tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87943879620193623952024-03-14T03:08:28.899-05:00Home of the Lazy DogAlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.comBlogger752125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-30502732593702155212015-07-01T12:44:00.001-05:002015-07-01T15:41:23.785-05:00Pedestal Rocks and King's Bluff<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pdKoMYrxChfpWkTZs-PKtTrL1gGQ4QBhLloNEKGDdeETETCmwjBhIW88F_lYlzcBY5XE1mhHVe4gobBMQ4OjXX101Qt5cmAZyAlokQSMT2gbMBcqOhkP6JJl0OjcThwrJ3WcQjRSyoPD/s640/blogger-image--2006188977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pdKoMYrxChfpWkTZs-PKtTrL1gGQ4QBhLloNEKGDdeETETCmwjBhIW88F_lYlzcBY5XE1mhHVe4gobBMQ4OjXX101Qt5cmAZyAlokQSMT2gbMBcqOhkP6JJl0OjcThwrJ3WcQjRSyoPD/s640/blogger-image--2006188977.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I was a little worried about this day hike. I had read a review on takemytrip.com from a guy who said this was the most miserable trail he had ever been on. He complained about the humidity, spiderwebs, ticks, and blow downs. He said it was so boring that he was going to head back to his home in Florida a day early.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdtbkwsQr5v2dcgqQvZ5_MlHRjMxalVWXjyzd0Nd9BwZh8meDVaFNbo2ouUERGhOIFLendGH0yTUlwr54jCEX2vEn5aKuzGfmIwVJv4vU9JGALL2lcP75LXqORN9jggNTCgrs_s_2ybB4/s640/blogger-image-1427328877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdtbkwsQr5v2dcgqQvZ5_MlHRjMxalVWXjyzd0Nd9BwZh8meDVaFNbo2ouUERGhOIFLendGH0yTUlwr54jCEX2vEn5aKuzGfmIwVJv4vU9JGALL2lcP75LXqORN9jggNTCgrs_s_2ybB4/s640/blogger-image-1427328877.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm glad we didn't have the same experience that he did! Was it humid? Well, yes, it is Arkansas after all. Ticks? Again, this is Arkansas. There were a few spiderwebs and lots of bugs but nothing unbearable with the help of bug spray.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8bs8FxqJo-goSwOu2ILqrgymqgjmYv6P4N5-DLMboEj6YmTyvlYfUl1u94YsMSXPbiQ9NJQ0fiMir-ctsFMQsQHaC5p5GF6_Hi2ibzL2TRhcoP4RGPTP6STRGjYRIreNCEnDhVXv82M9/s640/blogger-image--327251530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8bs8FxqJo-goSwOu2ILqrgymqgjmYv6P4N5-DLMboEj6YmTyvlYfUl1u94YsMSXPbiQ9NJQ0fiMir-ctsFMQsQHaC5p5GF6_Hi2ibzL2TRhcoP4RGPTP6STRGjYRIreNCEnDhVXv82M9/s640/blogger-image--327251530.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>I admit we had fun at this guy's expense when we "complained" every time we had to step over a fallen tree!<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_F84jhIfmD3n_dNHfhyjRVL90NSUzlxps0wBewKNUHpvAzxtpjEURNjbWI2SML16mdFwHbx8USsVfbOSL9lBZcxbXmOXSpQDpxXl67R6xcBX0_3khil6NFD1MqO8ql8u2NQMmGV9O4JK/s640/blogger-image--919753529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_F84jhIfmD3n_dNHfhyjRVL90NSUzlxps0wBewKNUHpvAzxtpjEURNjbWI2SML16mdFwHbx8USsVfbOSL9lBZcxbXmOXSpQDpxXl67R6xcBX0_3khil6NFD1MqO8ql8u2NQMmGV9O4JK/s640/blogger-image--919753529.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The trail was wet and muddy in most parts due to the recent rains but it was easy to follow, short, and not strenuous at all.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsrmSds3B0CrShbuT5F0ogHToLTs6eV19gAMNCs7tu3399kzf-9M-Lq67KmpTdLLFuuj_t8UVTDVhL5bL6pKQUxB_ULWGW5oJKBFyrYbvwO4JVZlHWkiRiwkpbCHmSc13hrCDYZDTm5R6/s640/blogger-image-1023929570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUsrmSds3B0CrShbuT5F0ogHToLTs6eV19gAMNCs7tu3399kzf-9M-Lq67KmpTdLLFuuj_t8UVTDVhL5bL6pKQUxB_ULWGW5oJKBFyrYbvwO4JVZlHWkiRiwkpbCHmSc13hrCDYZDTm5R6/s640/blogger-image-1023929570.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We went on a weekday in June and had the place to ourselves. It was nice to sit, relax, eat our lunch, and take in the views.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VUic-GjcRJk4uzwVxZ9ELbmQGQ-vlAZ2OASyN7hJIugbU9jK9CANJsD5Q6po7ly-Lma0zdsKDknaih_VdEqxNPLsRYNbWgB8YmC4wNax069OXtoXIguHHeFF-bE7rwazgoUgNkJvKz5T/s640/blogger-image--1633486742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VUic-GjcRJk4uzwVxZ9ELbmQGQ-vlAZ2OASyN7hJIugbU9jK9CANJsD5Q6po7ly-Lma0zdsKDknaih_VdEqxNPLsRYNbWgB8YmC4wNax069OXtoXIguHHeFF-bE7rwazgoUgNkJvKz5T/s640/blogger-image--1633486742.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We followed the directions on other hiking blogs on how to get below the bluffs.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE1DlDWL96Y0ijB3npUFohkXCCdtdg1s_xMhw1y6G_F8T5x01m8ogEFaHsYv1LBTCihGoNe9HWmpU_BdzB8GUWODfExjNxWKfiTJzpt35evJfiodiRCIK2Ev-2rqGdXyTNvonDDkzCV2b/s640/blogger-image--1650043010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJE1DlDWL96Y0ijB3npUFohkXCCdtdg1s_xMhw1y6G_F8T5x01m8ogEFaHsYv1LBTCihGoNe9HWmpU_BdzB8GUWODfExjNxWKfiTJzpt35evJfiodiRCIK2Ev-2rqGdXyTNvonDDkzCV2b/s640/blogger-image--1650043010.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>There was lots to explore!</div><div><br></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVt5I0R62tARmcSLBLE2V-QpG343pTj2xug8jCyNFiZZuJD_1_A43lpKQUo5v9jQ89TUDGNv51YUTUB7uP5LPS1VfzU7IdUpr19t_BQQM51q8Obyjc3nfXcW8__9zoc4MoeuzJ4-LGRnlb/s640/blogger-image--1487034890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVt5I0R62tARmcSLBLE2V-QpG343pTj2xug8jCyNFiZZuJD_1_A43lpKQUo5v9jQ89TUDGNv51YUTUB7uP5LPS1VfzU7IdUpr19t_BQQM51q8Obyjc3nfXcW8__9zoc4MoeuzJ4-LGRnlb/s640/blogger-image--1487034890.