Headline News

The Emporium has reopened!


Too bad it still has limited hours...







For those visiting & wanting to go, the hours are Wed. through Sat. 12-6pm. So plan your stay accordingly.
:)

I Believe I Can Fly

Ouch. Flying is easy. It's the landings that hurt.

Questions for you...

1. How do you set a blog/post to contain the check here box for "e-mail follow-ups to post" in the post a comment section? (E4, Morgan, I've seen this on your blogs before...)

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2. Does anyone out there know of an easy to use radio &/or cd player for the elderly? Think arthritic hands, no knowledge of electronics, visual impairment... My mom has been on the hunt for one for my grandmother. Thus far her only lead was through a "Real Simple" article (ad?) for a Tivoli radio. This may not be the actual one she saw, however it is similar. Through searching online, it was discovered that Target was a retailer for it. So, when I was with her, we went looking at the store. "Yeah, they put them on clearance ... they won't be in stock again until Christmas." (HELLO! Christmas, ya know this is Febuary & that is in December, right?!?!) So, we could use your assistance... Anyone... Anyone...

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3. Has anyone ever seen a computer desk that actually houses all things computer related? I've come close at Ikea with a corner desk. (I'm still not confident that it actually would hold everything ... Regardless, my dear hubby doesn't like the finish of it -- "It doesn't go with all our other stuff." -- His latest kick, but that's another story...) Seriously though. Have you actually encountered one that contains the bulky stuff? (I realize I have a lot of stuff & could slim it down, but there are many components, large ones at that...)

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4. My favorite morning tea has gone missing! Have you seen it? It's called Chocolate Caramel Enchantment, a chai tea by Celestial Seasonings. I tried finding it at the stores in the area (as indictated through the link above), but they're not there! For those of you have a routine you thrive with, think about when something changes in it -- not by your control either! GRRR, ARGH!

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5. Does anyone have any experience with (or knowledge of) growing bamboo outdoors? We'd like to use it as a natural fence/screen, however we want to control it's growth to a limited area. Can a raised bed, or containers be used to contain it, yet allow it to be in the ground year round? I don't know how deep their roots needed to be, nor how much room the roots need for proper growth. Speaking of root growth... to spread, do they grow downward, or parallel to the surface? (I'm thinking of my Japanese lantern plant -- I was told to cut out the bottom of a large plastic pot & plant it within that area since the roots spread outward closer to the surface. I didn't know if the bamboo would be like that, or if it needed an enclosed "bottom" too.)

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That's all for now. I know I had more questions floating around my brain for a while. But that's all I can recall at the moment. Your help is appreciated!

For you... If you ever come across the Celestial Seasonings Honey Peach Ginger Wellness Tea, buy it. It's wonderful. Kathleen, thanks for introducing it to us!

Hidden Mickey

Here is a hidden Mickey we found at Buca.

Just Disney's magical way of saying, "We're still here... come back & join us."

Our Travels

As planned, Keith & I left promptly after I returned from work Friday. Well, as promptly as can be expected. We arrived safe & sound, as well as at the proper time -- that's what matters...
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After a dinner at Buca di Beppo we retired to an evening at home. First a gift exchange (encompassing Christmas, anniversary & birthday in one sitting), then a long picture viewing from vacation.

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Macy enjoyed the bag the most, while I personally was amused by the Latin Dr. Seuss (I forgot what I wrapped up so long ago!).

Saturday we met up with Michael's daughters & had a scruptious breakfast at... at... I don't remember the name (I went there in August with them -- guess I should look at past blogs to recall the name). Regardless of the name, they make the best omelette I've ever had. The kind we had last time was not a featured item, however we could create our own to get the same effect. (Less the tomato-cuke salad & fruit dish.) Still the best I've ever had. Mmm...

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Then we headed to Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland. My mom & I had our eyes set on the Quilt Show, while the guys decided to forgo it for the animals. Some of the quilts we found were absolutely gorgeous! Here are a few I really liked...

After we saw all the quilts, we headed to meet up with the guys... We managed to catch a wagon down to the barn -- faster & warmer than walking!

There we discovered some babies. Apparently last week there weren't any, but not this week! The white lamb below was born that morning (the sibling was black)! There were also some that were two days old, and others too...

Then we're off for a brisk walk about the farmpark...

Our future ride is above -- we use it at the end of our trip.

I SPY footprints... something little has been trapsing near the chicken coop! Perhaps the resident cat?

Next, the "Great Tomato Works" -- we found interactive learning (for kids of all sizes) and a little reminder of Disney's growing techiniques from the Land.
We warmed up in the greenhouse (102 degrees) then went outside -- it felt good for the first few seconds! After our ride back to the front we didn't know what to do next (hense the sitting & looking at attractions & maps). We almost gave up & went home, then discovered the Penitentiary Glen Nature Center/Kevin Clinton Wildlife Center was nearby... so that's where we went. They had a few animals outside & some sleeping ones inside... One being "Doppler Dilbert" -- who did not see his shadow, so we'll have an early spring (our version of Punxy Phil) -- Woohoo! Then we saw some birds & (scrawny) squirrels having a bite & some tired/bored humans too.


Next we decided it was a good time to have some dinner. We went to Joe's Deli & Restaurant -- if you ever come across it on a Saturday night (aim for earlier than later or you will wait) -- have the German dumpling soup because it is excellent! And pick your dessert before you order your meal -- they run out quick (& you can take it to go for a treat at home). Later that night I had a lesson, or two, in altering (shortening) the waist on PJ pants (basically needed regulars turned into petites... all you vertically challenged out there know what I mean). Thanks for the help!

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Before our departure, we piled ito the car for one last meal together at IHOP. I found a new favorite -- banana pancakes with strawberries. Yum. Needless to say, we ate well is weekend. On our way home we stopped at Ikea & Elmers. (KC -- I thought about you as we passed your old stomping ground.)

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For your enjoyment... Heeerrrre's Macy and the Bug

Still Kickin'

Still here folks. Just busy trying to get the vacation stuff sorted out. For the most part it is complete... I tried to publish some videos, but was unable -- so there are links to them... And I think I want to add a few more things, but that will have to wait. Seeing as this afternoon we'll be heading out of town -- Westward Ho! (Well, slightly west & north I suppose.)

Happy weekend to you all! :)

(If you wish to check it out thus far... just start at the top & keep reading.)

February 6th

It's been 4 years since we took the plunge!

Happy Anniversary to us...

Vacation Photos

I've begun the posts for our vacation on the vacation blog. If you'd like to see them, you'll have to go there. :)