tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66010430120482075382024-03-05T23:40:06.781-05:00NJMumMarried older Aussie mom of 2 boys in NJ and Sandy Survivor.
Blogging about family, activities, travel, education, crafts, entertainment, vacation, dining, hobbies, parenting, special needs, nature, resorts, household, gardening, cooking, renovating, decorating, organizing, book reviews, shopping and toys.
Have a suggestion? Want to contact me? Email me at howyagoing@live.com with 'Blog' in the subject line.Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-29114456761708840122018-05-01T17:47:00.001-04:002018-05-01T17:47:13.689-04:00New Funny T-shirts, Gift or Wear. Trendy and Cool Fun Fashion. – TypicallyWell.com<a href="https://typicallywell.com/collections/t-shirts">New Funny T-shirts, Gift or Wear. Trendy and Cool Fun Fashion. – TypicallyWell.com</a><br />
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A gift T-shirt for your #hearts #heart #love #bff #valentine #cute#girl ow.ly/X5nN300AI6J rl #romance , what will YOU get in return? #wedding<br />
Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-79312225757907510502018-04-13T12:42:00.000-04:002018-04-13T12:42:57.625-04:00Squirrel fun in NJ, post storm impacts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Squirrel update NJ https://youtu.be/t8N-uyqRRmY via @YouTube<br />
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https://youtu.be/wZWn_jEEAGQ</div>
Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-56180362187697156372013-01-17T22:16:00.000-05:002016-05-25T20:43:49.728-04:00Our new reality post Sandy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are thankful to be alive and mostly unharmed (apart from my minor concussion). Our house can be rebuilt if insurance does its job correctly. Of course some items are at depreciated value and some are covered minimally. So it will still cost us somewhat.<br />
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We lived in a hotel for 6-7 weeks, it seems relaxing and fun but it is not. My kids are used to making lots of noise, my kids are loud and business travelers have little sympathy. <br />
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We got turned down by a few landlords in town, couldn't be bothered with a short term rental.<br />
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One landlord allowed us to rent his duplex, despite his last minute misgivings. Our lives are MUCH more normal than living in a hotel. We are trying to settle our kids into this new reality, and once in a while we remind ourselves that these kids haven't had any normalcy since Oct, 2012.<br />
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Our builder has been funding the rebuilding partly until insurance and the banks get their act together. Our house has a long way to go, roof is partly done and the walls are next. We need time to clean up the rooms and need supplies.<br />
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We are down to one car, we were about to buy another car before the storm but got delayed and now we might not buy till we get finish most of the house repairs - just in case there are funding issues. Can you imagine living with one car? Thankfully one very considerate and kind friend has loaned us her car - what a weight lifted off our shoulders. <br />
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Baby steps keeps us busy and moving. There is a lot to do.<br />
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Thanks for reading.<br />
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Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-39822221546754537842012-11-17T00:13:00.000-05:002016-05-25T20:44:14.854-04:00Super Storm Sandy New Jersey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We got hit by Sandy and almost got crushed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My halloween decorations at my doorway Oct 25</td></tr>
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I've been a little overwhelmed lately so haven't had a chance to update this blog. Also all my electronics are scattered between the house and temp housing so it is difficult to find everything you need. Below are pics of the damage. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was really getting in to decorations this year.</td></tr>
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Apparently 3 things (plus Gods will) saved me that day. The branches of the huge 60+ year old tree hit the top roof and stopped the tree from crushing me and the living room as I was sitting on my couch having a glass of wine and reading a book via candle light. A steel beam in the bow window held the huge tree and only got a dent in it (unusable but saved my life) otherwise I would have been crushed by the wind and the tree. The deck may have prevented the roots from completely detaching and blowing in to the house causing further damage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another tree that fell towards the road was the one near the ghost</td></tr>
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Some folk have told me I should have been in the basement, a few things prevented this from happening, one is that we don't have a finished basement and the one we have is a partial and prone to flooding. We have a split level and the garage level also has windows, we love trees and large windows which is one reason why we bought the house, but we had no idea this could happen. We've been in the house for 8 years and have never experienced anything like this before. We spent 2 days worth of a full tree crew service last sumer to cut pines and prune our trees so we thought we would be ok. <br />
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We have lots of windows and trees near the living areas and the lower level. Basement isn't finished and prone to flooding.<br />
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One thing to note about storm, the debris fell at the back of my head first but then the roof fell on the top of my head, it was hard for me to work out which way to get out of this mess as the wind blew for a few seconds all around me. I called out and Mike came from down the stairs and saw which way way to get me out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIeRtw2r908OMmUM-GBcsiMFigXq0RYdbPWA33xWTfZ2jUlZg5autSOSlXvNA83zJbLLgLkRvptVP1a9c99U6HIA2Mkoc9mGkOaMgKaIDkpSt5N8gCrvPHbCP8z-yfOjOi55BVBt60ak/s1600/IMG_6481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIeRtw2r908OMmUM-GBcsiMFigXq0RYdbPWA33xWTfZ2jUlZg5autSOSlXvNA83zJbLLgLkRvptVP1a9c99U6HIA2Mkoc9mGkOaMgKaIDkpSt5N8gCrvPHbCP8z-yfOjOi55BVBt60ak/s400/IMG_6481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As soon as I called out the kids started screaming then we had to calm them down before tending to my head and checking which way to go for safety.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrDAfpfxN6D59NIYocRzUEuxeohFftHas2LgzW87EsMOWzHy3yfx2mTVYk49_UQcLrrzgao9rghHDmbjf71Jfg1AyCqmAav20NkNjKpWK0uJbx1QXcA9oocf9G0wCOOilu_id8yqKdYw/s1600/IMG_6480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrDAfpfxN6D59NIYocRzUEuxeohFftHas2LgzW87EsMOWzHy3yfx2mTVYk49_UQcLrrzgao9rghHDmbjf71Jfg1AyCqmAav20NkNjKpWK0uJbx1QXcA9oocf9G0wCOOilu_id8yqKdYw/s400/IMG_6480.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Police came within seconds, EMT a little longer as trees started falling all over the roads everywhere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx_KsBthPOmNjMSFhYqc8qYfgOvUwE1xhYsPibVr5N5Wb7EC0-sTNe_9_npTEvNJNc9UlhbMBZ7fmpNSQdn8iNmw9AWXDhxN9KMOoLehEtH2XwEig0mj6s9x_ztYWaMGzXotOQYf66ns/s1600/IMG_4043(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx_KsBthPOmNjMSFhYqc8qYfgOvUwE1xhYsPibVr5N5Wb7EC0-sTNe_9_npTEvNJNc9UlhbMBZ7fmpNSQdn8iNmw9AWXDhxN9KMOoLehEtH2XwEig0mj6s9x_ztYWaMGzXotOQYf66ns/s400/IMG_4043(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Branches leaning on top roof prevented tree from falling further in to the house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steel beam in window prevented the tree from further crashing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtApbRNxtbeVePH3Ca2ww8ykTTNJEHEFUoTMoUBVXAuZiuFlWBXAGlcJ7F6dYTS9fyxgE8p8IDhUbC1QQYZuTAXnCNxgc0RVeVo3CEMWm57ejC3agoHv5cgz0a8FyAeKF2b6FM-kDdagY/s1600/IMG_4033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtApbRNxtbeVePH3Ca2ww8ykTTNJEHEFUoTMoUBVXAuZiuFlWBXAGlcJ7F6dYTS9fyxgE8p8IDhUbC1QQYZuTAXnCNxgc0RVeVo3CEMWm57ejC3agoHv5cgz0a8FyAeKF2b6FM-kDdagY/s400/IMG_4033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck held roots slightly to prevent tree being uprooted more and falling more in to house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4orh3VNfSLkyI7zTn-HqoUd-SdA_YCTgblVM4ipf05eva5Fuq-ItpnxdW7nTBcnslcPafFAD2SjTiBbgnh3eiNe6OSFME2qOxgqm3_848-lbCmvClqTzj4RLNAgwuSplIJtpfpiue8bI/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4orh3VNfSLkyI7zTn-HqoUd-SdA_YCTgblVM4ipf05eva5Fuq-ItpnxdW7nTBcnslcPafFAD2SjTiBbgnh3eiNe6OSFME2qOxgqm3_848-lbCmvClqTzj4RLNAgwuSplIJtpfpiue8bI/s400/IMG_6477.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Follow building codes people, they are there for a reason</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1Qs0lPqshqf58PGkxR1SJ6xAv9V1pKHhvvI9PtpKM64oqRMhwAiGZWSARN_oTOBsYbUUu-jtzrh6HdniRn_rleIjkAQwnEpxloGsEZAOfKK6JzTd3MyMI4IJwrbdo1M05XGSYXy-Z2A/s1600/IMG_6468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1Qs0lPqshqf58PGkxR1SJ6xAv9V1pKHhvvI9PtpKM64oqRMhwAiGZWSARN_oTOBsYbUUu-jtzrh6HdniRn_rleIjkAQwnEpxloGsEZAOfKK6JzTd3MyMI4IJwrbdo1M05XGSYXy-Z2A/s400/IMG_6468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Insurance won't cover all yard cleanup.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkKlWT18UKO2G8OTUgqawqSCP7ahuhr3SITMVZwnZMjgeABCqbC4ltjMVOhIrmfN2zzmUo3A5YT-Biyu183RN6_SWjPldsBmhp9_Rh86ds0PixxHu50xWr8qOUFQ8D6Yheqv-j24asE4/s1600/IMG_6467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkKlWT18UKO2G8OTUgqawqSCP7ahuhr3SITMVZwnZMjgeABCqbC4ltjMVOhIrmfN2zzmUo3A5YT-Biyu183RN6_SWjPldsBmhp9_Rh86ds0PixxHu50xWr8qOUFQ8D6Yheqv-j24asE4/s400/IMG_6467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Doctor in the house? You might not be able to get to the hospital in such an emergency.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPAq5hg7DM3QQtEhxd0OH0NIjJhgzkLqvUiBPLOzBeAqU691E3UdDNHa95BB9OgmhH-G1V3KXkAKPn44T8Nq_Pv9n3SrUWTUp53-wSSMRITaDvYyO7GiR0xU_evY9RwHjF7oE-0zW6Y4/s1600/IMG_4024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPAq5hg7DM3QQtEhxd0OH0NIjJhgzkLqvUiBPLOzBeAqU691E3UdDNHa95BB9OgmhH-G1V3KXkAKPn44T8Nq_Pv9n3SrUWTUp53-wSSMRITaDvYyO7GiR0xU_evY9RwHjF7oE-0zW6Y4/s400/IMG_4024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys usually go to bed after 9pm.</td></tr>
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I had to go to the hospital the next day as the trees and hurricane blocked the EMTs from driving anywhere. Luckily I wasn't bleeding and was conscious.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCPYZJMCy5fHTBc4UboMTGjJCy5fI77KClluKwu-9kLlzbv-wrzw7Vm4_sbMz8D-P7MVEx59a_rc3pUWXykP985gXeeD5fydV554gHO0Faty7TcEajH9vXnRFBbwOz6Gh-t1qhgHrLWI/s1600/IMG_4023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCPYZJMCy5fHTBc4UboMTGjJCy5fI77KClluKwu-9kLlzbv-wrzw7Vm4_sbMz8D-P7MVEx59a_rc3pUWXykP985gXeeD5fydV554gHO0Faty7TcEajH9vXnRFBbwOz6Gh-t1qhgHrLWI/s400/IMG_4023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys were bored and Mike was reading to them in bed at 8pm</td></tr>