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here I am crawling into a cave. Crawling out proved much more difficult and I thought I was going to have to live there permanently. It looks like you can just walk around but nope, that's a straight slope down the mountain. It took me 4 or 5 tries to hoist myself up and out of there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZT8Tu1oEC94ptaL4vHTIj0_KF07dqbB265R_s8FUWtw5O4Dz7jKnp6NntigqP6cfEsxITZ48tBd8Qx_ryFh3k_Xr_pnwGAPVMGUPwjTiSvxsiffHmm0WV4dueYfOQVIKr5QAAq1-6YvY/s640/blogger-image-1017647054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCZT8Tu1oEC94ptaL4vHTIj0_KF07dqbB265R_s8FUWtw5O4Dz7jKnp6NntigqP6cfEsxITZ48tBd8Qx_ryFh3k_Xr_pnwGAPVMGUPwjTiSvxsiffHmm0WV4dueYfOQVIKr5QAAq1-6YvY/s640/blogger-image-1017647054.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Take a picture of me admiring this rock!"</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWcrb93rsqMpVnQN0IIWMNSYMl93SJX9lz9Jhf0k4NGggky9MHvgGDQOwWemYj9IO5nm54WYmAAOcjZlnSRbAwBWjZuo-Tl17s1AkA6sDFMICNfziqUp8_bj9Gczdiso4OCcx6P3y2vyd/s640/blogger-image-1413356944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWcrb93rsqMpVnQN0IIWMNSYMl93SJX9lz9Jhf0k4NGggky9MHvgGDQOwWemYj9IO5nm54WYmAAOcjZlnSRbAwBWjZuo-Tl17s1AkA6sDFMICNfziqUp8_bj9Gczdiso4OCcx6P3y2vyd/s640/blogger-image-1413356944.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watch your step! There were lots of crevasses on the bluff, some covered with branches and some not. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQvKI6s1Aq0G37n7JT9zhwXep6WWpu3vuijwmuHI_BU3BJ3ZKSEByNysmcDAk2rAtX7EiYbXzoCXzrj3O8hrmvMSTyvGzTOuhzDAQv8uhQLc82kc-m-RIQ2Qq18xl9bU2JjoV12WnJpjF/s640/blogger-image-905527010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQvKI6s1Aq0G37n7JT9zhwXep6WWpu3vuijwmuHI_BU3BJ3ZKSEByNysmcDAk2rAtX7EiYbXzoCXzrj3O8hrmvMSTyvGzTOuhzDAQv8uhQLc82kc-m-RIQ2Qq18xl9bU2JjoV12WnJpjF/s640/blogger-image-905527010.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There's an arch rock forming a natural bridge along the trail...</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6leok0Onn_jySneSp_FSN3YyvRZbD479vtsRJ9IoCtjQpdYG6hdlSGxPjiVWDLNWvuZELxMDXYxq5WbRASRFy_4kESSBSXkclqQhThMRmra-TitFLz0pBnCwXZ-MdqGUMrPmsC0Fe245y/s640/blogger-image-1135798695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6leok0Onn_jySneSp_FSN3YyvRZbD479vtsRJ9IoCtjQpdYG6hdlSGxPjiVWDLNWvuZELxMDXYxq5WbRASRFy_4kESSBSXkclqQhThMRmra-TitFLz0pBnCwXZ-MdqGUMrPmsC0Fe245y/s640/blogger-image-1135798695.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">...and lots of beautiful scenery. The trail to King's Bluff Falls was just as short and easy and ended with a spectacular water fall.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS8q-Su5c6VDA9R_36dhaLV4dqf6UaBk_gotpa0CmUFUXDxeDiKfAdmFf11gfkzldE5NEtUx-E8kIg0ZXhdCtbdMUcod1d8QCfco2M1ymDxw5PY4y_Z90Mgd3zd02zXs-mddsG_ZIkIx6/s640/blogger-image-2145513084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJS8q-Su5c6VDA9R_36dhaLV4dqf6UaBk_gotpa0CmUFUXDxeDiKfAdmFf11gfkzldE5NEtUx-E8kIg0ZXhdCtbdMUcod1d8QCfco2M1ymDxw5PY4y_Z90Mgd3zd02zXs-mddsG_ZIkIx6/s640/blogger-image-2145513084.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was kind of hard to get a picture of how impressive this is. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VzPyk7NmONAIjKDCzpzrE8OQN_w3GLGe7KoqX6y3JZE0gzCogOjTkQeKxCAza9oEVd67eyQVpU7DlXHZiknBCYW1CfI9YDkmZwmbiGd5ZR1_pcaaVwHnOOfa3brw_7pSAbjtL4zziHzj/s640/blogger-image--881091948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VzPyk7NmONAIjKDCzpzrE8OQN_w3GLGe7KoqX6y3JZE0gzCogOjTkQeKxCAza9oEVd67eyQVpU7DlXHZiknBCYW1CfI9YDkmZwmbiGd5ZR1_pcaaVwHnOOfa3brw_7pSAbjtL4zziHzj/s640/blogger-image--881091948.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>They wisely put up a fence/barrier were the water drops off the bluff. We put on our Teva's and waded through the cool water...</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9yzw2wFDYHUWQ-x3CaZMmcJdk6nT4M9Fg0HmxFj-D_Qss9VeZpGgWelDUqtjjQaJir1wojERTmRmWvLzqddDh01KMi5f7Rp3CfoKMZ5PUw9H0akAoDzj25PuEQq_PnGNziGY5BhquiTG/s640/blogger-image--848393892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9yzw2wFDYHUWQ-x3CaZMmcJdk6nT4M9Fg0HmxFj-D_Qss9VeZpGgWelDUqtjjQaJir1wojERTmRmWvLzqddDh01KMi5f7Rp3CfoKMZ5PUw9H0akAoDzj25PuEQq_PnGNziGY5BhquiTG/s640/blogger-image--848393892.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>...which was full of tadpoles!</div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9SOj-FJkzld4eeFKJgpRYAF53ueE0V4GWDZR9z9DMFAvd7NERMifbeAQ1iOnDJsOUW720_qT9Nhqe9XQ_6QuKWmf_lqZc4GrWmHJrxPfOfhoT4Q0wsCW7lRnp-uDp15K2ajbIq-liEGC/s640/blogger-image--1774976720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9SOj-FJkzld4eeFKJgpRYAF53ueE0V4GWDZR9z9DMFAvd7NERMifbeAQ1iOnDJsOUW720_qT9Nhqe9XQ_6QuKWmf_lqZc4GrWmHJrxPfOfhoT4Q0wsCW7lRnp-uDp15K2ajbIq-liEGC/s640/blogger-image--1774976720.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, I'm checking my phone. We surprisingly had service in certain spots along the trail so I took advantage of it before grabbing our packs and poles and heading back to the trailhead.</div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-38141863827074319872015-06-09T16:48:00.001-05:002015-06-10T13:37:04.718-05:00Kyle's Landing to Hemmed In Hollow and Back Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWc3e78bFFq6DyXw88pmXb60mC26cjbcAGvZwrT1wT9SIcJRhsb5HBgv54IODf4FhogAjkjr2GTDFhXkLkXNscZNERBbA8EL-PU5nUAPBmVZJ0Bn8KCS3vT2TwEbt9x7wCJpjQ4qL1KSYT/s1600/KL+to+HIH.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWc3e78bFFq6DyXw88pmXb60mC26cjbcAGvZwrT1wT9SIcJRhsb5HBgv54IODf4FhogAjkjr2GTDFhXkLkXNscZNERBbA8EL-PU5nUAPBmVZJ0Bn8KCS3vT2TwEbt9x7wCJpjQ4qL1KSYT/s320/KL+to+HIH.PNG" width="320"></a></div>
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My first backpacking trip! I've done a lot of camping and day hikes but this is the first time I've combined the two. Phillip and I were invited on a group hike from Kyle's Landing to Hemmed in Hollow and as soon as we agreed to the trip, I started researching different gear that we would need for a 3 day hike. The span of time from our decision to go and the day of the trip was about a month so it seemed like we were getting Amazon deliveries every other day (FUN!).</div>
