tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14360398873350567652024-02-20T22:24:40.669-08:00ProgressionsJ.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-20023439840137264202016-09-28T07:24:00.002-07:002016-09-28T07:24:56.076-07:00Where Are You? What Do You Do There?It may sound crazy, but I am asking my readers where geographically they are located. There is a reason, want to know what it is?<br />
<br />
I have found that locals always have the best information on their areas. There are plenty of online sites that list the top attractions, or top restaurants, or top destinations. I found in traveling this year, that those places don't always fit our demographic, or the vibe we are looking for in food, entertainment, or activities. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VYJ0Pxx2n5KiMfhQMTUcDTzP9zGNpsFkHhRS2yjC7u6Y5aqG0sK-5d6Jk2Ynjj-42tLJjjmeJ1mzrEU8C54sxS2xgFewn98cDXneWJDQFkGk8NBQC-Bnmj1sk_RtI2nIWv_X9_1F_mvh/s1600/20160627_102412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VYJ0Pxx2n5KiMfhQMTUcDTzP9zGNpsFkHhRS2yjC7u6Y5aqG0sK-5d6Jk2Ynjj-42tLJjjmeJ1mzrEU8C54sxS2xgFewn98cDXneWJDQFkGk8NBQC-Bnmj1sk_RtI2nIWv_X9_1F_mvh/s640/20160627_102412.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains in Boulder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Recently while in Boulder Colorado, we had the opportunity to stay an extra day after our business retreat ended. I asked my friends in the area where to eat, and what to see during our bonus day, and the results were AMAZING! The difference was they knew what we were looking for and were able to point us in that direction. Not always to the most popular spot, but to ones they knew we would love.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkgG2zzeII-vbrtYSYioWxqcAJZntHCTk5JxyVbV2tCn8JuvvNpihuwkmzvkktlWH_NWQHRqewtP0TOE2ODnTBPsVHMb6H6M5bUcfSP6MjxzI52LMhKfh00kaPj5cSypuObZM3xSkZZqr/s1600/20160627_123757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkgG2zzeII-vbrtYSYioWxqcAJZntHCTk5JxyVbV2tCn8JuvvNpihuwkmzvkktlWH_NWQHRqewtP0TOE2ODnTBPsVHMb6H6M5bUcfSP6MjxzI52LMhKfh00kaPj5cSypuObZM3xSkZZqr/s640/20160627_123757.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rooftop Garden in Colorado</td></tr>
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<br />
We live in Maine. It is as far north east as you can go in America, and we love it. We also live in a VERY<a href="http://www.kennebunkmaine.us/"> tourist centric town</a>, so when people ask me where they should go, I use caution with my secret spots, so as not to release them all to the general public, but try to balance that with my desire to drive business to the places that I love. It is a tricky balance at times, and that is the whole purpose of this post.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVLyOk9HsGhw6r4Bxr4Q4K-LmLV_tcwp3yTf7ZCVNtMKA8lq8iXABqmvHX8u0rJCaI1iw2vloL-r8HUWbIAKLgmQhyphenhyphen7PW6eJXeqTDdpc7gtZenHTZltvdth8lsLHs6kd8_5IEX3g5GeHL/s1600/20160717_200518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVLyOk9HsGhw6r4Bxr4Q4K-LmLV_tcwp3yTf7ZCVNtMKA8lq8iXABqmvHX8u0rJCaI1iw2vloL-r8HUWbIAKLgmQhyphenhyphen7PW6eJXeqTDdpc7gtZenHTZltvdth8lsLHs6kd8_5IEX3g5GeHL/s640/20160717_200518.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Maine at Sunset</td></tr>
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<br />
A transition has occurred in our lives as you can see from the past few posts. <a href="http://jcrabbit.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-layoff-before-christmas.html">A corporate layoff</a>, a <a href="http://jcrabbit.blogspot.com/2016/04/delaying-inevitable.html">miscarriage</a>, and then life in general, which I have not written about in the ways that I likely should have. That transition however is generating the ability to travel, and I really want to talk to locals in areas, not to steal their spots, but to absorb their culture, and learn more about the rest of the country (and the world) outside the Atlantic<br />
north east. <br />
<br />
So, in getting back to the original question... Where Are You? Should we visit your area? Where should we go? What should we eat? Where should we look? What do we NEED to see while there? <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4p1xXUcOWSrk2GKKdmT0MaGCBMV1qHkhsVIyvuczfQUQX66Zml1JTdubAOzNN0I3qyXGvXJXKYNb9mBfWxnVIsX5etN7WxEiE1NYkQYzCFUSKrXeoYhMRqOGu4AgEC52tdHxe2sRZzDa/s1600/20160713_144554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4p1xXUcOWSrk2GKKdmT0MaGCBMV1qHkhsVIyvuczfQUQX66Zml1JTdubAOzNN0I3qyXGvXJXKYNb9mBfWxnVIsX5etN7WxEiE1NYkQYzCFUSKrXeoYhMRqOGu4AgEC52tdHxe2sRZzDa/s640/20160713_144554.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hint Hint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you are comfortable posting in the comments, feel free, you can also message me, or reach out through social media. I am really excited to move forward, and look forward to hearing what you think about the journey coming soon. <br />
<br />
Happy Wednesday,<br />
<br />
Mitch<br />
<br />
Collected Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10363159941466540997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-71337028302785376862016-08-24T11:28:00.000-07:002016-08-24T11:28:01.697-07:00Ikea Shelf AssemblyIf you have ever been to IKEA, you know that some assembly is usually required on furniture pieces. That said, they make the process quite easy, and we have a lot of their stuff in our home. Since being self employed, I have found that I do in fact have more time with the kids, and family, but I also have time to put furniture together. I hope you enjoy this fun time lapse of the assembly process. <br />
<br />
Happy Wednesday!<br />
<br />
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Collected Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10363159941466540997noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-55224503115347462262016-05-06T05:58:00.002-07:002016-05-06T05:58:45.957-07:00I Quit My Day JobAfter struggling last year after the layoff to find a steady job, it is hard to believe a year later that I am even writing this. I actually quit! I gave my notice, worked with HR and department heads on transitioning my work and current project load, served out the 2 weeks, and walked away. That was 1 week ago.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBcxPjUXpyMCpa_BR3mzvGzqTYsQ3UtffbTGce0vMZHvgRlNDXD3AGjXE7Nlalxw6v6jiSm7wyNA9rxTu0HL0PMprt0OYmc_UKTonpfE0PsiMwwYezQRRfyMsfVmZ98Y-OyL0tGOJg1fN/s1600/13138755_10208399858746965_4608938468199795692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBcxPjUXpyMCpa_BR3mzvGzqTYsQ3UtffbTGce0vMZHvgRlNDXD3AGjXE7Nlalxw6v6jiSm7wyNA9rxTu0HL0PMprt0OYmc_UKTonpfE0PsiMwwYezQRRfyMsfVmZ98Y-OyL0tGOJg1fN/s640/13138755_10208399858746965_4608938468199795692_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turning in my parking pass, and building access badge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Heather has been teaching natural health classes and selling essential oils for the past few years, and the business reached a point where it could justify a second set of hands, both in work load, and financially. I am beyond excited to be home with the family, but this time without the stress and burden of needing to find a job. <br />
<br />
The timing is perfect too. it is baseball season, and Little League is getting into full swing. The first game is tonight, and I don't have to worry about jetting out of the office early to get to the field to coach. AND, we are getting a new puppy at the end of the month, so I will be able to help with the training. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bvt6dVo8vn6fkLMG1yigT3ki84nqC0Vr65LlWbCj5PnmHivDGz7YGZ4WhV29D3_G2SIpKOxrNv5_ESGyG8vcEkifdDsak18Ma3u9R1_5nGj6HzlMmBUwkB5lqq0ADroLuff4KTBI4Ors/s1600/13076552_10208411097907937_4714597336649210843_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bvt6dVo8vn6fkLMG1yigT3ki84nqC0Vr65LlWbCj5PnmHivDGz7YGZ4WhV29D3_G2SIpKOxrNv5_ESGyG8vcEkifdDsak18Ma3u9R1_5nGj6HzlMmBUwkB5lqq0ADroLuff4KTBI4Ors/s640/13076552_10208411097907937_4714597336649210843_n.jpg" width="614" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackett and I at our first visit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So looking forward to 2016, this is going to be an amazing year for sure, and I am excited to get back to sharing it here!<br />
<br />
Hope your day is Awesome!Collected Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10363159941466540997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-26843505196760512382016-04-19T11:12:00.000-07:002016-04-19T11:12:15.087-07:00Delaying The Inevitable<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I knew going into it that February was going to be rough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">If you look at my last post you see joy, anticipation, and
excitement. February came and went but those feelings had (over the last 6
months) seemingly been replaced with fear, anger, and jealousy. But there
is light at the end of the tunnel so keep reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This summer, at 12 weeks pregnant, we had
our first miscarriage. I say first not that we have had others since, but
rather in acknowledgement that some have gone through this multiple times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I have put off writing about it here
(despite the birth announcement) because I didn't know what to say. It
felt bad feeling bad. I didn't want to be jealous of every friend that
posted their pregnancy photos. I wanted to be excited for them, offer up
some tips and tricks for the first timers, and enjoy a cigar in the delivery
room with the dad. Ok so that last part may only be in the movies, and I
think they hand them out without actually lighting, but still I wanted to be
happy about it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Happy just didn't seem to form. 2015 had
already started off on a semi-crazy note which began with the layoff; I was
able to get a contract job in March. The pay was good, but as a
contractor, there were no benefits or time off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> In august my contract was
terminated unexpectedly (another potential downside to contract work)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> While the very nature of the
position was such that they could end it at any time, I was still quite
surprised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I had been missing time at the office due to the miscarriage, and
wanting to be home with Heather. My employer incredibly generous and
considerate and had no problem with my time away. I couldn't help but
think though that my performance had slipped as well. Indeed it had. Without
actively realizing it, I had let deliverables fall through the cracks and my
attendance began to start later and later in the day. My work that I was
turning in was slowly but surely losing quality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Autumn found me right where January had.