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I got checked out at the hospital the next day and I got a minor concussion. But the ER was packed, people were waiting for ages (doctors couldn't get in to the ER).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YAD99Tay577ycqyz8Q0HK8te2fHQAvKukwP18wEjJtuc6qrHdJLXSezwM5lo7sm7_r-sXqWnau1uPSUoIRzlHArCxk4mmuohhUyP7lWVaL97R3PVJtbtFgPBlDDkmHw0czOx5dqtI1Y/s1600/IMG_4000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YAD99Tay577ycqyz8Q0HK8te2fHQAvKukwP18wEjJtuc6qrHdJLXSezwM5lo7sm7_r-sXqWnau1uPSUoIRzlHArCxk4mmuohhUyP7lWVaL97R3PVJtbtFgPBlDDkmHw0czOx5dqtI1Y/s400/IMG_4000.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys would have been sitting on this couch usually at that time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I heard kids screaming in the ER - the sound it is almost unbearable. I can't imagine dealing with my kids screaming in an ER.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8NmhFERjbaPJ8gq1KFWOaBTJiKSIXWHPL-521dRsuVuBP4WTkcHYeXHD-Fr7Fv7vSUQKuKVL9Ek76T1EMBqLs4FaDchbEA7uWycB_kurIIqSLz4gyNZVSlGVNIew6I8zElVuJF5v500/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8NmhFERjbaPJ8gq1KFWOaBTJiKSIXWHPL-521dRsuVuBP4WTkcHYeXHD-Fr7Fv7vSUQKuKVL9Ek76T1EMBqLs4FaDchbEA7uWycB_kurIIqSLz4gyNZVSlGVNIew6I8zElVuJF5v500/s400/IMG_4002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got hit by debris flying at me at 60mph +, only a minor concussion so far.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was sitting on the couch when the tree crashed through the room and landed next to me on the otherside of the couch. The rest of the family had just gone upstairs 15 minutes earlier.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtLWZizd88jLegrFJ7KAPiv6CcNU1mIKxkCXl7oJD7tMYEifnsjnX-T-4gFIlDqlNat0a9Q24QQf10F6qlKdvdjTGbdMYj-L340kGbkATkiFygSlhpE85jg4Wq5Cxy66a8RE4DtO-CK8/s1600/IMG_4004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtLWZizd88jLegrFJ7KAPiv6CcNU1mIKxkCXl7oJD7tMYEifnsjnX-T-4gFIlDqlNat0a9Q24QQf10F6qlKdvdjTGbdMYj-L340kGbkATkiFygSlhpE85jg4Wq5Cxy66a8RE4DtO-CK8/s400/IMG_4004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We weren't meant to find a generator otherwise we would all be in the living room</td></tr>
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We were looking for a generator desperately one week prior. We found an outrageously overpriced tiny one that Mike decided to not get, otherwise we would all be sitting on the couch watching tv.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5MHA0VO8BrK-5OQYCjIBPeKcJV9DbrbwzAT-ZD8KPUvc38NWf8eSo1X9sJcRd8FalXeUdo1LIe8BE18Dl2xAP_bQEcv4FgT4rGJ3OL_cAEmI-gw7awaYx678OYw3GkYpEEiDWusN_c4/s1600/IMG_4007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY5MHA0VO8BrK-5OQYCjIBPeKcJV9DbrbwzAT-ZD8KPUvc38NWf8eSo1X9sJcRd8FalXeUdo1LIe8BE18Dl2xAP_bQEcv4FgT4rGJ3OL_cAEmI-gw7awaYx678OYw3GkYpEEiDWusN_c4/s400/IMG_4007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't imagine having my kids experience anything like this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cBUJI8S1oyyGeDLLRiJuZk9flmq9wdkaHbJIjHLBKp4u9S9yvGcAf5VrPKQbeMx9PBROXngORfTb4EOL8rB-QqHoW4iwY0NtNFewxIDJDgOuJnJRhqRTdNzDYOadqRP11dE-8nYM5ss/s1600/IMG_4021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cBUJI8S1oyyGeDLLRiJuZk9flmq9wdkaHbJIjHLBKp4u9S9yvGcAf5VrPKQbeMx9PBROXngORfTb4EOL8rB-QqHoW4iwY0NtNFewxIDJDgOuJnJRhqRTdNzDYOadqRP11dE-8nYM5ss/s400/IMG_4021.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would do it all again the same way to prevent kids from being in that room.</td></tr>
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Especially after I heard kids screaming in the ER.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaLf_WTFeQnrVigjpAE15Nxgf5XniRN8SL0EW-UQDAtUvadqEvpvdekfe0KRM_6N-cDADU-98LzFL_j7i5dmPiIFFUQyaRD9w0DDBxS5YmUkERr1oIMACnwRJ9x7db7_SFmYPqtcRLSY/s1600/IMG_4023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnaLf_WTFeQnrVigjpAE15Nxgf5XniRN8SL0EW-UQDAtUvadqEvpvdekfe0KRM_6N-cDADU-98LzFL_j7i5dmPiIFFUQyaRD9w0DDBxS5YmUkERr1oIMACnwRJ9x7db7_SFmYPqtcRLSY/s400/IMG_4023.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get the chills thinking my boys could have experienced this disaster in the living room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We appear to be on the highest point in our neighborhood and must have experienced full force of 60+mph winds. Lower properties might have experienced less wind, or broken wind (ok doesn't sound right).<br />
<br />
I will post more updates as I get more time. I appreciate all your time reading this and thinking of me and my family.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
Vicki<br />
<br /></div>
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Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-43647934934471490952012-11-05T21:23:00.001-05:002016-05-25T20:44:32.686-04:00Hurricane Sandy disaster in New Jersey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We got hit, that is why I haven't updated this blog. But more importantly I was almost killed instantly and the family escaped and I only have minor concussion. We were so prepared for the Hurricane but never imagined this. Before and after pics here. More updates soon.<br />
<br />
XO<br />
<br />
I was sitting on this couch in one corner (near the glass of wine) and the tree landed in the other corner of the couch. Normally I would sit in the other corner but the candles were closer to the other side. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqsf5EqgFbr6ThgdJp2mNvstdUov9fpRZiHiFr4fLBe_S7LhQ4m4hhNWzBsnZdniQPM8DSdSVR9IjPm-Ggn1vl5tLuEF4TcFZsAqhMTHTyfNSNG4xyypRnV9dNLpQX1KGr1krpYtxb-U/s1600/IMG_6455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqsf5EqgFbr6ThgdJp2mNvstdUov9fpRZiHiFr4fLBe_S7LhQ4m4hhNWzBsnZdniQPM8DSdSVR9IjPm-Ggn1vl5tLuEF4TcFZsAqhMTHTyfNSNG4xyypRnV9dNLpQX1KGr1krpYtxb-U/s320/IMG_6455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before pic, we were so prepared. Reading by candlelight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were desperately trying to find a generator a week before the storm and all stocks were gone, so we prepared as best as we could and weathered it. We cleaned up all loose items outside, got canned foods ready and so on.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzsO1MF8amWKcyrMHXHG8GFha15rd8TN_HKGeRc0Kv2OTq4qTr93aKR489xdJmzn6uKgnGsbnltrmrQRZDJdikthaTJcOGuhIb6I0UJ3u2GwZ-MqfyMfbooadpvQhKePdh79TxKkdq-Q/s1600/IMG_6457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzsO1MF8amWKcyrMHXHG8GFha15rd8TN_HKGeRc0Kv2OTq4qTr93aKR489xdJmzn6uKgnGsbnltrmrQRZDJdikthaTJcOGuhIb6I0UJ3u2GwZ-MqfyMfbooadpvQhKePdh79TxKkdq-Q/s320/IMG_6457.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We read to the kids, later they were bored and went upstairs early.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If we had found a generator we would have had entertainment and all would be sitting on the couches. My kids almost never go to bed before 9.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCwLzldi8sK6VeQdaTu3TR7iltZBINLHly2VVbufJZ5E2wLB3Cf4lQ-Ctts4L44UIghLt0Y54vvh_BSMJhdMfjXQu8DoXP98InJk0B3C1XZH3YNUZnl-ox1G3w4GzrOW0BZlCVPCgJIU/s1600/IMG_6456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCwLzldi8sK6VeQdaTu3TR7iltZBINLHly2VVbufJZ5E2wLB3Cf4lQ-Ctts4L44UIghLt0Y54vvh_BSMJhdMfjXQu8DoXP98InJk0B3C1XZH3YNUZnl-ox1G3w4GzrOW0BZlCVPCgJIU/s320/IMG_6456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They read by flashlight and turned in extra early, luckily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't imagine dealing with the situation of kids getting hurt.<br />
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlmXR9R9gm2GBKUiQJhlQp5NoN84P_4JxyeTjXQl9oLzKZ1J98tHpwW6EVA7pz63cabfSgOSWWzOBUp4rpDSFllg9cuiEOb77qR_5eAIbeLL9oap_UOpELPvZ67SGrzXHRWZVtYU99lg/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlmXR9R9gm2GBKUiQJhlQp5NoN84P_4JxyeTjXQl9oLzKZ1J98tHpwW6EVA7pz63cabfSgOSWWzOBUp4rpDSFllg9cuiEOb77qR_5eAIbeLL9oap_UOpELPvZ67SGrzXHRWZVtYU99lg/s320/IMG_6459.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8:23 pic, after the disaster, police were here and I took this pic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I got hit in the head by debris flying around the room at hurricane speeds. I got a minor concussion and my head hurt for weeks. I didn't get hit by the tree, or I wouldn't have survived.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisW2uBQMN2e1XQVuXSOwfI2_A8Nxv2EPFOvhxe2dc6i-I8q-Eham40tP5UkUGsXGDcvEBk1kc_x5fuOMrz5ltubY4EPT68WEWzC4ow0OSYB4RSkQ7cqNAsVtem8VJkc4Jy5QBplr-gBg/s1600/IMG_6458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiisW2uBQMN2e1XQVuXSOwfI2_A8Nxv2EPFOvhxe2dc6i-I8q-Eham40tP5UkUGsXGDcvEBk1kc_x5fuOMrz5ltubY4EPT68WEWzC4ow0OSYB4RSkQ7cqNAsVtem8VJkc4Jy5QBplr-gBg/s320/IMG_6458.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another pic, must have happened 8:15 ish, I was on the couch.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If the tree hadn't stopped at the upper levels then I would have been crushed by the building and debris.<br />
<h4 id="limits-on-calories-that-remain-after-food-group-needs-are-met-in" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #008a00; font-family: 'noto serif', serif; font-size: 1.35em; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 1.5em;">
<a href="http://ow.ly/X5nN300AI6J" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">A gift T-shirt for your </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#hearts</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#heart</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#love</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#bff</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#valentine</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#cute</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#girl</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> ow.ly/X5nN300AI6J rl </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#romance</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #211922; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "ヒラギノ角ゴ pro w3" , "hiragino kaku gothic pro" , , "meiryo" , "ms pゴシック" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> , what will YOU get in return? </span><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: normal;">#wedding</span></span></a><span style="color: #444444;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-40423853572939106612012-10-22T12:54:00.000-04:002015-03-03T16:40:16.873-05:00Brite nites in Warren, NJ.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We've been busy with the fall activities lately. One of our favorites is the Brite Nites Halloween display and Scary house. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;">Over 1,000 carved and lighted pumpkins! A Haunted House showcase that will spook you to your bones. Treats and refreshments in the Black Hat Café. Entertainment to get you in the Spirit of Halloween. O</span><span class="Apple-style-span">nly for 2 weekends end of October. We made it this year and we LOVED it. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 23px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wagner Farm Arboretum’s Brite Nites Event appeals to all ages.</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All proceeds from Brite Nites will be used to maintain the Arboretum and expand educational programs related to gardening and preserving nature. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get tickets in advance from http://www.wfafnj.org/</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below are our favorite pictures from the nite.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
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Hundreds more displays, you MUST check it out at least once. I didn't take photos in the haunted house but it was equally fabulous.<br />
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XO<br />
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-14649746237929437752012-10-12T11:34:00.001-04:002015-03-03T16:40:24.927-05:00Job description:Mom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I read a funny article in parents recently that made me laugh and think. Moms dont give themselves enough credit and minimize their role. However Moms have some amazing skills, think about it, after all who has the below skills.<br />
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I couldn't resist showing it here, credit to Parents Nov 2012, Sarah Schmelling.<br />
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Have a good weekend!<br />
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XO<br />
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-90404835776214264282012-10-07T12:33:00.001-04:002015-03-03T16:40:34.424-05:00Bringing up bêbe - part 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;">I see you all agree with me on part 1 of this Book Review… I got no comments, so I
assume you must all agree with French child rearing? How wonderful for US/French
relations and for the author Pamela Druckerman! Are the French right again? Or perhaps people are content with their
styles and not bothering with the latest parenting fad?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Either
way, I found it an interesting read and worth considering, at the very least.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">No mother is perfect.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> We logically know this is true, but do we