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So on a Friday morning, we packed up all of our new stuff and headed up towards Jasper, AR as it began to rain. We made the descent into Kyle's Landing and then the rest of our group arrived just as it stopped raining. We all put on our packs and hit the trail!</div>
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It was rainy season in AR...severe thunderstorms, flooding, precip chances every single day. Fortunately, it held off while we were hiking and only rained at night. All of that rain, though, made our 6 river crossings very difficult. </div>
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At our first river crossing, I rolled up my pants and put on my Tevas. I didn't expect to hike the whole first day in my river sandals but I did. The Buffalo River was cold but the PTA in me appreciated the therapeutic effects it had on tired, overworked muscles and joints.</div>
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I had a hard time with these crossings. The current was so swift. My mantra was <em>one step at a time</em>. I just couldn't think beyond one step. I'd plant my wobbly trekking pole into the ground then I'd pick my foot up and immediately the current would want to take me under. I'd try and find a solid footing on the rocky bottom then follow through with my other foot. It was exhausting...and scary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUHWohPv2ScJHfvlIIKoUnLN-nBVKoLkpKJvGUltcXsV6UHIe7qA3s3WUoX1uGlBqOGiQLwn-o8k6qDVedi6d06WqTwSlqprLQxJ9FWAU9HXOWe_EwHzoH2EtXL4_SGMqUeL7ToA3BEJj/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUHWohPv2ScJHfvlIIKoUnLN-nBVKoLkpKJvGUltcXsV6UHIe7qA3s3WUoX1uGlBqOGiQLwn-o8k6qDVedi6d06WqTwSlqprLQxJ9FWAU9HXOWe_EwHzoH2EtXL4_SGMqUeL7ToA3BEJj/s320/IMG_1169.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
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The canoes and kayaks were out in full force that day and we saw 3 people lose their canoes and everything in them. Outfitters stopped renting out canoes by Sunday because of the rising water levels and swift current. Our group lost 3 trekking poles to the river and I think we were lucky.</div>
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We finally arrived to the trail that leads to Hemmed in Hollow Falls...the highest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians at 210 feet. The trail from the river to the falls is a piece of cake. </div>
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And the waterfall is amazing. We had the place to ourselves and spent some time lounging around and taking pictures.</div>
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We all refilled our water at the last crossing and set up camp on a bluff. Phillip and I got our tent up in no time and headed into the woods for a bathroom break. We changed into dry pants and the best thing in the whole wide world...dry socks and shoes.</div>
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After grazing on energy bars and jerky all day it's nice to have a hot meal for dinner. We call it a night as the rain starts to move in. It rains hard and steady all night and it turns out we set up our tent on a slight incline which makes us feel like we are sliding down a mountain. We sleep, we wake, we scoot back up, we sleep, we wake, we scoot back up, we sleep, we wake, we scoot back up...</div>
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...we sleep, we wake and we stay awake until we're certain that the rain has stopped for good. Then it's time for more tree hugging in the woods, then breakfast. Thumbs WAY up for Starbucks via coffee and Mountain House biscuits and gravy.</div>
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The pic above is what the trail looked like for our hike back to the campground. It involved a pretty steep ascent which kicked my butt. I kept having to take a break and catch my breath at every switchback. I took solace in knowing that what goes up must come down and I don't mind descents at all. We encountered a rattlesnake that took it's own sweet time making it's way off the trail. We also spied a herd (a drove?) of wild pigs. Oh, and a deer, and a turtle, and lots of chirping birds...it really is a beautiful place out there.</div>
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We made it back to the campground and set up our tent among the million other tents there. Filled up our water at the pump provided, took a drink, <em>yuck</em>, spit it out, and headed to the river bank. You can't beat fresh, flowing (filtered) water from the river. We all drove over for a quick hike to Eden Falls in Lost Valley then Phillip and I drove back to campsite for dinner and an early bedtime. The rest of our group went on exploring but I was spent. They made it back in time before the thunderstorms moved in. The rain was terrible and the loud crack of lightning/thunder made it even worse than the night before. Tents on the river bank were flooded and people were scrambling for better shelter/campsites throughout the night. The next morning was clear so we packed up our stuff and Phillip and I headed to Jasper.</div>
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We stopped at The Ozark Café for an awesome burger then hit the road for home!</div>
Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-39356742897347708582015-05-23T17:32:00.000-05:002015-05-23T21:36:07.152-05:00My Gear List<br />