Unemployed, without prospects, but now, I was also frustrated, saddened,
and confused by the miscarriage. I had lost a significant swagger that used to
be in my step. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So you can see why despite my desire, the idea of just being happy wasn't working. To be honest though, I wasn't working all that hard on it either.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">There is a danger in the feeling of
invincibility, and I walked that line without attention to that danger for a
bit too long. Broken and seemingly at the end of my rope there was one more key
step in the "knocking me off my
pedestal process" though that still had to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> I began a video log of everything
that was happening, starting with Christmas 2014 to document our journey, I had
plans to take this wild difficult year and turn it into something inspiring for
others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I took hours of video documenting how I
was feeling what was going on, our road trips while looking for jobs, and even
our pregnancy announcement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Despite the trials, and pain of the year
thus far, I had convinced myself it was all going to be ok by taking
comfort in the fact that at least all that video would be a great way to look
back on the year. After all, I was narrating it, I was going
to edit it really nice, place a score and other music as needed to really hit
the important parts (note the arrogance beginning to re-form). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Then the computer crashed. When I say crashed, I mean like hard.
HARD! As in Hard Drive. So bad in fact that the computer tech
who attempted to fix it acknowledged just how sophisticated the virus that had
just erased my entire year was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">All of the data was gone. Hundreds
of hours of home video and interviews deleted forever. Seemingly this
would be a tiny piece compared to everything that had happened in the year,
and in fact it was. It just happened to be the last piece I was
holding onto.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I promised light at then end,
so here is is. I am here. A far less ignoragant and arrogant version. Neither of those are attributes I would ever have thought I possessed, Lesson learned!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> Our family is ok. There is excitement for the future, and at
the end of the day, God is good. I look forward to sharing many positive
moments as they come, but had to take a minute to breathe, reflect, and collect what had come along with a year of crazy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">We are blessed beyond belief, and I cant wait to get back to the
fun, outgoing, crazy posts that I love.
The baby we lost will ALWAYS be a part of us, moving forward does not
have to mean moving on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I will never forget 2015 and the lessons I was forced to face. I am not happy about what happened or how I reacted most of the time to it, but I am grateful
for the opportunity to have learned from it,
and look forward to what God has in store for our family in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-37295916389345679172015-06-30T13:37:00.000-07:002015-06-30T13:37:02.446-07:00Exciting TimesIt's funny how once you are a part of something you notice it more. Like when you buy a car you have never heard of then suddenly realize they are everywhere. Or hear a phrase for the first time, then realize it is part of everyday conversation where you live.<br />
<br />
That's how it was for me last week. The same day that we found out we were having another baby, my wife posted a fun announcement picture. <br />
<br />
It was fun and creative, but I hadn't really ever thought about an announcement picture. This week whenever I am online, it seems that yet another friend is posting a clever pic letting people know they are expecting.<br />
<br />
Hence the title of this post. These are for sure some exciting times. Baby Wilson #4 will join us in Fabruary.<br />
<br />
Here is the photo she made. I still love it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iSxsWWWi1JnKR9Otjs8U01Rc5NVI7H6F5s1Yc_WH21aoWMA0W3BPZRnoTznpwoSYD0WQFKvCpkI9N60-Jh5-epHPUX-ZjlUADvkchpWf1IEpS910vR39p3AJFJafRVPAnoW2w8vTQXPc/s1600/then4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3iSxsWWWi1JnKR9Otjs8U01Rc5NVI7H6F5s1Yc_WH21aoWMA0W3BPZRnoTznpwoSYD0WQFKvCpkI9N60-Jh5-epHPUX-ZjlUADvkchpWf1IEpS910vR39p3AJFJafRVPAnoW2w8vTQXPc/s640/then4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Collected Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10363159941466540997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-23229047455354600382015-06-01T06:37:00.000-07:002015-06-01T06:37:15.700-07:00Poem Friday - On a MondayA sea of grain escapes the swimming racist sadists mind<br />
<br />
Trial it by fire, and you'll see the place is fine<br />
<br />
This minor fact's in fact as tasteless as a grapeless vine<br />
<br />
Making more discussion just a gracious waste of timeCollected Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10363159941466540997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-12807098436648665792014-12-26T07:06:00.002-08:002014-12-31T11:03:42.542-08:00Things to do : On the CheapSo cheap has 2 meanings really, low cost, or low quality. no one wants cheap quality, but when it comes to low cost, we all get excited, just look at black Friday right?<br />
<br />
I have been posting steps to making things work when laid off close to Christmas.<br />
<br />
Step 2: No Parental presents. While presents are great for the kids to open and get excited about, as the parents, my wife and I decided not to get anything for eachother this year. That has proved much harder that I thought it would be.<br />
<br />
I don't mind not getting gifts from her, but not getting her anything when there were only like 2 items on her wish list was a tough pill to swallow. by doing that though, we were able to stretch the budget a little more for some fun stuff.<br />
<br />
We have been doing low cost for about a month now (since I was laid off) and since it is now the midst of the holiday season, we want to be out doing things. We obviously cant do everything on the cheap, so I will share a few things that we have been able to.<br />
<br />
Movie Night:<br />
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Who doesn't love some hot tea, popcorn, and a Christmas movie? I haven't had microwave popcorn for a long time, rather I make it on the stove. If you have never tried it, here are a few tips.<br />
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1. DO NOT leave the pan unattended at any point in the popcorn making process. The oil will ignite and start a nasty fire in your house if you leave it hot too long.<br />
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2. Make the recipe your own. A lot of people will say how much oil, salt, and kernels to add, and while following a recipe is a good idea, feel free to put your own spin on it. I always thought more oil would make the popcorn staler. Not true, not enough oil will cause chewy popcorn.<br />
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3. Serve hot! There is nothing wrong with cold popcorn, but right when you put in the movie, or during the previews, take the 10 minutes, and make the popcorn. it smells good, and everyone will appreciate a nice hot bowl.<br />
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Next, Dinner with family. <br />
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This is something we should probably do more often anyway, but when we are invited for a meal, it is nice not to have to think about cooking, or grocery budget. Plus I love lasagna.<br />
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Then: Always have fun. I didn't buy this, but had some time to try it on. If you cant look life in the eye and say during the hard times, lets have some fun, then the hard times are just going to get harder.<br />
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While Christmas is different this year, it is still and always has been for us about God anyway. He has opened my eyes to the fact that my job was not my identity, and that when relying on him, everything will be ok. <br />
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Merry Christmas Everyone!<br />
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-Mitch<br />
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<br />J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-81272791434668010542014-12-18T06:23:00.001-08:002014-12-18T06:23:43.618-08:00The Layoff before ChristmasLet me start with some background. A month ago I was laid off from my job of 5 years. Completely blindsided, and didn't see it coming. I have actively been looking for a replacement career and have realized that 10 years in the industry is not as valuable to companies as a 4 year degree. Basically I am no longer qualified to do what I have been doing my whole professional life.<br />
