tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64566180709019944892024-03-13T10:38:10.873-05:00Cheryl's journalWhat should I blog about today?Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-53742873530435233462008-10-23T06:38:00.002-05:002008-10-23T06:53:37.993-05:00October belongs to baseballI know I should have said this about three weeks ago. What can I say, I'm a major procrastinator!<br /><br />I love baseball. Grew up watching the Mets and as time marched on morphed into a Boston Red Sox fan thanks to Youngest Son. So when playoffs and pennant races begin I'm glued to the TV until the wee hours of the morning, occasionally "resting my eyes" during commercials.<br /><br />Consequently the world around me tends to fall by the wayside, laundry piles up, emails go unopened, dogs and cats don't get fed, and blogs go into suspended animation, without the animation. <br /><br />I know THE team lost the ALCS--I'll discuss that at some later time, when can cope with their lose better ; ( -- but I am a true fan and will watch the World Series--pitch by pitch and strike by strike. I'm torn this year though--root for the Phillies or Tampa Bay? The Mets fan in me leans toward the National League Phillies. Yet, the Rays are such a young team I'm leaning toward yahooing for them, even though they beat out THE team.<br /><br />The best would be another seven game series, split 3-3 until the final game...tied all, bottom of the 9th, 2 outs and Upton swaggers to the plate, swings and whack................Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-90613890590274975642008-10-02T08:40:00.003-05:002008-10-02T09:00:16.622-05:00AnalphabetCourtesy of A.Word.A.Day, a daily e-newsletter that I receive. Many fascinating words have graced my inbox since subscribing. <br /><br /><br /><div style="font-size: 19px;"><a href="www.wordsmith.org">A.Word.A.Day</a></div> with Anu Garg<br /><br /> <h3> analphabet </h3> <div style="font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(170, 170, 170); font-weight: bold;">PRONUNCIATION:</div> (an-AL-fuh-bet) <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://wordsmith.org/words/analphabet.mp3"><img src="http://wordsmith.org/words/images/sound-icon.png" alt="" align="middle" border="0" width="32" height="24" /></a> <p> </p><div style="font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(170, 170, 170); font-weight: bold;">MEANING:</div> <i>noun:</i> An illiterate; one who doesn't know the alphabet or the basics of something.<br /><br /> <div style="font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(170, 170, 170); font-weight: bold;">ETYMOLOGY:</div> From Greek analphabetos (not knowing the alphabet), from an- (not) + alphabetos (alphabet), from alpha + beta.<br /><br /> <div style="font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(170, 170, 170); font-weight: bold;">USAGE:</div> "For an auto-analphabet like me, this was big news indeed. Armed with these magical tires, I'd never have to lug around a spare."<br /> Amy Gamerman; Tires -- No Pressure; The <span style="border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1222948337_8">Wall Street</span> Journal (New York); May 29, 1998.<br /><br /> <div style="font-family: Verdana; color: rgb(170, 170, 170); font-weight: bold;">A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:</div> Nothing is illegal if one hundred businessmen decide to do it. -Andrew Young, author, civil rights activist, US congressman, mayor, and UN ambassador (b. 1932)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Now, how many would like to use the word in a sentence and share?</span>Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-31216179944610055482008-09-30T18:04:00.004-05:002008-09-30T18:46:03.480-05:00Pick a peck of peppers to pickleA peck? Quite honestly, I'm not sure how many peppers it would take to fill a peck! This is how much I used. And as you can see, I also have some green tomatoes, sweet green peppers and cherry peppers thrown into the mix. Oh, yes, can't forget the okra, there's not much, but it's there.<br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYyMQzKICx8qQsteGY9gaRKq0NSvKIyIYwZrEN6w-mJw_I1q3jgbDevRKXKFUG-t7UyDiXziyIiGvJED80TBesDJcjhioKrImOvbri54W0Z0PyWurplUndrIbC60ghoGi5QSPMJExvkIE/s1600-h/P1020764.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYyMQzKICx8qQsteGY9gaRKq0NSvKIyIYwZrEN6w-mJw_I1q3jgbDevRKXKFUG-t7UyDiXziyIiGvJED80TBesDJcjhioKrImOvbri54W0Z0PyWurplUndrIbC60ghoGi5QSPMJExvkIE/s400/P1020764.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251959559962958226" border="0" /></a><br />I used two different recipes, both are cold-pack, meaning, to me at least, the jars are not processed in any way shape or form, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">must be refrigerated</span>, and consumed within a reasonable amount of time.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhtFhVAlpXmVPA5Vt2kufESp6zYOqYqHDHol_Q6Ljk1FY369wJ5JGaLS1MjHUj3nWuC5M2SN8OhcMxQ5q8dwA1CHzyk_XL35JFEIvKjXX-Phk0hYBP1AG9kzziMuOxV9X_IfSr4af9EEF/s1600-h/P1020765.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfhtFhVAlpXmVPA5Vt2kufESp6zYOqYqHDHol_Q6Ljk1FY369wJ5JGaLS1MjHUj3nWuC5M2SN8OhcMxQ5q8dwA1CHzyk_XL35JFEIvKjXX-Phk0hYBP1AG9kzziMuOxV9X_IfSr4af9EEF/s400/P1020765.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251959564056764530" border="0" /></a>Pickled veggie recipe #1<br /><br />Sterilize jars, lids, etc.<br />Wash vegetables and place in jars.<br /><br />Place in pot and bring to a boil:<br />10 peeled garlic cloves<br />2 quarts white vinegar<br />16 tablespoons pickling salt<br />2 tablespoons celery seed.<br /><br />Pour over vegetables and seal.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfppx3T_X0slrs3LzubdarHB3lrS5cmPpZrIeK6UPlQyjLk2CO-YXf8-3SImKxF7qagKYWijbd7jP855HU03pjywkciMHQOC8BSnNPSK0ijGBN67LdcK2jCA4ngQQGzFqyqfu2Jie1NLX/s1600-h/P1020766.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfppx3T_X0slrs3LzubdarHB3lrS5cmPpZrIeK6UPlQyjLk2CO-YXf8-3SImKxF7qagKYWijbd7jP855HU03pjywkciMHQOC8BSnNPSK0ijGBN67LdcK2jCA4ngQQGzFqyqfu2Jie1NLX/s400/P1020766.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251959564963902386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Pickled vegetable recipe # 2<br /><br />Sterilize jars, lids, etc.<br />Wash vegetables and place in jars.<br />Put 1 and 1/2 tablespoons pickling spice and several peeled, cracked garlic cloves into each jar.<br /><br />Bring to a boil:<br />1 and 1/2 cups white vinegar<br />8 teaspoons pickling salt or kosher salt<br />2 quarts water<br /><br />Pour over vegetables and seal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLZVGjyLrYWjWgKq9C6SC8pmNmV2_72bz2WUCy0thsRWHNMfqz4Z_GQX4kfYteVIH7-83eCVXK0X8-zoOQW6r4K_lXlYQQRrEbusPamh6FYJ0pjSI_dkEDLJdYSzSrPSP47azte2YuNyr/s1600-h/P1020768.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLZVGjyLrYWjWgKq9C6SC8pmNmV2_72bz2WUCy0thsRWHNMfqz4Z_GQX4kfYteVIH7-83eCVXK0X8-zoOQW6r4K_lXlYQQRrEbusPamh6FYJ0pjSI_dkEDLJdYSzSrPSP47azte2YuNyr/s400/P1020768.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251959575547095906" border="0" /></a><br />These two recipes produced 8 quarts of pickled veggies. The jars must be refrigerated for at least 4 weeks to achieve full flavor fantasy! So sometime in early November I'll be cracking open a jar and fighting with Youngest Son and Husband for the luscious garlic cloves!