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I just completed my first backpacking trip! I plan on putting up trail pics later but I wanted to get my gear list down on "paper" for future trips. I hiked with my husband so between the two of us we were able to keep our packs at 20 lbs each. Oh, and it's important to note that this was for a 3 day/2 night trip.</div>
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Backpack - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/TETON-Sports-Internal-Backpack-Orange/dp/B001KBYPIG/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1432130210&sr=1-1&keywords=teton+sports+scout3400+internal+frame+backpack">Teton sports scout 3400</a> </div>
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Sleeping bag - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TR7QZA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">Suisse sport adventurer mummy bag</a></div>
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Bear canister - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BearVault-BV500-Proof-Container-Vault/dp/B0019LSGQE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432130716&sr=8-1&keywords=bearvault+bv500+food+container">Bear vault BV500</a></div>
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Food - Mountain House meals for breakfast and dinner. Granola and jerky throughout the day. Plus Propel and Starbucks Via coffee packets and cream.</div>
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Water bottle - Powerade bottle.</div>
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Stove - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jetboil-Zip-Cooking-System-Black/dp/B004UVPDUM/ref=sr_1_2?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1432166510&sr=1-2&keywords=jetboil">Jetboil zip personal cooking system</a></div>
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Water filter - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Platypus-GravityWorks-2-0L-System-Bottle/dp/B00A9A2HBQ/ref=sr_1_7?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1432166828&sr=1-7&keywords=platypus+filter">Platypus gravity works 2.0 bottlekit</a></div>
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Toiletry bag- deodorant, panty liners, feminine wipes, ziplock for trash.</div>
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Pee cup - a plastic peanut butter jar for middle of the night urges. </div>
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Dry pouch for phone, ID, and cash - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Products-Valuables-Pouch-Autumn/dp/B004Q6O00A/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1432167534&sr=1-1&keywords=Outdoor+products+valuables+dry+pouch">Outdoor products dry pouch</a></div>
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Hand sanitizer</div>
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Knife</div>
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Lighter</div>
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Headlamp - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ozark-Trail-50-lumen-Headlamp/dp/B00IML2MUU/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1432167861&sr=1-3&keywords=ozark+headlamp">Ozark trail headlamp</a></div>
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Extra set of clothes- shirt, leggings, socks, underwear. Anything non-cotton works. </div>
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River sandals - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003VPA5ZQ/ref=twister_B0055X2TEC">Teva hurricane xlt sandals</a></div>
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Trekking pole - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Products-Apex-Trekking-Pole/dp/B00TKOQOZC/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1432166231&sr=8-8&keywords=Trekking+poles+by+outdoor">Outdoor products apex trekking pole set</a></div>
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Bandana - tied on to my trekking pole Stevie Nicks style.</div>
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So that's my pack! Phillip carried his sleeping bag, water bottle, clothes, first aid, and our awesome tent that held up during 2 nights of torrential downpours. I'll get a complete list of his gear up soon.</div>
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-65685996791456143322012-10-31T17:51:00.001-05:002012-10-31T17:51:50.336-05:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd34tHjH9lyi1tR1lAO94ysDErnVi-GEZ3UoATyGsME4Y5o-HALT3iZv2JzqPNAkRQFFrKi1nfpX_O7hr3UsGU-4vqoOjtR3X_EeLYK6GSvex-KRAZnnMrHiU8P911Ufku0jRkQ0VBNh1/s640/blogger-image--210002302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcd34tHjH9lyi1tR1lAO94ysDErnVi-GEZ3UoATyGsME4Y5o-HALT3iZv2JzqPNAkRQFFrKi1nfpX_O7hr3UsGU-4vqoOjtR3X_EeLYK6GSvex-KRAZnnMrHiU8P911Ufku0jRkQ0VBNh1/s640/blogger-image--210002302.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-70502595710392425382012-09-03T22:33:00.001-05:002012-09-03T22:33:17.218-05:00It's All Relative<br />
This is a picture of my sister's dog Sheldon. His crazy Einstein hair tufts at the end of his ears crack me up. I would imagine that he's thinking less about the relationship between energy, mass, and the speed of light and more about how to get that banana off the kitchen counter.<br />
<br />
