tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46579847740210805642024-03-18T23:12:56.125-04:00West Paris Daily Photocrittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.comBlogger726125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-62930608778317129602012-01-24T19:05:00.003-05:002012-01-24T19:09:43.493-05:00A New Year, A New Home<a href="http://westparis.blogspot.com/">West Paris Daily Photo</a> has moved to a much easier to remember web address:<br /><br /><a href="http://westparis.blogspot.com/">http://westparis.blogspot.com</a>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-76265645212185122912012-01-06T20:48:00.001-05:002012-01-07T13:37:50.358-05:00It's already here!My 2011 West Paris Daily Photo book...yay!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2KZwZwVg80q03k_Gx3FXp37yYZQXVNMo3tgDomuhNRfArqqIf087Ea5aveRv-Db4GwjLDsOhFmhkt3DLJZj6sU5nXoySgA7V6rJVtNTVeoH_hIgBi1_oRvW-YA79-CNLL5tQBk-37MF5/s1600/It%2527shere.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694917652015980498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2KZwZwVg80q03k_Gx3FXp37yYZQXVNMo3tgDomuhNRfArqqIf087Ea5aveRv-Db4GwjLDsOhFmhkt3DLJZj6sU5nXoySgA7V6rJVtNTVeoH_hIgBi1_oRvW-YA79-CNLL5tQBk-37MF5/s640/It%2527shere.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align:left; width:650px"><object id="myWidget" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.blurb.com/assets/embed.swf?book_id=2873951&locale=en_US" width="650" height="400"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.blurb.com/assets/embed.swf?book_id=2873951&locale=en_US"></param><a target="_new" href="http://www.blurb.com/books/preview/2873951?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget"><img src="http://bookshow.blurb.com/bookshow/cache/P4075561/md/wcover_2.png"></img></a></object><div style="display:block;"><a href="http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2873951?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget" target="_blank" style="margin:12px 3px;">West Paris Daily Photo by Dawn Letourneau</a> | <a href="http://www.blurb.com/landing_pages/bookshow?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget" target="_blank" style="margin:12px 3px;">Make Your Own Book</a></div></div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-46076039142674588622012-01-04T16:34:00.001-05:002012-01-07T13:10:52.455-05:001st Carrot Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8qdvIJIGeyLj3_VdMUBvX6DUQuxZmgybfAgB_-vRr7QtTopmu50wWbk0hVB4_r43C56w38qNQFLUZs2Adc2HAevgmxY_23yhX42Xd8uaM3zF78qMqxUakFWDXSGpa1KeCqOPO3qb_Ve6/s1600/1stCarrotCake.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8qdvIJIGeyLj3_VdMUBvX6DUQuxZmgybfAgB_-vRr7QtTopmu50wWbk0hVB4_r43C56w38qNQFLUZs2Adc2HAevgmxY_23yhX42Xd8uaM3zF78qMqxUakFWDXSGpa1KeCqOPO3qb_Ve6/s640/1stCarrotCake.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694945170865508482" /></a><br />Yesterday, when I was trying to decide what to bring to a co-worker's retirement party, it was mentioned that his favorite dessert was carrot cake. I thought to myself, "I actually have both carrots <span style="font-style:italic;">and </span>cream cheese in my 'fridge! When has that ever happened at the same time? Never." So,that evening, while supper was cooking, I took out my brand-spanking-new food processor, (BIG thanks to my mother-in-law here!) shredded some carrots and nervously put together a cake. (Well, two of them, since the family wanted one to eat as well.) The cake got rave reviews today!