really follow this principal? Of course not we hope this is true and
acceptable, but just in case, we go the extra mile. If we burn out, then
perhaps we will be sainted? The French are more realistic, assume they won't achieve
sainthood, and try not to burn themselves out. After all, there are no
perfect Moms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Parenting involves a framework.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a framework called “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">cadre”</b>
that is central to French parenting philosophy. The French enforce a few important
rules strictly and ignore the rest (the “naughty” things).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Another concept is that the child inherently will do dumb/naughty
things (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bêtises</b>) throughout their
childhood, which are therefore accepted and ignored. This is most likely why
the French are rarely heard yelling at their kids. Americans often assume the
kid’s naughtiness is a factor of how well they have taught them,
assuming again that kids are blank slates and we imbed everything in them.
Therefore, if a kid does something naughty, then perhaps we weren't clear about
the rules with them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Kids are people too, and they speak to them as if they understand
from newborns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence, they are expected
to say <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hello</b>, Goodbye, Please and
Thank you to all other people they meet on all occasions (not babies of course, but starting
from when they can speak).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if they
are shy, they must say these things, and to people young or old. American kids may or may not, depending on
their mood, which does not enamor them to people (French folk in particular, I
guess).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to force my kids to do
this but my US hubby doesn’t feel pressured to do this, so it fell by the
wayside in our house <strike>[not true]</strike>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Kids are expected to reject a food a dozen times or so, and
parents will keep serving a dish a couple dozen times until the child gets used
to a taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also, during meals kids aren’t
given any snacks or dessert (only during afternoon snack), so a child is
encouraged to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">taste everything</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parents will also not serve mono diets (diets
of only a couple of dishes or ingredients) and will mix diets so much that some
foods are served only once a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also,
kids often eat separately from the parents. Parents will also feed their
children in courses, giving veggies first to take advantage of when they are
starving. Parents will cook snacks (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">gouters</b>)
together with the kids, so kids get used to respecting ingredients and foods as
well as get used to cooking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Parents <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do not accompany</b> kids to play dates or
birthdays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kind of like this
rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You get some ‘me’ time during the play
date and learn to let go of any parental anxieties of kid’s behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also it is cheaper for birthday parties (<st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country> parties
often cost $200-400 per party and include costs for parents). This is a part of
fostering independence in the child but is also somewhat in a monitored
situation till they are adults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">They also live more for the moment, enjoying the finer but simpler
things in life that surely is ‘French’. They will do things like sign their
kids up for sleep away camps from 5 yrs old. Americans won't do this until the
kids are in middle school or above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They will encourage independence from a young age and assume the child
will have his own life and privacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
allows for more ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Adult time’</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Adult time seems to occur every day in the
evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids are put in their rooms
(not necessarily to sleep) and the parents are left alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids can do what they want but should be sleeping;
otherwise they will be tired the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Parents don’t enforce this, as the child will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">learn</i> this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I wish my kids
and husband will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">learn</i> this </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">As a last resort French parents fall on the adage of “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">it’s me who decides</b>”. Kids get a lot
of freedom and are allowed bêtises, but the parent decides at the end of
the day any issue (usually within a cadre). In particular, the French cadre
includes things about kid’s appearance, kid’s meals, respecting others
and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Americans parents get so
involved that they almost live their kid’s lives. The French will
parent according to the cadre and they will let the kid live his life. I.e.,
don't interfere in the child’s experiences and try to save them from life
experiences and growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Again I am not sure I agree with all of the points in this book, but it is interesting to compare the parenting cultures and read someone who studied what the differences might be. I think there is much more to parenting differences than just those in this book, but it is a starting point.</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> XO</o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Read immediately by getting an ecopy now: </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span>
<span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-23744281728137302722012-09-29T12:19:00.003-04:002015-03-03T16:40:45.477-05:00Making a Birthday special.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pre-kids I never realized how important a kids birthday is to the parents. Of course parents gave birth but it was supposed to be your day and you were allowed to think about yourself, mainly. Now as a parent, I try to make the birthday for the child special but also enjoy the memories it brings of that special time in our lives.<br />
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For a birthday everyone knows that birthday cake is usually involved and often a birthday party. But how about the below ideas also? We have difficult days for birthday parties, one during mid summer and one around Thanksgiving. If for whatever reason you can't have a large party or want to add to the festivities then check out the below.<br />
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Write 'Happy Birthday Name' on the driveway for the person, the mailman, the delivery guy and all the neighborhood to see the birthday sign. Fluoro or glow in the dark chalk will also 'impress' the passers by. My preschooler helped coloring in the lines.<br />
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Birthday banners can be made or bought. We did both and scattered them around the house, both inside and out.<br />
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We made some of our decorations cause we love crafting. So we made home made stars and hung them on the doorways and windows.<br />
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The preschooler and I cut strips of colored paper with the shaped scissors and attached a balloon. I got my husband to help with the ladder to stick them to the ceiling every 3ft or so, it looked much nicer than appears in the below shot. For some reason my high/ceiling shots don't come out as well (maybe no focal point?).<br />
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Also while he was sleeping the night before his birthday we blew up balloons and scattered them all over his room, so he woke up with a nice surprise. I didn't take too many pics but I think you get the picture.</div>
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Also we hung streamers all over his bedroom door, so he walked through a streamer curtain when he got out of the room, also missing that image.</div>
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Party or not there must be cake and we usually order one from our local supermarket bakery or you can make it yourself.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Birthday poster on the wall in front of the kids table.</td></tr>
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On the day he got to choose all meals, including where he wanted to eat and what he wanted to do. Minimal rules and he got to eat candy between meals etc. Something to differentiate the day from the usual day to day. Make sure you tell the restaurant that you are celebrating a restaurant for a round of Happy Birthday.</div>
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We bought a 'Its my birthday button' and made him wear it on the day. So anyone he would meet would wish him a happy birthday. Or you could make a birthday hat. We also got a birthday pre recorded message for our birthday boy too. One other idea we never got to is to write a birthday letter to your child, perhaps next year. </div>
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Happy Birthday Stephen! </div>
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May your future birthday planning be easy and fun too!</div>
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XO</div>
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</div>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-29255524973796401312012-09-21T15:09:00.000-04:002015-03-03T16:40:53.539-05:00Bringing up Bébé<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black;">I loved reading this book, “Bringing up Bébé,” written by Pamela
Druckerman. A lot of what she said describes how I was raised (by
European parents), but no one does this anymore (in the English
speaking western world). We all dutifully follow around our kids and
'helicopter' them. Sad really, and I kind of I wish I had read it sooner,
although I don't agree with all of the ideas in the book. We didn't have lots
of friends with kids before we had the first. The few family members we have
nearby weren’t involved with us. Other friends, schools, doctors and
community also followed the same parenting style, or critiqued our style, our
kids or both.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Waiting</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;">as a parenting strategy. From the
time they are newborns, French parents wait for a moment before responding to a
cry to see what the cry might be about, and this is opposite to what the
doctors tell us in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> <st1:place u2:st="on"><st1:country -region="-region" u2:st="on"></st1:country></st1:place></span><st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country>.
They tell us to respond immediately to a baby's cry and that you can't
spoil them by responding to their needs. They also teach that the baby's
self esteem comes from how 'quickly' you respond to their needs. At one
end of the spectrum is neglect and the other end is rushing at a cry - I am
guessing the AAP assumes there is no in between. I guess it’s better to be safe
than sorry? However, French kids raised with this strategy get more
opportunities for practise self control, and more time to settle themselves and
practice waiting.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Babies are gently encouraged to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>sleep</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>nights from an older newborn age.
