tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47715573884301849412024-03-13T11:51:41.030-06:00The 7MSN RanchPhotographs and adventures from 7 Miles South of Nowhere, New Mexicothe7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.comBlogger3262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-14686959907876331682020-06-04T04:00:00.000-06:002020-06-04T04:00:01.264-06:00A little bit of peace on earth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T56uW8hd7z4/XtgD5ayXHDI/AAAAAAAAyA4/GYj--_yi5DAhHWAes5x2NfZJoBnPhi3twCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqwhefEOeLnNyY2x-eSP1XwFLQcjGe07wJVIhR_3rHn356oBmxrLWtnFZwvBd-ngpc_vlUviUVB_ekBmb2-D6Hl5BedYsiwC1ktf54sG-I-TbDXwRCTTljfUc1gW0xLIyoZoy-yXlvnQigs6zC4drQhd4YyCoxr8ZQOzOqe4xryOzBpkyVjNtblRpXwsiAP2th3TfRdhbHyGdz1d09kVr0HbJk0a1Dq_OicEAFiD_3uZjpwVhX_lSvL2ZdvbaVWhTH_llAETiqafPrV9g6utyXf2GMxUyaShEH6afub2OiiCPYJdzMshnDrRy-udVAzB51XILIugCEvS4FoAslNXOYrvxEorXrdpu8FhcjM9ml_0kShxUpmYvXaU1x5tZ-L4bDwh_AwKjbtC4FzDdgu-j5YM7tppXtMhw5CPYzmB9ze0ygGBtZSCno_yhzSCBvE9SsSQHjDDSAozBhwADTY4i_GAuqWEj-mBmz1gAxFip5x2LiT06FJhCZs1srf-smVkvRrfa2dDO9v4e3uc0fo6vP-UQW8uIZegzxFY5sU7k-xQXt84KvmhtMixRwpN6LVp5zGKGaTy4BszGRUh0nRzSJJbHkoPKn9fHHwxMN6M4PYF/s1600/peace%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T56uW8hd7z4/XtgD5ayXHDI/AAAAAAAAyA4/GYj--_yi5DAhHWAes5x2NfZJoBnPhi3twCEwYBhgLKs4DAL1OcqwhefEOeLnNyY2x-eSP1XwFLQcjGe07wJVIhR_3rHn356oBmxrLWtnFZwvBd-ngpc_vlUviUVB_ekBmb2-D6Hl5BedYsiwC1ktf54sG-I-TbDXwRCTTljfUc1gW0xLIyoZoy-yXlvnQigs6zC4drQhd4YyCoxr8ZQOzOqe4xryOzBpkyVjNtblRpXwsiAP2th3TfRdhbHyGdz1d09kVr0HbJk0a1Dq_OicEAFiD_3uZjpwVhX_lSvL2ZdvbaVWhTH_llAETiqafPrV9g6utyXf2GMxUyaShEH6afub2OiiCPYJdzMshnDrRy-udVAzB51XILIugCEvS4FoAslNXOYrvxEorXrdpu8FhcjM9ml_0kShxUpmYvXaU1x5tZ-L4bDwh_AwKjbtC4FzDdgu-j5YM7tppXtMhw5CPYzmB9ze0ygGBtZSCno_yhzSCBvE9SsSQHjDDSAozBhwADTY4i_GAuqWEj-mBmz1gAxFip5x2LiT06FJhCZs1srf-smVkvRrfa2dDO9v4e3uc0fo6vP-UQW8uIZegzxFY5sU7k-xQXt84KvmhtMixRwpN6LVp5zGKGaTy4BszGRUh0nRzSJJbHkoPKn9fHHwxMN6M4PYF/s640/peace%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The sun comes up on another day during the pandemic.</div>
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It's peaceful and calm and the gang is all here, if only in spirit </div>
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(that's Smooch's resting place under the rocks in the background).</div>
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Look closely and you'll see Alex way back there at the gate.</div>
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We're getting a bit desperate for rain, but the yucca is in bloom...</div>
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...and the yard is looking pretty good.</div>
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This is the first visitor we've had in months. </div>
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He was on his way to steal swallow eggs from a nest</div>
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but met the snake pole instead and was relocated far, far away.</div>
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Alex and I ran into this guy yesterday on our morning walk. </div>
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Aren't you glad I started blogging again?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTJOsjQnEts/XtVKe6LX1kI/AAAAAAAAyAQ/xazbSh-hggoNDgdukbQZTAyCRGtAzWBnwCEwYBhgLKtQDAL1OcqzOa2OITVXFReSp8mMqfbnJLWsDmVAuakdfUuLIjfU11M21nlzexfv8YWfmiW8bZZK_k7HAPtqMbBlkOsPOFxEYK7tldzUbqaAVNCfffAjciaZrvEbmZ3TuwkXlaYQwCAiNQbz9U4pzi7l4QW871QgnHyvIWCci58PmPFVV_toOo8v-K21f81w32qLKjmso6ZVNW3_v8FbiTcUjYcWoEx0gBATq_5VreC3_k7c5TkYjgab6aZKsOWwQnG8fPbgmWvmj8f6xnQx_Hnb0Q5Y3aqjTJNmwWNjum1b-z0Au9U9A9Z9vC4rWdXbRuFnMyxbehFVIwJQYNjdaBsGqRoy6SXMSBZFCWw3vyL4mihYBMRskxe-zbf0TtqTfIqUvwDI3owY9mVonTiru_p948QFjjsnEhejnWdP6Y9p6R8z-GyV_3IGvD_VHnC1TRUG6xeiD9lPxUdg7FrMJrhrvGdJceLtGi4iOk3w2p_RJoaa5kEkWoQ7VNyPeNWXEgPS8SDp3nzwkDIw49JPwlB8PB9NeqTITrzQ-YULtm1rVlrXroiVcIHLVANzbeOmyEZjO0Zl5drSBrzeyUepy3Vi-wo3PB389lh3OjPaSKMrnkAa1mSVQMNSa1fYF/s1600/rug%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTJOsjQnEts/XtVKe6LX1kI/AAAAAAAAyAQ/xazbSh-hggoNDgdukbQZTAyCRGtAzWBnwCEwYBhgLKtQDAL1OcqzOa2OITVXFReSp8mMqfbnJLWsDmVAuakdfUuLIjfU11M21nlzexfv8YWfmiW8bZZK_k7HAPtqMbBlkOsPOFxEYK7tldzUbqaAVNCfffAjciaZrvEbmZ3TuwkXlaYQwCAiNQbz9U4pzi7l4QW871QgnHyvIWCci58PmPFVV_toOo8v-K21f81w32qLKjmso6ZVNW3_v8FbiTcUjYcWoEx0gBATq_5VreC3_k7c5TkYjgab6aZKsOWwQnG8fPbgmWvmj8f6xnQx_Hnb0Q5Y3aqjTJNmwWNjum1b-z0Au9U9A9Z9vC4rWdXbRuFnMyxbehFVIwJQYNjdaBsGqRoy6SXMSBZFCWw3vyL4mihYBMRskxe-zbf0TtqTfIqUvwDI3owY9mVonTiru_p948QFjjsnEhejnWdP6Y9p6R8z-GyV_3IGvD_VHnC1TRUG6xeiD9lPxUdg7FrMJrhrvGdJceLtGi4iOk3w2p_RJoaa5kEkWoQ7VNyPeNWXEgPS8SDp3nzwkDIw49JPwlB8PB9NeqTITrzQ-YULtm1rVlrXroiVcIHLVANzbeOmyEZjO0Zl5drSBrzeyUepy3Vi-wo3PB389lh3OjPaSKMrnkAa1mSVQMNSa1fYF/s640/rug%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll end this on a better note. </div>
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My bedroom has inadvertently turned into the Rug Room.</div>
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A girl can never have too many Navajo rugs, and I recently acquired my third.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8uJgQMiRkI/XtVKePioFlI/AAAAAAAAyAg/-meq_jOJYlwQ5-3TkGHQjrNynn6XHPCSACEwYBhgLKs4DAL1Ocqwosrn_9YwPxrgfQLHX6YWzjGXmBXKNHuGBbvbp6Fh8caoPhIEuo2tUU0MrzEy7rNyxQzfkQEyhZNzaaP1Rk6849op-bY0IpIau8enhhkyHRrSkYLd7kUBZu3AJVXdj9Hs5AztJwd1Jnto2Rnf-2clwIByoZWCBEMmCRtb0Fdr2_lK9sD4ilRmt8LH_YpYAAZZORbAR-64q6VnGbOkl4DOFqYnVEayrHB06fDH6hLjBuTjt_w1bXbOsMl6P3I1YMSQq5T0r6UezhWikcz-9QDH2rGMXD0XzEP0ifm4_C1Tq4G-zSJg-mf9WTYGVhHhnu3NhDQBkdCGVTVAGj7_FQENo78s5sC0NjmnayMlxvYJer20BY5iSr5VZkd_lrwivycnDBqbh_ZVEnPf24cH-jDaGj2EnYUo5OjwAeSaXWZ28BWobRfzVj170OpJTxLcANSf5OKT3t9e2k_cQ7U9JA-MTEZ554NpUVdGI--bAC6W9UuMlxIX8oN8tUuEUEbJQOozrRvnkRyvxTC7eDhe9w9_mXw1l-63OwCkVSom5_Vt5LZmt6WQBic23FYNqrtYHmeZV-vkm9BufhqM_h2Yy2GzB-Vq6qWIP3r3RMOSa1fYF/s1600/rug%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8uJgQMiRkI/XtVKePioFlI/AAAAAAAAyAg/-meq_jOJYlwQ5-3TkGHQjrNynn6XHPCSACEwYBhgLKs4DAL1Ocqwosrn_9YwPxrgfQLHX6YWzjGXmBXKNHuGBbvbp6Fh8caoPhIEuo2tUU0MrzEy7rNyxQzfkQEyhZNzaaP1Rk6849op-bY0IpIau8enhhkyHRrSkYLd7kUBZu3AJVXdj9Hs5AztJwd1Jnto2Rnf-2clwIByoZWCBEMmCRtb0Fdr2_lK9sD4ilRmt8LH_YpYAAZZORbAR-64q6VnGbOkl4DOFqYnVEayrHB06fDH6hLjBuTjt_w1bXbOsMl6P3I1YMSQq5T0r6UezhWikcz-9QDH2rGMXD0XzEP0ifm4_C1Tq4G-zSJg-mf9WTYGVhHhnu3NhDQBkdCGVTVAGj7_FQENo78s5sC0NjmnayMlxvYJer20BY5iSr5VZkd_lrwivycnDBqbh_ZVEnPf24cH-jDaGj2EnYUo5OjwAeSaXWZ28BWobRfzVj170OpJTxLcANSf5OKT3t9e2k_cQ7U9JA-MTEZ554NpUVdGI--bAC6W9UuMlxIX8oN8tUuEUEbJQOozrRvnkRyvxTC7eDhe9w9_mXw1l-63OwCkVSom5_Vt5LZmt6WQBic23FYNqrtYHmeZV-vkm9BufhqM_h2Yy2GzB-Vq6qWIP3r3RMOSa1fYF/s640/rug%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Navajo nation is being hit extraordinarily hard by the coronavirus.</div>
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In looking for ways to help, I came across a non-profit organization called </div>
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<a href="https://anelder.org/" target="_blank">Adopt A Native Elder</a>.</div>
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There are many ways to donate to their efforts, but I went straight to the rug catalog.</div>
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100% of the proceeds from a rug purchase go directly to the weaver.</div>
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I could think of no better way to use my stimulus check.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-2525562361506894602020-05-18T04:00:00.000-06:002020-05-18T04:00:15.608-06:00Resting worried face<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I resurrected this blog early on in the pandemic, I had every intention of posting regularly.</div>
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You can see how well that's gone.</div>
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I can't focus. My thoughts are too scattered, worrying about any number of things </div>
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over which I have no control. You know, things like 90,000 dead Americans, and</div>
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the 37 million who have lost their jobs, and a grossly incompetent, reprehensible, </div>
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morally bankrupt president, and how much more damage he will do in the next 247 days, </div>
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and oh my god what happens if he's re-elected? I can't even.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5Yw38gUk0s/XsGOcpaidfI/AAAAAAAAx-U/xuwCWGdj-b8iX4RGy4uuAX8Tk4S-_clXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/worry%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v5Yw38gUk0s/XsGOcpaidfI/AAAAAAAAx-U/xuwCWGdj-b8iX4RGy4uuAX8Tk4S-_clXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/worry%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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No wonder Alex's default expression is "resting worried face." </div>
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She is my mirror.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OKUCTnt1As/XsGObpWlPSI/AAAAAAAAx-Q/nH347PZyZe4BmhDiUlphnexLRASiEzXLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/worry%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9OKUCTnt1As/XsGObpWlPSI/AAAAAAAAx-Q/nH347PZyZe4BmhDiUlphnexLRASiEzXLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/worry%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Locally, we've been worrying a lot about these holes on the side of the road.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyuBHNKFpmc/XsGOcg6FH2I/AAAAAAAAx-Y/ilG0ZM0lD2MbgmibNR2rl6T5zqtQ0vK8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/worry%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyuBHNKFpmc/XsGOcg6FH2I/AAAAAAAAx-Y/ilG0ZM0lD2MbgmibNR2rl6T5zqtQ0vK8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/worry%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We pass about a dozen of them on our morning walk.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4PMh3uLmSQ/XsGOdhsfIcI/AAAAAAAAx-c/4CmW92z3QZgYcKuw3njsEbFPW5TW7TjTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/worry%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4PMh3uLmSQ/XsGOdhsfIcI/AAAAAAAAx-c/4CmW92z3QZgYcKuw3njsEbFPW5TW7TjTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/worry%2B4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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What if something pops out and bites us?</div>
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You know me well enough to know what's coming, right?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vW5AnIrDyNI/XsGOefN1uDI/AAAAAAAAx-k/AfAlYmcuoqUL2xZ70X44Mx0NlxwG6XffACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/worry%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vW5AnIrDyNI/XsGOefN1uDI/AAAAAAAAx-k/AfAlYmcuoqUL2xZ70X44Mx0NlxwG6XffACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/worry%2B6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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So this happened. </div>
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He was pretty far up the road when we spotted him;</div>
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nonetheless, we beat a hasty retreat, praised the lord that we had cell service</div>
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and googled our fate.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAAQP6wHmmw/XsGOeBt9zMI/AAAAAAAAx-g/pkNXyujUlj8k6Rd0MnbnHJe-hRn9h57qACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/worry%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="844" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAAQP6wHmmw/XsGOeBt9zMI/AAAAAAAAx-g/pkNXyujUlj8k6Rd0MnbnHJe-hRn9h57qACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/worry%2B7.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Hmm. "...would not attack under any circumstances <b><i>usually..</i></b>" </div>
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There is nothing <b><i>usual</i></b> about anything these days,</div>
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so we'll err on the side of caution and give all of those holes a wide berth.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45BAeCw-dm0/XsGOhXQWyhI/AAAAAAAAx-s/OiZA0LrzMzMSBU6wCPErdReZ4jO_Y5stACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/worry%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45BAeCw-dm0/XsGOhXQWyhI/AAAAAAAAx-s/OiZA0LrzMzMSBU6wCPErdReZ4jO_Y5stACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/worry%2B9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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At least this snake had the decency to make his presence known long before we got to him.</div>