Angie is on vacation this week so our parents have the pleasure of dogsitting Sheldon. I've managed to set up a couple of play dates with Sheldon and Indie and when they get together it's nonstop running, panting, biting, and playing.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjzFzi_VvH0u8XNlEo8AmQg4m521wv52dt_0bratrVSB7Q06x_iwxznUrD74k7KlMpyquG5Q5oJkpY3nSseliJU_vB5yaPG9Rpry4ljv0z_TUB0Y710TKrUMHgQYkH83YaODT3iAJOsgo/s640/blogger-image--1293206006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjzFzi_VvH0u8XNlEo8AmQg4m521wv52dt_0bratrVSB7Q06x_iwxznUrD74k7KlMpyquG5Q5oJkpY3nSseliJU_vB5yaPG9Rpry4ljv0z_TUB0Y710TKrUMHgQYkH83YaODT3iAJOsgo/s640/blogger-image--1293206006.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-28632517523423341532012-09-02T21:26:00.001-05:002012-09-02T21:26:31.603-05:00On Sundays...<br />
...if Phillip isn't working, if the boys don't have catechism class, if we hadn't gone to mass the night before, if we're not out of town, if Phillip isn't at drill, if I feel like it, if they haven't run out of doughnuts even though they're open for another hour and fifteen minutes (don't get me started), then we like to go to Shipley's after church for coffee, milk, doughnuts AND the best bacon, egg, and cheese croissant ever.<br />
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Yum!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg419Dm6_nICOJpFm72A0bGhsliMTwRQPMdcJUC51KlQFS53gfrUIf_eG1HXn5xIIHm79jCX0AZRprq6Knf1jDhP-MPxPaxlNG2YMSVA70lCRAknOCdH0fwmyO2M9CruyqwRtIaA0s43z4g/s640/blogger-image-884094024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg419Dm6_nICOJpFm72A0bGhsliMTwRQPMdcJUC51KlQFS53gfrUIf_eG1HXn5xIIHm79jCX0AZRprq6Knf1jDhP-MPxPaxlNG2YMSVA70lCRAknOCdH0fwmyO2M9CruyqwRtIaA0s43z4g/s640/blogger-image-884094024.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-30125337772946109822012-09-01T18:28:00.001-05:002012-09-01T18:28:47.271-05:00Too School For Cool<br />
I'm a couple of weeks into the fall semester. It's going okay...I guess. I just keep reminding myself that anything is better than chemistry. I'm taking Intro to Stats (numbers are kind of fun), Physical Principles (basic physics--blech), and Human Physiology (should be interesting once we get through this body chemistry chapter). <br />
<br />
These 50 minute classes are a breeze after taking Anatomy back in June. Three hours a day, five days a week for month. Good thing it was interesting stuff. I finished with an 88% which bummed me out for awhile since I was so close to an A, but it is what it is and I can only hope I do as well this semester.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfRi4QTx_L-aw3gPrke9nJlYn9R6qxKHHlTCfmJ0VEiZRMpTGCKW5ZfQPsTtSsjSn9yMgi882psC8TewTVy-sQAZc-0wmJRGjn-o9MKRoeo_uiWHPDuOb8QD5wp4VLyjJd1iv_I8w40yy/s640/blogger-image--512382151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfRi4QTx_L-aw3gPrke9nJlYn9R6qxKHHlTCfmJ0VEiZRMpTGCKW5ZfQPsTtSsjSn9yMgi882psC8TewTVy-sQAZc-0wmJRGjn-o9MKRoeo_uiWHPDuOb8QD5wp4VLyjJd1iv_I8w40yy/s640/blogger-image--512382151.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-18756751139301978172012-08-15T13:56:00.001-05:002012-08-15T13:56:34.147-05:00Ahhh...<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshjlPZa5sQRbQJOxywCXKo9p5gfRLPC5zdr2DRw4oBmT28jVmicNS7DiDc1zgezLjsl8CZfDbrJCzyBNYlWzZCkzZ4Ve60wZRvrrCiVWq7zqIo6mL9IEwbEBQHXSvFtnxKV1ptoUS-TKP/s640/blogger-image--1020203191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjshjlPZa5sQRbQJOxywCXKo9p5gfRLPC5zdr2DRw4oBmT28jVmicNS7DiDc1zgezLjsl8CZfDbrJCzyBNYlWzZCkzZ4Ve60wZRvrrCiVWq7zqIo6mL9IEwbEBQHXSvFtnxKV1ptoUS-TKP/s640/blogger-image--1020203191.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-18630725983209240312012-08-14T10:57:00.001-05:002012-08-14T10:59:16.850-05:00Taking A PeekSo last Wednesday was my first time flying. Ever. I clutched my rosary and did some deep breathing and managed to survive take off. All the while hoping that the company in charge of the airplane isn't the same one that makes Air Hogs. Parents of boys are totally nodding their heads in agreement right now.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-fIZek7G9V2K_C-7JwTJAKqcTQO28KsRXROxipc9e_phTMPIq9ftbqaE83DUpX9bNyzHZZYOWztjF0owP_8HpPF1voYiqyuihJBEiW1NBioZ4D8JZDzqoBq1vKV56kTMqMsvMYSGN-qy/s640/blogger-image-2095658284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-fIZek7G9V2K_C-7JwTJAKqcTQO28KsRXROxipc9e_phTMPIq9ftbqaE83DUpX9bNyzHZZYOWztjF0owP_8HpPF1voYiqyuihJBEiW1NBioZ4D8JZDzqoBq1vKV56kTMqMsvMYSGN-qy/s640/blogger-image-2095658284.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-8142839465408540012012-08-07T10:59:00.001-05:002012-08-07T10:59:12.396-05:00Sound Effects IncludedWhen you are an 8 year old angry bird fan without immediate access to the iPad, you improvise...<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNedjGQ0cctT_lVJgo72SVOLM3Pjr0YPPW58_HLws3G_SnbOgr23gLDasJ1DcYQHjbRPl-z6h5kaPcdhW8kVjYKITrh1_LXdCqdzrh4ltXTFp0ZiGd1CPK7DEJqRhnlfo6nvMrv3rdYWnI/s640/blogger-image-732819088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNedjGQ0cctT_lVJgo72SVOLM3Pjr0YPPW58_HLws3G_SnbOgr23gLDasJ1DcYQHjbRPl-z6h5kaPcdhW8kVjYKITrh1_LXdCqdzrh4ltXTFp0ZiGd1CPK7DEJqRhnlfo6nvMrv3rdYWnI/s640/blogger-image-732819088.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-33192071415107442502012-07-28T23:23:00.001-05:002012-07-28T23:29:52.843-05:00Snakes And Trains<br />
We were in Pine Bluff, AR today and visited Cane Creek State Park to do a little hiking. The boys are collecting medallions for their hiking sticks and we thought it would be neat to check out some trails in the southeast part of the state while we're visiting Phillip's family. Unfortunately, it's way too hot to do anything outside. Instead, we hung out in the visitor center and Nathan got his creepy crawly fix. He petted an alligator, fed minnows to turtles, looked at snakes and a tarantula, and helped the park ranger put the baby turtles back into their aquarium. <br />