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-48956411709557277192012-01-03T07:49:00.000-05:002012-01-07T13:29:35.857-05:00God bless the inventor of heated seats!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7qWxxpu18FTN-_ZBzEIROazTEimZtcql-Nmrn0nb9GEzalgWsM098K0wBUkkG6It5ESbwMixsCfQtWy89wgEen092gQfXue9FbbxF1G_Zgk41G0EvoVC6umTIAzZSRrgbGMFFmPxmaub/s1600/DSCN1487.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7qWxxpu18FTN-_ZBzEIROazTEimZtcql-Nmrn0nb9GEzalgWsM098K0wBUkkG6It5ESbwMixsCfQtWy89wgEen092gQfXue9FbbxF1G_Zgk41G0EvoVC6umTIAzZSRrgbGMFFmPxmaub/s640/DSCN1487.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693943842235007266" /></a>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-58393652889306092342012-01-02T17:05:00.002-05:002012-01-02T17:21:13.466-05:00Book BabyThis is one big reason why I take so many pictures and then create books with them. I <i><b>love </b></i>it whenever I see someone else enjoying them...<img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DZDvNjobA0kTQ32O8wI6KAZrJpXVuf-KeVs-K8uukI4_bsN2JXVwtfwcRpUN0xRGwxkb4SkzGAAsiZ1OY-hVJsf8XDs9-a1xju2HD_U9vyHT1CnMq1RrgyNZ_q-V768WN8m9x8t7jLhB/s640/bookbaby+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693161749607740050" /><div>But, to see the look on that baby's face when she realized that she KNEW the people in that particular book - it was priceless! She just lit up and started pointing and "talking". It was GREAT!!</div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-36468178108516743702012-01-01T00:14:00.004-05:002012-01-01T12:47:43.885-05:00Happy New Year!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHn-vxxHz4RP75q9wHdGn-EUQZjnAt8PVVlTKxPU7pVy7QT_f4aZrNqe8Cvt6Yf1CdrtQ6jKbM6Y4K6sGUUVNR-I_QSiTaUSz4nsx4ZPPCW_rf6-ejXuU5os_UOrK0IekKsjRCSN_2xJn/s1600/HappyNewYear+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHn-vxxHz4RP75q9wHdGn-EUQZjnAt8PVVlTKxPU7pVy7QT_f4aZrNqe8Cvt6Yf1CdrtQ6jKbM6Y4K6sGUUVNR-I_QSiTaUSz4nsx4ZPPCW_rf6-ejXuU5os_UOrK0IekKsjRCSN_2xJn/s640/HappyNewYear+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692528023136328674" /></a><br />They actually made it until midnight so that they could see that infamous ball drop in Times Square, and to toast (with their non-alcoholic beverages!) each other for a great 2012. <div><br /></div><div>Here's to hoping that they won't be too tired and grumpy tomorrow. Ha! Haa!!</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><b><span><i>My New Year's Resolution? </i></span></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><b><span><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><b><span>To dance more. Because it makes me happy. </span></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><b><span><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="line-height: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><b><span>When I'm happy, everything else just </span></b></span><b style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 14px; "><span>falls into place.</span></b></div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-83665527662842481062011-12-31T21:59:00.000-05:002011-12-31T23:01:07.584-05:00Cousins who wish they were sisters...