<br /><br />mmmm...definitely good eats.Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-23555092837700704302008-09-26T08:08:00.006-05:002008-09-26T08:52:43.197-05:00Socks? No, not yet.Nope. I'm not ready for socks. The book came, I ruffled through the pages, got intimidated, closed the book and decided that what I really needed was a poncho for myself.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIGtiuCfIayL_MJZFVA7WdA_uOr-C79qLzLl92ZgEPEJJZp_gTycRaqQu3hY20rWKxC6PaE8C6U8r8vpwtoiCoOjIUE0GUPQkIYeEDcToxDggq0be_8XEs_y3m5lPqnmd-zFzUM2-ZWt1/s1600-h/100_1927.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIGtiuCfIayL_MJZFVA7WdA_uOr-C79qLzLl92ZgEPEJJZp_gTycRaqQu3hY20rWKxC6PaE8C6U8r8vpwtoiCoOjIUE0GUPQkIYeEDcToxDggq0be_8XEs_y3m5lPqnmd-zFzUM2-ZWt1/s400/100_1927.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250320259216017298" border="0" /></a><br />The color is raspberry and it's moving along quite nicely.<br />This what the end result <span style="font-style: italic;">should</span> look like.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJF3pxNp1n1ai6fy5lVlRiSk5DfkDh0T5WMNCPPPaLYOrlJbCGunbiRHnP6XC6nJwmlgRiIgVaAecgPQ8Q4BA-urFKMUtn8zCxSFV9qmsUGwQApovzFzbd-FlINd9nfqrUwTOJwH9-1CD/s1600-h/P1020772.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJF3pxNp1n1ai6fy5lVlRiSk5DfkDh0T5WMNCPPPaLYOrlJbCGunbiRHnP6XC6nJwmlgRiIgVaAecgPQ8Q4BA-urFKMUtn8zCxSFV9qmsUGwQApovzFzbd-FlINd9nfqrUwTOJwH9-1CD/s400/P1020772.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250322983676391186" border="0" /></a><br />I'm not sure about the pom-pom thingies across the bottom. They do serve a purpose--I think--to help weigh down the poncho, maybe, so it lays nicely? Whatcha think? Pom-poms or no pom-poms?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGBLuSHx4cwGipIrnK_lLGyMNuv-ZpwLnfvV2yuO4I9xAS2bj_KA6yFg6wciAwOhDsuTxmkL5nn7puYinWutF5BgUaItZZ4WjG8fkj2MUg__6tUlKL3lnwLqYwJ1wySB5A6g15TTImBkl/s1600-h/P1020771.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGBLuSHx4cwGipIrnK_lLGyMNuv-ZpwLnfvV2yuO4I9xAS2bj_KA6yFg6wciAwOhDsuTxmkL5nn7puYinWutF5BgUaItZZ4WjG8fkj2MUg__6tUlKL3lnwLqYwJ1wySB5A6g15TTImBkl/s400/P1020771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250322981771738034" border="0" /></a><br />The pattern is in this book. Doesn't that cover wrap look lovely? I ordered this book online based solely on the amazing cover!<br /><br />I haven't given up on the socks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnN6LdyzcjxTaKNBeRhup4tOxRsy9H0cxkTCmtFhfoKVurXYAjlIxgSeIN5qqDNgajDrZPIJA8VaLFVtkc6WeXGBlGuo5uhttkLQ-IOZFFrOnmAD034Hy_r8RApXwyy2yMWSN7tMePwO6/s1600-h/512PV0KYVFL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnN6LdyzcjxTaKNBeRhup4tOxRsy9H0cxkTCmtFhfoKVurXYAjlIxgSeIN5qqDNgajDrZPIJA8VaLFVtkc6WeXGBlGuo5uhttkLQ-IOZFFrOnmAD034Hy_r8RApXwyy2yMWSN7tMePwO6/s400/512PV0KYVFL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250325829122373938" border="0" /></a><br />I mean, just look at those awesome socks! After the poncho is finished I'll give the book another whirl!Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-32679477668605010012008-09-23T07:06:00.002-05:002008-09-23T07:10:33.512-05:00Writing PromptHere's a writing prompt for all you writers out there, including and especially, my writers group, the Appalachian Wordsmiths.<br /><br />Use the following sentence as the first sentence of a writing piece--prose or poem.<br /><br />Or incorporate it within the first paragraph or stanza.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >"The picture in the catalog had lied."</span><br /><br />On your mark, get set, GO!Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-27294002723921680902008-09-19T10:49:00.003-05:002008-09-19T10:57:43.989-05:00International Talk Like a Pirate Day!!<span style="font-size:100%;">Yes, that's right, mateys. Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and for your reading pleasure I've posted my results from </span><br /><h2>The Official Talk Like a Pirate Personality Inventory (TOTLAPPI)!<br /></h2>To get your results visit<br /><h2><a href="http://www.talklikeapirate.com/ppi.html">The Official Talk Like a Pirate Personality Inventory (TOTLAPPI)! </a></h2> <span style="font-size:78%;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">You are The Cap'n!</span></span><br /><br /><p>Some men and women are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any scalawag who stands between them and unlimited power. You never met a man - or woman - you couldn't eviscerate. You are the definitive Man of Action, the CEO of the Seven Seas, Lee Iacocca in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. You're mission-oriented, and if anyone gets in the way, that's his problem, now isn't? Your buckle was swashed long ago and you have never been so sure of anything as your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off his head if he shows any sign of taking you on or backing down. If one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.<br /><br /><a href="http://talklikeapirate.com/ppi.html"><br /><span style="">What's Yer Inner Pirate?</span></a><br /><span style="">brought to you by <a href="http://talklikeapirate.com/">The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site.</a> Arrrrr!</span><br /><br /></p>Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-64884086153357691732008-09-19T08:32:00.005-05:002008-09-19T09:38:30.738-05:00Civil War story<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="metricconverter"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="Sn"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="title"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="GivenName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="footer"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="page number"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="Body Text Indent"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st2\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-link:"Footer Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoBodyTextIndent, li.MsoBodyTextIndent, div.MsoBodyTextIndent {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-link:"Body Text Indent Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-indent:.5in; line-height:200%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.BodyTextIndentChar {mso-style-name:"Body Text Indent Char"; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Body Text Indent"; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;} span.FooterChar {mso-style-name:"Footer Char"; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:Footer; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;} span.msoIns {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-style-name:""; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single; color:teal;} span.msoDel {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-style-name:""; text-decoration:line-through; color:red;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 81.35pt 1.0in 1.2in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-page-numbers:1; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style>
<br />Talk turned to history last night at my weekly writer's meeting. Local, regional, West Virginian and Civil War and I was reminded of the story I wrote a few years ago, based on a prompt. Hmmm...almost all my stories begin that way, with a prompt...