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It is a terrible time for something like this, because even though I am a hard core optimist, watching all the TV commercials about last minute gifts, and even reading the blogs I LOVE with the gift ideas (which are great by the way) is getting me a little depressed.<br />
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I have noticed though, that being forced not to be able to buy gifts, has caused us to be more creative, and focus on the other aspects of this holiday season, namely, you know our savior being born. <br />
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Now that you know that, I wanted to share for those of you who may also have little or no income this holiday season, some of the things we are doing to make it work.<br />
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Step 1:<br />
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We started Christmas early. Maybe not the presents, but we asked around, got a fake tree, and had it up and decorated before Thanksgiving. Taboo I know, but extending the décor longer has been great.<br />
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Even though my wife swore we would never have a fake tree (we live in the pine tree state after all) it has allowed us to keep it up longer, where a real tree would look pretty sad by now.</div>
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Also since her DoTerra business has been going so well, we have been spraying the tree with white fir oil, and since it's all natural, it smells just like the real thing.</div>
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Since Christmas is in a week, I am going to keep sharing how we are coping on almost no budget, keeping the kiddos entertained, and staying as happy as possible during "the most wonderful time of the year"</div>
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Tonight we have a fun activity planned. Tomorrow I will share the details and pictures with you.</div>
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Enjoy the season!</div>
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-Mitch</div>
J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-855716323433261412014-10-06T19:41:00.001-07:002014-10-06T19:41:40.501-07:00Foliage Season - Leaf PeepersAs a kid, I never even knew that the trees didn't change everywhere in the world the way they do this time of year in New England. It is one of those wonderful little things that are so easily taken for granted. <br />
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I never cared for the science of it all, photosynthesis and such, but there is something about the turning of the leaves that is a fun safety net between summer being over, and not quite snowy season.<br />
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This morning, the sun was gleaming on the bright colors, and I had to snap a few shots to share.<br />
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Its funny, the giant maple in my yard, just turns a yellowish brown, you would think it was a spicy mustard tree. but some are bright red, or orange, and look amazing.<br />
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I suppose I can take solace in knowing that what my trees lack in color this fall they make up for in syrup production in the spring.<br />
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Do the leaves change where you live? If not, do you ever come north just to leaf peep?<br />
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<br />Collected Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10363159941466540997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-27422777933427705772014-10-02T16:15:00.000-07:002014-10-02T16:15:27.286-07:00It's not the dogs fault<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Making signs is just fun. It's a lot like seeing a bumper sticker, and thinking, who came up with that?</div>
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Where I live, my garden runs adjecent to the sidewalk, and being that we live in town, many people walk their dogs past our house daily. </div>
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Now, I love dogs, I just dont love all dog owners. some are loving caring and responsible, while others, have a dog, and could not possibly pay less attention to what it is doing, even while on a walk.</div>
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So the idea for this sign came. My vegetables are constantly peed on by the walking dogs, and there is even one unattended neighborhood dog who chooses to take his daily #2 there. </div>
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I made it, but never actually put it out. I still love how it came out though. </div>
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do you let your dog freely go on your neighbors lawn and garden?</div>
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<br />J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-14040895800327976142014-07-10T07:59:00.001-07:002014-07-10T08:00:52.021-07:00Back To RomaniaDo you remember the <a href="http://jcrabbit.blogspot.com/2011/07/10-days-of-romania-day-1.html">10 days of Romania</a> series from a few years ago? My wife went on a missions trip there, and I posted what the boys and I did while she was gone for those days. One of the things we said when she got back was that we would love to take the whole family there one day. Teach the boys to serve others, and have a cross cultural experience they would remember for a lifetime.<br />
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Well...We are going! We actually leave next month, and are taking the whole family (even the baby).<br />
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This is an amazing opportunity we are very excited about, and are working hard to raise the necessary funds.<br />
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If you have been looking for a way to donate toward helping those in other countries, would you consider donating to our trip? All sales from my Etsy shop go directly toward the trip right now, and there is also a paypal link set up where you can donate, if you feel so inclined. <a href="http://statictab.com/yrbgw8j" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://statictab.com/yrbgw8j</a><br />
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I am looking at every possible avenue of fundraising, what is your favorite fundraiser?<br />
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Take a look at<a href="http://jcrabbit.blogspot.com/2011/11/letter-from-my-wife.html"> the post Heather wrote</a> after her last trip.<br />
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Thanks,<br />
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MitchJ.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-8861555278570495452014-03-26T07:32:00.000-07:002014-03-26T07:32:16.012-07:00Carrot FriesAs you may remember we completed the whole 30 this past year, and while we are certainly not 100% Paleo now, we did find certain foods that we really liked and kept in our regular rotation.<br />
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Allow me to introduce Carrot Fries!</div>
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Super simple (in fact I could cook them, and that's saying something)</div>
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Start with a whole bag of carrots.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqh02yG4TiKX8fJ5DRrOyLuL5q_5c_jxTv5gKSbxQuLV9mVzaxantH4s9mg5FGuoSPN-hhhDD1MCONhYegPFTzXdbzu88ciA_67oCwENo92jkBJ_bQT4q8Vc3LFl4RAY6cNdyq4GJRhU9e/s1600/CAM00793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqh02yG4TiKX8fJ5DRrOyLuL5q_5c_jxTv5gKSbxQuLV9mVzaxantH4s9mg5FGuoSPN-hhhDD1MCONhYegPFTzXdbzu88ciA_67oCwENo92jkBJ_bQT4q8Vc3LFl4RAY6cNdyq4GJRhU9e/s1600/CAM00793.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIa2vakH6RccNcpFtPj5_lCagEfny7_sLhOo3sIkAPKLypf0a0qnF2MLEn6wpdpo_YnZ3VJJ5jL4RZxKKfq7XkrAwXACcfLA3N_ekv_gwSFdOO7kYHr3FKEwlsfmHTgN6g1tJIPz5hCR1/s1600/CAM00794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIa2vakH6RccNcpFtPj5_lCagEfny7_sLhOo3sIkAPKLypf0a0qnF2MLEn6wpdpo_YnZ3VJJ5jL4RZxKKfq7XkrAwXACcfLA3N_ekv_gwSFdOO7kYHr3FKEwlsfmHTgN6g1tJIPz5hCR1/s1600/CAM00794.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remove the carrots from the bag. (skipping this step can cause the final product to taste like melted plastic)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foil some cookie sheets or pizza pans, and put a tablespoon of oil on each, lightly coating the whole surface</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb_4oe1-U0ZhbD0sKpEey1EuCkABGbgCuaAHVfFRkknUDXsgm0CfLtG0B3zz6YkymnSO1F9A6zRPKvkzm6DsPdjsHZ_70f1p-9W4FLIDZqLq9HTuB3Kft1OGlmCrfsl4hITlSfGpvfjRw/s1600/CAM00797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpb_4oe1-U0ZhbD0sKpEey1EuCkABGbgCuaAHVfFRkknUDXsgm0CfLtG0B3zz6YkymnSO1F9A6zRPKvkzm6DsPdjsHZ_70f1p-9W4FLIDZqLq9HTuB3Kft1OGlmCrfsl4hITlSfGpvfjRw/s1600/CAM00797.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut carrots in half making them french-fry length, also peel the carrots</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzHDPFS-9swNYfWFtRidybeeQ8i2AG-Iib-0a0Dpa_nHxDUKNiNtS5QJ2Dmq_kj1biEDqRLhgYqYw8aLaz-Z1-GHZ6T6-Z0V-uq83r8tcBQuXlEJwPGcoQp-W2BkfOt9kituXEPBkk2bi/s1600/CAM00798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzHDPFS-9swNYfWFtRidybeeQ8i2AG-Iib-0a0Dpa_nHxDUKNiNtS5QJ2Dmq_kj1biEDqRLhgYqYw8aLaz-Z1-GHZ6T6-Z0V-uq83r8tcBQuXlEJwPGcoQp-W2BkfOt9kituXEPBkk2bi/s1600/CAM00798.