<div><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg697s0jb7JCFe4-UzKjSFezpdbzMrzfeH3jTIEX2Vgssa6WLG92mdDNbhpSiT-3hBPLkrTS3seNxwtMYVDsNV5s1hbbo93jx_HvOqK0BwTOnWAovT0DTN99dFoX-KGqIyrwGwzXpDfMyA/s640/cousinsorsisters+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692490467496274690" /></div><div>My niece is staying with us tonight, possibly for a couple of days. The kiddos are so thrilled to all be together. And, they are determined to see the New Year in for the first time this year! We'll see if they can stay awake that late...I hope that everyone has a FUN & safe night! </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year's Eve!!</div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-61190659526859827822011-12-31T21:57:00.000-05:002011-12-31T23:00:37.025-05:00Family Gathering<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkdFlUIn_oaeTiebqCvqWhHzes7nDUPHefuceXp60_jsduacsS7KlUAA13PAtDT54KIl4boIW4AnFrQ2wzXRKiM9Z7OGjuNF4F5CERgxQrFKlFyupY_-p1nUoJg2uwO19iaovA6xXC4xM/s1600/Cousins.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkdFlUIn_oaeTiebqCvqWhHzes7nDUPHefuceXp60_jsduacsS7KlUAA13PAtDT54KIl4boIW4AnFrQ2wzXRKiM9Z7OGjuNF4F5CERgxQrFKlFyupY_-p1nUoJg2uwO19iaovA6xXC4xM/s640/Cousins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692508033659688498" /></a><br />What a challenge it was getting all those cousins to pose together! They get along great, but did NOT want to crowd close together for a photo!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-80271158927946904032011-12-30T17:37:00.000-05:002011-12-30T17:37:00.328-05:00Silverware Humor<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikf7gUwjsSz4Dl4W7Z5UPt2DGHZhOzLAWjpCn043LYblw3Svzy_axeAxnOGSrz0FyBXgtricQpFhsSghPvTPJOzYrF9HAdOy2AqnSSKu-3J604ldoQTBxQp-jBCvzp4BhMr5zA-a5b0bZ/s1600/silverware+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhikf7gUwjsSz4Dl4W7Z5UPt2DGHZhOzLAWjpCn043LYblw3Svzy_axeAxnOGSrz0FyBXgtricQpFhsSghPvTPJOzYrF9HAdOy2AqnSSKu-3J604ldoQTBxQp-jBCvzp4BhMr5zA-a5b0bZ/s640/silverware+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690570525974577458" /></a><br />There was a vendor at a local craft fair this fall, who was selling items that she had created - jewelry, wind-chimes, key-chains, etc. - out of pieces of antique silverware. It was all beautiful and very creative. When I saw this one, I got such a kick out of the tongue-in-cheek humor of it that I just had to buy it for my husband for Christmas. He thinks it's really funny and has put his keys on it, even though it's really too big to fit comfortably in his pocket, which I think is very sweet of him.crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-75319501296126104332011-12-30T08:46:00.000-05:002011-12-31T22:37:36.713-05:00The Best Gifts are Homemade!<div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWF0uoYlqzXAsrE8-oNqlah7ic-ADHCksOC3mN5ALZhr2AWC2xMrG_CcpQZgCqNa4t2ZGGY19krI7WnyPM44tPH9cYKb6XzNyeTta5K4gmRI9D9B87Eiyvb2f9Dn3aPPI3Ing4bhQKkLOV/s640/DSC01403.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692289138871120466" /></div><div>I cook A LOT, and I have an extensive collection of spices 'cause I never know what I'm going to need for a new recipe. I've never had a good place to put them, so they have always been a mess in a kitchen drawer. Not anymore! My husband made me a spice rack for Christmas!!