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He was pretty hard to miss, stretched out across the road. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQzzoPzO6IQ/XsGOg7V2VgI/AAAAAAAAx-o/5Fx7OFTKd_Y73wNJsioi5oluvx1dG6xHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/worry%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQzzoPzO6IQ/XsGOg7V2VgI/AAAAAAAAx-o/5Fx7OFTKd_Y73wNJsioi5oluvx1dG6xHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/worry%2B8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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He appeared to be digesting a rather large something or other</div>
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and couldn't be bothered by us. One less thing to worry about. </div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-48739894536173807922020-04-29T04:00:00.000-06:002020-04-29T04:00:09.284-06:00It's all the same, day in and day out<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3WjI9ZQ_4U/XqigkKh75FI/AAAAAAAAx9E/Kz7zjyUUgNEIYFvzi_MAcwrGuKvZAxMTACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Alex%2Bgeranium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3WjI9ZQ_4U/XqigkKh75FI/AAAAAAAAx9E/Kz7zjyUUgNEIYFvzi_MAcwrGuKvZAxMTACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Alex%2Bgeranium.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I know people are struggling with the boredom and monotony that comes from staying at home. </div>
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I am not one of those people. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBmhDsRKjIs/Xqih2yE4eQI/AAAAAAAAx9Q/99Dhug9BiXQ_CvoSp9lLwWv6PdMzkTkTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Alex%2Bgeranium%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OBmhDsRKjIs/Xqih2yE4eQI/AAAAAAAAx9Q/99Dhug9BiXQ_CvoSp9lLwWv6PdMzkTkTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Alex%2Bgeranium%2B2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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As long as I can be around my animals, I will never be bored. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJns-iVGaIg/Xqih6NE5eKI/AAAAAAAAx9U/6m-Sb6nN2U0UjXkhlwnvFWC9BUzKHIDEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Alex%2Bgeranium%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJns-iVGaIg/Xqih6NE5eKI/AAAAAAAAx9U/6m-Sb6nN2U0UjXkhlwnvFWC9BUzKHIDEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Alex%2Bgeranium%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We thrive on routine and do almost the same activities every single day...</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9qbztfVjncc" width="560"></iframe>
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...up to and including standing in the same place, </div>
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pointing to Alex to leap up on the same chair, </div>
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to receive the same reward.</div>
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It never gets old.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-54662996145997021402020-04-15T04:00:00.000-06:002020-04-15T04:00:02.319-06:00Indoor and outdoor grievances<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5y3lYuFRa2U/XpYEbcH7NcI/AAAAAAAAx70/zksjBdoZCnYtEyya1u5LQb81GvY8otmNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/inside%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5y3lYuFRa2U/XpYEbcH7NcI/AAAAAAAAx70/zksjBdoZCnYtEyya1u5LQb81GvY8otmNACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/inside%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex likes the new couch. She has more room to stretch out, as do I, </div>
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which was the whole point of buying a new one.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsagSvqJ6Go/XpYEbLuZfYI/AAAAAAAAx7w/74o-gXiRNloDYjzWlv2sQc8DGDDqTP2dACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/inside%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsagSvqJ6Go/XpYEbLuZfYI/AAAAAAAAx7w/74o-gXiRNloDYjzWlv2sQc8DGDDqTP2dACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/inside%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The challenge now is to keep her dirt and dog hair on the covered side.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2jvcbYikqU/XpYEbggc9HI/AAAAAAAAx74/YHWDg5AqmgYtkmepuP8uTohY9Bt8LQhKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/inside%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2jvcbYikqU/XpYEbggc9HI/AAAAAAAAx74/YHWDg5AqmgYtkmepuP8uTohY9Bt8LQhKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/inside%2B3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is Alex's "I reject the premise of the discussion" face,</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52zxHKRPD3Y/XpYEeDpQWHI/AAAAAAAAx8A/DtRE5cQkoZESl4M1u8j8t3ZFmCMDknUIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/inside%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52zxHKRPD3Y/XpYEeDpQWHI/AAAAAAAAx8A/DtRE5cQkoZESl4M1u8j8t3ZFmCMDknUIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/inside%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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followed by her "I can't get close enough to you with this damned pillow in the way" face.</div>
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If it's looking extra bright outside the windows in these pictures,</div>
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blame it on the April showers...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZS_bJWeDGE/XpYEc4JAjUI/AAAAAAAAx78/NF3HYw_9yEwgYowFjBmGKdezdpSKRJRlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/inside%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZS_bJWeDGE/XpYEc4JAjUI/AAAAAAAAx78/NF3HYw_9yEwgYowFjBmGKdezdpSKRJRlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/inside%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...which brought snow.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl7ug2kABIE/XpYEenTykHI/AAAAAAAAx8E/RB79qY3XyiEaFBGASXkmwfqYcsoaNQRRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/inside%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl7ug2kABIE/XpYEenTykHI/AAAAAAAAx8E/RB79qY3XyiEaFBGASXkmwfqYcsoaNQRRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/inside%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We all had some choice words to say about that.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-83672756886455920302020-04-10T04:00:00.000-06:002020-04-10T04:00:01.074-06:00Couch in a box<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have been shopping for a new couch for three years. </div>
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I went into one real store and left feeling totally overwhelmed by the experience</div>
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and underwhelmed by the pushy salespeople.</div>
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My online shopping forays were equally terrible –</div>
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too many choices and contradictory customer reviews, and </div>
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how in the heck are you supposed to decide if a couch is comfortable </div>
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if you can't sit on it?</div>
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Then there were the delivery issues. All of the online retailers I tried</div>
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insisted on a physical address for delivery, which I simply do not have.</div>
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Finally, in mid-February, I found a couch that I liked </div>
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and it could be shipped via UPS in a box.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDhM59xca34/Xo-HV9j-GpI/AAAAAAAAx6I/UZOPNo32PC4MWRFL875XwSsMgwbm5UG5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CDhM59xca34/Xo-HV9j-GpI/AAAAAAAAx6I/UZOPNo32PC4MWRFL875XwSsMgwbm5UG5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Actually, three really heavy boxes.</div>
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But before I unload the whole adventure on you, let's back up a bit.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E869gPWWGiw/Xo-HV61anxI/AAAAAAAAx6E/FbDswDllooojtxCHB_d2gUG2OYja0cJ_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E869gPWWGiw/Xo-HV61anxI/AAAAAAAAx6E/FbDswDllooojtxCHB_d2gUG2OYja0cJ_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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My UPS packages are usually delivered to a dropbox on the side of the highway. </div>
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I figured it would rain on delivery day and didn't want my new couch to get wet,<br />
and how would a couch fit into the dropbox anyway?</div>
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So I re-directed the delivery to a UPS customer center in Albuquerque.</div>
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Alex and I drove there on Tuesday to pick it up.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3KENx2trQQ/Xo-HWjYj1xI/AAAAAAAAx6M/NQh4qqXXmJ0NibJKnmj9nx2zghOMffggACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3KENx2trQQ/Xo-HWjYj1xI/AAAAAAAAx6M/NQh4qqXXmJ0NibJKnmj9nx2zghOMffggACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I stood by myself in this lobby for 10 minutes waiting for someone to appear at the counter.</div>
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Luckily, Alex could keep an eye on me from the truck because she has been known to </div>
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jump up and down on the doorlock when she misses me, </div>
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which sets off the alarm system, which causes much chaos and embarrassment.</div>
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Anyway, GrumpyUPSman finally shows up, complains about the size and weight of my boxes, </div>
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shoves them across the floor and leaves me to my own devices </div>
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to haul them and lift them into the truck. Oh well. </div>
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It would be good practice for unloading them once I got home.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Jbm-dqzQI/Xo-HXUehoSI/AAAAAAAAx6Q/xMS1Xz6aNIs3MR5ecQxXXp7ITB0A-QheACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4Jbm-dqzQI/Xo-HXUehoSI/AAAAAAAAx6Q/xMS1Xz6aNIs3MR5ecQxXXp7ITB0A-QheACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One last look at the old couch before I bring in the new one.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnTk259gIsk/Xo-HX2KjSAI/AAAAAAAAx6U/z8sobt_K8kMtqBzDMkAmrTBIgoQ0wfrogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnTk259gIsk/Xo-HX2KjSAI/AAAAAAAAx6U/z8sobt_K8kMtqBzDMkAmrTBIgoQ0wfrogCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex: <i>WTF? Where am I supposed to take my nap?</i></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDJ8-8jTio4/Xo-HZ9a9a3I/AAAAAAAAx6g/7vQ4I2z37fEYwWU5wmDAupDPXdujx3jAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDJ8-8jTio4/Xo-HZ9a9a3I/AAAAAAAAx6g/7vQ4I2z37fEYwWU5wmDAupDPXdujx3jAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I began unpacking the boxes, it occurred to me that </div>
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it would be awhile before I could sit on my new couch. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR2nKsZba8U/Xo-HacL6i1I/AAAAAAAAx6k/1E6S9oS-2Gwjg6Om2vHH_81cxfrKzOn4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KR2nKsZba8U/Xo-HacL6i1I/AAAAAAAAx6k/1E6S9oS-2Gwjg6Om2vHH_81cxfrKzOn4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Assembly would be required.<br />
Funny how I hadn't noticed much mention of that on the vendor's website,<br />
but how hard could it be?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Np0fSxpzrk/Xo-HZb-UlAI/AAAAAAAAx6c/KakC2q5O66si9wBkovMOojDYx-n4Md1kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Np0fSxpzrk/Xo-HZb-UlAI/AAAAAAAAx6c/KakC2q5O66si9wBkovMOojDYx-n4Md1kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B6b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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When I found the boxes of parts and instructions, </div>
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I was incredibly impressed that the vendor included an electric screwdriver.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg3bGmnpDwE/Xo-HbevYDBI/AAAAAAAAx6o/T-NywXZqXIMt6MBtSaPz6D_UlZd6ZnjwACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg3bGmnpDwE/Xo-HbevYDBI/AAAAAAAAx6o/T-NywXZqXIMt6MBtSaPz6D_UlZd6ZnjwACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I was incredibly distressed to find the sheer volume of screws that had to be screwed in.</div>
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The instructions seemed clear enough until I got to step 1 and spent the next two hours</div>
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Face-timing with a very helpful customer service agent as we tried to reconcile a discrepancy</div>
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between the written directions and the accompanying illustration. </div>