Parents wait longer and longer during cries, and soon the baby sleeps
nights. La Leche League would frown on this, so I breast fed on-demand
day and night, but felt miserable for months from exhaustion. Who has the
luxury to take naps during the day for months on end as LLL suggests? <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Babies are thought to have some 'intuition or understanding,' and parents
respond to them as if they are tiny<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>little
humans</b>. That is unlike the 'clean slate' babies we think we bore. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Children are expected to have some
privacy and parents don’t expect to be involved in all the child’s experiences
and thoughts.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> Perhaps
because they have been in day care since they were babies, this also allows to
parents to separate a little easier. Perhaps some separation anxiety is actually
parental anxiety?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Babies are put on a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>feeding</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>plan including 4 meals a day; this is not
for the newborns, but they make older babies wait longer and longer until they
are eating/nursing 4 meals a day. Then, since the baby will be hungry, it
will eat a more varied diet and be a little less bored during meals. Also, the
French get their kids involved in cooking and preparing food from a very young
age. Dessert or snacks is one of the meals (the afternoon meal of course), so
the kids don't feel deprived and gorge on candy. The<span class="apple-converted-space"> <st1:country -region="-region" u2:st="on"><st1:place u2:st="on"></st1:place></st1:country></span><st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is criticized for giving snacks every
hour or two for kids in almost every kids program or class. <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The French also give up<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>breastfeeding</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a little too soon for my comfort, but
the mother’s sanity and convenience are paramount for them - it is inconvenient
to have a breast available for all meals, for months on end. AAP suggests
breastfeeding for at least a year, and please look at the LLL website for more
information on the paramount importance of breastfeeding. However, there
is something tempting in just considering your own needs first before deciding
on a strategy that might be cumbersome in the future.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The French love their<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>day
care</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and crèches - staff are trained,
well loved and respected professionals. The French put their babies in
crèche from as early as possible. This is opposite to what we do here in
the<span class="apple-converted-space"> <st1:country -region="-region" u2:st="on"><st1:place u2:st="on"></st1:place></st1:country></span><st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country>.
We wait till as late as possible to go back to work and try to work part
or flex time. The merit here is that the system is helping take care of
the kids while you work, while here in the US, it is very cumbersome to take
care of kids (such as during summer) and work a full time job. A lot of
families have only one job because they can't find affordable quality care for
the time they are not in school. So if you did want to go back to work
after having kids, then you could. <u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">French women resume their pre-baby identities and <b>lifestyles</b>. They lose weight as soon as possible and wear the same clothes they had before the baby. There are no mom jeans or sweats worn as a stay at home mom. They resume their pre baby lifestyles too. Seems like they want as little lifestyle to change as possible. The American parents seem to morph in to a separate being after childbirth. Different clothes, buys organic food, mom & baby activities etc.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><u1:p>This concludes part one of my book review, as there is so
much to discuss. Of course I expect some responses from you folks, especially
if you have heard of or read the book.</u1:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><o:p> XO</o:p></span></div>
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-73719903637291621552012-09-14T11:39:00.001-04:002015-03-03T16:44:36.272-05:00Favorite photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfcNM1_QV4TVSKdEfelzFQanxxbmAYDQ81P4uP1ht-z3lMxB4JoXhq9a9-xWW5tBtDrv_Ky2XrLsQTXPlNgynQ6-TPU6-1o1sAXX0UqVmWRFuZn1PEQEXL2OK95IXnM6Nn9ZqzSev0M4/s1600/IMG_6115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfcNM1_QV4TVSKdEfelzFQanxxbmAYDQ81P4uP1ht-z3lMxB4JoXhq9a9-xWW5tBtDrv_Ky2XrLsQTXPlNgynQ6-TPU6-1o1sAXX0UqVmWRFuZn1PEQEXL2OK95IXnM6Nn9ZqzSev0M4/s320/IMG_6115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My younger son going to school!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRntXwphL9IskKCyjKDwpkwGJHFGAI4iDO8QYgCxYn2-YzyNXyuGeYf7ivGbTCMbY3iR-Ad7MZu8yz-zvjhEjojNVePNMYUc0ZvThp-jHu8MbhzOJUr5NAEzGThcEk7EZSIngBwV__3I/s1600/IMG_6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRntXwphL9IskKCyjKDwpkwGJHFGAI4iDO8QYgCxYn2-YzyNXyuGeYf7ivGbTCMbY3iR-Ad7MZu8yz-zvjhEjojNVePNMYUc0ZvThp-jHu8MbhzOJUr5NAEzGThcEk7EZSIngBwV__3I/s320/IMG_6120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Hubby's pizza, YUM.<br />
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My Greek salad with zucchini flowers<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWowHtgKovOWWsjgIAJoqIoxIO_K6_MM2TY6VWnGfcPbIaIZ1YiqycmmXrFa6Z9ZtqD1uKvlfTKbjFyqjE9BbhwsQ3i8yQRjdnZ0zanNk2wac2o5_3fQMEYUrcC0vZKGgN6ZejWlpb8Es/s1600/IMG_6122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWowHtgKovOWWsjgIAJoqIoxIO_K6_MM2TY6VWnGfcPbIaIZ1YiqycmmXrFa6Z9ZtqD1uKvlfTKbjFyqjE9BbhwsQ3i8yQRjdnZ0zanNk2wac2o5_3fQMEYUrcC0vZKGgN6ZejWlpb8Es/s320/IMG_6122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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DH's plain and pepperoni pizza slices!</div>
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Older son going to school!</div>
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Kayak on the bay.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQILOED2-b1wZnVWMl4BGkC5t_hnf3X_W9Y9k6eIe_P_Qzt8vppMVKoJfauOrTBJ0pzeYnmdZfnXKUVaD0FwXf628a8kPobDxW3wK7zpSpGs0twi8bfrKq2m0MPqQl02gVLPPL-Gok_V0/s1600/IMG_5998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQILOED2-b1wZnVWMl4BGkC5t_hnf3X_W9Y9k6eIe_P_Qzt8vppMVKoJfauOrTBJ0pzeYnmdZfnXKUVaD0FwXf628a8kPobDxW3wK7zpSpGs0twi8bfrKq2m0MPqQl02gVLPPL-Gok_V0/s320/IMG_5998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bay beach fun.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ3zto71eiWXD-PHVBd13-lN-BmGAi7B42EwneQoHaxWoQotJUBnR7juKMnHSv6opqAphMsW0c0bnK3vIh0qNkkySaSnZr_3ghX6fEyff1zwGTUSE3hRMMw-t3phlqg35FJoLmR6qGTg/s1600/IMG_5903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJ3zto71eiWXD-PHVBd13-lN-BmGAi7B42EwneQoHaxWoQotJUBnR7juKMnHSv6opqAphMsW0c0bnK3vIh0qNkkySaSnZr_3ghX6fEyff1zwGTUSE3hRMMw-t3phlqg35FJoLmR6qGTg/s320/IMG_5903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Body boarding on a surf beach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP0mWSlJV9Lg_NmAEphhOBHy4jmvjTuaO4ufObwusyo7_mcOKfQQ5i3_2IG1MxHKGWJ8X9KJEZWT7RWHuxhzPzjn5jkq3mFpkykAx1cR0435pBfhjo5i8Rg4wAmuA67YZmaBq4Z9oyIE/s1600/IMG_5896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP0mWSlJV9Lg_NmAEphhOBHy4jmvjTuaO4ufObwusyo7_mcOKfQQ5i3_2IG1MxHKGWJ8X9KJEZWT7RWHuxhzPzjn5jkq3mFpkykAx1cR0435pBfhjo5i8Rg4wAmuA67YZmaBq4Z9oyIE/s320/IMG_5896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sun during storm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3s7Io5dkTZlRXwOdqagnC_ikw7-4WyRb5b5cSYPiboivYe2rcuocIBjmDDAVUKXgbXJSLqy63HD-WonArnhj2qpcqZuAXCVvyQ0DwHZPevmofuf74WQOjHpzP-xpS43cMjjo2Ic_oY8/s1600/IMG_5900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3s7Io5dkTZlRXwOdqagnC_ikw7-4WyRb5b5cSYPiboivYe2rcuocIBjmDDAVUKXgbXJSLqy63HD-WonArnhj2qpcqZuAXCVvyQ0DwHZPevmofuf74WQOjHpzP-xpS43cMjjo2Ic_oY8/s320/IMG_5900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Early full yellow moon.</div>
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Lazy days of summer</div>
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Relatives with fabulous pool!</div>
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XO</div>
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-88598596055219529562012-08-30T12:53:00.004-04:002015-03-03T16:41:01.096-05:00What we are eating lately<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love to eat (a little too much sometimes) so I cook what I want to eat. I am a practical cook focusing on healthy meals (mostly) and organic natural ingredients. I get the biggest buzz feeding my family foods that I harvest from my organic garden and fill their bellies. I would say that I don't cook just because I love cooking, or follow many culinary rules (right now). I try to follow general rules/recipes but invariably I don't have an ingredient or tool and 'make do' somehow.</div>
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Below are some pics from some of the dishes we have been eating lately. Hope you enjoy them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jVpRLKGfjOw7TzFUceOLNuD-jLs0Zs3e9hLtVLqEOkD_YZgzA7KT5ZG5iQciBOTZfA3ujpLPsMh9tlyYBgqQEmMGrJVDOnA_kSXe8lNbDxGkaWyTzhV50_WS8EVC9VCKJNK2VjZqR_I/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jVpRLKGfjOw7TzFUceOLNuD-jLs0Zs3e9hLtVLqEOkD_YZgzA7KT5ZG5iQciBOTZfA3ujpLPsMh9tlyYBgqQEmMGrJVDOnA_kSXe8lNbDxGkaWyTzhV50_WS8EVC9VCKJNK2VjZqR_I/s640/IMG_5532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greek salad with homegrown lettuce, multicolored heirloom tomatoes, onions, chives, dressed with feta, olive oil and sesame seeds (add pine nuts if it is a main meal).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxofPfxyj6neDvGJVWAxbjv0yHuiNV6kYD867puXMyl4toVS35JFcfgtGPtpwm9uXOHeReLLx2NhfsB3KV8bFYm07cFYmwR96jbkkZD2xjYchvm8Cz_w87do6ZUM38tWg5s98OacRHlIQ/s1600/IMG_5472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxofPfxyj6neDvGJVWAxbjv0yHuiNV6kYD867puXMyl4toVS35JFcfgtGPtpwm9uXOHeReLLx2NhfsB3KV8bFYm07cFYmwR96jbkkZD2xjYchvm8Cz_w87do6ZUM38tWg5s98OacRHlIQ/s640/IMG_5472.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Another version of my Greek salad before dressings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02hZgbiRfg3yxns-Q2jI3x7BhfcWM96uGr_tnAOVSozGArDTxv5PjKWIx4uzBoG5oOUrKp7knatZBaZ46AVbBTe-ix8kRTDZDyaiUNzkpLPX_1OUZy5RMzoBkSZtvPMJJpaNjH-oRKq8/s1600/IMG_5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02hZgbiRfg3yxns-Q2jI3x7BhfcWM96uGr_tnAOVSozGArDTxv5PjKWIx4uzBoG5oOUrKp7knatZBaZ46AVbBTe-ix8kRTDZDyaiUNzkpLPX_1OUZy5RMzoBkSZtvPMJJpaNjH-oRKq8/s640/IMG_5534.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green, white, red, yellow, orange and purple organic heirloom tomatoes cooked in onion & garlic saute with canola oil topped with farrn eggs (poaching them kind of).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHYvjW6saF32JJgirq-OkRq95xL1Ze0KGkjzpzO3TIYFmPjScAentc75CMEujH1dAtH3ROiACJaaEce6I9UYcnnn2XHynG4SSjqulaHyQCFNPxRafHSjw24h1j_QBXGJEdf4MbJu5r7k/s1600/IMG_5505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJHYvjW6saF32JJgirq-OkRq95xL1Ze0KGkjzpzO3TIYFmPjScAentc75CMEujH1dAtH3ROiACJaaEce6I9UYcnnn2XHynG4SSjqulaHyQCFNPxRafHSjw24h1j_QBXGJEdf4MbJu5r7k/s640/IMG_5505.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another variant of the above but with kale, was cooked longer than this pic shows.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogPMNtaDaywhM9m7LoNVa3cYMCEq0ssnWSDvNdGSGyJ7isdOGscBIieEcYa0i0ey5r7nCT0giFnj9GrJ59DTWPjZ5HLcDBlr3OluO-nPLC69vVbzzdG_s5NfkeQVZTvCCGDwQMbAaQ6Q/s1600/IMG_5473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjogPMNtaDaywhM9m7LoNVa3cYMCEq0ssnWSDvNdGSGyJ7isdOGscBIieEcYa0i0ey5r7nCT0giFnj9GrJ59DTWPjZ5HLcDBlr3OluO-nPLC69vVbzzdG_s5NfkeQVZTvCCGDwQMbAaQ6Q/s640/IMG_5473.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffed veggies, I will stuff peppers, tomatoes, (sometimes eggplant & zuchini too) with rice, nuts, tomatoes, herbs and canola oil and then bake. As a general rule I cook with canola as it has a higher cooking temp than olive oil but I prefer and use olive oil everywhere else. You can make big batches of these and they freeze well too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR-y3pakJhOFe11QgcV-SLTzD-GEaKlCyU_Y0sxY9mJnGBatZoeWlMqRdAy9ZSrc4In3LJ9lFwnxPEzJF6pW_97PI2oYxpQUS5uY23ynHzKEZQZc6q3ib3MQD7dRHeWVAS7jXJAhgXFo/s1600/IMG_5476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWR-y3pakJhOFe11QgcV-SLTzD-GEaKlCyU_Y0sxY9mJnGBatZoeWlMqRdAy9ZSrc4In3LJ9lFwnxPEzJF6pW_97PI2oYxpQUS5uY23ynHzKEZQZc6q3ib3MQD7dRHeWVAS7jXJAhgXFo/s640/IMG_5476.