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYDWtvCD4njzz269LDOV6mpfFJJjdLLeUJz8BG8RpTS-xkr9RCOWHg2igq0e2DlTYUx7npfLXJLDtwIXIoT5NNeOpO5MgnnoB-xDwGrX7NBzChdQ29TfYc0V1ZXX5s4VIzMpl7euutz6e/s1600/CAM00799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYDWtvCD4njzz269LDOV6mpfFJJjdLLeUJz8BG8RpTS-xkr9RCOWHg2igq0e2DlTYUx7npfLXJLDtwIXIoT5NNeOpO5MgnnoB-xDwGrX7NBzChdQ29TfYc0V1ZXX5s4VIzMpl7euutz6e/s1600/CAM00799.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spread carrots onto oiled cookie sheets and season evenly. I like salt pepper oregano, and thyme</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL9LGi5HqlXjv-iKqtSpwAm6uq-n2g2XfXDAlldQRKjQ1pKVIM51trFFPemMAIePIUo50KO5NDluU5laJeqeYESJMpagEH5xtYPEQ7-w99xYETy5XuDqz8r-1Q036J5n6XW8YaL_LVnV3/s1600/CAM00801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyL9LGi5HqlXjv-iKqtSpwAm6uq-n2g2XfXDAlldQRKjQ1pKVIM51trFFPemMAIePIUo50KO5NDluU5laJeqeYESJMpagEH5xtYPEQ7-w99xYETy5XuDqz8r-1Q036J5n6XW8YaL_LVnV3/s1600/CAM00801.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bake at 400 for 35 minutes, check to see that they are a little wrinkled (they will not get too soft like boiled carrots, or actual potato fries.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrODBmMeE20XvyJRfLRKiygJy7f8k_a5uJ13eK0IP_0koLDZCxMeKBH8yI1_UznUZbXCij-yVxpsxTJJgoPgkbiE9ech_Gjl0hO2z0o-Id4YiREv3OB_g9UnwZXGWH21FQPzLGiSlkCC1j/s1600/CAM00803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrODBmMeE20XvyJRfLRKiygJy7f8k_a5uJ13eK0IP_0koLDZCxMeKBH8yI1_UznUZbXCij-yVxpsxTJJgoPgkbiE9ech_Gjl0hO2z0o-Id4YiREv3OB_g9UnwZXGWH21FQPzLGiSlkCC1j/s1600/CAM00803.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Fn-iGCutlcvwMcbcjtyD3qITnN2eJKpQisN97wo8CvJCbihmBrdIMFPIK-Od4pNQ_sf7FNpPA9IWg7L0wYnovywDYhirh1bwUpZ8X3hVaPWownPBZ9KGyLFNrLLO6Z9ctI_kpUJJ3LM7/s1600/CAM00802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Fn-iGCutlcvwMcbcjtyD3qITnN2eJKpQisN97wo8CvJCbihmBrdIMFPIK-Od4pNQ_sf7FNpPA9IWg7L0wYnovywDYhirh1bwUpZ8X3hVaPWownPBZ9KGyLFNrLLO6Z9ctI_kpUJJ3LM7/s1600/CAM00802.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">place as a side with your favorite protein and consume. If they are still hot, you may want to blow on them</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_49581954"></span><span id="goog_49581955"></span><br />J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-21420351384174078912014-01-20T09:44:00.000-08:002014-01-20T09:47:43.805-08:001-4-3 means I love youDo you remember pagers?<br />
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They were like cell phones, except they didn't make calls, or play games, or.... ok so they really weren't like cell phones, except that those who had them took them everywhere and it was a way to reach them.<br />
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Oh, I know how to explain it better. You know on Grey's Anatomy when they are about to get it on in the break room, or there is an emotional moment about to be revealed at the bar, when suddenly that little black box starts beeping? THAT is a pager.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wnnxSqTjcnEIJaTMMgYeJcSQoGt48jwCL0GTtR_v5z3ime-dOSb-S0EGoWsdhFFQAl5rMh-_yeKwHhA1D74AkvXg7SUZuawyZKm2IrYW5BHnDl5FEDhAAMOpgdIMTiOBHNYd6P4WDL_e/s1600/Np88_support.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wnnxSqTjcnEIJaTMMgYeJcSQoGt48jwCL0GTtR_v5z3ime-dOSb-S0EGoWsdhFFQAl5rMh-_yeKwHhA1D74AkvXg7SUZuawyZKm2IrYW5BHnDl5FEDhAAMOpgdIMTiOBHNYd6P4WDL_e/s1600/Np88_support.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pager">source</a></td></tr>
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Well... the way it worked, was you dialed the pager number, then a second number which would appear on the pager screen. In the case above could be a room number, or a medical code, although I think theirs are probably more high tech. So if you left your number, the person with the pager would know to call you. you could also page 911 to let someone know it is an emergency.<br />
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My favorite though was 143. 1 for I, 4 for Love, and 3 for you. it is my favorite because even in the early days of wireless technology, where we couldn't even send letters electronically, but only numbers, people were still finding a way to check in at random times to say I love you..</div>
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With the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday, there will be a whole lot of I love you going around. Cards, candy, flowers, stuffed bears with pink tutus. And we will look at it and say thank you, display it for a week or 2 and then trash it. Well, compost the flowers, put the card in the recycling, and donate the bear.</div>
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This is where the Idea for a 1-4-3 sign came from. They make a great gift, because it is saying I love you in a creative fun way, but it is also something that He or She can keep out, in the bedroom, living room, kitchen, cubicle, or anywhere. It is a conversation piece as well. People will be sure to ask, "What does that mean"? and you will be able to say, "oh, it means I love you, so and so got it for me."</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175666531/valentines-day-i-love-you-sign-1-4-3?ref=shop_home_feat_3">See this in My Etsy Shop</a></td></tr>
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So go get some flowers, and chocolate, but save the stuffed bear the humiliation of being the latest on a <a href="http://www.goodwillnne.org/shop/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc-sitelink&utm_content=local+goodwill&utm_campaign=shop">Goodwill shelf</a> in 3 months, and pick up a piece of hand made art that will light up your love life for years to come.<br />
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Happy Valentine's Day!J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-46534802533599925292014-01-17T11:28:00.000-08:002014-01-18T04:59:47.719-08:00Back to JuarezThats right, Juarez Mexico. That is where these pictures were taken. 2 years ago I was able to go there and build a house for a family in need. Casas Por Cristo, which translates to Houses because of Christ, is an organization that provides housing for free to families that are selected by local pastors in Mexico.<br />
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In 30 Days I will be going back to build another house, for another needy family, and share with them the wonderful news of Jesus Christ.<br />
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I am behind in my fundraising though, and I am asking you if you would be willing to help.<br />
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The trip costs $1,100, and I have been raising money for a few months now. If all my blog followers donated 2 dollars, I would reach my goal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwdopnIPc6i3EzYNZ0hjR-GmcvvpTH_T_HnyWP3TVJsv572BZS8lKCBfJ0H_7jrwooJJmuvJKHdJBasu6sLPKSS247u_o_OqPBxWxEQLeE4VdqpC-VbxIsyNECewZQW-8qdO7HjLyD35T/s1600/75216_3502696859051_99953066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwdopnIPc6i3EzYNZ0hjR-GmcvvpTH_T_HnyWP3TVJsv572BZS8lKCBfJ0H_7jrwooJJmuvJKHdJBasu6sLPKSS247u_o_OqPBxWxEQLeE4VdqpC-VbxIsyNECewZQW-8qdO7HjLyD35T/s1600/75216_3502696859051_99953066_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I am holding Alan, an orphan in Mexico who spent the day on my shoulders</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">examply of housing available in this area of Juarez</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frame for the foundation of the new house</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on the back side of the house attaching the blackboard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpWzNhnCS-ROgUekBf1Pz1fo2bRLOeQM5hlnJoPvAmZg3kN7g_1RwVBVNYNZGHLnuq7qTm2n89DCo8bXDYWxhSWfKldC2nDmlv8HKVTvN4qL2dyeY2J0JLGSxDhNnTb7dQgJaebPP0q-c/s1600/305687_3502714739498_1576224123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpWzNhnCS-ROgUekBf1Pz1fo2bRLOeQM5hlnJoPvAmZg3kN7g_1RwVBVNYNZGHLnuq7qTm2n89DCo8bXDYWxhSWfKldC2nDmlv8HKVTvN4qL2dyeY2J0JLGSxDhNnTb7dQgJaebPP0q-c/s1600/305687_3502714739498_1576224123_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each house gets a plaque over the door with the house number</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAJvT_cPqs-Qk7NchahAx1X04UFG1MuvsgsITonwtqU0BQbjsmBaZ_5EqL9xFL5CxVeKO3aN5mch5iFJOnz30SXoBiWEIqe6GMA_nO1NmRaHrOiOy0hJQj3GnjubWPS_YN6H1kX581SzZ/s1600/561307_3502834102482_1125766129_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAJvT_cPqs-Qk7NchahAx1X04UFG1MuvsgsITonwtqU0BQbjsmBaZ_5EqL9xFL5CxVeKO3aN5mch5iFJOnz30SXoBiWEIqe6GMA_nO1NmRaHrOiOy0hJQj3GnjubWPS_YN6H1kX581SzZ/s1600/561307_3502834102482_1125766129_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the completed project.<br />
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Would you be willing to join with me and help me raise the remainder of my funds needed to return to Juarez, and build another house for a family in need? You can using this donate button which donates to my Etsy shop, all proceeds of which are currently being used to help fund my trip.