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Turns out the illustration was incorrect and no one had noticed it before.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caoDYNjnFaY/Xo-Hb_35MZI/AAAAAAAAx6s/UvFqpCAW3OgtSRqEr7mIWAc2s_6j0MBNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-caoDYNjnFaY/Xo-Hb_35MZI/AAAAAAAAx6s/UvFqpCAW3OgtSRqEr7mIWAc2s_6j0MBNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B9a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I ran out of energy to finish the assembly and called it a night.</div>
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Alex was okay with that, having found her napping spot in the dining room.</div>
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Before I took a nap of my own, I re-visited the vendor's website to see how </div>
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I missed the part about "lots of assembly and physical strength and patience required."</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9ehqeuaH_M/Xo-1v1UBt-I/AAAAAAAAx7Y/ov89hZfB7AMOlAZl31m9_6--ACyo1CtpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/lies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9ehqeuaH_M/Xo-1v1UBt-I/AAAAAAAAx7Y/ov89hZfB7AMOlAZl31m9_6--ACyo1CtpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/lies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was already five hours into the project and couldn't stand up straight.</div>
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Tomorrow would be another day.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwhbAdsLgaM/Xo-HcUgVViI/AAAAAAAAx6w/w-gaEBBNXFw69B34wkIPNyk6-Uj9x06xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B9b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YwhbAdsLgaM/Xo-HcUgVViI/AAAAAAAAx6w/w-gaEBBNXFw69B34wkIPNyk6-Uj9x06xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B9b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lo and behold, after a few more hours on Wednesday, I finally have a new couch.</div>
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It's very sturdy and comfortable, I love the color, </div>
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and – most importantly – I can stop shopping for a new couch.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now I have to start shopping for a new coffee table because the old one is too big and looks weird.</div>
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I'll be looking for something pre-assembled.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trAFBWzltOU/Xo_KcnwRMlI/AAAAAAAAx7k/YyObE9b2l84SBq9GFLXVbVqXVRt0UIXHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/couch%2B9d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trAFBWzltOU/Xo_KcnwRMlI/AAAAAAAAx7k/YyObE9b2l84SBq9GFLXVbVqXVRt0UIXHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/couch%2B9d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-62018664351492463972020-04-07T04:00:00.000-06:002020-04-07T04:00:08.500-06:00When social distancing does not apply<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AVfUieB6Tg/Xou8q-darkI/AAAAAAAAx5M/UrXPeDlsVVoPgTvWS4o09LgT699QOO1XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/g%2Band%2Ba%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AVfUieB6Tg/Xou8q-darkI/AAAAAAAAx5M/UrXPeDlsVVoPgTvWS4o09LgT699QOO1XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/g%2Band%2Ba%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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George and Alan have not grasped the concept of social distancing.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PjKHwwCGd3U/Xou8sGI7BkI/AAAAAAAAx5U/76a9m7ovNkIYN_Jm3am3i0z6csJ9Se6DACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/g%2Band%2Ba%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PjKHwwCGd3U/Xou8sGI7BkI/AAAAAAAAx5U/76a9m7ovNkIYN_Jm3am3i0z6csJ9Se6DACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/g%2Band%2Ba%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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George thinks it means Alan has to keep his distance from me.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubu-x_XBhnI/Xou8rt9yYLI/AAAAAAAAx5Q/GI3E_Y1l4HQ7dm8HNbUxhi5EY-aeUsTfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/g%2Band%2Ba%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubu-x_XBhnI/Xou8rt9yYLI/AAAAAAAAx5Q/GI3E_Y1l4HQ7dm8HNbUxhi5EY-aeUsTfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/g%2Band%2Ba%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alan thinks that's bullshit...</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuFpoIjW_FA/Xou8s3e6KOI/AAAAAAAAx5Y/PrJPJ6XplO03P2YeFp7RbNJmUAASSf7igCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/g%2Band%2Ba%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nuFpoIjW_FA/Xou8s3e6KOI/AAAAAAAAx5Y/PrJPJ6XplO03P2YeFp7RbNJmUAASSf7igCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/g%2Band%2Ba%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and is not shy about expressing his feelings.</div>
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If distancing ourselves from our animals is ever recommended...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ajjcQROjYs/Xou8t4L1-yI/AAAAAAAAx5g/RQMN7CxtM7MiXKladGBiSzlkzlntJHRGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/g%2Band%2Ba%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ajjcQROjYs/Xou8t4L1-yI/AAAAAAAAx5g/RQMN7CxtM7MiXKladGBiSzlkzlntJHRGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/g%2Band%2Ba%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...just shoot me.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-80513927832164525922020-04-03T04:30:00.000-06:002020-04-03T04:30:09.581-06:00A few minutes with Alan and a lizard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Today's music is "Lizards Dancing on the Fence" by Gary Bowman. </i></span></div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-91149012716952429322020-04-01T04:00:00.000-06:002020-04-01T04:00:00.708-06:00Staying busy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-37443996170351804122020-03-30T04:00:00.000-06:002020-03-30T04:00:06.238-06:00Improvisational cooking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My chickens never turn down leftovers, in this case raw carrots,<br />
which I hate but were included in a bag of packaged salad,<br />
which I rarely buy but was in stock when I ordered groceries last week. </div>
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The grocery supply chain here is still way out of whack,<br />
and the stuff I usually buy isn't available. </div>
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So like everyone else, I'm improvising. </div>
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I'm also pampering the girls at every opportunity because eggs are the new gold.</div>
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Mini pizza shells are a staple in my pantry,<br />
and nothing says dinner like breakfast with a face.</div>
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I call this one "Emoji, it's what's for dinner."</div>
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Since there wasn't a carb in sight at Walmart last week,<br />
I had no choice but to bake bread.</div>
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Remember back in the old days when we <a href="http://www.the7msnranch.com/2010/11/lets-bake-some-bread-together.html" target="_blank">did that together</a>?</div>
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I'm still using the same recipe. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5Gr-hA0u0o/XoD8jascr3I/AAAAAAAAx4M/jMYdfAd42OM7N7fCGVzbU-iumJZUNjLfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cooking%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o5Gr-hA0u0o/XoD8jascr3I/AAAAAAAAx4M/jMYdfAd42OM7N7fCGVzbU-iumJZUNjLfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cooking%2B5.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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It may be time to print out another copy. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W17EebQksZY/XoD8jp90eqI/AAAAAAAAx4Q/7KT3EBHe7ZktOc8rwWWj2-W7GCCkYHkogCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cooking%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="1600" height="631" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W17EebQksZY/XoD8jp90eqI/AAAAAAAAx4Q/7KT3EBHe7ZktOc8rwWWj2-W7GCCkYHkogCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cooking%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made eight sandwich rolls and two baguettes,<br />
which are safely tucked away in the freezer for now.</div>
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The "Home Cooking" sticker is there to:<br />
a) hide the ugly electrical outlet which detracted from the pretty bread<br />
and, more importantly, b) remind me to tell you about the "Home Cooking" podcast. </div>
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The co-hosts are Samin Nosrat (whose Netflix series "Salt Fat Acid Heat" is terrific)<br />
and Hrishikesh Hirway (who co-hosted The West Wing Weekly podcast).<br />
(Have I mentioned that I'm a Wingnut and have binged the entire series three times?) </div>
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Anyway, the "Home Cooking" podcast is meant to help you figure out what to cook<br />
while we're all staying safe at home. It's funny, filled with practical advice,<br />
and Samin has the most infectious laugh.<br />
Alex and I listened to the first episode while out walking,<br />
and I was inspired to run all the way home and start cooking.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmjWx9j5kjs/XoD8kLfF5DI/AAAAAAAAx4U/C8Ht4P3TtcIOwcUwbmWPScPiLMm0Jn5PACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cooking%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EmjWx9j5kjs/XoD8kLfF5DI/AAAAAAAAx4U/C8Ht4P3TtcIOwcUwbmWPScPiLMm0Jn5PACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cooking%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This picture was taken before Walmart ran out of bread.<br />
I'm showing it to you because of the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrimitiveTownPedder" target="_blank">wooden stovetop cover</a> I found on Etsy.<br />
I hate this stove with a passion because: a) the surface is impossible to keep clean. Not anymore!<br />
and b) the stinkin' light is so darned bright it keeps me up at night,</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIFaO_ibdGU/XoD8kVpQA5I/AAAAAAAAx4Y/FtqiMCE97pkzwxeRXLAsufeXv1YtVB-owCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/cooking%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tIFaO_ibdGU/XoD8kVpQA5I/AAAAAAAAx4Y/FtqiMCE97pkzwxeRXLAsufeXv1YtVB-owCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/cooking%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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but that is what electrical tape is for.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-79925825797010296602020-03-25T14:33:00.000-06:002020-03-25T14:33:34.278-06:00Making up for lost time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Alex has gotten short shrift during my blogging hiatus. No blogging = not many reasons to take pictures = not many photos of the cutest ears in caninedom.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTBtEIQcxnY/Xnu0l7xc_RI/AAAAAAAAx24/Y29fRYnZ9Gkgr5gH8jPGhycpAphCRgwJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/alex%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xTBtEIQcxnY/Xnu0l7xc_RI/AAAAAAAAx24/Y29fRYnZ9Gkgr5gH8jPGhycpAphCRgwJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/alex%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hence, I'm trying to make up for some lost time.</div>
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Posing comes quite naturally to her, though how that leg bend can be comfortable is a mystery.</div>
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She has a wicked side eye and is not shy about using it.</div>
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Do you think she knows she's not supposed to be on this chair?</div>
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All is forgiven if it makes for a pretty picture.</div>
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Alex doesn't spend nearly as much time outside as Smooch did. She only wants to be where I am. We are absurdly, though unashamedly, co-dependent.</div>
