NjgK/s4032/IMG_6487.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4S7HteA8kD3MSb8QNaqJ3sIBDABOmMAKeQvowc6cQaFWkGCQYrXqfRTHnuP0WK6d8IOjRHdj3uVUjIuDrxblN6HhUs9dJqsijhlyuxW6ujBVrGtgrZkmsPJRJKXdbIK9KbX0Pvkl9NjgK/s320/IMG_6487.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Visit his store here: <a href="https://store.charliedaniels.com/">Charlie Daniels Store</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(While I didn't see this type of fiddle there are plenty of other things available)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-on9tuUgFXAyg4KTLSz3d5g-gH7_nOTkUuyfBHEnH36YGI1Vv8IYnOwlO0Dgx24HeG1idmEKv6gNdsYfTXmjHWPxiF07zQKga8E8vMElq3qqJgfKvUSWd7gAdoNcbeoIzaE0gpOv2oyp/s3024/IMG_6493.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2849" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-on9tuUgFXAyg4KTLSz3d5g-gH7_nOTkUuyfBHEnH36YGI1Vv8IYnOwlO0Dgx24HeG1idmEKv6gNdsYfTXmjHWPxiF07zQKga8E8vMElq3qqJgfKvUSWd7gAdoNcbeoIzaE0gpOv2oyp/s320/IMG_6493.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hopefully, you have found some inspiration to getting those old guitars out of a closet and onto a wall in your basement, man cave, she shed, or where ever you wanted to mount them! I have searched all over and by far these were unique and well made here in the USA! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Behind the scenes photos...... </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLf-2W2v5cAAYNBg6K7-YOrFWOt69jtZBXw6w_ipE0ggTTKYDICW1sN5lVvOqgWZ913Rb4DT7wKzxvUZaeFVHyRXWNViSlix6kGR_5jh2uSxDntdWpi78NP1cRwv_stTtRXKxXkRZMhkB/s4032/IMG_6411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLf-2W2v5cAAYNBg6K7-YOrFWOt69jtZBXw6w_ipE0ggTTKYDICW1sN5lVvOqgWZ913Rb4DT7wKzxvUZaeFVHyRXWNViSlix6kGR_5jh2uSxDntdWpi78NP1cRwv_stTtRXKxXkRZMhkB/s320/IMG_6411.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLOq3bk2zJ0buKRejUePIgIMGSYHV7gUGMAkmViHiRs5RkwOASF6UpKPMNsEJEo9qnvGw3zjAIZtrzHHUBM1NZjun4voWkQ6hQQtJC8k7txYqk4uxBVksiP_ExgV-xH_vb-1h6re-6jcW/s4032/IMG_6413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLOq3bk2zJ0buKRejUePIgIMGSYHV7gUGMAkmViHiRs5RkwOASF6UpKPMNsEJEo9qnvGw3zjAIZtrzHHUBM1NZjun4voWkQ6hQQtJC8k7txYqk4uxBVksiP_ExgV-xH_vb-1h6re-6jcW/s320/IMG_6413.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_XfD9zBYhic4nUbhl1D_kpgRn2uzzflesS3PNGaY4HWyTz7-JQVrWlkr75DSFjajIS68kIGj6AWGg5Am3CDEWoSX6b9iHM1YF0VvO6DlHeuTFxm26JPbYbS5peuimGydQTQBCHGZenBM/s4032/IMG_6419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_XfD9zBYhic4nUbhl1D_kpgRn2uzzflesS3PNGaY4HWyTz7-JQVrWlkr75DSFjajIS68kIGj6AWGg5Am3CDEWoSX6b9iHM1YF0VvO6DlHeuTFxm26JPbYbS5peuimGydQTQBCHGZenBM/s320/IMG_6419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Asher loves playing on the stairs and it's pretty obvious he loves his Mimi! </div><div style="text-align: center;">This kid is a mess and is always laughing or has you laughing at him! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0_to6-Rt2cX8koNe1vjKpNOGB1EZWzru3LkFgp3lnLJPniIJHebLxQcAnH46vtRw51DXCs2Yd-RxZkF-5NnKijAcct-7ZH3IvRbZEgVYsOcPjaypAjz__jgjaSjgScXnjm9NltFcqIMp/s2048/IMG_6432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0_to6-Rt2cX8koNe1vjKpNOGB1EZWzru3LkFgp3lnLJPniIJHebLxQcAnH46vtRw51DXCs2Yd-RxZkF-5NnKijAcct-7ZH3IvRbZEgVYsOcPjaypAjz__jgjaSjgScXnjm9NltFcqIMp/s320/IMG_6432.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Jake and Jess's adorable kiddos came to visit and get started on decorating for Emma's 4th birthday party! I just love their little personalities and Emma had us dancing while Luke scaled the stairs... with pool balls of course! Silly kids! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGVrA8JEwyEoG_oAWwt7gkciN1FVIFtpa1yzq2X2Y5lo4eUCkdZW_wfUqpqU4TJ6zKgOHpC2DYACD_D8ICCU8KsjUiUhy1yuaDny5L3rxe1qVhW3VP9Z1bs-Cd0BfCNmqvCBG-cNwWoOH/s4032/IMG_6476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGVrA8JEwyEoG_oAWwt7gkciN1FVIFtpa1yzq2X2Y5lo4eUCkdZW_wfUqpqU4TJ6zKgOHpC2DYACD_D8ICCU8KsjUiUhy1yuaDny5L3rxe1qVhW3VP9Z1bs-Cd0BfCNmqvCBG-cNwWoOH/s320/IMG_6476.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The funny thing about projects like this is that you always come up with another project! We had recently bought a St. Louis Cardinals Neon Sign and in order to make room for it we had to move another sign over to the bar area. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYc9CSbUP2B3FvmgeoY1rTB7im6mPbxqaveVLWmgRBhMqiA3-SyfHhg880IQNK7hU3oaB7RzAv5bq7v-0koFKPtUWl4Y6tDl1nTlkSDSx25J19YpjUVJ4OAnWS358qqd4u1u6kbkrtbhT/s4032/IMG_6473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYc9CSbUP2B3FvmgeoY1rTB7im6mPbxqaveVLWmgRBhMqiA3-SyfHhg880IQNK7hU3oaB7RzAv5bq7v-0koFKPtUWl4Y6tDl1nTlkSDSx25J19YpjUVJ4OAnWS358qqd4u1u6kbkrtbhT/s320/IMG_6473.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Pops decided to "Pop A Top" on a cold Miller Lite while Brandon and Jake moved the lights around. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I will say it makes it more fun with more people involved! Ha! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_y-TczGDRvQI9tYALMQOv533ldQJ3Nq6ervx6THcaJAO8wNaI56j_FCRObESmrM1bK4zwTwDnCDLwsWkECSQyTeBIOsqb9JKBrW_FD4oq7cy-lhEpBs8jOx_0c14hF70146mQZGcd3WG/s4032/IMG_6945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_y-TczGDRvQI9tYALMQOv533ldQJ3Nq6ervx6THcaJAO8wNaI56j_FCRObESmrM1bK4zwTwDnCDLwsWkECSQyTeBIOsqb9JKBrW_FD4oq7cy-lhEpBs8jOx_0c14hF70146mQZGcd3WG/s320/IMG_6945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">New to us.. St. Louis Cardinals 2006 World Series Champions Neon Light</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuD2wIvcAFaGSW7zakdNXhyphenhyphen4xqJeFap0GlzptDv0T24VEUJQhUJYUxSCxWu4-Wn3eFDsLN6YtEtAClul4oaP04kt2qdRq9imJoZOGa9AVmaidQnQpKtdh-qefL1rivKjum55Mr32SBgg0L/s4032/IMG_6949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuD2wIvcAFaGSW7zakdNXhyphenhyphen4xqJeFap0GlzptDv0T24VEUJQhUJYUxSCxWu4-Wn3eFDsLN6YtEtAClul4oaP04kt2qdRq9imJoZOGa9AVmaidQnQpKtdh-qefL1rivKjum55Mr32SBgg0L/s320/IMG_6949.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We moved the Tim McGraw Neon Light over into the bar area... seems more appropriate to be there! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczNF9AAMwymL1HZe8b30nU2g9fKqbHpk_QLW7iMb2nWaZ_hm8cFWaiH24PJjc1r9wcSRQmZDAPYacCG96r4zmuA5nb6LqRMLwysGgxQ_BBhoOfSfzWWPTaI6FgfbPAFUJ7wPJCkNp4e3L/s4032/IMG_6470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczNF9AAMwymL1HZe8b30nU2g9fKqbHpk_QLW7iMb2nWaZ_hm8cFWaiH24PJjc1r9wcSRQmZDAPYacCG96r4zmuA5nb6LqRMLwysGgxQ_BBhoOfSfzWWPTaI6FgfbPAFUJ7wPJCkNp4e3L/s320/IMG_6470.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Little Lukey Dukey watched patiently as all this was going on! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41W1-9Gba-_kiEXHoNAqUaImNJsQneSL2wd0xan88F-LrTGqW9HMUcmXWXWhnpqAd8NKuQHHc5_v2D5aQA_JjtvFRC9CcMKUHwdJtEwacoPULqBq5OJ2yaVZuRWDYnOvJODHhBIOK3pfX/s4032/IMG_6478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41W1-9Gba-_kiEXHoNAqUaImNJsQneSL2wd0xan88F-LrTGqW9HMUcmXWXWhnpqAd8NKuQHHc5_v2D5aQA_JjtvFRC9CcMKUHwdJtEwacoPULqBq5OJ2yaVZuRWDYnOvJODHhBIOK3pfX/s320/IMG_6478.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sweet Emma was writing on her tablet at the bar and looked too cute not to get her picture too! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91YgzvVrFYCzUsagF68EUOoeVDJ9jQkoh_zggETRghhhKLyfWbs2RipXllpDd94jBUIZqZ1uAsCerHkFx4_2uKhabt4GurzZm7Wbh-Y6x7tq84XNK4b-q5B1Kc4fSZv0H32HoSGeib2s2/s4032/IMG_6434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91YgzvVrFYCzUsagF68EUOoeVDJ9jQkoh_zggETRghhhKLyfWbs2RipXllpDd94jBUIZqZ1uAsCerHkFx4_2uKhabt4GurzZm7Wbh-Y6x7tq84XNK4b-q5B1Kc4fSZv0H32HoSGeib2s2/s320/IMG_6434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Asher and his MiMi would listen to music and dance! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>I love Saturdays like this... fun projects, family, and friends! Life is good y'all!</b> </div>Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-63350878506449100712021-01-11T16:59:00.003-06:002021-01-11T16:59:43.119-06:00Just An Old Quilt!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0n1lQQFeK3pZ4UP88XX76SRByLdh0H5v_h1UpGx-sROU5kh7KpkRCMtFwc-08pYWjN-zv5Y_7osUjuky56pQ4_MzB9GOtRPHQBsxa3aIyWhBHGpZtcxhSpoGCOReMUiWHPGJasSYJzoT/s3672/IMG_6879.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="2754" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC0n1lQQFeK3pZ4UP88XX76SRByLdh0H5v_h1UpGx-sROU5kh7KpkRCMtFwc-08pYWjN-zv5Y_7osUjuky56pQ4_MzB9GOtRPHQBsxa3aIyWhBHGpZtcxhSpoGCOReMUiWHPGJasSYJzoT/s320/IMG_6879.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>January 4, 2021 ~ A couple days ago we went junkin' with a couple friends. Something I love to do as I am always looking for something unique and old. One of the things I always look at is old quilts but you should know, I'm very picky when it comes to them. </p><p style="text-align: center;">When Brandon's Grandma Ruby passed away we were fortunate to receive many of her quilts - something I had always loved. The old quilts are my favorite. You know the ones that are thin, made from flour sacks, and mostly done by hand? Yep, those are the ones I really love! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Just thinking about the life that these old quilts have seen and who they might have been made for. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Sadly, over the years quilts aren't something that the younger generation flocks to find. This will make finding these old beauties a little harder. Many times they weren't stored well and moths ate them or cigarette smoke has discolored them over the years. It's sad to see these beautiful quilts just almost "rotten" where the fabric just falls apart.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Let's go back to the picky part.... </span></b><br />(Anyone who knows me would know that I am picky about everything!) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There isn't a certain "style" of a quilt I like, in fact, I am more drawn to colors and patterns. It's one of those "You know it when you see it" purchases. When I see a quilt that is my style I look at a lot of things such as price, condition, colors, and most of all the feel of the quilt. I am pretty good with getting most stains out of stuff but I need to know it's not going to fall apart in the washing machine. I don't wash my quilts often but before they come into my house they make a quick trip through my laundry! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUg3qHHSb7M57wqZk7jHiSJBEQN_s4HTQKb2DX4hJayB20VBSRrBeHLUFXJu-6uPp1HfXk4V57K4pqnzAo2SlMRpx-RHnrkt33-fZSkmYjaDzx9cVnaIwtyT_mt7na3HcSozRxMc8tTC1/s890/wooden-laundry-washing-clothes-line-large.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUg3qHHSb7M57wqZk7jHiSJBEQN_s4HTQKb2DX4hJayB20VBSRrBeHLUFXJu-6uPp1HfXk4V57K4pqnzAo2SlMRpx-RHnrkt33-fZSkmYjaDzx9cVnaIwtyT_mt7na3HcSozRxMc8tTC1/s320/wooden-laundry-washing-clothes-line-large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Y'all... little secret.... I love laundry! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know, I am a weirdo but it's true! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When we were strolling through Midway Antique Mall I stumbled across this pink and white "my style" quilt and when I looked at the price tag I didn't bat an eye! For $16.95 this old girl was coming home with me! Now realize that Brandon thought I was silly because it had stains on it but I could see beyond those stains. I knew I could get 95% of them out so to get a quilt for that price was a steal! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrJ3l6Q4KCWko-3winVp6wn9RmK3CmF_ePHtxEnPLEsmxguw6X7RQ3FrVO8uzap1hrEsktbhQ1EThWuz33K_mWZ1UaVUaDRr66nVdsLfzebup0kMtclTGRsqG4d2nT9ytOYtSNZKwFRwV/s4032/IMG_6179.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrJ3l6Q4KCWko-3winVp6wn9RmK3CmF_ePHtxEnPLEsmxguw6X7RQ3FrVO8uzap1hrEsktbhQ1EThWuz33K_mWZ1UaVUaDRr66nVdsLfzebup0kMtclTGRsqG4d2nT9ytOYtSNZKwFRwV/s320/IMG_6179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I spread it out on the floor to get a good look at it and check out the damage. The far left corner would have a little bit of damage and several stains but for the most part, it was still in decent shape. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95_y_i3clqN4UeDGPTwtj30fuGuRm_cjlofL0lNbko88nn0gJDRQYwnpZl5eEO3abbe2LcJRbqDnuW-Iuu343qqh2ndQZ1EnccaUH3IWHmRGAdUecPEH9WSr8llIOLK3Gfz8yx7Y2sp8C/s4032/IMG_6180.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95_y_i3clqN4UeDGPTwtj30fuGuRm_cjlofL0lNbko88nn0gJDRQYwnpZl5eEO3abbe2LcJRbqDnuW-Iuu343qqh2ndQZ1EnccaUH3IWHmRGAdUecPEH9WSr8llIOLK3Gfz8yx7Y2sp8C/s320/IMG_6180.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Obviously, this was the worst spot on the quilt but I was ready to tackle it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5ItRXLXL2uu9qp3S87kDDr-0Gc5RJQafrp8AGkE_M07MMufNG7_WtUaP4yb_7xA8MZARDQdurSqrBVX76LlA7wNq5weNxcgwtOf4A5yk8ZfzM2Od8krTTICGUXIHf_OagnEBK-Ldm3Y9/s4032/IMG_6186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5ItRXLXL2uu9qp3S87kDDr-0Gc5RJQafrp8AGkE_M07MMufNG7_WtUaP4yb_7xA8MZARDQdurSqrBVX76LlA7wNq5weNxcgwtOf4A5yk8ZfzM2Od8krTTICGUXIHf_OagnEBK-Ldm3Y9/s320/IMG_6186.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My first line in stains is usually the Oxi Clean Max Force Gel Stick. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have 6 or 7 on hand at all times because I feel like it gets most stains out. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTDKAbu9CfPctpDP6-K3TZzfVGLGr59L4fkWkv3SX__HfBBrA6AgBC6VNwpHtFvyRW0Ly0A67Ld_9tkoh86kJ6Amnq29kWi8AWlc-Q7ZJj9n15b6WpA2oYd2OKxGv7yBOn7yLpX7A1cqU/s4032/IMG_6188.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTDKAbu9CfPctpDP6-K3TZzfVGLGr59L4fkWkv3SX__HfBBrA6AgBC6VNwpHtFvyRW0Ly0A67Ld_9tkoh86kJ6Amnq29kWi8AWlc-Q7ZJj9n15b6WpA2oYd2OKxGv7yBOn7yLpX7A1cqU/s320/IMG_6188.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdSsZGBtQpwli0Dp5ysnv2fSWk8sx3yywk47iWRlAdlqzTomS7W-txXvca5F8ifnTduNZIvvciN5ydGBX2eobYj3PICDl-WnOT1Fa984wx57atSuNybtAkGy0aNtigpbU0nflbK3gGEYT/s4032/IMG_6190.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdSsZGBtQpwli0Dp5ysnv2fSWk8sx3yywk47iWRlAdlqzTomS7W-txXvca5F8ifnTduNZIvvciN5ydGBX2eobYj3PICDl-WnOT1Fa984wx57atSuNybtAkGy0aNtigpbU0nflbK3gGEYT/s320/IMG_6190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My next step is to use Contractor Trash Bags to protect my hardwood floors from the Oxi Clean. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I use these Contractor Bags in our trash cans in the garage and I like them better than standard black trash bags because they are thicker and don't rip near as easy. I had to lay 6 of them on the floor to cover where I would be working on the quilt stains. (No worries, they wipe up easy and I store them away until I need to replace the liners in the garage... around here it seems I am always using them for my projects! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN4UKeCABoUKefz332Sib5j8XXjPnVWBZlWbyKtrBCb_DzcQH7LjieHNFbiECP_vANQvVJHlKBRd-va_sw2wqMZRiCFVrq8dQSPbbtydLbJmWP3VREkWUETaEmu00X-pkiT7hG6VO-dVy/s4032/IMG_6191.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDN4UKeCABoUKefz332Sib5j8XXjPnVWBZlWbyKtrBCb_DzcQH7LjieHNFbiECP_vANQvVJHlKBRd-va_sw2wqMZRiCFVrq8dQSPbbtydLbJmWP3VREkWUETaEmu00X-pkiT7hG6VO-dVy/s320/IMG_6191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Now you can see where the stains were located that you couldn't see as easily in the first photo. I soaked it down pretty well and used 2 containers of the Oxi Clean Max Force Gel Stick to make sure each stain was covered very well. After about 20 minutes I took the nubby part on the gel stick and gently rubbed around on the stains to help work the product into the quilt. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_4DBC2Bn2zdquOfLXB_CKn8pZTjrisnVwtqLNu_uxQuSyN79pQPrr07xNnRhyphenhyphenT2ogyJ6_dflC7cqlzQMKo5Z7D4pucCeSeRfSLQ6JkEf4lwVKEHBWRy6RDltGJ5PPn9ipB3o5UNnzrCC/s4032/IMG_6193.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_4DBC2Bn2zdquOfLXB_CKn8pZTjrisnVwtqLNu_uxQuSyN79pQPrr07xNnRhyphenhyphenT2ogyJ6_dflC7cqlzQMKo5Z7D4pucCeSeRfSLQ6JkEf4lwVKEHBWRy6RDltGJ5PPn9ipB3o5UNnzrCC/s320/IMG_6193.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">After soaking for around 40 minutes it was time to put it in the wash. I put it on a gentle cycle (Delicate/Hand Wash) and with warm water. Once done I would put in the dryer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcWcrHwrWYzcYd2NNcvn3qm9weCQnDHcCXpSvxnqs1AGF0tsuAPRnudhGv_VFcOoX00x0jKLfwJjHz5DYYT2H2LrPijAaX1cAvvJjXHgUgLorFbgVWlqmiqsUGVpM2WW-kZdBtJW71_8o/s4032/IMG_6204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcWcrHwrWYzcYd2NNcvn3qm9weCQnDHcCXpSvxnqs1AGF0tsuAPRnudhGv_VFcOoX00x0jKLfwJjHz5DYYT2H2LrPijAaX1cAvvJjXHgUgLorFbgVWlqmiqsUGVpM2WW-kZdBtJW71_8o/s320/IMG_6204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Once it was out of the dryer I would lay it back on the floor to see how well the stains came out. For the most part all is good except that one bigger stain... it just didn't want to come all the way out. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtABU5QfLPRH9OLiGaYTh7y4Rzq5hH69xYequblP5ap8phqut6vyKq4y-xspUQ6WAT2HOvQMZ-XD0fZAgqPZ-QUPqGrdkE-RG0lJnJcbso2Ga3_am-FlF3tfI9dNj4cVmMW3Rn6UPo7aZc/s4032/IMG_6205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtABU5QfLPRH9OLiGaYTh7y4Rzq5hH69xYequblP5ap8phqut6vyKq4y-xspUQ6WAT2HOvQMZ-XD0fZAgqPZ-QUPqGrdkE-RG0lJnJcbso2Ga3_am-FlF3tfI9dNj4cVmMW3Rn6UPo7aZc/s320/IMG_6205.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">While it's faint, it's still not good enough for me! I would need my next option....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIIYaROvWDnTtZJq1tDeNtN2okwM2Hibs5v0hwuO4ExqQOXnCnrfgqk0C3R4ji2RjJC7e0AN3UvPFn5gzE54bqDjyQMVBncyxR2MYWk8elKbH18lahI2XYwxJ5c1v-ZXDomm6NiYdt71P/s4032/IMG_6208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIIYaROvWDnTtZJq1tDeNtN2okwM2Hibs5v0hwuO4ExqQOXnCnrfgqk0C3R4ji2RjJC7e0AN3UvPFn5gzE54bqDjyQMVBncyxR2MYWk8elKbH18lahI2XYwxJ5c1v-ZXDomm6NiYdt71P/s320/IMG_6208.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While this may be Grandma's Secret Spot Remover it was also my secret weapon on stains! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzepy6g8L31-teDeUDsljg2r8KIlpd6U1WO55AHNMaca6fcNOktlQ5cuZ3dQs21GBSjcNS37rb_u3wbdH5HQMt282zbut3WsAQ9dnVie-bKjyoDvKZFVX17wEmxvrjqxbqkOnfGJEd7QbL/s4032/IMG_6209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzepy6g8L31-teDeUDsljg2r8KIlpd6U1WO55AHNMaca6fcNOktlQ5cuZ3dQs21GBSjcNS37rb_u3wbdH5HQMt282zbut3WsAQ9dnVie-bKjyoDvKZFVX17wEmxvrjqxbqkOnfGJEd7QbL/s320/IMG_6209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I would soak it down again (with the Contractor Bags under the quilt to protect my floors) and wait about 15 minutes before gently rubbing it into the quilt. I would wait about 10 minutes longer and put back in the wash on a gentle cycle (Delicate / Hand Wash) with warm water and normal detergent and softener. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzzS5uIxZEoODExPY1GkpK5p3p30orN8kCKdeYqyTWNnze-WvJ0xj9cktL3mkqGcxvNk6XSFjhR2kX62sMuQpT_2XgorDWzXjuxSStY9rBIB27QSAMaTop5MBO0Io2G8NC7jZx66-VEb8/s4032/IMG_6225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzzS5uIxZEoODExPY1GkpK5p3p30orN8kCKdeYqyTWNnze-WvJ0xj9cktL3mkqGcxvNk6XSFjhR2kX62sMuQpT_2XgorDWzXjuxSStY9rBIB27QSAMaTop5MBO0Io2G8NC7jZx66-VEb8/s320/IMG_6225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Once it came out of the dryer, I spread it out on the floor again to have one more look. It appears that I won't be able to get all of that stain out but enough that it isn't as noticeable as when I first placed it on the floor. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9REgQB8_btydAyvv_u9gBm1AX1PIyEqPcHM4qWGDkZzp3agxzdQrPIxvi8rYp4d6qbCNySjVp9U5ozQw7zCUdoZqRHxjpZg13WhoCduBMPxBN65ZvF9B1_JRAHikoGtoiaXTs4W4590hU/s4032/IMG_6224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9REgQB8_btydAyvv_u9gBm1AX1PIyEqPcHM4qWGDkZzp3agxzdQrPIxvi8rYp4d6qbCNySjVp9U5ozQw7zCUdoZqRHxjpZg13WhoCduBMPxBN65ZvF9B1_JRAHikoGtoiaXTs4W4590hU/s320/IMG_6224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It looks and smells so nice and although I am not sure what I will do with this one just yet I know it will either end up with my other quilts or possibly used in decoration around the house. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBEmBWnum83v_cLmRoiBW_HXB3gVlXq2aU8q83AoJd03tVQvjcBjwvO2n5YM_Z3cwUTCq3ZNha7L8XG33RPrh-Whx7Z_WW2ZDzppil3KT-Vw5snyPK1Rtr9OQT_yKmAF5yuv0ZZusXu_2/s4032/IMG_6227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBEmBWnum83v_cLmRoiBW_HXB3gVlXq2aU8q83AoJd03tVQvjcBjwvO2n5YM_Z3cwUTCq3ZNha7L8XG33RPrh-Whx7Z_WW2ZDzppil3KT-Vw5snyPK1Rtr9OQT_yKmAF5yuv0ZZusXu_2/s320/IMG_6227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The best part is that this quilt will be taken care of and not left to "rot" somewhere else. While I don't have a ton of room to display them (plus I don't want the sunshine on them as they will fade) I do have a walk-in closet in a guest bedroom that many of them are stacked nicely on the shelves. Each time I walk in that room I can't help but smile knowing how much happiness those quilts brought Grandma Ruby but how many I have added to her collection over the years. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTdrkhMOV5NpsUlYwkE8fstRZtO6abIs_ssM6xwO3tgrne2jW31vurNWZQFnjz-ZivwtKlyOrQ_zGaX6j3P6RGckhKQ1-tRQnLM4S7x4gnDBlMfXpVL8-yOaocMlO3PiVTFc1CT0UUBW9/s4032/IMG_6881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTdrkhMOV5NpsUlYwkE8fstRZtO6abIs_ssM6xwO3tgrne2jW31vurNWZQFnjz-ZivwtKlyOrQ_zGaX6j3P6RGckhKQ1-tRQnLM4S7x4gnDBlMfXpVL8-yOaocMlO3PiVTFc1CT0UUBW9/s320/IMG_6881.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">For now, it's sitting on the bench in our laundry area. I know it can't stay there but this gives me time to figure out where it will end up. If you ever see me in a flea market and I'm looking at old quilts just smile... a girl can never have too many! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-34800366097649125062021-01-01T15:27:00.000-06:002021-01-01T15:27:18.549-06:00Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Slow Cooker Chili<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzGtEq9OkD6-PNkE2DcVXZP8xDoj4l-WX42vnvxsapCosQTv3K4tmX7H71ZnRZwRJaGGMqU0-NGcX2Y-G0R8iONr3Gz0y0L-lKeYH_WohmMo_hh5w3OUOsqZBJg8UpzWOKqmwsn2Be8JY/s4032/IMG_5936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzGtEq9OkD6-PNkE2DcVXZP8xDoj4l-WX42vnvxsapCosQTv3K4tmX7H71ZnRZwRJaGGMqU0-NGcX2Y-G0R8iONr3Gz0y0L-lKeYH_WohmMo_hh5w3OUOsqZBJg8UpzWOKqmwsn2Be8JY/s320/IMG_5936.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> January 1, 2021 ~ If you are like me when the cold weather hits I am looking to fix something warm, and bonus points are given if I can do it with a crockpot! I like throwing everything together, turning it on, and walking away until it's time to eat. It makes my life easy and when we get home late I am not trying to throw dinner together at 7:30 PM. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Several years ago we did a ribbon-cutting for a horse barn that was having an event. They invited us to stay and was having a chili contest. I am a picky eater and typically want juicy chili because that's the only part I eat is the juice! (Weird I know but you shouldn't be surprised) One of the ladies told me that I had to try this chili and although I was hesitant I tried it.... y'all it's one of the very few chili's I will eat! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I figured it would share it with you in the event you want to "up your game" for a chili contest (yes I have won 1st place with it) and give you the recipe! So here you go:</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cans of Great Northern White Beans (15 oz each)</p><p style="text-align: center;">3 cups of cubed chicken breast </p><p style="text-align: center;">1 jar of Rago Alfredo Sauce (15 oz)</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 cups of Chicken Broth</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 cups of Frozen Sweet Corn</p><p style="text-align: center;">8 oz package of Shredded / Cubed Monterrey Jack Cheese </p><p style="text-align: center;">8 oz package of Pepper Jack Cheese</p><p style="text-align: center;">1 cup of Sour Cream</p><p style="text-align: center;">Onion for taste</p><p style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper for taste</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Combine the above ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring every hour. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dkoHJjTirfZ-34feuwH7FaBDJbAC1l0K_3LBzdSigce7Vz35xHUlBp20LiTnBMq0s49t3VcsPqsMKUiT7QU2TSqHvXl2D7Iik90_QdiFK8gtXZnPKN2GMtvoqM4i7dwZCIUmIXuwjyu1/s348/IMG_6005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dkoHJjTirfZ-34feuwH7FaBDJbAC1l0K_3LBzdSigce7Vz35xHUlBp20LiTnBMq0s49t3VcsPqsMKUiT7QU2TSqHvXl2D7Iik90_QdiFK8gtXZnPKN2GMtvoqM4i7dwZCIUmIXuwjyu1/s320/IMG_6005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">When I make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Slow Cooker Chili I double the batch because I use a 7-quart crockpot. I would adjust the recipe for what you want. For example, I add more chicken and more chicken broth so that I can warm it up the next day. I use rotisserie chickens from Sam's Club ($5.00 each) and pluck the breast meat from 2 of them. Best served with Hawaiian Sweet Rolls! Enjoy! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0u36p6uRkDg2Sm-KXUrqFmNuP9wev-v4oVqvIU42N2crhiwv5notmR8qh4a4a68F7oQ4DCIm4DO2mlg47ASrvGeTpDGIw2VadF4tk3RX46lk1uRs0Q_UrjeriGl2RN1XkH-PDfevrT8o/s4032/IMG_6002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0u36p6uRkDg2Sm-KXUrqFmNuP9wev-v4oVqvIU42N2crhiwv5notmR8qh4a4a68F7oQ4DCIm4DO2mlg47ASrvGeTpDGIw2VadF4tk3RX46lk1uRs0Q_UrjeriGl2RN1XkH-PDfevrT8o/s320/IMG_6002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-68227243343894496882021-01-01T15:07:00.000-06:002021-01-01T15:07:56.429-06:002021..... Here We Go.... Happy New Year!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DnpxjQD6gWUHOHrNqBmP-qdObTXcscA9mUyWVVvSuL-K9L3-pObyKnYfBX_wp4vwyQGI3_PHq48X_hD4LWtPIYvNaChhy9PmKBPrAMm_NlLvfKEekRlPCgpJ8yBSOPJO_VgS8BrqjYwg/s660/IMG_5937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DnpxjQD6gWUHOHrNqBmP-qdObTXcscA9mUyWVVvSuL-K9L3-pObyKnYfBX_wp4vwyQGI3_PHq48X_hD4LWtPIYvNaChhy9PmKBPrAMm_NlLvfKEekRlPCgpJ8yBSOPJO_VgS8BrqjYwg/s320/IMG_5937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> January 1, 2021 ~ Well, sugars here we are... the first day of a brand new year and I gotta say, it feels weird yet exciting at the same time. I still can't believe a whole year passed by in what seems to be warp speed even though we were home a lot more than normal but I am ready to embrace what 2021 throws at us - I mean let's be real, we don't really have a choice so we might as well figure out how to enjoy each day and find something good in the moments that take us on this journey. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93agOhLnYs5m3XUU4zX_AsNfCKK8PN7TGf0vKuPkhHJYJ7CW08vt3TVudkrT1F4AZdZTpWRoHIt_xRNI4Y4ZL629-qKYjp0u3ts66zw6-ZIEDnTaSgj7rI7wfFhoJscZZ0au6kj3mdcGE/s4032/IMG_5941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93agOhLnYs5m3XUU4zX_AsNfCKK8PN7TGf0vKuPkhHJYJ7CW08vt3TVudkrT1F4AZdZTpWRoHIt_xRNI4Y4ZL629-qKYjp0u3ts66zw6-ZIEDnTaSgj7rI7wfFhoJscZZ0au6kj3mdcGE/s320/IMG_5941.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">While our office is closed for New Year's Day it's nice to just chill. Waking up without an alarm clock was really nice although we don't really sleep in anymore. Mother Nature is a hussie and decided that we needed to ring in the New Year with a sheet of ice everywhere. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwArUzgxFdatvpgFsvAz9_0aqQkeSsxv0xiJsBS-DBAAazDHxMPyRKloL8U0saAip8uIP03W2zkBr0JWX4rBsFh2GbXI744ksVyyp779YeKMoWTPq9TVb0X5oAy0alAPsAkI6sykvw3q_/s2048/IMG_5938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwArUzgxFdatvpgFsvAz9_0aqQkeSsxv0xiJsBS-DBAAazDHxMPyRKloL8U0saAip8uIP03W2zkBr0JWX4rBsFh2GbXI744ksVyyp779YeKMoWTPq9TVb0X5oAy0alAPsAkI6sykvw3q_/s320/IMG_5938.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All is fine and dandy until I looked outside and saw the ice has damaged my little Lime Light Hydrangea tree.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgKdloI7FjNi2RMrA-UkhXD-HNnL2IKvAd-Yix3ff7T1DrWvAKk08c0lWt6FSDGRO2dqbVkQm6zLuzYtBGnl1LyNp5W1HKzGF9-ugT5Q16sRWhi82JSb_emanqokhpTa-JRsrTNTk4j80/s4032/IMG_5965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgKdloI7FjNi2RMrA-UkhXD-HNnL2IKvAd-Yix3ff7T1DrWvAKk08c0lWt6FSDGRO2dqbVkQm6zLuzYtBGnl1LyNp5W1HKzGF9-ugT5Q16sRWhi82JSb_emanqokhpTa-JRsrTNTk4j80/s320/IMG_5965.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">She's all bent and one main branch is completely broke off... Not cool! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Sadly, there isn't anything I can do about it at this point so I just decided to spend a little time outside capturing the beauty of the ice on everyday items... Here are a few of my favorites! (Yes I did freeze my butt off to get these but whatever, I'll thaw out eventually) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmk3bBlOnfo-QL1YrdZoedCqSGTovEjkxM0eAfI-73LVQncY0BoL_RX8TVHophvOuVodcd8zr4m1KwDDFyNC3cjzR8WoMXFc4DgR-Vb5I9ma57z__RPPbyLMfG0IIkleAzgeEYDMsDPJ1/s4032/IMG_5948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmk3bBlOnfo-QL1YrdZoedCqSGTovEjkxM0eAfI-73LVQncY0BoL_RX8TVHophvOuVodcd8zr4m1KwDDFyNC3cjzR8WoMXFc4DgR-Vb5I9ma57z__RPPbyLMfG0IIkleAzgeEYDMsDPJ1/s320/IMG_5948.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I am debating if I should have brought my concrete critters in for the winter but the turtle looks kind of cool with ice around him! (It's almost like he just lifted his head out of the water except we don't have any water around him so it looks a little more like he had a really bad sneeze and snot now covers him! Ha!) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ToGwbixw-ZWB-ensRs19Z4gFVe94V2XOEkHQhYIV4mdj1awfiO3KuZfAJ1zaJ_iIICkX_CKiYz-ALjhevicbhbuWKcgxe1pjFMauDwNHwkFBleCeCAYvIsKLYBizycu2bTu7S6ayHKHw/s4032/IMG_5949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ToGwbixw-ZWB-ensRs19Z4gFVe94V2XOEkHQhYIV4mdj1awfiO3KuZfAJ1zaJ_iIICkX_CKiYz-ALjhevicbhbuWKcgxe1pjFMauDwNHwkFBleCeCAYvIsKLYBizycu2bTu7S6ayHKHw/s320/IMG_5949.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">My little rabbit looked like he was drooling and it froze! Ha! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwpt2b3gAsDzjsl6H9R8cb3KsJwqm96FSizoeue4MW8iVW8B36LsyT2E35H0NJxDa6Y9i_DdoExlNcxFZfm9KSIKt03HH2GNoB5mn4dgpOW0FpPkE8UreszBg3835UmltHOXfeeirrWZJ/s4032/IMG_5956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwpt2b3gAsDzjsl6H9R8cb3KsJwqm96FSizoeue4MW8iVW8B36LsyT2E35H0NJxDa6Y9i_DdoExlNcxFZfm9KSIKt03HH2GNoB5mn4dgpOW0FpPkE8UreszBg3835UmltHOXfeeirrWZJ/s320/IMG_5956.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">My <span style="text-align: left;">rhododendron has had a heck of a year because Mother Nature thought it would be fun to act like she would go into Fall and then bring back Summer while doing the same with Winter. I had plants trying to re-bloom and knew they would get zapped by something crazy. Although I gotta say they do look cool encased in ice. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvbDO0RcQfjj5AxLVvKky5HZXWHmogFXfTehC5-g_OXBm8tl0G8m5ovR0etKbtB8zTPfFw_dFgooaBDDhIyh2shCIikUVnPCGwnTs9Uu73DCeEn8pwFyjFDEfZ1RlTrj51qQZ0spCQK4q/s4032/IMG_5973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvbDO0RcQfjj5AxLVvKky5HZXWHmogFXfTehC5-g_OXBm8tl0G8m5ovR0etKbtB8zTPfFw_dFgooaBDDhIyh2shCIikUVnPCGwnTs9Uu73DCeEn8pwFyjFDEfZ1RlTrj51qQZ0spCQK4q/s320/IMG_5973.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">Another </span><span style="text-align: left;">rhododendron around back..... </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2spmsyAvhBFwYZ3UN2gDBX1HESz1tWg9QEL1iO-VhYxVzHjKbjn8zX8bIQZzBonfqYOMqJ1AmTBX_TvTwx9_IsPGvU_SXoi3Q6Em9ttRLPu2e2ozgqS7_h_B3n9tWavMDysU8EobSxRGJ/s2048/IMG_5981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2spmsyAvhBFwYZ3UN2gDBX1HESz1tWg9QEL1iO-VhYxVzHjKbjn8zX8bIQZzBonfqYOMqJ1AmTBX_TvTwx9_IsPGvU_SXoi3Q6Em9ttRLPu2e2ozgqS7_h_B3n9tWavMDysU8EobSxRGJ/s320/IMG_5981.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">I sure hope they all make it this Spring... Fingers Crossed! </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5PYJuEZx4Jk-FyDX5zQDa-VSo0r-W8Uu1t_rISybOFQxShK-gFdG8OW867izm-tNUY8bL3KOlyNFX3qhilvwfJ2EOAi26Dj2u1QaXX4YOtHLp2ieHZkO12n49KfI7cXplLWaUY2kG8jP/s4032/IMG_5963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5PYJuEZx4Jk-FyDX5zQDa-VSo0r-W8Uu1t_rISybOFQxShK-gFdG8OW867izm-tNUY8bL3KOlyNFX3qhilvwfJ2EOAi26Dj2u1QaXX4YOtHLp2ieHZkO12n49KfI7cXplLWaUY2kG8jP/s320/IMG_5963.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">I didn't see any birds while I was walking around in the yard but the feeders had ice on them but didn't affect how they would get their seed. </span><span style="text-align: left;">(Now that I went back in the house the birds have been on their feeders so that's a good sign! Little shits will eat you out of house and home as if no one else is feeding them! They better be careful or they will be on a diet! Ha! ) </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPEKsNLsqcMI8U-bDhKdffgl3cEw3MNXsjjPuqxP-ly8iMtJrIITGCAEarWSyUPdgBdM3CfaFh-z7RdbQWchrgHjVuAdJgPMKKj6w8hps3-AUD3A9feVh5LJ1eeTenQd3dUiUvN_I262B/s4032/IMG_5959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPEKsNLsqcMI8U-bDhKdffgl3cEw3MNXsjjPuqxP-ly8iMtJrIITGCAEarWSyUPdgBdM3CfaFh-z7RdbQWchrgHjVuAdJgPMKKj6w8hps3-AUD3A9feVh5LJ1eeTenQd3dUiUvN_I262B/s320/IMG_5959.