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kale saute with onion, garlic, oil. Delish and super healthy, if only you can smell these dishes cooking!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXndEHHysgnZDvRXhzBqZKSFY2JftR-QfmRL-vH1Hlb8tiIOdQJyq_lXNmQSPgCG8-bxGClqcpQauVr25-8LfYwMhLstUOx-K_sOqSVPYWPPC1qnflYpgRGd-lIU66Y89bP-nyTRvcg8/s1600/IMG_5478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXndEHHysgnZDvRXhzBqZKSFY2JftR-QfmRL-vH1Hlb8tiIOdQJyq_lXNmQSPgCG8-bxGClqcpQauVr25-8LfYwMhLstUOx-K_sOqSVPYWPPC1qnflYpgRGd-lIU66Y89bP-nyTRvcg8/s640/IMG_5478.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add some tomatoes and you have kale saute with tomatoes, voila!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWkWfUN8-kGD4HnSA9q1uoRfUdQ2HNn5L29Q4QDsJMiOrT5iyxddJbW67oAkCNk1zW89JmYy-wm7dQO6IzcMDF85TJUDgMbqaTtv5PxWPGjxESAcKkZlpBA1w4yIK8UF9rtS7r2dRhXU/s1600/IMG_5475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWkWfUN8-kGD4HnSA9q1uoRfUdQ2HNn5L29Q4QDsJMiOrT5iyxddJbW67oAkCNk1zW89JmYy-wm7dQO6IzcMDF85TJUDgMbqaTtv5PxWPGjxESAcKkZlpBA1w4yIK8UF9rtS7r2dRhXU/s640/IMG_5475.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chunky homestyle tomato sauce base for any dish. Chunky cut tomatoes, sauteed in the usual oil, onion, garlic base, add herbs as desired.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ok, now we don't eat this for breakfast, lunch, dinner, these photos were taken over the course of a couple of weeks. We usually give the kids a low sugar cereal with low fat milk while I might have PB toast for breakfast. On weekends we do eggs/crepes/pancakes or waffles for breakfasts. Sandwich or soup or salad for lunch (Greek salad is perfect for a mini meal <i>(petit dejeneur)</i> such as lunch). Or I often make a bean salad with kale, tomatoes and whatever else I have that is available, healthy and fresh. Soups and chowders dominate winter meals. For dinner I will have a salad or soup and perhaps a small protein. Such as the egg dish above or stuffed tomato dish with nuts, a little salmon now and again, some meat occasionally etc.<br />
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Snacks are usually cut fruit at home but outside home we occasionally have convenience packaged foods and drinks. The kids may or may not finish the meals pictured above but we insist they try everything and encourage a full belly or something mostly healthy.<br />
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What's happening in your kitchen?<br />
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XO<br />
</div>
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-81122190536569105062012-08-11T12:52:00.000-04:002015-03-03T16:44:21.717-05:00My other baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not the real kind. But my other time consuming and occasionally rewarding occupation. And I produce weeds best. :) But after weeds I produce the below. Lots of pictures folks, I am still tired from the mommy olympics. :)<br />
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My garden is at the Warren Arboretum co-op. Here is a flower in bloom at the entrance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3PTeStSe4waPHNR5ZR2gsdvPy24QuMu3-d9oXkPzwlIS0HX3I7gY8GxuCFkEaKTlJpNUJWVsoucZXD-3mBXWfn9IFi9-1t8KrQpekBr1ULH0WltJOI3tYeapPyk_JVIoiQlbcL2crnE/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3PTeStSe4waPHNR5ZR2gsdvPy24QuMu3-d9oXkPzwlIS0HX3I7gY8GxuCFkEaKTlJpNUJWVsoucZXD-3mBXWfn9IFi9-1t8KrQpekBr1ULH0WltJOI3tYeapPyk_JVIoiQlbcL2crnE/s640/IMG_4505.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My garden in late spring, planted lettuce, kohlrabi, arugula, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, peas, strawberries, kale, and more. A corn plant appeared out of nowhere.</div>
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I tried with neat rows but I am more of a crush planter than organized. I do try to rotate crops and try to space them out. Often weeds take over.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyyvPXaUg7RyFEjzHipMVre2CcHtU73ACm0za7HtWskqG9y5lkJvfgLBDjowVptgHJjPFLZdCl0k3R8fSHzcOckqISYb8bL0U64pJqFDeY0mquhVcsY3SFWqBRbFFrYHvw6FLCn6FbTg/s1600/IMG_4502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyyvPXaUg7RyFEjzHipMVre2CcHtU73ACm0za7HtWskqG9y5lkJvfgLBDjowVptgHJjPFLZdCl0k3R8fSHzcOckqISYb8bL0U64pJqFDeY0mquhVcsY3SFWqBRbFFrYHvw6FLCn6FbTg/s640/IMG_4502.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tomatillos and ground cherries, onions and more. Purslane was a nice weed surprise.</div>
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My radish plants were a little overgrown but I made do anyway.</div>
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Purslane weeds are edible and delish in salads.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFmAt_L1ElluhZPRMmcPlVVKgRqh9KgzZYsBq-2cha6yXh3Zb6ZA5nURezZDAfemuN8kg24yLS6okt_lukA19WDnMthyphenhyphenCAXx3N-q_Upg0tXqx5iAMO-GbH_KgGYW7R7kywx9Nxm8JCxM/s1600/IMG_5500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFmAt_L1ElluhZPRMmcPlVVKgRqh9KgzZYsBq-2cha6yXh3Zb6ZA5nURezZDAfemuN8kg24yLS6okt_lukA19WDnMthyphenhyphenCAXx3N-q_Upg0tXqx5iAMO-GbH_KgGYW7R7kywx9Nxm8JCxM/s200/IMG_5500.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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My potatoes</div>
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My onions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxJGD1uppDP3UkVtQ3LuL60cV52-O4gNbXF0PwXdFgV9UMQXFny323gIcamEfyt4n5Yx9f7giHbmosxW5anwXS8xT1nK9zabGfcs8R9w_LFzlvmy_KmlCWhtM6n09UibREC0IrRJ4B0g/s1600/IMG_5504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxJGD1uppDP3UkVtQ3LuL60cV52-O4gNbXF0PwXdFgV9UMQXFny323gIcamEfyt4n5Yx9f7giHbmosxW5anwXS8xT1nK9zabGfcs8R9w_LFzlvmy_KmlCWhtM6n09UibREC0IrRJ4B0g/s320/IMG_5504.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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\My kale</div>
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Smaller tomatoes.</div>
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Heirloom tomatoes (black, yellow, pear, gold etc)</div>
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My veggie drawer</div>
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Another plant at the kids garden at the Arb.</div>
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XO</div>
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-36279616643771452492012-08-04T22:53:00.000-04:002015-03-03T16:44:10.540-05:00My own Olympics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I seem to be glued to couch watching the 2012 London Olympics. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After watching nearly everything on TV, I almost
considered competing in future Olympics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">I was dreaming (during the commercial) about which event I could
compete. After all they have trampolining, ribbon dancing and handball as
Olympic events. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7NdbULr24OPcL-p0QXoI3qbjguWLFXBQqOJ85s4ErKvRQeTtNO9jO4z4MTNmEuHGFpSBhiAVjQepZomCBsCtsEJveiWx3mDtO20IdlY21TYXin9ZaDjJQJ0lfogjzTPk22phRICXEPI/s1600/london2012_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7NdbULr24OPcL-p0QXoI3qbjguWLFXBQqOJ85s4ErKvRQeTtNO9jO4z4MTNmEuHGFpSBhiAVjQepZomCBsCtsEJveiWx3mDtO20IdlY21TYXin9ZaDjJQJ0lfogjzTPk22phRICXEPI/s320/london2012_logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">So I've come up with ideas for creative future events:</span></u><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Waking up</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">as late as possible and yet still get the
kids to school (or camp) on time. You will be automatically disqualified
if your family rises early or prepares the night before. Difficulty points will
be given for crabby kids, or for searching for missing items, and being out of
gas in the car. We could also throw in hurdles (at the contestants) such as not
having directions, needing to buy milk for breakfast, forgetting the time,
forgetting to sign up for camp, being up all night, forgetting to set the alarm
etc. Bonus points apply for getting this activity done within 30 minutes
while it is snowing with the gas on red and no laundry done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi11x0QHY8RAwlrRhOerdjmIE3QsBWz8JzRD9isS2qIkeFcrCQ0xU-NXHk9EIgl8DnWdQAt63oJPlfhXfN_p8cK5w_Cgw9uGL1z4P9lRA3Hs-21pIAphKA5UFl_ZdUaZyjG93-KE8hKo/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi11x0QHY8RAwlrRhOerdjmIE3QsBWz8JzRD9isS2qIkeFcrCQ0xU-NXHk9EIgl8DnWdQAt63oJPlfhXfN_p8cK5w_Cgw9uGL1z4P9lRA3Hs-21pIAphKA5UFl_ZdUaZyjG93-KE8hKo/s320/IMG_1433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Coordinating</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">after school activities so that everyone
gets to do something but you don't live in the car. So much more challenging
that being a chess champion! Also you need a college minor in child development
as you can't sign up a kid with 3 similar activities on the same day (unless
you are mad at them :)). You will be disqualified if you carpool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Difficulty points can be earned by
remembering which kid hates which activity, signing up at the last minute,
adverse weather, and car servicing or traffic conditions. Bonus points
for bringing appropriate activities for the waiting kids, not getting a traffic
ticket and for managing to fit in fast food order along the way. You will get a
silver medal automatically if you can eat a whole McDonald’s salad with a fork while
you are driving, and not get any stain on your clothes while driving between
activities and the kids are whining in the backseat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtqjEVK4taqXY22aGgRGlW8qn5g9F4GMF36GBGaG9MgEMHzOXTBxhGO3663TCuegVYu8YRszFaVCD-XOxCVS5BKGBJIe7eE1zvK5esE59Ch1Zf4zqIbX93_d52TAEGm0qZmzKHqdkrw0/s1600/IMG_1461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtqjEVK4taqXY22aGgRGlW8qn5g9F4GMF36GBGaG9MgEMHzOXTBxhGO3663TCuegVYu8YRszFaVCD-XOxCVS5BKGBJIe7eE1zvK5esE59Ch1Zf4zqIbX93_d52TAEGm0qZmzKHqdkrw0/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Managing to keep a resemblance of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>two
careers</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and raise kids with no
assistance. This surely gets maximum difficulty points and may require
medication (sleeping pills for the kids and uppers for you). You will be
disqualified for having a doting widow grandma or a flexible job. Points
in descending order: having a good day care, having other relatives that still
answer the phone when you call, neighbors that haven't yet called CPS and a
church that hasn't excommunicated you. Penalties will be applied for a kid with
no issues that is easy to manage and never gets sick. Hurdles could be that the
kids interrupt the conference call, or working from home with no nanny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also you must keep the kid busy with appropriate
stimulating activities while you work, bonus points if you get your job done
while being interrupted every 20 seconds, if your kid has ADD, if you home
school, if you clean the house and you the gardening while doing all the above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXmelHHXEvCaCvhGhcvMBROiWpFV3M-FHhsbYLxntZi1-q6O0hyphenhyphenLmGzvVfjnxdKL12bdsnruxyi0x5AZfUP9bv0AUz6v2tIPsWq7uH8o6fNw_G9ym7PN4Z4UmCBD_5zDGxVF0Si2LnNI/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXmelHHXEvCaCvhGhcvMBROiWpFV3M-FHhsbYLxntZi1-q6O0hyphenhyphenLmGzvVfjnxdKL12bdsnruxyi0x5AZfUP9bv0AUz6v2tIPsWq7uH8o6fNw_G9ym7PN4Z4UmCBD_5zDGxVF0Si2LnNI/s320/IMG_1469.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Making meals</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">that the whole family will eat. This
is usually a multi day event that requires deciding what to eat/serve, buying
food, having time to prep food, cooking, serving and the whole family eating
it. You will be disqualified if someone says thank you or 'it was
delicious' or helps clear up. Bonus points if this gets done in 30
minutes starting at 5:30 pm (including shopping), bonuses if it is has colorful
vegetables and done in between after school activities. Difficulty points
awarded for multitasking while doing this and for not having<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><u>any</u><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of the ingredients on hand for the
