tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78086091513300619852024-02-07T01:26:19.217-08:00KittyMarieStuff and nonsenseKittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.comBlogger603125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-41510400264341569942013-09-24T16:12:00.000-07:002013-09-24T16:12:14.956-07:00My first 5KOn Saturday, I participated in my first 5K. I only walked it, but I finished it, and documented the journey. The 5K was for the <a href="http://www.cornerstoneautismfoundation.org/" target="_blank">Cornerstone Autism Foundation. </a><br />
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It was G's first 5K, too. He did wonderfully!<br />
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Husband ran the 5K, and then ran back to us and accompanied our walk for the last mile (showoff!). He did an amazing job, and came in third in his age category. I am so proud of him!</div>
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It was a wonderful even for a wonderful organization. I can't wait to participate in more events like this!KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-73626483102887391622013-09-24T16:06:00.001-07:002013-09-24T16:06:16.699-07:00G at two and three monthsTwo months: He's still so tiny, but he's starting to open his eyes, and he's incredibly good-natured during a day-long shopping trip with his mama and me!<br />
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Three months: His personality is really beginning to come through, with smiles and giggles and hilarious expressions.<br />
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<br />KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-40921646598162806892013-09-24T15:57:00.001-07:002013-09-24T15:57:50.960-07:00Love Abounding: Another Beautiful WeddingTwo weeks after our <a href="http://kittymarie.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-artist-and-farmer-beautiful-wedding.html" target="_blank">first September wedding,</a> we were off once again to Michigan. This time to the Port Huron area. From our hotel (and the reception venue), we could see Canada. We wished we had more time to drive up and explore!<br />
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We attended the rehearsal, and then enjoyed a gorgeous venue for the rehearsal dinner, right on Lake Huron, with our dear friends.<br />
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The next day, they were married in a sweet and simple ceremony.<br />
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A trolly was available for the wedding party and spouses, which was such a fun and wonderful way to get everyone around for photos and then on to the reception.<br />
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Then, the celebration was <i>on.</i><br />
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The groom's brother had suggested the groomsmen get some super creepy horse heads for a surprise dance at the reception. And what better song to dance to than <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0" target="_blank">this one</a>?<br />
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They are two beautiful people, and I so look forward to years of making memories with them. Congratulations!!!KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-3681266663961936842013-09-24T15:32:00.000-07:002013-09-24T15:32:32.109-07:00The Artist and the Farmer: A Beautiful WeddingThe artist and the farmer were married on September 1 at a beautiful, bucolic <a href="http://www.castlefarms.com/" target="_blank">venue</a>.<br />
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The evening prior they practiced and we partied. <br />
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The day of the wedding, we were tasked with bringing possibly the most important part of the reception -- dessert. 25 pies. We commandeered a golf cart to get the pies from our cars into the reception, and we were off and running! Luckily we arrived early so we were on hand to help set up a bit and locate the programs, which had inexplicably been hidden on a high shelf in the kitchen! Then, in spite of the threat of rain, they got hitched in a beautiful ceremony that included kids in kilts and <a href="http://www.handfastings.org/abouthandfastings.htm" target="_blank">handfasting</a>.<br />
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I was given the incredible honor to participate in their ceremony as a reader. I read the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lovely-Love-Story-Edward-Monkton/dp/0740763083/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380061294&sr=8-1&keywords=a+lovely+love+story" target="_blank">same book</a> the Husband once read at <a href="http://kittymarie.blogspot.com/2011/10/best-friends-in-our-hearts.html" target="_blank">two dear friends' ceremony.</a> It was so special. </div>
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Then at the reception we ate specialty chocolates, dined on locally sourced food, and took home very special treats -- honey from the artist and the farmer's homestead and maple syrup from a neighboring farm. Every detail was beautiful and thoughtful and oh, so<i> them. </i></div>
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I've always loved her. Since meeting him, my love has grown to envelop the two of them. They fit together so perfectly, and I cannot wait to see how the world is changed because of their united presence. Congratulations, my dearest artist and her farmer. </div>
KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-47333322464882513692013-09-03T09:42:00.004-07:002013-09-03T09:42:50.891-07:00Three-quarters of a centuryDad prefers to say that he is "three-quarters of a century" rather than "75 years old," but either way, we had something to celebrate on August 28. We took him on a tour of a <a href="http://www.peoplesbrew.com/" target="_blank">local brewery</a> and then out to dinner at one of our <a href="http://www.nineirishbrothers.com/" target="_blank">favorite spots.</a> I think he had a great time!<br />
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<br />KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-79508360361629940202013-08-15T11:12:00.002-07:002013-08-15T11:12:18.719-07:00The FamLast weekend we hosted my cousin and his wife and his adorable daughter (who we also were meeting for the first time!). It was so special to have them nearby, if only for a brief period of time.<br />
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I took Friday off and accompanied them and my other cousin -- my sisterfriend and her sweet baby -- to a local park to wander and watch animals and take a little train ride and play in the water. </div>
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This was also their first time meeting Baby G!</div>
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We took a little side trip to visit our grandparents' old homestead, now essentially abandoned well over a year. It was nostalgic to walk the grounds and reminisce about our time spent swimming in old cow troughs (to my knowledge, none of us ever contracted tetanus, miraculously). Our family will never again gather together in that house, with Grandma in the kitchen whipping mashed potatoes and Grandpa planted in his recliner. It is with somber and mixed feelings that I think of this. But I am looking forward to new memories, to happy ones, of adult cousins still gathering as a group, watching their own children frolic together (just maybe not in cow troughs). </div>
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After that we took them to our grandparents' assisted living home, where [Great] Grandma and [Great] Grandpa met Baby E for the first time. </div>
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<i>Four generations. </i></div>
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The next day we returned for a family party. A different setting, but the same cast of characters. [Great] Grandpa met Baby G for the first time. </div>
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These are precious memories, and I was happy to capture them. Thank you so much for taking the time and making the long journey to visit, R, A, and E. We love you dearly!</div>