<br /></div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-9741168347596865872011-12-29T17:18:00.002-05:002011-12-29T17:18:00.180-05:00Boyz & Birdhouses<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2V-Jvaqm6vg1cVZTQvqqH8Qt-Mi_KY4ixpanHfJ8Re7ZwzW8f_aslyDWRIFk0KP7MeiQTX5-mCfu5bq8Rh6SiaDzbr5tiQyZw3KIXjEup-vEsWzUO0B_vfISZDRdqvjdwlfaBpilypc-i/s640/boyz%2526birdhouses.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690567380283478706" style="" /><br />My husband helped the boys build me birdhouses for Christmas, while I was away on my business trip to New Orleans. I LOVE them!<div><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvA-Ppnk7PkxNrLE8-etuP5RRoVm4GbVQzs5Ck47ZKA_BulfYbg-5IBwNtauL0_T4oLmFeNbADzM-fmegx59ydiw9iID6r3K-U0Sbur9v1Hc5udPXZcaSVjVAqnE2tXIXXhBnE3jOmO-3E/s640/Nateshouse+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690567402027416642" /></div><div>This morning he mounted them each on a pole in our yard. <div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo97kPgNSb5xLEsK-aNkuSoVsAJiJjgZaEbXX_NURTRzJGj9FhT-gjNr0leXpfwum8v_8f1g7daawgHQIIgjleyz-UR0-43AnvXgujITPb08VZ0uDZEIK7ojYDrPbtG-kRG-0o56-Z5Iq4/s640/Ikeshouse+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690567381765699410" style="" /></div><div>I can't wait to see who sets up housekeeping in them this summer!!</div></div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-2270722340342527762011-12-28T06:50:00.000-05:002011-12-28T06:50:00.732-05:00DisbeliefShe couldn't believe that Auntie M would actually give her the lamp that she so admired! Yes, my oldest step-daughter loves everything 70's...she's a displaced hippie, born 30 years too late!<div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMcFEdV-HBJt_cqpiysfKCvqBMdoNiLbomNHRVix0nuVFdkf8JQOsx3DcqDIMiy0AdMiiUxlfWEqDxrwcSW9hcmq5icBrCITuf8J3RfYk-rANeuvyl3MTmHHU_TD9fgwEkesaz0r_WS1O/s640/retrolamp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690495608069807330" /></div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-36126804888371194462011-12-27T06:44:00.000-05:002011-12-27T06:44:00.100-05:00A New T-shirt for Everyone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o7-0ER0JkL4G3Tz3zUJkW3kMLffKyx1nrrHaMhIsoJvtFjQwMeRVejnKCd0MWZRnw1VAxefiUzcWnd53OAQc0eG8__krjyFBTfQprdthO-Vp8VLKC_FpttHZaDMFn7KjQE5YgD5EKo2S/s1600/T-shirts.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7o7-0ER0JkL4G3Tz3zUJkW3kMLffKyx1nrrHaMhIsoJvtFjQwMeRVejnKCd0MWZRnw1VAxefiUzcWnd53OAQc0eG8__krjyFBTfQprdthO-Vp8VLKC_FpttHZaDMFn7KjQE5YgD5EKo2S/s640/T-shirts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690482775112938882" /></a><br />In April, we are going to take a trip to Tennessee to visit my sister & her family! I had a friend draw an image of the 7 of us driving down the highway in our Suburban, and we surprised the kiddos with screen-printed t-shirts <a href="http://www.hotcolorsscreenprinting.com/">(made by Hot Colors in Norway, Maine)</a> for Christmas. At this point, they are trying to figure out what the t-shirts say and what it means to them. Shortly after I took this picture, there was LOTS of jumping around and screams of excitement! We are all super excited about this trip!!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-13996628745691108522011-12-26T11:23:00.003-05:002011-12-26T11:27:53.894-05:00I do believe that I have created a monster...