proposed meal or for making a meal from weeds in the garden. Most contestants will make their complete meal from scratch, including making your own bread, growing vegetables, making yogurt etc. Extras awarded for milling your own wheat or milking your own cow. Penalties
for kids that will eat whatever is in front of them and for kids or that aren't
at least one of the below: have allergies, gluten sensitive, dairy intolerant,
vegetarians, vegans, fussy eaters, picky eater, kosher, diabetic, on a diet, or
halal. Extra points if you know of the below diets and can work out a meal
plan for a dinner party for 30 people: Low Oxalate, SCD, GAPS, Body Ecology,
Failsafe, Feingold, and Weston A. Price. If your child is anorexic then
you are automatically awarded a bronze medal!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz15k0dwKOIusBMKKRopS6wtxan6o8jClE0H0dDUTAFwknvvFPqOuO8RZNWj4MlpaAXNag_WfkRXQ6ttZchj6KTIlKjZme8R_VzESQji8IIEkPo1PzWHCk7iGcTGQeHUfTRyzszGn50k/s1600/03122901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIz15k0dwKOIusBMKKRopS6wtxan6o8jClE0H0dDUTAFwknvvFPqOuO8RZNWj4MlpaAXNag_WfkRXQ6ttZchj6KTIlKjZme8R_VzESQji8IIEkPo1PzWHCk7iGcTGQeHUfTRyzszGn50k/s320/03122901.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Looking nice</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">needs</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">to be an Olympic event. It is a
multi pronged effort. You would need to know the season you are in [and the
clothes aren't in the attic - eaten by moths, or moldy in the basement], (bonus
points if you are jet lagged and lost your luggage), color matching (extra
points if you are color blind or completely blind). You need to be young
enough to know what is in style (points for getting a teenagers approval on
your style for a school meeting). You need to have access to appropriate
stores, difficulty points for dressing for a fancy event with shopping at the
dollar store, or for only having Nordstrom’s nearby and needing a whole outfit
for $2. You will be disqualified if you are gorgeous and don't have
any figure problems or if everything looks great on you (just because :)).
Extra points if you can dress for a wedding without having done any
shopping or laundry and within 15 minutes (you get silver automatically if it
is your wedding!). Points for the below: doing laundry by hand, having
detergent, having time to do laundry, drying on a line, folding clothes and
ironing everything (including underpants), putting clothes away in
closets or dressers. No points if you husband and kids actually do any
laundry or know what clothes to combine to look nice and appropriate for the
activity. No points if clothes end up in the hamper (instead of the floor).
Bonus points for turning all clothes inside out and checking pockets or
washing instructions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_5jKEAvIGPuw2Lh244RkiBSeB7-TdnJZRX9qJcL5d4I4vj-mLoYgZNz-LWOm3XfGshvD2H7PhjkIFH5SuWxoy2iwBKBJUBcb3c1hdTweybGwb4KUZVwDXRbw1kCcevONccCR6R_SiGE/s1600/98122601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_5jKEAvIGPuw2Lh244RkiBSeB7-TdnJZRX9qJcL5d4I4vj-mLoYgZNz-LWOm3XfGshvD2H7PhjkIFH5SuWxoy2iwBKBJUBcb3c1hdTweybGwb4KUZVwDXRbw1kCcevONccCR6R_SiGE/s320/98122601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Max points for making your own detergent and sewing your whole
families own clothes, growing your own cotton, making your own fabric (including undergarments and shoes), ironing with an
iron you put in the fireplace (or can get out wrinkles without any iron at all)
and still having some friends and social activities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Any other creative or interesting events you can think of
folks? </div>
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XO</div>
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-1511941746384690672012-07-29T19:31:00.000-04:002015-03-03T16:43:58.991-05:00Favorite sayings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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OK the Olympics is on and I am getting over a cold so it is a good time for picture blogging! :) I hope you enjoy this!</div>
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XOXO</div>
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Festival of ballooning<br />
Visit shore and boardwalks <br />
Visit Cape May and see old architecture<br />
Visit Atlantic City<br />
See a show at PAC <br />
Go see Northlands<br />
See a show at the State Theater<br />
Visit a PYO farm<br />
Go to a local lake<br />
Go to a town fair or festival<br />
See a movie<br />
Visit lots of parks<br />
Go to a baseball game<br />
Visit a winery<br />
Go to a local pool or waterpark<br />
Visit an amusement park<br />
Go to the races<br />
Do a library show<br />
Visit a state park<br />
Buy things at a farmers market<br />
make smores on a camp fire<br />
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did I miss any of your favorites?<br />
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XO</div>
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We love museums but my younger son really loves animals. So off we went to the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ recently with friends.<br />
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It is fun filled wild afternoon in Essex county, NJ.<br />
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Attractions include a giant python, animal theme play area, walk thru prairie dog exhibits, farm petting area, pony rides and mini train ride.<br />
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You can rent strollers or bring your own or just walk around, it isn't too big for older toddlers.<br />
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There is a picnic area for BYO food, or buy something in the cafe.<br />
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They have educational worksheets for readers and activity sheets for all ages.<br />
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It is mostly open 10-4 but hours vary depending on the season or day of the week. Also they have a discount afternoon when some services are limited but great for walking around.<br />
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Note: the kids slide in the play area is almost always mobbed with kids of different ages so beware with younger kids.<br />
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Parking is ample and free!<br />
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XOXO<br />
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We love museums and the boys are especially drawn to dinosaurs and natural history. So off we went to preview Field Station Dinosaurs recently and it was amazing.<br />
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<span id="goog_414326499"></span><span id="goog_414326500"></span><br />
It is like walking back in time to the Jurassic age (90 million years ago). It is a huge complex near the Meadowlands, but not at the Meadowlands (a Laurel Hill park ground in Secaucus nearby).<br />
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There are 31 life sized animatronic Dinosaur displays; the trip was fun and educational. There are workshops and games and worksheets. There is a fossil dig site half way thru the trail that gives the kids a break and they have fun digging up fossils.<br />
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There is a crayon site where the kids get to draw dinosaur related pictures. There is an amphitheater with regularly scheduled talks and workshops (we got to see various baby dinosaurs up close and ask questions).<br />
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There are a couple more archaeological outposts for viewing various archaeological site formats with objects an archaeologist might use in real life at a real dig site.<br />
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Lunch needs to be brought or pre ordered, as there is only a small gift shop with limited snacks available.<br />
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Photos are available at the gift shop with pics of the site near the entrance, however the pictures didn't seem to upload very quickly so we didn't get a chance to purchase any.<br />
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There are bathrooms at the venue but they are the nicer but portable ones. Parking is available at a small fee.<br />
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My favorite displays were the raptors, seem like an amazing feat to be able to fly with that size bird.<br />
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Enjoy our pics.<br />
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XO<br />
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-36017003360325810912012-06-17T23:11:00.003-04:002015-03-03T16:43:12.202-05:00School's out - it's park & playground time! PART 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The kiddies will be out soon and while you may or may not have a pool or lake to attend, below are some local playgrounds for you to check out. I will write quite a few posts about parks as there are so many. Please add to my list (or email me) and add notes about any park. I will edit all entries to we have a huge masterlist!</span><br />
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<h2>
<b>TRACTS/OPEN SPACE/UNDEVELOPED</b></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Hicks Tract</b>, Knollandale Rd, Millington : Entrance to the Hicks Tract at the end of Knollandale Road, Millington. Open space and trails that run from Millington behind the Millington School to Stirling. OK, not really a playground but a nice walking/strolling tract and maintained hiking path. map at <u>http://bit.ly/ND3K74</u> Lots of strollers, runners, bikes and dogs use this tract but almost never concurrently. It is shaded by the surrounding tree foliage so take advantage of this resource on super hot days or in the afternoons when you want to cool down.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Pine Hills</b> Tract Haas Rd, Bernards Township, 10 acres undeveloped land. Never heard of it till I started researching parks. Amazing that there is a resource nearby that MANY people have never heard about. Let me know if you have been here. Map at <u>http://bit.ly/KMH2UP</u></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Passaic River Trail</b>, The trail is being developed along Long Hill's open space at the north bank of the Passaic River. Not sure if it is the same as the below. Let me know if you know.</span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;"></span></b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">
Passaic River County Park http://bit.ly/LptwKI</span></b></h4>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">
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<div style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.85em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 6px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;"><img alt="Passaic River County Park Entrance Sign" border="0" class="pix-left" src="http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/images/sign-passaic.jpg" style="float: left; margin-right: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.25em;" />Located along the Passaic River in Long Hill and Chatham Townships, Passaic River Park is part of an effort to protect the river from development and encroachment. A total of 769 acres including more than 5000 ft. of shoreline, are available for leisurely hiking, picnicking, <img alt="Passaic River County Park" border="0" class="pix-right" src="http://www.morrisparks.net/aspparks/images/passaic2.png" style="float: right; margin-left: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.25em;" />softball, fishing, ice skating and cross country skiing.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">Green Acres funding, totalling $20,000, assisted with the initial preservation effort. The Township of Chatham also donated acreage. The Clover Hill Additions were funded through the Green Trust and federal land and water conservation grant dollars. The Clover Hill acreage, located in Long Hill Twp., are separated from the Chatham Township section by several miles.</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">
Park Features</span></b></h5>
<ul class="sub"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Athletic Fields</li>
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Picnic Areas: Non-reservable <img alt="Handicapped Accessible Accommodations" border="0" src="http://www.morrisparks.net/images/handi.gif" /></li>
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Picnic Areas: Reservable <img alt="Handicapped Accessible Accommodations" border="0" src="http://www.morrisparks.net/images/handi.gif" /></li>