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KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-20644247003023687912013-08-15T06:12:00.002-07:002013-08-19T10:29:38.978-07:00Husband's 30th birthdayOn August 4, Husband turned 30 years old. It became a three-day event, starting on that Friday with a surprise <a href="http://www.lumiere-spa.com/" target="_blank">spa day</a>. We had a couple's massage and salt scrub and facials and manicures and pedicures and ZOMG relaxation abounded. Then we drove just a few minutes away for a lovely <a href="http://www.bouldercreekdining.com/" target="_blank">dinner </a>and returned to the spa, where we spent the night.<br />
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The next day we met up with some local friends and went to lunch. We also couldn't resist a little bit of <a href="http://locations.thecheesecakefactory.com/in/indianapolis-37.html" target="_blank">dessert</a>. After enjoying their company (we loves thems), we drove home so I could make pie, oh, so much pie! I made cherry, blueberry, pecan, two banana creams, and a sugar cream.<br />
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On Sunday, the day of Husband's actual birthday, Husband opened a few gifts...<br />
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...and then opened his very special 25-year-old bottle of Laphroaig that he purchased in Scotland in May.<br />
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Then the rest of our friends came over, and we partied!<br />
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I am so fortunate to be able to share these milestones with you, Husband! I love you dearly and hope you had a wonderful time celebrating your 30th. Here's to many more birthdays spent together. Hugkisscuddle.KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-19642570749812727522013-08-15T05:44:00.001-07:002013-08-15T05:45:25.775-07:00G at one monthG turned <a href="http://kittymarie.blogspot.com/2013/07/gs-birth.html" target="_blank">one month old</a> on July 21, so I took some photos! He is opening his eyes and becoming more and more active, even holding his head up a bit!<br />
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<br />KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-85897735428297176662013-08-15T05:38:00.004-07:002013-08-15T05:38:37.676-07:00A's bachelorette partyIn late July, after work on a Thursday evening, I drove three hours south to the home of A's second sister M (of four, <a href="http://kittymarie.blogspot.com/2013/08/as-bridal-shower.html" target="_blank">remember?</a>). I spent the night basking in her hospitality, and early the next morning we took a tiny plane out of a tiny airport up to Michigan for a surprise bachelorette party for her sister A (the third sister of four). She rented a car and chauffeured me around the gorgeous natural countryside. We headed to the site of our first night, a cute little cabin in the woods. I emphasize cute but...rustic (there was a bathroom in the cabin, but there was also totally an outhouse, which I totally used in the dead of night, moths totally mobbing the flashlight app on my phone).<br />
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Her crown!</div>
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That's where I slept; it folded out into a bed, neath the head dressing of bygone deer. </div>
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There was a trailer behind the cabin where some of the girls slept. </div>
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Big thanks to these girls for planning the weekend and for welcoming me into their circle!</div>
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A was relatively surprised, although she was on to us pretty early (and rather pissed off, after we had to request some creative stalling when M and I got lost on our way to the cabin!). We all hid outside (in the rain!) and waited until she was in the cabin before we ran in one by one, greeted by her squeals of delight.<br />
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We ate and drank and played games. There was some light vandalism, courtesy of the poor bride.<br />
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Oops.</div>
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The next day A had to work for a few hours, so we all moseyed around a local festival before heading to her home, a farm that she and her fiance are creating out of dirt and sweat and love. </div>
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At a nearby pier, very lovely!</div>
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It is a beautiful, beautiful place for beautiful, beautiful people. </div>
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MIDWEST!</div>
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They are beekeepers who are producing some of the most delicious honey I've ever eaten. I <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1gv4QDaxe4" target="_blank">manned up</a> and took some photos while she extracted a bit for us to try.</div>
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Then her fiance made us some delicious homemade pizzas on the grill and they both took a swing at a frighteningly reinforced pinata.</div>
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We love you so much, A. Our kisses will remind you forever!</div>
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Can't wait for your wedding, doll!</div>
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KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-1285387322110244862013-08-15T05:10:00.000-07:002013-08-15T05:10:02.285-07:00A's bridal showerIn July I attended a Fourth of July-themed bridal shower for one of my oldest and dearest friends. She's the third of four sisters, and each and every last one of them are the most sweet and kind people you would ever meet. The second sister did a lot of the party planning, and she did an incredible job. Like, designer magazine incredible! TGFP! (Thank god for Pinterest!)<br />
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I made cake balls! They turned out beautifully (IMHO!). </div>
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She is so dear to me! And we both happened to wear dresses from <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/" target="_blank">Modcloth</a>!</div>
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This is the second sister, party planning extraordinaire, all-around amazing person!</div>
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A's fiance even attended the bridal shower (the only XY in attendance, brave man!). He helped her open gifts, and they participated in a game during that time, answering questions from guests about how they met, their future plans, etc.!</div>
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This is going to be such an amazing wedding, because the bride and groom are amazing people! I can't wait!</div>
KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-26921413466013294822013-07-14T16:57:00.002-07:002013-07-14T16:57:42.541-07:00Six yearsSix years ago I married my best friend. I am so fortunate. I love him dearly. Thank you for being everything to me.<br />
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<br />KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-23622532271244155122013-07-12T11:12:00.000-07:002013-07-12T11:12:47.207-07:00G's birthBefore I went to <a href="http://kittymarie.blogspot.com/2013/07/boston-2013.html" target="_blank">Boston </a>for a work conference in June, I told <a href="http://kittymarie.blogspot.com/2013/07/gs-baby-shower.html" target="_blank">sisterfriend </a>to cross her legs so I wouldn't miss the birth of baby G.<br />
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It didn't work so well.<br />
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On Friday, June 21, I awoke to a text from sisterfriend, sent at 3:22 a.m. They were on their way to the hospital. I spent that day hovering around my phone, waiting for updates, which I gobbled up and passed on to other family members. At 3:15 p.m., right in the middle of the session I was moderating, GCD was born after almost 13 hours of labor. He weight 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.<br />