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofz5WzBxzUwo3zkI1PWZsJj8xafGsf9mxwcslOjlWkb_YhqP1y4Nf4fOZHhuKriFbJJzi-N0FgO37BaPJB9L0feZJSOD8glNZ4IBqMRWK1wejmL5V37Ih6K59rz3mDb_CLWssLuXhy9aa/s1600/Createdamonster+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofz5WzBxzUwo3zkI1PWZsJj8xafGsf9mxwcslOjlWkb_YhqP1y4Nf4fOZHhuKriFbJJzi-N0FgO37BaPJB9L0feZJSOD8glNZ4IBqMRWK1wejmL5V37Ih6K59rz3mDb_CLWssLuXhy9aa/s640/Createdamonster+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690473710071661858" /></a><br />Our younger son asked for, and received, a camera for Christmas. Immediately after opening it, he called for a pause in the festivities so that he could load it with batteries & a memory card. Then, he started calling out directions for poses, and every time someone opened another gift, he made them wait until he took a picture of it! It was too funny! My husband just shook his head and asked me if I knew who he was acting like? "Ummm...me?" I replied, sheepishly.crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-38594873912520783902011-12-25T17:54:00.005-05:002011-12-25T18:22:13.848-05:00I'm not sure where to begin...There are so many memories, so many stories, so many songs...I had no idea it would be this hard to lose my uncle today. I thought I was prepared. After all, he has been sick for a while now. Somehow, that doesn't seem to be helping. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywtpMY_dql_2zfaxd2qOU8oC-nCNZyuefB2x26B6bcej9QnYFB6noqn5ZeXm8VVThIJMQm9j44feZiWrVgW-_HflNis8UsItSXWo8nTHidbUZoidf7muGeEVzdE1Jb5ra_a3Fl71CmQD7/s1600/AuntM%2526Unky.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywtpMY_dql_2zfaxd2qOU8oC-nCNZyuefB2x26B6bcej9QnYFB6noqn5ZeXm8VVThIJMQm9j44feZiWrVgW-_HflNis8UsItSXWo8nTHidbUZoidf7muGeEVzdE1Jb5ra_a3Fl71CmQD7/s640/AuntM%2526Unky.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690207222107823890" /></a><br />As usual, I turned to my pictures, and I decided to cry over my photo albums. I found the first picture that I have of myself with him, and then the most recent one, taken at our wedding a few months ago.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Asm0RFd0CRwJOnp2Ugve9FnIrl3AStX6gf2LrYveAROnecV56bptmt4lt0i5WIAMBGgG57ax1TWLjAr6CpuHsgMCXZwdfIjHcVz_tF3SAEn9H3e1s1DlxSWMgT8LjGq3OEHUvT4YDg29/s1600/AuntM%2526Unkywedding.JPG"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Asm0RFd0CRwJOnp2Ugve9FnIrl3AStX6gf2LrYveAROnecV56bptmt4lt0i5WIAMBGgG57ax1TWLjAr6CpuHsgMCXZwdfIjHcVz_tF3SAEn9H3e1s1DlxSWMgT8LjGq3OEHUvT4YDg29/s640/AuntM%2526Unkywedding.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690206795681966386" /></a></div><div>As my step-daughter so eloquently put it, we are 'devastated' this evening. But, we also know that he is no longer in pain and is resting easy now. We will miss him very much.</div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-8443168162215242402011-12-25T10:11:00.002-05:002011-12-26T10:15:07.676-05:00Merry Christmas!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipstA-E7gXLEgNuJ13hKx5Rm68yAXxQ59xMW-7gdDx8M-_lOok2Sglzflj4NgrcjRsjR8Z17lwKMukMYKyNcy7utS6w1ZOts7DBJHVk9MXsM0_uuF-oGo_UKkcJxnOGHtWkArJsAHO93qy/s1600/ChristmasTreePic.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipstA-E7gXLEgNuJ13hKx5Rm68yAXxQ59xMW-7gdDx8M-_lOok2Sglzflj4NgrcjRsjR8Z17lwKMukMYKyNcy7utS6w1ZOts7DBJHVk9MXsM0_uuF-oGo_UKkcJxnOGHtWkArJsAHO93qy/s640/ChristmasTreePic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690455737941687986" /></a><br />We hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday!!