<br />
<br />Anyway, the following story appeared in the online, historical journal, <a href="http://www.copperfieldreview.com/index.html">The Copperfield Review</a>. The journal features fiction, non-fiction and reviews of historical novels. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy reading it and will add it to my "frequent reading links" (must find a better title, any suggestions?).
<br />
<br />As far as I can tell The Copperfield Review doesn't archive their past issues, so for those interested I've posted the entire story below, it runs about 2500 words.
<br />
<br />Enjoy. Let me know what y'all think.
<br />P.S. Some of the formatting has gone all weird on me and I can't figure out how to change it, my apologies. ; 0
<br />
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="metricconverter"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="Sn"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="title"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="GivenName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="footer"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="page number"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="Body Text Indent"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st2\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:1; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-link:"Footer Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoBodyTextIndent, li.MsoBodyTextIndent, div.MsoBodyTextIndent {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-link:"Body Text Indent Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-indent:.5in; line-height:200%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.BodyTextIndentChar {mso-style-name:"Body Text Indent Char"; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Body Text Indent"; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;} span.FooterChar {mso-style-name:"Footer Char"; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:Footer; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;} span.msoIns {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-style-name:""; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single; color:teal;} span.msoDel {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-style-name:""; text-decoration:line-through; color:red;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 81.35pt 1.0in 1.2in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-page-numbers:1; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 12"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="metricconverter"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceType"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PlaceName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="Sn"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="title"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas:contacts" name="GivenName"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><link rel="themeData" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_themedata.thmx"><link rel="colorSchemeMapping" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CFamily%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtmlclip1%5C01%5Cclip_colorschememapping.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="footer"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="page number"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" name="Body Text Indent"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st2\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoFooter, li.MsoFooter, div.MsoFooter {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-link:"Footer Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; tab-stops:center 3.0in right 6.0in; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} p.MsoBodyTextIndent, li.MsoBodyTextIndent, div.MsoBodyTextIndent {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-link:"Body Text Indent Char"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-indent:.5in; line-height:200%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.BodyTextIndentChar {mso-style-name:"Body Text Indent Char"; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:"Body Text Indent"; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;} span.FooterChar {mso-style-name:"Footer Char"; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-locked:yes; mso-style-link:Footer; mso-ansi-font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;} span.msoIns {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-style-name:""; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single; color:teal;} span.msoDel {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-style-name:""; text-decoration:line-through; color:red;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 81.35pt 1.0in 1.2in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-page-numbers:1; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size:14;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in; line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">Are the stars out tonight?</span></p> <p class="MsoBodyTextIndent" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in; line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">By <st2:personname st="on"><st1:givenname st="on">Cheryl</st1:givenname> <st1:sn st="on">Kobe</st1:sn></st2:personname></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I always hated the way she fussed over me. Treated me like a little boy, all the time. But now I’d give anything to have Mama fussing at me, smoothing my hair down and clicking her tongue. Now <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>, be sure and wear your hat, the wind is picking up. I don’t want you catching a cold.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I turn and try to get comfortable on this cold, hard ground. Mama would have a fit if she saw me. Bout right now I’m catching pneumonia, at least, must be below freezing. Who said the south was warm? This damp cold chills me to the bone.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I roll over again, trying to ignore <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>’s snoring. These last weeks have been like a dream, just not real. Well, maybe more like a nightmare at times. Traveling all this way south, never knowing what me and <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> was gonna run into. Land is so different down here. One thing true</span><span class="msoDel" style="font-size:100%;"><del cite="mailto:cheryl" datetime="2003-06-03T19:37"> </del></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">about the south, I ain’t never seen a sky so blue, crisp, and clear through the day. Just the same color as <st2:place st="on"><st1:givenname st="on"><st2:city st="on">Elizabeth</st2:city></st1:givenname></st2:place>’s eyes. I miss <st1:givenname st="on"><st2:city st="on"><st2:place st="on">Elizabeth</st2:place></st2:city></st1:givenname>. Her soft hands, her hair that smells like summer flowers. She said she’d wait for me, but will she? Dear Lord, keep her heart for me. There’s no men left in Cobleskill to court her, they’re all here with me – the 115<sup>th</sup> Regiment of New York Volunteers. Not one able bodied fellow stayed behind, we marched out of town and headed south to <st2:city st="on">Albany</st2:city> to join up with other <st2:place st="on"><st2:state st="on">New York</st2:state></st2:place> regiments.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>’s sawing away again, much too noisy so I shove him. “<st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>, if you can’t sleep quietly then you just better wake up.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> mutters and turns away from me, he’s sleeping pretty soundly. Probably dreaming of home. I wish I was home, sitting on a crate in old <st1:title st="on">Mr.</st1:title> <st1:sn st="on">Stokely</st1:sn>’s store, chewing my jerky, listening to him laugh and shoot the breeze with Papa and <st2:personname st="on">Sheriff <st1:sn st="on">Anderson</st1:sn></st2:personname>. The jerky I got to eat here is nasty, nothing like the deer jerky Papa cures in the smoke house. I think they’re feeding us shoe leather and that’s why we ain’t got no boots.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m wearing the shoes I wore when I left Cobleskill, just fine for farming, but not for southern swamps. My feet haven’t been dry for days, not since <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> and I left headquarters in <st2:place st="on">Harpers Ferry</st2:place>. Now we wait for our target. Maybe tonight will be the night. If I could just get a little shuteye, I know I’d feel better; I need to be alert. I roll on my back again. Clouds are moving fast across the dark sky. Wonder if those clouds’re coming from the north.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">North from Cobleskill and old <st2:personname st="on"><st1:title st="on">Mr.</st1:title> <st1:sn st="on">Stokely</st1:sn></st2:personname>. He wanted to be here, wanted to be part of this war. It sure took a lot of jawing to convince him to stay home and look after the women folk. Sent those bloody English crying home to the queen in 1813, he said and was ready to send the Confederates running home with their tails between their legs this time. He tells some good fighting stories. He said a proud man will stand up and do what it takes to keep his land safe from evil, whatever it might be. Said his daddy didn’t fight the British for freedom only to hand it over to a bunch of slave owning rich folks</span><span class="msoIns" style="font-size:100%;"><ins cite="mailto:cheryl" datetime="2003-05-31T16:13"> </ins></span><span style="font-size:100%;">who think they can secede from this great country. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Peaceful night tonight, clouds have cleared and now I can see the full moon, lights up the entire valley. So clear we’ll be able to see our targets just fine. But that means the Rebs can see us too. Just look at those stars, so bright. Could <st2:place st="on"><st2:city st="on"><st1:givenname st="on">Elizabeth</st1:givenname></st2:city></st2:place> be looking at those same stars tonight? Is she thinking about me? Wondering if I’m alive or dead? Oh, sweet <st1:givenname st="on">Lizzie</st1:givenname>, remember me, wait for me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I kick <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>. “You need to stop that sawing! I bet the Rebs can hear you all the way down in <st2:state st="on"><st2:place st="on">Mississippi</st2:place></st2:state>! <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> wake up! Wake up you fool!”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This time <st1:sn st="on">Franks</st1:sn> sits up and looks at me. “Hey, what is it <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>? I was having a sweet dream.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“The clouds have cleared and the moon is full. We need to be extra careful.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> barely nods and lays back down.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m tired of following this Reb regiment around. If they would just stay in place all night we could get it done. This sneaking around is not my idea of fighting a war. Don’t even have a proper uniform. Better to stay in your own clothes the Lieutenant said, just in case you’re caught. Caught, geez, can’t think about that. I’ve seen the condition of the Rebs. They’re in worse shape than us, uniforms torn and tattered and many have no shoes. How can they keep marching through these fields with no shoes? Every night since we started following them we’ve killed a snake. And these bugs are not like any I’ve ever seen. Buzzing in my eyes, biting every bit of skin not covered. I’ve been thinking that maybe the Rebs are setting out these critters to attack us. I’ve scratched so much I’m bleeding. And<st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> can hardly open his eyes; they’re just about swelled shut. So how’s he gonna be able to aim at his target?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I can’t sleep so there ain’t no use in wasting time, we best get a move on. I shove <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> again and this time he stands up and stretches. I panic and grab at him. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Get down <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>! What’re you thinking? We gotta stay outta sight.