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-Mitch
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J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-31637659590375629522014-01-15T07:20:00.000-08:002014-01-15T07:20:22.750-08:00New Work SpaceYesterday I was reading a blog that I follow, and they posted pictures of the progress of their new studio they are building. (If you do not already, you should totally <a href="http://memoriesforlifescrapbooks.blogspot.com/2014/01/studio-update-getting-close.html">follow Edi's Blog</a>) clicking that link will take you to the post of her studio progress. <br />
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Reading it though, I thought about how I recently revamped my workspace, although on a much smaller scale . and realized, it is an interesting topic for a blog post. We often get to see the product, but not the space it was created in. For me it was all about moving inside. I work in a detached garage for most of my projects, but with the Maine Winter, it is nearly impossible. Paint just doesn't seem to dry at -5 degrees.<br />
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I have a basement which has been used mostly for storage the last 3 years. I always noticed this box on the ceiling that I assumed contained an air duct of some sort, when I checked recently though, I found that it was just a box, and held nothing.<br />
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So I ripped it out. It took up a ton of head room, and I can now actually stand in that sections of the basement. While ripping it out I realized that the wood it was made of was beautiful wide rough cut wood, and I couldn't possibly just get rid of it in the name of space. <br />
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I Glued the broken edges back on, and I had beautiful good as new wood.<br />
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For Christmas this year my parents got me a home depot gift card. I used it to buy all the 1x2 lumber I was going to need to turn the old box into my new work bench. Making room under the box did mean moving the stuff that was stored there, so now the basement looks like a tornado hit it. I will be tackling that soon too.<br />
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I only had to cut the planks from the box a little to fit them into my design perfectly. They make up the actual work space.<br />
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Upcycled wood makes a great work bench, and I now have functional indoor space to work through the winter months until I can get back into the garage in the spring.J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-18243756383899302612014-01-05T12:39:00.000-08:002014-01-05T12:41:54.466-08:00Winter Farmer's Market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chances are, when you think of Maine and winter you do not think Farmers Market. I know I certainly dont, so when I heard there was one going on Saturday, we had to check it out. It was hosted at the <a href="http://www.urbanfarmfermentory.com/">Urban Farm Fermentory</a> in Portland.<br />
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There were plenty of local farms represented, and root veggies up the wazoo. Keep in mind we have nearly 3 feet of snow covering the ground right now, so these farmers are working extra hard to produce crops, AND they look amazing!<br />
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We even bought 2 pounds of tomatoes. Since we are in the middle of a <a href="http://promisedfelicity.blogspot.com/2013/12/whole-30-week-1-menu-plan.html">Whole30</a>, fresh veggies are sooooo appreciated.<br />
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Aside from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Barone#Frank_Barone">Frank Barone</a> giving me the stink eye, I think everyone was having an amazing time.<br />
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Afterall, when you live in Maine, and can get a farm fresh spread like this, whats not to love?<br />
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Do you have a Winter Farmer's Market in your area?J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-61213978381144580232013-12-31T07:56:00.000-08:002013-12-31T07:56:42.213-08:00Resolving not to resolveI dont know that I have ever actually formally made a new year's resolution, but personally I think it is a terrible time to take on new things. I get it, there is a calendar reset, everything is starting over again. But, if you are anything like most people, you are coming off an insane holiday season, work just got crazy to close out the year, and for you stay at home parents out there, you have had the kids in the house for almost 2 weeks with no school. <br />
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I think if anything January 1st is a perfect time to resolve not to resolve to do anything, but to rather recover, and reset your "normal" life and schedule.<br />
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I mean, really, thursday you are heading straight to the gym, firing up that home business, throw out all the junk food, or reading the book of Genesis? No wonder so many people feel so discouraged by February. <br />
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So as not to be too negative, I do have an alternative idea. Instead of resolving to do something that requires an immediate start, and full attention, why not use the calendar year as an opportunity to set your real goals for the whole year? If it is about what you want to do in 2014, then you can still take the first week, be real with yourself, put a real plan together, and go get it in week 2 rather than giving up on it.<br />
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So here you are, tonight you get to make that commitment you have been thinking about for the past few weeks, or at least since eating 6 too many Christmas cookies. Be real with yourself, and make 2014 the year you want it to be, rather than letting it tell you that you can't.</div>
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As for me, I have this horrible habit in my etsy shop. I have been running it since 2007, it is a hobby for me, but I always wait to make somethting new until I sell out of everything. Not really a great strategy. So for 2014, my goal is to not let it get empty. I dont need to make a certain amount each month, or sell so many items, just not let it get empty. What do you think, will I make it?</div>
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What is your resolution? Or are you resolving not to make a resolution? Or do you have a completely different take on this than I do? Whatever your plans hold, I hope you stay safe tonight, and have a fantastic 2014!!J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-84544826706926407912013-12-17T12:16:00.002-08:002013-12-17T12:16:34.663-08:00How to find a Christmas TreeWhen it comes to picking out that perfect tree, it can get a little tricky. Especially if your wife is 9 months pregnant and sends you out on your own to get it. That is exactly the situation I found myself in last year.<br />