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">My Uncle James Brown's old bell looked really cool ice covered! I am so glad I got these put up before the weather got crazy and I am looking forward to warmer temps. I need to hang strings on each bell to make them work but need to find a good anchor to tie the end of the rope to on the post. *Adding that to my honey-do list now! </span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxag5Cii9bUUOfC5LXyzUs4QniodfeWKQDX6Ma_578KEjAqgP7b8G-olwycq0HWYBraQmxRUBnWiRksRb0uH6NwXvuijQRGsQySowjkhCOz4kPC7prRPEqZzMciJI_HzssDd_DM4e1ivO/s4032/IMG_5982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxag5Cii9bUUOfC5LXyzUs4QniodfeWKQDX6Ma_578KEjAqgP7b8G-olwycq0HWYBraQmxRUBnWiRksRb0uH6NwXvuijQRGsQySowjkhCOz4kPC7prRPEqZzMciJI_HzssDd_DM4e1ivO/s320/IMG_5982.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Y'all know my love for windmills and I got this "garden windmill" from a friend whose dad passed away. He was a veteran who got to go on an Honor Flight and wanted to ask me if I was interested in it. Of course, I wanted it and love that I can look out our kitchen window and see it proudly displayed in my last flower bed that we need to finish. I love it! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDz1RLsoO5NsH9wvzIG6AtVgXgaW-UWlaWv2eiWuRgbT1ij_sD2ud3iudV842F56yy1gPdPyOmTAa8txZYg5P1LZ5GxEb__KrFHrTwNKDP1PxwwLVlePo_OLuXi59xMDM1jCdhcX64wSP/s4032/IMG_5983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDz1RLsoO5NsH9wvzIG6AtVgXgaW-UWlaWv2eiWuRgbT1ij_sD2ud3iudV842F56yy1gPdPyOmTAa8txZYg5P1LZ5GxEb__KrFHrTwNKDP1PxwwLVlePo_OLuXi59xMDM1jCdhcX64wSP/s320/IMG_5983.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">One of my plant hangers and I love how the ice wrapped itself around it too! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Y'all if you could have seen me scooting my feet on the sidewalks and crunching through the grass to get these photos (and a few more). I love taking photos and have a lot of work to do to get exactly what I want but that's the fun part! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Our New Year's Day has been pretty lowkey which has been nice. Cooked fried egg sandwiches for Brandon and put together Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Slow Cooker Chili for lunch. (I'll put that recipe in its own blog post for easy reference) Watching TV and relaxing is on the agenda for today for Brandon Gene. I have been working down in my studio off and on trying to get a few things organized and figure out what I am going to tackle next while cleaning and doing laundry! See y'all, never a dull moment around here! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDoMwbgbshGPUBmjSoo8bKCWVkXgZK8gpNbg8MU_PHYey1ODrT859dUOxgv-OA5GaMFJbWVxxld8F0CU-If8XnzOVXB52njEPL39Qcd-iJxl4iql0Z9UlWkrnsYWp0epyVBHga_ZNomRo/s2533/IMG_5999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2095" data-original-width="2533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDoMwbgbshGPUBmjSoo8bKCWVkXgZK8gpNbg8MU_PHYey1ODrT859dUOxgv-OA5GaMFJbWVxxld8F0CU-If8XnzOVXB52njEPL39Qcd-iJxl4iql0Z9UlWkrnsYWp0epyVBHga_ZNomRo/s320/IMG_5999.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">So for the last 9 days, Brandon Gene has been growing out his beard mainly because I begged him when we were closed on Christmas Eve not to shave and continued to beg him until the first of the year. He hates it and couldn't wait to shave it off but I forgot to get evidence of this last night so he waited to shave so we could get a photo. (Gosh he is a patient man) For about the same amount of time I have been trying to curl my hair... something that I am not good at but just keep trying. (It is getting easier but my goodness takes a lot longer than just flat ironing it!) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtT14mxc2BZEVubR3p8gBSM9vq36BIBT4BTfaDMeuKFR3tIDQgrhRMj3PtT5jEiCd6w9aeKzARIkIAot-KKvuJWQRumaLK64Cv_yJ9H4tX5skSnjSpP6dSMVIPIGlDYd8_9ajwU4L2_z5-/s4032/IMG_6003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtT14mxc2BZEVubR3p8gBSM9vq36BIBT4BTfaDMeuKFR3tIDQgrhRMj3PtT5jEiCd6w9aeKzARIkIAot-KKvuJWQRumaLK64Cv_yJ9H4tX5skSnjSpP6dSMVIPIGlDYd8_9ajwU4L2_z5-/s320/IMG_6003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I know, I know... he looks younger without facial hair but I rarely get to see him with any and if I do it's only about 2 days worth when he doesn't shave most weekends. My younger-looking husband will be back soon and it was fun while it lasted! I still love you Sparky with or without facial hair! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Wishing you all a relaxing first day of the new year! </p><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span><p></p>Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-56529084121942004432020-12-31T20:37:00.002-06:002020-12-31T20:58:15.376-06:002020... Get Outta Here! <div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG4DZe9pTp47JiS7rMtp3Bvbrz7TP778HsT4Ri22nIH0YjESpm-JOVExf1QkOvDwiqqX1tBF-wNLp2y1CH0nmN-M3Xjwpgk4U9dwejHgZfWFXYnXdDdfXjJ19TPYMV7HczlDRSHdHBIay/s940/2020+A+Year+We+will+Never+Forget.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyG4DZe9pTp47JiS7rMtp3Bvbrz7TP778HsT4Ri22nIH0YjESpm-JOVExf1QkOvDwiqqX1tBF-wNLp2y1CH0nmN-M3Xjwpgk4U9dwejHgZfWFXYnXdDdfXjJ19TPYMV7HczlDRSHdHBIay/s320/2020+A+Year+We+will+Never+Forget.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>December 31, 2020 ~ What a year! I have tried to wrap my head around this year and how fast it's gone by and how the heck a pandemic has changed so much. It's crazy. The year started out like any other year and then all hell broke loose and I feel like the rest is kind of a blur. <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">As I reflect on several things this morning one of the things I really miss is blogging. I truly enjoy telling stories and being able to add photos to help tell stories are what I really love. It just seemed that life, for me, has been in fast forward for so long that I just never got a chance to sit down and talk about so many things. While I like my social media channels I feel that you just can't fully tell a story the way I like and my goal is to get back to it consistently. </p><p style="text-align: center;">As we get to the final day of 2020 it's bittersweet. I'm certainly ready for a new year and a fresh start even though I feel that we will continue 2020 into the New Year. This year has brought many emotions and while there was so much sadness, far more people talking about depression and anxiety, heartbreak for the loss of loved ones, and people losing their jobs or pivoting to working from home while learning how to help their children with virtual learning it's been a heck of a year. You guys know me, and you know that I like to find the good in any situation so I have decided to focus on the good things that happened in 2020. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Let's take a stroll down memory lane, shall we....</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDjBOCw0ls0hhejNkl_Z1_1kccrJ-FziRS8s0FY9EAQcffLw1kZIBzxr714e5mSlJ76A1YZV-3sCdf0ZiK_VHHuhyyKEJkegUnuyYf89h2-qrfQekJO-KUWxVfdh7p3aFSwc4aMZWllYg/s2016/83154067_10222265950583360_4394740013351305216_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDjBOCw0ls0hhejNkl_Z1_1kccrJ-FziRS8s0FY9EAQcffLw1kZIBzxr714e5mSlJ76A1YZV-3sCdf0ZiK_VHHuhyyKEJkegUnuyYf89h2-qrfQekJO-KUWxVfdh7p3aFSwc4aMZWllYg/s320/83154067_10222265950583360_4394740013351305216_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>January 6-10, 2020</b></div><p style="text-align: center;">Team Healium headed to the lovely Las Vegas to set up a booth for CES and what a memorable trip that was! While I can't tell you a lot about this trip... y'all know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... I can tell you we still laugh about it today! Wendy Moore had just come on with the team and this was Sarah and I's 2nd year at CES. Wendy's husband, Ryan, traveled with us, and thank goodness because trade shows are no joke! He would step in to help and give us all a little break. It was a lot of work but totally worth it and I always enjoy a good adventure with Sarah! <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I just help the team when they need an extra set of hands and mostly work with the <a href="www.honoreverywhere.com">Honor Everywhere</a> side of things but will do whatever they need from me! I love supporting Sarah and she is certainly making a huge impact in the lives of others. Mental Health Awareness is something that is talked about a lot more and Healium's amazing team is working hard to bring help to those that need it most. <br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What is Healium you might ask?</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Healium is a clinically validated mental fitness channel that uses virtual and augmented reality apps for the self-management of stress and anxiety. Unlike traditional meditation, Healium is active, immersive,
and visual. It’s the world’s first virtual and augmented reality media
channel powered by brainwaves and heart rate via an EEG headband or
Apple Watch. In three peer-reviewed journals, Healium reduced moderate anxiety by a third in as little as four minutes.</div><p style="text-align: center;">For more information please visit: <a href="www.tryhealium.com">Try Healium</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bMxfbxK-OMqTd7GJzQqiYNae22UEt4SkfY63vpJMTfXx9w2C81Bu-XpUkv0kQT64YTu2AtjwegDv5n0o982QOrFOqAuf4PDth65oxp3NkwzdY1ZkC5CMJ61tkRijtEq5eYrepC28Ya8L/s1944/81944571_10222256182979176_6480605079815585792_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1944" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bMxfbxK-OMqTd7GJzQqiYNae22UEt4SkfY63vpJMTfXx9w2C81Bu-XpUkv0kQT64YTu2AtjwegDv5n0o982QOrFOqAuf4PDth65oxp3NkwzdY1ZkC5CMJ61tkRijtEq5eYrepC28Ya8L/s320/81944571_10222256182979176_6480605079815585792_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p><b> January 10, 2020</b></p><p> <span style="text-align: start;">While this memory is sad I choose to remember the good times we had. The "Young & Spry Team" began on June 9, 2014 when I was Bob Young's guardian on Central Missouri Honor Flight # 28. I was honored to spend the day with a true American Hero but it was extra special because he was the father of one of my Golden Girls, Lindsay Young Lopez. We bonded instantly and any chance I got to squeeze on him I would! He would become part of my life and it was a "must" to grab a photo together when we would see each other! </span><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu"></span></div></div><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">On Friday as we were finishing up at the CES Show in Las Vegas I would learn that his health had rapidly declined. As I arrived at the airport I would learn that Bob passed away with his family and his dog, Rex at his side.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">So many good memories were made with Bob and while the "Young & Spry Team" can't physically be together anymore it's the memories that make me smile. Had I known Friday, January 3rd would be the last day I would see him I would have squeezed him a little tighter and a little longer. The last thing he said to me was "You are always a bright light in a dark place" and something I will always remember. I know you are in a better place but a part of me left with you. Forever in our hearts ... God speed my friend. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dwFzUCUEWLWdNDtkBqTZ4hWXlvI_PAww-MmsnzPy4Agqt6_hh1O_WCoZ3t4FqRMFzlBVa_R6MMfoV2KDsZVR4qwEt34UmI1NSaADAACnMYjL3ATr4VGgCloyODEakKvOLqjv5qU3ZFiN/s960/84345305_2794282357297547_8498173023742853120_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dwFzUCUEWLWdNDtkBqTZ4hWXlvI_PAww-MmsnzPy4Agqt6_hh1O_WCoZ3t4FqRMFzlBVa_R6MMfoV2KDsZVR4qwEt34UmI1NSaADAACnMYjL3ATr4VGgCloyODEakKvOLqjv5qU3ZFiN/s320/84345305_2794282357297547_8498173023742853120_n.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b> January 31 - February 2, 2020</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">A special trip to Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, CA to participate in the Living History Event on the Corsair F4U-1A that they own. This is the exact warbird that Lt. Col. Ferrill A. Purdy and Major John H. Tashjian (pictured above) flew during World War II in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. Planes of Fame is somewhere I volunteer my time for their Air Shows and a few other events and when traveling there I always stop to have lunch when I arrive and dinner when I leave with Mr. Tashjian. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This Living History event was extra special because Mr. Tashjian (98 years young) would be joining me. Little did they all know, I would be presenting them with some special awards that I felt they deserved for their help in all they have done to reunite these two World War II veterans with a plane they flew when they were 22 and 23 years old. This is one of my favorite photos of Mr. Tashjian that day and in July 2021 we will celebrate is 100th birthday in a big way! </p><p style="text-align: center;">To learn more about this story you can read about it here: <a href="https://www.vought.org/special/html/spurdy.html">World War II Veterans Reunite</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuaOIOMa2x43HHvSz2cen4KWTv90RVjCDKWCIlWzSBVZA6SgjYxSqCaHC3eGFjShQQexD73vfEZ9oH8gVd9vZi5d8QTjPLXLaFhGxH2yF86ynUo8TSRx9ceCpCL_ANjT_2ygcPoNBGa4c/s2048/IMG_8699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuaOIOMa2x43HHvSz2cen4KWTv90RVjCDKWCIlWzSBVZA6SgjYxSqCaHC3eGFjShQQexD73vfEZ9oH8gVd9vZi5d8QTjPLXLaFhGxH2yF86ynUo8TSRx9ceCpCL_ANjT_2ygcPoNBGa4c/s320/IMG_8699.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>February 10, 2020</b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Brandon's first surgery to remove a cyst off of his neck. This cyst has been bothering him for a while and was next to his spinal cord on the back of his neck which would require a specialist to remove it. It was a mess. They couldn't get his IV started and I get woozy when I smell the alcohol pads they use. Add that into a small room and yep, I just about passed out. They had to get a crash cart for me and while I was recovering they wheeled Brandon by to take him to surgery. I will never live that down and while I was trying to hold it together for him apparently I couldn't take the many "sticks" they had to do on him. It all came back fine and they got it all but I hope he won't have to go through that again! (Clearly, he's the tough one and his wife is a wimp!) <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNFxruX_R2nRpfKkn3E7w3uSrEp4WI6AQBjfdfcrlqLZoGplPYCl5478t6y1gc74_fvH0EGwd4VrDTYvvJUXBxzAOWUuIFiQIrVcvk4ItAbZ1QccoR8LJoGidTZINJmXJ2MWyXxZOcTH4/s2048/86970379_10219309534062623_983097192052948992_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNFxruX_R2nRpfKkn3E7w3uSrEp4WI6AQBjfdfcrlqLZoGplPYCl5478t6y1gc74_fvH0EGwd4VrDTYvvJUXBxzAOWUuIFiQIrVcvk4ItAbZ1QccoR8LJoGidTZINJmXJ2MWyXxZOcTH4/s320/86970379_10219309534062623_983097192052948992_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>February 14 - 15, 2020</b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sarah Hill and I had the opportunity to travel to Baltimore, Maryland to present Honor Everywhere to the Honor Flight Summit. This is something we have been wanting to do for a couple years and thanks to Joe Machado (pictured above) was instrumental in getting this done. He is an incredible young man who is a Vietnam Veteran and works with Ohio Hospice as working with Ohio Honor Flight. He is a wonderful resource and is a guy who can get things done! </p><p style="text-align: center;">We had an amazing trip and being able to share Honor Everywhere with the Honor Flight hubs that came to our break out sessions was nothing short of awesome. We just wanted them to know that there was another option in their tool belts when working alongside our veterans. While physically traveling on an Honor Flight is the first and foremost important option there are times when veterans can't physically travel due to health. Honor Everywhere is something they could use to take those veterans to their memorials in Washington, DC without having to physically leave their hospital rooms, nursing homes, and/or their living rooms. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We wanted them to know about this technology and other than purchasing a headset from Amazon, Walmart or Best Buy the technology piece would be free. Hopefully, by having this option in their Honor Flight tool bag they would never have to tell a veteran they couldn't see their memorial and either add to a current virtual option they might have or create a virtual option within their hub. </p><p style="text-align: center;">It's our mission to make sure that each veteran has the option to see their memorial before it's too late. We currently have Honor Everywhere (World War II Memorial), Korea War Memorial, Honor Everywhere: Vietnam Memorial, The Women's Memorial, and The USS Nimitz. (There will be more experiences available, free of charge, in the future as we can create them) <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>What is Honor Everywhere you might ask....</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Honor Everywhere is a service of Central Missouri Honor Flight in partnership with other Honor Flight hubs around the nation which fly terminally ill and aging veterans to Washington, DC to see their memorials. It is virtual reality experiences that are seen through virtual reality goggles that will allow our veterans to frail to physically travel the ability to see their memorials from the comfort of their chair or hospital beds. You can learn more here: <a href="www.honoreverywhere.com">Honor Everywhere</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy11FfjT-4yIkOSmlR4iCW6KnOUySOTsD4NfubeD1fsBZLMkfjI6xtQMXubErDy49x72ZIZSIfR8ZrCNuY1_Ricd3_PXYsqbpqRfhBHFi4DfqZwRQ918nHXXkrtF93qCbgLGBkbdHOZexZ/s1020/8986145a43a189e641c03c3fa9047ca3l-m3495636513xd-w1020_h770_q80.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1020" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy11FfjT-4yIkOSmlR4iCW6KnOUySOTsD4NfubeD1fsBZLMkfjI6xtQMXubErDy49x72ZIZSIfR8ZrCNuY1_Ricd3_PXYsqbpqRfhBHFi4DfqZwRQ918nHXXkrtF93qCbgLGBkbdHOZexZ/s320/8986145a43a189e641c03c3fa9047ca3l-m3495636513xd-w1020_h770_q80.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>February 26, 2020</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">We completely took Brandon's mom's old house down to the studs and re-constructed the entire place over a period of several months. It was an undertaking but when it was done I gotta say it was beautiful! It was bittersweet closing on this house but knowing the family that would be able to make new memories here was worth it all. My favorite part of these projects is picking out the flooring, tile, countertops and light fixtures. Kind of fun playing Joanna Gaines, although she is much better at this!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPV9tR83cqbN5CGhYkKstytcvx0-IeZCbwKMfmTY5Z_YF81WSO0t7YizQVFJ-CkPz3yUxJFn2CS_LNnZFGBl1Urw-hZFlR73tp8GToNrdjujJahULOPPscZCfBWHAGIsa76oU2R5dpN8hH/s2048/90034733_10222904340822717_8103736842324541440_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPV9tR83cqbN5CGhYkKstytcvx0-IeZCbwKMfmTY5Z_YF81WSO0t7YizQVFJ-CkPz3yUxJFn2CS_LNnZFGBl1Urw-hZFlR73tp8GToNrdjujJahULOPPscZCfBWHAGIsa76oU2R5dpN8hH/s320/90034733_10222904340822717_8103736842324541440_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>February 27, 2020 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Brandon has always wanted a farm. He works extremely hard to provide for us and when an opportunity came up to purchase a piece of land he jumped on it. It will allow us to have somewhere to "piddle" and will take a little work getting things cleaned up to our likes but so far he's a happy little feller and I'm his happy little wife! We have plans for this place and can't wait to see it come together eventually but just being able to have a place we can get our family together and go fishing, ride our RZR's and ride in the tractor will be something we look forward to! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58qX-WdGqlipKaSwx844SCy9sJ-jbf3eXjDRXiTCbwbpGaCi2aqddEVRfNToW7IQnn1kqLsaoEygfC_II-RNtGVsXD5VQ36p55UFpKP52ZHV1SuazZZ9-pckMQP6w2Vt3WQSt55SkxVOP/s960/88077806_10222748145957943_2190043844735664128_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58qX-WdGqlipKaSwx844SCy9sJ-jbf3eXjDRXiTCbwbpGaCi2aqddEVRfNToW7IQnn1kqLsaoEygfC_II-RNtGVsXD5VQ36p55UFpKP52ZHV1SuazZZ9-pckMQP6w2Vt3WQSt55SkxVOP/s320/88077806_10222748145957943_2190043844735664128_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>February 28 - March 1, 2020</b> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Y'all should know by now that we love the Eagles! We have seen them 4 times in concert and will make plans to see them again after this trip. We loved taking Momma on this trip down to Dallas, TX and it was certainly a memorable trip! We ate at Cattleman's Steakhouse which is always excellent, toured the George W. Bush Presidential Library and my connection to the Eagles managed to get us closer seats for the concert in the friends and family section... Sweet! So. Much. Fun.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFVH97YkwlkIXhXYKswB1QNIoxjB8oKU8BKOBOX9rMUb2CglCNeS22FMcs-ji8c833dUzGwxBzQCF_L25xZD1nS1z3yS0jbXAzqwV696VVgntpJGKdjyiGmTWX3kGIMPgrpqUHPYqcfWG/s360/X4ezsPZP_400x400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFVH97YkwlkIXhXYKswB1QNIoxjB8oKU8BKOBOX9rMUb2CglCNeS22FMcs-ji8c833dUzGwxBzQCF_L25xZD1nS1z3yS0jbXAzqwV696VVgntpJGKdjyiGmTWX3kGIMPgrpqUHPYqcfWG/s320/X4ezsPZP_400x400.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>March 5 - 8, 2020</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">This was my very first experience with the True/False Film Festival right here in Columbia, MO. I had no idea what to expect but this is something I have always wanted to do. Gotta give credit to my Golden Girl, Sarah Dubbert for helping me with this one. It was very interesting, some films made you really think about a lot and some made you laugh. I would recommend dipping your toe into the True/False Film Festival and just see what it's all about. For my first year I took in 4 films and I can't wait to see what's on the line up for next year as I would take in a few more. Very cool experience and I felt like I pushed myself to try something new. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Want to know more about it then check it out here: <a href="https://truefalse.org/">True/False Film Festival</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp2pUQY32M4ZT18aU_e9hzFLfMzx1dvwqc220aiZzUXvSX5Ya3Vq-GC7KUuAllhkI8gNzpfVLLvxzSNEjYrfGugdB5cbWcv73BSV-5XpwTD3ydnbObjP27bVZu4JNVZyutdGu7mwkt7wx/s960/89316366_10222835262415800_1952288327973470208_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSp2pUQY32M4ZT18aU_e9hzFLfMzx1dvwqc220aiZzUXvSX5Ya3Vq-GC7KUuAllhkI8gNzpfVLLvxzSNEjYrfGugdB5cbWcv73BSV-5XpwTD3ydnbObjP27bVZu4JNVZyutdGu7mwkt7wx/s320/89316366_10222835262415800_1952288327973470208_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>March 9 -10, 2020</b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">This year was our 11th Annual Read-A-Thon at Midway Heights Elementary School where we are a Partner in Education along with D and H Drugstore. Tanya and I always look forward to this week because the students (and staff) enjoy having guest readers come visit the classrooms. Each guest will read a book that goes with each year's theme (this year our theme was Stampede to Read - one of my favorite themes) and we were only going to be able to have 2 days of guest readers visit the classrooms because they had a Teacher Work Day on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. </p><p style="text-align: center;">During this Read-A-Thon week, we have one night, typically a Thursday, that we call Literacy Night. For about 1 1/2 hours the students and their family come to the school and participate in a variety of games geared towards math, science, reading, writing, and a physical activity. It's always a fun time and every child that attends gets a book donated by Scholastic in Jeff City, MO. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The 2019-2020 school year would be our 12th year as a Partner in Education with Midway Heights Elementary School. It's the elementary school I attended as a little tyke from Kindergarten to 6th grade and the school my nephew attends. It will always hold a special place in my heart and I love giving back to the students that attend Midway Heights. (Plus I have a pretty awesome/amazing partner in crime... er.... Partner in Education, Tanya Alberty!) </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnjA5836loeXXxM0qUjAUjIzp54_CrBC_Svdiy9k4vVE_vyOYcWLCrKEfzbAqcBAGklxMbkVsRhkej5Cm7wy9Sit1KJ0K0Oi9iPiNBl5wThZG-NFduj0TVI1naTrbnFgpoevYR2OC-0Rx/s1500/91WsRzrYItL._SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnjA5836loeXXxM0qUjAUjIzp54_CrBC_Svdiy9k4vVE_vyOYcWLCrKEfzbAqcBAGklxMbkVsRhkej5Cm7wy9Sit1KJ0K0Oi9iPiNBl5wThZG-NFduj0TVI1naTrbnFgpoevYR2OC-0Rx/s320/91WsRzrYItL._SL1500_.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>On or around March 12, 2020</b> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Well shit y'all, this is the beginning of Corona Virus Shutdown. From this day forward in my Day Planner, everything is canceled. Ribbon cuttings.... canceled. Literacy Night at Midway Heights Elementary School .... canceled. Women's Network Luncheon for Athena... canceled. Brad Paisley concert in Oklahoma... canceled. Craft shows... canceled. Honor Everywhere trip to Washington, DC for filming... canceled. Buy Missouri Day at the Capital... canceled. Planes of Fame Air Show... canceled. Little Black Dress Event for True North ... canceled. ATHENA Banquet... canceled. Speaking engagement at Creve Coeur Airport... canceled. Trip to Biloxi, Mississippi... canceled. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I just remember thinking how scary and crazy things were getting and not knowing what the future would look like. Would businesses be shutting down, would our business be shutting down, what about families all over the United States, what about kids and school. So many unanswered questions and so many sleepless nights. </p><p style="text-align: center;">The only saving grace to what was going on was that we were all going through this together. It wasn't one section of the world, it wasn't one industry or one profession. We would all be going through this. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcce86yjGQQ_kgizfOppnw6O1kSQd6e30jmo6SBiKMQet_IAtmARugPfql-PqdUmEdumIv5g9W3pESdC8jxLH5h3M0pE9KWRnVFzonhlf0x79izJdOe9sTQSUfCDQS7OfWqh9qbWFX-x0Q/s2048/ET4j2uKXsAATto_.jpg+large.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcce86yjGQQ_kgizfOppnw6O1kSQd6e30jmo6SBiKMQet_IAtmARugPfql-PqdUmEdumIv5g9W3pESdC8jxLH5h3M0pE9KWRnVFzonhlf0x79izJdOe9sTQSUfCDQS7OfWqh9qbWFX-x0Q/s320/ET4j2uKXsAATto_.jpg+large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>March 25, 2020</b> </p><p style="text-align: center;">A "Stay At Home Order" was issued today. I don't remember the details from this time but basically, all non-essential workers would be asked to stay home. We had received a letter from a commercial customer that we have done business with for 18 years and said that we are considered "Essential Workers" and that if we were called out that we would need to come. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I am thankful that our profession was considered "Essential Work" although that would have its own set of obstacles to work around but fingers crossed we can get through this. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu"></span></div></div></span><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4z3n6z0UNOwo3xcqGyBDQa2Xl4YgDhg8Xda6pkDQ-incE23OvR02nAB3Dov_2SR15XS1OI4LCje15g2rY0QjlcOnw7re-J1-7QXSUNaPvlQtzJyiEcNX_y1xhnlSa9dT8yxVudvZG1ty/s1600/IMG_1274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4z3n6z0UNOwo3xcqGyBDQa2Xl4YgDhg8Xda6pkDQ-incE23OvR02nAB3Dov_2SR15XS1OI4LCje15g2rY0QjlcOnw7re-J1-7QXSUNaPvlQtzJyiEcNX_y1xhnlSa9dT8yxVudvZG1ty/s320/IMG_1274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>April 10, 2020</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">In all that was going on, I wanted to find a way to keep myself busy and give back to our community in a positive way. I decided to give back to Boone Hospital Center and it's the entire staff of 2,089 by donating these fused glass hearts to each person. We were just on the tip of the COVID-19 and we had no idea if we would be hit like New York. I knew the staff was working hard every day to help those that came into the hospital and wanted to give them a little hope and love during this crazy time. </p><p style="text-align: center;">You can read about it here: <a href="http://thelongdirtroad10.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-19-opportunityto-give-back.html">COVID-19... An Opportunity To Give Back!</a> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkjq8vkMore1m4EFvKH9bhBKaohHCt54ajRXZCIT0CVsCvlo-Cjzd4PMLzDhNrFUPhNXuQThob2gxGmbLNw2oyieaW-pFg1oAjqx5lxxc57XMX8_aUPhToPbeZDKvueRJpM_LkOouMtJT/s2048/IMG_1783.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkjq8vkMore1m4EFvKH9bhBKaohHCt54ajRXZCIT0CVsCvlo-Cjzd4PMLzDhNrFUPhNXuQThob2gxGmbLNw2oyieaW-pFg1oAjqx5lxxc57XMX8_aUPhToPbeZDKvueRJpM_LkOouMtJT/s320/IMG_1783.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>April 27, 2020 </b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">(Another bittersweet moment but thankful for the outcome on this one.) <span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql rrkovp55 a8c37x1j keod5gw0 nxhoafnm aigsh9s9 d3f4x2em fe6kdd0r mau55g9w c8b282yb iv3no6db jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v knj5qynh oo9gr5id hzawbc8m" dir="auto"></span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">You guys, last night our family was shaken but OK. My Aunt Judy Daly had left work not feeling well. Our cousin (her daughter) Stephanie Secrist<span> </span>reached out to my sister and I to please check on her as she lives in Kansas and she wasn’t close by. Before Brandon and I started mowing I took her some Gatorade just to make sure she had something to replenish her fluids and to get my eyes on her. She looked terrible and said her arms were sore and her hand was cold. I asked if she was having heart trouble and she needed to go get checked out. I told her I would check in as soon as we got done mowing. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I got done mowing and reached out to her with no response. I called Steph and asked if she heard anything. She said she drove herself to Urgent Care. Shew! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">At 9:02 PM I get a call from Aunt Judy’s cell phone except it wasn’t Aunt Judy on the other end. It was a Boone Hospital ER Nurse who asked me to please come to the hospital. She was calm but told me that she had presented with chest pains and had a heart attack. She coded in the ER and they had to do CPR to bring her back but she was going to the Cath Lab and for me to come down right away. Shhhhhiiiiittttt! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I get up and throw on some clothes trying to gather my thoughts as I needed to make 3 phone calls with the first being Steph. I didn’t want to scare her but I wanted her to know what is going on as quickly as possible. I called Mom and Pops (her brother) followed by my sister. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">While this was scary, I knew she was where she needed to be. She was in the hands of great staff and Dr. Spaedy was who performed the Cath on her. She had 2 stents placed. He confirmed she had a pretty good-sized heart attack, she has a leaky value, and her heart muscle is weakened but had she not went in to get checked out she wouldn’t be here this morning. <span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu"></span> We are so lucky that we are a pretty tight family who lives within a mile of each other and able to help one another quickly. I am very thankful for this. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Aunt Judy is in ICU for now. We know she will be there (Boone Hospital) for a few days and is much better than when she went in. Steph and I will get a game plan together this morning as no one can go into ICU at this point. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">I saw her for about 3 minutes as they were moving her from the Cath Lab to ICU and she didn’t know what happened. She couldn’t believe what I told her. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Y’all I am so thankful for the fast-acting staff, nurses, and doctors at Boone Hospital Center that helped to save her life. I am so thankful for the sweet little housekeeping gal that stayed talking to me and reassuring me that she was going to be OK. She would go back and try to give me updates (just that they were still working on her) and I appreciate her! She just said “I am just a housekeeper” but she was so much more than that! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu"></span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Y’all hug your loved ones extra tight when this COVID-19 is over/lifted. We are so thankful she went in!</div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMtwfJMVIFGZQRWba6SGTc5exCgwmxtZC_7M7yVDyyR0OmIy7p8QQQ4-YIy23pQj89jxQZTYhA0qEDDjEBc1lF91yMUwNf2m7WQ8qra8kaYsvcg7K51hXH1bn0ZBfUntir2VEgtmU-bUH/s2048/IMG_2929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMtwfJMVIFGZQRWba6SGTc5exCgwmxtZC_7M7yVDyyR0OmIy7p8QQQ4-YIy23pQj89jxQZTYhA0qEDDjEBc1lF91yMUwNf2m7WQ8qra8kaYsvcg7K51hXH1bn0ZBfUntir2VEgtmU-bUH/s320/IMG_2929.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>May 23, 2020</b> </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Since all of our plans have been canceled and the safest place to be was home, we decided to take advantage of our time and get some of our projects started. The big item on my list this year was to get our flower beds in. We have been in our house for 3 years now and it was finally time to get serious about getting our yard in order. The good news is that when we get something in our head to get done, by golly we go full tilt! Thankful to have help from Poli and the guys or we wouldn't have gotten as far as we did this year. </p><p style="text-align: center;">We put a total of 4 flower beds and used 30 tons of rock! We have another one started but need to bevel the stones as it's a round flower bed... maybe not the smartest idea I have come up with because it will take more work but I always say.... I like unique and different! </p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipR3lgA-Jd4OvcY5LKWuzpfQQplLQhLm0wD9llritoIKlblI5E403o3iZnC-EqJCXoUzxfL-T4exSc4Ww3O0idXPMa6alxbATrVpdzBWS4P2SHbkNDiKR4yLTP-1P4q5Pc-3OZq0julSXg/s2048/IMG_5294.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipR3lgA-Jd4OvcY5LKWuzpfQQplLQhLm0wD9llritoIKlblI5E403o3iZnC-EqJCXoUzxfL-T4exSc4Ww3O0idXPMa6alxbATrVpdzBWS4P2SHbkNDiKR4yLTP-1P4q5Pc-3OZq0julSXg/s320/IMG_5294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>July 15 - 16, 2020 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Aunt Darleen, Momma, and I took a little road trip to Wycliffe, Kentucky to pick up some tobacco sticks from the barn their family (my grandparents) used to dry tobacco in. Teresa Salonimer owns the property and her daddy was friends of our family who agreed to allow me to come to get about 75 tobacco sticks that my family used many moons ago. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I wanted to do something to pay tribute to my Momma's family and the tobacco sticks would be a perfect piece to my plan. Such a fun trip seeing where they grew up and visiting the graves of my grandparents and Uncle James Brown. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I used the tobacco sticks to create a cut out of Kentucky and hung it on a rock wall in our basement along with several tobacco sticks. I have a few more things I want to do before it's fully finished but it's a great start! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78onM9hke5FcvVbinC6JNjFnU6nGVkBa_2EUwVO1pBtkDQ-2pz4HEjtpOWapob0UyJn-P551cAJPLL8ZBh53gqgrpe-RUpCNuIQeYneS6E9BqZyh9SNrCuzr1qFkLQuEc2JgbyYdtDKMB/s2048/118464453_643884256508372_5851295956393455281_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78onM9hke5FcvVbinC6JNjFnU6nGVkBa_2EUwVO1pBtkDQ-2pz4HEjtpOWapob0UyJn-P551cAJPLL8ZBh53gqgrpe-RUpCNuIQeYneS6E9BqZyh9SNrCuzr1qFkLQuEc2JgbyYdtDKMB/s320/118464453_643884256508372_5851295956393455281_o.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>August 13, 2020 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am doing a re-branding on Midway Mercantile Co and needed new headshots. I had Erica Durnil with Confident Beauti by Erica to do my makeup, Robin Roberts with The Look to do my hair, and Kat Merriman with Kat Four Photo to do my head shots and product shots. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Y'all, these ladies made me feel like a queen! So much fun and I was really excited about this re-branding session. There are so many things that you want to capture but then a photographer has a creative eye to make it really stand out. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCi53AnrhK8J-DRwNuijTHFhYjzjwZaqYPDIjOPgsCZtY0x7UQSxr9gvizDkMmDnj9UkWkHBQ-BCwJSNP0dSD_7fOBlXDiOFkeMZF9YopIa39-pywOzTNn7f3T-KNdm9voDZlzBYM60vH/s1944/118438165_10224702623218653_207168989095976172_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1944" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCi53AnrhK8J-DRwNuijTHFhYjzjwZaqYPDIjOPgsCZtY0x7UQSxr9gvizDkMmDnj9UkWkHBQ-BCwJSNP0dSD_7fOBlXDiOFkeMZF9YopIa39-pywOzTNn7f3T-KNdm9voDZlzBYM60vH/s320/118438165_10224702623218653_207168989095976172_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>August 24, 2020 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">This is another sad moment but I try to remember the good times we had and smile because I got a chance to see her really happy on many occasionas! </p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">It is with a heavy heart I have learned my Aunt Janie Ginter (Momma's sister) has passed away this afternoon from a massive stroke. Aunt Janie was a hoot! She always had you laughing and loved to sing. In fact, she told people that she worked with she was Loretta Lynn's sister... and they believed her! We always enjoyed karaoke parties at The Hammered Hog (Pops establishment) and these photos are from a trip to Nashville and then to Loretta Lynn's Ranch in 2013.</div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">In life, there are so many good memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lifetime. These are a handful I could find quickly but y'all, just remember to take pictures. While most get mad that their picture is being taken, it's moments like this, that those pictures mean the most and take us back to those moments that make us smile. </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;">Aunt Janie, you will be missed terribly but I know you are reunited with your parents, other siblings, and ol' Uncle Earl! I hope they turned up the music and you came in singin' for them! </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"> </div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: center;"><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABOREq-w6RLUqoRA2_cJb2Ya9OytrFvfMDjPseO1xMEqVtIits9k8TD6ll_GDbdI437XDTntJrqp2zp-AtZCidsJiXb3jKu625owPTm3HMthBnivWnbileDVlrtZRpTIHau9RHEiRwxil/s960/115820270_615578792672252_1369345000892594515_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABOREq-w6RLUqoRA2_cJb2Ya9OytrFvfMDjPseO1xMEqVtIits9k8TD6ll_GDbdI437XDTntJrqp2zp-AtZCidsJiXb3jKu625owPTm3HMthBnivWnbileDVlrtZRpTIHau9RHEiRwxil/s320/115820270_615578792672252_1369345000892594515_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>September 4, 2020 </b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I introduce you to my brand new logo for Midway Mercantile Co! It's absolutely perfect and is totally my style! Thank you so much Gillian Tracy with Gillian Tracy Design! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I would highly recommend working with her for your logo and/or re-branding needs. She listens to you and completely understands what it is that you are wanting. She nailed my logo from the very first draft and with a little minor tweaking, I love it! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgly2Xh4b04a-PzBosWcYjG7cSmG50Ditk-K8iohM8gGy7_ATMcYLcKKauhiUmSsZ47ZFuUS7wEmTV_UJbq-kyj6If1kp-I_1bKgH2xoE_VSBUwX62af10LUQrMXKBAKqAs0ES4CTvNeXu/s960/119194291_10224870184567582_5844591986621195870_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgly2Xh4b04a-PzBosWcYjG7cSmG50Ditk-K8iohM8gGy7_ATMcYLcKKauhiUmSsZ47ZFuUS7wEmTV_UJbq-kyj6If1kp-I_1bKgH2xoE_VSBUwX62af10LUQrMXKBAKqAs0ES4CTvNeXu/s320/119194291_10224870184567582_5844591986621195870_n.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>September 13, 2020</b> </p><p style="text-align: center;">We celebrated our 23rd Anniversary by having dinner with Jake and Jessica Tamm (they celebrated their 7th Anniversary) at Pear Tree and enjoyed a little cake at homemade by Cherie Rutter! </p><p style="text-align: center;">(Gosh I sure hope this COVID stuff is long gone by our 25th Anniversary because we are going somewhere on an adventure for a milestone anniversary!) </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUVv7GYPv85485Q7aUFb0T9D5YZZKdGYGEteM2rYHZSblhKHzt-bJ5a_cPiATPkBQKSoDL4zjdLcM_dzq41c7Fw34PizK91zq8_lJvsqBnFKXE6OCRYXO7SbNpRfb_2saTDLF2Mktda3P/s960/IMG_5929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUVv7GYPv85485Q7aUFb0T9D5YZZKdGYGEteM2rYHZSblhKHzt-bJ5a_cPiATPkBQKSoDL4zjdLcM_dzq41c7Fw34PizK91zq8_lJvsqBnFKXE6OCRYXO7SbNpRfb_2saTDLF2Mktda3P/s320/IMG_5929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>September 19, 2020 </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The one and only craft show I would do this year was Junk Junktion in Moberly, MO. The weather was perfect and Cindy Mutrux with Cindy Lou's Glass Studio and I shared booth space. I don't know if it was just truly a great day or if people were tired of being cooped up and ready to shop but it was the best craft show I have done to date! I love how so many support local artists and just talking to customers was so good for all of us. It made us feel normal, whatever that is anymore, to have conversations with others and see the smiles behind many masks. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7a9x_jZDIIhjIqT1NhTBApbXSvdO49EGlhCTiJ-S0QutppQeJPbQbZeWpevVc0lhKw9mtVaeMqGbnPfS9WChd11X7LXAg65oXjzscK9GvcFqteXqd7sxJIESUU_-8G0ECG2B55JfRWwf/s720/119968333_10224967296035308_7914977102294068734_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7a9x_jZDIIhjIqT1NhTBApbXSvdO49EGlhCTiJ-S0QutppQeJPbQbZeWpevVc0lhKw9mtVaeMqGbnPfS9WChd11X7LXAg65oXjzscK9GvcFqteXqd7sxJIESUU_-8G0ECG2B55JfRWwf/s320/119968333_10224967296035308_7914977102294068734_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>September 21, 2020</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">(This was another sad time but I choose to remember the good times) </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Scott Adams was a mess. He always had you laughing but the best part is that his laughter was contagious. I mean you would start laughing just because he was laughing trying to tell one of his many stories and sometimes you didn't know what the story was always about because he was trying to get a breath in and laughing too dang hard to get the full story... but honestly it didn’t matter because him telling any story was hilarious! </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">He was so full of shit but someone you loved to be around! He was certainly the entertainment where ever he went! (Let's be honest, he was like a big teddy bear!) I know he was a hard worker and was someone you could always count on but to me, he was just a hot mess, fun to be around, and ALWAYS had a story to tell! </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">When my sister, Ashley Adams married Greg Adams I knew that we were getting not only an excellent brother-in-law (and son-in-law for Mom and Pops) but that we would get Scott & Nancy Adams (and the boys of course). There was never a dull moment when everyone was together. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">There were many good memories made along the way but sadly, his life was cut short far too soon. Scott passed away surrounded by his family. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Normally, I am better at taking photos of people but sadly I didn't get many photos of Scott. This was one of my favorites as they were anxiously waiting for the arrival of their first grandbaby, Jaxon Adams in 2011! Such a special day! </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh, Scott Adams.... we are all gonna miss you and I hope you aren't causing too much of a ruckus in heaven! Until we meet again....</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvnCeXCvaMLHEnGTbUizZ0LDWYSo5VFA8w_UEE_e0eP5Lzst1uw4DGZRuSXq8S12fWMEOmlmVNEkX-Pkwz_QDCRhOgI1Y1vMh8YAFZ34EFVT0dxNofiMKbWw-dfBpKM344o-xih10ywo2/s2048/120195057_10221421548821672_1138910119302217906_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtvnCeXCvaMLHEnGTbUizZ0LDWYSo5VFA8w_UEE_e0eP5Lzst1uw4DGZRuSXq8S12fWMEOmlmVNEkX-Pkwz_QDCRhOgI1Y1vMh8YAFZ34EFVT0dxNofiMKbWw-dfBpKM344o-xih10ywo2/s320/120195057_10221421548821672_1138910119302217906_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>September 24, 2020</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What a fun night! Wendy and I nominated Sarah Hill for the 2020 ATHENA Young Professional Award that was given by the Women's Network. It was a perfect night and we totally tricked her! She had no clue what was going on and the look on her face was priceless! Stupid COVID restrictions wouldn't allow us to celebrate with her family and team so we surprised her again once we took her home... everyone was waiting to congratulate her and had the opportunity to watch remotely of her receiving the award! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so proud of this lady and all that she has accomplished in her life so far! Expand those shelves sugar, you deserve many more! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMRqyfWCb0u0Hm0wVEgqEUJPeEvnTWT9MVwkYYeSesLuuSpwPKcfBSuz95oqsXjts8mZBAk-PwE9nhTX7UtPwg40Or2qjCtbsp3No4vIGkTh7OAQVHAG_yvi3eW87n1y66D9buUSF5nCw/s2048/121129220_10225084091195114_6563408494931912968_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMRqyfWCb0u0Hm0wVEgqEUJPeEvnTWT9MVwkYYeSesLuuSpwPKcfBSuz95oqsXjts8mZBAk-PwE9nhTX7UtPwg40Or2qjCtbsp3No4vIGkTh7OAQVHAG_yvi3eW87n1y66D9buUSF5nCw/s320/121129220_10225084091195114_6563408494931912968_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>October 8, 2020</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I took some time to spend with family and went fishing! Well, I didn't do much fishing but rather I tried to document a fun day! After Aunt Janie's passing, it has really hit hard. All deaths hit you hard but especially when it is your siblings. With only 4 siblings left in the Brown family, it was planned to have a day to spend together doing something fun. </span></div><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Y'all, I can't tell you how this day was so good for the soul. To hear the laughter, stories, and watching them catch fish was so much fun! </span></div><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Aunt Flora Mae got to join in on the fun (she was my Uncle James Brown's wife) and was thrilled! It was so good to watch her reel in a couple catfish (she caught 4 but 2 got away)! While her health hasn't been the best you could tell this was something she truly enjoyed. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL9aOytjnpfZadZ5ywB8xzORQdR6eSb8Ep7lTxrlaCSKFZMR5VFx2uR-AH5Uy3JHr8Z7mlsFO5mFV80sXR1ldcqwRJLr_7SYzngeNy2VOehIyT-07d-bSHUssaBwbVrwBI9aODTWDfENB/s2048/124638210_10225344991637462_3359145830711015356_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL9aOytjnpfZadZ5ywB8xzORQdR6eSb8Ep7lTxrlaCSKFZMR5VFx2uR-AH5Uy3JHr8Z7mlsFO5mFV80sXR1ldcqwRJLr_7SYzngeNy2VOehIyT-07d-bSHUssaBwbVrwBI9aODTWDfENB/s320/124638210_10225344991637462_3359145830711015356_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>October 9, 2020</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What a special memory... we wanted to take Mother-Daughter photos with Momma and would then surprise her with family photos.... something my Pops hates! Luckily, after this crazy year, he knew this would be important to Mom. We had Erica Durnil with Confident Beauti with Erica do our makeup, Robin Roberts with The Look, and had Brie with Lollipop Photography work her magic on photos.... she did an amazing job and we will always remember this day! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1bP9Uahr4YZKAyGtvkawyg8scqxPmtkOFxFJZAQ0LQ9aMqsxh-tA3REBBIw7MZFIE03-vG6oXEek_svTMZyulNWcJ_RjocEeVjxM9U_Iq3icuOqQAPP1IMQ5OGPANwIL0jaZaLeDrnSd/s1763/IMG_2398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1763" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1bP9Uahr4YZKAyGtvkawyg8scqxPmtkOFxFJZAQ0LQ9aMqsxh-tA3REBBIw7MZFIE03-vG6oXEek_svTMZyulNWcJ_RjocEeVjxM9U_Iq3icuOqQAPP1IMQ5OGPANwIL0jaZaLeDrnSd/s320/IMG_2398.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>October 10, 2020</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Today was a special day and our close friend, Derry Wiswall married his beautiful bride, Carrie at our barn! It's not something we offer up but we would do anything for Derry! It's was the most perfect day and while we worked through the COVID restrictions they had a wonderful outdoor wedding filled with friends and family. We are so happy for you both and can't wait to celebrate many more anniversaries with you! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bonus:</b> It was Derry's birthday too! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd-YKDM6KkEZGUhBzlgWqpzrho-3ll4WAQjESVCzApFd1j44tiKqgFy_URuOWAvYp2ivJXda-aEo8VVZNLNVw7Zxr7zmJbnnw_i36nsWQSsyOzsQtL16-SDV-nSBLcudKpDXf2mT8pBJy/s960/121193251_10225123800747828_6209522317800465369_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd-YKDM6KkEZGUhBzlgWqpzrho-3ll4WAQjESVCzApFd1j44tiKqgFy_URuOWAvYp2ivJXda-aEo8VVZNLNVw7Zxr7zmJbnnw_i36nsWQSsyOzsQtL16-SDV-nSBLcudKpDXf2mT8pBJy/s320/121193251_10225123800747828_6209522317800465369_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>October 13, 2020 </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stopped by Healium's</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> new office this afternoon and was surprised with this award! It’s The Communicator Award for Honor Everywhere</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for The Best Video-Travel for 2020! </span></div><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I couldn’t be more proud of the entire Healium/StoryUp team who put their heart and soul into everything they do every day trying to make this world a better place. Y’all are seriously rockstars who inspire me! </span></div><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To all the veterans we have helped to see their memorials through virtual reality... this one is for you! </span></div><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11lkDmAu8R3oHsemdAKKs0hX4zd0Anpg5Qm4ZiUnu5ta2Aulbjr90FNl63hRIYWhwqqrt0Xzq5Q6OAgUvBvsxc_4erYtjG9uWFOq6WDZB_yVtQEPYIIfl1zxDDxbEvDqmGDcUnXg6owek/s1020/3bb775ab650749e9d4063238f4d8bed8l-m1088856169xd-w1020_h770_q80.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1020" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi11lkDmAu8R3oHsemdAKKs0hX4zd0Anpg5Qm4ZiUnu5ta2Aulbjr90FNl63hRIYWhwqqrt0Xzq5Q6OAgUvBvsxc_4erYtjG9uWFOq6WDZB_yVtQEPYIIfl1zxDDxbEvDqmGDcUnXg6owek/s320/3bb775ab650749e9d4063238f4d8bed8l-m1088856169xd-w1020_h770_q80.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>October 22, 2020</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We flipped another house and the new owners took ownership today! It's always fun seeing Brandon's vision on these houses and how to move walls or open up an area but my favorite part is always picking out what will go back! I think Chip and Joanna are gonna hang up their remodeling hats for a little while. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFox7sGrNMrmfrG4ajgvNKNd3jjrldKs_w0w24AZZOsLU5EgsX_PjFfPYV7IQGOJ4_ZXoXDs9Bhy8lBO3Fbn6aNusLsYA_BSOXx_LS_fvgnCzPnN5UoFdDIAK3YDgQKpr5F29y4YxyfKE/s960/123136478_10225257016598141_5907048631243283995_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFox7sGrNMrmfrG4ajgvNKNd3jjrldKs_w0w24AZZOsLU5EgsX_PjFfPYV7IQGOJ4_ZXoXDs9Bhy8lBO3Fbn6aNusLsYA_BSOXx_LS_fvgnCzPnN5UoFdDIAK3YDgQKpr5F29y4YxyfKE/s320/123136478_10225257016598141_5907048631243283995_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>October 29-31, 2020</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brandon and I became Maker's Mark Ambassadors about 7 years ago and we got notified that our barrel was ready which meant we could travel to Maker's Mark to dip bottles of our batch and take 2 guests. We thought it would be fun to take Momma and Aunt Darleen! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a trip that we still laugh about and truly had such a great time. We had fun dipping our own bottles, visiting Noah's Ark and several stops in between. I would highly recommend you sign up to become an Ambassador ... it's free! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To find out about signing up as an Ambassador just go to their website! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcI70IJ8tESMmyQx5ac39zREWOhVWthHAbVBgo122YKP3mV8iKnnfbyXnRimlovMrJZCRzzZZe9EnMwNRVmzUrwvRFT37fN3WJ0UTXNOEBlz-siWUMqh8ottPAPDp5YdPR9l4FnjgG9Pzp/s450/19th-birthday-7.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcI70IJ8tESMmyQx5ac39zREWOhVWthHAbVBgo122YKP3mV8iKnnfbyXnRimlovMrJZCRzzZZe9EnMwNRVmzUrwvRFT37fN3WJ0UTXNOEBlz-siWUMqh8ottPAPDp5YdPR9l4FnjgG9Pzp/s320/19th-birthday-7.gif" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>November 1, 2020</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our first business turned 19 years old! We silently celebrated this occasion and know it's not been easy over these 19 years but it's been worth it! We also recognize that we couldn't do what we do if it weren't for our employees that work hard to take care of our customers. We are lucky to have great customers that trust us with their electrical needs. We don't take either for granted but we appreciate our families for standing next to us through the good times and hard times. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's also the 1st birthday of our most recent business, Midway Hauling! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cXEVmYXjRNbJTls0UMCgRVN2BS6ZHIZBY8eQROGIdOgvuIQPOJqKcXSx5DhzUQpGemks44MSsIbm60UWtblArPLeAbGB3W_VN7tJagQ2rLWnl-tKGAuCehs1QgFuSgf2pxXlwJ8KKBL1/s960/125762249_10225400582227192_7724145640280030014_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cXEVmYXjRNbJTls0UMCgRVN2BS6ZHIZBY8eQROGIdOgvuIQPOJqKcXSx5DhzUQpGemks44MSsIbm60UWtblArPLeAbGB3W_VN7tJagQ2rLWnl-tKGAuCehs1QgFuSgf2pxXlwJ8KKBL1/s320/125762249_10225400582227192_7724145640280030014_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>November 15, 2020</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">My husband had a 1966 Chevy II we bought many moons ago while in high school. It was Smurf Blue and he loved that thing. We had a lot of fun in it but we were starting our business and that was something we just didn’t need any longer and could use the money to build our business. He kicks his ass for selling it and has been looking for another ever since. </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, 19 years later he finally found one (in the photo above) that he liked and we brought it home today! </span></div><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Welcome to our home! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span class="pq6dq46d tbxw36s4 knj5qynh kvgmc6g5 ditlmg2l oygrvhab nvdbi5me sf5mxxl7 gl3lb2sf hhz5lgdu" style="display: inline-flex; font-family: inherit; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAkhCQ6vSNfkoSkUEsJrviYn4IcubmK8vDASGU_Z3WEKLFT9U86W9Cvr3u7emZ3qIWteE0nYIvBSR9XIdL7CGN2lnhTGRdM_z9NetPU2JyE8iKK-rZfmhdpq_9dzsCT5u9jZnV_dcaTzd/s960/126213012_10225434257269047_1702243285844318654_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAkhCQ6vSNfkoSkUEsJrviYn4IcubmK8vDASGU_Z3WEKLFT9U86W9Cvr3u7emZ3qIWteE0nYIvBSR9XIdL7CGN2lnhTGRdM_z9NetPU2JyE8iKK-rZfmhdpq_9dzsCT5u9jZnV_dcaTzd/s320/126213012_10225434257269047_1702243285844318654_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>November 19, 2020</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tonight was the Chamber's Annual Awards Banquet and I had been lying to my good buddy, Wally Pfeffer who would be receiving the Chamber's newest award, The Legacy Award. I knew he is too nosey and in order to throw him off, I told him a buddy of ours was receiving the award. The look on his face was priceless when he figured it out and he kept saying "You lied to me!" Well sugar, maybe just a little lie! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, apparently I was also being lied to because they gave me the Chamber's Citizen of the Year Award. An award I didn't feel I was worthy of earning. I am the youngest person to receive this award and looking at the list of recipients from 1978 - 2019 was an amazing amount of people that have done so much for our community. I was truly surprised and humbled to receive this honor. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4CeT5RNWM2ZzrrZT1cwLCz8kIcRFiTzp0u4qO47uK9teP8P5hJ_yY6c0BvGmjO3PqYZyLMwNFcILL1o7V9LIBNXlT-AZkuhLcvnye3PiE9rgk6vBazDl3N7i1sD8ai2NLvU_dr9hPzeW/s960/127666419_10225492516205484_4859535702356776194_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv4CeT5RNWM2ZzrrZT1cwLCz8kIcRFiTzp0u4qO47uK9teP8P5hJ_yY6c0BvGmjO3PqYZyLMwNFcILL1o7V9LIBNXlT-AZkuhLcvnye3PiE9rgk6vBazDl3N7i1sD8ai2NLvU_dr9hPzeW/s320/127666419_10225492516205484_4859535702356776194_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>November 27, 2020</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Momma and Pops celebrated their 49th Anniversary. We are extremely lucky to have them as our parents and the boys are lucky to have them as their grandparents! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL47UxxU1bCZBJA55M1jbykaYxC6nqYLt5iahRu11Lpe5TAgDnPt46b_xL47BglCh7G7-L7ePmtFVpgaZuro7TUEeTm8GANSXnhKAMJbuWly1SngaQCNNIe3j7vShdaHRyT1YepW68xt9Y/s960/127243818_10225504583107149_7004292953291055302_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL47UxxU1bCZBJA55M1jbykaYxC6nqYLt5iahRu11Lpe5TAgDnPt46b_xL47BglCh7G7-L7ePmtFVpgaZuro7TUEeTm8GANSXnhKAMJbuWly1SngaQCNNIe3j7vShdaHRyT1YepW68xt9Y/s320/127243818_10225504583107149_7004292953291055302_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>November 28, 2020 </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our little family Thanksgiving is over and this photo sums it up.... </div><div style="text-align: center;">Even stretchy pants can win with our full bellies! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zEFk9l788z0MjGbBZB-9H-qrxawjcJ7gd2ur68WFwmbSV-esbj1p6roQ9q3JyuwEFJj306MTkNHEdwJe6DdQZjhlgILsaQNwoURlzVl29fvfbGREhB6oFgxVJtfSMZVUhXq8bsdbdv_Y/s960/129617017_10225584189057248_7092621266260313440_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zEFk9l788z0MjGbBZB-9H-qrxawjcJ7gd2ur68WFwmbSV-esbj1p6roQ9q3JyuwEFJj306MTkNHEdwJe6DdQZjhlgILsaQNwoURlzVl29fvfbGREhB6oFgxVJtfSMZVUhXq8bsdbdv_Y/s320/129617017_10225584189057248_7092621266260313440_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>December 7, 2020</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Healium team surprised our fearless leader, Sarah Hill to birthday fun! Since she was on vacation with her hubby on her 50th birthday we thought it would be fun to spend the afternoon doing something fun so we took her for a birthday cupcake at Plume followed by painting ceramics at Pottery Island! The idea of painting something is that we would have something special to remember her day! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QzftZsTt8d0wJvJ0r1OVo0Y9tOphu_kZpRI8re0HCZK7SQ2iHfDwAapvKUc_1d321nxQ6XbCpqCPZ0NPzIhxwdUPHYfB3vmH8YmY3yXlsnr9l-_NRsHsGqahXAsnuatrzdYS40scNGVw/s960/130905369_10225637572591803_7641874894011819131_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="642" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QzftZsTt8d0wJvJ0r1OVo0Y9tOphu_kZpRI8re0HCZK7SQ2iHfDwAapvKUc_1d321nxQ6XbCpqCPZ0NPzIhxwdUPHYfB3vmH8YmY3yXlsnr9l-_NRsHsGqahXAsnuatrzdYS40scNGVw/s320/130905369_10225637572591803_7641874894011819131_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>December 13, 2020</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My brother-in-law, Greg took this super cute photo of my nephews before we went to look at the Christmas lights at Veterans United. Aren't they some of the cutest Chiefs fans? I love these two boys! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8v2PtRic1urDqg_z9xLDMwhAEI1dWVYnn7uk0jHgVdvLBjvsV_1SvPbm3xKHJNtqMlDE2UKALtpKMoohiRDGD_M35n6zxH5HAmPi0WrKbKKmKlgTEapZ6j2T242aB9hmfQJI7q_8d7bMc/s960/132035873_10225724123395519_2938037667832508829_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8v2PtRic1urDqg_z9xLDMwhAEI1dWVYnn7uk0jHgVdvLBjvsV_1SvPbm3xKHJNtqMlDE2UKALtpKMoohiRDGD_M35n6zxH5HAmPi0WrKbKKmKlgTEapZ6j2T242aB9hmfQJI7q_8d7bMc/s320/132035873_10225724123395519_2938037667832508829_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>December 24, 2020</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One thing that wasn't canceled was Christmas. While we missed Aunt Judy, Stephanie, Justin, and Nixon we still had our family Christmas at Momma and Pops house. Jaxon is getting so big and will be 10 next year while Asher just turned 2 and was totally into presents and Christmas lights! It's always good to be home for Christmas and Momma flat threw down breakfast that morning and Ashley brought dinner over. It was truly perfect to be surrounded by those you love the most! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, I think you get the point, there are many good memories that were created during such an odd year but we had our share of heartache too. I have been working on this all day and don't know really where to stop so forgive me that it's so dang long! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What I have learned from 2020 is that you take nothing for granted, the things that are most important aren't things that money can buy and I have enjoyed being home and with my family a lot more. Normally I am traveling a lot throughout the year but being home has grounded me. Brandon and I have gotten a lot cleared off our to-do list and added a few more things. He's been a champ helping me getting stuff done! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">While we enjoy the last few hours of 2020 I am going into the New Year with an open mind and will try to do whatever I can to get things to slow down more. This year flew by and I feel like it was all a blur. Those that are the most important in my life I will always make them a priority and strive to make a difference in the lives of others by giving back when I can. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I do believe that 2021 will be an extension of 2020 but hopefully a little kinder. Y'all we are in the same storm just different boats.... be kind to one another and don't be so dang hateful because you have no idea what someone else is going through. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> </p></div>Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-88212312843704315742020-04-10T07:15:00.001-05:002020-04-10T07:15:19.986-05:00COVID-19.... 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April 10, 2020 ~ COVID-19 is something we all think about at some (or several) points throughout the day. It's all around us yet many of us still worry, stress and even panic at this pandemic. I find myself worrying about things I can't control and now have anxiety because of it. (Don't worry, I am able to manage it for now and just remind myself that we are all going through the same things and it's not just one demographic, one age bracket or one area of our country.) I find so much happiness in the number of people who have jumped in to help from sewing masks, mass grocery shopping for others who can't, cooking/donating to feeding children and so much more. Reading about these acts of kindness makes me smile.<br />
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As a local glass artist and Etsy Store Owner, I have stopped making any new product at this time. My Etsy Store, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MidwayMercantileCo">MidwayMercantileCo</a> is stocked with many options of fused glass jewelry and gifts ready to ship out within 24-48 hours for FREE in the US (lower 48 states). I have plenty of product to add to my store if needed and hate the thought of my kiln being shut down. #StandWithSmall</div>
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You guys, I have wanted to do something to make a difference in the lives of others. I have said many prayers over the last several weeks and many of you know that I am not a selfish person (stubborn and hard-headed maybe but <u>not</u> selfish). I do what I can to give back in many ways. To date, one of my favorite memories of giving back was for my 41st Birthday when I donated Angel Gowns made from my wedding dress to the hospital I was born at with my mom at my side. (You can watch the YouTube video by clicking on the link)</div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/zQyXBI9MH-0">Angel Gowns donated to Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO</a></div>