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> just shakes his head at me. “Nobody’s looking for us, <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>, so nobody’s gonna see us.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“We don’t know that. And I don’t know bout you, but I have a pretty gal waiting for me that I intend to stay alive for.” I pull <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> down beside me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Geez, I’m starved, <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>, this hard tack’s just laying in my belly like a brick.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“We get our mission done tonight we can head back to camp.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Good, I’ve had enough of this grub we been carrying with us. My stomach’s aching for some real food.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I pick up my rifle and tell <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> to do the same.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“Come on, let’s walk the ridge and see what we can find. Gotta be quiet <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Ok, let’s find us some Rebs.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Wonder if <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>’s right? Maybe we don’t need to be so careful; maybe the Rebs don’t suspect a thing. <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>’s a good man, one helluva shot, but sometimes I wonder about his common sense, like does he have any? He can’t be rustling through these fields like a scared doe. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">“You look worried, <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>, how ya feeling? Did you sleep some tonight?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“No, couldn’t. Kept thinking about home.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Ah, home. If I close my eyes I can smell the bacon Mama fries for breakfast.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Is that all you can think about <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>, food?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“ Well, it’s what I miss the most.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Not me.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“You miss your sweetheart?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Yeah, sweet <st1:givenname st="on"><st2:city st="on"><st2:place st="on">Elizabeth</st2:place></st2:city></st1:givenname>. If I close my eyes I can relive our last kiss. My hands wrapped around her tiny waist, the sweet smell of her hair and her soft lips, so sweet, <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>, so sweet. I can see her waving her handkerchief as we marched out of Cobleskill.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“You know <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>, when I volunteered I thought I’d be fighting in a war.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“But you are.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“This ain’t war. This is spying stuff and I don’t like it. How can I go home a war hero if nobody knows what I’m doing?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“You shouldn’t be doing it for the glory, <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>. You should be doing it to save the <st2:place st="on">Union</st2:place> and free all them poor slaves.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Yeah, well, the <st2:place st="on">Union</st2:place> ain’t gonna find me a gal to marry, is it?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“No.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“I want to march home all decked out in a fine, clean uniform. Boots polished, buttons shiny and medals pinned to my chest.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Aw, Frank.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Yup, just think of all those pretty girls who’ll come running to me, a war hero and all. I can spin my tales of crushin’ those rebels and fightin’ in such miserable conditions and…”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“<st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>, Frank, listen to me. You won’t need any medals to get a pretty girl. Just be a good soldier. Girls don’t want to hear war stories, too gory for them, all blood and guts. All they’ll care about is that you’re alive and home.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“I guess, but I don’t like not being able to tell what we’re doing. It ain’t right.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“I know <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>. Hey, look just past that grove of trees, you see fire light?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Yeah.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Looks like they’re settling in for the night.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“They set up tents. Guess they plan on staying a while, lucky for us. Let’s see how close we can get.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I wish the moon wasn’t so bright, almost like daylight. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I hope <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> can hold himself together. Mama, I hope you’re praying for me right now, praying that I don’t run into a snake. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Psst, <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>, get down behind that tree.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Hope the crickets and bullfrogs mask our rustlings. I make my way over to <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> and make sure he’s settling in.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Frank, how ya doing there?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“My Lord, <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>, look at all them Rebs. There wasn’t that many on the road this morning. Where did they all come from?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Must have met up with reinforcements.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“I ain’t never seen so many Rebs in one place, kinda scary.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“I know. Let’s lay low and watch ‘em for a while.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>’s right, there’s too many of them. How in tarnation are we gonna be able to pick off the officers? We have to move in closer and do it tonight; they might not be here tomorrow night. And if we don’t start our backtracking we’ll never find our way back to the regiment. I don’t want us to be wandering around these Reb filled woods. Don’t put much stock in our cover, two southern boys looking for a fighting unit to join up with? I don’t want to have to put that story to the test.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Frank, let’s get in closer, keep your head down and your powder dry. We need to reach that knoll over there. Then we can get a clear shot down into their camp.” </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I stick close to <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> as we make our way through the thickets. The dampness seems to be keeping the noise down. <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>’s finally settling down. I think the sight of all those Rebs lit a fire under him. He’s gotta be alert. I know he can do it, he’s the best hunter in the <st2:place st="on"><st2:placename st="on">Mohawk</st2:placename> <st2:placetype st="on">Valley</st2:placetype></st2:place> and he sure didn’t earn that by spooking his prey.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Course with these new rifles they gave us, it’s hard to imagine missing anything. The Lieutenant says I can kill a man at <st2:metricconverter productid="1000 yards" st="on">1000 yards</st2:metricconverter>, amazing. It was something, shooting at those hay-filled dummies. This rifle made a big hole at <st2:metricconverter productid="350 yards" st="on">350 yards</st2:metricconverter>. It was real hard to aim from that distance, and I didn’t always make my shot, but I did fairly. <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> nailed every one of his though, tore his dummy to shreds. Glad he’s on my side, and by my side, good man to have looking out for me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> makes his way over to my side. “<st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>, I think I spotted the officer’s tent down over there. Biggest one in the camp and the only one lit up.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Ok, let’s have a look. Keep your eyes open for sentries. They might be posted out at <st2:metricconverter productid="100 yards" st="on">100 yards</st2:metricconverter></span> or more.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I’m kinda surprised we haven’t run into any sentries. I guess they really aren’t expecting us, or any Yanks, or surely they’d be scouting some. Maybe it’s some kinda omen in our favor. No way we can do this without the element of surprise.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I feel queasy. How am I gonna shoot a man? Never pointed a rifle at anything but food. Proud to say none of my kills ever suffered. Never had to track a wounded animal, always a clear shot and a clean kill. Couldn’t stomach wounding and having to put it out of its misery and I sure didn’t have any choice in this assignment. After seeing <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> and me at target practice, the Lieutenant volunteered us. Been nervous about it since then, and now, well now I’m just sick to my stomach. Can’t think about it too carefully; just have to think about it like a job, a hunt I reckon.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I look around, no sign of anyone out here, just the white of <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>’s eyes, little bit I can see. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“OK, Frank, belly to the ground now. We got to slink on in the last <st2:metricconverter productid="50 yards" st="on">50 yards</st2:metricconverter> or so. Stay close, never more than an arm’s length away. Got it?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“OK <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname>.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">As I reach the knoll, <st1:givenname st="on">George</st1:givenname> slinks in beside me real quiet. Yes, this will do just fine; I can get a clear shot from here</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">That must be the officer’s tent, just like <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> said. With reinforcements arriving something important must be brewing. Must be six men in that tent, but how many of them</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">are officers? The Lieutenant was real strong about that, don’t shoot any enlisted men, only officers, any officers, and as many as we could.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“Frank, let’s take our position right here. We have a good view of that tent and can see who’s coming and going.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I hear rustling, could be a sentry. I motion to <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> to get down and be quiet, he shakes his head, he must’ve heard it too.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I turn my head in all directions, no sign of the sentry. That was a little too close. I take a deep breath. We need to get this done. I motion to <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname> to get his rifle ready, he nods.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Let’s see what I got in these iron sights. Should we be shooting into the tent? Are all six of those men officers? Wait, someone’s coming out. Three men, all look to be officers with shoulder broads and white gloves. This is it.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I can see their faces; ‘cept for their uniforms they could be <st2:place st="on">Union</st2:place>. They look like us. Why did I think they’d look different, like I’d be able to tell just by looking at their faces they were Rebs? I don’t like this. It’s so hot the sweat’s running into my eyes and blurring my vision. Have to make these shots count, can’t miss. Aim for the chest, better chance of making the shot.