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The next few days were so long as I waited impatiently to return and meet the newest member of our family! Finally, on Sunday, at three days old, I said, "hello!"<br />
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Sisterfriend did an amazing job at bring pregnant, giving birth, and now mothering her son. She set the bar pretty darn high!<br />
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I got to see him again, at eight days old, and he only became cuter, as if that was even possible!<br />
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I love you, GCD! You're currently the cutest cousin, and I can't wait for a lifetime of memories with you!<br />
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<br />KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-3084090908970629042013-07-12T10:57:00.004-07:002013-07-12T10:57:43.303-07:00G's baby showerThis is a very belated post, which will become clear with the post that will follow this one, but I can't miss blogging about G's baby shower! My sisterfriend done got herself <a href="http://kittymarie.blogspot.com/2013/02/carl.html" target="_blank">knocked up,</a> so I threw her a hootenanny. I designed some really pretty invitations and made lots of fun little crafts and bought a metric ton of orange gerbera daisies, and the party was <i>on</i>. <br />
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There was a diaper raffle (guests were assigned a diaper size to bring, and then I drew a participant's name to win a fabulous prize).<br />
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I made a lot of food. Seriously. A Lot.<br />
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Did I mention the party was blue, orange, and zebra stripe-themed? When I get a theme, I run that theme into the ground. Seriously, even the water bottles were wrapped in zebra print duct tape.<br />
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I made everyone participate in a craft (which is apparently My Thing. Everyone at sisterfriend's bridal shower had to scrapbook a page. The craft for her baby shower was slightly accelerated).<br />
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I painted all 26 letters of the alphabet with the same color she used on parts of the nursery, and then I provided all sorts of papers and tapes and doodads so each guest could decorate her own letter, signing the back, so that the baby will one day be able to judge his loved ones based on their artistic ability (joking. Sort of.).<br />
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Then she opened gifts.<br />
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My mom made sisterfriend's baby a beautiful quilt to match the nursery colors.<br />
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I also made each guest answer questions about babymomma and babydaddy's childhoods, and the winner with the most right also won a fabulous prize (it ended in a tie!). On the back of the quiz each guest wrote their predictions of birth date, weight, size, and so forth, and the person that won <i>received a fabulous prize too</i>!<br />
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It was a genuinely lovely day, and I am so happy I was able to give it to her. My mom brought our grandma, and it was so special for her to be able to participate in the day.<br />
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I love her, and I love baby G!<br />
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<br />KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-69944688269235036202013-07-10T06:13:00.001-07:002013-07-10T06:13:44.460-07:00Boston 2013I went to Boston for a work conference in June. We stayed right on the harbor. A very nice, if a bit smelly, city!<br />
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<br />KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-11758295971125000582013-07-09T11:52:00.003-07:002013-07-09T11:52:46.753-07:00Ten years agoTen years ago at this time, I was in France. It was my first experience with international travel, my first time away from my parents for a significant period of time, my first opportunity to see the world through fresh eyes. I was seventeen.<br />
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During the trip, I solidified friendships with women who I continue to hold dear. I met a man who became (and continues to be) a very important person in my life. And I caught a glimpse of life outside the Midwest, and I understood what could be. I was very fortunate.<br />
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Although I know we won't reunite back on that bench in Aix-en-Provence this summer, my heart is there, remembering.<br />
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Maybe we will make it in the next ten years.KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-19539843105753277282013-07-09T11:42:00.000-07:002013-07-09T11:56:47.331-07:00A Singular WomanI love my dad. He got an e-mail address a year or so ago, and it's like an awesome alternative to texting with him. He sends random one-liners to me throughout the day. He has a thought, he sits down to write a sentence, and off it goes! He used to do the same thing through the physical mail, and sometimes he still does. I love receiving mail and instantly knowing the sender, just by his or her handwriting. Do you love that also? Do you, like me, worry it will be lost as more and more correspondence goes digital?<br />
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Recently, I received just such a piece of mail from him.<br />
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It was a clipping about my Grandma Ethel (his mother), probably from 1918 or 1919, when she became editor-in-chief of the IU student newspaper.<br />
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I didn't have many years to spend with my Grandma Ethel. Though she died when I was ten years old, she was almost 101 years old (she was born in 1896 and died in 1996, just a few months shy of her next birthday). My memories of her are in the nursing home where she spent her last years, bedridden, blind, and going deaf. She was a singular woman in her youth, however, and I am happy to have these glimpses from the past to animate my memories, breathing life into the frail, white-headed woman I recall.<br />
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In five years, at the press where I work, I was promoted from Editorial Associate, to Production Editor, to Lead Production Editor, finally to Managing Editor, which became official this month. I knew I was in the right business. It's in my blood.KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-44806413314531562442013-07-09T11:23:00.001-07:002013-07-09T11:23:06.940-07:00Scotland: Blair Atholl and Stirling<h3>
Day Six: Blair Atholl</h3>
After seeing Edinburgh Castle the day before, apparently we couldn't get enough! We hopped a train (thanks to L's stellar train schedule-deciphering skills) and found ourselves in <a href="http://www.blair-castle.co.uk/" target="_blank">Blair Atholl.</a> There was a lovely long lane that led to the castle.<br />
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This looked much more like a manor to me than a castle, but it was still grand and lovely, in spite of some non-period-related construction work on the exterior.<br />
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We weren't able to take photographs inside, except for the foyer where we entered, which had some nutty weapon designs and a lot of dead, stuffed animals (there was even a narwhal horn on the wall of one of the staircases!).<br />
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Blair Atholl felt much more homey and like real people might actually reside inside the rooms. There was a wedding about to take place in the ballroom, but we made sure to grab lunch in their cafe, our second time to eat in a castle in two days (Husband tried haggis chips, which is as close as any of us got to haggis proper).<br />