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I dont make those kind of decorating decisions without her, but she had no interest in walking around outside for hours tree shopping.<br />
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Ultimately, I got one, after returning to the house 2 times saying I didnt think that I could do it. <br />
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This year with a 1 year old, we decided to go with the small table tree that he cant pull on or try to eat. <br />
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The thoughts of that fateful shopping trip still run through my head though, and that is where this video stems from.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HgSWlIpyBy0" width="560"></iframe>Collected Peacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10363159941466540997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-3740995219019638232013-12-06T09:14:00.000-08:002013-12-06T09:14:00.788-08:00How to Decorate with Poinsettias<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So here they are in the van. I was pretty excited about getting them home and seeing how my wife integrated them into her holiday decor that she had been working on. There is one key problem with Poinsettias though (aside from pronouncing them) They almost always come in this hideous foil wrapping around the pot!</div>
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While in the lobby of a corporate building, or in a business window display this may work ok, it is not really part of our style. I mean I am all for shiny gold, but in a different format entirely.</div>
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So I love the plants, but hate how they look, and dont really want to just remove the foil and leave the plain plastic pot either. The good news is that all hope is not lost. We grabbed a roll of wrapping paper that has an old print pattern on it to look like a book or newspaper.</div>
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Cut it to size, pull the sides up over the pot, and wrap with a string. You could use a rubbber band here as well. Given that we have 2 elementary age boys in the house, rubber bands are never hard to comeby here. I will say though, you will need a bigger one than the kind everyone is making jewelry out of. but a piece of string will do just fine too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf03_hiuAec4iyvZUCmxZ0V6NYXAGTv96aZlIQaVGdYszf55MKMR7cDca4yFYj02nEz9_RTWnsAw55gzNxaMOKmK6QAcLdsuod47Intib5VN54fq2h1tIeXHCg3_AkawI3x6qarO0-uHX/s1600/CAM00398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf03_hiuAec4iyvZUCmxZ0V6NYXAGTv96aZlIQaVGdYszf55MKMR7cDca4yFYj02nEz9_RTWnsAw55gzNxaMOKmK6QAcLdsuod47Intib5VN54fq2h1tIeXHCg3_AkawI3x6qarO0-uHX/s640/CAM00398.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVER-IPq8nlR78NY2CofFeYkZfjASXe7-qiuuTM7rtI4GRNkN1L32TBOplsMHk_poZR1ZaONq9MndLCAngIWlcynG3EuNEM0fypwD30rqrzk0MEBOOEIhoQ7JaLEAI2CMXmbXvwmg5VEMU/s1600/CAM00400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVER-IPq8nlR78NY2CofFeYkZfjASXe7-qiuuTM7rtI4GRNkN1L32TBOplsMHk_poZR1ZaONq9MndLCAngIWlcynG3EuNEM0fypwD30rqrzk0MEBOOEIhoQ7JaLEAI2CMXmbXvwmg5VEMU/s640/CAM00400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And there you have it. a piece that fits the decor, without breaking the budget!</div>
<br />J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-33064143849711454922013-11-25T05:53:00.002-08:002013-11-25T05:53:45.254-08:00The Personality of PaintPaint can be colored and go on a wall<br />
or paint can be primer you wont see at all<br />
it can warm up a room on a cold winter night<br />
or cool off a sun porch to make it just right.<br />
<br />
brushes and rollers large spots and trim<br />
a color for her, and a color for him<br />
so pull out your paintbrush and manage a way<br />
find a color you love, and paint something today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1XsmQ7hKrBj695QvJd9tdP62mSjKXiixWSEvvLnIn1gMPWgVTLZ-ATwFg9dLi0KT9c2Y2HTpbsMNDKwb7_IdWuTXNTgZgSEmjtQkWDaPwh3kYRCpFzzetctfGpYagcCzKaNYN-jK_QP_/s1600/CAM00289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1XsmQ7hKrBj695QvJd9tdP62mSjKXiixWSEvvLnIn1gMPWgVTLZ-ATwFg9dLi0KT9c2Y2HTpbsMNDKwb7_IdWuTXNTgZgSEmjtQkWDaPwh3kYRCpFzzetctfGpYagcCzKaNYN-jK_QP_/s640/CAM00289.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-18330417019150591162013-11-22T05:45:00.002-08:002013-11-22T05:54:39.630-08:00How to restore furniture / The Upcycled DresserIn my opinion, there is a difference between refinishing and restoring furniture. In fact what I enjoy most actually doesn't fall into either category. I like to give old furniture new life, maybe even re-purpose or upcycle, so the terminology of the project, is really not as important as creating something that you love.<br />
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In this case, I saw a craigslist add for a free dresser, no picture, and it was sitting curbside. I thought, "hey, if I can cram it into the back of my Mazda 3, this may be fun." On a side note, a Mazda 3 with the seats down, functions a lot like a pickup truck. Not as convenient, but I did get the dresser home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH3XnuPU4rfp5AurfrJaS-Uw70eyw6JNpPbFjnBVudw4VLsIqYmFKKaz6Uboe1SFZRlYuY45_LR3as_X83BgCsOzuRYcsEJ4_bXuLuk1tnbwQHS-ZZM0g24vzrdc4d0gtXvhQmMNc4MHl/s1600/PhotoGrid_1378672576772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH3XnuPU4rfp5AurfrJaS-Uw70eyw6JNpPbFjnBVudw4VLsIqYmFKKaz6Uboe1SFZRlYuY45_LR3as_X83BgCsOzuRYcsEJ4_bXuLuk1tnbwQHS-ZZM0g24vzrdc4d0gtXvhQmMNc4MHl/s640/PhotoGrid_1378672576772.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06JOvUTzPERfwQ2Y5X2wwDwQwpoaBwffzgDELcVNiqiV9egXXSVI_vemNLXzTLRfLeGWh169vNIuUKReZke5gs6yOkD4Pgbp1zXt6-Fww1onkh2K_-a9nJuE_4LLPHx4PPIBjuo8YEJo8/s1600/2013-09-05+14.13.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06JOvUTzPERfwQ2Y5X2wwDwQwpoaBwffzgDELcVNiqiV9egXXSVI_vemNLXzTLRfLeGWh169vNIuUKReZke5gs6yOkD4Pgbp1zXt6-Fww1onkh2K_-a9nJuE_4LLPHx4PPIBjuo8YEJo8/s640/2013-09-05+14.13.31.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what it looked like out of the car</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqxXNXBmPhJdaddWt9AV5EteCtN_4Dwrhm0rYjkkiTeMh9n8IqXUoBa-07VNrhVHjpus2JrN3UhTBfBaWS0wMFIhxnpm8mY4G1Qq3lFR3_S2mEc5Mz26ATzk_jZIGEdyWP8rfL-wS2nra/s1600/2013-09-05+14.15.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqxXNXBmPhJdaddWt9AV5EteCtN_4Dwrhm0rYjkkiTeMh9n8IqXUoBa-07VNrhVHjpus2JrN3UhTBfBaWS0wMFIhxnpm8mY4G1Qq3lFR3_S2mEc5Mz26ATzk_jZIGEdyWP8rfL-wS2nra/s640/2013-09-05+14.15.09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First I removed the drawers</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY9Lz91DD_Lw3j1o8snysYJXvuTI9qs-gibzbFcQuKHg36p2dXZNKLmZXfw5uK5Hw3sq9rHYrDKzOa6X4Gq_OJ8s9_BCedCd_KQTDiN5TyMsdcqKFuYJMs_5Tl0WD4nRLpKLC5olxcz0z/s1600/2013-09-05+14.15.