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My husband and I have been trying to support the local restaurants and locally-owned shops but I feel like that isn't enough. We can't eat out every meal but we certainly try to spread the love. As far as the locally-owned shops, thank you for trying new ways to showcase your products. I am sure you would have never dreamed social media could have such a great impact in these trying times but I hope you are seeing the love from so many! (I can't wait until I can get back in your shops and hug you!) </div>
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One of my friends, Shawn Barnes posted that he and his wife had decided to quarantine themselves apart until this was over to protect their daughters. His wife, Courtney is a doctor at a local hospital and while this was a super tough decision it was something they felt they needed to do. You guys, it broke my heart. Seeing the sacrifice that our medical profession has given during this crazy time is something that makes my heart hurt. I am so thankful that she is doing this to protect her family but with two young children, I know this isn't easy. </div>
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This was the moment I knew what I wanted to do. </div>
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After a lot of thinking, I decided that I wanted to do something to give back to the nurses, doctors, and hospital staff for working around the clock to help others while putting themselves at risk. Since I am a Boone Baby I wanted to start with Boone
Hospital Center here in Columbia, MO. I initially worked with a friend and Boone Hospital Trustee, Jan Beckett who I told her my idea and then she connected me with one of their staff members to figure out how to get my idea delivered safely. </div>
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I wanted to make fused glass hearts for the 2,089 hospital staff at Boone so that they could carry a heart in their pocket. When they begin to feel defeated or feel like they are losing hope they can hold this heart (or pray with it) as a gentle reminder that they are truly making a difference and they are loved. You guys, this is just as hard on our medical/hospital staff as they are working extremely hard and with limited supplies. Many of them are separating themselves from those they love to protect them as well. I am sure that the pressures of the job, dealing with families that can't be there with their loved ones and trying to keep themselves healthy certainly takes a toll on them. My hope is that this one small token of appreciation will remind them that we know they are doing the best they can and don't give up hope. </div>
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<u><b>Why is it my mission to make 2,089 fused glass hearts and not a lesser amount? </b></u></div>
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When I asked how many doctors, nurses, and staff were at Boone Hospital Center I was originally told 1,700 and then after reconfirming the number increased to 2,089. I want to make sure every single staff member has a fused glass heart because from the janitors to technicians, to the nurses, to the doctors and to the CEO and every single person in between they are all important in my eyes. Every single person has a role at the hospital and they aren't any less important than the next person. If I am going to do something like this it was important to me that I include all 2,089. </div>
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<u><b>Will you donate them all at once?</b></u></div>
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Sadly, I will <u>not</u> be able to donate all 2,089 at one time. I have a small Evenheat clamshell kiln that I use to make my jewelry and gifts. In order to make them in a quality look that I am happy with it requires 2 firings in the kiln per item. I am able to fully create 32-48 fused glass hearts per day or around 272 fused glass hearts per 7 days. <b>I will donate 439 fused glass hearts today</b> and continue donating every other week until I reach 2,089 total fused glass hearts. </div>
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(I got a slower start as I needed to test and tune my process. I started with a lessor amount firing each day but now I am up to my full speed) </div>
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Each batch of fused glass hearts will be given to the appointed staff member in a plastic container. The container and fused glass hearts can be sanitized under whatever protocol they require at the hospital to ensure they are safe as they are dispersed among staff. (I will not be going to the hospital but rather meet at a disclosed location maintaining appropriate social distancing) </div>
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The first round of donations ready for Boone Hospital Center!<br />
439 Fused Glass Hearts! </div>
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<u><b>What is the purpose of this?</b></u></div>
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You guys, I live my life by paying it forward. I simply wanted to spark an idea among everyone. We all have something we can give. Right now, we have time and I encourage you to use this time to help others because it helps us too. While I am working in my studio creating these fused glass hearts it keeps me focused and thinking about other things. It's something I can create and hopefully bring joy to others. Maybe you have a hidden talent and now you might have some time to give it a try! Have a sewing machine? There are many groups that need help sewing masks just look them up on Facebook. Are you good at tutoring? Many parents need help with homeschooling and would love to have someone they could lean on when their child(ren) have questions they can't answer. Technology makes this great for social distancing and you can work directly with the parents to figure out the need and how you can help with their supervision. Do you want something to do with your child(ren)? What about writing letters and drawing pictures to mail to a nursing home to brighten the day of those living there. There are so many ways we can help one another and keep safe distances. </div>
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<b><u>Creating Fused Glass Hearts In My Studio:</u></b><br />
Photo Credit: Yours truly! :) </div>
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Safety first...get those glasses on!<br />
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Once you find the glass colors you want you will </div>
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score the glass strips to 1/2" lengths.<br />
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It's always better to have a nice pile so that you can<br />
focus on cutting several at one time rather than one at a time.<br />
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After the glass is scored you will then </div>
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break the glass with Running Pliers.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I went ahead and made a nice pile of 1/2" strips </div>
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to make the next step easier! <br />
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Now that you have the appropriate length, you will start making your hearts. </div>
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Cutting the 1/2" strip to 1" rectangle and a 1/2" square for each fused glass heart. </div>
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I started assembling the hearts on my tile so that they were ready for the kiln. <br />
You will also cut Tekta (clear) glass to put on top so that your fused glass hearts are 6mm thick prior to going in the kiln. This makes for a better product and gives the thickness it needs. <br />
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I use a little dab of school glue to hold the Tekta (clear) glass on top of the<br />
colored glass to keep things in place during the firing process.<br />
(The glue burns off during the firing) <br />
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Just trying to get everything to line up the best I can!<br />
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This batch is ready for the kiln! </div>
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(I use a larger tile that will hold 16 hearts and this photo was of a test batch) </div>
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The hearts to the right just need Tekta (clear) glass added then they are ready for the kiln!<br />
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Why yes, I am a perfectionist and put my heart and soul into my glass creations! </div>
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I just want someone who receives one of my fused glass pieces to know that I want each item to be perfect as possible and with glass, you never know what you will get which is why I love this art form! </div>
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Time to change out my glass trays! </div>
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After removing the fully fired pieces it's time to add another tray in for its firing!<br />
(Test batch)</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Time to close the lid and wait for this batch to be done! </div>
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This is the larger tile and you can see that after one firing in<br />
the kiln they really don't have a good "heart" shape.<br />
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I have washed them and changed out the kiln paper, as it's only a one<br />
time use to keep the glass from sticking to the tile, and flipped each<br />
heart over to get ready for its second firing.<br />
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After the second firing, you can see they have a much better heart shape.<br />
This to me is perfect to donate to the staff at Boone Hospital Center.<br />
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I realize that giving these fused glass hearts to the 2,089 staff members at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO is just one area of those working on the front line during COVID-19. We have so many people to thank for keeping daily operations running strong such as truck drivers, store clerks such as Walmart, Target, Sams Club, various grocery stores as well as Gas Station attendants. (If I missed someone please don't take offense as my mind is thinking about a thousand things right now) I could only pick one for now and wanted to make sure I completed this task before thinking about anything else.<br />
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I only have one kiln that is programmed allowing me to walk away and handle daily operations of our business that is still working at this time. I come home several times a day to change out trays as well as waking up throughout the late evening and early morning to change out trays and keep the hearts going. I don't get a lot of sleep right now but to me, this is completely worth it. (Perhaps this is a good time to invest in a second kiln that I was going to purchase later this year)<br />
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Thank you to everyone who is jumping in at some capacity to help others during this crazy time in our world right now. Just remember, we are all in this together and we will get through this. Take care of yourself and stay safe! </div>
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To everyone on the front line working extremely hard each day to make sure the rest of us are safe, I applaud you! While I am grateful that things aren't as bad in our community as other states and communities I still appreciate you doing everything you can to ensure our safety daily. Don't ever think you aren't an essential person because you certainly are very essential to me!<br />
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If you are reading my blog and received one of these fused glass hearts made by me, please feel free to tag me, <b>Midway Mercantile Co</b> on Social Media using any of the following hashtags so I can see the small impact this has made. Anyone who knows me knows that if I could personally pass these out to each and every single one of you I would hug you tightly! <br />
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwayMercantileCo">Midway Mercantile Co</a><br />
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/midwaymercantileco">midwaymercantileco</a><br />
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<u><b>Hashtags:</b></u><br />
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#WeApplaudYou<br />
#ThankYou<br />
#BelieveInBoone <br />
#WorkingTogether<br />
#StandWithSmall <br />
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-56486239745374382542020-04-03T15:17:00.000-05:002020-04-03T15:17:17.718-05:00Welcome to Midway Mercantile Co<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April 3, 2020 ~ Since I am trying to stay focused and getting back to blogging while trying to keep everyone caught up I thought I would introduce you to Midway Mercantile Co! For those of you who have followed my blog over the years, you would know that I love adventures and thinking outside the box. I have dipped my toe into various art forms such as acrylic painting, watercolor, ceramics including throwing clay, and drawing. I've even tried my hand at sewing, and photography which I still dabble with from time to time.<br />
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<u><b>Back Story Before Midway Mercantile Co </b></u></div>
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I am a high school graduate who didn't want to go to college. Let's be honest, I had no desire to be a doctor, lawyer or anything else that needed a college degree, however, I knew that whatever I wanted to do in life I would be able to accomplish it with my high school diploma and possibly trade school classes. (Moment of truth: If I could be anything in life and didn't have to worry about money I would be a professional volunteer.) In 2011 I had a wild idea to write a book. I had no clue how to go about this but I began researching to educate myself. I became a self-published author in 2013 when I wrote my first children's book titled, Tom T's Hat Rack. I remember being nervous yet proud because this wasn't easy dipping off into a world I didn't know anything about. It was also a world that people wouldn't offer advice on. In 2016 I wrote my second children's book titled, A Trip to Remember. Again, the same feelings of nervousness yet very proud of this book.<br />
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Are my books perfect? Nope!<br />
Are they wrote the way I wanted them? Yep!<br />
Am I proud of myself for sticking my neck out and trying something I haven't done before? You bet!<br />
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My books are (fiction) chapter books that are geared towards 7-12 year-olds. I really wanted to write a total of 4 books in the "Pay It Forward" series and both of my books use real people as main characters, which I love and slightly changing things to put them into my stories. After writing my second book about a World War II veteran things changed. It took me on an amazing adventure that I have no doubt a bigger being had a hand in.<br />
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Lt. Col. Ferrill A. Purdy was a World War II Marine Fighter Pilot who served two tours overseas. In 8 months we reunited him with his wingman, Major John H. Tashjian as well as finding a Corsair plane that they both flew during World War II in the Marshall and Gilbert Islands and reuniting both of them with a plane they flew when they were 22 and 23 years old. You guys, it was a whirlwind yet I am so incredibly proud of how this story unfolded.<br />
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It wasn't until Mr. Pudy
passed away in 2018 that I lost my love of writing. I had traveled all over the state of Missouri telling his story to 65+ schools over a 2 year period and would visit Mr. Purdy and his wife weekly. The Purdy's are like grandparents to me and nothing would replace him. I still call his wife weekly just to check in and try to visit his gravesite often.<br />
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I still talk to Mr. Tashjian and will be traveling to California to celebrate his 99th birthday in July! <br />
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Feel free to check me out at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SPRYPublishing/">Michele Spry, Author</a> </div>
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<u><b>The Creation Of Midway Mercantile Co</b></u><br />
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My heart was broken and I needed to find something to keep my creative brain going. I was introduced to the world of glass and sugars, I found my happiness again! In late Summer or early Fall of 2018, I took a glass class with a friend, Cindy Mutrux. At the time she was at a great little shop in Rocheport, MO called Rocky Port Art Studio and Gallery. I wanted to support this new store and tried my hand at working with glass. Little did I know that I would soon fall in love with it! Over the next several months I would go back and continue creating as I tried to learn as much as I could so that I could create some really unique pieces. (I would tell my hubby that I would only be done a couple hours and when I came back home 4 hours later he would just shake his head. He knew me and playing with glass allows time to slip away) As life happens and things change the store would be closing and I had time to talk to Cindy about a lot of things related to glass. </div>
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With her encouragement, I decided to purchase my own kiln. This was a huge step for me but I truly loved working with glass and wanted to do my own thing at our home. (Moment of truth: I was so worried I would screw this up that I didn't take my kiln out of the box for over a month!) While Cindy offers glass classes through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yougotsomefusiontodo/">Cindy Lou's Glass Studio</a> I would <u>not</u> be offering any type of classes. I wanted to start my fused glass jewelry business and although we would be doing similar things (working with fused glass) we are still both very different in our businesses. In fact, we like to work together and throw ideas around as well as go to craft shows together. It's a lot of fun and I like to promote her whenever I can! Plus, I have someone I can trade glass with if I need something and that's a win-win!</div>
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I started Midway Mercantile Co on February 21, 2019 and y'all, it's been an amazing adventure! I would have never dreamed I would have so much support from so many friends and family. I am so lucky to have met some of the most incredible and talented people along the way! I have learned a ton since the day I first put glass in my own kiln and yet I have so much to learn as I move forward. I am constantly pushing myself to try new things and have yet to sit still to take some online classes but I have watched several YouTube videos that have helped me understand the terminology of glass. The glass community is very helpful and not afraid to help you succeed and for that, I am very thankful! Businesses that make glass and sell glass have tons of videos (free and paid) that help you become successful in working with glass. </div>
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I knew I wanted to sell my jewelry online but I didn't have a clue about where to start. I knew very little about Etsy but thank goodness Allison McCubbins, who is a very successful seller on Etsy (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ABlaseDesigns">ABlaseDesigns</a>) was patient enough to answer many of my questions to help me get started. Etsy doesn't have a "live person" to talk to and reading through tons of forums was brutal when you don't fully understand everything. I just tried to do something every day to learn it a little better and feel like I understand the platform a little better. I am certainly not an expert but I'm trying to learn how to navigate Etsy.<br />
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All of my products come with <u>FREE</u> shipping in the US (lower 48) and once an item is purchased I will have it shipped out to you within 24-48 hours! </div>
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<b>If you have an Etsy account I would love it if you would "Favorite" my shop! </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MidwayMercantileCo">Etsy Store for MidwayMercantileCo </a><br />
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MidwayMercantileCo">Midway Mercantile Co</a><br />
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/midwaymercantileco">midwaymercantileco</a> </div>
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After a lot of thinking I really felt the need to get my product in some retail locations. I knew this meant that I would either pay rent, sell my product at wholesale or sell my product on a commission. At first, I really didn't want to do this but the more I thought about it the more it made sense. Having the opportunity for my products to be seen by those that came into retail locations just meant more customers of Midway Mercantile Co and the partnership (and friendship) you have with the store owners was something I truly cherish. You can find Midway Mercantile Co in the following locations:</div>
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*<b>Obviously with COVID-19 it has changed how these locations do business and I would recommend following them on Facebook to keep up with specials/offers they have until everything goes back to normal operation. I know they would appreciate you following them! </b></div>
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<a href="https://somethingplume.com/">Plume</a> is an amazing little shop here in Columbia, MO. It is owned and operated by Kelly Gilion and home to over 70 local artists and vendors with a variety of items to choose from. If you are looking for a unique gift this is the place you want to visit! You can even take classes! She has amazing cupcakes and other bakery items available for purchase. If you stop by don't pay attention to the face print on the glass bakery counter... it's mine! Ha! </div>
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/somethingplume/">Plume</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.lillielavon.com/">Lillie Lavon</a> is an awesome little shop in Ashland, MO. It is owned and operated by Tracy Eichorn. She gave up her corporate job to live her dream of owning her own business. Home to many wonderful local artists and vendors this is a bright spot in downtown Ashland. If you are looking for vintage, re-purposed and new unique items then you need to stop by and say hi! Tracy is always moving the store around so you will want to stop by often to see what she's been up to and what new items she has in the store! It's so welcoming and inviting that you will be glad you stopped by! </div>
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lillielavon/">Lillie Lavon</a></div>
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The Boonville Store and Cafe is a great little cafe blended with a great selection of rental spaces filled with a variety of vendors. Not only can you take advantage of lunch or some Ice Cream Factory ice cream made in Eldon, MO but you can do a little shopping with several unique items to choose from! They are located right on Main Street in downtown Boonville, MO. Stop by and say hi!<br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheBoonvilleStore">The Boonville Store and Cafe</a><br />
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The Windy Nest is a fairly new store to downtown Boonville, MO and one you will want to check out! Owner, Cheri Schmitz is a gem! She and her husband moved back to Boonville, MO and not only opened her own little shop but also opened Windy Next Air BNB! She has a great selection of clothes, jewelry, kitchen, and household items as well as plenty of gift ideas! You will love her!<br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thewindynest">The Windy Nest</a><br />
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Forever and Always Flowers is a beautiful flower shop in Eldon, MO owned by Chris Tamm. She wanted to bring gift ideas into her shop as something to pair with her flowers or for someone looking for something unique that wasn't flowers. She is doing an awesome job bringing in various artists and vendors that compliment her shop and I would encourage you to stop by and visit her if you are in the area. She would love to help you with your floral needs as well!<br />
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/foreverandalwaysflowers">Forever and Always Flowers</a><br />
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Last year I attended several craft shows and absolutely loved it! Having the ability to showcase your products and physically talk to customers about your process is an amazing feeling. There is something really fun about picking up the pieces and seeing how different they are while knowing they are made by me! Just meeting new people and seeing what others make is a lot of fun! So much talent and pride from so many vendors just makes you smile!<br />
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When thinking about my jewelry I really wanted to make them a one-of-a-kind item. It may have been slightly easier to create a handful of pieces and duplicate them however working with glass you can't always make items the same. I really looked at each piece of jewelry as it's own piece of wearable art so it seemed fitting to use a process that would help me ensure that each piece was unique and certainly one-of-a-kind!<br />
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Not only did I want to create a quality item but I wanted to use quality products as well. After some testing and tuning with different types of metal, I decided to use Sterling Silver for all my wearables. Originally I created fused glass pendants and found Sterling Silver bails to attach the glass to the bail. I found Sterling Silver necklaces that I thought were versatile enough to go with most outfits and slowly began to build my jewelry business. You guys, it was not easy! Trying to do enough research to find quality products at an affordable price was time-consuming. I ordered pieces in and many of them I found that they wouldn't hold up to my standards and sent them back. I have since added fused glass stud earrings which have Sterling Silver posts and most recently I am creating Sterling Silver rings with fused glass attached to them! (I am still trying to find a good option for bracelets)<br />
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Most importantly, I wanted to create my business at affordable prices. I have played around with prices on my items and I am finally getting comfortable with price points. I rather keep my items at lower price points so that people want to come back and purchase something else. I am certainly not looking to get rich from what I do but rather keep my happiness and creative ideas going! I would rather have someone purchase something and then come back several items than to have one customer purchase one time. For me, it's about having fun and trying new techniques!<br />
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In the past several months I have started making fused glass items for the home and office. I realize that not everyone wears jewelry or when giving a gift sometimes a non-jewelry item is easier. I want my customers to have many options to choose from and while I am still brainstorming on other ideas I have magnets, ring dishes/tea bag holders, 5" x 5" dishes and coasters. I have so many ideas that I want to try so that I can release other options in the near future but I need to take some time to focus on how to logistically make it all work. I see the need for another kiln in my future!<br />
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Thank you to everyone who has supported me no matter if you have simply cheered me on, shared my posts, purchased item(s) from me or visited my booth at craft shows. I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to have you in my corner. I will keep working hard to come up with new ideas and let you know where else you can find me! </div>
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*<b>With COVID-19 and the stay-at-home order as well as social distancing, all craft shows that I was going to participate in for the month of April and May are now canceled. We are all bummed but want to do our part to lower the curve and kick COVID-19 to the curb. As soon as craft shows are rescheduled or resume I will keep you posted on my social media sites. </b>*</div>
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<u><b>Donations:</b></u></div>
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During 2019 I had the pleasure of donating fused glass jewelry to many organizations throughout the mid-Missouri area. Anyone who knows me knows that I love giving back when I can. <b>I can proudly say that Midway Mercantile Co donated $1,125.00 in product to help these organizations help others.</b> As a small business owner, I want to help where I can to make a difference in the lives of others. While I can't donate to every organization I will do what I can each year. </div>
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I am excited to be a part of the Buy Missouri program here in the State of Missouri. </div>
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The Office of Lieutenant Governor has created a national BUY MISSOURI
economic development initiative to actively promote to other states and the world the products that are grown, manufactured, processed, and/or made in Missouri. </div>
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<a href="https://buymissouri.net/">Buy Missouri Website</a><br />
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I am now a General Member for The Best of Missouri Hands! My goal is to get serious and become a Juried Member of this Missouri Artisans Association! I'm not exactly sure what this will take but guess I better study up and get to creating!<br />
<a href="https://bestofmissourihands.org/">Best of Missouri Hands Website</a> </div>
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Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-57538562937349456302020-03-28T14:42:00.002-05:002020-03-28T14:42:34.287-05:00Breaking Out! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 26, 2020 ~ We are still trying to do what we can to be safe and keep safe distances from others. We are working as electric is an "essential job" at this point but I try to avoid stores if we can. You guys, this is hard. Mentally it just doesn't feel right and not being able to see my family and friends is really hard.<br />
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Brandon and I go to work every day and so we are around our employees which helps. To have conversations and just to physically see people is huge for me. Our employees are rock stars and I know we don't give them enough credit but seriously they are doing what they can to keep the electrical needs of our customers moving forward. </div>
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It's tough. Changes are coming daily and we are all trying to navigate this serious situation. There are moments I want to cry and moments that I want to roll up my sleeves and figure out how to help. I just don't have all the answers and that drives me crazy. </div>
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Y'all, I needed to see my Momma. Talking to her on the phone, when she answers it, isn't enough for me. We live 3 houses away from her and about 1 1/2 miles from my sister. Luckily, my sister, Ashley sends videos of the boys and gives you a sense of being able to see them. It's still hard because we are together each week and it's been nearly 2 1/2 weeks since I have seen Greg, Ashley, Jaxon, and Asher and it sucks. I couldn't take it anymore so I called Momma. </div>
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{Phone Conversation} </div>
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Me: Momma, what are you doing?</div>
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Momma: Nothing really. Why? What are you doing?</div>
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Me: Headed home. Wanna break quarantine?</div>
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Momma: Where you going?</div>
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Me: For a ride in the country on the Razor (RZR)</div>
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Momma: Hell yes I do! </div>