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The grounds of the castle boasted beautiful gardens, and we wandered about before the rain threatened and we hopped back on the train.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">There was a statue of naked Hercules. I'm not sure why...this area was called the "Hercules Garden" though.</span></div>
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There were even swans, though they appeared to be bad parents (note the eggs decidedly <i>not</i> in the nest)!<br />
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Oh, and I can't forget the hairy coos.<br />
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A totally lovely place, made more lovely by the gorgeous country setting.</div>
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<h3>
Day Six: Stirling</h3>
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The train then took us on to <a href="http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/" target="_blank">Stirling Castle</a> for the afternoon. I've thus far failed to mention how many hills we climbed on this vacation, but the hill leading up to Stirling Castle was by far the worst. I began to have flashbacks of <a href="http://kittymarie.blogspot.com/2012/04/sin-city-day-2.html" target="_blank">our last trip with L and M.</a> I'm beginning to think they're a sadistic couple who enjoy torturing me physically. But I think they're actually strapping young people who forget I belong on a Victorian fainting couch rather than tromping hither and thither. I would never make it as a soldier storming any kind of castle. </div>
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Stirling Castle offered a more kid-friendly interior, with reenactors dressed in period costume performing speeches and taking questions. One of the reenactors stopped a tourist with purple hair and said, "You must be of royal blood," because royalty was denoted by the color purple. </div>
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Royalty at Stirling was also weirdly into unicorns, so I'm convinced they must have been early-era <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bronies" target="_blank">Bronies</a>. </div>
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We got to sit in the "thrones" in the great hall (which once held an entire ship that was wheeled in for a coronation dinner). Those royals knew how to party hard. </div>
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Husband got to do a little preaching.</div>
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And we wandered around the castle's nooks and crannies, enjoying our last full day together, stopping for a celebratory Cornetto to top off a wonderful trip. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Balls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Part of the castle was painted with this orange color. There was a reason for it, which I now forget, but I take it as further proof that royalty of Stirling was <i>fabulous</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Creepy faux reenactors in the Great Kitchen. I half expected them to move when I turned my back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nom. We had to have some, for <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqQ8Y9Sjp7o" target="_blank">Shaun and Ed. </a></span></div>
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Oh, and M was totally EPIC.</div>
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We spent our last evening back at our favorite haunt, the Mercat, in their whisky bar area, putting to bed our Incredible Journey. We shared a taxi to the airport the next morning, flew to Heathrow together, and finally parted ways.</div>
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Until next time, my friends. Until next time. </div>
KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-55077620159972464762013-07-09T10:33:00.002-07:002013-07-09T10:33:31.965-07:00Scotland: Edinburgh<h3>
Day Three: We arrive in Edinburgh</h3>
After taking a plane from Islay to Glasgow and then a train from Glasgow to Edinburgh, we found <a href="http://www.tunehotels.com/my/en/our-hotels/haymarket-edinburgh/" target="_blank">our hotel</a> and settled in. We didn't make it in one piece, however. For the last year or so, our largest suitcase had been dying a slow, painful death. Tiny black pieces of plastic had littered the ground wherever it rolled. We didn't realize it was quite so near the bitter end, however, so it had accompanied us for one last hurrah in faraway lands. After stuffing it with an amount of whisky questionable by customs standards, the suitcase finally succumbed. The plate inside gave way, and the wheels went out. Husband carried it on this last leg of its journey. I wish we could say that we gave it a beautiful burial at sea, or burned it in a pyre surrounded by flowers and prayer, but I'm afraid it probably met its end in a dumpster, neath crumpled papers and tourist offal (I don't really know...we unceremoniously abandoned it in our hotel room when we departed).<br />
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Our hotel was very clean, contemporary, and environmentally friendly, but it was the epitome of a micro-tel. The purchase of a "comfort packages" got you a towel and soap (and probably extra toilet paper...). No wash cloth, though. We used clean socks instead (which we also unceremoniously abandoned upon departure). Space was saved in any way possible, and our room key had to be inserted into the wall before we could turn on any electricity. The only really bad thing was the horrible, awful, no good, very hard bed. But the place was otherwise economical and served its purpose well. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I can't really emphasize how tiny this place was. Behind me, the door. </span></div>
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We went out for a walk around the city that afternoon, but we soon became drenched in a downpour. We abandoned our search for a hat shop and returned to the hotel in time to see a beautiful DOUBLE RAINBOW.</div>
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We found <a href="http://www.toptable.co.uk/the-mercat-bar-and-restaurant" target="_blank">some dinner</a> at a really great place that became "our" spot, and we spent an uncomfortable night on those horrible, awful, no good, very hard beds. </div>
<h3>
Day Four: Walkabout</h3>
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Day four began with more walking around the city. We happened upon Saint Mary's Cathedral, and took in the stained glass windows designed by <a href="http://www.cathedral.net/about/a-tour-of-the-cathedral/inside-the-cathedral/" target="_blank">Sir Eduardo Paolozzi.</a></div>
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Then we wandered along the Water of Leith Walkway, enjoying the clear, beautiful weather. </div>
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<h3>
Day Four: Royal Botanic Gardens</h3>
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Our next stop was at the <a href="http://www.rbge.org.uk/" target="_blank">Royal Botanic Garden.</a> This was a top contender for my favorite part of the entire trip. The weather held up, and we wandered for hours. </div>
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Part of the gardens included the <a href="http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/edinburgh/garden-features/queen-mother-memorial-garden" target="_blank">Queen Mother's Memorial Garden,</a> with a small building with walls covered in seashells and a ceiling decorated with pinecones.</div>
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<h3>
Day Four: Walkabout, Continued</h3>
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We continued wandering, seeing the sights...</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
...stopping for more whisky...</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
...and finally locating the hat shop!</div>
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<h3>
Day Five: Edinburgh Castle</h3>