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Picnic Shelter: Reservable <img alt="Handicapped Accessible Accommodations" border="0" src="http://www.morrisparks.net/images/handi.gif" /></li>
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Trails</li>
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<h5 style="color: #376b37; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-left: 1em;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">
Things To Do</span></b></h5>
<ul class="sub"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;">
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Hiking</li>
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Fishing</li>
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Picnicking</li>
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">Snowshoeing</li>
<li class="features" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-left: -1.5em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 0px;">X-Country Skiing</li>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;"><sup>*</sup>Requires permit/advanced scheduling</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #004000; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Hayefields</b><img src="https://maps.gstatic.com/mapfiles/transparent.png" />, Crest Drive, Bernards Township map at: <u>http://bit.ly/NDjS8O</u></span><br />
6.5 Acres of open space protected land. Again never been here, more information welcome.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b>Clover Hill </b>developement, Millington</span><br />
A private development playground with some play equipment and courts. Paid for by the local estate residents.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Coddington <b>Farmstead</b>, Warren NJ <u>http://www.warrennj.org/wtrec/index.htm map at http://bit.ly/KFTcDi</u></span><br />
Houses Art classes at the farm house. However it is also a historical site and has trails for hiking. Again never been here, let me know if you have.<br />
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<i>Codington Woods (Open space site 3A) 45 Acres<br /><br />Rough and rocky blazed trails form two loops, together exploring the entire tract. The southern loop includes a fruit orchard of old but productive apple, pear, and cherry trees, two farm fields now overgrown with bushes and young trees, a large open grove of mature maples and oaks, and a former sheep pasture now colorful with dogwood, cedar and birch trees and flowering shrubs. The northern loop is dense with very large old hardwood groves and vines typical of a virgin piedmont forest. Throughout are rows of basalt rocks cleared from tillable farmlands, and occasional old iron farm machinery.<br /><br />Trail Access points: Behind the homestead, at the hydrant by #23 Mt. Horeb Rd., and at cul de sacs named above. Parking is available near all points. Terrain is dry and shady. Wildlife: Turkey, Fox, Coyote, Deer (including albino strains) all smaller mammals and many bird and insect species. This tract provides the only tree cover for wildlife movement between second & third mountain ridges when combined with Mt. Horeb Springs tract.</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>NEXT WEEK MORE PARKS, STAY TUNED!</b></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Further afield: </span></b></span></h3>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="datatable" style="font-size: inherit; width: 938px;"><tbody>
<tr class="firstrow"><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">All Children's Playground in Quibbletown Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Academy Street, Piscataway</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Alvin P. Williams Memorial Park at Sewaren Peninsula</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Cliff Road, Woodbridge</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">39 acres featuring playing fields, open picnic grove, playground, overlook pavilion and gardens, bike/walkway, nature study area</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Boyd Pond Tot Lot</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Carousel for All Children</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"></td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Cheesequake State Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">300 Gordon Road, Matawan</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">live exhibits of fish & turtles, swimming & boating, nature trails, picnic areas, playgrounds</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Colonial Gardens Playground</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Kearny Drive</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Colonial Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Franklin Township</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">568 acres featuring picnic areas, playground featuring innovative, barrier free equipment,</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Columbia Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Dunellen</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Donaldson Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">2nd Ave, Highland Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">90 acres featuring 4 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, 3 baseball fields, 4 soccer fields, 4 reservable picnic groves, 2 open picnic groves, 2 playgrounds, boat ramp and pond</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Duke Island Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Bridgewater Township</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">332 acres featuring bike trails, picnic areas, playground featuring innovative, barrier free equipment</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Fords Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">King George's Post Road, Woodbridge</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">18 acres featuring 2 street hockey rinks, 2 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, 1 baseball field, 1 reserveable picnic grove, bike/walkways, 2 playgrounds and pond</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"></td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Johnson Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">River Road, Piscataway</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">473 acres featuring 8 tennis courts, 1 baseball field, 2 softball fields, 1 soccer field, 5 reserveable picnic groves, 2 open picnic groves, 3 playgrounds, animal haven, 2 ponds, olde towne village, bike/walkway, 2 cricket pitches</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Joseph Medwick Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Post Blvd, Carteret</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">82 acres featuring 1 baseball field, 1 soccer field, 1 roller hockey rink, 2 reserveable picnic groves, 1 open picnic grove, 2 playgrounds, walk/bikeway</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Merrill Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Middlesex Turnpike, Woodbridge</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">179 acres featuring 4 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, 3 baseball fields, 2 softball fields, 1 soccer field, 1 football field, 7 reserveable picnic groves, 2 open picnic groves, 3 playgrounds, progressive playground, animal haven</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Middlesex County Parks</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">There's recreational and cultural activities for the general public throughout the year.</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">http://co.middlesex<wbr></wbr>.nj.us/parksrecr<wbr></wbr>eation/index.<wbr></wbr>asp</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Middlesex County Parks</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">There's recreational and cultural activities for the general public throughout the year.</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">http://co.middlesex<wbr></wbr>.nj.us/parksrecr<wbr></wbr>eation/index.<wbr></wbr>asp</td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><br /></td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"></td><td class="actions" style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; font: normal normal normal 74%/normal verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 73px;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="selected" style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Mountainview Park</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Rt 28 Middlesex, NJ</td><td style="background-color: white; border-top-color: rgb(219, 227, 235); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;">Right next to Middlesex High School - has basketball, tennis courts, horseshoe league and a great fenced in play area for Toddlers.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don't look so surprised Mike, this post is for you!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Like many couples we vacillate between getting ready to call a
family lawyer and tolerating our spouses. Of course we have some good times too, or we wouldn’t be together.</div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But in honor of Father’s day and my husband’s birthday I thought I
would write a post about Dads today, (ok there has to be a little humor too).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;">Dads today:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">They are super involved with their kids; I swear my father
sometimes would forget we were there. My
husband needs to be accosted to leave the house, and to not get so involved
with the kids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For years I pretended that I was about to cook which is why I
couldn't change the baby's diaper, however we ate heat and eat foods. But
hubby dutifully changed the baby's diaper anyway - despite the facts. :)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I don't think my father could change a baby's diaper at gunpoint.
My mother left him 'in charge' of us (meant we did what we wanted or what
he said while he watched TV and we got him beers) and my sibling pooped and he
drove 15 mins to a friends house for the friends Dad to change the diaper -
yes, that was Dads back then. My mother then was advised to take us (3 kids 3.5
yrs apart) shopping (without a car) with her in future so she can take care of
such things while she was shopping. But that was typical of Dads back
then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My husband goes to medical appointments and knows the doctors and
ailments fairly well. My Dad didn't know where the doctors were, I think
he only went to the doctors once with one of us girls while Mum was home
nursing my brother with the measles.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My husband can get the kids ready in the morning, almost without
help. He may forget it is Pizza day or Show and Tell or to pass notes to
the bus or teacher but he will dress them (so they are not naked, matching
clothes is for moms), feed them something (most of the time) and pack their
lunches and bags. I don't think my father could do any one of those tasks
unprompted. That was considered woman's work back then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My husband can return a call to the teacher (with consultation
from Mum sometimes) and send emails to teachers, coaches, after school
activities etc. He can also be encouraged to set up play dates with some
handholding and reminding of the rules. I love not having to be the only
one handling everything Kid related. Also I like when I check
notes/emails/status with him. My father’s view of play was sending me out
to the fenced yard and let loose. I think he went to a parent teacher
meeting once, maybe twice my whole schooling. Dads didn't have to get
involved in schooling back then.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He can pick up a child and give him a snack often without
reminding (as if they didn't remember how ravenous they were after school as a
kid). He can get them ready for another activity too, if warned. My
father was never around when I got back from school or if he was, he was too
busy doing things to get involved in trivialities as such. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He can shop & cook with (some support if it is to be
healthy and easy). My father use to make
a huge mess for my mother the half a dozen times he cooked. My husband cleans
up, my dad I don’t think ever did dishes.