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I told her I was just getting home and had picked up Chipotle for dinner and as soon as we got done eating I would text her. (Don't mind the cilantro in between my teeth in the photo! Ha!) Brandon and I were sitting on the back deck eating and here she comes on her golf cart! That's how Mom and Pops usually come over is by their golf cart! </div>
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Momma sat in the back of the Razor and we didn't touch but damn it was good to put my eyes on her! I do take this stuff seriously but we were on the Razor the whole time and I didn't touch her in an effort to keep up with the social distance. It was a beautiful afternoon and the sunshine mixed with country roads and fresh air did the body good and for a little while, we didn't really think about COVID-19. Our little drive took us on a 25-mile trip! </div>
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While it was starting to get cool on the ride home I can't help but love this view as we come home! </div>
Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-88072314459732839252020-03-19T20:38:00.000-05:002020-03-19T20:38:45.069-05:00A Little Humor Today! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 19, 2020 ~ You guys, I know COVID-19 is serious. I have already told you that the unknown scares me the most. I do have faith that we will be OK but we will go through harder times before we get to better times. I am doing my part in "Social Distancing" myself but frankly, it's hard. It doesn't feel right. Sure we still have our cell phones, e-mails, text messages, FaceTime and social media but being told to stay away from others is extremely hard for someone like me, who loves to be around people. I am trying to stay positive and support small businesses as much as I can.<br />
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In a time where businesses are slowly shutting down or drastically changing their hours it's crazy and just seems unreal. It makes my heart sad to see tough decisions that friends and business owners are having to make knowing they are trying everything they can to keep their employees employed. Just know we are in this together and just keep doing the best you can as this isn't your fault.<br />
We will get through this! </div>
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I try to find happiness in these days. It makes me smile when so many friends are now working from home and trying to be good at homeschooling their child(ren) or now working with their husbands. You guys, I am laughing at many of your posts and realize how much there is to not only raising a child but also trying to teach them and an adjustment of working with a spouse when that's not a normal thing for you. While we don't have kids I feel for everyone as they adjust to a "new temporary normal". Those of you that truly homeschool your child(ren) I praise you. I'm sure it's not easy but the time you get to spend with your child(ren) will be something I hope they always remember. </div>
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For example, the following have been shared many times by many of you and I totally laugh because I can see you writing this! </div>
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I mean seriously! Hilarious! </div>
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Oh my gosh y'all! </div>
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Bahahaha! </div>
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No judging here! </div>
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This was pretty good too! </div>
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I am certainly not making fun of anyone in a stressful time but rather smile because we are trying to find a little humor in life despite the craziness. I think we all have to take a deep breath and remember that the most important thing is to find a way to spend this time with your child(ren) and find happiness with them. Extra cuddles, being able to spend time with them that you might not if you were in a "normal" daily routine. Perhaps you might find that this new routine brings a little more happiness and slows down the time as they grow up so quickly. </div>
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I have several friends who are teachers. I admire what they do each and every day to help, encourage and inspire the students in their classrooms. I know that they are all super passionate about teaching and each of their students becomes a part of their own heart. I know teachers are underpaid and under-appreciated. They are with your child(ren) a large portion of a day for nearly 9 months out of the year. They are working long hours trying to find creative ways to help your child(ren) during this time and this is just as hard on them. They love your child(ren). </div>
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My hope during this unknown time in our lives is that we each have a little more understanding, give a little more respect to those around us and genuinely appreciate every single human being. We are a team and we need to help where we can. </div>
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You guys, just remember to be kind. I can't help but think that certain things happen for a reason. I would never wish something like this on anyone but maybe this is a gentle reminder that we all need to slow down and stop taking so many things for granted. I have said for years "I'm going to slow down" and I am pretty sure I'm just as busy as I have always been. I really think we all need to take this time and put things in perspective. Will we get quarantined at home? Probably. Is it going to be hard? For many, yes. Is this going to take a financial toll on all of us? Absolutely! Will we be better people for being forced to pump the breaks and enjoy the things we often take for granted? Yes! There are a lot of things we can't control but there are a lot of things we can control. Find happiness in each day and realize there are people who have no family. </div>
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You guys, being "stuck" at home isn't so bad. (Remember those people stuck on a Cruise Ship?) Get outside, play games, put your phones down a little more, find time to have real conversations with your family, sit at the table for a meal together, make memories and take lots of pictures. I have no idea what will happen in the next few days, weeks or months but embrace it with a positive attitude. Maybe when all of this is over we might actually find that we don't have to be so busy all the time. As I get older it's more about the things money can't buy that is more important. </div>
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I will still never fully understand the whole "Toilet Paper Hoarding" but here's a little something from me to you.... You are loved sugars! </div>
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-31217659968729016492020-03-16T20:58:00.001-05:002020-03-16T21:56:23.395-05:00What's Normal?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 16, 2020 ~ I find myself asking this question a lot... What's normal? Who defines normal? Is my normal the same as your normal? It's a question that varies from person to person and I don't know that there is a good answer for "What's Normal". Perhaps normal is how we saw things growing up. Such as families sitting down at the table for a meal together and how that seems so few and far between now. Is it because both parents are working outside of the home and kids are so involved in various sports that you just don't have time to set down together let alone cook? Every family has a different answer and there isn't a wrong answer. We all have a different kind of normal and it's ok!<br />
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Unless you are living under a rock then everyone is talking about COVID-19 or as most of us know it, the Corona Virus. It's something that is everywhere we turn, its name is looking back at us. Social media, e-mails, store windows, television, radios and even friends and family texting or calling about it. It's literally everywhere. </div>
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I'm going to be completely honest with you, I am scared. I'm not scared of getting this virus or scared of dying but rather scared because of the unknown. I have said that I have had the opportunity to do a lot of awesome things in life and try to live my life to the fullest so that when my time comes to go meet the big man upstairs I am ok. (Now don't mistake me, I've got a lot of living left to do and don't want to go anywhere anytime soon) </div>
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For me, it's not knowing what the future holds. Tomorrow, next week, next month or even the next 6 months. While I do think the news hasn't helped the situation my hope is that people will take this seriously. It may not "affect you", as so many keep saying, but in fact, it does. What if your lack of listening to the simple things costs someone you love their life? We have to keep the common sense, well, common! Washing our hands should be a several times a day routine. Like going to the bathroom and before leaving making sure to wash your hands. When you feel the need to cough, cover your mouth and the same goes with sneezing. Most importantly, if you are sick, running a fever or simply don't feel good then stay home! Work is important, yes, but it's not more important than your life or the life of your co-workers. </div>
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For me and my family, I am trying to make sure that I have the basics, food in our freezer and canned items in the pantry. You guys, this is nothing different than our normal everyday life. I was low on meats in the freezer so I did go to the store to purchase that just so if we were stuck at home we would have options. I eat at home almost every single day for lunch and very seldom do we eat out at night. Weekends with friends are a treat but we are ok eating at home too. </div>
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Anyone that really knows me would already know I am somewhat of a hoarder on laundry soap, laundry softener, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toilet paper, paper towels, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons, lotion and over the counter medicines. This is something I have always had a good supply of each on hand for nearly 15 years because I personally didn't want to go to the stores each month. I know, I hear you and saying "I can't afford to do that". I totally get it and it wasn't something I ran out and spent hundreds of dollars "stocking up" but rather each time I would go I would buy an extra item and slowly built up my stash. I always look for sales, coupons and special buys... I hate paying full price for anything if I can find a sale. </div>
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Today, Columbia Public Schools announced that our schools will be closed from March 18 - April 13, 2020. I understand why they are doing this but my heart goes out to the kiddos who really depends on school to be their safe place in this crazy world, their guaranteed meal when maybe there isn't a lot at home to eat and their friends who help them forget about things going on that make them sad or hurt. I want to help those kiddos and I don't know exactly how. Spring Break would have been 1 week out of school but now they will be away from this safe place for nearly a month. </div>
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Senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems are another huge concern for me. Knowing they may or may not have the resources to allow them to get to the doctor, store or pharmacy safely. They may not have the money to afford the basic necessities in life and that breaks my heart. This literally could be life or death for them. </div>
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You guys, I don't have answers. I am trying to figure out how to navigate all of this and where I can help. Right now, there are lots of people stepping up but in the coming days, weeks and months they will need help. I am trying to come up with a game plan while trying to help my own family. My mom has cancer and doesn't need to be around any of this. My sister and brother-in-law both work (they are small business owners as well as my sister working in the health care field) and have 2 kids. Jaxon will be out of school on March 18th and I would imagine it won't be long for Asher's daycare to close. They will do what they can to balance work and taking care of the boys over the next month. (She said that it's silly to send Asher to daycare if Jaxon is home so in an effort to keep them somewhat confined she will keep him home) They want to keep them away from both of their parents, the kid's grandparents, because they are all not in the best health. I know many of you are already figuring out the same thing while worrying about how long it will be until your workplace is closed. Now, imagine a single parent with little or no help. Gosh, my heart goes out to them too. </div>
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For now, I know you can donate to several places within your local community. So many people are jumping up to help figure this out for those that need help and I couldn't be more proud of them. I have seen more human kindness in the couple days and that makes my heart happy. My hope when this is all behind us is that you will see a different kind of world. A world filled with kindness, love and genuine respect for one another with everyone willing to help one another... the way it was when I was growing up. </div>
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You guys, we are going to be ok. We are going to get through this and be stronger because of what we are about to go through. We have to remain positive in this situation. I think the only thing we can do at this point is to live day by day and give it the best we can. Reassure your kids it's going to be ok and help those in need where you can. Maybe it's sharing extra items you have, offering to take them to a doctor's appointment, picking up groceries or simply a phone call to check on them. Just remember to take care of yourself because if you don't you can't help others. </div>
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A very special thank you to our military for protecting our country and our freedoms. I know it's not easy for you to be away from your loved ones and in areas where danger is around the corner. You are loved and appreciated!<br />
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A very special thank you to our doctors, nurses, firefighters, police, and staff that are doing everything they can to take care of those that need help. You are putting yourself at risk every single day to make sure your patients are taken care of. You are loved and appreciated!<br />
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A very special thank you to the store employees who are working hard to keep the shelves stocked, the truck drivers that are working hard to get supplies from across the country to various locations. You are also putting yourselves at risk every single day (driving state to state) and dealing with everyone daily. You are loved and appreciated!<br />
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A very special thank you to the janitors and cleaning crews that are working really hard to sanitize schools, buildings, malls, facilities and any other public space that we use. Your work doesn't go un-noticed. You are loved and appreciated!<br />
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Teachers and educators... while you have no idea what will happen from this point forward but willing to work longer hours to make sure your students stay up to speed while they are away from your classroom... you are a saint! I already feel you aren't paid enough but knowing you don't do this profession for the money you truly are an amazing human being. Thank you for loving the kids that come through your schools and your classrooms unconditionally and wanting to see them be the best version of themselves possible with you as their cheerleader. (Home school parents you have huge kudos too) You are loved and appreciated!<br />
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Small business owners, I am also one of those, you guys are an amazing bunch of dedicated people who push through the hardest times to live the American Dream. We work hard to create jobs for others and do everything we can to keep our customers happy. We know this isn't easy and yet we show up every single day ready to tackle the day ahead. Y'all are some incredible people and we are in this together. We have banded together to support one another in good times and bad. You are loved and appreciated!<br />
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You guys, if I missed anyone it wasn't on purpose. Please don't take offense. I am trying to wrap my mind around everything and so many thoughts run through my head. I just have to get these thoughts out of my mind so I can process and think with a little more clarity each day.<br />
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-36545093984484017452020-03-15T14:22:00.001-05:002020-03-15T14:24:49.553-05:00Hey Y'all It's Me Michele... I'm Back! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 15, 2020 ~ Well, y'all it's been nearly 2 years since I have posted anything on my blog. 2 YEARS, you guys! How did time pass so quickly? How did I never come back to blogging? You guys, these are questions I ask myself constantly. While life certainly hasn't slowed down I find myself coming back to something I love which is writing and storytelling. My blog was a place I could do this and keep my thoughts in a journal so to speak.<br />
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The last 2 years have been full of adventure and changes. I'll try to highlight the top items that are on my mind as I hope that I will be more consistent in my writing. I will do my best to give enough information to bring you up to speed in future posts so they make the most sense. </div>
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Brandon and I will be married 23 years in September! We started dating when we were 16 years old and somehow we just blinked and 28 years have flown by! (23 married plus 5 years of dating) We are having fun and while I still want to wring his neck I wouldn't change "us" for anything in the world! </div>
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My last blog post was March 27, 2018 and was the <a href="http://thelongdirtroad10.blogspot.com/2018/03/baby-adams-gender-reveal.html">Baby Adams Gender Reveal</a> of my sister and brother-in-law. It was a boy and I still laugh at Ashley's reaction because she wanted a little girl so bad but my bother-in-law, Greg and my nephew, Jaxon's reaction was pretty good too! Obviously, our little family grew by one more little boy who arrived on September 19, 2018 and they named him Asher Gregory Adams. He's funny, loves his big brother and although he looks a lot like my sister except he has blonde hair! A perfect mix for our family! </div>
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Asher is a mess! At 18-months old he certainly keeps us on our toes!<br />
He reminds me of "Spanky" from The Little Rascals and a mix of Chris Farley!<br />
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Asher and Jaxon playing a game together earlier this year! </div>
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<a href="http://thelongdirtroad10.blogspot.com/2016/02/ct-scan-results.html">My Momma still has cancer.</a> She is doing great and her last doctor's appointment showed that her blood count was down to 11,000 from a high of 17,000! This is completely normal and her cancer doctor told her it will fluctuate from time to time but this was the first time it's gone down! I have a lot of people ask me how she's doing and for the most part, she is good. She just gets tired easier and not sure if that's from age, cancer or perhaps both. </div>
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I have tried to take her with me on some travels to spend some quality time with her! I always love our time together and also love it when we get Brandon to go with us. We have made some good memories that I can't help but smile when I see pictures pop up on my social media! </div>
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I started Midway Mercantile Co in February 2019! After taking several glass classes with Cindy Lou's Glass Studio I fell in love with this craft and decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business! It's been full of many emotions because while it's exciting it's also scary! I know I can do anything I set my mind to and I am not afraid of work, but the idea of doing something I have never done before like this terrified me! It's been an interesting journey and one I truly enjoy! I sell my items on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/midwaymercantileco">Etsy</a> as well as 4 retail locations in Missouri! I will talk more about this in a blog post just about Midway Mercantile Co so stay tuned! </div>
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Pops turned 69 in February and Momma will turn 68 in April. They were both diagnosed with cancer when they retired and was an eye-opener for all of us. The biggest lesson is that you have to enjoy every single day with those you love so we have made a point to do things with them! Just recently we stopped by (they only live a few houses from us) and went for a RZR ride with them. Nothing fancy but quality time together for sure! (Of course, we try to make sure we get my sister, brother-in-law, and nephews together as often as we can!) Family is so important to me especially as we get older. I don't want to look back on life and wish we had done more. We are doing more now and taking pictures along the way! </div>
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Our little diva cousin and her hubby had a baby too! Nixon Royal Secrist was born on December 26, 2018 and it's so much fun having the "babies" together! Since they are about 3 months apart it is always fun watching their little personalities come out! (There are 3 grand-daughters on the Crews side of our family. Myself then 5 years later came my sister, Ashley and 5 years later came our cousin, Stephanie. While we are cousins I feel like we are more like sisters and remain tightly connected which I love.) We all live here in Midway except Stephanie, Justin, and Nixon as they live in Kansas but come home fairly often. </div>
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I think the biggest change over the past 2 years has been me. I am not the same person I was previously. Don't get me wrong, I am still fun, enjoy making others laugh and my OCD shows through the same but as I get older I am becoming more sensitive. Things bother me that I would have normally let roll off my shoulders. I am extremely sentimental. I have always kept things that have been from someone special to me but I find myself looking at photos reflecting on memories or looking at an item and figuring out how I can re-purpose into something I will use in our home. I bite my tongue a lot! I am not one that likes conflict but if I need to stand up for myself or someone very close to me then I will gladly say something. As I get older I find myself asking if it's worth it. Is it worth the energy to argue? Is it worth me getting worked up over something that I should just let go or walk away from it for my own peace? </div>
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The majority of my life I have tried to make others happy and anyone in my very close circle would know I would do anything for them. I have found that over the years more people will take advantage of that and I have decided to protect my heart. I have been disappointed, taken advantage of, hurt and used. I have never put my own family first and yet they were always there when I needed them. It wasn't fair to them and I have made a point that will never happen again. </div>
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Brandon is my first priority followed by my family and then my tight circle of close friends. I want to make a positive difference in this world and think you can accomplish so much when your priorities are in line. Every year I look at the things I am involved in and make sure those things align with my passions and if they don't then I simply step back and allow someone else to step in. I think the same holds true for people you are around (business life and personal life) that they make you feel important and loved. Remember actions speak louder than words! </div>
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Life is all about learning and y'all... I'm still learning! I am not perfect and have many faults of my own but I am working on being the best version of me I can be. </div>
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-51700449509863158322018-03-27T16:47:00.000-05:002018-03-27T16:47:47.492-05:00Baby Adams Gender Reveal! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 20, 2018 ~ So I have been sworn to secrecy for the last 4-6 weeks but I have known my little sister, Ashley and brother-in-law, Greg were expecting another baby! This was a surprise for them as they had recently decided that one little boy, Jaxon was plenty and they were content with just having one child until she took a pregnancy test one morning!<br />
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They kept this information from Jaxon and the rest of the family until they saw the doctor to make sure everything was OK.<br />
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A little over a month ago we made a decision to start having weekly family meals. We would rotate between our houses and each person that was hosting that week would cook a meal. We all agreed that family is important but we all get busy and never seem to connect so this would allow us all to catch up and enjoy a good home cooked meal together! </div>
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Ashley and Greg were ready to tell our immediate family they were pregnant when they were around 6 weeks however their doctor told them to wait until they were at 8 weeks just to make sure nothing changed. They agreed and they would not say anything. </div>
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On February 19th after their doctor's appointment it was time to tell Jaxon. He was happy as he wanted a little brother or little sister. Then later that night it would be time for our family dinner and the perfect time to tell Granny and Papa.... </div>
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Jaxon would wear this shirt and spill the beans about his big news! </div>
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Everyone was shocked and surprised but very excited! </div>
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Ashley and Greg decided to have the DNA blood test done to make sure the baby was healthy and to find out the sex earlier than normal. </div>
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The test came back and they would be welcoming a healthy baby in September 2018 but the sex of the baby would be sealed in an envelope.<br />
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I decorated the following big box and we took to the party store and had them put the appropriate color balloons inside based on what was sealed in the envelope! <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The following is the video of the Baby Adams Gender Reveal..... </b></span></div>
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Greg and Jaxon really wanted a little boy....</div>
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Ashley really wanted a little girl.....</div>
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Jaxon's face is so sweet when he learns what they are having but Ashley's face is priceless! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's a Boy!</b></span> </div>
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Yes, Ashley was a little upset that it wasn't a girl... I mean this was her chance to have a mini-me and with all the things that were different with this pregnancy (this baby doesn't like sweets, lots of nausea with this one, etc) she was hopeful it was a girl. </div>
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After the first initial reaction and after seeing the blue balloons as they popped up, we are all very happy and can't wait to meet this little boy! </div>
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In all fairness, Greg and Ashley do make handsome little boys! </div>
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-83274916744478580902018-03-26T11:17:00.002-05:002018-03-26T11:17:46.532-05:009th Annual Midway Heights Elementary School Read-A-Thon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 12- 16, 2018 ~ This week was the 9th Annual Midway Heights Read-A-Thon put on by the Partners in Education. It's such a fun week and one that the students (and staff) look forward to having each year. Everyone works together as a team to make sure this event is successful and we pair it with a Reading Challenge to show the importance of reading!</div>
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This years theme was Fairy Tales! </div>
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Every year we rotate our themes so that as a student enters Kindergarten and leaves the school at the end of their 5th grade year they never have the same theme twice. (Creating these themes were a little challenging but now that we have them created it's so nice to just change a few things or add in something new and fun and roll with it!) </div>
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Throughout the week we have guest
readers come to the school and visit a classroom, just one reader per
classroom per day, to read a book to the students and then talk about
why reading is important in their jobs. It's really awesome to see
radio/TV personalities, police officers, highway patrol, sheriff
department deputy's, retired teachers, grandparents, and many more
people come to our school during this awesome week! </div>
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We use Twitter to post pictures using <b>#mheread</b> if you want to see some of our guest readers throughout the week! </div>
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We know that there are several kiddos that don't want to read or has to be somewhat bribed to read (that was me many moons ago) outside of school but this week inspires them to read every day! Just knowing this is a huge part of any career path you may choose and the more reading they do the better their vocabulary will become! I can say that there are certainly lots of kiddos who do love to read and sometimes it's just takes time or possibly finding the right kind of books to keep them interested in reading. </div>
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The PIE's holding little pie's on Pi Day! </div>
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I am so lucky to have an amazing Partner in Crime.... er..... Partner in Education! Tanya Alberty with D and H Drugstore has been a Partner in Education for 9 years at Midway Heights Elementary School! She has been awesome to work with and is by far the "techy" one of us and keeps us organized and structured! Of course I like to laminate things.... something they all laugh about but I like things clean and neat! We truly make a great team! </div>
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The Eversole's with Spectrum Utilities are also a PIE along with us and we couldn't do what we do without great supporters like them! Thanks y'all! </div>
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On Thursday morning we had a guest Storyteller, Priscilla Howe come to Midway Heights Elementary School to have two assemblies for the students. She did a great job and the kiddos really enjoyed having her! She had two puppets that came with her and they were a hoot too!</div>
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<a href="http://www.priscillahowe.com/">http://www.priscillahowe.com/</a></div>
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During this week long Read-A-Thon that includes a Reading Challenge we also add in Literacy Night! On Thursday night we have a family fun event at the school from 6:00 -7:30 PM that is geared towards our theme and reading. This year we had Hanzel and Gretel Snacks, Plant A Magic Bean Stalk, Too Hard Too Soft Musical Chairs, Fairy tale BINGO and more! Each student received a goody bag that included a free book from Scholastic! </div>