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We devoted this day to touring <a href="http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/explore-the-castle/highlights.aspx" target="_blank">Edinburgh Castle</a>, the behemoth that loomed above the city. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs0Jg2ipXtlQtRtu9fV6aOHTKbwTaluHqiM1pj2anEXv7kes_S6NXUdpxk2MFCc62W3FQ2jVT14eFg_cZ8qcjt4S30h4jIe5Wg-_bAZU2hz-xw_uyMVhHk7Uc1dwdUzBNHozPF32tFCiE/s1600/IMG_8144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYs0Jg2ipXtlQtRtu9fV6aOHTKbwTaluHqiM1pj2anEXv7kes_S6NXUdpxk2MFCc62W3FQ2jVT14eFg_cZ8qcjt4S30h4jIe5Wg-_bAZU2hz-xw_uyMVhHk7Uc1dwdUzBNHozPF32tFCiE/s400/IMG_8144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looking out over the city of Edinburgh. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Castle entrance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Looking out over the city of Edinburgh. </span></div>
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We gazed upon the <a href="http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/explore-the-castle/highlights/castlehighlights.aspx?start=3" target="_blank">Crown Jewels,</a> which we couldn't take photos of. We saw the <a href="http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/explore-the-castle/highlights/castlehighlights.aspx?start=6" target="_blank">One O'Clock Gun,</a> which is fired six days a week (every day except Sunday) at (you guessed it) 1:00 p.m. The tour guide said the gun had seen only one casualty -- an errant bird that crossed the gun's path at an inopportune moment. </div>
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We looked down at a tiny cemetery where soldiers buried their dogs.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Do you see the name "Tinker"? </span></div>
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We looked up at <a href="http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/explore-the-castle/highlights/castlehighlights.aspx?start=4" target="_blank">St. Margaret's Chapel,</a> which is the oldest building in Edinburgh. </div>
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There was a wedding happening in the chapel so we couldn't tour the inside, but we were treated to a little performance in front of the door.</div>
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Right outside of the chapel was <a href="http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/explore-the-castle/highlights/castlehighlights.aspx?start=5" target="_blank">Mons Meg.</a> </div>
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And we made sure to stop at the Edinburgh Castle Tea Room for a spot of tea and a scone (drool), because who wouldn't want to eat in a castle?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH1Ar9NeazGBq9bCq3a24w1joGswlUaNyUbXqPOARB1APZ8r0Hcj3UZ7pEpdShRxG3hZv2X-G-PcYtNoKDBb5ZvOPlUXvzdsmB48Awd_0nqSyeYYhC17nhk8pTIK6IqeFIy6No8r698C2/s1600/IMG_8209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH1Ar9NeazGBq9bCq3a24w1joGswlUaNyUbXqPOARB1APZ8r0Hcj3UZ7pEpdShRxG3hZv2X-G-PcYtNoKDBb5ZvOPlUXvzdsmB48Awd_0nqSyeYYhC17nhk8pTIK6IqeFIy6No8r698C2/s320/IMG_8209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was a historical, beautiful experience, shared with good friends and a surprising amount of sunshine. </div>
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KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-71400650753235632682013-07-09T07:32:00.003-07:002013-07-09T07:42:32.009-07:00Scotland: Islay<h3>
Our Journey Begins</h3>
We began our journey on May 11. Four flights, four trips through security, one very bad dinner in O'Hare, and 3,600 miles later, on May 12, we arrived in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islay" target="_blank">Islay</a>, which is home to Husband's <a href="http://www.laphroaig.com/" target="_blank">favorite whisky</a> (not <a href="http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/04/whiskey-versus-whisky/" target="_blank">"whiskey,"</a> get it right!) distilleries. I began thinking about a trip to Scotland late one night during Christmas vacation. Husband had never been out of the country, and we wanted to do a big international trip together. Once we found out our friends L and M were interested in traveling with us, the plan was set in motion! I had discovered a wonderful lady named Christine, <a href="http://www.ladyoftheisles.co.uk/index.html" target="_blank">Lady of the Isles</a>, who offered services that included arranging outings and chauffeuring tourists around Islay. We would come to know she was worth every dollar (err...pound!).<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">L, M, husband, and Christine</span></div>
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We arrived in Islay exhausted but excited, and Christine picked us up at the tiny airport. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The plane was small, and it had propellers!</span></div>
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We learned that only 3,500 people live in Islay, and women even have to fly to the mainland to have their first babies, because Islay boasts only a small country hospital (if there are no complications, a woman may choose to have her second baby in Islay. We learned many babies are born in the air if labor begins unexpectedly!). We found this out because a new baby was on the plane with us, and the grandmother of the new baby, who met the child at the airport, turned out to be the owner of the bed and breakfast where we stayed, the <a href="http://accommodation.islayinfo.com/islay-accommodation-detail/lambeth-house-bowmore-14.html" target="_blank">Lambeth Guest House</a>! Her husband didn't accompany her to meet the child at the airport -- he was home waiting for us to arrive!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Lambeth Guest House was such a sweet, comfortable place. The lady of the house made us hearty Scottish breakfasts each morning, including eggs made to order, bacon, tomatoes, cereal with fresh fruit, and porridge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The evening we arrived in Islay the weather was blustery and rainy, but the sun came out intermittently, and we were greeted by a beautiful rainbow over some colorful homes. The majority of the buildings in Islay are whitewashed each year and look remarkably similar, but there were a few bright, unique places among the stark white abodes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Our first meal in Islay. </span></div>
We were supposed to meet up with our two friends, L and M at Heathrow, and then arrive in Islay together, but things did not go quite as planned...<br />
<h3>
What Happened to L and M</h3>
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L and M live in San Diego. They were supposed to take a flight to Los Angeles, but it was unexpectedly cancelled, with no explanation. They hopped a bus to LA, hoping to make their next flight between California and Heathrow, but back in San Diego they hadn't been checked in for all of their subsequent flights, and their reservations were lost. They were able to get a flight to Chicago, and then on to Heathrow (the same flight path we took), but they were unable to get a flight on the propellered puddle jumper from Glasgow to Islay. Instead, they took a ferry, which was probably a lovely experience, but was also a six-hour trip (as opposed to a forty-minute flight). They arrived at last in Islay on the evening of May 13, where we picked them up from the port. In spite of their nightmarish journey, they persevered, and the vacation was smooth sailing from that point forward! As an aside, the port was across from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jura,_Scotland" target="_blank">island of Jura</a>, which is marked by three distinctive hills. We learned that the children of Jura have to take a ferry and then a bus each morning to Islay in order to go to school. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">At the port.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Husband in front of Jura. I love this photo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">At the port. </span></div>
<h3>
Day One: Bowmore Distillery</h3>
<div>
