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Friday, July 12, 2013

While I Was Out

Oh, how I've missed you! :)
Thanks for those of you that sent me little notes saying that you
missed me, too!  It's been 11 days...wow!
A lot has been happening here, too, and not just wedding prep, either!
Here are some highlights...













  1. The filtered water spigot broke at the kitchen sink so we had a new faucet put it.  Lovely.  I loved this bridge look and they were so expensive at the home improvement stores!  I found one on amazon for a fraction of the price and free shipping.  Gotta love the Internet!
  2. About that same time, our refrigerator was dying a slow death.  It never completely conked out but was hit or miss in almost warming everything inside to almost freezing it, so we thought we better replace it and not risk coming home from our wedding trip to a completely dead refrigerator and ruined food.  Have to admit that I gave the old one a little kiss the morning I cleaned it out and turned it off.  Yeah, I'm the sentimental type.  We bought it in 1988 when we built our house...and it saw us through being young and newly married... to housing 36 baby bottles a day....through 4 teenagers and teenage friends looking for something to eat.  It even lived through Alex opening the door and walking away, cooling off the entire kitchen, on a regular basis.  Or maybe that was it's final demise? lol...  The new one is lovely and spacious and very quiet.
  3. We celebrated Taylor's birthday!  That red velvet cake was to die for! Recipe will come soon.  We celebrated the Fourth of July, too.
  4. As typical in summer, the hot days find me pouring my coffee over ice.    It hasn't been very sunny but it sure has been hot and humid!  The garden has been loving that, though!  We've had significant rainfall for the past 15 straight days!
  5. If you buy the man of the house a super duper power washer, you can sit inside and watch him wash the entire exterior of the house, windows included!  Just sayin'. :)
  6. I worked several auctions, too.  The funniest sight was this man's shoes.  If we needed to find him, he made it easy. ha.  The cutest was this little antique chalk kitten.  Yeah, I had to have it.  I'm not big on figurines, but it was just too sweet.  I need to research chalk figures...I don't know anything about them!
  7. We've been eating a lot of fruit.  I've frozen a lot, too.  And these peaches became preserves.  Yum.
  8. On some of the cooler days we've eaten in our little courtyard on the side of our house.  The fountain, pergola and flowers make it a cozy little spot.
  9. When it wasn't raining, I tried to spot the moon.  And I brought home a stack of old recipe cards from the auction trash.  Who wouldn't want great grandma's recipes in her own writing?  I can't wait to try some of these recipes...I think the old ones are some of the best!
  10. I made homemade ice cream!  This one was S'Mores with dark chocolate, marshmallow and chunks of graham crackers.  When it was rainy, it was hard to find a seat on the porch swing!
  11.  We've been enjoying garden tomatoes already.  That's early for Ohio, but I cheated and bought huge plants with blooms already on them.  My favorite way so far (besides on a burger and salad) is to lay thick slices under the broiler that have been topped with olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and Parmesan.  yum.  Summer camp is still going well for the boys!  Here's Spencer, watching for the bus to pick them up.  This is the first summer ever that I haven't had them home 24/7.  They are having fun and I am, too! ha.  I do miss them going to the grocery with me, though!
  12. On extremely hot days, most cats like to lounge inside, spacing themselves along the floor so you have to watch your step. ha.  But the younger ones still like to explore and take on the Neighborhood Surveillance duties. ha.



So what have you been up to?

I did peek at a few of your blogs during the last few days.
Sometimes I lurked quietly and sometimes I left a comment.
The break was nice but being back is nice, too!



84 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Lurking
      while working
      gave you the top spot
      which you have a lot!

      Delete
  2. Welcome back! After viewing all your wonderful pics, I feel all caught up. I especially love your new kitchen faucet. I have been eyeing similar ones and may be making a change soon. And a new fridge...a beauty...I am a fan of stainless steel.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never had a frig that was so spacious. ha. It's nice to have a space for everything, including lunch boxes overnight! Yay!