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Thomas watched from the gift shop area. <br />
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Giant spiders are not his idea of fun. <br />
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To make it more enjoyable for him we went to the Pine Bluff gravity yard and spent an hour watching railroad cars being sorted onto different tracks. Nathan loves trains, too, but if there were snakes IN the train cars he would love it even more.<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1qXDQKg7AR6Mjd5luFmDxx_d8c90F4jUOgUiE2ZE0lYhQLqsAlPdKEjP-U4QQWnsFIYWaRv5HTSXL3jAPXoRg20g8VEz29v7AwieCxdjc5VhfBwaYDrHBx8BCERUSvW-FbXCMXsetBnH/s640/blogger-image--1076687232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1qXDQKg7AR6Mjd5luFmDxx_d8c90F4jUOgUiE2ZE0lYhQLqsAlPdKEjP-U4QQWnsFIYWaRv5HTSXL3jAPXoRg20g8VEz29v7AwieCxdjc5VhfBwaYDrHBx8BCERUSvW-FbXCMXsetBnH/s640/blogger-image--1076687232.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-76201802208338329962012-07-25T17:58:00.001-05:002012-07-25T22:28:07.288-05:00Tomatoes, onion, and garlic...<br />
...oh my! I've got this roasting in the oven for soup right now. Yes, I'm aware that it's 103 degrees outside but inside my house it's a comfortable 78, thank you very much. Besides, I needed to reclaim my kitchen window sill. Our tomato plants are producing a ton of romas this year and I love it!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAimvftftT_KXR7OKM9SuMX-e5GIMT3iwC90xkgw7pK6MpTM0p1h813uqc90fMseWi-7hIsx-zZzBeU3stqjBVmLwL-4kSdjZuwj4Qc8RsEpSpxqHOdM1sSQDAC74uiXGyprAUYBbmKTNb/s640/blogger-image-1761482186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAimvftftT_KXR7OKM9SuMX-e5GIMT3iwC90xkgw7pK6MpTM0p1h813uqc90fMseWi-7hIsx-zZzBeU3stqjBVmLwL-4kSdjZuwj4Qc8RsEpSpxqHOdM1sSQDAC74uiXGyprAUYBbmKTNb/s640/blogger-image-1761482186.jpg" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-43089579330147344452012-07-22T09:40:00.001-05:002012-07-22T09:52:25.755-05:00Just Peachy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZlvZILCgnDQRtEVwSWyDXRz158dbSOVKP_4S8YXdZbeu2dMd_GEADp6fwTSD2qBZf2-C6fnMeo1G3QVTnRNV2FJbi5tBXZ3vJ-bVYY4NhFm29HH38uwQbFcF02efWAFCFOtrRQd5YK4i/s640/blogger-image--1829871493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZlvZILCgnDQRtEVwSWyDXRz158dbSOVKP_4S8YXdZbeu2dMd_GEADp6fwTSD2qBZf2-C6fnMeo1G3QVTnRNV2FJbi5tBXZ3vJ-bVYY4NhFm29HH38uwQbFcF02efWAFCFOtrRQd5YK4i/s320/blogger-image--1829871493.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We had a great time at the peach festival yesterday. It started early with the 4 mile run. Phillip took off work just for this race so he ran and I watched. My yoga teacher had asked us to walk in the parade to help hand out fans (it was hot!) and so I brought along Phillip and Nathan to help, too. Thomas joined us later for cotton candy, a train ride, and a few minutes in the bouncy house. I managed to limit myself to one funnel cake even though the foot long corn dogs and fried Snickers were calling my name. As were the fried Oreos, potato curls, fried ice cream, lemonade, AND sno cones.Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-66868236116492159352012-07-18T21:41:00.000-05:002012-07-18T21:41:28.951-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Fun At The Waterpark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNcQh6bsuMBLp8MGFS9mJUg1R2_X8pAIobhQpwcH0AAL03VQY1mQ11JdDt4fEzyHGu21o-FdXSdsa4fi_3SFcLVV-GA3ozRGPmeax3-YDHtZBp9Fy_U_kp6Kovcj0igPK79SRymOpeNIs/s1600/waterpark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNcQh6bsuMBLp8MGFS9mJUg1R2_X8pAIobhQpwcH0AAL03VQY1mQ11JdDt4fEzyHGu21o-FdXSdsa4fi_3SFcLVV-GA3ozRGPmeax3-YDHtZBp9Fy_U_kp6Kovcj0igPK79SRymOpeNIs/s320/waterpark.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-34881722959130853972012-07-11T22:31:00.001-05:002012-07-12T10:16:43.756-05:00What's Growing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DsaAE8GzK2y1dBlzqkRtxI3m-7SHFFuxG89O6HnPS7TKL09VTe9PVs43GJeBD0gRmaYRyZhshlh8Ouh6GoX1JKWqYVsH0dvS6Yvke8PfAyWpj08NdB5vyQLXRMJ3cv5QOEEbcOi7kY19/s1600/garden12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DsaAE8GzK2y1dBlzqkRtxI3m-7SHFFuxG89O6HnPS7TKL09VTe9PVs43GJeBD0gRmaYRyZhshlh8Ouh6GoX1JKWqYVsH0dvS6Yvke8PfAyWpj08NdB5vyQLXRMJ3cv5QOEEbcOi7kY19/s320/garden12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We've had some much needed rain this week and I hope we have more to come. In this drought I've managed to keep a few things growing like my crepe myrtles and vincas. I don't know why I bother with anything other than vincas, I ended up killing my impatiens this year but I always have good luck with vincas. We are having good luck with tomatoes this year, too. As a matter of fact, those plants provided our dinner tonight--roasted tomato soup. Thankfully, we've only seen one hornworm in the garden and plucked him off the plant before he was able to do much damage. The basil is growing nicely, too. If only I'd make myself get out there and harvest it. I hope your garden is growing, too! Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-77834499066831919262012-07-10T22:29:00.002-05:002012-07-10T22:39:44.176-05:00Vietnamese Iced Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6MLHcwI8gGCm7Cnt5_WgpBXmKfhDiL1-_B2_U23i8A21Hhi8P9ODjdwuetb16haHW1giCmVji8zmjXva1XtvYYXkovRSt1ZF6lMz9_5Hh8uhRf5XDyVe3ofcx-b7c7oP6ppmVyylzKJt/s1600/vietnamesecoffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6MLHcwI8gGCm7Cnt5_WgpBXmKfhDiL1-_B2_U23i8A21Hhi8P9ODjdwuetb16haHW1giCmVji8zmjXva1XtvYYXkovRSt1ZF6lMz9_5Hh8uhRf5XDyVe3ofcx-b7c7oP6ppmVyylzKJt/s320/vietnamesecoffee.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's this Vietnamese place that Phillip likes to go to for lunch when he's working days. It's in a former '50s themed restaurant and the Vietnamese folks never bothered changing the decor. It's kind of bizarre to be eating my egg roll salad with rice vermicelli and fish sauce while listening to the Big Bopper, but it works. Their Vietnamese iced coffee is so good that I've been making my own at home with a recipe from allrecipes.com.<br />