After a wonderful night of sleep and a hearty breakfast made-to-order by the lady of the house, Husband and I began our first full day in Islay. We took a quick walk up the main street of Bowmore, where we were staying, to see the Round Church.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">View from the Round Church down the main street to the harbor. </span></div>
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And Husband stood at our location on a map of Islay in the town square. </div>
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Then we ventured to the Bowmore Distillery to meet Christine. We had not packed the proper coats for the chilly and rainy weather, and Christine brought us each one to borrow. Seriously, she was amazing, and we would have frozen to death without her! She had worked at the Bowmore Distillery for many years, so she was well acquainted with the facility (and, really, she knew everyone and everything about Islay in general!). Husband started the day with a few sample drams.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Breakfast. </span></div>
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We signed up for the distillery tour later that morning and took a quick excursion to the Islay Woolen Mill.</div>
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<div>
<h3>
Day One: Islay Woolen Mill</h3>
<div>
At the <a href="http://www.islaywoollenmill.co.uk/" target="_blank">Islay Woolen Mill</a>, they made the tartan for the movie <i>Braveheart</i>, among others. It was a place of beautiful antiquity.</div>
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<h3>
Day One: Back to the Bowmore Distillery</h3>
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<div>
We returned to the Bowmore Distillery for our tour.</div>
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We had the opportunity to see their floor malting operation and do a bit of raking of the barley ourselves. </div>
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We also touched their peat, which was very dry. The burning of this peat is what gives Islay whiskies their smoky, earthy flavor (which is an acquired taste, to which I can attest, as it is a taste I still have not acquired).<br />
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We continued on through the process of distillation, including their washbacks, which are a series of huge, deep barrels.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Husband looked like a kid in a candy store this entire trip. </span></div>
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We ended the tour by viewing part of their warehouse...<br />
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...and then returned to their visitor's center for another dram, where we met some friends from Switzerland and Osaka.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Taking down Husband's e-mail address. He and his compatriot had just come from a trip through France's wineries. He said they spent most of their vacation drunk!</span></div>
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<h3>
Day One: Laphroaig Distillery</h3>
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After our time at Bowmore Distillery, we went on to a very special <a href="http://www.laphroaig.com/distillery/visiting.aspx" target="_blank">Water to Whisky Experience</a> at Laphroaig Distillery. Laphroaig is Husband's favorite whisky, and he was so excited to visit. </div>
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After first purchasing a very special twenty-five-year-old bottle of Laphroaig, Christine hunted down the master distiller to have him sign the bottle. Husband was on cloud nine. </div>
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We began the Water to Whisky Experience with a dram and a tour through the distillery. Laphroaig also does floor malting of their barley.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Laphroaig's peat is very wet and heavy, producing even more smoke and flavor (or should it be "flavour"?!). </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Their washbacks are aluminum, but their stills look very similar to Bowmore's. </span></div>
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Our tour ended at their warehouse, where we were able to sample three special drams straight out of the casks, which we got to draw ourselves. </div>
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We then each picked our favorite and bottled our own to take home!</div>
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Because the weather was cold and rainy, we skipped the picnic outside and instead lunched in one of their board rooms. Then we put on our wellies, hopped in the Laphroaig van, and tromped out to cut some peat ourselves!</div>
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A professional peat cutter had to intervene and show us how it was done, but when Husband tried his hand at it, he did a great job!<br />
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We returned to the distillery for some souvenirs, and then Husband and I made our way out to his plot of land. As a <a href="http://www.laphroaig.com/friends/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2ffriends%2f" target="_blank">"Friend of Laphroaig,"</a> he owns a square-foot plot, where he planted his American flag.<br />
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Afterward, we picked up L and M, and the fun <i>really </i>began!</div>
<h3>
Day Two: Lagavulin Distillery</h3>
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We began our second day in Islay at the Lagavulin Distillery, with a distillery tour and an expansive warehouse tasting (eight casks, if I recall correctly). </div>
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Not even a whisky lover like husband could drink eight drams, so we were able to taste and then toss on the dirt floor that which we could not drink. Husband was allowed to draw a dram out of one of the casks, which he had to do by sucking it up with his mouth!<br />
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We tasted a range of whiskies, but the highlight was a forty-seven-year-old dram. Forty-seven. Seriously, that whisky has a healthy 401K and just finished its mid-life crisis by buying a red sports car. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">L, M, and Husband with their newest forty-seven-year-old friend. </span></div>
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After Lagavulin, we made a pitstop to see some castle ruins, and then went on to a desperately needed lunch with bread, so much bread. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Difficult to see, but the ruins are the thing right in the middle of this image. </span></div>
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Day Two: Ardbeg Distillery</h3>
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At the Ardbeg Distillery, we did not do a tour, but we ate in their fabulous cafe and took some pictures on the small cliff overlooking the water in front. It was a gorgeous day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">L and M are getting married in March 2014. Aren't they adorbz?</span></div>
<h3>
Day Two: Bruichladdich Distillery</h3>
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We ended day two with a tour of the Bruichladdich Distillery. This was my personal favorite, because of their distinctive blue branding and their <a href="http://www.bruichladdich.com/the-botanist-islay-dry-gin" target="_blank">gin </a>(finally, something other than whisky!).<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Do you see the feet?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Bruichladdich only recently re-opened, so while it is very old, it is also very young. It definitely was the hippest distillery we visited, and it had the most fun tour guide gal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> This was totally open to our viewing. It was very steamy and hot in there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the pre-whisky product. I guess it's essentially beer. Warm beer, straight out of the washback. </span></div>