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She's very alert and watchful. In this case, she's keeping an eye on the chickens on the other side of the fence. She loves chickens...for lunch. E Street chicken Clarence, who hasn't learned her lesson, likes to fly into the garden. Twice I've had to remove her from Alex's locked jaw and twice she has survived, which is a damned good thing because a steady supply of eggs is important in these crazy times. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLJacsJeq2s/Xnu0pQNf20I/AAAAAAAAx3U/4KwQ4x1ep5M4QLIujAcZC0pWT13iMdscQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/alex%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLJacsJeq2s/Xnu0pQNf20I/AAAAAAAAx3U/4KwQ4x1ep5M4QLIujAcZC0pWT13iMdscQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/alex%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some things just can't be explained.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCgefSwHkBc/Xnu0p_Dt15I/AAAAAAAAx3c/DIfn2V6p8N4XaWQmqO8ZnBfIqqY4M4LEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/alex%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCgefSwHkBc/Xnu0p_Dt15I/AAAAAAAAx3c/DIfn2V6p8N4XaWQmqO8ZnBfIqqY4M4LEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/alex%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex turns 2 on Saturday.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shg8jJkkM3I/Xnu0mGD_55I/AAAAAAAAx28/UEUzGIvJcqI2rIvN3ZFe-sJQLhtfvo6EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/alex%2B10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="427" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shg8jJkkM3I/Xnu0mGD_55I/AAAAAAAAx28/UEUzGIvJcqI2rIvN3ZFe-sJQLhtfvo6EgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/alex%2B10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Long may she live.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-59267177797111202722020-03-23T04:00:00.000-06:002020-03-23T04:00:01.152-06:00Some things never change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There comes a point when I have to stop screaming into the void and do it here instead, because these daily press conferences? The excerpts I'm seeing leave me speechless. Why can't anybody stop him? How can we help fix this? There are no easy answers until November, I know, but I feel a little better having asked the questions.<br />
Thanks for listening to me vent. You might want to hit replay on the video now.<br />
<br />
Here, this will help, too.<br />
Maggie Mae, Lisa G's 10-week-old Cavapoo:<br />
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-87660658018961196542020-03-19T13:53:00.000-06:002020-03-19T13:53:06.344-06:00It took a pandemic to resurrect this blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Everything here at the 7MSN is fine. I'm fine, the animals are fine, and life in general has been fine since my last post six months ago. I can't tell you why I stopped blogging because I don't know the reason myself, and who needs therapy anyway? Something changed, and living my life on this blog hasn't felt right or fun or worthwhile. Not that it does now, either, but with the world spinning off its axis, I'm missing all of you terribly and feeling the need to get the whole gang back together ... at the appropriate distance, of course.<br />
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The last six months here have been very ordinary and routine. I work a few hours each day, freelancing for the same company from which I retired. There's plenty of time to keep up with the ranch chores and a little too much time to follow politics and the news. With a lot of help from YouTube, I'm learning to play the ukulele. I know, wtf? It's almost warm enough to start practicing on the front porch. George and Alan won't know what hit them.<br />
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The weird part is that since the coronavirus outbreak has taken hold, everything here is still very ordinary and routine. Who would have thought that being a hermit could be so advantageous? Nothing in our day-to-day activities has changed, except for the level of anxiety and the lack of hockey games to watch on tv ... and the additional amount of time I spend screaming into the void about Trump. I live easily in my protective bubble seven miles south of nowhere, wishing I could do something tangible to ease the suffering elsewhere. Are crocheted face masks a thing? Probably not. Give me a few years and I might be ready to entertain you with an online ukulele concert. God help us all if the pandemic lasts that long.<br />
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com115tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-18188704213898836642019-09-18T16:21:00.000-06:002019-09-18T16:21:29.886-06:00Remembering Smooch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I said goodbye to Smooch on Saturday. She had a seizure, and the
poor prognosis convinced me</div>
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it was time to let her go. I buried her at
the ranch, in a spot where she will still be able </div>
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to keep an eye on
things. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The song is called "Story of My Life" from The Piano Guys.</span></i></div>
</div>the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com127tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-2320305848508639352019-07-23T12:28:00.000-06:002019-07-23T12:28:16.943-06:00The one where Smooch gets bitten by a rattlesnake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Spoiler alert: This story has a happy ending.</i></div>
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It was a dark and steamy night and we were getting ready for bed. I turned on the porch light and opened the sunroom door to let Smooch and Alex outside for the last time. They exited together, Smooch on the right, Alex on the left. Less than a split second later, we all heard the rattling start. M-fin' snake was right there, coiled up on the cold concrete pavers next to my shoe. We had woken him up and he was pissed.</div>
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Smooch and Alex began barking frantically, and the snake's rattling was ceaseless and absurdly loud. My brain was yelling at me to stay calm, but that signal didn't reach my mouth. Total pandemonium ensued. I was screaming and trying to catch the dogs, the snake wouldn't shut up, Smooch was running around sniffing sniffing sniffing and not paying the least bit of attention to my pleas to come, nor was Alex. </div>
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Smooch would run a lap, then run over to the snake, Alex would follow her, and I kept running out of my flipflops trying to catch them. After what seemed like 20 minutes but was probably two, I finally caught Alex, picked her up and held her in a death grip against my hip while I put Smooch in a head lock. We were all in a pile at the opposite corner of the yard from the snake and, I kid you not, I screamed out loud "we need a plan!" a half dozen times. </div>
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Then Smooch got loose, I threw Alex into the sunroom steering clear of the snake, then re-caught Smooch and carried her into the house via the pitch-dark driveway and backyard, where I was certain the snake's friends were waiting to bite off my toes.</div>
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Whew. The dogs were now safe and I just had to catch the snake, which turned out to be easy because he was still in the same place. This all happened last Wednesday night, by the way, starting around 9:15.</div>
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With the snake trapped in a tightly lidded trash can in the garage, I was back in the house by 9:30. I found Smooch sitting on the bed in the guest room and noticed a small drop of blood on the right side of her face. Crap crap crap crap crap. She had been bitten. Strangely, I wasn't freaking out. I was thinking, "It's okay, she's current on her snakebite vaccine, everything will be fine." </div>
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I called the local emergency vet clinic, rather calmly explained that my dog had been bitten by a rattlesnake but she had been vaccinated, and asked what I should do. The person said they were out of anti-venin so I would have to go to the emergency clinic in Albuquerque. </div>
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As I was dialing that number, I'm thinking, "Anti-venin? Why? She's been vaccinated." So I explain my story again and the person immediately gives me directions to the clinic and I'm like, "but it will be the middle of the night by the time I get there and she's been vaccinated, can't we just wait until morning and go to our regular vet?" The answer was an emphatic <i><b>NO</b></i>, so off we all went to Albuquerque. </div>
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I had plenty of time on the way there to try to figure out what had just happened. For all 13.5 years of her life, Smooch has been very snake-smart, keeping a respectful distance as she would bark at them to alert me. I concluded she must have been bitten the moment the snake saw her. She didn't react to the bite in any noticeable way, but all the running back to the snake over and over again was either because: a) she was pissed off and wanted to bite him back or b) she was trying to protect me and Alex. </div>
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It was a quiet night in the ER and Smooch was taken to the treatment area within minutes of our arrival.</div>
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Alex and I waited patiently, passing the time by texting Danni, who was researching the snakebite vaccine and helping me figure out what to expect. All these years I had been living under the very false sense of security that, when vaccinated, a dog would survive a snakebite, the symptoms would be less severe, and it would be no big deal. I was right on the first two counts, but it was indeed a very big deal. I was about to learn that Smooch would be receiving a vial of anti-venin, she would need to be hospitalized, and there was mention of cardiac arrhythmias, ghastly infection, necrosis of the skin...I stopped listening after that.</div>
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Alex and I said goodnight to Smooch, as she drooled in her temporary accommodations. The vets would give her a vial of anti-venin as soon as it defrosted and call me in the morning...or sooner as need be.</div>
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When the call came Thursday morning, it was good news mostly. The swelling on her face had gone down, but they had found puncture wounds from another bite on her lower left leg. There was no swelling and it wasn't painful, so that one was likely a dry bite. She wasn't eating, but her mouth was bruised on the inside, so it made sense. </div>
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This is getting boring so I'll fast forward to Friday morning after Smooch came home.</div>
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A cone was necessary so that she couldn't scratch her face with her paw.</div>
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Smooch was sent home with plenty of drugs. </div>
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She rested semi-comfortably for the first 12 hours, then finally found her appetite and began eating with gusto, which is when I started breathing again.</div>
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We visited our regular vet first thing Monday morning for a recheck. She gave Smooch an excellent prognosis and gave me permission to remove the cone of shame. </div>
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Smooch: <i>Can't believe that s-o-b bit my leg, too.</i></div>
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Meanwhile, there was still the matter of a rattlesnake in a garbage can in the garage. I was tempted to move the can into the sun and let him roast in his own juices for awhile, but I still believe in snake karma and thought better of it.</div>
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Monday night, Alex and I drove down to snake-release road.</div>
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Five days trapped in a can didn't do much for this guy's mood.</div>
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Alex: <i>Please be careful. I don't know how to drive this thing.</i></div>
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Having participated in every step of this adventure, I can only hope that Alex has learned some very valuable lessons.</div>
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Smooch assures me that she has.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-61777407882795923922019-07-17T15:33:00.000-06:002019-07-17T15:33:42.990-06:00Alex's new friends<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We had a visitor at the ranch yesterday. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4aLdr0ROvE/XS-NwaVndSI/AAAAAAAAxs8/TnfI8gdkkMEPDYSei-VWG7qKI1lFwAmfQCLcBGAs/s1600/moth%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4aLdr0ROvE/XS-NwaVndSI/AAAAAAAAxs8/TnfI8gdkkMEPDYSei-VWG7qKI1lFwAmfQCLcBGAs/s640/moth%2B1.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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I wasn't wearing my glasses when I saw him and assumed I was taking a picture of a bat.</div>
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Turns out it was just a very impressive moth.</div>