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Target in sights, deep breath, squeeze the trigger, nice and easy.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Too much smoke—can’t see—did I get him? Where’s <st1:givenname st="on">Frank</st1:givenname>? What’s that? Sounds like thunder.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">**************************************************************************</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><st1:givenname st="on">Lizzie</st1:givenname>, the stars are so bright. <st1:givenname st="on">Lizzie</st1:givenname>, sweet, <st1:givenname st="on">Lizzie</st1:givenname>, can you hear me? I’m coming home.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p>
<br />
<br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-3754742812636309242008-09-18T08:29:00.007-05:002008-09-18T10:18:41.234-05:00Thai at homeI'm always alert for new recipes--cooking the same thing over and over can certainly be a drag to prepare and blah to eat.<br /><br />The Sunday magazine section printed a recipe for Thai Turkey Burgers and Thai-style Peanut Cabbage Salad that caught my eye, so I gave it a try. As always, I didn't have all the ingredients called for, so I improvised and what follows is the end result.<br /><br />Burgers<br /><br />1 lb ground turkey (the burgers were not dry like most turkey burgers, I used mixed ground turkey, not ground breast turkey)<br />1/2 onion, minced<br />1 tablespoon cilantro<br />2 teaspoons soy sauce<br />pinch of ginger<br />pepper and salt<br /><br />Combine turkey, onions, cilantro, soy sauce and salt and pepper in a large bowl, mix well, gotta get your hands in there! Shape into 4 patties and pan fry in a few tablespoons of olive oil until thoroughly cooked--about 35 minutes over medium heat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ285OEybrrBn9FS2pmz1n7CoQxMkd6ztbQP_pZZPuM9kqD_nJJ87gKJ6SUa5JmJck3s3Xd-Om8Fu-CUVhyphenhyphenAm5coGTUip5C5EwMriym32cOSmBELTXc1IN5xTlnzk1izXoUkhLMf2oHZMw/s1600-h/P1020756.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ285OEybrrBn9FS2pmz1n7CoQxMkd6ztbQP_pZZPuM9kqD_nJJ87gKJ6SUa5JmJck3s3Xd-Om8Fu-CUVhyphenhyphenAm5coGTUip5C5EwMriym32cOSmBELTXc1IN5xTlnzk1izXoUkhLMf2oHZMw/s400/P1020756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247368259342082578" border="0" /></a>I toasted hamburger buns and offered sliced tomatoes (from the garden, of course) and mayo (the olive oil kind) for the burgers. Good taste, not dry, I'll make them again.<br /><br />Thai-Style Peanut-Cabbage Salad<br /><br />1 can, drained, whole green beans<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5Xekeu2apkdm9geHmvy6XvXpCIFYS0Tmeldtvjrhyphenhyphen4IF3HUgTi2udyIe6rP_2gDOzT806soLVWXbwLI6L5HzvpUS1VF6fWKxWT_ddChmfe9ZlwkH4x6jsIqc9XqVOSi_7EaSkDASLu9Z/s1600-h/P1020752.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5Xekeu2apkdm9geHmvy6XvXpCIFYS0Tmeldtvjrhyphenhyphen4IF3HUgTi2udyIe6rP_2gDOzT806soLVWXbwLI6L5HzvpUS1VF6fWKxWT_ddChmfe9ZlwkH4x6jsIqc9XqVOSi_7EaSkDASLu9Z/s400/P1020752.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247370260163600834" border="0" /></a>1 small head of cabbage, sliced thin<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDRzs4288NrdETlVjOpr4UcGei72cRaQHpUys__yaFXAX99Bw_rzEqUbBUTvc8mJwL1HOkUmLKvVupe6CEbimJkN_BM5g3Q4Wk7v9Zu_kniuTfrKk_J7iYHClbjZxyhzUDgK2nB2PvXE8/s1600-h/P1020750.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDRzs4288NrdETlVjOpr4UcGei72cRaQHpUys__yaFXAX99Bw_rzEqUbBUTvc8mJwL1HOkUmLKvVupe6CEbimJkN_BM5g3Q4Wk7v9Zu_kniuTfrKk_J7iYHClbjZxyhzUDgK2nB2PvXE8/s400/P1020750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247371568865180754" border="0" /></a>6 sliced green onions<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEckZRO6Z2oyjWs68TC-KjX-Dw1aG1WDME_k4BeF5fa9_zT1mqFcCSB11Au4IadtCZ8cMteBsW_927ozdwDJIK6dGIVdnU1ePeICkkPVsXIOnleWwPi7w5_pD8ACNnZ2agIxRZgDTIC4_/s1600-h/P1020751.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTEckZRO6Z2oyjWs68TC-KjX-Dw1aG1WDME_k4BeF5fa9_zT1mqFcCSB11Au4IadtCZ8cMteBsW_927ozdwDJIK6dGIVdnU1ePeICkkPVsXIOnleWwPi7w5_pD8ACNnZ2agIxRZgDTIC4_/s400/P1020751.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247374902207995378" border="0" /></a>3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts<br />handful of fresh basil, torn into small pieces<br /><br />Toss everything together in a large salad bowl and prepare dressing.<br /><br />1/3 cup brown sugar<br />2 tablepsoons water<br />4 garlic cloves, minced (or one mega-giant-elephant garlic clove!)<br />2 tablespoons soy sauce<br />1/4 cup lime juice<br />2 tablespoons olive oil<br />pinch of ground ginger<br />salt and pepper<br />1 small hot pepper, chopped, seeds removed (I used one of our Hungarian banana peppers which turned red on the vine)<br /><br />Mix ingredients and pour over salad sparingly. I didn't pour all of it over the salad, maybe half and saved the rest for other salads.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2wxA3dBS6GLVslRkUIEqSlnSipaQ18Qs2PzK1vLGPo2B6OvSCWKm8Gf6PD5ZIi4-uj7jpZaoXXKYLeUVIpsW176l3g7DP0J6-663jwfqxK2gMi7mcv1NTNYmbsTo21WZxmMn68XFhVU-/s1600-h/P1020755.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2wxA3dBS6GLVslRkUIEqSlnSipaQ18Qs2PzK1vLGPo2B6OvSCWKm8Gf6PD5ZIi4-uj7jpZaoXXKYLeUVIpsW176l3g7DP0J6-663jwfqxK2gMi7mcv1NTNYmbsTo21WZxmMn68XFhVU-/s400/P1020755.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247377926208074562" border="0" /></a><br />Crumble and crush about 2 cups of <a href="http://www.taquitos.net/snack_reviews/Sweet_Potato_Chips">sweet potato chips</a>, I used Terra, it was the only brand available to me. Divide the crushed chips between individual salad bowls, then pile on the salad. I loved it! Tasty, tangy, crunchy, overall yummy.Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-34643885218761367202008-09-16T17:23:00.003-05:002008-09-16T17:29:48.586-05:00Popular PinkEveryone, check out <a href="http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/2008/09/portland-day-one.html">Monster Crochet's</a> blog post today!<br /><br />Just look at the dazzling <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">watermelon, pink</span> color she's using for her hairpin lace.<br /><br />Looks familiar doesn't it?<br /><br />Gotta love it!Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-8299370131308320772008-09-15T07:01:00.004-05:002008-09-15T09:54:27.625-05:00Dazzling watermelon ponchoWhatcha think?