Their gin still is called Ugly Betty, and it is painted with a pin-up girl, like a WWII bomber. We also got to see the oldest still on Islay.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I don't know her name!</span></div>
Afterward, we enjoyed one last meal in Islay, and the next day we hopped a propeller plane back to the mainland in Glasgow and took a train on to Edinburgh. We were only getting started!<br />
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KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-80126370844568035522013-05-21T15:25:00.004-07:002013-05-21T15:25:58.339-07:00Scotland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gYW5vZDCs5gn2ANzp_El_nHS64JA3BXq6WJPsODKewMu8T8oz_L0N1b8-X7U-kzeJEsafOttCbEyH-UYruwMbx3LRXEHA7RLDKljlnxanp0x-GWXCOpnwmvIsl8E8pNRDzygtZIXuytg/s1600/IMG_7844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gYW5vZDCs5gn2ANzp_El_nHS64JA3BXq6WJPsODKewMu8T8oz_L0N1b8-X7U-kzeJEsafOttCbEyH-UYruwMbx3LRXEHA7RLDKljlnxanp0x-GWXCOpnwmvIsl8E8pNRDzygtZIXuytg/s640/IMG_7844.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went to Scotland. I will post about our trip soon. In the meantime, here is one of my favorite pictures from the trip. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This is the view out of our hotel window in Edinburgh the first day there. An unexpected rainbow! </span></span>KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-48021599195272946812013-02-24T11:58:00.001-08:002013-02-24T11:58:23.025-08:00CarlIn November, my sisterfriend announced some very big news.<br />
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No, it isn't a picture of a dog's nose (which is what our aunt thought at first). It's a brand, spankin' new human being.<br />
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See? She has proof.<br />
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She was born six weeks after me, and as two only children, we've been sisters to one another throughout life. And now I get to be an "aunt."<br />
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On Super Bowl Sunday, she announced the gender. She made cute bows, so everyone could show off their guess (wear it in your hair for a girl, wear it as a bow tie for a boy). I made little cards for everyone to scratch (she added the pink or blue). And suddenly, we knew a little bit more about the newest member of our family.<br />
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We've dubbed the little bean <a href="http://tshirtvortex.net/wp-content/uploads/Carl-Atomic-Paw.jpg" target="_blank">"Carl."</a> I can't wait to meet him around June 30.KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-52118798205783044212013-02-24T11:49:00.001-08:002013-02-24T11:49:46.790-08:00Gift of the Magi After a long hiatus, I'm back. And I'm lighter than I was before Christmas.<br />
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I gave eleven inches to <a href="http://www.childrenwithhairloss.us/" target="_blank">Children with Hair Loss</a>. I've been growing my locks for a long time, and donating hair is something that's been on my bucket list for awhile now. I chose this organization because they accepted hair that had been highlighted. As CWHL says:<br />
<br />
"It would cost a child $5,000 for a human hair replacement package . . . . CWHL takes care of any child with medical hair loss free of charge; they also can return every year until age 21 for services and hair replacements."<br />
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It's just a little thing, and it doesn't take anything more than time, but I hope my little donation will make a difference to a child. It was a great experience!<br />
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KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-64536845441837530282012-12-05T12:17:00.000-08:002012-12-05T16:11:21.024-08:00A few humble Christmas suggestionsChristmas is in full swing over at Casa de KittyMarie. I had our tree up two days after Thanksgiving (pats self on the back), we've already been to our first Christmas party of the season (<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/poinsettia-cocktail-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Poinsettias</a>, FTW), and we are looking forward to a month packed with friends and parties and baking lots of things that involve butter. I decided against throwing a Christmas party at our house this year and, whoa, the relief that comes with deciding <i>not </i>to do something. In that spirit, I suggest you decide not to go out and fight the crowds at your local mall, and instead sit back, sip some cocoa on the couch, and let me suggest some gift ideas for the good girls and boys.*<br />
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<h3>
Kick-ass games for a special friend who kicks ass</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlelv45TO5CkW2cqyRVpnmAoRcZISB1CWrP57FZeY4KoTALg5nQfPHWKMphyphenhyphenI1hF513WUsya7EB1TIi6BQrdadFp85xgFmUxzhHjZrkkjtwELGpfCUHd_dSGOtEnv_HKFnbUntZ7BzXO5/s1600/51vuqJXsoIL._AA1023_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlelv45TO5CkW2cqyRVpnmAoRcZISB1CWrP57FZeY4KoTALg5nQfPHWKMphyphenhyphenI1hF513WUsya7EB1TIi6BQrdadFp85xgFmUxzhHjZrkkjtwELGpfCUHd_dSGOtEnv_HKFnbUntZ7BzXO5/s400/51vuqJXsoIL._AA1023_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://cardsagainsthumanity.com/" target="_blank">Cards Against Humanity</a></b><br />
This "party game for horrible people" is fun for two people or twenty. Even funner-er if you play with Rando Cardrissian. As long as you have the capacity to be crude and politically incorrect, you will excel. There are several expansion packs, and CAH just released a holiday set of 30, for which you can <a href="https://cahxmas.herokuapp.com/" target="_blank">pay what you want.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Z-Man-Games-7021ZMG-Pandemic/dp/B0013OBXG2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354729659&sr=8-1&keywords=pandemic" target="_blank"><b>Pandemic</b></a><br />
This is a game for two to five players. You work together as a group of specialists to cure diseases around the world before the whole thing goes to hell, which it usually does. There are many, many ways to lose this game, and it can be extremely frustrating. Mostly because as soon as you lose, you WILL HAVE TO PLAY IT AGAIN to try to win. I am not a huge lover of board games, but I am positively hooked on this. Seriously. I'm going to need to go to rehab in the near future. It's getting out of hand. If you want to see the level of redonk, check out the episode of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytK1zDPPDhw" target="_blank">Table Top</a>.<br />
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<h3>
Gifts that also support charity for the embittered, world-weary relative</h3>
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<a href="http://www.esperosbags.com/products/the-printed-tote-olive-trunk#" target="_blank"><b>Esperos tote</b></a><br />
This tote is simple and lovely (who can't use a good tote?). When you buy one, a female student in Haiti receives one year's tuition. Now if that isn't a great way to give and feel good, I don't know what is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv52Z440Cxbh1m-J-IacbpJ4rPIolc5Yg4BmBPEvf9IulMuCvba1dh3jSOG6vyO-6wSuzEAvuLB8qROxOdjEdBnQzHBlnWCDkQ7WOP4Q4zR6_6vAjFsi3vOV2W_1-UEPLxjKGsC7PuyNm4/s1600/w-red-glitter-classics-s-fa12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv52Z440Cxbh1m-J-IacbpJ4rPIolc5Yg4BmBPEvf9IulMuCvba1dh3jSOG6vyO-6wSuzEAvuLB8qROxOdjEdBnQzHBlnWCDkQ7WOP4Q4zR6_6vAjFsi3vOV2W_1-UEPLxjKGsC7PuyNm4/s400/w-red-glitter-classics-s-fa12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/glitters/red-women-s-glitters" target="_blank">Tom's shoes</a></b><br />
I know I've mentioned these before, but they are just awesome (especially the sparkly ones, like in the image above). I have two pairs (both Christmas gifts!), and they have held up really well. Husband wore the tread off his hiking around Manhattan last summer, so that should speak to how comfortable they are! With each pair sold, a needy child also receives a pair of shoes.<br />
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<h3>
For the Fantastic Fella in Your Life</h3>