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-54931832176036972292011-12-24T09:56:00.003-05:002011-12-26T10:10:27.056-05:00He Really Was Here!It looks like Santa enjoyed his snack...<div><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniLJQyb0F8ys6edrYbcIgU8IaTjoFK8G6URIdIvIt7pw02om57KAtV3ZQtd0N4PUdA6kQ0PE7RZll6WxFtUwfTFKvFL91FHvbp1Yh-ckvQ0OGTsB_tqC0pw8KCdEB3v08PNId0Vti0W9Q/s640/Hereallywashere.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690452015806910754" /><div>He even left the kiddos a note, which my son read out loud for all of us to hear.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUiD9_g5zSnms2qkbYG5slW7Xf9YxBp41Okz97EEkRuidNzF_LiqO2sDo09VmjfraKF81a5JyAoIstG7VZgphT84r3N5Zvuzo4sH_ZH2Q0OlajNLIYFGC9DQ6UkJZcEGRyyZC4B-LtkQ7/s1600/ReadingSantasNote.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUiD9_g5zSnms2qkbYG5slW7Xf9YxBp41Okz97EEkRuidNzF_LiqO2sDo09VmjfraKF81a5JyAoIstG7VZgphT84r3N5Zvuzo4sH_ZH2Q0OlajNLIYFGC9DQ6UkJZcEGRyyZC4B-LtkQ7/s640/ReadingSantasNote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690452032216424722" style="" /></a></div><div>He was so proud to be able to claim that <i>he </i>was the one who made those yummy Chocolate Chip cookies. 'Course as far as he's concerned, there is no other type of cookie!</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACijRwOatJL9hlzHUokE_2RTnZooBEIVh7oaHV9DxrIuogm2q8f076U6FG1vl3OKwHNUUQNajSlxOrEEbz20Rsypj-G5x9DQi9oHFuWG-d_KcGnVtPoj1aoCjTSgKQM92fk1N-G6QKzhQ/s640/Imadethem.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5690452025344178066" style="" /></div></div>crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-52733527692323603582011-12-23T22:43:00.003-05:002011-12-31T22:50:44.734-05:00Just Passing Thru!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXGLmOnFqur_wGWcCxWtKsASqtfpQ6sZ-5rfZocaL-WTh13MG6mizqNN9AM-1ZVRz8D3N35jsfWuq04vF9AN4qpy_Ie0ywSDVwuIB_6AB_WLP5wPIq8EurileKr2dpb51QLfxA4OaX7vp/s1600/justpassingthru+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOXGLmOnFqur_wGWcCxWtKsASqtfpQ6sZ-5rfZocaL-WTh13MG6mizqNN9AM-1ZVRz8D3N35jsfWuq04vF9AN4qpy_Ie0ywSDVwuIB_6AB_WLP5wPIq8EurileKr2dpb51QLfxA4OaX7vp/s640/justpassingthru+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692505564209803890" /></a><br />Sometimes I think I should have been a gypsy...lately the road has been calling to me. I think it's because of our yucky weather and knowing that there are still several months of winter left to go. This isn't my camper, but I love the sentiment on it!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-57825217833672516452011-12-22T19:18:00.004-05:002011-12-22T19:24:01.656-05:00White Fuzz Balls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HjfpNH75IpcEq_mhDBy9Cm0oOmrVGeaKj825jQj-VghUPZPqGkzIuH6LW-wl2QwBGXrnxTIb2zznN6mQJgyVf1tXNIY_bNeGNNBgzSW-Xh4Fj9tWrKi5glW2YLuUWmM7HNAkIV50FtAh/s1600/LilyHeckel%2526Jeckel+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HjfpNH75IpcEq_mhDBy9Cm0oOmrVGeaKj825jQj-VghUPZPqGkzIuH6LW-wl2QwBGXrnxTIb2zznN6mQJgyVf1tXNIY_bNeGNNBgzSW-Xh4Fj9tWrKi5glW2YLuUWmM7HNAkIV50FtAh/s640/LilyHeckel%2526Jeckel+copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689112074205916050" /></a><br />Lily & her little goat buddies, Heckel & Jeckel are enjoying our mild winter. They are still able to graze on the lawn in December!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-52478305223824077512011-12-21T19:26:00.003-05:002011-12-21T19:33:12.948-05:00Rosebushes? What rosebushes?