<br /><br />Dazzling, huh? The color, I mean. Don't zoom in too close, remember I'm still technically a beginner, even though I did this sort of stuff many moons ago. My "hooking" is still a little rusty!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb8iIyIpHGQI6gH34iLVnUDUsX50KhBLKDuNfFglrEuFqL9UQvmqIuuMluDFGTAr8Ai17VDXHNOdvZez-VxGTcuwy_shUIcj-Nf3HmFU_tgMZ5b92IZW2lbiBQSX7iOLbXorGIFMNqLiI/s1600-h/100_1923.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIb8iIyIpHGQI6gH34iLVnUDUsX50KhBLKDuNfFglrEuFqL9UQvmqIuuMluDFGTAr8Ai17VDXHNOdvZez-VxGTcuwy_shUIcj-Nf3HmFU_tgMZ5b92IZW2lbiBQSX7iOLbXorGIFMNqLiI/s400/100_1923.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246218048411400946" border="0" /></a><br />Out it goes today to Niece with a birthday this week, you know who you are. ; )Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-49405229369933366252008-09-12T11:53:00.004-05:002008-09-12T12:24:05.471-05:00Cincinnati ChiliEver since I first ate Cincinnati chili at a <a href="http://www.skylinechili.com/">Skyline Chili</a> restaurant a few years ago, I've been on a quest to find one that suits my family.<br /><br />Now, I'm not sure if this recipe tastes exactly like the Skyline Chili you get at the restaurants, but we sure like it!<br /><br />The recipe is from the cookbook photoed below: Think Thin Pasta by Sue Spitler. It's got some great recipes, the pages are quite food stained, proof that I use the book often.<br /><br />Cincinnati Chili Sauce<br /><br />12 oz ground turkey (or ground chicken, I've used both)<br />1/2 cup chopped onions<br />4 cloves garlic, minced<br />1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, undrained<br />1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce (on occasion I've used 4 oz tomato paste mixed with 4 oz water)<br />1/2 cup water<br />2 tablespoons chili powder<br />2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves (I've also subbed with Italian seasonings some times)<br />1 teaspoon ground cinnamon*<br />1 teaspoon ground allspice*<br />1/2 teaspoon paprika<br />1 tablespoon cocoa*<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 teaspoon pepper<br /><br />*these three ingredients are crucial to the overall unique taste of this chili<br /><br />Cook turkey in saucepan over medium heat until browned, 5-8 minutes. Remove turkey from pan, drain and crumble. Drain excess fat from pan.<br /><br />Add onions and garlic to pan and saute until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in turkey and remaining ingredients, heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, until sauce is thickened, about 15 minutes.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5Sn-h_Kmkls4d6JMsToUjFOgbwZAtAdwQrS25nyNjnMfLHMEQnEB8QxqJL1WzMBSbqe7dSedlYmeFc8UMmbZmjc4ypdo590QYPYI5baGWKHNpCGtI6mqc0_p5eO7aRhbupOmrLeSqZSR/s1600-h/100_1912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5Sn-h_Kmkls4d6JMsToUjFOgbwZAtAdwQrS25nyNjnMfLHMEQnEB8QxqJL1WzMBSbqe7dSedlYmeFc8UMmbZmjc4ypdo590QYPYI5baGWKHNpCGtI6mqc0_p5eO7aRhbupOmrLeSqZSR/s400/100_1912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245180481811765714" border="0" /></a><br />I usually serve this over spaghetti in the traditional Cincinnati chili fashion; offering shredded cheese (sharp cheddar is my favorite) and chopped raw onions. I also like a dollop of sour cream atop the mound.<br /><br />The leftovers are great with/without the pasta and also make a yummy hot dog sauce.<br /><br />Tastes delicious and since ground turkey/chicken is used, the recipe could be considered healthy?! <span style="font-style: italic;">If</span> you use <span style="font-style: italic;">lowfat</span> shredded cheese, and <span style="font-style: italic;">if</span> you use a <span style="font-style: italic;">non-fat</span> sour cream....Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-78999906985586634112008-09-11T07:37:00.004-05:002008-09-11T07:58:40.151-05:00squeetus blogShannon Hale maintains a blog--listed on my blog roll--always packed full of information. Timely and useful information.<br /><br />Beginning with her August 31, How to be a reader (part 1) post and continuing since, Shannon has expressed great insight into reading and writing books. As both an avid book reader and an aspiring writer, I have very much appreciated and enjoyed her posts.<br /><br />So, I direct all readers and writers out there to visit her blog and learn how to read through the eyes of an author.<br /><br />P.S. She also writes fabulous books--my favorites are Austenland (hilariously fun read) and Book of a Thousand Days (young adult fairy tale inspired writing at its best).Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-4614660870265547512008-09-10T06:55:00.011-05:002008-09-10T08:33:12.220-05:00I don't like spiders and snakesNope, I <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">don't </span>spiders or snakes and here I am, living in rural West Virginia, a place practically overrun with spiders and snakes.<br /><br />For example, I stumbled upon this one day down by the creek in our backyard.<br /><br />Caution: this photo is not for the faint of heart, I still get shivers when I look at it, and I'm the one that took the photo!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vfZQZcDPhnhgB9WR-F9BjSvJ42F6egy37tv2-ppoCOyeKOfrz88AJNmYccptzQh0TLz7CYza9PEcjkbDZryvYHhO2EavssKE41c59fM3BrNsDOXiQL0jt8X-PGCwVpNM_DBjHAfA63mJ/s1600-h/snake+with+frog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vfZQZcDPhnhgB9WR-F9BjSvJ42F6egy37tv2-ppoCOyeKOfrz88AJNmYccptzQh0TLz7CYza9PEcjkbDZryvYHhO2EavssKE41c59fM3BrNsDOXiQL0jt8X-PGCwVpNM_DBjHAfA63mJ/s400/snake+with+frog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244368805314070674" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, the photo is a little blurry, that happens when the photographer's hand is shaking!<br /><br />Though I was getting all creeped out, I leaned in (carefully!) for a better view.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmufu_rQDJGh8-LMCvDhTlSaHMNaXC71KKsYbk8WqKsO0sJWQTWaSoB3mGo9MbbUtIUQXPGt489C9Gg0ahGO8R3_Fw_VP11w1_pNcXMcjQ-lNEVfHz7bxcIrOu4X-PwGhaih64xsz4sOzH/s1600-h/snakefrog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmufu_rQDJGh8-LMCvDhTlSaHMNaXC71KKsYbk8WqKsO0sJWQTWaSoB3mGo9MbbUtIUQXPGt489C9Gg0ahGO8R3_Fw_VP11w1_pNcXMcjQ-lNEVfHz7bxcIrOu4X-PwGhaih64xsz4sOzH/s400/snakefrog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244370362645250946" border="0" /></a><br />Oddly fascinating and truly scary...for me at least.