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<b><a href="http://www.american-giant.com/full-zip-hooded-sweatshirt.html" target="_blank">American Giant hoodie</a></b><br />
This hoodie is a bit pricey, but it is supposedly <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2012/12/american_giant_hoodie_this_is_the_greatest_sweatshirt_known_to_man.html" target="_blank">The Greatest Hoodie Ever Made</a> (or so says <i>Slate</i>). If you only ever have to buy one hoodie again in your life, I can see spending a bit more for it upfront. All clothing from American Giant is made in America and worked up by a former industrial designer from Apple. Awesome, huh? I hope they think about making women's clothing soon. <br />
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<h3>
For the Greatest Gal in Your Life</h3>
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<a href="http://www.epiphaniebags.com/Grey_Stella_p/stl001gry.htm" target="_blank"><b>Epiphanie bag</b></a><br />
I asked for this for Christmas/birthday. I'm in desperate need of a functional camera bag, and I love the bags at Epiphanie because they do double duty. You can carry your camera <i>and </i>your belongings, and it totally looks like you're just carrying a purse...nothing to see here, thieves (unless you want my wallet, I suppose. I just like that it doesn't scream: "I'm a tourist with an expensive camera! Please glare at and/or mug me!" Again, this bag is on the pricey side, but my plan is for this to last me many, many years.<br />
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<h3>
<b>For the Bestest Baby You Know</b></h3>
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<b><a href="http://fredandfriends.com/products/view/category/baby-stuff/lil-shaver-mustache-pacififer" target="_blank">Mustache pacifier</a></b><br />
Okay, so maybe this is more for the baby's parents, but how freaking hilarious is this? Someone in my life is totally getting this for their spawn.<br />
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<h3>
For the irritatingly happy newlywed</h3>
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<b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62535891/custom-rubber-stamp-wood-handle-address" target="_blank">Custom rubber stamp</a></b><br />
I <i>adore </i>these. I really need to buckle down and buy one for myself. What a sweet and perfect gift for someone just starting out in life with a new partner and new address!<br />
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<h3>
For the science geek (or the kid who wants a pet but would lose interest three days after one's arrival)</h3>
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/EcoSphere-Closed-Aquatic-Ecosystem-Sphere/dp/B005IZOB5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354737888&sr=8-1&keywords=ecosphere" target="_blank">Ecosphere</a></b><br />
This is too cool. Just place the hand-blown glass sphere in indirect sunlight and watch a whole world unfold. The ecosphere contains live marine shrimp and require no maintenance. The average lifespan is two to three years (and it is surely awfully hard to get attached to these suckers).<br />
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*I am not suggesting you choose not to buy gifts locally. Buying from area merchants is the best thing to do. I just hate putting on pants and fighting crowds of surly holiday shoppers, so the majority of my Christmas gifts are purchased online. <i>Do not be like me. </i>KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-88845017329580575662012-11-26T16:58:00.002-08:002012-11-26T16:58:55.409-08:00ThankfulAs usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short, but no less thankful for...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA5I8EJlA1bwWDGO7SShiwifCI452rd8pqwQt6_fYZlMMqDulSRz4qePy2uXTxnmO7Zm8PM9D-hYMsbA7LIziO7qJ1HjVSfhSIsHCQxQ7iKCqQx3OhTVqLoBYfH3ML5HYgeLTWLTCrqo4/s1600/IMG_6404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA5I8EJlA1bwWDGO7SShiwifCI452rd8pqwQt6_fYZlMMqDulSRz4qePy2uXTxnmO7Zm8PM9D-hYMsbA7LIziO7qJ1HjVSfhSIsHCQxQ7iKCqQx3OhTVqLoBYfH3ML5HYgeLTWLTCrqo4/s400/IMG_6404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
...homemade black raspberry pie, frozen until a special occasion...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2aJKXWfNsiybr4AewPndCBZr2vMgmX7QAhVJ0o0hyphenhyphenG1nMumysBHgqt-NcQHvfx_3thJA0T-xArJKEndbUjQfZId7B84sIXp8iM0wun_IIMyyxc4LARpEfJ2SfAnihZGOAtCXOCooNPoI/s1600/IMG_6408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2aJKXWfNsiybr4AewPndCBZr2vMgmX7QAhVJ0o0hyphenhyphenG1nMumysBHgqt-NcQHvfx_3thJA0T-xArJKEndbUjQfZId7B84sIXp8iM0wun_IIMyyxc4LARpEfJ2SfAnihZGOAtCXOCooNPoI/s400/IMG_6408.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
...and mothers- and fathers-in-law with sweet, gentle puppies...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAYZx6n6alAZKHSDyQ_lNNkmW6VPrGPwQuOqizUFn6nT6J00yJN9iMmlzUBcMhnNXKIIs8kiycZ-gZi3dFmQkyjgoV1VfPcosVsBYs4ApTXbQr1PyWtniMTOgtudPfTAZd1xAYEEJfYhB/s1600/IMG_6409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAYZx6n6alAZKHSDyQ_lNNkmW6VPrGPwQuOqizUFn6nT6J00yJN9iMmlzUBcMhnNXKIIs8kiycZ-gZi3dFmQkyjgoV1VfPcosVsBYs4ApTXbQr1PyWtniMTOgtudPfTAZd1xAYEEJfYhB/s400/IMG_6409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
...and regular ol' mothers and fathers with lots of cats...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7i2QNpGm_bEaI_S6TsAW6RHVTT1ZcPu9M2lmbSMynixhNFbknLY81owyPh8dXamK1by4AzMwru3ACEBwbTL1cQOXLUOS0Xstd2vVBwsntVvtl09_Ig_hn9WOaex2BPg9xqoljSSchMSD/s1600/IMG_6411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7i2QNpGm_bEaI_S6TsAW6RHVTT1ZcPu9M2lmbSMynixhNFbknLY81owyPh8dXamK1by4AzMwru3ACEBwbTL1cQOXLUOS0Xstd2vVBwsntVvtl09_Ig_hn9WOaex2BPg9xqoljSSchMSD/s400/IMG_6411.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
...and handsome husbands...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODMjahbHjv_ACy_GLWkufCHg-UoCGQuIwW-Qm8ICnuQOPDjbMkTgoOfPvt7xJQquy-EYgwuGgJLNwrhT01rcGeKM1M572B5d7IDdL6hSzjvVG9ZquAsTdVpcvqJtPubW7tu1cO86VluHZ/s1600/IMG_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODMjahbHjv_ACy_GLWkufCHg-UoCGQuIwW-Qm8ICnuQOPDjbMkTgoOfPvt7xJQquy-EYgwuGgJLNwrhT01rcGeKM1M572B5d7IDdL6hSzjvVG9ZquAsTdVpcvqJtPubW7tu1cO86VluHZ/s400/IMG_6465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
...and bestest, lifelong cousinsisterfriends...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa3W4T_3a3md8NY1OrzQZ0SU50qhuQbWfU1F4qBej2y3oExO-DF8hra-HMsSl4XEUql4ey1t899hwLH0_EEUsd9Qh7GWByR-zVNJ-7Z3Ho7yWHo1dQbnykXEoNsL_eUV8OrY7hdvO0w64/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIa3W4T_3a3md8NY1OrzQZ0SU50qhuQbWfU1F4qBej2y3oExO-DF8hra-HMsSl4XEUql4ey1t899hwLH0_EEUsd9Qh7GWByR-zVNJ-7Z3Ho7yWHo1dQbnykXEoNsL_eUV8OrY7hdvO0w64/s400/IMG_6456.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
...and exciting news...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJnGOBEMp2sSaK8Rs63wAWt2j6r1P-dOobS8n2HwmGFHIB3WVtflCnRoAQVH43TSrxuPKgxQDAW2DYG8zbBwhyiYt3JmqfHPmLkCQPJ5tZG9pDl9KzIO2XE1XKbrlq178kSOfUPWsFjlf/s1600/IMG_6424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJnGOBEMp2sSaK8Rs63wAWt2j6r1P-dOobS8n2HwmGFHIB3WVtflCnRoAQVH43TSrxuPKgxQDAW2DYG8zbBwhyiYt3JmqfHPmLkCQPJ5tZG9pDl9KzIO2XE1XKbrlq178kSOfUPWsFjlf/s400/IMG_6424.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
...and giant cupcakes for a grandma's birthday...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn10LHvUqdvLpOs6PNCLgY1O-JNYh7fKi2XhwO2W04AVDn4coea58tEOshwwZAwMcS6pg9v5uFzkw83d8V9AQ4zrHLf9pa1arYQpXxi_u0YxBdbMpQmEnuENMEie4ayBiDWshyoPOdb6B/s1600/IMG_6419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn10LHvUqdvLpOs6PNCLgY1O-JNYh7fKi2XhwO2W04AVDn4coea58tEOshwwZAwMcS6pg9v5uFzkw83d8V9AQ4zrHLf9pa1arYQpXxi_u0YxBdbMpQmEnuENMEie4ayBiDWshyoPOdb6B/s400/IMG_6419.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
...and nature and nurture and all things beautiful in the world.KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7808609151330061985.post-54182600826145692332012-10-26T22:08:00.001-07:002012-10-26T22:08:17.009-07:00Equal rights. For all. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Please watch this video. It brought tears to my eyes. There are a thousand words I could write on this topic, but this helps crystallize all of them.KittyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04301650258101074780noreply@blogger.com0