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Students were encouraged to dress as their favorite fairy tale character - these were some creative kiddos.... love the 3 Little Pigs that is siblings and the little Mary Poppins! So stinkin' cute! </div>
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This year marks our 10th year of being a Partner in Education with Midway Heights Elementary School in Columbia, MO. This is the same elementary school I went to from Kindergarten through 6th grade and it was this school, along with many of the teachers I had through the years helped shape me into who I am today and because of that I wanted to give back in a meaningful way to this wonderful little country school located in Midway! </div>
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Thank you to everyone involved in making the 9th Annual Read-A-Thon a huge success! The students at Midway Heights Elementary School were given a 40,000 minute Reading Challenge for the whole school during a specific time period and if they reached this goal they would get a Kona Ice Party. Well, I've already told you that this is an awesome little school and the students actually read a total of.......</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>54,949 total minutes!!!</b></span></div>
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You guessed it... They won a Kona Ice Party! </div>
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Thank you Chris and Cathy Cook for bringing your party trucks out to celebrate! </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/konaicecomo/">https://www.facebook.com/konaicecomo/</a></div>
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-65121826450739422262018-03-15T17:14:00.004-05:002018-03-15T17:14:50.873-05:00A Wild Hair - Donating to Children With Hair Loss! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXom7P1dGXYzsv1OsqxLdjx5yWS-wwGlmK2iskhS44Y-pE9lbmALev7wvYul1XMMUvRytps9hh3VlJfIpN_l-F6QoOAxstppE5nxhJ9XA6NDFVMLjT5SuMiM3cCikSjvsmNzgWNdH2JQB/s1600/IMG_6572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXom7P1dGXYzsv1OsqxLdjx5yWS-wwGlmK2iskhS44Y-pE9lbmALev7wvYul1XMMUvRytps9hh3VlJfIpN_l-F6QoOAxstppE5nxhJ9XA6NDFVMLjT5SuMiM3cCikSjvsmNzgWNdH2JQB/s320/IMG_6572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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March 15, 2018 ~ Today is one of my favorite days... it's Hair Day (aka: Tinfoil Thursday)! I love hair days which only come once every 3 months - because I can't stand the thought of going every month for highlights and a trim. When this day comes around I feel like a new woman and today I got a wild hair to cut off more than I would during just my normal highlight and trim! </div>
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I have been talking about cutting my hair off and donating it for several months. It takes forever for my hair to grow and I just got it to a length I really liked but donating it was more important to me. </div>
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I mean, it's just hair and it will grow back! </div>
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I have been researching organizations that you can donate your hair to that would accept hair that was color treated (I just highlight my hair) and stumbled across Children With Hair Loss and was so happy that they would accept my hair and the minimum requirement to donate was 8" of hair - however they would love more if you have it.<br />
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So many organizations wouldn't take hair that wasn't "virgin" hair and I totally understand their reasons however I would like to believe that there are far more people that process their hair that would like to do something good for others and can't - until I found Children with Hair Loss! </div>
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This picture was taken right after I sat down and we measured my hair to cut... then it was time to highlight before finalizing the cut! I wasn't really nervous but rather anxious to see my new style! I knew I would like it but also knew it would take a few days to adjust to this new look! Even blow drying my hair was weird because there wasn't much there and it didn't take long to dry!<br />
(Yes I am a complete fruit loop and fix my own hair at the salon.... crazy I know!) </div>
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The last time I donated my hair was on April 7, 2011 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1985491442629.2119932.1403552915&type=1&l=1db9f942cf">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1985491442629.2119932.1403552915&type=1&l=1db9f942cf</a></div>
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Shew wee sugars, now you know why I call it "Tinfoil Thursday"! There is a hot mess going on inside all that shiny metal and soon enough I will have balanced locks that are blonde again! I can only imagine that they get a heck of a discount on tinfoil! (I am sure they go through a ton of it!) <br />
As a side note I did have really great cell signal! Ha! </div>
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The new haircut with some much needed highlights!<br />
Feels so weird but I love it... Thank you Jen Bloss! </div>
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It feels good to give back to others especially when it's something we have and don't need. I know it's not near as much but it's something I know I can do to help someone else. I have really fine hair and I know this won't even come close to making one wig but hopefully whomever receives a wig from pieces of my hair will find joy and happiness.<br />
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Interested in donating your hair and want more information?<br />
Visit their website: <a href="http://www.childrenwithhairloss.us/">http://www.childrenwithhairloss.us/</a><br />
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-74215388575179510822018-03-08T14:44:00.003-06:002018-03-08T14:44:54.210-06:00Happy International Women's Day! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 8, 2018 ~ For me, I try to remain neutral on all social media outlets when talking about subjects such as religion, politics and sexual orientation. I personally would rather sit down, face-to-face and have a real conversation with someone to better understand, educate and comprehend a topic or subject. When I see a post on someone's social media page I don't take offense as I know that they are trying to understand or possibly make a point however many times it's taken in the wrong context which causes many comments (both positive and negative) to start taking place. Sometimes the originator of the post can keep the conversation going and asking questions or explaining in further detail however many times no comments are made by the originator of the post and this brings mixed messages.<br />
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We all are curious and have our own opinions about many things in life. For me, social media isn't the best place to discuss those things unless you are willing to start hard conversations, offend others, be offended or simply be called out on something that you may believe in. Those face-to-face conversations are so much deeper, you see the emotion and feel the passion in the other persons actions, facial expressions and body language. I do think that if you are going to use social media to talk about politics, religion, gender equality then you need to give as much details and then ask for what you are looking for. When you put something out there on social media that is open ended then it opens the doors for negativity, misunderstandings and confrontation.... which you all know I am not a fan of. I certainly don't judge someone because of there choice or stance on a subject instead I try my best to respect others thoughts and beliefs with the understanding that we must agree to disagree from time to time. Listening to someone elses perspective gives you a view that you may not have thought of or the chance to ask questions to better understand - never to make fun of someone.<br />
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Today, I will celebrate International Women's Day by always remaining positive, trying to inspire others and applauding the many amazing women throughout the world that have done some incredible things to make this world a better place. I am certainly proud of women who have taken a leap of faith (at times) and started their own business, raising a family (many times doing both at the same time) and took time to give back unselfishly to their communities and beyond. They are setting the tone for other women and young girls that with hard work and determination you can do just about anything you set your mind to! </div>
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<b><u>As a side note:</u></b> I completely understand that there are physically some things that many women can not do that men can do however I am proud that behind many of these women are supportive men (husbands, fathers, sons, grandpas, etc.) that encourage us to pursue our dreams. </div>
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As a woman I do my best to lift other women up while recognizing their potential. I often remind myself that we all started somewhere and I certainly remember the women (and some men) that wouldn't offer advice or even tell you anything about running a business in our early years. I learned quickly that I don't want to be that kind of woman. If I can give advice or talk to another woman about trials and tribulations of owning a business in an effort to support, encourage and over come obstacles as they move forward then I would gladly sit down and talk to them. It's not easy but it is worth it. </div>
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I am the first person to admit that I am the hardest on myself by always doubting that I can do something. I have several women in my life that have been a mentor, even if never officially knowing it. Having such positive, motivated, hard working women that I keep close to me is worth more than gold. Just watching these women move mountains (although not literally) they have truly inspired me along the way and I can't imagine life without them in it. I can't name everyone but a handful of specific women would be my Momma, Sarah Hill, Christy Asper, Shefali Burns, my Golden Girls...<br />
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I also have a very close circle of friends and those people are very much a part of my tribe and I lean on them a lot as well. I appreciate every single one of these people and couldn't imagine life without them in it either! </div>
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<b><u>What can you do to recognize other women?</u></b></div>
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1. Nominate them for an upcoming award that they would be deserving of</div>
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2. Send them a hand written note with a positive message inside</div>
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3. Connect them with someone you may know to help them reach their goals and/or dreams<br />
4. Encourage them to do something they have always wanted to do<br />
5. Promote them and/or their business<br />
6. Become a Mentor to someone or perhaps find a Mentor for yourself<br />
7. Pass their name along, something of interest to them (ie: Board position, volunteer position)<br />
8. Support something they are an advocate for<br />
9. Listen more - There is a reason we have two ears and one mouth<br />
10. Lead by example - Be your authentic self all day every day<br />
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My advice to any woman - don't ever be afraid to follow your dreams and your heart. Do you admire a successful woman? Then sit down for coffee, lunch or a glass of wine with her... I bet you'll be surprised to hear her story and things that shaped her life along the way. Life isn't perfect but leaning on key people will certainly help you reach your goals... don't ever give up! You may need to take a few steps back or possibly get knocked down (not physically) but always stand back up, put a smile on your face and determination in your heart because girls... you are gonna set this world on fire! <br />
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The color for International Women's Day is purple. Lilac's are my favorite flower and it would take truck loads of these beautiful smelling flowers to give one to each woman who inspires, does amazing things and doesn't let anything stand in her way... these flowers are for you!<br />
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Just a few of my favorite quotes -<br />
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-84915312180183754452018-03-06T09:34:00.000-06:002018-03-06T09:34:10.443-06:00Interview with Lt. Col. Ferrill A. Purdy! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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March 3, 2018 ~ For anyone that has followed my blog and followed the journey of writing my second children's book, A Trip To Remember, you might remember some incredible things we found out when researching Lt. Col. Ferrill A. Purdy. Three key pieces that will always have a piece of my heart, besides Mr. Purdy of course, was finding his wing man, Major John H. Tashjian and reuniting them, finding a plane they both flew during World War II in combat - Corsair F4U-1A # 17799 and the Planes of Fame Air Museum family. We found these people and things in 2016 and for the last nearly 2 years they will forever have an important place in my life. (Photo Credit for above photo goes to Jeff Burg with Grindstone Digital Imaging)<br />
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For the last two years I have had the honor and privilege of traveling to Chino, CA and being a small part of their Living History Event focusing on the Corsair F4U-1A #17799. During the entire year they will pick a war bird and focus on it for a month, have presentations with veterans, historians and pilots to give the audience an over view of that particular aircraft then fly it. The Living History Event for the Corsair had been in August for the past two years and this year they bumped it up to March 3, 2018. Sadly, I couldn't make the trip with several commitments going on around home. I was really bummed as I didn't want to miss out on this very special event. Planes of Fame Air Museum understood and then I received an e-mail from Harry "T" Geier, Director of Marketing and Development who suggested that maybe we can do a phone interview with Mr. Purdy during this event. I loved this idea and it would certainly bring a different spin on this presentation because they have never gotten the chance to hear Mr. Purdy speak! We talked a little more and decided to try Skype... this way everyone would be able to see him on the big screen they have at their events AND hear his voice! </div>
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A few days before the event we tested the Skype connection at Mr. and Mrs. Purdy's house, on their 64th Wedding Anniversary and everything checked out nicely. We were all really excited to be able to have Mr. Purdy a part of their Living History Event. The best part was Mr. Purdy was really excited to do this and just couldn't believe that technology would allow all of this to happen! </div>
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On the day of the event we were unable to test connections one last time. If you have ever been to one of Planes of Fame Air Museum's Living History Events you will know that the energy is high, volunteers, members of the community and beyond are checking out the various planes and waiting for this day to get started. (Plus it is 2 hours earlier than Missouri time) The event started and we were up but sadly we couldn't get Mr. Purdy on the big screen. A minor issue so we quickly turned to "Plan B" which was doing the phone interview just as we first discussed. I know it was nice for the 350-400 in attendance to hear his voice - the voice of the first known pilot to have flown their Corsair F4U-1A # 17799 but I really wish they could have seen him. We got done with the interview and Mr. Purdy was happy. He was so willing to help in any way possible. I visited them for a little longer and then headed home. </div>
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I received a private message from Lorrie Hermann, who was in attendance at the Planes of Fame Air Museum's Event and suggested that we try Facebook Live - What a brilliant idea! Why didn't I think of that... I mean seriously I had the technology literally in my hands! </div>
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I drove back over to Mr. and Mrs. Purdy's house and told them what I wanted to do so that everyone would be able to see Mr. Purdy and hear him respond to various questions I would ask him. It wouldn't be long but just something that would be kind of cool to share with others. He was on board and was ready when I was! </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSPRYPublishing%2Fvideos%2F1697193007006493%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SPRYPublishing/">Michele Spry, Author</a> on Saturday, March 3, 2018<br />
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This was my first "Facebook Live" video and I apologize for not having my thoughts well thought out but hopefully it makes sense! Mr. and Mrs. Purdy watched it after we were done and he just laughed. At almost 96 years old all of this technology is crazy to wrap your mind around. I love sitting and listening to his stories and I will have to do this again sometime - pieces of history being captured for many years to come. He said the hardest part about getting older is that he is starting to forget a lot of the island names and that bothers him. I think he does pretty darn good and because I have had the pleasure of visiting 60+ schools in Mid-Missouri and tell his story then I can help with part of it - although we haven't talked a lot about his time on Tarawa. </div>
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I hope you enjoyed this video and I am so thankful that technology allowed Mr. Purdy to travel from his home (while sitting comfortably in his recliner) to California. Hug your veterans tight and thank them for their service often! </div>
Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-64082289432285511322018-02-26T08:17:00.002-06:002018-02-26T08:17:45.189-06:00Frugal Living in 2018... Part 2! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February 26, 2018 ~ So I am truly enjoying this new-to-me simple (aka: frugal) lifestyle and I also enjoy sharing my thoughts, ideas and actions with you guys. I'll be completely honest, in the past saving money wasn't really something that was in my vocabulary. I wanted to travel the United States, make memories and enjoy life. Now that Brandon and I have seen all 50 states over the past several years we have made many memories and enjoyed life but it also meant that we always were on the go and never (or hardly ever) would sit still. I wouldn't change that fast paced and crazy lifestyle for anything however I suppose as we grow up and become adults things in life change. I am ready to be home and just enjoy making memories locally. (Don't get me wrong - we will still visit places throughout the years but not near like we had been previously)<br />
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To me saving is more important than ever as the reality of retirement is closer than it once was. Don't get me wrong... my husband and I are 42 (well, he's 42 and for the next 6 months I will be known as his "younger" 41 year old wife)... we still have several years to work but just before we turned 40 we set a "Retirement Goal" of 50. Now before y'all start getting all "Have they lost their mind" on us please remember that this is only a goal. Perhaps in reality we don't retire until we are 55, 60 or even 65 but if you don't set a goal for yourself then how do you ever work towards something? It's just getting the idea of retirement in your thought process and saving up as much as we can so we can afford to retire. <br />
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Setting goals can be a bit overwhelming, scary and even difficult but with determination, hard work and keeping a daily reminder of your goals you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. I am a visual person. I will tell you this anytime we are going to work on a project or brainstorm because I need to see the big picture. From that point I like to work backwards to find out what I need to do right now in order to reach the goal or deadline. It's just how my brain works. </div>
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In my previous blog post I talked about decluttering my home and living with less which I felt really was the pivotal piece that inspired this change. The next step to my frugal living journey would be to curb the spending. This would come in many directions but these few are huge ones for me. </div>
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<b>Eating Out!</b> </div>
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This was a major one for us. For nearly the past 10 years (give or take) we have just about ate out for lunch and dinner every single day. Obviously there were times when we ate at my parents house, my sisters house and friends houses but 90% of the time it was going out to eat. Now realize that we are just two people that do not have children and I know it sounds crazy but it was cheaper for us to go out and eat rather than cooking at home - at least this was my old mentality.<br />
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At the beginning of this year I put the brakes on us going out to eat and decided that I was going to start cooking at home. Yes my family laughed at this idea because I was not someone who would cook. After about 6 weeks of seeing that I was now cooking lunch and dinner at home every day and even inviting my family and friends over for home cooked meals I have heard "I would have never believed it if I hadn't seen it / tasted it for myself"! (Seriously, they don't know me by now that when I set my mind to something then I go all out and prove everyone wrong!)<br />
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This has actually been an easy transition for me and although I do struggle from time to time to come up with something different to cook ..... it's harder than you think because I am a super picky eater and if I don't like it then sugars, I ain't cookin' it! I stick to my basic beef, pork and chicken and have managed to come up with easy recipes that have most of the basic things in my refrigerator and pantry. (Many thanks to Pintrest and Google) I have several "new go-to" recipes and some that I won't make again - I do have to admit although they weren't horrible it won't be something I fix.<br />
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Something else we never did was eat leftovers. Yep, like never! Learning to cook without a lot of waste can be hard. I have purchased I have a Food Saver so that I can vacuum pack and freeze meats that are smaller portions and much easier not to waste... I love that little machine! I have also learned that leftovers are all in how you save them and how you re-heat them. You want there to be enough juice on green beans for example that when you re-heat them on the stove they aren't dried out or you need to add water or anything else to them. (I'm sure many of you already know this but it's somewhat a new concept to me) Also another key piece to leftovers is to warm up the meats slowly in the oven. Re-heating in the microwave, to me, makes a funny taste and then makes the meat nearly rubberized - YUCK!<br />
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Now don't get me wrong... not every meal is a gourmet meal by no means but I know what I am cooking is better for us and we aren't over eating meals. I guess the best part is being able to cook for our family and friends while enjoying a meal without all the noises. Honestly I don't miss eating out!<br />
(In the last 55 days we have ate out maybe 5-6 times tops.)<br />
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Let me just give you an idea of what this has saved us....<br />
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Lunch would run anywhere from $10 - $50 (if we bought lunch for others)<br />
Dinner would run anywhere from $20 - $60 and could go up if we bought dinner for someone else<br />
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Let's just say on average we spent $40 per day for lunch and dinner for both of us<br />
Over the past 10 years let's say we ate out 90% of the time which would be 3,285 days<br />
$40 x 3,285 = $131,400 spent on eating out at minimum... GAH!<br />
{insert picking myself up off the floor}<br />
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Remember me telling you that I am a visual person? Well, actually seeing these numbers knowing that many times we spent a lot more than the average but also eating at family and friends houses is crazy to think we've spent that kind of money on food while eating out!<br />
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I would expect that with my new method of a frugal lifestyle we could cut that by more than half in 10 years and have healthier options which is ultimately better for our bodies. How do I expect to do that? Well here's my visual piece....<br />
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52 weeks in a year x 10 years = 520 weeks<br />
I have been spending on average about $125 per week on groceries<br />
*Realizing this is an approximate average*<br />
$125 x 520 = $65,000<br />
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I am certain with sharpening my shopping skills I can drop this number as well but it will take time to figure out coupons, double coupons, etc.<br />
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<b>Grocery and Shopping Lists!</b><br />
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I have always been a bulk shopper meaning that every time I needed to go to Walmart or Target I would buy 6-8 laundry detergents, 8 dish soaps, 24 bath soaps.... you get the point. My family and friends give me crap about how my closets look like Walmart shelves but honestly, I did this because I hate shopping for stuff like that but hate running out of basic supplies even more because then you were forced to go to the store for that item and come back out with 50+ items! I know y'all are shaking your head agreeing with me on this one... it's like once you cross the threshold of a store your list sudden gets tossed in the trash and it's a dang free for all! </div>
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NO MORE! </div>
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I have made lists for things I need to do each week at my office and sticking to those lists aren't hard so why is it so difficult to stick to a list when going to the store? So, I have a list next to my refrigerator and the moment I use up the last bit of something I add it to my shopping list. I have found that doing this has helped me to not buy things I do not need and use up the things I already have before replacing it. By sticking to this method I feel like I don't overspend or impulse spend nearly as much - Now if you think I never by something that isn't on my shopping list you are so wrong sugar.... I do!<br />
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I feel like I am being more structured, a better shopper and learning to be frugal in my financial habits. I also have been grocery shopping on the weekends with my sister which I love because I get to spend time with her but also because our goal is to get in and out of the store - no dilly dallying around! We make our Sam's Club run (I've never really paid attention to price tags - clearly because we ate out more than bought groceries) which I was very surprised at the savings of items we use often, then run over to Hy-Vee to get our groceries. I have always said that I would never run to 3-4 different stores to get things I needed but in reality when you know you can save a large amount of money then it sudden makes sense and becomes worth it. (I mean Sam's Club is next door to Hy-Vee so it's not like you are running from one side of town to the other)<br />
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In the past it seemed like I was forever in a store of some sort but now I feel like this scheduled shopping has helped me so much. Plus it's one more thing I don't have to do in my busy schedule of life is spend time trying to remember what I walked into the store for in the first place!<br />
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<b>Zero Spend Days! </b><br />
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Wait... What?!?! How do you expect me to live not spending every day? Yes, I freaked out at first when I thought about zero spend days but now I love marking down in my calendar every single day that I didn't spend any money from our personal accounts! Actually, it's became a fun game to me and when I have a spend day - grocery days and paying bill days but I try to do these on the same day so it only counts as one spend day per week - then I hate writing what I spent on my calendar but it's the reality of what we actually spend from month to month.<br />
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<b>Gift Cards = Zero Spend Days!</b><br />
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Say what?!? Yep I made a rule that I can totally live with! We all get gift cards for holidays, birthdays, returning items to a store with no receipt or sometimes just randomly in the mail from a friend. (My friends know I love Starbucks and always pay for a beverage for the person behind me in the drive through each time I go... randomly someone will give me a gift card which I will upload to my smart phone app and use it to pay it forward)<br />
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The gift cards have been previously paid for either by your self or others right... so there is no exchange of money taking place therefore when you use them it still counts as a zero spend day, unless of course you spend more than the gift card has on it. Brilliant idea!<br />
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I have a random collection of gift cards from food places to gas stations to local shops and more that I keep with me at all times. When I am thinking about something I really need I look at the gift cards to see if I can get those items at a place I have a gift card to. Food gift cards... I know we will want to grab something quick sometime or maybe have a date night and I have 7-8 different gift cards to choose from ranging from $25-50 each. I had taken a few items back that I didn't have a receipt for and have a small handful of gift cards to craft shops. When paired with coupons you really get more for your money and stretch it a little further.<br />
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Now before y'all try changing the population in Tightwad, Missouri (yes it truly is a real town) just know that I am 100% still human and will enjoy a normal life. I needed to put a financial plan in place and this seemed 2018 seemed like the perfect year to start! I just want to be aware of what we are spending and where it's going while putting money back to continue growing our emergency funds, savings accounts and retirement accounts while moving towards a retirement goal.<br />
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Now if you are already doing these things to save money monthly and even yearly - great job! Sorry that I am just now figuring this out and thinking about our future. If you aren't doing these things I would just encourage you to just take a look at these things and see where you might be able to shave a little off your monthly expenses and knock out any debt you may have. I can tell you that in the last 55 days I have learned what I truly need vs. what I want, where my money is truly going and how to shut down the areas that you don't really need while getting rid of things around your house that are stuck in a storage unit to never be seen again... Y'all get rid of the clutter and simplify your life! Take baby steps and I promise it will make you feel better!<br />
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<b>Saving for Retirement!</b> </div>
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<br />So the final piece to all of this, for me, is to put more into our IRA's each year. Through our business we have a 3% employer match and my goal this year is to bump up the amount we personally put in our IRA's with each paycheck to watch our retirement funds grow! I would like to bump it up to a total of 15% going in each paycheck including the 3% employer match. Baby steps right? <br />