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  3. haha Marmy does not look impressed at all
    As they line the hall
    Hope none got stuck again
    On top of your den
    A ton going on at your sea
    But that never surprises me
    New fridge looks really nice too
    And you kissed the germy old one, eww haha
    I guess you cleaned it though
    So just kissed some bleach at your show
    Numb tongue times 2?
    11 days is a long arse break not sure I can do
    But then again as you keep your streak
    I knew you were alive at your creek

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I woke Marmy up
      and he didn't like that camera beeping stuff!
      No numb tongue was had
      as this was not that kind of kiss, my lad. lol....
      Only meant to take few days away
      but a longer break was nice at my bay.
      And yeah, had to visit you.
      If you know why, clue me in, too.
      hahaha.

      Delete
    2. No idea why
      Under my sky
      As a nut that can rhyme
      With a daily chime
      You'd think wouldn't work
      Yet you have to come and lurk haha
      Just wait until you see
      Some of the stuff I'll have up during my moving break at my tree

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    3. Oh my.
      will it make me sigh? :)

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  4. I so enjoyed all these lovely photos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks, Denise! I took a break, but not from my camera. ha.

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  5. Welcome back! It looks like you enjoyed your vacation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, I did! Hey, you have a nice new avatar! :)

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  6. While I was scrolling through each picture, I tried to guess what it was about and what you might say about it.
    I'd say I was 50/50 on my guessing.
    Look at you! Your Summer Fun To Do List is getting smaller.

    More importantly, you were missed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do have quite a few things crossed off my list! Not sure why I'm holding back on that banana split, though....lol...

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  7. Oh my, You were MISSED! I knew you were taking a break, but I just kept coming back to see if by chance you were back. I love the pictures, and narration of your time off. Every picture just tells a wonderful story. Welcome home friend. You are deeply loved!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. well, it's very nice to be missed, isn't it? I need to come over and see some baby pics! :)

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  8. I didn't leave you a little note, but I did find myself 'looking' for you each evening. Glad you got your break, a new fridge and a new kitchen faucet. I am getting new Wilsonart counter tops on July 24th ... to replace the original 23-year old small white tile counter top with the dirty grout - impossible to keep clean and germ free. THEN when my plumber puts our sink back I am having a new faucet installed. Picking that out on the 17th with plumber-man. I love tomatoes and your's look fantastic. Yum.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooooh...well, I can relate to fun new kitchen stuff! As soon as we save enough money, my counters, cupboards and floors are getting replaced. haha. Hope you post pictures....I love makeovers! :)

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    2. I'm thinking about Annie Sloan Chalk paint for my 23-year old cabinets. I've done my research well ...........

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  9. oo i bet there was some treasure in those recipes...smiles...that is a cool new faucet..and glad you had a good break...welcome back...peach preserves sound like a treat...smiles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yep....I think Corn Griddle Cakes might be the first one to be tried. :)

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  10. Welcome back . Nice faucet in the kitchen and the cats are just having the laziest time.
    We have also been enjoying the outdoor weather and have potted tomatoes and strawberries and roses.
    The flowers outside are all blooming and yes we also have 4 foot corn on the farms. We checked.lol
    Glad all is going well for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sounds like you're having a lovely summer, too! Can't wait to be eating fresh corn!

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  11. You make even replacing the refrigerator sound exciting! Love your courtyard, I would be sitting there all day! :)

    XO,
    Jane

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  12. I love the lone black cat In the tree! And the fruit in the bowl; how it's off centered. All very nice photos. I must visit your blog more often so that I can slowly piece your life together. Maybe I'll backtrack. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. my crazy life? hahaha....well, good luck with that anita! :) And you know, there is always a cat...or two...in that tree. It's just outside the window by my desk in the kitchen so I have a good view of them and they have a good view of me! haha.

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  13. ah ! I know you was really busy!! nice pictures! and love your new refrigerator! I need it! (maybe I can make something bad with mine ?? LOL)
    I miss you betsy so much:)))xo
    I was busy too !!
    The kids were sick and not at the same time ha! First Esperanza and second Ditto! !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ugh...sick kids! Nothing worse! Oh dear! I hope they feel better...and why not at the same time! Ask them! ha!

      Have Pat curse your refrig. He's broken my coffee maker and refrigerator that way! Oh dear! He has powers! lol....