<br /><br /><br />The other day Youngest Son offered to wash the car. After I recovered from the initial shock, I smiled and said thank you. <br /><br />With the car all dusty, dirty and ready for a good soaping YS retrieved all the necessary cleaning supplies to begin his task. Minutes later he's calling me, loudly, loud enough for me to hear him inside the house with all windows and doors shut tight and the central air running.<br /><br />Outside I found him standing at the hose that connects to the backyard well pump, and this is what he points out to me:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOQ2gwuN1x3I08Ep2OT8uw11fXXSr_lHYxTggZo97xoC6ePauz59oIh7kDTvpl7wXbPltDQOhC2-ounJbVN2PTHaQwJpkeIq_7a3-ngcNvqIB5anPLYJ8MCWwO-wpmtv-uxYxxn_icZjw/s1600-h/100_1907.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOQ2gwuN1x3I08Ep2OT8uw11fXXSr_lHYxTggZo97xoC6ePauz59oIh7kDTvpl7wXbPltDQOhC2-ounJbVN2PTHaQwJpkeIq_7a3-ngcNvqIB5anPLYJ8MCWwO-wpmtv-uxYxxn_icZjw/s400/100_1907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244361113846462610" border="0" /></a>It's huge! I run back in the house for the camera and he gets to be the one to lean in close for these photos.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU0fR4f_GO3UesymHz6AuB1Zj7bQPCpPsAk603ZyS-H-EoRz5dJ3PQoRWzsaudex1UyPXpo7bnhkjWdz3mFGkrUsfaA2u_pOdI5ZrgZ-Gr9u3S154w62jGZvgA6wMJw8UYN2vyvfCtqaa/s1600-h/100_1909.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU0fR4f_GO3UesymHz6AuB1Zj7bQPCpPsAk603ZyS-H-EoRz5dJ3PQoRWzsaudex1UyPXpo7bnhkjWdz3mFGkrUsfaA2u_pOdI5ZrgZ-Gr9u3S154w62jGZvgA6wMJw8UYN2vyvfCtqaa/s400/100_1909.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244363165402445890" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p50g1EOBMIE3s1uUOsvhPVXKdIHf1zlvo6fkjD_Ikb7fNzABWgL-_epOnEGwnt5zKrooOd7VDofYmPZhLN6BVDmDloEcACU-R4JjH6EPAE-I2l4vSk5gKPazvrihe3YQDNsHvPCX9j05/s1600-h/100_1908.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1p50g1EOBMIE3s1uUOsvhPVXKdIHf1zlvo6fkjD_Ikb7fNzABWgL-_epOnEGwnt5zKrooOd7VDofYmPZhLN6BVDmDloEcACU-R4JjH6EPAE-I2l4vSk5gKPazvrihe3YQDNsHvPCX9j05/s400/100_1908.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244361824491085186" border="0" /></a>Blaahhh....equally beautiful and beastly.<br /><br />I did some searching and if I'm not mistaken (though I could very possibly be incorrect...) this arachnid is a black and yellow garden spider. <br /><br />Of course because of its beauty, this specimen happens to be a female. I discovered that like most spiders, this one is harmless to humans and keeps the fly and mosquito population in check. This <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/black_and_yellow_argiope.htm">website</a> has amazing photos and interesting facts.<br /><br />"I don't like spiders and snakes, and that ain't what it takes to love me..."<br />This Jim Stafford song will be running through my head all day now, and if you know the tune, guess what, it's gonna be singing to you all day too!<br /><br />In case you don't know the song, here's a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUIycfWjW-k">YouTube video</a> to get you going.Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-57572378533530385152008-09-05T14:52:00.004-05:002008-09-05T15:22:58.263-05:00Watermelon Crocheted PonchoStill no crocheted socks book yet. Still working diligently on my <a href="http://cherylkobe.blogspot.com/2008/08/i-can-crochet.html">wrap</a>. Still need to have a short term project going on. Look what I've begun...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5Zgzi0JETgOX_Tmm9kuZScDudT4YnaLN0PkARaP61kLW7kXwbuIvmSvioymq4pE0Sr8Iy59o5X3HGo2Fxi9dhpHR-mB-Xf5pnnHYi8lVIB7jU9qYBJiEZylcjiZg8PZkwCra-Hrl8fq8/s1600-h/100_1911.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5Zgzi0JETgOX_Tmm9kuZScDudT4YnaLN0PkARaP61kLW7kXwbuIvmSvioymq4pE0Sr8Iy59o5X3HGo2Fxi9dhpHR-mB-Xf5pnnHYi8lVIB7jU9qYBJiEZylcjiZg8PZkwCra-Hrl8fq8/s400/100_1911.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242628582408928242" border="0" /></a><br />I kinda gave it away in the post title. This is the start of a child's poncho. The yarn is <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">watermelon</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 0);">. And this photo does not do it justice...it's eye-shockingly bright.<br /><br />I found the pattern <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/ccw-childsPoncho.html?noImages=">here</a> on Lion Brand yarns website--it's a freebie. This is what the finished project is supposed to look like:<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTynHLHnPI4QF3KfcEEfjPa97FdtKS9M8075PqO9L-aAi9tatFuJ_7QZn2Ij7EXBX5SFZs5qbWkc6IFpYkd_0RXAHPRw1Emm0DNYAgDJhMO426-TxJZ8dkp-Tf_dfCvq2Fbg0b29LhxU4W/s1600-h/ccw-childsponchoa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTynHLHnPI4QF3KfcEEfjPa97FdtKS9M8075PqO9L-aAi9tatFuJ_7QZn2Ij7EXBX5SFZs5qbWkc6IFpYkd_0RXAHPRw1Emm0DNYAgDJhMO426-TxJZ8dkp-Tf_dfCvq2Fbg0b29LhxU4W/s400/ccw-childsponchoa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242630299860470482" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday I was inspired to make <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span> for my niece's birthday this month. First I thought I'd whip up scarf--did that already. Then I pondered the idea of a hat--they all looked very pretty but unappealing. So last night the light bulb went off--a poncho! After much hunting and pecking online and flipping through page after page of books and magazines, I settled on the above pattern.<br /><br />My niece turns 6 and I'm hoping she'll like the color and maybe even wear the poncho...Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-6740376413553997982008-09-04T13:08:00.003-05:002008-09-05T15:29:04.172-05:00Agents, agents, agentsI've spent (and am still spending) many, many, oh so many hours researching agents for <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wendy</span></span>.<br /><br />My computer is smoking, my search engines are on fire and within the next few days <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wendy</span></span> will be visiting some new and exciting locations across the World Wide Web!<br /><br />The following links have been vital to the archaeological dig into the workings, lives and loves of literary agents who not only love children's middle grade fiction, but actually and truly will allow authors to query without referrals--imagine that!