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Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-60508413418884022692018-02-23T16:20:00.001-06:002018-02-23T16:20:35.401-06:00Frugal Living in 2018!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February 23, 2018 ~ Frugal living... wait... what?!?! I have never considered myself "frugal" by no means and before y'all think that I am becoming a complete tightwad let me just tell you... that I kind of am! No, I haven't lost my mind! As I think about my goals for 2018 one of the things I really want to do is live with less. Not the "living with less" that means we will move to a remote part of the world, catch our water in tubs and live by sunlight - clearly there is nothing wrong with this lifestyle but I simply mean less stuff and less clutter. <br />
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I don't know why but I loved this picture from the moment I saw it. I do have an old soul that loves antiques blended with new things. Re-purposing old things to give them new life even makes me happy. I guess the simplicity of basic things, some of which are old or perhaps look old, with a simple arrangement of flowers in a Ball jar for example, just makes me smile. Simple is good. </div>
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In order to began the path to a frugal lifestyle I needed to declutter my life. My stress level began to rise when I realized that I had so much stuff that I didn't need. Seriously, who needs 20 random fabric bags, bedding for 10 beds, and enough clothing to cover 100 people?!?! I had totes, clothing, misc. household items and more scattered all over my house - something my OCD doesn't handle well. </div>
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My point is that I knew that I needed to get rid of things and figure out what I truly needed to keep and what I could get rid of and/or pass along to someone else. I began to make piles....</div>
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1. <b>Keep</b> - Items that I needed to keep such as family items, special or memorable items and things that I know I will use in the next year or so. I am almost embarrassed to tell you that I had nearly 40 totes that were completely cleared out and gone, making my storage area much easier to look at and not overwhelming when walking through the door.... nearly 40 totes y'all and we ain't talking little totes either! Crazy! </div>
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2. <b>Sell</b> - Items that are in great/good condition that are worth selling to make a little extra money to put into savings. This is something I didn't even think about. I mean I know I have several items that were totally sell-able but one day our receptionist, Nicole turned me on to a Facebook page called: Columbia / Boone County MO Swap Shop... {insert heavenly rays of sunshine here} This was a game changer in a major way and extremely simple to use. You simply ask to be added to the 39,000+ member page and then you snap a picture of the item(s) you are selling, put your asking price and done! I began getting private messages and requests to purchase my items - just like that I was running over to the Columbia Mall meeting people and exchanging the items they purchased for cash.... something my shoe-box loved! Every day I am trying to sell something and it's nice seeing that you actually have room (and a little extra money) for something you really enjoy! They have these types of groups all over Facebook and I would highly suggest that you give it a try! </div>
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3. <b>Donate</b> - Items that are in great/good condition and would be of value to an organization. Here in Columbia, MO we have some wonderful organizations that do great things for people in our community. When I have had items to donate I have simply asked my friends on Facebook for their suggestions - for example: I had 2 older luggage sets that my husband and I had taken on several vacations. The wheels were just about worn off but the luggage themselves were still good so when I asked what to do with them, one of my friends suggested donating to someone they knew going on a mission trip! Excellent idea! I have also donated items to Upscale Resale which is a great little store here in Columbia, MO that takes donations, sells the items and uses the money to put towards various things in the community such as: Operation School Bell, Parent Packs, Assault Survivor Packs and more! There are many more wonderful organizations, which I won't name for fear of forgetting someone, but ask around and make sure to ask for their "Want Lists" as you never know, you may just have extra items around your house that you can donate! </div>
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4. <b>Trash</b> - Items that should have not been stored, broken and not repairable or just junk. You know, when you see it and think "why in the world did I save that"! </div>
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I did find that I had an abundance of t-shirts and it seems like those are items that everyone has enough of so I decided to cut them up and make t-shirt rags out of them. They are great to use in the garage, dusting or use them for craft projects and throw them away when you are done! </div>
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-25154265983014771632018-02-22T16:11:00.003-06:002018-02-22T16:11:55.613-06:00Well Hello February! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February 1, 2018 ~ So when I saw this picture I was totally shaking my head yes! I mean seriously, is it just me or has the past 32 days literally flown by?? I have been saying that I am going to slow down and enjoy every single day while not letting them fly past me but somehow I have failed. Brandon and I have been flying by the seat of our pants for years and it's been a blast, great memories were made and I wouldn't change any of it for the world but frankly I'm ready to chill out! I know y'all are like blah blah blah.... you will never slow down - but I really am trying to figure out how to put the brakes on a little more than in the past and set a few goals along the way.<br />
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They say the older you get the faster time flies.... </div>
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It's crazy but it's so true! I remember being a kid and it seemed like summer lasted forever and as you get older it seemed like the weeks drug on yet the weekend went by quickly. Now I feel like the weeks go by so quickly and the weekends go by at the speed of light! I find myself looking at how quickly these past 32 days have went and yet try to remember where the past couple of years went. </div>
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<b>So how in the world do you slow it down?</b></div>
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Great question... I don't have the perfect answer to this but for me it's about figuring out what is most important and then where your passions are. In some sort I guess you could call this "Time Management" and for me it's the following 4 items:</div>
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1. <b>Family!</b> Your family should come first and if they don't you need to change that. They are the ones that support you, love you and are there to listen when you need them. I respect people when they say they can't attend something because that is during a family event. I wish more people would say that because typically at the end of the day we are only spending a handful of hours with those that mean so much to us. Trying to find balance is certainly challenging but can be very rewarding when you find a routine that works for you. My family has decided that we will have one family meal each week and rotate houses between Mom and Dads, my Sister and her husband (and nephew) and our home. Sometimes we will figure out how to squeeze another night in at someone's house but it's something we look forward to each week! </div>
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2. <b>Friends!</b> Your friends are the next in line and I would say that you choose quality over quantity. Wouldn't you rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies? (My point is that we all have friends - many are business friends or friends we have made while being involved in organizations or met at your kids school but to have a core group of friends that that you can count on for anything at anytime - those are the ones you need to cherish and appreciate because they are rare) Friendships change over the years and while you often times don't get to see someone near as much as you would like you know that they are special and unique and you won't ever let them go but make time for those people. </div>
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3. <b>Jobs!</b> Our jobs would be third in line. For majority of us we have to work to support our households and to do the things we love and enjoy. Other than sleep our jobs might be the next biggest thing we spend our time doing. It can be rewarding yet frustrating at times and even owning your own business takes time to do daily tasks that keep things on track. When you are working you really need to give 100% daily and if you aren't happy then find something that will make you happy so you can give 100%. No job is ever perfect and even owning a business comes with it's own challenges but never just do the bare minimum - you have a stronger work ethic than that! </div>
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4. <b>Organizations / Volunteer!</b> The final item for me is organizations and volunteering - We all are passionate about something - Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Veterans, Senior Citizens, Children, etc. yet we only have so many hours in a day and so many days in a week. You can't run yourself into the ground trying to "do it all" so instead think about where you can make the most impact. Also, factor in how much of your time will be needed when getting involved in an organization. At one point I was too involved and the hard headed person that I am wasn't willing to say that I simply couldn't do it all. I finally made the choice to step away from certain organizations. Not because I didn't like them but rather because I wasn't able to give 100% to them and I now realize that it's OK to say "No". Now when I am asked to do something I will ask key questions then take a couple days to give them an answer. It's my way to be real with myself and not over commit my time or time with my family. </div>
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I am a visual person and for me it makes it easier to see what my week looks like. I am old school and use a Day Planner that I physically write in every day - I know y'all are like "Michele, we do live in a technologically savvy world full of smart devices that will keep a calendar and keep track of things for you". I'm over here like "Y'all just won't understand!" For me I like to turn the pages (like using my fingers) and seeing that I have 4 events coming up next week or 2 events in September that is like 7 months from now without worrying that something get erased or moved on accident. I just like simple things and for me this is simple and easy to use! Before I commit to anything I get to the office (I never take it from my office so I am not tied to it) and see what I already have planned then I can make a decision on if I want to make time to add it to my calendar or not. Remember that you are in charge of doing what makes you happy! </div>
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I would encourage you to print out something like this (or for you tech savvy people do a spreadsheet on the computer) and block off the time that you are busy getting kids ready for school or yourself ready for work, the hours that you are working, other activities like dance lessons or ball practice for your kiddos and dinner with the family/friends. Once you have all of that filled in then look at the spaces that don't have something filled in. It's eye opening when you figure out that there may only be an hour or two that isn't spoken for but before you fill it in with volunteer time think about filling it in for some much needed "Me" time or one-on-one time with your spouse/partner or your child. The biggest thing for me, is finding where I can add an extra hour or two to focus on being at home and spending time with family. It's hard and when you see what your life looks like from a visual standpoint then you start changing things. We only have one life to live and we have to take care of ourselves to help others - While you figure out where you have spare time in the course of a month think about penciling in some time for yourself say maybe 6 months down the road then you can look at getting involved in a volunteer activity that you have wanted to get involved in. </div>
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One other thing I do daily is write down the things I need to do each day in a small binder that stays open on the side of my desk so I always see it. Nothing big and something with lined pages. I do this Monday through Friday and it helps me to knock out my to-do list each day without fear of forgetting something. (I will be completely honest and tell you that my memory isn't what it used to be however I would write things on a post it note and forget where I put the dang thing) This way if there is something I need to remember to do on Thursday and it's Monday I can just add it to Thursday's to-do list and forget it! It feels so good to come to work knowing what my tasks are for the day and feels even better to cross them off as I get them done! Occasionally I don't get something done that day so I will highlight the item and transfer it to the next day and continue this process until I can cross it off! (Truth time... I had one project that I tried to push off for almost 2 weeks but finally just jumped in to get it done and cranked it out in no time at all - should have just done it when I originally put it on my to-do list!) I would highly recommend this for anyone who needs help staying on task and making sure you get things done in a timely manner! </div>
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Maybe you are already doing something like this and that's awesome! Maybe you want to start doing something like this and don't know where to start. Regardless just keep focusing on your goals and maybe something from this blog post will inspire you to change what you are doing or perhaps offer advice to help others. Whatever it is never give up and I hope you find a little extra time for you! </div>
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-23562881311487649492018-02-22T13:40:00.002-06:002018-02-22T13:40:18.396-06:00I'm back y'all....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February 1, 2018 ~ Well hey there sugars! It's only been a year and a couple months since I have blogged and to be completely honest... I've missed it! I felt like it was a way to tell a deeper story than I could tell on various social media platforms and it was a perfect writing outlet for me....soooooo.... I am going to try to get back in the swing of blogging! {insert happy dance here}<br />
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2017 was a fast paced and busy year - but then again those of you that know me would be shaking your head in agreement that my life is always fast paced! Ha! Before I can move forward I feel like I need to get several things out of my head and reflecting on 2017 makes me smile. It was full of many emotions but each memory (many that aren't listed on this monthly list) holds a special place in my heart. It's kind of like hearing an old song and your memory going back to a special time. So, let's see what 2017 had in store for me.....<br />
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<b>December 21, 2016</b> one of my good friends, Lindsay Lopez lost her husband in a tragic farming accident. Myself along with 2 other girlfriends, Sarah Dubbert and Shelly DeVore (also known as the Golden Girls - not like Mizzou Golden Girls but rather the 1980's show of 4 old friends) banded together to help our friend in the worst time of her life. She is an amazing woman (just as the other two ladies) who wouldn't be on this journey alone but one that we didn't know how to navigate. We all have learned a lot in this process and it's a great reminder to never take life for granted. Over the next several days, weeks and months we walked side by side with Lindsay and her two children, Ben and Kate. We were there for all the holidays and milestones as well as so many other caring and compassionate people. I am so proud of Lindsay for recently starting a blog to talk about her life since that day - I would encourage you to read her blog and I promise we can all learn from her perspective and think about things you never really thought about including how she is moving forward. <a href="https://walkingoutofthewoods.blogspot.com/">https://walkingoutofthewoods.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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<b>January 2017</b> we made a road trip to Nashville, TN to visit the Ryman to see Loretta Lynn! I was picked out of 2500+ people to come up on stage and play a game of guessing various items for Dollar General! It was a blast and I won a $25 gift card - Brandon, Momma and Pops were proud! I also had the pleasure of traveling with Sarah Hill to visit a 100 year old World War II veteran in Louisiana, MO. We took Honor Everywhere to him because he was physically unable to travel to Washington, D.C. to see his respective memorial so the next best option was for us to travel to him to view his memorial via Virtual Reality. You can find more information about Honor Everywhere here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.honoreverywhere.com/">www.honoreverywhere.com</a></div>
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<b>February 2017</b> I had been asked to be interviewed and photographed for the Columbia Business Times Magazine here in Columbia, MO. The article was titled "The Ten Most Influential Women in Columbia" and I hardly felt like I fit that description. It was humbling to be included with 9 other incredible women in our community but I know 100 other women who would have been far more deserving for this article. I greatly appreciated this opportunity and loved reading about the other women - Congratulations and thank you all for what you do for our community and beyond! You can read the article here. <a href="http://columbiabusinesstimes.com/2017/03/28/ten-influential-women-columbia/">http://columbiabusinesstimes.com/2017/03/28/ten-influential-women-columbia/</a></div>
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<b>March 2017</b> I began visiting schools throughout the Mid-Missouri area talking about Lt. Col. Ferrill A. Purdy, a World War II Marine Fighter Pilot and who was one of the main characters in my 2nd children's book, A Trip To Remember. Throughout the 2017 year I would visit 60 schools and had the chance to visit with nearly 18,000+ students talking about the importance of honor and respect towards one another but specifically towards our military men and women both active duty and veterans. It's something I truly enjoy each of my visits and had a chance to check out some really neat communities! Interested in me visiting your school in the Mid-Missouri area? Visit my website here: </div>
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<b>April 2017</b> I had the chance to volunteer and take photos for True North's "Little Black Dress" event. I always love doing this because the smile on the faces of these beautiful ladies (and a handful of handsome men) sure makes my job easy! I've done this for the past couple years and look forward to the 2018 Little Black Dress event! (Yes I even wear a black dress which I know many of you don't believe but this year I added my cowboy boots which made it more my style!) In or around Columbia, MO and want to come to support this great event? Visit their website and find out more information here: <a href="https://littleblackdresscolumbia.com/">https://littleblackdresscolumbia.com/</a></div>
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I also had the opportunity to be a small part of Central Missouri Honor Flight again during the 2017 year. By the end of this year they had taken 50 flights (since they started in 2009) and flown well over 3,000 veterans to their memorials in Washington, D.C. for free of charge. At the end of 2017 I had flown 25 flights with them and it is an experience I will never forget. Being able to spend this very fast paced 24 hours with some of our true American Heroes is something I wish everyone could experience. Live around the Mid-Missouri area and know of a World War II, Korean or Vietnam veteran that would be able to physically travel? Please visit Central Missouri Honor Flight's website and print off the Veterans Application and get them signed up! <a href="http://centralmissourihonorflight.com/">http://centralmissourihonorflight.com/</a><br />
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My mom had Fuchs' Dystrophy which is a disease of the cornea in your eye. This is something she has had for many years but as the disease progresses it would require surgery or she would go blind. Her vision was starting to really fail and a good friend of mine, Nancy Fay had this surgery as she also had Fuchs' Dystrophy. She had excellent success with her surgeries and had done her research to find the best of the best doctors that dealt with this but they were located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mom really wanted to have her surgery locally but I convinced her to do a consult with Price Vision Group in Indiana. Once she heard the downtime was far less than doing these surgeries locally and knew that I would take her and stay the week in Indiana with her she was totally on board. She had her first eye surgery in April 2017 and the 2nd one was done in May 2017. During these two surgeries (one for each eye) they replaced her cornea and did cataract surgery at the same time. Total surgery time was about 30-40 minutes per eye and we are so thankful for the eye donors that made this transplant possible as well as the excellent doctors, Dr. Matthew Feng and Dr. Jonathan Crews who took excellent care of my Momma! To learn more about Fuchs' Dystrophy visit the following website : <a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-fuchs-dystrophy">https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-fuchs-dystrophy</a></div>
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<b>May 2017</b> I had the opportunity to fly out to Chino, CA for the Planes of Fame Air Museum's 60th Annual Air Show! From the moment I met the wonderful people at Planes of Fame Air Museum we instantly became family so every time I get a chance to visit it's extra special. (Planes of Fame Air Museum is home to the World War II Corsair F4U-1A #17799 plane that Lt. Col. Ferrill A. Purdy and his wing man, Major John H. Tashjian flew during World War II overseas) During this Air Show it was extra special because not only did Gayla Maier (Purdy) and Greg Purdy - Mr. and Mrs. Purdy's kids, attend this Air Show but I went and picked up Mr. Tashjian to attend as well! They also featured the Corsair F4U-1A # 17799 along with 4 other Corsair's which was totally awesome! I am thankful that the Purdy kids and Mr. Tashjian was able to travel to Chino, CA for this special weekend! You can see additional information by clicking on these two links: <a href="http://warbirdsnews.com/aviation-museum-news/planes-fame-air-museums-f4u-1a-corsair-combat-veteran.html">http://warbirdsnews.com/aviation-museum-news/planes-fame-air-museums-f4u-1a-corsair-combat-veteran.html</a> and the following video is from the 2017 Air Show : <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WarbirdsNews/videos/1661242213937427/">https://www.facebook.com/WarbirdsNews/videos/1661242213937427/</a><br />
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<b>June 2017</b> our Uncle Karl Spry passed away suddenly. Anyone that knew Uncle Karl would agree that he was a hot mess! It is with the
heaviest of hearts that I tell you heaven gained another wonderful guy.
Our Uncle Karl Spry passed away unexpectedly. He was a guy that got the
nickname "Crazy Karl", who never met a stranger, served our country for
39 years, truly enjoyed life and loved his Busch beer! He definitely
loved his family and would just "pop" in the shop to visit us from time
to time. He was a one-in-a-million kind of guy and will certainly be
missed by so many. Please keep the Spry family in your thoughts and
prayers especially Aunt Sandy, his kids, Matt and Darren as well as
their families. This was such a blow to hear this news but I
know he impacted so many people during his time here on earth (believe
me... we've heard the many hilarious, shake your head, laugh until you
cry stories) but I can only imagine he is reunited with Grandma Ruby and
the rest of his family that passed away. Uncle Karl...I would have
never imagined when we saw you last week it would be our last.... love
you and miss you like crazy!<br />
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<b>July 2017</b> we took Uncle Terry, Aunt Debbie and Kate Lopez to the Arvin Gottlieb 4k Planetarium in Kansas City, MO to see the Beatles Laser Show! It was something we had never done before and before the show we checked out the Planetarium to learn about the various stars and zodiac signs that light up our skies then visited a mummy experience. I'm so glad we took a little extra time to visit these things and I am pretty sure that we all had a lot of fun and memories were made! You can check out the various shows and exhibits they have here : <a href="http://www.unionstation.org/sciencecity/planetarium">http://www.unionstation.org/sciencecity/planetarium</a><br />
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<b>August 2017</b> I turned 41 years old and my birthday this year would be a little different than most. Last year I had signed up to donate my wedding dress to turn them into Angel Gowns for babies that are still born or pass away shortly after they are born. Since Brandon and I chose not to have children I wanted to do something special with something that was so special to me. I had opted to have the Angel Gowns sent back to me along with the scraps of my dress. On August 2, 2017 I took my mom and headed to the hospital I was born at... Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO to donate a large portion of Angel Gowns to their Labor and Delivery Floor. A very special day was captured by Byler Media and I worked with Christy Asper (The Ink Cafe <a href="http://www.theinkcafe.com/">http://www.theinkcafe.com/</a> ) and couldn't be more proud of this video! My hope is that others will do the same or come up with something that makes their heart happy while giving to others. Thank you so much Byler Media and if you ever need video work done I would highly recommend them! <a href="https://bylermedia.com/">https://bylermedia.com/</a><br />
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<b>September 2017</b> was an exciting month and memorable! This month was the 2017 Mid-America Emmy Awards held in St. Louis, MO! A special thanks to Scott Schaefer, Eric Blumberg and Lindsay Tyler for including me in an Emmy Nomination - Military News Single Story Feature / Program Feature Segment for "Mr. Purdy's Corsair" through Veterans United Home Loans! Although we didn't win it was an awesome experience for everyone involved and I am super proud! You can view all the nominations for the 2017 Emmys here: <a href="https://emmymid-america.org/files/2012/12/2017-NOMINATIONS_2.pdf">https://emmymid-america.org/files/2012/12/2017-NOMINATIONS_2.pdf</a> The video that was submitted was this one:<br />
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Brandon and I would celebrate our 20th Wedding Anniversary during the month of September as well! It's hard to believe that we started dating in 1992 while students at Hickman High School in Columbia, MO and after 25 years together, 20 of those years we have been married! I really wanted to do something special or unique so I contacted my good buddy Scott Schaefer with Schaefer Photography to capture us on our actual anniversary! He did an amazing job and I was impressed with his magic skills to make us look good - then again, anyone that knows Scott (and Shannon) would already know he is just that good! Thanks again! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10214887797574146.1073741889.1403552915&type=1&l=279d5e1a31">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10214887797574146.1073741889.1403552915&type=1&l=279d5e1a31</a><br />
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<b>October 2017</b> I would take my last ceramics class this month and what a fun experience that was! I had never tried "throwing clay" or making pottery but thanks to Access Arts here in Columbia, MO I would have an awesome teacher, Cassie and the encouragement from seasoned professionals as well as newbies like myself! Once I started understanding the technique and working with clay I began to "get it". It was a lot like Kindergarten artwork in the beginning but then I began to develop some skills that allowed my pottery to look more advanced - like a 4th graders work! Ha! It was a lot of fun and I would recommend it to anyone who is crafty or has an interest in making things! You can visit their website here: <a href="http://schoolofservice.org/">http://schoolofservice.org/</a><br />
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<b>November 2017</b> I became an adult and decided to have my vision checked - I had Lasik Surgery in 2005 and hadn't had an eye appointment in 12 years and they say Lasik is good for 10-15 years based on my age at the time I had it done. Good news is that my vision is still really good. (When I had surgery it was 100/20 and 200/20 - Now it's 20/20 and 25/20) Bad news is that I would need "Cheater Glasses" for my book work and things up close but honestly that isn't too bad for 41 years old! (Plus I had my eyes checked for Fuchs' Dystrophy as it is hereditary - He couldn't see that I have that disease which was great news!<br />
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I also decided to go to a real "General Practice" doctor to have a baseline check up. I saw a female physician that I really liked and of course she wanted to do blood work (which I knew would happen but I hate needles) however with too many people being diagnosed with cancer and other diseases I wanted to take care of myself the best I could which meant I would have to suck it up and get this done. Good news is that everything came back good with nothing to worry about for the time being - Shew! Y'all... if you don't have a regular doctor in addition to your gyno doctor you seriously need to get one and stay on top of your health!<br />
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<b>December 2017</b> we lost Brandon's mom, Marleta "Marty" Spry unexpectedly on her 66th birthday. Her health wasn't the greatest and honestly she was living on borrowed time for the last 10 years or so but you never really expect to get that phone call. It is sad but we know she isn't in pain anymore and we do miss that raspy voice and random songs she would sing if our phones would go to voice mail.<br />
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On December 21, 2017 was the 1 year anniversary since Anthony Lopez's passing. The Golden Girls were planning on a bunking party with Lindsay and the kids but some of their other close friends decided that they would love to have a little party where everyone got together, enjoyed food, laughed and remembered Anthony. It was really good to be with everyone again and although this day was hard it was nice to see so much love still shown to the Lopez family and how much Anthony meant to his close friends. It certainly made my heart happy and my legs hurt from all the dancing that night!<br />
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We decided that we wanted to go back to Walt Disney World with some close friends of ours who had never been. Since they own Don's Family Style Buffet, a restaurant in Huntsville, MO it wasn't easy for them to get away but they do close twice a year, 4th of July and Christmas for a week at a time. We left the day after Christmas and returned home on New Year's Day and had a blast! Their daughter had just turned 4 and loved being able to spend a week in Disney with her parents and BubbaShell (what she calls us). We made lots of memories and my absolute favorite time of year to be at Walt Disney World is the month of December! Something about the Christmas decorations, parades and warm weather are just perfect - however we had warm weather for the first two days then it got down right cold (still warmer than the negative temps back home) and we didn't really pack super warm clothes! Oh well... we were in Walt Disney World! <br />