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I texted his picture to Danni, whose response was "Omfg you need to measure it!"</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1IoC8P4tHno/XS-Nv0xWQeI/AAAAAAAAxs4/7O-RxJlGAmorgj5eyJGvo8AubDcoS5WrwCLcBGAs/s1600/moth%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1IoC8P4tHno/XS-Nv0xWQeI/AAAAAAAAxs4/7O-RxJlGAmorgj5eyJGvo8AubDcoS5WrwCLcBGAs/s640/moth%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He flew away by the time I got back with my tape measure, darn it.</div>
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But the story doesn't end there. </div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HmgEwB2y1kM?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="640"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOFewnjbADE/XS-NvfawLHI/AAAAAAAAxs0/6_fi_xihEO0XzvJOESaorAPEkZJ05r5AwCLcBGAs/s1600/moth%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eOFewnjbADE/XS-NvfawLHI/AAAAAAAAxs0/6_fi_xihEO0XzvJOESaorAPEkZJ05r5AwCLcBGAs/s640/moth%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex continues to wait for the return of her new friends.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-59181825218434217372019-06-10T15:44:00.000-06:002019-06-10T15:44:53.113-06:00Be careful what you wish for<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I took Alex hiking in the mountains on Sunday. </div>
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We were looking for adventure.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svhbQGw8MME/XP6Vf88rF_I/AAAAAAAAxrY/yl8x0PQJhj0lQFg5AHxcEsgWMnieIwZmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/hike%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-svhbQGw8MME/XP6Vf88rF_I/AAAAAAAAxrY/yl8x0PQJhj0lQFg5AHxcEsgWMnieIwZmgCEwYBhgL/s640/hike%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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Alex found some before we even got out of the truck.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ2QMgSrE2c/XP6Vhv3EIiI/AAAAAAAAxrQ/o03B8uHTNYQfrVu9MNk8utd3JaUqnbCeQCEwYBhgL/s1600/hike%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ2QMgSrE2c/XP6Vhv3EIiI/AAAAAAAAxrQ/o03B8uHTNYQfrVu9MNk8utd3JaUqnbCeQCEwYBhgL/s640/hike%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Four mule deer hardly constitute a grand <i></i>adventure,</div>
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but it was an auspicious start, and how about that blue sky?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mindful of recent lost-hiker stories in the news,</div>
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I texted Ethel (also known by her real name, Denise) of our plans</div>
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so she could organize a search party if necessary.</div>
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How one does that from several thousand miles away remains to be seen,</div>
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but I felt better knowing that someone would know where we were</div>
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in case we got eaten by a bear or something and didn't return on time.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62u65in0Gzc/XP6We8Ey2HI/AAAAAAAAxrc/4ktAJMsr_8M_THTX73uLQKvv-oiAGh-2ACLcBGAs/s1600/hike%2B2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62u65in0Gzc/XP6We8Ey2HI/AAAAAAAAxrc/4ktAJMsr_8M_THTX73uLQKvv-oiAGh-2ACLcBGAs/s640/hike%2B2b.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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This was my first smartphone-equipped hike, and I was practically giddy</div>
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when I realized I had a signal on the mountain. </div>
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I could call or text my way out of trouble if need be.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhjUkT7e_tg/XP6WfhQxdNI/AAAAAAAAxrg/8cmASX9uxiACsl8YgNP5petIIpkZRArmgCLcBGAs/s1600/hike%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lhjUkT7e_tg/XP6WfhQxdNI/AAAAAAAAxrg/8cmASX9uxiACsl8YgNP5petIIpkZRArmgCLcBGAs/s640/hike%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The plan was to hike the 3.5 miles to the top, then come back down the same way. </div>
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I kept Alex on a leash because I always keep her on a leash.</div>
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Good thing, too, because we'd occasionally hear a branch snap,</div>
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followed by the sounds of a mule deer running through the trees,</div>
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followed by the sounds of me admonishing Alex to stop trying to chase the mule deer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVTsUMmgI1s/XP6Vi9rMNVI/AAAAAAAAxrU/vLV8E7bW-egjd9FUQTo9jzyJmKEAJ8psgCEwYBhgL/s1600/hike%2B3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jVTsUMmgI1s/XP6Vi9rMNVI/AAAAAAAAxrU/vLV8E7bW-egjd9FUQTo9jzyJmKEAJ8psgCEwYBhgL/s640/hike%2B3b.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
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Texting on a hike might be the modern-day equivalent of leaving a trail of breadcrumbs.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th13KQdIz8Q/XP6VmQ2BP-I/AAAAAAAAxrQ/05JlJ-aTnj4w_Yq9zgxhIjF0xl68q0TkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/hike%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Th13KQdIz8Q/XP6VmQ2BP-I/AAAAAAAAxrQ/05JlJ-aTnj4w_Yq9zgxhIjF0xl68q0TkQCEwYBhgL/s640/hike%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex: <i>Put the damned phone away and let's go home.</i></div>
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The best part about hiking up a mountain? Hiking back down. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We had about a mile of trail left when we heard a branch snap somewhere off to our right.</div>
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I glanced in that direction as Alex got ready to pull my arm out the socket to chase a deer.</div>
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Except it wasn't a deer. It was a bear, </div>
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a very large bear climbing a tree about 50 yards away, looking right back at us. </div>
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And I had no fucking idea what to do.</div>
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Walk? Run? Hide? Google for the answer?</div>
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I opted for walking quickly and getting the hell out of there</div>
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before he could climb down the tree and eat us.</div>
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But I did grab my phone as we scurried by and pointed it in his general vicinity to take a picture</div>
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because once a blogger, always a blogger. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Once I was semi-convinced he wasn't chasing us, I stopped and sent Denise another text.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzUkOvl1XWs/XP6VnGti-GI/AAAAAAAAxrU/E-PSRAGmTUQ1N4cIXDpwNwx35fnTpJzVgCEwYBhgL/s1600/hike%2B4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzUkOvl1XWs/XP6VnGti-GI/AAAAAAAAxrU/E-PSRAGmTUQ1N4cIXDpwNwx35fnTpJzVgCEwYBhgL/s640/hike%2B4b.jpg" width="442" /></a></div>
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In case we met our demise, she'd have more clues to give the search party.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgx8BgNI6KA/XP7HZdfCdlI/AAAAAAAAxrs/DVGPt7ndFL8um4VbiSNxe4xY9T0fX39OACLcBGAs/s1600/hike%2B6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgx8BgNI6KA/XP7HZdfCdlI/AAAAAAAAxrs/DVGPt7ndFL8um4VbiSNxe4xY9T0fX39OACLcBGAs/s640/hike%2B6b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hard to say who was more relieved when the hike was over,</div>
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but we went looking for adventure and found it, so there's that. </div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-35816641533016947472019-05-21T16:55:00.000-06:002019-05-21T16:55:58.473-06:00The problem with hanging indoor art outdoors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxfmQhdoXR8/XOR1kqRisgI/AAAAAAAAxp8/yRyJvU5jcxkF5wtITqyDVxJmCHuTfStRQCLcBGAs/s1600/alex%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jxfmQhdoXR8/XOR1kqRisgI/AAAAAAAAxp8/yRyJvU5jcxkF5wtITqyDVxJmCHuTfStRQCLcBGAs/s640/alex%2B2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
When I hung a few pieces of art on the back porch,</div>
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I figured I might have to straighten them occasionally</div>
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or dust them off. No big deal under ordinary circumstances. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-nvFl1R5Xo/XOR1luOAYAI/AAAAAAAAxqA/bnAC-AOu7bgMaawiwlToCIpXnB0qBOJxwCLcBGAs/s1600/alex%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-nvFl1R5Xo/XOR1luOAYAI/AAAAAAAAxqA/bnAC-AOu7bgMaawiwlToCIpXnB0qBOJxwCLcBGAs/s640/alex%2B3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
This was not going to be an ordinary circumstance.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdvy1iTXpno/XOR1m5n4Q4I/AAAAAAAAxqE/IK_e4nja8oEDJJoXosG_v1caqDYxiy_OACLcBGAs/s1600/alex%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdvy1iTXpno/XOR1m5n4Q4I/AAAAAAAAxqE/IK_e4nja8oEDJJoXosG_v1caqDYxiy_OACLcBGAs/s640/alex%2B4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
The nest was occupied so I gave the tenant a week's notice<br />
to find suitable accommodations elsewhere.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4GgY2IviNc/XOR1oVR8K2I/AAAAAAAAxqI/xRdAekLskugSA_2l9ZWxINBKIbZ-GKG2wCLcBGAs/s1600/alex%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o4GgY2IviNc/XOR1oVR8K2I/AAAAAAAAxqI/xRdAekLskugSA_2l9ZWxINBKIbZ-GKG2wCLcBGAs/s640/alex%2B5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alex said I was being a pushover and began eviction proceedings.</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/exxCKaaa4Zs?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="640"></iframe>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-21982686094782384592019-04-29T17:35:00.000-06:002019-04-29T17:35:52.728-06:00It's been so long I may have forgotten how to do this<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I never intended to stop blogging. It just happened – </div>
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no particular reason other than I haven't felt like talking.</div>
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This malaise began in early November 2016 and I don't expect</div>
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it will end before November 2020. You can figure it out. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uad8GFsqQs/XMcmj5sLzQI/AAAAAAAAxnw/x1zweAER-ykj5Yj1fpYAR4CAqZHl8kcPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/return%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uad8GFsqQs/XMcmj5sLzQI/AAAAAAAAxnw/x1zweAER-ykj5Yj1fpYAR4CAqZHl8kcPgCEwYBhgL/s640/return%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When last we gathered here, the door installation was mostly done,</div>
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but it pointed to a plethora of projects that would have to be accomplished</div>
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before I could call the room complete.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rymd3Z-MiY/XMcmkiorrWI/AAAAAAAAxn0/NwE_Yzcc-NA0BdLdsCrRZ6cnoyhxdl-oQCEwYBhgL/s1600/return%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rymd3Z-MiY/XMcmkiorrWI/AAAAAAAAxn0/NwE_Yzcc-NA0BdLdsCrRZ6cnoyhxdl-oQCEwYBhgL/s640/return%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to simplify the color palette, so covering up the green walls</div>
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with an off-white seemed like a good place to start.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Besides, I had to get the painting out of the way before I could hang</div>
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the crown jewel of the door project: </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lCkyuRxcS-0/XMcmmncqbLI/AAAAAAAAxnY/6S5H7fXX-LkxRXw1woO3pp4KCPPjG5WNACEwYBhgL/s1600/return%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lCkyuRxcS-0/XMcmmncqbLI/AAAAAAAAxnY/6S5H7fXX-LkxRXw1woO3pp4KCPPjG5WNACEwYBhgL/s640/return%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DebsGlassArt" target="_blank">glass artist</a> on Etsy to create a transom window </div>
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for the empty space above the door.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MOrlHE05ijg/XMcm8QqxxwI/AAAAAAAAxn8/UqbKvgMwEygpY34TWiJDryrbZNgDjt4mACLcBGAs/s1600/return%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MOrlHE05ijg/XMcm8QqxxwI/AAAAAAAAxn8/UqbKvgMwEygpY34TWiJDryrbZNgDjt4mACLcBGAs/s640/return%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It makes the room seem taller and I am thrilled with it.</div>
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And how about the lovely chewed edge of the quilt?</div>