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Vietnamese Iced Coffee (original recipe found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/vietnamese-iced-coffee/">here</a>)<br />
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4 cups water<br />
1/2 cup ground coffee beans<br />
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk<br />
ice<br />
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Just go ahead and add the sweetened condensed milk to the coffee pot and then brew your coffee right into it. Give it a stir and let cool for a bit then pour over ice (it's okay if it's a little warm because the ice is meant to dilute it).Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-76403271424454996742012-07-08T07:33:00.002-05:002012-07-08T07:33:47.211-05:00What I Like To Call...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDA57Pr-GJY2dhhI_XciuLYJVQraHEVvIy6dpih1YOBZ7LAWjfw1Q_EHWukfbjPUD7oo0Rd6G9nvbvu5ZlND-0Zga46p0N-KrhSQPkAcY42zQKEtXhRlnGJ3sqYUB-n_-sXSGdEuoRVSn/s1600/chinafun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDA57Pr-GJY2dhhI_XciuLYJVQraHEVvIy6dpih1YOBZ7LAWjfw1Q_EHWukfbjPUD7oo0Rd6G9nvbvu5ZlND-0Zga46p0N-KrhSQPkAcY42zQKEtXhRlnGJ3sqYUB-n_-sXSGdEuoRVSn/s320/chinafun.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<em>Saturday Night</em></div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-14179569094804035332012-07-07T12:09:00.000-05:002012-07-07T12:09:35.520-05:00Fun On The Fourth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNnBW3WxDdbMRObi4HvmHJhp0SO7fcj8GEk6CzrCxC3ufgM_VMkgD_nAD8ebdV24B72-UmeqcmxchrX35Q6MhojCBd3zvy5k_Dc6KzS3cfIUhjHxZSjSZ_J5X5NwJRo_LUKTo0aa8okJO/s1600/July42012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNnBW3WxDdbMRObi4HvmHJhp0SO7fcj8GEk6CzrCxC3ufgM_VMkgD_nAD8ebdV24B72-UmeqcmxchrX35Q6MhojCBd3zvy5k_Dc6KzS3cfIUhjHxZSjSZ_J5X5NwJRo_LUKTo0aa8okJO/s320/July42012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of Arkansas' 75 counties, all but 2 are under a burn ban so we didn't get to have fun with fireworks on the Fourth. But we did get to enjoy some fun family time. Phillip had the day off from work, I didn't have to go to class, Angie came up from Little Rock with her crew, and we had some delicious food at my parents house. The boys had a lot of fun, too--confetti poppers, whipper snappers, and water guns--what more could 2 little boys want?!Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-28477086246159174472012-07-03T18:56:00.000-05:002012-07-03T18:56:49.509-05:00Happy Finding Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4jquWOzovB12njC5KYTEecKFUkiaP_UcS3ZExgt0H2TQ3_p39FYtkLHiI4cBk6eHSsUmijwu3utnJ0AwZzS9iEfNP_8wHbSoFsGmrjNxxF3uEr_CsIYo-bmovrsCPYsWc6Tp0ar9Ibav/s1600/indies3rd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4jquWOzovB12njC5KYTEecKFUkiaP_UcS3ZExgt0H2TQ3_p39FYtkLHiI4cBk6eHSsUmijwu3utnJ0AwZzS9iEfNP_8wHbSoFsGmrjNxxF3uEr_CsIYo-bmovrsCPYsWc6Tp0ar9Ibav/s320/indies3rd.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Three years ago today I was walking back from the mailbox and noticed a wild critter sleeping underneath the car. It happened to be a very friendly, loving, playful border collie mix. We named her Indie in honor of Independence Day. It was either that or Thomas' suggestion of Firework. Getting to know her these past 3 years I would say that 'Firework' would have been just as fitting. Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-66554459496458084192012-06-26T16:11:00.001-05:002012-06-26T16:11:29.348-05:00Cramming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTBtYRLBzdiyaTaV_7MVvxnKCJfvFq_hh-wraaVlblFfJEDk7xembYJ3OlstbKXZk-UZLIHc1gtZ9zcYLbR5syNpOfKnxxfezJNPVZn-tPVCiRdAeHR4mRDn2vAIB2A-nsjaMMw4vDigy/s1600/cramming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTBtYRLBzdiyaTaV_7MVvxnKCJfvFq_hh-wraaVlblFfJEDk7xembYJ3OlstbKXZk-UZLIHc1gtZ9zcYLbR5syNpOfKnxxfezJNPVZn-tPVCiRdAeHR4mRDn2vAIB2A-nsjaMMw4vDigy/s320/cramming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thursday--Quiz</div>
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Friday--Lab test</div>
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Weekend--Study!</div>
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Monday--Quiz</div>
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Tuesday--Lecture test</div>
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Wednesday--Holiday (no class)</div>
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Thursday--Lab test</div>
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Friday--Final exam</div>
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I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!</div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-25933066807175050682012-06-12T18:22:00.001-05:002012-06-12T18:23:28.499-05:00Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPtozNOLQEOwNZYAR3ZBUQSkQBAGXr27IBb15eHys0E56Zsn-FQzqUAPmWlrs9pVQTES6RF1N8tq7VUCA2Lh96yUL-y-dZFR8P4xUIHnCePBJq1lTOknU9ECTWMOE3tjYFLDj6x6vn_D7/s1600/TRreading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPtozNOLQEOwNZYAR3ZBUQSkQBAGXr27IBb15eHys0E56Zsn-FQzqUAPmWlrs9pVQTES6RF1N8tq7VUCA2Lh96yUL-y-dZFR8P4xUIHnCePBJq1lTOknU9ECTWMOE3tjYFLDj6x6vn_D7/s1600/TRreading.jpg" /></a></div>