In fact I am not sure I saw many men back then do dishes either.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He can put the kids to bed (he won’t do mom things like make
sure that child ate or went potty earlier so he doesn’t get up, but that is a
mom thing anyway). But the important
fact is that I feel comfortable going out at night if I want/need to.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR15bWHJ73UFYP42haUg37xKyrEpnJQ51bwNGVgzmhNLowqZvTazVJOd6F-rNOD9Zc2JdDRu6_B0PN9kMq2Ww_I4Kl4oWs_hMsbqJ0XGe3AHvFXdQSrYCvPErT_qGVxUYVXfNVVZpdvtU/s1600/IMG_3437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR15bWHJ73UFYP42haUg37xKyrEpnJQ51bwNGVgzmhNLowqZvTazVJOd6F-rNOD9Zc2JdDRu6_B0PN9kMq2Ww_I4Kl4oWs_hMsbqJ0XGe3AHvFXdQSrYCvPErT_qGVxUYVXfNVVZpdvtU/s320/IMG_3437.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He has been trained to get up at night if needed by the
kids, and once nudged he will go. I am
not sure my father even knew we got up.
Dads didn’t do that back then.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Not trying to beat up on my Dad just trying to point out how
far Dads have come these days. My Dad
was typical of many men back in the day.
My husband is a little more amenable than others but I think it is safe
to say many Dads today do MUCH more than their Dads did.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway HAPPY FATHERS DAY Mike and HAPPY FATHERS DAY to my
Dad too!</span></div>
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And Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads out there.</div>
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XO</div>
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-89631040311109946272012-05-31T13:30:00.000-04:002015-03-03T16:41:59.706-05:00What kind of parent do you think you are?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ok got your attention, you know what this blog is about, you've heard it all before. But just in case.<br />
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What is a parent, or a mom? Is she the chief organizer of the kids schedule (it is a popular activity in our house). Lists are made, clutter is attacked. Kids are asked what they want for dinner, what activities they want to do, what they want to wear, where they want to go, etc. this style is all about options. Ok I do allow my kids some options but some are not negotiable such as dinner and some activities, etc.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C 2012 Mt Hotham VIC, Australia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Or is she a kids guidance leader and authoritative (but not authoritarian)? Can someone ask my kids if this style is ok with them please? She gives the kids too much information and overloads them with knowledge. She will tell them that they should follow the rules because what if everyone did what they wanted, etc. sometimes this works for some kids but others may need concrete rules.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C 2012</td></tr>
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Is she a hip mama, all about appearance and latest parenting strategies? This parent seems approachable and wears her baby, sleeps with her baby, buys organic food (prefers from her garden or local farm) and mills it herself. Kids are given plenty of freedom (after all she is too busy gardening and milling).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C 2012</td></tr>
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Or is she a student of child behaviour where kids behavior is studied ad infinitum. Therefore nothing is the child's fault but a symptom of some other thought or behaviour. Maybe she is reading child development books and obsessing over the implications.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C 2012</td></tr>
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Perhaps she is a girl mom or a boy mom? She is an expertly in one gender and perhaps insensitive and generalizing the opposite gender? ie boys will be boys, or all girls are moody? Or assuming all gender specific behavior is the parents fault and not genetics or nature. Or vice versa assuming no responsibility to work with kids to challenge gender behaviors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C 2012</td></tr>
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How about the absent parent either physically or mentally? Ie disengaging when divorced etc. (tricky stuff as divorce is still so prevalent thesedays). Do these parents eliminate some responsibility to the kids also?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooklyn Bridge C 2012</td></tr>
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Or lastly and least (IMO) the do as I do parent, who eats well, has a fulfilling occupation, treats people nicely (not just on Sunday's) doesn't assume gender roles (remember the bra burning days? People assumed too many gender specific behaviors back then). Has morals and ethics and isn't apathetic? Let me know where these people are? But it is definitely worth striving for.<br />
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XO<br />
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We love and use lots of craft kits but we are not craft gurus so we love the easier types of kits. There are lots to choose from and a couple were in my house so we decided to do them one rainy day. I thought I would share our experiences for all those other parents wondering what to do with the kids on a rainy day.</div>
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<b>CrazArt Funtastix. </b></div>
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The box looks bright and fun. Inside you will find baggies of wax sticks in different colors. The box we had didn't have instructions on how to make those shapes do there was lots of trial and error and some pictures on the back of the box. However a step by step sheets would have made all the difference. Below are some of the shapes we did together. So a fun kit but not one for just kids alone. Maybe good for older creative kids.<br />
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<b>Alex Window stickers.</b><br />
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This is more our style, a color and cut type of activity. However not too neat as the paint takes a long time to dry and painting is not a neat activity anyway. The plastic is a colorform type and once dry, clings on to windows. Below is a sample shape made at home that my 8yr old made, it was too fiddly for my 4yr old to finish alone so we are still working on his.<br />
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<b> Make your own wooden vehicles.</b><br />
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Not really make your own as the vehicles are supplied but you paint and stick on to personalize your own vehicles. Boys love this activity, and paint again is fun but never too neat. But you can set the area up with newspaper, smocks and let them at it. Not as fiddly as coloring plastic with the kit above. And my 4 & 8 yr olds both made a vehicle easily enough.<br />
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We got these kits ourselves and wrote this post for the blog. All comments and experiences are my own for the purpose of sharing experiences.<br />
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XOXO<br />
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NJ is taken for granted and likes to poke fun at itself (see any TV show on NJ). However we have some great local and free or low cost activities and centers nearby. We should consider ourselves lucky!<br />
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We have so many great parks and wildlife centers. I particularly like Trailside Nature and Science center. My boys love that place and I love to take them there. </div>
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However take a GPS at I often get lost driving around Watchung reserve.</div>
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Also make sure you check the hours, I think it is open every day after noon ie 12 midday. We love to check it out once a quarter on a rainy afternoon. Or if it is a nice day check out the park or trails in the morning and do a picnic lunch. There are tables everywhere for picnics.</div>
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The boys first stop is usually the animal displays but they love the teepee hut and the theatre show.</div>
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It is such a hands on place that encourages kids to look closely and open/shut things, check out every corner, do puzzles and more.</div>
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I love the recycling hints and the native wild plant displays and love to pic up a polished rock from the gift store as a memento from our trip there.<br />
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Downstairs is an aquarium and bird watching area along with more hands on activities, such as excavating (ie Sandpit) and I particularly love the geology displays (in particular the fluorescent minerals).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKauxicdumPr7-uEJjeqVpToiTiK33x_vFg6TD6JwWwwxititUD3iVYEXbsT9Uksv1zEvUft4T4sL4sQsxqL-Z7oBPbT5kG3-itLMfVe8HlgWnQoY54LF7LgsLMZYDhgICy4QiSaXQeR4/s1600/IMG_3404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKauxicdumPr7-uEJjeqVpToiTiK33x_vFg6TD6JwWwwxititUD3iVYEXbsT9Uksv1zEvUft4T4sL4sQsxqL-Z7oBPbT5kG3-itLMfVe8HlgWnQoY54LF7LgsLMZYDhgICy4QiSaXQeR4/s320/IMG_3404.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Upstairs is my favorite center, the library with kids books on nature and adult gardening and other books. However we are usually worn out at this point and never take enough advantage of the library to sit and read. Perhaps when the kids are older.<br />
<br />
Outside they were working on the playground when I was there but I heard that the playground was finished very shortly after my trip. So we will definitely be there again very soon.<br />
<br />
xo<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ucnj.org/community/parks-community-renewal/parks-facilities/trailside-beta/" target="_blank">Trailside Nature and Science center</a></div>
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-36691574603086490002012-04-07T07:22:00.001-04:002015-03-03T16:41:31.937-05:00Things to do on Easter day or Passover<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Create an Easter egg hunt for kids perhaps your own<br />
Make Easter breakfast<br />
Have or make an Easter dinner or lunch<br />
Take a walk with family<br />
Take the kids to the playground<br />
Play with the kids<br />
Go to church<br />
Volunteer at church<br />
Volunteer elsewhere<br />
Let your body and mInd relax<br />
Call extended family<br />
Watch tv<br />
Read a good book<br />
Get a magazine<br />
Make summer or vacation plans<br />
Enjoy yourself!<br />
<br /></div>
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</script>Travelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03021804977975567388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6601043012048207538.post-3291666464836839312012-04-06T03:53:00.001-04:002015-03-03T16:41:24.940-05:00Family<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We love to love family, we love the Hallmark cards image and Norman Rockwell image that family conveys. However the reality is that family is just a bunch of people. Those people may have stresses and problems just like you. They may have kids and careers that demand things of them. Some of us are lucky and our families are just what we hoped, or mostly like that image in our heads. Others are not so lucky.<br />
<br />
Some families hurt each other through words or actions. Perhaps not intentionally but through old Mis or pre conceptions. Some families ignore one another as a way to cope and relate to each other. Others are cool and aloof to one another. Also I have personally noticed differences with family styles in different countries. In England family is tolerated, in Ireland family is revered. In Australia family is needed but otherwise let be, in the USA family is kept sacred.<br />
<br />
That is a lot of pressure on families<br />
to be the image in our heads. After all we all see mostly the same TV images of families. It was June Cleaver when<br />
I was young then Mrs. Cunningham or Mrs Brady. <br />
<br />
Where is the real image of families in crisis or stress? There are few that are<br />
looked favorably upon. <br />
<br />
So what is one to do when in a culture of family ness? It is difficult when you create a different family than the one of your upbringing and them perhaps resent your family of origin for not being the same? <br />
<br />
I've also studied lots of different family structures and this is what I know for sure: family it a bunch of people you relate to, family is people that like you and want to be with you, family is something that is two ways, family is<br />
something to strive for, family is something to honor.<br />
<br />
Also family isn't necessarily a blood tie or marriage tie, family doesn't consistently make you feel bad, families don't always work well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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