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Nicely done, Alex. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW2nNCEMOJ4/XMcmox35XZI/AAAAAAAAxnc/uupeXlYx5ugh1JKpAoTZCW49f4Yinhj8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/return%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RW2nNCEMOJ4/XMcmox35XZI/AAAAAAAAxnc/uupeXlYx5ugh1JKpAoTZCW49f4Yinhj8wCEwYBhgL/s640/return%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you believe how long her tail is?</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZp0D08werQ/XMcm_HIKIEI/AAAAAAAAxoE/AzVcYNETXFwx_KNWda3MoSptLSdZfN1HACLcBGAs/s1600/return%2B6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZp0D08werQ/XMcm_HIKIEI/AAAAAAAAxoE/AzVcYNETXFwx_KNWda3MoSptLSdZfN1HACLcBGAs/s640/return%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
Me neither.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NB0141lcj1o/XMcmsUdNr4I/AAAAAAAAxng/rygiPbGfTKEgzw3dvVaZZ0rtHaQgrj5OQCEwYBhgL/s1600/return%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NB0141lcj1o/XMcmsUdNr4I/AAAAAAAAxng/rygiPbGfTKEgzw3dvVaZZ0rtHaQgrj5OQCEwYBhgL/s640/return%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These two. It may look like they were posing for a yearbook photo</div>
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but they were actually watching bugs smash into the window.</div>
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Entertainment is cheap in the middle of nowhere. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2p5B0ESYRQc/XMcmv7p3w8I/AAAAAAAAxno/Q-Uz7ItSt1Ew1W4Eyu7Y_dHg7B9eEL0rwCEwYBhgL/s1600/return%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2p5B0ESYRQc/XMcmv7p3w8I/AAAAAAAAxno/Q-Uz7ItSt1Ew1W4Eyu7Y_dHg7B9eEL0rwCEwYBhgL/s640/return%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The new paint color helped me realize that the focal point of the room</div>
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should be the views out the windows, so I did not rehang most of the art</div>
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that had been on the walls. Not in the bedroom, anyway. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVEKjnPojTU/XMcySg8ZgWI/AAAAAAAAxoY/CAi5MmznTaswDFZDivnCnE0oLdZJFwP-ACLcBGAs/s1600/return%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dVEKjnPojTU/XMcySg8ZgWI/AAAAAAAAxoY/CAi5MmznTaswDFZDivnCnE0oLdZJFwP-ACLcBGAs/s640/return%2Ba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The outside of the house may be in danger of turning into a gallery of sorts</div>
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and I'm okay with that, except for the part where I realize</div>
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how badly this table needs to be sanded and repainted </div>
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and my project list grows ever longer.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kowqSQZT-Y/XMcyS--RLwI/AAAAAAAAxok/WjJQix43weED0u_UUPux6Cg195wEY1fGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/return%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kowqSQZT-Y/XMcyS--RLwI/AAAAAAAAxok/WjJQix43weED0u_UUPux6Cg195wEY1fGQCEwYBhgL/s640/return%2Bb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the part where Alex realizes she can break her pose and go play.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx32OWhkSXw/XMcmyOIT2WI/AAAAAAAAxns/SKisFvHleUoN7jfQLDNTEKENVRrYN6qDQCEwYBhgL/s1600/return%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx32OWhkSXw/XMcmyOIT2WI/AAAAAAAAxns/SKisFvHleUoN7jfQLDNTEKENVRrYN6qDQCEwYBhgL/s640/return%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway, back to the original bedroom project, which was crying out</div>
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for some softness to balance the other textures going on in there, so I ripped out</div>
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the barnwood that cased the picture window and replaced it with 11 yards of cotton gauze.</div>
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<br />
One more room picture, then I'll shut up about this project...for now.<br />
I took this one while sitting on the window seat, using the phone's panorama option:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zK3iIb06bMo/XMeJJmQS62I/AAAAAAAAxpY/MlUNNOGwctE0aP5A8QbjsHAYo7iLf7RuwCLcBGAs/s1600/panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zK3iIb06bMo/XMeJJmQS62I/AAAAAAAAxpY/MlUNNOGwctE0aP5A8QbjsHAYo7iLf7RuwCLcBGAs/s640/panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDkikciwR_s/XMc5F6jYjdI/AAAAAAAAxos/1uOt0bLLjiYaekzV9gXdCzZ1MmTGLzgHgCLcBGAs/s1600/return%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1588" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDkikciwR_s/XMc5F6jYjdI/AAAAAAAAxos/1uOt0bLLjiYaekzV9gXdCzZ1MmTGLzgHgCLcBGAs/s640/return%2Bc.jpg" width="634" /></a></div>
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In the midst of all the d-i-y frivolity, the hockey playoffs began.</div>
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Perhaps if I had not put Alex's bowtie on upside down, the first round</div>
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would have had a better outcome. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vno7B0qdnAk/XMc7fJxNxFI/AAAAAAAAxpA/zBx5-mNvc0YvYfrxtWGra44ZgYZ2xWB4gCLcBGAs/s1600/return%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vno7B0qdnAk/XMc7fJxNxFI/AAAAAAAAxpA/zBx5-mNvc0YvYfrxtWGra44ZgYZ2xWB4gCLcBGAs/s640/return%2Be.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was not a happy ending for our team...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tyvgmhKjxc/XMdihBRpOiI/AAAAAAAAxpM/8SQuFV2PCFkutVH1kVc7vINLW7VatNYIACLcBGAs/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3tyvgmhKjxc/XMdihBRpOiI/AAAAAAAAxpM/8SQuFV2PCFkutVH1kVc7vINLW7VatNYIACLcBGAs/s640/final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...but we're already looking forward to next season.</div>
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With any luck, I'll feel like talking/blogging again before then.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-54736526445225048872019-03-18T04:00:00.000-06:002019-03-18T04:00:02.520-06:00All's well at the 7MSN<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciCv-obiDs4/XIfoLlusz8I/AAAAAAAAxkw/kz1IEzbvRqw2CXa1qqRLQp6rp_EAydVZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciCv-obiDs4/XIfoLlusz8I/AAAAAAAAxkw/kz1IEzbvRqw2CXa1qqRLQp6rp_EAydVZgCEwYBhgL/s640/blog1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Except for the occasional morning rainbow, not too much is happening at the ranch,</div>
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which is just fine by me.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2-kOeMpUMk/XIfoU2KfFjI/AAAAAAAAxks/fK3SOC5DbG8dguNzAgD1co9-W_4BCC2iACEwYBhgL/s1600/blog%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f2-kOeMpUMk/XIfoU2KfFjI/AAAAAAAAxks/fK3SOC5DbG8dguNzAgD1co9-W_4BCC2iACEwYBhgL/s640/blog%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Smooch is almost back to normal after her bout of <a href="http://www.the7msnranch.com/2019/02/old-dog-vestibular-disease-its-thing.html" target="_blank">old dog vestibular disease</a>.</div>
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She's eating well and going for at least one long walk a day.<br />
She's still a little unsteady but is once again able to jump up on her favorite chair to sleep,<br />
which means I can sleep, which means I have no excuse whatsoever for not blogging<br />
for almost a month, except that it's the homestretch of the regular hockey season<br />
and you may not hear from me again until after the playoffs in June if my team keeps winning.<br />
Misplaced priorities, I know.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkaiDk8529g/XIfoWKzVIVI/AAAAAAAAxkw/gQx7gl0zVhcb-7Ct-GfYTgogU5JmwmtYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/blog%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qkaiDk8529g/XIfoWKzVIVI/AAAAAAAAxkw/gQx7gl0zVhcb-7Ct-GfYTgogU5JmwmtYwCEwYBhgL/s640/blog%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex is...so many things. </div>
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Despite her focus and intensity, she is not a good watchdog,<br />
barking at all the wrong times and mostly never.<br />
Her favorite foods are cow poop and the edges of comforters and pillows.<br />
She has yet to shed since coming to live here.<br />
Not sure what's up with that, but I hope it never changes.</div>
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Her exuberance for life in general does not waver...</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OXBD9GKEJI/XIfoaIEklUI/AAAAAAAAxk0/FCgp_M0rpS8B9xJHzZBdD_ee_r-3ov5sACEwYBhgL/s1600/blog%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2OXBD9GKEJI/XIfoaIEklUI/AAAAAAAAxk0/FCgp_M0rpS8B9xJHzZBdD_ee_r-3ov5sACEwYBhgL/s640/blog%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...nor does her total devotion to me.<br />
I can see this becoming a big problem down the road but so be it. </div>
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Riding in the cart at the home improvement store remains one of Alex's favorite things,</div>
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which is very good because the <a href="http://www.the7msnranch.com/2019/02/i-fing-did-it.html" target="_blank">sliding door</a> I installed in my bedroom </div>
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has inadvertently become the catalyst for a host of other projects.</div>
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The old ceiling fan, installed when the house was built 14 years ago, had to go.</div>
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I forgot to take a before picture, but it looked just like this one in my office:</div>
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Too big, too brassy and too blchh. What was I thinking?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHNRZGOrNIw/XIfoelXX88I/AAAAAAAAxkc/ENAR5Nd_eW48Thy7lX3LnV5AqI7nmT7SwCEwYBhgL/s1600/blog%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IHNRZGOrNIw/XIfoelXX88I/AAAAAAAAxkc/ENAR5Nd_eW48Thy7lX3LnV5AqI7nmT7SwCEwYBhgL/s640/blog%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So now I have a ceiling-hugging version, which turned out to be</div>
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very easy to install once I got past the head-scratching wiring part <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(thanks, Tall Paul!)</span></i></div>
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But then the light fixture in the dressing area didn't look right,</div>
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and I might be tired of the green walls, and the comforter with the chewed edge</div>
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doesn't look great with the new rugs so yeah...one thing leads to a hundred others.</div>
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All of which is to say there might be some interesting "after" pictures</div>
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if I ever get to the point of calling this room done.</div>
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Meanwhile, know that we're still here and all's well.<br />
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-89987017997221882962019-02-20T04:00:00.000-07:002019-02-20T04:00:03.509-07:00Old Dog Vestibular Disease – it's a thing and who knew?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Smooch is going to be fine. </div>
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Let us all remember that as I recap the last few days. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Monday morning started out no differently than any other morning around here:<br />
feed the dogs, do barn chores, walk the dogs, then work at my desk for a few hours<br />
while the dogs nap. Everything was so normal and ordinary. Until it wasn't. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Smooch woke up, then started wandering around the house as if she were looking for something.<br />
Then she tipped over. She got up, took a few seemingly drunken steps, then she tipped over again.<br />
Within 10 minutes, Smooch was crated and in the truck, and we were on our way to the vet.<br />
In my mind, she had suffered a stroke and I wouldn't be bringing her back home.</div>
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The vet examined Smooch, paying close attention to her eyes and her movements.<br />
She seemed to know right away what was happening<br />
and went on to explain "Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome."<br />
Apparently it's common in senior dogs and is similar to a severe case of human vertigo.<br />
Smooch would likely be fine in three to five days.<br />
The vet sent us on our way with a prescription for meclazine, which humans take for motion sickness<br />