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Scene: Sitting in the car, waiting for Dad to come out of Walmart...<br />
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Me: <em>Thomas, I wish I knew what it's like to be you.</em><br />
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Thomas: <em>Yeah...just so you know, it's pretty awesome.</em>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-86493188635428273432012-06-06T06:00:00.000-05:002012-06-06T06:00:08.080-05:00Black Bean Burgers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4XILGcVrOOcIsm73d5gecufzBmPqy7Bq3qhluq943pMekQ1ksymYgkLEZ7alcczwqzevj_5-HReh5ypT1tEFGGH0ANHIAJ02Kdts6KC8diOgjS1_AVgkQtJ7cUxf5OZxRm-cDq7nPXtn/s1600/bbean+burger+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4XILGcVrOOcIsm73d5gecufzBmPqy7Bq3qhluq943pMekQ1ksymYgkLEZ7alcczwqzevj_5-HReh5ypT1tEFGGH0ANHIAJ02Kdts6KC8diOgjS1_AVgkQtJ7cUxf5OZxRm-cDq7nPXtn/s320/bbean+burger+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So I stopped cooking meat last November (except for bacon...bacon is its own food group you know) and it was really easy. We eat a lot of beans, veggies, and pasta at home and the move certainly pushed me out of the unimaginative 'meat-vegetable-bread' dinner rut that I was in. I found an easy recipe for homemade black bean burgers that is a perfect and delicious burger substitute.<br />
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<em><strong>Black Bean Burgers</strong> (original recipe can be found at </em><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/homemade-black-bean-veggie-burgers/"><em>allrecipes.com.</em></a><em>) </em><br />
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<em>1 (16 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed</em><br />
<em>1/2 green bell pepper, diced</em><br />
<em>1/2 onion, diced</em><br />
<em>1 egg</em><br />
<em>1 TBS chili powder</em><br />
<em>1 TBS cumin</em><br />
<em>1 tsp chili sauce</em><br />
<em>2 slices sandwich bread, made into crumbs</em><br />
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<em>Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mash beans with a fork and add diced pepper and onion. In a separate bowl, mix egg, spices, and chili sauce. Add egg mixture to beans along with bread crumbs and stir together. Divide into 6 patties. Bake 8-10 minutes per side on a prepared baking sheet. If grilling, be sure place patties on a sheet aluminum foil that has been sprayed with cooking oil and grill 6-8 minutes per side.</em><br />
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Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-71072678407284081592012-06-05T06:00:00.000-05:002012-06-05T06:00:02.383-05:00You Can Call Me Al<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ohKDdq806oBp1-0GrMyM9m0WOUypbmHLHlNH4ak8Qru92D-x3leMO89vSXTEcb1C1nRdSAFDRCwp6F3x3PoJ7FpgNSN8ZsZcyfsq4l4MgBcGsaH4NyZJdttLfE46uJ4cwPALbIPwtuZE/s1600/5819318eadc011e1a39b1231381b7ba1_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ohKDdq806oBp1-0GrMyM9m0WOUypbmHLHlNH4ak8Qru92D-x3leMO89vSXTEcb1C1nRdSAFDRCwp6F3x3PoJ7FpgNSN8ZsZcyfsq4l4MgBcGsaH4NyZJdttLfE46uJ4cwPALbIPwtuZE/s1600/5819318eadc011e1a39b1231381b7ba1_6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Paul Simon's Graceland, the 25th anniversary edition, is being released today. My cassette case is cracked and the only place I can listen to it is in my husband's truck but 25 years? Has it really been <em>that</em> long?<br />Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-34370167209828941722012-06-04T06:00:00.000-05:002012-06-04T06:00:02.780-05:00If This Makes Sense To You...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
...then where were you this past semester? I could've used a personal, live-in, 24/7 chemistry tutor!<br />
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Fortunately, I escaped Chem II with a C. Stupid chemistry. Always messing with my GPA. <br />
<br />
I did much better in Physiological Psychology. After a couple of opinion papers, a bibliography on meditation, 4 tests, a successful presentation at a brain fair for pre-k students, and a couple of opportunities for bonus points, I finished 5 points away from a perfect score.<br />
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Today, I start my summer class. From June 4th to July 6th I'll spend 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, learning all there is to know about Human Anatomy. Wish me luck! Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8794387962019362395.post-88069170203075976952012-06-01T16:57:00.001-05:002012-06-01T16:58:35.178-05:00Goodbye May!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA-j0_0olTlzErpiDSDJpE9Mfeh-P4LYhUOaZralAf2JPRlB1FpsxvlOqQ7y_3mDPqYQpUE5HZUvxtxYi_05Fim4hwmJ3WMC-VcwrhBx_zXlrS20jUSYV8tp9R6ur6CrFuuxDS_vyGA7u/s1600/Picture+239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA-j0_0olTlzErpiDSDJpE9Mfeh-P4LYhUOaZralAf2JPRlB1FpsxvlOqQ7y_3mDPqYQpUE5HZUvxtxYi_05Fim4hwmJ3WMC-VcwrhBx_zXlrS20jUSYV8tp9R6ur6CrFuuxDS_vyGA7u/s320/Picture+239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The month of May was a busy blur. It was also a <em>dry</em>, busy blur being that it didn't rain a drop the whole month. Luckily, we're getting a few sprinkles today. So today I'm going to curl up on the couch, listen to the rain, and enjoy not having to sign permission slips for school activities or get gussied up for various school programs.<br />
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(Just a few pictures from Nathan's Academic Awards Banquet)</div>Alihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13804986298540603425noreply@blogger.com2