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCY9Lz91DD_Lw3j1o8snysYJXvuTI9qs-gibzbFcQuKHg36p2dXZNKLmZXfw5uK5Hw3sq9rHYrDKzOa6X4Gq_OJ8s9_BCedCd_KQTDiN5TyMsdcqKFuYJMs_5Tl0WD4nRLpKLC5olxcz0z/s640/2013-09-05+14.15.18.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBTlYfcVQpxut-KrVZXX66ZZJ0RU_4URiIGHqKJOkyxLkk1-UX3fWi4BxiDpTHKnlS71-INRYORUzIktJpkn_LEhLGGL4RN34c4ElbA0KRY1woeT01PRlcZ9ffSwyqEZVJhN8rZpTrIe3/s1600/2013-09-05+14.17.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBTlYfcVQpxut-KrVZXX66ZZJ0RU_4URiIGHqKJOkyxLkk1-UX3fWi4BxiDpTHKnlS71-INRYORUzIktJpkn_LEhLGGL4RN34c4ElbA0KRY1woeT01PRlcZ9ffSwyqEZVJhN8rZpTrIe3/s640/2013-09-05+14.17.45.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back was in rough shape, so it was removed as well</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJxwudTsjDwJWepj79i70VjOA8_iSzMCC5tQl8qgfe83-24TktGgoxPZMTsP7Zryc5QbiDtyOcNHWdJldRWSAVALmp0EzEU6PSJxb2Ts3WmpKpNTo6Wmx_oSfNrbsm8Qo2pbV1YrNWfEa/s1600/2013-09-05+14.19.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJxwudTsjDwJWepj79i70VjOA8_iSzMCC5tQl8qgfe83-24TktGgoxPZMTsP7Zryc5QbiDtyOcNHWdJldRWSAVALmp0EzEU6PSJxb2Ts3WmpKpNTo6Wmx_oSfNrbsm8Qo2pbV1YrNWfEa/s640/2013-09-05+14.19.19.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygbuVtx-kcCDUpKhc3BHTOS5cpwivTrfEbp01skyRUJYDWDgDiGsY9qA6MH3T_FveNvAycJrQtXREORoty2wMPLSG_7oIy0c5GXpzXtc8AxPu37JI6s1D7_iJKBY9Mq__jNev1InIzdAC/s1600/2013-09-05+14.36.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygbuVtx-kcCDUpKhc3BHTOS5cpwivTrfEbp01skyRUJYDWDgDiGsY9qA6MH3T_FveNvAycJrQtXREORoty2wMPLSG_7oIy0c5GXpzXtc8AxPu37JI6s1D7_iJKBY9Mq__jNev1InIzdAC/s640/2013-09-05+14.36.22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the original plan was to create a new back, I traced the old one onto a new piece of wood, filling in any missing corners with proper right angles</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdcxGZDLAgXRE-oc_LVAd-qHeLJ50d9QmJyeFgDbkqTY1MTvrbd2Wm-5gbgopdqtR956Wd3xJ2m0_td20m2GZoeRwE7K1yc29ECBfZX3Ujkd6fi-SpO2GNn1b0ziJHuVqTHmCIN7164uz/s1600/2013-09-05+14.48.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdcxGZDLAgXRE-oc_LVAd-qHeLJ50d9QmJyeFgDbkqTY1MTvrbd2Wm-5gbgopdqtR956Wd3xJ2m0_td20m2GZoeRwE7K1yc29ECBfZX3Ujkd6fi-SpO2GNn1b0ziJHuVqTHmCIN7164uz/s640/2013-09-05+14.48.50.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5ClS7b9Dr0MnRPZjxZm1VNm3AKWLDjMvHVTH5N2lDOLxrAuaVrC04si73Q4krZ-nLnJfWZGz9g6AP75j_8VEPTSlvu6cebFYuDW68F_jOCMsHfUVSGhnzPF-kQeFS1yMcD73Lz0HEVNG/s1600/2013-09-05+15.28.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5ClS7b9Dr0MnRPZjxZm1VNm3AKWLDjMvHVTH5N2lDOLxrAuaVrC04si73Q4krZ-nLnJfWZGz9g6AP75j_8VEPTSlvu6cebFYuDW68F_jOCMsHfUVSGhnzPF-kQeFS1yMcD73Lz0HEVNG/s640/2013-09-05+15.28.41.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then PAINT PAINT PAINT</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt7vJfd632cAnUDT29-fPafBQLNsgfRUvc2WMkN3mlY6DJSi53v6YWhxqKmBnatD7oSjOsd5fTsM4-uWiV54bT14FVXFqiK8RkMTPFVJLo8XqZaHTUo1NEGAyAlhyphenhyphenxGyYk0aUz1BIbspL/s1600/2013-09-05+15.34.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt7vJfd632cAnUDT29-fPafBQLNsgfRUvc2WMkN3mlY6DJSi53v6YWhxqKmBnatD7oSjOsd5fTsM4-uWiV54bT14FVXFqiK8RkMTPFVJLo8XqZaHTUo1NEGAyAlhyphenhyphenxGyYk0aUz1BIbspL/s640/2013-09-05+15.34.37.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTerEhjL13sjQSi57ONq1Ci4lNjwVwANPsNo44NUqvvjWrtmLrqF3f6aeSMkLqMXjplfoFdQRVV-4DzpxDUPfwMV_SoboDfT93Ut6LQV3I98_5awL37CbCwEutOeH8oX4kQMTbnBbIVcVP/s1600/2013-09-05+15.46.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTerEhjL13sjQSi57ONq1Ci4lNjwVwANPsNo44NUqvvjWrtmLrqF3f6aeSMkLqMXjplfoFdQRVV-4DzpxDUPfwMV_SoboDfT93Ut6LQV3I98_5awL37CbCwEutOeH8oX4kQMTbnBbIVcVP/s640/2013-09-05+15.46.28.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top "drawer" is actually a fold out shelf which I thought was really cool. so I left it.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_Un1GALBBVKW9OQKYayp6qO7-022x-TQ72Yj4y46hUC8w_VnI5hN12GLXEvKEgWB4qzniqbmXeeLmGm9Du7JtIVUxugrgE9rbGlLxDxDb6nfreRCxQNbLr4_0Ezv77NJhOE4bi9mrIpm/s1600/2013-09-05+16.01.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_Un1GALBBVKW9OQKYayp6qO7-022x-TQ72Yj4y46hUC8w_VnI5hN12GLXEvKEgWB4qzniqbmXeeLmGm9Du7JtIVUxugrgE9rbGlLxDxDb6nfreRCxQNbLr4_0Ezv77NJhOE4bi9mrIpm/s640/2013-09-05+16.01.16.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought it could use shelves where the drawers used to be.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJk-AY8X9gYvBy7PptO7QD-3NV7MI8Gd6xWpQphzLQNZ5lIAj9AUH6P7ZvEjlkJhfGZImzQaa0eQSFtug6rCWTs5Ih2wTi4cU-4NBgnndJvNhnCKfIRAuvQQslk6jGu8I1Xp5S3vHMyZv/s1600/2013-09-05+16.40.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJk-AY8X9gYvBy7PptO7QD-3NV7MI8Gd6xWpQphzLQNZ5lIAj9AUH6P7ZvEjlkJhfGZImzQaa0eQSFtug6rCWTs5Ih2wTi4cU-4NBgnndJvNhnCKfIRAuvQQslk6jGu8I1Xp5S3vHMyZv/s640/2013-09-05+16.40.09.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice walnut stain can really transform a piece of wood</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4GXqiIoxQPrZfms4E1vK4kJIhRS8iXuFwAuNEChO5v9Ep5_NIsfrJGID881iZ_Nn9i9ogJZVaN1riyUDfKHqTDJMDUgq1y9mNDtaEPGy_3-4j_4Lq475BI-JtgwP_JPVsPfS3GaoH-mC/s1600/2013-09-05+16.53.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4GXqiIoxQPrZfms4E1vK4kJIhRS8iXuFwAuNEChO5v9Ep5_NIsfrJGID881iZ_Nn9i9ogJZVaN1riyUDfKHqTDJMDUgq1y9mNDtaEPGy_3-4j_4Lq475BI-JtgwP_JPVsPfS3GaoH-mC/s640/2013-09-05+16.53.29.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">now its starting to look like something new</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NguOcsCQr-8pfmvslv9-tPubaaFC05n_MLJ6YbJV3Zg-eTZ78rlIRoCQXbFF2KmPaxJ2kYS6KUSxfC519t4JJ6AD9yrI-5Ofsv8QyZfgCtxgxdv3tPDu8j9hcEgvcf2_4ZO9DboX-sRZ/s1600/2013-09-05+17.33.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NguOcsCQr-8pfmvslv9-tPubaaFC05n_MLJ6YbJV3Zg-eTZ78rlIRoCQXbFF2KmPaxJ2kYS6KUSxfC519t4JJ6AD9yrI-5Ofsv8QyZfgCtxgxdv3tPDu8j9hcEgvcf2_4ZO9DboX-sRZ/s640/2013-09-05+17.33.21.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the inside of the fold down top. It needs to be painted</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pwg3jGDOZyjk-E_KcP84Io6TjhzyRzwdpjdVbfL4-0EEAlf4iPqNm59bGkJTpjIOf41tV99iLsKolb_x2_MZBlY_4x2YHYHxIo97q1LYKK2lDRGj-48yANBLLs2t3XOr40mZYDH8z1ZT/s1600/2013-09-06+11.26.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pwg3jGDOZyjk-E_KcP84Io6TjhzyRzwdpjdVbfL4-0EEAlf4iPqNm59bGkJTpjIOf41tV99iLsKolb_x2_MZBlY_4x2YHYHxIo97q1LYKK2lDRGj-48yANBLLs2t3XOr40mZYDH8z1ZT/s640/2013-09-06+11.26.03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used chalkboard paint, as I thought if it were a bar, one could store recipes there</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy2EEb_1kXdmj1nQ2arVXiVjeqCGOI57lHdlgb2tRGWL088BHBxGtWn8S8Q_TULEMNrgfcgxIEwiZKhxzhJM7UTt6qKooRW2KC0GABZSHgqije2VQ9bhqs8CRgmrop1FTUMmmeSSgK02m/s1600/2013-09-06+17.30.