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    2. Oh better O will dont ask if I cant buy a new ??? haha

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  14. I need THIS refrigerator with alarm ( for the twins) !!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It has a lock on it, too! ha. Haven't tried that out yet. :)

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    2. Omy Im sure Esperanza would hate a lock on it! :)

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  15. Welcome back! I missed you :) but those breaks are really nice! I love number 8! Looks so inviting! We've been busy but mostly just hanging around home (no Summer trips) and helping with Dads care. We've had SO much rain and humidity which makes the weeds and other things grow like crazy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I know...the rain! We're cutting grass twice a week or more. It's great for the flowers and garden, though.

      thinking of your dad....need an update there!

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    2. I sent you an update via e-mail.

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  16. Your courtyard is so lovely. Perfect for dining out. And I love the kitties on the swing...so cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love it, too....it was an unexpected surprise created by one of our additions to the house! ha. It's also where we found the first litter of kittens...guess mama cat thought it was nice and secluded, too!

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  17. Yes welcome back! I did not know we both had white sinks and now we have matching faucets too! I thought your picture looked just like mine but I had to go check. I can't post a picture though because my sink is getting full of dishes and since I am trying to conserve expensive water, I won't wash them until I have a really full sink.
    Love all your pictures!

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  18. Hi Betsy!
    Looks like you had a great time on your "vacation"...so glad for you...
    Thanks for visiting me while you were on "hiatus"...come on back...lots to see !!!
    Look forward to more posts...
    Leaving for the Lake is about 45 minutes...YAY!!!!
    Can't wait to check out my wee veggie patch...and perhaps a few moon shots as well...
    It has been waaaaay too cloudy here all week!
    I am still feeling the humidity today...or maybe it is just me! HA!
    Enjoy your weekend...
    Those Roses are lovely!!
    And your courtyard, very private and calming...

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Are you getting daily rain like us? wow...the sun would peek through for a little bit between showers, but it's been mostly cloudy even while not raining!

      Can't wait to catch up with you...hope your weekend is nice...warm weather and sun for the lake!

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  19. Welcome back! Your break was good for me! It showed me I too can take a break or post less often, my friends will still hang around and all will be good. Blogging is very different than I first thought. Sometimes you do feel a bit of an obligation because all these nice people stop by and leave nice thoughts and you don't want to appear rude by stepping aside for a bit. Your break reminded me of that...life gets busy, summer is fun and now you are back! Of course, you do 4X the amount of stuff I will do on my break, but Oh well! Your yard and home improvements look great AND I wish I had a bowl of ice cream right about now! Hang in there MOG (Mother of the groom!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've only taken a couple of breaks myself but am learning like you, that the world continues to turn even if I step away. haha.

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  20. So many photos Betsy, really enjoyed looking at them though, it seems like life has been so busy for you recently but that's never a bad thing, I'm glad that your break was beneficial as well. I haven't done too much myself except for working which I guess is why my posts have devolved to rhyme battles with Pat haha, great to have you back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks matt...I need to stop by for an update from you! Hope you're feeling better!

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  21. My goodness - such a lot going on and you find time to make yummy ice cream! Yay! And your garden's blooming and flourishing and the boys are having a great time at summer camp! Brilliant! And weddings! I love weddings!!

    Will wait with bated breath for the red velvet cake!! Yes please! Take care
    x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. recipe coming soon...and it is a really good one!

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  22. Homemade ice cream??? Is this a recipe you will be sharing?? Yum!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm going to tweak that recipe a bit so it's amazing instead of just 'good' haha. Then I'll share! :)

      Had to laugh...my 'while I was out' post wasn't nearly as exciting as yours! lol....

      Delete
  23. Welcome back! It's so good to have you back again. Loved the pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  24. YEP! You were missed!! Glad you're back from your busy time off. Always something going on even during our "rest periods," huh?!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. too much going on, actually! haha. Hopefully life will slow down just a little in a couple of week! :)

      Delete
  25. Missed you--even tho I'm finding it hard to blog these days,or even comment--your blog is a daily "must" for me. :) On the pic on the right of number 5 I thought the mister was standing in the sprinkler. haha I thought that seemed a little out of character for him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha...yes, I have to say I've known him for over 30 years and have never seen him running through the sprinkler. :) ha!!!! He was wet enough to look like that, though!