and which Smooch would take to avoid nausea and loss of appetite.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDngSqGj_ts/XGx7pCA18nI/AAAAAAAAxjg/p0iu5MrpKfYXa66AvgoG-MVc1RPAgeiQACLcBGAs/s1600/vestibular%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDngSqGj_ts/XGx7pCA18nI/AAAAAAAAxjg/p0iu5MrpKfYXa66AvgoG-MVc1RPAgeiQACLcBGAs/s640/vestibular%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here we are at the Walgreen's pharmacy drive-through, picking up Smooch's prescription.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69sMcs4EGtY/XGx7n67T5AI/AAAAAAAAxjc/z1XJN9oh1v0sGuNxJJFWJNNjwdAbGn6TgCLcBGAs/s1600/vestibular%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69sMcs4EGtY/XGx7n67T5AI/AAAAAAAAxjc/z1XJN9oh1v0sGuNxJJFWJNNjwdAbGn6TgCLcBGAs/s640/vestibular%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Until she's recovered, Smooch is staying in Alex's crate, </div>
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where she's safe from the slippery floor (and Alex).</div>
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The video below was taken mid-day Tuesday, by which time Smooch was doing much better.</div>
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You're probably going to think "This is better?!" </div>
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It is – really! But it's also scary.</div>
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fToHdFkPqzQ?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I steer clear of Google when it comes to all things medical – human or animal – </div>
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for fear of jumping to catastrophic conclusions. But Danni was kind enough</div>
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to find and share with me <a href="https://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2011/oct/old_dog_vestibular_disease-11847" target="_blank">this excellent article</a> on "Old Dog Vestibular Disease,"<br />
which was just what I needed to step back from the ledge. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you share your life with a dog, you might want to read it now </div>
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so that you won't fear the worst unnecessarily if it happens to your canine companion.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-46940356618173777542019-02-12T13:34:00.000-07:002019-02-12T13:34:47.264-07:00I f*ing did it!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/me5FcjyjWYs?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-10398433535821888862019-02-11T04:00:00.000-07:002019-02-11T04:00:00.332-07:00How to install a sliding door by yourself, part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You're probably thinking I dropped the damned door on myself</div>
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and have been trapped under it since my last blog post.</div>
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Not so. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The sliding door installation project <i>(click <a href="http://www.the7msnranch.com/2019/01/the-next-big-project.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you missed the video preview)</i></div>
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has actually been moving along quite well. In fact, it's almost done.</div>
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And as yet, no major fuck-ups! </div>
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I did think I was in way over my head on this one,</div>
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but with a little help from above, so far, so good.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Let's start with a quick overview of what I'm trying to accomplish.</div>
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Here is the official "before" picture.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cM2K_GEluw/XF8gYMlyhJI/AAAAAAAAxg4/6G47R85VIJwaaRxoxqvQQDhdWhs4I_d3ACLcBGAs/s1600/bd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cM2K_GEluw/XF8gYMlyhJI/AAAAAAAAxg4/6G47R85VIJwaaRxoxqvQQDhdWhs4I_d3ACLcBGAs/s400/bd1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The goal is to install a sliding door across this opening in my bedroom.</div>
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This will involve:</div>
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1. Buying the door.<br />
2. Getting the door home without breaking it.</div>
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3. Buying a board on which to mount the track on which the door will slide.</div>
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4. Removing the wall sconce and replacing it with a can light in the ceiling. </div>
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5. Attaching the board to the wall in the right place.</div>
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6. Attaching the track to the board in the right place. </div>
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7. Sanding and sealing the board and the door.</div>
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8. Hanging the door on the track.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FtEzvexoeWk/XF8gXOUYV6I/AAAAAAAAxgw/UKsDejgdoA8gp5ClAqXILNozeGe1DPp_QCLcBGAs/s1600/bd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FtEzvexoeWk/XF8gXOUYV6I/AAAAAAAAxgw/UKsDejgdoA8gp5ClAqXILNozeGe1DPp_QCLcBGAs/s400/bd2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My previous <a href="http://www.the7msnranch.com/2018/08/people-who-live-in-glass-houses.html" target="_blank">glass-door hauling experience</a> came in handy,</div>
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as did a little rope, a little cardboard and a few bags of chicken feed. </div>
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I scoffed at the drawing of two guys carrying the door on edge,</div>
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then improvised with a small furniture dolly,</div>
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toppling it over just once.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8BoecvGGdQ/XF8gXX188SI/AAAAAAAAxg0/vFfyw_UsZbQE5YfYLnbn6BJP3WROgYzdwCLcBGAs/s1600/bd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j8BoecvGGdQ/XF8gXX188SI/AAAAAAAAxg0/vFfyw_UsZbQE5YfYLnbn6BJP3WROgYzdwCLcBGAs/s400/bd3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The door proved very sturdy. It survived the crash.</div>
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On to the electrical work.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMV5kUjyvQQ/XF8gZ6bei_I/AAAAAAAAxg8/BKXOVKuHR-w3FwsWD-vOiTh41kQB7XTjACLcBGAs/s1600/bd4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMV5kUjyvQQ/XF8gZ6bei_I/AAAAAAAAxg8/BKXOVKuHR-w3FwsWD-vOiTh41kQB7XTjACLcBGAs/s400/bd4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This <a href="http://www.the7msnranch.com/2016/12/let-there-be-lights.html" target="_blank">wasn't my first recessed light</a>, and the hole-cutting and wiring hook-up went well,</div>
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as did the dozen or so round trips tiptoeing through the attic trusses. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEsNNXw3w6s/XF8gbLeYVaI/AAAAAAAAxhA/8o8410MXc1ojvkh97IW2B3opSAfX98HuQCLcBGAs/s1600/bd5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEsNNXw3w6s/XF8gbLeYVaI/AAAAAAAAxhA/8o8410MXc1ojvkh97IW2B3opSAfX98HuQCLcBGAs/s400/bd5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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No legs crashed through the ceiling during the installation. Score!</div>
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Next up, fix the hole left behind by the wall sconce.</div>
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Look closely at the wall to the right of the ceiling fan pull chains</div>
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and you'll see the terrible job I did the last time I patched drywall.</div>
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This time would be different because YouTube.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDRYcocAIC8/XF8gltIfpBI/AAAAAAAAxhI/LjOFiQ-z3ggvtJPpCHUnL1KIS-r0rq37ACEwYBhgL/s1600/bd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDRYcocAIC8/XF8gltIfpBI/AAAAAAAAxhI/LjOFiQ-z3ggvtJPpCHUnL1KIS-r0rq37ACEwYBhgL/s400/bd6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It taught me about these <a href="https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/company-us/all-3m-products/~/3M-Large-Hole-Wall-Repair-Kit/?N=5002385+3291752015&rt=rud" target="_blank">3M wall repair kits</a>. Who knew? </div>
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They work as advertised. Score another one for me.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HEUuAnMyn8/XF8glJ5-FmI/AAAAAAAAxhE/SOCkoBrr3Tkec8M2wBehyrKS-fgDHpeCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/bd7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--HEUuAnMyn8/XF8glJ5-FmI/AAAAAAAAxhE/SOCkoBrr3Tkec8M2wBehyrKS-fgDHpeCwCEwYBhgL/s400/bd7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I sourced a lovely oak board at a lumber yard in Albuquerque</div>
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and set up a temporary wood shop in the yard.</div>
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Fake carpentry is fun when it can be done in the sun. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWvCgGZUfHU/XF8gmSGYvnI/AAAAAAAAxhM/BfNgZ69m7fAs56TUnOELFbMARR0CfUFCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/bd8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GWvCgGZUfHU/XF8gmSGYvnI/AAAAAAAAxhM/BfNgZ69m7fAs56TUnOELFbMARR0CfUFCQCEwYBhgL/s400/bd8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I moved the sanded board to its approximate destination and contemplated my next move.</div>
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It needed to be screwed into the studs about 10 inches higher </div>
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than where you see it now atop the ladder.</div>
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Hmmm.</div>
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I went into the garage looking for something 10" high, sturdy enough </div>
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to hold the weight of the board, yet small enough to fit atop the ladder.</div>
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In a moment of divine intervention, my eyes immediately landed</div>
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on a milk crate. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4y1A6hO41o/XF8g4jqofQI/AAAAAAAAxho/ROkzkjXeP_QYjcEfxsvuhJRPFWRrVFESQCLcBGAs/s1600/bd9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c4y1A6hO41o/XF8g4jqofQI/AAAAAAAAxho/ROkzkjXeP_QYjcEfxsvuhJRPFWRrVFESQCLcBGAs/s400/bd9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was the exact height and shape I needed to hold up the board.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-EhDwgDB2M/XF8goVzOUAI/AAAAAAAAxhU/hT9b01Lhh28oXJW7lIkVLMNMC4AC6dkiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/bd9a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-EhDwgDB2M/XF8goVzOUAI/AAAAAAAAxhU/hT9b01Lhh28oXJW7lIkVLMNMC4AC6dkiwCEwYBhgL/s400/bd9a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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Now this isn't just any old milk crate. My dad made a lid for it and checked it as baggage </div>
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one time that he flew out here to help me with some project or another. </div>
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How else would you get a circular saw on a plane?<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
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Anyway, he handed down the saw and the crate to me, </div>
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along with a treasured cache of knowledge about building and fixing things, </div>
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and excuse me for a moment while I reflect upon </div>
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what a lucky girl I am to have had him as my dad.</div>
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</div>
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<br />
Yeah, so it seemed like he was here with me every step of the way on this project.</div>
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As were Danni and Tall Paul. </div>
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Did you see that fancy digital laser level two pictures back? </div>
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Birthday gift from them because they knew this project was in the works</div>
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and thought I might need it. Did I ever!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j93vezgtrHA/XF8hKppBD-I/AAAAAAAAxh4/KklLlcY98MAK2I-zSPEpSW40c6lP7I09ACEwYBhgL/s1600/bd9d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j93vezgtrHA/XF8hKppBD-I/AAAAAAAAxh4/KklLlcY98MAK2I-zSPEpSW40c6lP7I09ACEwYBhgL/s400/bd9d.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
With my improvised board-holder-upper and the world's coolest level,</div>