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy2EEb_1kXdmj1nQ2arVXiVjeqCGOI57lHdlgb2tRGWL088BHBxGtWn8S8Q_TULEMNrgfcgxIEwiZKhxzhJM7UTt6qKooRW2KC0GABZSHgqije2VQ9bhqs8CRgmrop1FTUMmmeSSgK02m/s640/2013-09-06+17.30.37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjH9Zyfr565mfTVqns0IXy8LkChdDGIDYKshm6emTKuSfUXZSlqRPM8q_PDoqE3cSvc0mKTUrhSwVrwrD63gxQkRaFS-fmLQEfn7MMy1cI-0Mellq2plkvVKHUEjv1GHZzJNK1CdXiXBh/s1600/2013-09-06+17.29.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjH9Zyfr565mfTVqns0IXy8LkChdDGIDYKshm6emTKuSfUXZSlqRPM8q_PDoqE3cSvc0mKTUrhSwVrwrD63gxQkRaFS-fmLQEfn7MMy1cI-0Mellq2plkvVKHUEjv1GHZzJNK1CdXiXBh/s640/2013-09-06+17.29.06.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something had to be done about the knobs though, they didn't really work with the piece anymore</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPIsIPLKfmwrClwb6tIefHKzR0KZ341-O1L722tT1LTGJWIE9NFeb9Qlu-WAH_Le1a3T9wGCqwG3rQ2FQvNJd4U3WOFJSAOa1Dmftd9H0RKWl3edV06cE7QPX00aFXPb9suzAfApyY_Xq/s1600/2013-09-08+16.16.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPIsIPLKfmwrClwb6tIefHKzR0KZ341-O1L722tT1LTGJWIE9NFeb9Qlu-WAH_Le1a3T9wGCqwG3rQ2FQvNJd4U3WOFJSAOa1Dmftd9H0RKWl3edV06cE7QPX00aFXPb9suzAfApyY_Xq/s640/2013-09-08+16.16.44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp7NvpcwL0Oy1gLonslK-zCRvxagGqIKS59VdxiOLjSgAx_pkaOSiKg1DjsnXjBbjwudqUGLh35Ax4FCqc_uHJIc7uLJtSc30fcbA6BFCG-PV69thTm1muL2GM1Wg38i72HSxh9vGPcR7/s1600/2013-09-08+16.16.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp7NvpcwL0Oy1gLonslK-zCRvxagGqIKS59VdxiOLjSgAx_pkaOSiKg1DjsnXjBbjwudqUGLh35Ax4FCqc_uHJIc7uLJtSc30fcbA6BFCG-PV69thTm1muL2GM1Wg38i72HSxh9vGPcR7/s640/2013-09-08+16.16.22.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There thats better.</td></tr>
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So for me, restoring this piece meant giving it a new purpose and life. Refinishing it too, or upcycling. but like I said, as long as you love the process, and like how it comes out, what you call it is not all that important!<br />
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<br />J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-90586047140335618312013-10-28T11:21:00.001-07:002013-10-28T11:24:28.552-07:00What does the Fox Say - Halloween CostumeSo did you just get invited to a Halloween party, and need a witty costume? Or just haven't thought of the perfect idea for the kids, and don't want to do witches and ghosts AGAIN! Fear not, While you don't need the full fur costume, making you or your child look like a fox, then hold a handmade question mark speech bubble, will definitely be an instant hit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOgppxULSCNlFmcReJyiUEkjfW-K8ZKRt1Hl3klsKwFbkiXGcfE9Tpt3hd3dzAE3tZvioCaKyvETXECrnWckbDRSEwDyR9hpdx-awIWNutgLQyq_1R4flVkpLXhyG47EcE9f6fL5Xx45g/s1600/What+does+the+fox+say.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOgppxULSCNlFmcReJyiUEkjfW-K8ZKRt1Hl3klsKwFbkiXGcfE9Tpt3hd3dzAE3tZvioCaKyvETXECrnWckbDRSEwDyR9hpdx-awIWNutgLQyq_1R4flVkpLXhyG47EcE9f6fL5Xx45g/s640/What+does+the+fox+say.png" width="508" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/jofNR_WkoCE">See here</a> if you have been living under a rock for the past few months. (I'm kidding) </div>
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<a href="http://www.candyapplecostumes.com/sm30021.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=sm30021&gclid=CLbuq5aTuroCFQyg4Aod5T4ATA">Click here</a> to buy the costume in this photo (sign not included)</div>
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J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-60636485174394204142013-09-29T18:02:00.002-07:002013-09-29T18:02:41.939-07:00Breaking Bad Season FinaleSHHHH its on right now...J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-49748811158187248442013-09-24T11:03:00.001-07:002013-09-24T11:03:04.262-07:00Ever wonder where Hashtags came from?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEN6kTV4z8qqITlXZm2fYkWtVF394YOUlvp3SG5uYx_6G9nu9id0J4ebmHc4ubAA94Tp9XRfsIMQhYWtQz09TrLC05JDJN7UXt4OXJDfXgx-KNi4H6wMBR3pw5E-DvQJFRuFPTgZrDWLG/s1600/hash-tag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEN6kTV4z8qqITlXZm2fYkWtVF394YOUlvp3SG5uYx_6G9nu9id0J4ebmHc4ubAA94Tp9XRfsIMQhYWtQz09TrLC05JDJN7UXt4OXJDfXgx-KNi4H6wMBR3pw5E-DvQJFRuFPTgZrDWLG/s640/hash-tag.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1436039887335056765.post-63446640617498330092013-09-19T08:07:00.002-07:002013-09-19T08:07:59.730-07:00Fall Gardening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0R3v4TB3Q6skyI9pyb8-y2Kdp2blsb8Z4r0mJcZKDLfU9FE8M7NcTtJdwZsmcCsaNuYAsb5VzreZZL7pPBrix1GDjcOOVuqRhv7P2PgkMV0PF7hWhfayh85stq-l5NCDK7cOoLehXetl5/s1600/2013-09-13+07.54.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0R3v4TB3Q6skyI9pyb8-y2Kdp2blsb8Z4r0mJcZKDLfU9FE8M7NcTtJdwZsmcCsaNuYAsb5VzreZZL7pPBrix1GDjcOOVuqRhv7P2PgkMV0PF7hWhfayh85stq-l5NCDK7cOoLehXetl5/s1600/2013-09-13+07.54.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0R3v4TB3Q6skyI9pyb8-y2Kdp2blsb8Z4r0mJcZKDLfU9FE8M7NcTtJdwZsmcCsaNuYAsb5VzreZZL7pPBrix1GDjcOOVuqRhv7P2PgkMV0PF7hWhfayh85stq-l5NCDK7cOoLehXetl5/s1600/2013-09-13+07.54.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0R3v4TB3Q6skyI9pyb8-y2Kdp2blsb8Z4r0mJcZKDLfU9FE8M7NcTtJdwZsmcCsaNuYAsb5VzreZZL7pPBrix1GDjcOOVuqRhv7P2PgkMV0PF7hWhfayh85stq-l5NCDK7cOoLehXetl5/s640/2013-09-13+07.54.47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So the flowers are fading, the frost is coming, and the rain knocked over everything tall. The garden is on its way out right?<br />
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Well I certainly hope not. The cold frames have nice spinach and carrot seedlings doing great, and with a little work, those sunflowers have been moved to a new spot.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdM7EMHDJkzdkGKQu4gF0iokElo-IJRC_4xKIrILyyKCme0XY7Vd9D2IDlECvPnmizD4TNoyfWaN0w_VTHfRdkBHQ29B8hDVp9MErntdagsyIMkXvd-Cmj80k7eTLX50PagMCVoBI4YkO/s1600/2013-09-14+10.45.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdM7EMHDJkzdkGKQu4gF0iokElo-IJRC_4xKIrILyyKCme0XY7Vd9D2IDlECvPnmizD4TNoyfWaN0w_VTHfRdkBHQ29B8hDVp9MErntdagsyIMkXvd-Cmj80k7eTLX50PagMCVoBI4YkO/s640/2013-09-14+10.45.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Honeybees are working hard on the Cosmos, and the green tomatoes are ready to become Salsa Verde.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn_6oA_wQconUGcyybr38poUnj-75Qsa-d57VZQCNvbmQ8vcc9R693XvIibZfbGGLB8uF_bLTaqiI6oydTBbgUpPSVKzsg0qXF8aquetqYtawBmgWROaOGxLVP7F7HdcFOiRx4yA_LgSW/s1600/2013-09-14+10.55.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnn_6oA_wQconUGcyybr38poUnj-75Qsa-d57VZQCNvbmQ8vcc9R693XvIibZfbGGLB8uF_bLTaqiI6oydTBbgUpPSVKzsg0qXF8aquetqYtawBmgWROaOGxLVP7F7HdcFOiRx4yA_LgSW/s640/2013-09-14+10.55.04.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It is a beautiful day, and the garden remains full of life!!<br />
J.Crabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07188400399317102528noreply@blogger.com0