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{insert breath here} My goodness that post was long winded! I like to reflect back on some of the important things I did throughout the year and I know there are a ton more exciting things but I just can't remember all of them! It's a darn good thing I write things down! Ha! </div>
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Last year I was still involved in some great organizations - Partner in Education with Midway Heights Elementary School, Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Mizzou Ambassadors, Central Missouri Honor Flight, Honor Everywhere and Hawthorn Bank Advisory Board. I love being a part of these organizations and I have always said that if I didn't have to worry about money or working that I would become a professional volunteer and donate my time to so many organizations in and around our community. Each year I look at the things I am involved in and make sure that I still have an interest or passion for those things and I have to say that 2018 will be a great year! </div>
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<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-42133845658513682002016-05-18T10:17:00.004-05:002016-05-18T10:17:48.309-05:00Virtual Reality - Honoring our Heroes! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April 12, 2016 ~ Today would be a very special trip to Macon, MO to take 8 veterans, that have served in World War II and Korea, on a VR (Virtual Reality) experience to see their memorials in Washington, D.C. With the help of several volunteers coordinating this event and Chariton Valley Communication for providing the perfect location to host this event we were able to enjoy the wonderful conversations while they experienced Honor Everywhere.<br />
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<a href="http://honoreverywhere.com/">http://honoreverywhere.com/</a></div>
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I did a blog post about Honor Everywhere and you can read it here: </div>
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<a href="http://thelongdirtroad10.blogspot.com/2016/02/honor-everywhere-360-virtual-reality.html">http://thelongdirtroad10.blogspot.com/2016/02/honor-everywhere-360-virtual-reality.html</a></div>
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The reason we would be going to Macon, MO today is because this wonderful World War II hero has terminal cancer and would not be able to go on an upcoming Central Missouri Honor Flight. As you know, the entire Honor Flight Network was created in an effort to get our World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial therefore it was very important to us that he have the ability to see it via Honor Everywhere. </div>
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He told a few other friends of his that were in a nursing home and they graciously put these wonderful heroes on their shuttle bus and brought them to Chariton Valley Communication so they could participate in this Virtual Reality experience. </div>
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*<u><b>Please Note</b></u>: We highly encourage any World War II, Korean or Vietnam War veteran to sign up to go on a real Honor Flight in/around your city. In the event that they are unable to go this is the next best option to see their memorials. To find an Honor Flight hub near you please click on the link:</div>
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<a href="https://www.honorflight.org/regional-honor-flight-hubs/">https://www.honorflight.org/regional-honor-flight-hubs/</a></div>
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Photo Credit: Sarah Hill</div>
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The best part about Virtual Reality is that as soon as you slip on the headgear or hold up the Google Cardboard to view the story you are taken from where ever you are currently located and immediately submerged inside the story. You are not watching the story but rather seeing the entire thing surrounding you as if you were there the entire time! Truly incredible. </div>
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Thank you to every single person that made this day possible. It truly warms your heart to spend time with these true American Heroes.... my heart is full! </div>
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Anyone that has a smart phone can help be our "boots on the ground" and getting this video in the hands of our veterans that are too sick or frail to go on Honor Flights. To find out more visit the following website and help us help them... </div>
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<a href="http://honoreverywhere.com/">http://honoreverywhere.com/</a></div>
Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-7702593631163351572016-05-18T09:37:00.004-05:002016-05-18T09:37:33.880-05:00Happy 64th Birthday Momma! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April 9, 2016 ~ Operation "Surprise Yo Momma" was in full effect today as it was our Momma's 64th birthday! She thought we were going to cook dinner at Ashley's house to celebrate this big day but little did she know that her girls and Pops were up to something else!<br />
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You see us girls had everything planned out and under control... we just told Pops to make sure to keep Momma away from the barn (she likes to ride her golf cart over there to see what's going on) and away from Ashley's house. A simple job yet she would give him a run for his money! </div>
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Greg smoked the pulled pork and Ashley and I made the sides. Ashley had a wonderful lemon cake made by a local baker (Columbia Cupcakes) and we had surprised her with a few special guests. A very small but important party! </div>
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We told them that Brandon and I would come pick them up - something Momma thought was silly because they were perfectly able to drive up to Ashley's. (She how difficult she can be!) We get them in the truck and I text my sister to prompt her to call...</div>
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<br />(phone rings)</div>
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Me: Hello Ashley....</div>
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Ashley: Hey I need a punch bowl and cups</div>
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Me: Ok we can bring those.... gotta stop by the barn then we will be there</div>
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(hang up phone)</div>
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Mom: Why does she need a punch bowl? Just put the stuff in a bowl and call it good...</div>
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Me: {insert the look} Because it's your birthday and she wants a punch bowl</div>
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Mom: Well that's silly... I'm hungry</div>
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We get to the barn and Pops and Brandon start looking at our new flag pole.... Momma doesn't know if she should sit in the truck or not so I tell her to come look at my new signs. (You can tell that she doesn't really care about the signs and she is ready to go to Ashley's) We walk inside and she is looking at some pictures laying up against the wall...</div>
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Everyone: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! </div>
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Mom: {insert bad language here} </div>
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She was so surprised and yet so happy! </div>
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We managed to get her sisters to this special party and she totally called them out on lying to her when she talked to them earlier! Her oldest sister, Carolyn isn't in the best health and had turned 80 years old but when she knew what we were doing she wasn't going to miss this party! Momma loves spending time with her sisters and thank you Aunt Carolyn, Aunt Janie and Aunt Darleen for coming down to help us celebrate! </div>
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(Of course my sister loves to aggravate the crap outta Bubba!)</div>
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It was certainly a birthday to remember and I am so glad we could surprise her! We had great food, really good cake, she got lots of great gifts and we laughed until we cried! </div>
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Happy 64th Birthday Momma! </div>
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We love you! </div>
<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-25878576357242609832016-05-18T09:11:00.001-05:002016-05-18T09:11:39.202-05:002016 ATHENA & ATHENA Young Professional Awards Banquet <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April 7, 2016 ~ Tonight was the ATHENA Leadership and the ATHENA Young Professional Awards Banquet. This would be held at the Kimball Ballroom on Stephens College Campus in Columbia, MO. I was one of the three finalists for the ATHENA Young Professional Award and honestly didn't think I had a chance of receiving this honor because I was up against 2 amazing rock star ladies. </div>
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Please see a previous blog post on this award and who were announced as finalists:</div>
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<a href="http://www.thelongdirtroad10.blogspot.com/2016/03/2016-athena-leadership-athena-young.html">http://www.thelongdirtroad10.blogspot.com/2016/03/2016-athena-leadership-athena-young.html</a></div>
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As many of you know I lost a really good friend almost a month ago. I've been working very hard to get things together with his wife in planning for his Celebration of Life and I guess he knew I had been thinking about him often because as I got to my momma and daddy's house it began pouring down rain. As we left her house it began spitting down little hail stones. By the time we got to our shop it had stopped raining and there was the most beautiful double rainbow over our building. Luckily I stopped to take a quick picture because by the time I got to my sisters house, nearly 3 minutes away, it was gone. It was as if Chuck was saying "You got this kid!" and I couldn't help but smile that he was sending me a message. </div>
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The first award given was the 2016 ATHENA Young Professional Award....</div>
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I was very surprised to see my name on the big screen but so honored to see my Golden Girl, Lindsay Lopez speaking about me on the video. I was really happy that my best friend, mom, sister and close friends could be here tonight to share in this very special evening. </div>
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The glass award in my right hand is the 2016 ATHENA Young Professional Finalist Award that we all three received. The really cool diamond looking award in my left hand is the 2016 ATHENA Young Professional Award!<br />
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A huge congratulations to Dr. Tonia Compton and Erica Pefferman on being named a finalist for this award... what an honor to have my name thrown in the hat along with you rock star ladies! These ladies have accomplished some really great things and I can't wait to see what the future holds for both of them! <br />
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The main award given tonight was the 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award.....<br />
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What an honor to see such a deserving woman from our community receive this prestigious award! A huge congratulations to Dianne Lynch of Stephens College! You have certainly done an amazing job and what a well deserved honor! <br />
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A huge congratulations to Jan Grossman and Nancy Fay on being a finalist for this award! You both are incredible women who do so much for our community and I am proud to call you both friends.<br />
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What a night! Such and honor and it was a wonderful surprise to receive this award. I am grateful for the friendships and opportunities that I have because of my involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and Women's Network. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXazAYPhoEHeeHLVBZehtUiAd51Xe8yPb4gcxjR9984cvTWyhScmocstIrxop4mo1cNHRGwIqLwbdkAog_ZZZNF4vUINGzJxNQJgLvQ7gFgXs_BfFfITBB0VpRK4NPadei9dAwOKGIZ8M/s1600/womens-network-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXazAYPhoEHeeHLVBZehtUiAd51Xe8yPb4gcxjR9984cvTWyhScmocstIrxop4mo1cNHRGwIqLwbdkAog_ZZZNF4vUINGzJxNQJgLvQ7gFgXs_BfFfITBB0VpRK4NPadei9dAwOKGIZ8M/s1600/womens-network-logo.png" /></a></div>
Thank you to Women's Network for being engaged in this wonderful ATHENA program. You encourage, inspire and empower women in our community while being a huge support system for us. Y'all ROCK! <br />
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Thank you to Heather Stewart and Shelly DeVore for taking the time to nominate me and put together the nomination form. It's not an easy task yet you took time from your day to make sure it was perfect. I am so lucky to have wonderful friends like you! <br />
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Photo Credit: Daniel Brenner / Columbia Daily Tribune<br />
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Thank you to the Columbia Daily Tribune for a great article on these awards:<br />
<a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/local/lynch-spry-recognized-as-athena-winners/article_dd2ed270-160a-549e-9842-eaef0b8dcd57.html">http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/local/lynch-spry-recognized-as-athena-winners/article_dd2ed270-160a-549e-9842-eaef0b8dcd57.html</a></div>
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Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-33860628660460548182016-04-22T17:23:00.002-05:002016-04-22T17:23:41.991-05:00Little Black Dress 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April 1, 2016 ~ I am in no way a professional photographer but I do enjoy taking photos and making people smile. I was asked to be one of the photographers for the 7th Annual Little Black Dress benefiting True North in Columbia, MO. These kind of things always make me nervous as I don't edit my photos... what you see is what you get. While this is great I know they can be better but frankly that takes precious time that I don't have an extra lot of these days!<br />
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True North began as the “The Shelter” in the 1970’s when a group of
University of Missouri graduate students formed a volunteer organization
to serve rape survivors. As soon as the organization became known, the
volunteers were overwhelmed with requests for service by women who were
experiencing intimate partner violence.</div>
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True North is now a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence victim
service program. The services provided are designed to empower those
who have been battered or abused by an intimate partner, enabling them
to begin the healing process and work towards regaining control of their
lives again.</div>
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<a href="http://truenorthofcolumbia.org/">http://truenorthofcolumbia.org/</a> </div>
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This was my first time being at the Little Black Dress and I was blown away at seeing the 700 guests at this sold out event! What a well attended and fun event! Kuddos to everyone involved in making this night a huge success! As a "stationary" photographer I got the chance to have a really fun background and take photos of some beautiful women all dressed up in cute dresses! </div>
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Thank you Barbara Hodges for asking me to be a small part to this wonderful evening! Here's just a small handful of some of my favorite pictures of the night! </div>
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Such a fun evening and such beautiful women! </div>
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I'm pretty sure the board was super excited for another successful event! </div>
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Occasionally I managed to slip into a picture....</div>
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Love this girl and love listening to her sing! </div>
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For more information on Little Black Dress please visit their website:</div>
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<a href="https://littleblackdresscolumbia.com/">https://littleblackdresscolumbia.com/</a></div>
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Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1143968098027919513.post-34428641313016543202016-03-31T15:02:00.003-05:002016-04-07T14:06:22.301-05:00March 2016 Monthly Challenge! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivAR5BzFQyThSCZACZTjYuikHiRnr-VNG-nWmcw6uU06sWs2mvdRiPC-DzmuVpxjMXSXl40na8traZYd2aWS8rZ43dJhi3eZMFQvSDffVf2nCRsmcsvfvNc6Id88kuX_p1DJwaqZ29Q2x/s1600/Oh_The_Races_We_ll_Run_400_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivAR5BzFQyThSCZACZTjYuikHiRnr-VNG-nWmcw6uU06sWs2mvdRiPC-DzmuVpxjMXSXl40na8traZYd2aWS8rZ43dJhi3eZMFQvSDffVf2nCRsmcsvfvNc6Id88kuX_p1DJwaqZ29Q2x/s320/Oh_The_Races_We_ll_Run_400_1024x1024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
March 1, 2016 ~ Another month and yet another fun challenge! This month I signed up for 50 miles to give myself a break from last month's 100 mile challenge. You wouldn't think getting 50 miles in one month would be hard but sometimes it's hard to find time in a day to bust out the 1.61 miles needed each day. One of my yearly challenges was to walk 100 days and I wasn't going to let anything get in my way to keep me from reaching this goal. With 60 days complete I am ready to rock this month and push myself to keep going and see who I can drag along with me on this journey! Here's the proof that I am movin' and groovin' in March! Ready.... Set.... Let's do this! <br />
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March 1, 2016</div>
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1.00 mile</div>
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March 2, 2016</div>
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1.00 mile</div>
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March 3, 2016</div>
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1.10 miles</div>
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March 4, 2016</div>
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1.00 mile</div>
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March 5, 2016</div>
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3.50 miles</div>
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March 6, 2016</div>
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3.25 miles</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoQk5-dAzeEp4FL4fbwvX-52QhpK1Yaq34zxK9mZ18ExlB9PxCxbzaqTYqTms4jPBYK29atjfojkXwJTAbninVYQeID2FGWyGynOCH9R-EqD4CnxVPyNnJkmCC_lRFTjT46eg-gStkiOx/s1600/12806148_10209197062189318_5783082181324288564_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoQk5-dAzeEp4FL4fbwvX-52QhpK1Yaq34zxK9mZ18ExlB9PxCxbzaqTYqTms4jPBYK29atjfojkXwJTAbninVYQeID2FGWyGynOCH9R-EqD4CnxVPyNnJkmCC_lRFTjT46eg-gStkiOx/s320/12806148_10209197062189318_5783082181324288564_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 7, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.00 mile</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cw0xkQrn_pTazNFRkUZb-Odh8EVMiZupHh2wS_B7kZJSKXZpMO5Sv0QmSNKqnIMrt-I-36OSqNMcvJR4IeSoi-em6f3aW263CBKoBV1fg-0eV-YteAmmNZ-PdkCfLi3PuSdpVmTx6iUC/s1600/12801411_10209205553761602_5319784867766976611_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cw0xkQrn_pTazNFRkUZb-Odh8EVMiZupHh2wS_B7kZJSKXZpMO5Sv0QmSNKqnIMrt-I-36OSqNMcvJR4IeSoi-em6f3aW263CBKoBV1fg-0eV-YteAmmNZ-PdkCfLi3PuSdpVmTx6iUC/s320/12801411_10209205553761602_5319784867766976611_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 8, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.50 miles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8myJ4qaDcsxGfboT9AJGPBjnx2wULQ3uWFNVeDvFEUG9RTOcMy5At4QyqDZlv3fBwoX6aQiveSq8F3A9H9eJVy-7gjsGN9iGQgUVDzvbImEPDsUC2hWmFmoLD3Pwfx6WBGuF5c4PiUXa/s1600/12800102_10209214250059004_4853482755570919824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8myJ4qaDcsxGfboT9AJGPBjnx2wULQ3uWFNVeDvFEUG9RTOcMy5At4QyqDZlv3fBwoX6aQiveSq8F3A9H9eJVy-7gjsGN9iGQgUVDzvbImEPDsUC2hWmFmoLD3Pwfx6WBGuF5c4PiUXa/s320/12800102_10209214250059004_4853482755570919824_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 9, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.25 miles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtoSnncBbn9z5PvrrWI0s8z4Si1zwEf45-JnDPhGBAgO45XxNlbCzE4MC3V34Tos5uf6kZW_ny_vNystqE0nV92-XNNZ7GaV10a3qzo2hYwM32Bxz1KVPrtJzcHNRQpIs7TtbrtcquZuz/s1600/12804735_10209220474854620_4270098120762068133_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtoSnncBbn9z5PvrrWI0s8z4Si1zwEf45-JnDPhGBAgO45XxNlbCzE4MC3V34Tos5uf6kZW_ny_vNystqE0nV92-XNNZ7GaV10a3qzo2hYwM32Bxz1KVPrtJzcHNRQpIs7TtbrtcquZuz/s320/12804735_10209220474854620_4270098120762068133_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 10, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.50 miles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL15ZLG4XN0fajlhtmZnqpFlGtvdSl3GNxhUfNERgKVQZIA_0DZsYB_shC86dqOh0KSpKsvQB45XvJU3GmuHRozKMvLJRI0YWkQqjK7IN5UCCUHSvtqYPu_pHMPIigBqOiD0vLYBinBg5/s1600/12799019_10209230284819863_6026998464706448387_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFL15ZLG4XN0fajlhtmZnqpFlGtvdSl3GNxhUfNERgKVQZIA_0DZsYB_shC86dqOh0KSpKsvQB45XvJU3GmuHRozKMvLJRI0YWkQqjK7IN5UCCUHSvtqYPu_pHMPIigBqOiD0vLYBinBg5/s320/12799019_10209230284819863_6026998464706448387_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 11, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3.75 miles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn4KBV2w_Onu8qriCcdLqJqLZzAIIgc3_SZDXRDw8uTEzmB-U6KHJJ6VZaEriR5FSwcKYY5nm6eRr5V9fcMkgvkx-lsJHT30MYgnKkOPyG_NNyuKF6rNuovaXBjPSFjiRuoEO8Udb5p1N/s1600/10002927_10209238634828608_1025361625764804264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn4KBV2w_Onu8qriCcdLqJqLZzAIIgc3_SZDXRDw8uTEzmB-U6KHJJ6VZaEriR5FSwcKYY5nm6eRr5V9fcMkgvkx-lsJHT30MYgnKkOPyG_NNyuKF6rNuovaXBjPSFjiRuoEO8Udb5p1N/s320/10002927_10209238634828608_1025361625764804264_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 12, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Lucky Clover 4 Miler"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4.00 miles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE5BTmTav5a9jpIKWIvfUYW4QxFuGL7ftazg1KZzz4oTP6PU2wuaARVwQCgfm8Wn6cwbW1fvMvKh1NaeEpnWxhoJhd5CrbHknPjlDaRqas3maxVY6TRpyqZD4EIyX8lU6VCbgp72v__i5/s1600/308576_10209249066809401_1076717760143776587_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKE5BTmTav5a9jpIKWIvfUYW4QxFuGL7ftazg1KZzz4oTP6PU2wuaARVwQCgfm8Wn6cwbW1fvMvKh1NaeEpnWxhoJhd5CrbHknPjlDaRqas3maxVY6TRpyqZD4EIyX8lU6VCbgp72v__i5/s320/308576_10209249066809401_1076717760143776587_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 13, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.25 miles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCmw4i4LK0LO2-RdpftgaTZ9VRgF23IBgnA2tyKrlS3S_lwNLDOix7IBf4I3dH3f-YypvNPeNmU19X4UF3S1VCbcbwThfSfoVENlfp7n3SzvXhSYVFN5RyWrLIr7CJUme7Nun-BDJmeB6/s1600/1233363_10209257958431686_456337495952810259_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilCmw4i4LK0LO2-RdpftgaTZ9VRgF23IBgnA2tyKrlS3S_lwNLDOix7IBf4I3dH3f-YypvNPeNmU19X4UF3S1VCbcbwThfSfoVENlfp7n3SzvXhSYVFN5RyWrLIr7CJUme7Nun-BDJmeB6/s320/1233363_10209257958431686_456337495952810259_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 14, 2016 </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3.14 miles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was a tough day as heaven gained another angel. My great friend and side kick Chuck "Chuckles" Everitt lost his battle with some recent health issues. It was so hard to see him go but I am so thankful for his friendship and being able to be there when he needed me most. Love ya buddy and already miss you like crazy. Thanks for the many memories that I will treasure for a lifetime. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKcxEtV6iAbvoNKUa5WMI7uuvDdIHdzV0ed9PIQCu2k8HRAryDq_BRjE9ujWTd4hwtkKgZPLKmukyWJNuq-IBAKtiLfzOEZo319kKBaQEvgaIpX2dsXY0emTLGGL0hZQkmDbuL_YS3Lkt/s1600/10344856_10209267278384679_7329644847607142957_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKcxEtV6iAbvoNKUa5WMI7uuvDdIHdzV0ed9PIQCu2k8HRAryDq_BRjE9ujWTd4hwtkKgZPLKmukyWJNuq-IBAKtiLfzOEZo319kKBaQEvgaIpX2dsXY0emTLGGL0hZQkmDbuL_YS3Lkt/s320/10344856_10209267278384679_7329644847607142957_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 15, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.00 mile</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLX-ktfvEubFJ-NX9QMUfIvm9qZ_mlsuDMchwdkQYMi0nzvvoNFpQ3tgXJgkX-Zw1b50TYAbbAVnA9xMtNxhpXIiz1BOlXP7WMXPl_ePfntpWLw-YiNBtIFafHnLHp6WtbhoCX9Ja4bSF/s1600/2781_10209275195942613_523456887035231233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLX-ktfvEubFJ-NX9QMUfIvm9qZ_mlsuDMchwdkQYMi0nzvvoNFpQ3tgXJgkX-Zw1b50TYAbbAVnA9xMtNxhpXIiz1BOlXP7WMXPl_ePfntpWLw-YiNBtIFafHnLHp6WtbhoCX9Ja4bSF/s320/2781_10209275195942613_523456887035231233_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 16, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Sham Rocked It 5k"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. 10 miles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0DYf8wVzuLgqH-pES7ueWTU2QT3tSiDPxVgLmdteHeH5nXloCHOR0kKfKr5g0y38PymX4L5lV9_oFMVT8PXRk8YmuDHin9fZ2j-k9NdGi6oQu_XS85DyfWZWLD01SpZsOb9LufiAi6ba/s1600/10342453_10209285004827829_3297326657629952207_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0DYf8wVzuLgqH-pES7ueWTU2QT3tSiDPxVgLmdteHeH5nXloCHOR0kKfKr5g0y38PymX4L5lV9_oFMVT8PXRk8YmuDHin9fZ2j-k9NdGi6oQu_XS85DyfWZWLD01SpZsOb9LufiAi6ba/s320/10342453_10209285004827829_3297326657629952207_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 17, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.00 mile</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInWWLVKVLvdEPUKfwKEvWHEyiRCeWuYu7p9hVfhT_JqwqqrzXSqiUfNAQ6verLeo_Qkvq9PgCNuIOssUvHjXaHOENYSXY0chrgkUGIL17WK1abJqe4ccCRV9ALuLuaJ1k5zr-c3xwqVmh/s1600/1531996_10209296142426262_5768278500975612844_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInWWLVKVLvdEPUKfwKEvWHEyiRCeWuYu7p9hVfhT_JqwqqrzXSqiUfNAQ6verLeo_Qkvq9PgCNuIOssUvHjXaHOENYSXY0chrgkUGIL17WK1abJqe4ccCRV9ALuLuaJ1k5zr-c3xwqVmh/s320/1531996_10209296142426262_5768278500975612844_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 18, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.00 mile</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQM1KPbiV3tLSwSI6JKKL5fCXRYH8L9vUsaE8YNR3A4dcuM8jrEbL7UDCpbaUsremTf181LdRK0Qll_wWqXrMJxlIuGvK4kyI5sXYG4FRTlMfsfkvslyjGhWGsBhWL8UraoHlJ6aYE8a4/s1600/995388_10209306109355429_5282622960224126946_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQM1KPbiV3tLSwSI6JKKL5fCXRYH8L9vUsaE8YNR3A4dcuM8jrEbL7UDCpbaUsremTf181LdRK0Qll_wWqXrMJxlIuGvK4kyI5sXYG4FRTlMfsfkvslyjGhWGsBhWL8UraoHlJ6aYE8a4/s320/995388_10209306109355429_5282622960224126946_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 19, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3.25 miles</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilO_B8Rq_q8_2fOdHFwM5Co-Bh7Odgft3K6iWzb5sdFxQt7Af1X_OxxRXuyKSROfpyfwVdWZH-MZHllM4_W3dW1XdoWoezxjQ6rPAF2DHud_A3i-5vdteqU2tquFeinCiu97C6lUfFBBc/s1600/10153927_10209320310270443_8107489403661178845_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilO_B8Rq_q8_2fOdHFwM5Co-Bh7Odgft3K6iWzb5sdFxQt7Af1X_OxxRXuyKSROfpyfwVdWZH-MZHllM4_W3dW1XdoWoezxjQ6rPAF2DHud_A3i-5vdteqU2tquFeinCiu97C6lUfFBBc/s320/10153927_10209320310270443_8107489403661178845_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March 20, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1.00 mile</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBuQX_nwBfCTee6riyWoMGMHLfoHfyHhlCgQPuwWTMoFJVfZz7VzaeiudEZ2DVnknKkXgk4XoATqTZ0rJOYG9Re8jb0USVbOpMok4A8yBterO-78-m882MOzbdnUQG4XRPqIeGTmwIyBF/s1600/10152054_10209330636488592_2923489315005410469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBuQX_nwBfCTee6riyWoMGMHLfoHfyHhlCgQPuwWTMoFJVfZz7VzaeiudEZ2DVnknKkXgk4XoATqTZ0rJOYG9Re8jb0USVbOpMok4A8yBterO-78-m882MOzbdnUQG4XRPqIeGTmwIyBF/s320/10152054_10209330636488592_2923489315005410469_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
March 21, 2016<br />
1.50 miles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j1tapvCRIGTT84DQWuQTLEDirMPN2OonOqWDbbe5xRz-ZjOX_aT-1hE7uyES7FLx6hHVxKyNGIdXkZOR6KYgIF1jW1OfalYcFOlW0G7dsveaWiNKrfUIWFmWGna4jGDDeD-VIkxdxcVc/s1600/12472354_10209333361716721_5877403647890372840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2j1tapvCRIGTT84DQWuQTLEDirMPN2OonOqWDbbe5xRz-ZjOX_aT-1hE7uyES7FLx6hHVxKyNGIdXkZOR6KYgIF1jW1OfalYcFOlW0G7dsveaWiNKrfUIWFmWGna4jGDDeD-VIkxdxcVc/s320/12472354_10209333361716721_5877403647890372840_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
March 21, 2016<br />
3.10 miles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpLCJiBwOL5m5rOM-YqRRDv2n_3j6cSzc6QapK0WzbYi8ooZ2LbCQ6Jhwn8jpJGBKW8sUH3pZDR14JMEu-KV6Vyxj_SSxXF7Te3Y0muVd92vK4hM9S4O6-CwTUpKZrh600EOjRRI_tmlB/s1600/12376294_10209344768401881_3100466187738574747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpLCJiBwOL5m5rOM-YqRRDv2n_3j6cSzc6QapK0WzbYi8ooZ2LbCQ6Jhwn8jpJGBKW8sUH3pZDR14JMEu-KV6Vyxj_SSxXF7Te3Y0muVd92vK4hM9S4O6-CwTUpKZrh600EOjRRI_tmlB/s320/12376294_10209344768401881_3100466187738574747_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
March 22, 2016<br />
1.00 mile<br />
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March 23, 2016<br />
1.50 miles<br />
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March 23, 2016<br />
3.15 miles<br />
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March 24, 2016<br />
3.10 miles<br />
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March 25, 2016<br />
1.50 miles<br />
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March 26, 2016<br />
"Seize The Day 5k"<br />
3.25 miles<br />
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March 27, 2016<br />
1.50 miles<br />
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March 28, 2016<br />
3.10 miles<br />
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March 28, 2016<br />
1.85 miles<br />
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March 29, 2016<br />
3.10 miles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMk72wOVBTHbjReW6zoTybBQOxUhUsDG27DFTDdW5IyOhyphenhyphenlgzlPAZn4_1ZxA4JF2COSvCmgU4_HeEVmMB_MkDc8aCt8LpQXSW1WJwtDHYd_QHYGrPD0hS13siS7G1e05WNHWis_Ud7xG4e/s1600/12799416_10209477956771507_9109504396705058150_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMk72wOVBTHbjReW6zoTybBQOxUhUsDG27DFTDdW5IyOhyphenhyphenlgzlPAZn4_1ZxA4JF2COSvCmgU4_HeEVmMB_MkDc8aCt8LpQXSW1WJwtDHYd_QHYGrPD0hS13siS7G1e05WNHWis_Ud7xG4e/s320/12799416_10209477956771507_9109504396705058150_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
March 30, 2016<br />
1.16 miles<br />
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March 31, 2016<br />
1.50 miles<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Total of <span style="color: red;">68.90</span> miles for February 2016! </span></b><br />
(18.90 miles <u>above</u> my 50 mile goal... and every little bit counts!)<br />
<br />
I also want to see how close I can get to the 2,016 miles by adding up
my total daily Fitbit miles. So each day I have wrote down how many
total miles I get in the course of a day and write it at the top of each
day in my Day Planner.... For the month of March my total Fitbit
miles are 149.94 miles! (Now I realize that you don't count total Fitbit
miles and just the miles you actually make time to walk/jog/run. Not
too shabby since you would need 168 miles per month to complete the
2,016 mile yearly challenge! I'm telling you... having a Fitbit and
thinking about the walking/jogging/running that you do when you think
about exercise will increase your distance for sure! Now let's see what
we can do in March for our monthly challenge!<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">2,016 Total Fitbi</span></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">t </span></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">Miles:</span></b></span></u><br />
January: 151.03<br />
February: 170.74</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
March: 149.94</div>
<br />Michele Spryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14162031668436151601noreply@blogger.com0