it was easy to screw the wood into the studs and keep it straight.</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTjx1NJXuAM/XF8hJFGTQ8I/AAAAAAAAxhw/Z1_rmWGDYoYWq5Wd9hsM6e2AgExw3J58wCEwYBhgL/s1600/bd9c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTjx1NJXuAM/XF8hJFGTQ8I/AAAAAAAAxhw/Z1_rmWGDYoYWq5Wd9hsM6e2AgExw3J58wCEwYBhgL/s400/bd9c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I countersunk the 4" deck screws, filled the holes with wood putty,</div>
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then applied four thin coats of polyurethane, </div>
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lightly sanding the board between coats because the can said I had to,</div>
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and making a gargantuan mess and stench in my bedroom.</div>
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So maybe I should have done the polyurethaneing/sanding</div>
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before I hung up the board, but I figured I'd scratch the hell out of it</div>
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trying to get it up there, and oh well.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8J53OWA5JVk/XF8hLlh_LGI/AAAAAAAAxh8/fTR3w8Q8e40nZEcqVkN6yF99DQUrVNZ-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/bd9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8J53OWA5JVk/XF8hLlh_LGI/AAAAAAAAxh8/fTR3w8Q8e40nZEcqVkN6yF99DQUrVNZ-gCEwYBhgL/s400/bd9e.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
Ta da!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzK-7hIeKsI/XF8hmLM7BgI/AAAAAAAAxiU/PfitSQlLbQ0hghKlV7h6hwcifgIAOsdOgCLcBGAs/s1600/bd9f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzK-7hIeKsI/XF8hmLM7BgI/AAAAAAAAxiU/PfitSQlLbQ0hghKlV7h6hwcifgIAOsdOgCLcBGAs/s400/bd9f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Meanwhile, over in the garage, I was polyurethaneing/sanding the door.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vzf-WZvdccg/XF8hm4ibpTI/AAAAAAAAxiY/1Ge-YL5fsMgyyXzztkhfa_k-FmyoXaWewCLcBGAs/s1600/bd9f1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vzf-WZvdccg/XF8hm4ibpTI/AAAAAAAAxiY/1Ge-YL5fsMgyyXzztkhfa_k-FmyoXaWewCLcBGAs/s640/bd9f1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
Then it came time to decipher the instructions for mounting the hardware –<br />
very few words, just illustrations and lots and lots of measurements.<br />
Oddly, it seemed to make sense.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iJN-GBk_PI/XF8hkH19YZI/AAAAAAAAxiQ/z3pWrOmMHLU0DOE2mdNJLkyL-ejlF-qbQCLcBGAs/s1600/bd9g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7iJN-GBk_PI/XF8hkH19YZI/AAAAAAAAxiQ/z3pWrOmMHLU0DOE2mdNJLkyL-ejlF-qbQCLcBGAs/s400/bd9g.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here we are back at the ladder and milk crate,<br />
with a boost from a hunk of 2x4 to raise the metal track to the right place<br />
and a couple of clamps to hold it still while I leveled it and drilled in the screws.<br />
I wonder if real builders use makeup removal pads with their clamps to prevent scratches?<br />
If not, they should.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7l0WG8B1_s/XF8hoEDOABI/AAAAAAAAxic/p413DKVhn6cAZZRpjwJXwwMjfS-Nbw6igCLcBGAs/s1600/bd9h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7l0WG8B1_s/XF8hoEDOABI/AAAAAAAAxic/p413DKVhn6cAZZRpjwJXwwMjfS-Nbw6igCLcBGAs/s400/bd9h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The hard parts are over.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQpwlHm7dKI/XF8hpATSH0I/AAAAAAAAxig/kvJ5CS5XJoASg4ugkYsu0iMAoQNzq7ozwCLcBGAs/s1600/bd9i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pQpwlHm7dKI/XF8hpATSH0I/AAAAAAAAxig/kvJ5CS5XJoASg4ugkYsu0iMAoQNzq7ozwCLcBGAs/s400/bd9i.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You: <i>Why didn't she paint the drywall patch before hanging the board?</i></div>
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Me: <i>I don't have much green paint, so I'll do all the touching-up</i></div>
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<i>at the same time, once the door is hung and the wall-nicking is done.</i> </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_7nZYJ2S_k/XGBsq4o046I/AAAAAAAAxi8/RivSA8jvpCoEGvphTcc6PamWeJkXxfXEACLcBGAs/s1600/bda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a_7nZYJ2S_k/XGBsq4o046I/AAAAAAAAxi8/RivSA8jvpCoEGvphTcc6PamWeJkXxfXEACLcBGAs/s400/bda.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Back to the cold garage we go to sand and seal and sand and seal<br />
the door a few more times, except it's so cold now that the sealer<br />
is taking forever to dry.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91tDVjOGwOw/XGBsuLFEbkI/AAAAAAAAxjA/vtpH6RRWirgyMiBcQrUnYkcvj_K0ZUFZQCLcBGAs/s1600/bdb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-91tDVjOGwOw/XGBsuLFEbkI/AAAAAAAAxjA/vtpH6RRWirgyMiBcQrUnYkcvj_K0ZUFZQCLcBGAs/s400/bdb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So yesterday morning I moved the door to the sunroom,<br />
where I'll seal-and-sand x 4 the remaining side and it should dry faster.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLZw6UAucRY/XGBsuAOuUqI/AAAAAAAAxjE/PYEC_0IMR3gx8R5OZwozmlrQeNgyunfjwCLcBGAs/s1600/bdc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kLZw6UAucRY/XGBsuAOuUqI/AAAAAAAAxjE/PYEC_0IMR3gx8R5OZwozmlrQeNgyunfjwCLcBGAs/s400/bdc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Assuming all my measurements were correct (let us now bow our heads in prayer), </div>
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the next time you see this door, it should be in its final resting place.</div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-8892117675332064742019-01-23T04:00:00.000-07:002019-01-23T04:00:04.334-07:00The next big project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The last time I used "The next big project" as the title of a post, I got a puppy.<br />
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<i>Spoiler alert:</i> This big project is not another puppy.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sseE25_iVRU?rel=0&showinfo=0" width="640"></iframe>
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For those of you who may not have understood my rambling, </div>
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here is the inspiration for what I will be trying to accomplish:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilOKkRMabFM/XEef3_2C4bI/AAAAAAAAxgY/_ke9AlbLOHkYi6vAior9geZ8HHfpjK0bwCLcBGAs/s1600/black-flat-track-sliding-hardware-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilOKkRMabFM/XEef3_2C4bI/AAAAAAAAxgY/_ke9AlbLOHkYi6vAior9geZ8HHfpjK0bwCLcBGAs/s640/black-flat-track-sliding-hardware-a.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-1931715002740412262019-01-07T04:00:00.000-07:002019-01-07T04:00:07.445-07:00Give the dog a bone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j98wD86uimc/XDJNGL22BrI/AAAAAAAAxfU/wPrI2Wp3NwYxNfvZhk8lNfutWIs8Az3hACLcBGAs/s1600/bone%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j98wD86uimc/XDJNGL22BrI/AAAAAAAAxfU/wPrI2Wp3NwYxNfvZhk8lNfutWIs8Az3hACLcBGAs/s640/bone%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Keeping Alex entertained during a prolonged bout of bad weather is a challenge.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LynlS0I8Grw/XDJNHZNWNBI/AAAAAAAAxfc/yoKgVUT4B6IFeJCFKJRX-ZgMyFg_-u6eACLcBGAs/s1600/bone%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LynlS0I8Grw/XDJNHZNWNBI/AAAAAAAAxfc/yoKgVUT4B6IFeJCFKJRX-ZgMyFg_-u6eACLcBGAs/s640/bone%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She has destroyed every single one of the delightful toys sent to her by friends far and wide.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgPxMqOHJ2c/XDJNHbrmVJI/AAAAAAAAxfY/VHCvTLBkzBwGF0w_nm4oy_Wp1fzoRdSlQCLcBGAs/s1600/bone%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GgPxMqOHJ2c/XDJNHbrmVJI/AAAAAAAAxfY/VHCvTLBkzBwGF0w_nm4oy_Wp1fzoRdSlQCLcBGAs/s640/bone%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I've given up on buying her toys and tried one of these dental care Nylabones.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PRCDmRFXXk/XDJOsqHIlMI/AAAAAAAAxgE/-PMWTFPWarckIzV5xy8uzXDCKbQSNA5jwCLcBGAs/s1600/bone%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0PRCDmRFXXk/XDJOsqHIlMI/AAAAAAAAxgE/-PMWTFPWarckIzV5xy8uzXDCKbQSNA5jwCLcBGAs/s640/bone%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She loves it, has yet to destroy it, and would chew it 24/7 were it not for one thing...</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPTqFbGvqVs/XDJOsdkOPxI/AAAAAAAAxgA/2_rbukQyZYodq_3lsS1zcGkAqufd3x5tACLcBGAs/s1600/bone%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uPTqFbGvqVs/XDJOsdkOPxI/AAAAAAAAxgA/2_rbukQyZYodq_3lsS1zcGkAqufd3x5tACLcBGAs/s640/bone%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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...respect for alpha Smooch.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRko9C8JUiw/XDJNJZAa3aI/AAAAAAAAxfo/BDUATHV8OwgBQS2AVjzKp6zCRrruilsDgCLcBGAs/s1600/bone%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WRko9C8JUiw/XDJNJZAa3aI/AAAAAAAAxfo/BDUATHV8OwgBQS2AVjzKp6zCRrruilsDgCLcBGAs/s640/bone%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex: <i>It sucks to be me.</i></div>
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Me: <i>I'll buy you another one or twelve the next time we go out.</i></div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771557388430184941.post-80838871253399826142018-12-31T04:00:00.000-07:002018-12-31T04:00:07.170-07:00A pep talk to myself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3fmIdXs9OQ/XCkQd63iFUI/AAAAAAAAxeg/XHI7Y06DIbgJpDK4ONg4jV-0J-IGKOGrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/blizzard%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3fmIdXs9OQ/XCkQd63iFUI/AAAAAAAAxeg/XHI7Y06DIbgJpDK4ONg4jV-0J-IGKOGrwCEwYBhgL/s640/blizzard%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've lived here for 14 winters. I know how to deal with inclement weather. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fV9bo06rWk8/XCkQevomrVI/AAAAAAAAxeg/_OXNqNcCusQoQLNI3IqFHm0q3bluecmLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/blizzard%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fV9bo06rWk8/XCkQevomrVI/AAAAAAAAxeg/_OXNqNcCusQoQLNI3IqFHm0q3bluecmLQCEwYBhgL/s640/blizzard%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's plenty of food, firewood, hay, wine.</div>
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I've got this.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2pwo9in8EM/XCkQfA8vusI/AAAAAAAAxek/SUP1y8AUFxQBA2JkZkTv6hPaz02ZID5-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/blizzard%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--2pwo9in8EM/XCkQfA8vusI/AAAAAAAAxek/SUP1y8AUFxQBA2JkZkTv6hPaz02ZID5-gCEwYBhgL/s640/blizzard%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I keep repeating these thoughts to myself so I won't fret about the next storm,</div>
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which is on schedule for later today.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtRmclEJ3Go/XCkQfmddm4I/AAAAAAAAxeo/JG8wMmUAnvsgKou6YDhiaX9cK2MdofDSACEwYBhgL/s1600/blizzard%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jtRmclEJ3Go/XCkQfmddm4I/AAAAAAAAxeo/JG8wMmUAnvsgKou6YDhiaX9cK2MdofDSACEwYBhgL/s640/blizzard%2B5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then my mind wanders 10 years forward, when I'm 74</div>
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and shoveling paths on a 7-degree morning. Will I be able to handle it then?</div>
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I have no idea, and getting anxious about it serves no useful purpose. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsJ8X2lItaA/XCkQgsIPskI/AAAAAAAAxes/m6K5udjS24wYI0-h6YjnLxMvuYxC_kz7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/blizzard%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gsJ8X2lItaA/XCkQgsIPskI/AAAAAAAAxes/m6K5udjS24wYI0-h6YjnLxMvuYxC_kz7wCEwYBhgL/s640/blizzard%2B6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I circle back to the beginning and remind myself, "I've got this." </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-foZLvXTcOhw/XCkR6vo2D9I/AAAAAAAAxe8/6Gt68gwsS3sR7djsjSiRZz03qM9VAH8iACLcBGAs/s1600/blizzard%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-foZLvXTcOhw/XCkR6vo2D9I/AAAAAAAAxe8/6Gt68gwsS3sR7djsjSiRZz03qM9VAH8iACLcBGAs/s640/blizzard%2B7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex: <i>Yes, you do.</i> </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLMDdNf12fE/XCkQhfYVCNI/AAAAAAAAxew/dvO5cTGXahQEr6K2m-V4pULxP5SEAN9kgCEwYBhgL/s1600/blizzard%2B8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLMDdNf12fE/XCkQhfYVCNI/AAAAAAAAxew/dvO5cTGXahQEr6K2m-V4pULxP5SEAN9kgCEwYBhgL/s640/blizzard%2B8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alex: <i>Now put some more wood in the stove so I can warm up my butt.</i></div>
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the7msnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01082802012105875164noreply@blogger.com28