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr54PDuYDppqROafh5dT26dWUP-4O-zl0mk382YE3ccdxRoGMax4HlRD_F-RUxxho2KD9TDe5DnAWV-hqspVpgee4MEKSUv12gyneYC43H5xcD30mAqkNwG5e3ahOwUChfpZR7TtaxBCvT/s1600/Heckel+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr54PDuYDppqROafh5dT26dWUP-4O-zl0mk382YE3ccdxRoGMax4HlRD_F-RUxxho2KD9TDe5DnAWV-hqspVpgee4MEKSUv12gyneYC43H5xcD30mAqkNwG5e3ahOwUChfpZR7TtaxBCvT/s640/Heckel+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688743035800652178" /></a><br />I caught our goat, Heckel, in my flower garden the other day. He was happily munching away...crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-75034240925167871002011-12-20T16:44:00.003-05:002011-12-20T16:59:21.436-05:00Another Great Bumper Sticker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbw_Y9qRTA7NaAV7r08EELRDVHFBGcnWOnTppeZGmiNePXBjqwQTcH-1EBshxjz9RXmapitAvn_QRP94UNvnUlfeP0DDmsLzJOKMbvPbsva0agBDZE50j9av-G_T8rW4PsV-peSgM-UAup/s1600/DSC00978+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbw_Y9qRTA7NaAV7r08EELRDVHFBGcnWOnTppeZGmiNePXBjqwQTcH-1EBshxjz9RXmapitAvn_QRP94UNvnUlfeP0DDmsLzJOKMbvPbsva0agBDZE50j9av-G_T8rW4PsV-peSgM-UAup/s640/DSC00978+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688330061487787698" /></a><br />I try very hard to apply this slogan to my life. Obviously, it's not realistic to expect to have fun all the time, but if I'm not happy, I do try to do something about it. There have been times in my life when I didn't make changes, and I regret that. A few people have commented (With some jealousy, I might add.) on how could our business trip to New Orleans look like so much fun? Well, it's because I work with a wonderful group of people. When my job gets tough, I remember them and realize how lucky I am to work where I do. My work-family makes all the difference in the world to me. Thanks, guys!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-37119441071538878892011-12-19T07:29:00.003-05:002011-12-19T14:03:58.439-05:00Good Ol' AndyI apologize for the horrible picture, but I promised you a story about Good Ol' Andy, so here it is...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SD0Q9-oVqcfQwTDtsIcVa8FLJguvGEf7stbN6WjOv7pPHj89mGdMD7p1Rsvm12cthCTg-Kzo6jTNmUPp586_TjiqUHu58Xz0ro8bctpz0bLX5lRDtxBjXHtokfVt6_UlJKcdOrPsdpv-/s1600/Ol%2527Andy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SD0Q9-oVqcfQwTDtsIcVa8FLJguvGEf7stbN6WjOv7pPHj89mGdMD7p1Rsvm12cthCTg-Kzo6jTNmUPp586_TjiqUHu58Xz0ro8bctpz0bLX5lRDtxBjXHtokfVt6_UlJKcdOrPsdpv-/s640/Ol%2527Andy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687630882433799458" /></a><br />We were wandering around the French Market in New Orleans on Thursday afternoon, when we came upon a line-up of mule-drawn carriages, waiting to give tourists a spin around town. I, of course, had to stop and visit each of these critters and give them some loving. <br />One of them was a very noticeably elderly mule named Andy. I commented to his driver that he must have been working for more than a few years. The driver said that he had, but that Andy had plenty of years left in him! I agreed, but asked, out of curiosity, "Just how old is Andy?" "Sure, he's old, he's 14," replied the driver, acting offended. I just looked back at him with a raised eyebrow, thinking to myself, "14 isn't old. I do believe he's more like 40!" <br />One of my friends told me afterward that he was ready