      When's the baby due??

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    2. 12 more weeks. :) Sounds so close when I say it that way. Three months sounds much better. :)

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    3. 2/3rds of the way through! yay! :)

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  26. By the looks of the comment section, you are well loved and have been much missed.
    I had a week of being overwhelmed by kids and headaches, but am happy to report those days are now behind me, at least temporarily.
    Today I not only had breakfast with a friend, dropped Hannah off at the airport, and have my pottery class tonight, but I also bought a topless teapot in which to pot a plant, 200 pounds of play sand (and I need a ton more), and I restocked my birdseed supply. Now I need to go check that garden for zucchinis and summer squash.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you were pain- and kid-free today! How fun! Sounds like you had a very nice day!

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  27. I have been away myself, so it is nice to see you too! LOVE the fridge and faucet.

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  28. WOW! You were busy. Love the last pictures of the cats. They've sure learned how to indoor critters, haven't they?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was busy, but it was all good...maybe too much good at once...haha...I'm exhausted! Hey, I mailed your package yesterday! Let me know when it comes! :)

      Delete
  29. I have really missed your posts...and can only imagine HOW LONG it took to put this one together. I have the wedding date on my calendar as a reminder, so I know you've been busy, but very thankful to know you're doing OK. Lovely photos - love that ice cream and the tomatoes sound heavenly. Enjoy each day...and some upcoming days without rain. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had a gorgeous day today with low humidity and sun. I was out all day at an outdoor auction so I got to enjoy it and get a little sunshine and freckles. ha. :)

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  30. Love the note in your sidebar about the refrigerator alarm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now if we only had a way to put an alarm on the kitchen faucet! He leaves it running a lot! ha.

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  31. Love the new kitchen faucet. Pretty. Glad you had a good break.

    Been thinking on the same fridge. One little question...The water dispenser is in front and the reviews say it drips down the front as it's being out in front a little to far. So? Any problems with that?
    I'd really like to go with this one instead of the Samsung even though the Samsung has duel ice makers.
    I'm torn between the two.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have not had that problem at all. This is the LG 24.8 cu. ft. Our water unit in front doesn't stick out at all, so maybe they fixed that? It was on sale at Lowes, if you're looking seriously right now. :)

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  32. Missed you too. I'm loving your photos. Your little outdoor 'room' is delightful. I wish I could import you to give my place a makeover; you just have The Knack, which I lack. I'm really glad Summer School is going well for you all. xx

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jenny! You know, I've been hired a few times to decorate friend's houses and it was incredibly fun to do! :) Summer School has been so great...better than I could have imagined! :)

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  33. PS I enjoyed the idea of you 'lurking quietly'!

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  34. Missed you but looks like you had a lovely break... a busy break! I was wondering how the triplets were doing so I am glad camp has been successful - for ALL of you. Love all your photos, but as a feline fan I particularly love the cat-hop-scotch game at the end! Welcome back. xox

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    Replies
    1. I know...just had to laugh and grab my camera when they were all sprawled out like that. haha.

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  35. Hi Betsy, I've missed my daily dose of Betsy, and it is great to catch up. That new fridge looks sweet. Great that it alerts you when Alex leaves the door open. Love your little courtyard. We have made homemade ice cream (non dairy, using coconut milk) a few times so far. Our s'mores ice cream was way too sweet, but the one made with fresh strawberries was delicious.

    Welcome back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Is there such a thing as too sweet? haha. I almost think that about real s'mores...very rich! The fresh berry ice cream sounds wonderful.

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  36. Welcome back!
    Are the cats allowed inside whenever?
    Do they sleep inside?
    Amber Silverman

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  37. There just have to be a few breaks along the way! =)

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  38. Hi Betsy .. I've sort of missed what's going on - but I'll recap next week .. looks like as usual much project 'work' and fun is going on in My5Men land ..

    The weather sounds glorious .. mind you we're in English summer mode right now - bliss!

    Cheers Hilary

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  39. Great highlights.
    it was good to catch up!

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