to get me out of the fight that was about to start - he was sure that I was going to open up that mule's mouth and prove the driver wrong! I'll tell you what, I was sure tempted! I hate it when someone assumes that I am stupid. But, I'm sure that he gets lots of comments from less knowledgable folks that might think that Andy is too old to be working. Quite honestly, steady work will keep an equine young! I hope that Andy stays healthy and keeps right on pulling a wagon 'til his final days.crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-64437275782361370522011-12-18T10:24:00.003-05:002011-12-18T10:28:24.919-05:00Beignets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPPFd_69TF-mixHnAU61Eiy7UyMXLAS0rTvEzqF_m3B-086BhtaYJLrkg0EJN4dkmGhaH1qQLInbnDKyejRvadF_haHhiOZagWtOHSpKWA0hc1rYsXqAKoDDKeKNAq9KhOWKYXc_Dy__6/s1600/Beignets.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPPFd_69TF-mixHnAU61Eiy7UyMXLAS0rTvEzqF_m3B-086BhtaYJLrkg0EJN4dkmGhaH1qQLInbnDKyejRvadF_haHhiOZagWtOHSpKWA0hc1rYsXqAKoDDKeKNAq9KhOWKYXc_Dy__6/s640/Beignets.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687490237649862514" /></a><br />I brought a little taste of New Orleans home with me. What a yummy breakfast we had this morning!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-60844757472080191422011-12-17T08:25:00.003-05:002011-12-17T08:34:08.372-05:00I had never seen one of these before...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoZq_weyyPETs0ABQO6zL4SNnTUFwYnjxUNXMXo3USuKmZaSMZdThmVYWzniPwc-vrm8OKAVRdLlqXW1xK3IDJnYpIRgiJ7nOt0dh3s9KxVyWz7qvbWco4-1WMRWj2CWvNz22z5L15E8V/s1600/DSC00925+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoZq_weyyPETs0ABQO6zL4SNnTUFwYnjxUNXMXo3USuKmZaSMZdThmVYWzniPwc-vrm8OKAVRdLlqXW1xK3IDJnYpIRgiJ7nOt0dh3s9KxVyWz7qvbWco4-1WMRWj2CWvNz22z5L15E8V/s640/DSC00925+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687089428732969858" /></a><br />What a fun way to tour the city!crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4657984774021080564.post-38568532919831571962011-12-16T08:12:00.003-05:002011-12-17T12:47:29.733-05:00Gingerbread Houses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicKqrhNvyBjmLqzNOVNqkUHERJXssqSCVjBVLFddxd3R31OTq23WZ3cktOhQoAh2_wQPnmtEMMHZt2fJqosks-niavfn6hgt1iRusFH4qCwcxfXkVfDyT2YHH9835gnudIUzhrTh6HNgH/s1600/DSCN1409+copy.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicKqrhNvyBjmLqzNOVNqkUHERJXssqSCVjBVLFddxd3R31OTq23WZ3cktOhQoAh2_wQPnmtEMMHZt2fJqosks-niavfn6hgt1iRusFH4qCwcxfXkVfDyT2YHH9835gnudIUzhrTh6HNgH/s640/DSCN1409+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687085455001413922" /></a><br />These gingerbread houses were amazing - the attention to detail was incredible!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5Cn5cl6AklTuPl83MwzyFfxgGbgDiq1gEDMsUqCgoWValIbvFHgN1YoBuxN64CrAN0-xgwTnaeiUrUdh582Xg7A7BciGyJHYl195KLPuALk4Qs8JG8wLawarI09wN9FeqsI8_oUIU8Av/s1600/DSCN1411.jpg"><img style="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5Cn5cl6AklTuPl83MwzyFfxgGbgDiq1gEDMsUqCgoWValIbvFHgN1YoBuxN64CrAN0-xgwTnaeiUrUdh582Xg7A7BciGyJHYl195KLPuALk4Qs8JG8wLawarI09wN9FeqsI8_oUIU8Av/s640/DSCN1411.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687087550576807266" /></a><br />They were on display under ornate Christmas trees spread throughout the Marriott's lobby.crittoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04913343247347449375noreply@blogger.com2