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.verlakay.com/boards">Verla Kay's Blueboards</a> are utterly fantastic, choked full of so much info, shared by so many wonderfully talented giving writers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.agentquery.com">AgentQuery.com</a> is, according to their website, "the internet's largest and most current database of literary agents." I believe it. The site has oodle of info on searching for agents that are looking for specific genres and quality info on writing query letters.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.querytracker.net">QueryTracker.net</a> also lists agents. This site is interactive--you join (for free) and search agents (again specific to your genre) and you can tract your queries. I've only just begun this process on this site. It appears to be very comprehensive, it also shows statistics about agent.<br /><br />Back to the vital sites....I'll post <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wendy</span></span>'s travels as they occur.<br /><br />Wish me luck.<br /><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span>Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-70706311982186087232008-09-02T06:48:00.012-05:002008-09-02T08:58:08.553-05:00Crocheted coasters and tomato pieMy crocheted WIP wrap is coming along nicely, though slowly, and I get impatient, looking for immediate results. To quell my need for instant or quicker crochet gratification I've ordered this from Amazon:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gFoBB_LIre8UYdP_EMLOcchfe0uFqJ8y84DCuW6BH2noYNvgB_XdBKFNgOK4Sa6oGfn1tFrOkvJNHjwIyo2Bu6Tu6Zu8xjTkhKqiam-ax0DQLbVWSTxt8C0T8PRHKUQgl-xmeETXMP0h/s1600-h/512PV0KYVFL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gFoBB_LIre8UYdP_EMLOcchfe0uFqJ8y84DCuW6BH2noYNvgB_XdBKFNgOK4Sa6oGfn1tFrOkvJNHjwIyo2Bu6Tu6Zu8xjTkhKqiam-ax0DQLbVWSTxt8C0T8PRHKUQgl-xmeETXMP0h/s400/512PV0KYVFL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241401430998955682" border="0" /></a><br />Crocheted Socks! I thought you could only knit socks! I'm very excited to give it a whirl--but, must wait for my mail lady to bring me the book. Which hasn't even been shipped out yet.<br /><br />So.....I found a pattern for these:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4jNdxjk7rcm7l1TkhNzSX_wxy9pFf0s8178zA_b-PENVXbBkO35DqAD7b20UjRIt_h6D49pD0U-Y2eNXr9wED_Dfohs9PmlTNz402gdB9ns1WA-k08h7Vw9LlrI576Rxcrnzu0HSJhBb/s1600-h/P1020724.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4jNdxjk7rcm7l1TkhNzSX_wxy9pFf0s8178zA_b-PENVXbBkO35DqAD7b20UjRIt_h6D49pD0U-Y2eNXr9wED_Dfohs9PmlTNz402gdB9ns1WA-k08h7Vw9LlrI576Rxcrnzu0HSJhBb/s400/P1020724.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241391279238144002" border="0" /></a><br />Crocheted coasters--they're simple and can be "hooked up" in a matter of mere minutes.<br /><br />Coasters<br /><br />Crochet hook, size G (that's what I used)<br />Rounds 1 and 2 measure 2" in diameter, depending on type of yarn used. I used what I had on hand--which happen to be Lion Brand Wool Ease.<br /><br />Each dc and ch-3 counts a 1 st.<br /><br />My finished coasters measure approximately 5 inches in diameter, make them as small or large as your mugs and glasses require.<br /><br />Ch 4.<br /><br />Round 1: 11 dc into fourth ch from hook. Join with slip st to top of ch-3 -- 12 sts.<br /><br />Round 2: Ch 3, dc into same st as slip st. *2dc into next dc. Repeat from * around, ending row with slip st to top of ch-3 -- 24 sts.<br /><br />Round 3: Ch 3, dc into same st as slip st, *dc into next dc, 2 dc into each of next 2 dc, dc into next dc, 2 dc into next dc. Repeat from * around, ending round with dc into next dc, 2 dc into each of the next 2 dc. Slip st to top of ch-3 --39 sts.<br /><br />Round 4: Ch 4, dc into same st as slip st, *dc int next dc, 2 dc into next dc. Repeat from * around. Join with slip st to ch-3 -- 59 sts. Fasten off.<br /><br />Voila! A coaster. Or many coasters depending on your mood.<br /><br /><br />Now another tomato recipe. I found several recipes for tomato pie, but didn't have all the ingredients needed for any of them so, I <span style="font-style: italic;">improvised</span>, (gasp!). This is the pie before it baked:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlmIFHMGs7U-MX4HOlWnLqVI-YKR_1Y47Q2c9NP3bn7pqLTXV6D-qcWgwoEGqAVyZmnDf56VqwxO3diMjbVdplXReZEG-DppeWDwMj_VFq0feFhCXegNrx_FzoaA_zSZiZzHmi0CJtWCn/s1600-h/P1020726.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlmIFHMGs7U-MX4HOlWnLqVI-YKR_1Y47Q2c9NP3bn7pqLTXV6D-qcWgwoEGqAVyZmnDf56VqwxO3diMjbVdplXReZEG-DppeWDwMj_VFq0feFhCXegNrx_FzoaA_zSZiZzHmi0CJtWCn/s400/P1020726.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241396162350220658" border="0" /></a><br />I pre-baked a Pillsbury pie crust for about 13 minutes.<br /><br />While the crust baked I sliced 4 tomatoes, sprinkled them with salt and let them drain in a colander.<br /><br />After the baked crust had cooled for a few minutes, I layered the tomato slices in the pie crust.<br /><br />I chopped a handful of basil leaves and scattered them and some salt and pepper over the tomatoes.<br /><br />Many recipes I found call for mayo and I hesitate using so much of it. Often I'll cut back the amount recommended and use this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMo9BeL1SmMRwJeICOqTQeXUSCtt32kP61LMOnA5ybvbCSWvFD63f8f5dFD_Yi36SnpBR_uOzYht_9NktuJsAEzX_ZDb1OKu2hx9cYDGrqBOUHxA6G7eVRJYLN2x3XNdiWeZ57Sx3kNV9/s1600-h/P1020725.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMo9BeL1SmMRwJeICOqTQeXUSCtt32kP61LMOnA5ybvbCSWvFD63f8f5dFD_Yi36SnpBR_uOzYht_9NktuJsAEzX_ZDb1OKu2hx9cYDGrqBOUHxA6G7eVRJYLN2x3XNdiWeZ57Sx3kNV9/s400/P1020725.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241409318929186178" border="0" /></a><br />Note the olive oil--which of course means its good for me....<br /><br />Okay, I found about 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese in my fridge, mixed it with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup shredded hard white cheese--nope, not sure what it was. The label was removed. It tastes like a cross between Parmesan and asiago, very tasty. Use whatever cheeses you like best.<br /><br />Mixed the shredded cheeses with about 1/2 cup mayo and spread the mixture over the tomatoes. Baked the pie for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.<br /><br />The end result:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYfY8aMVTIp-LUVlFIKvJpM6HSczoxsu_5s1DY04jlMlvWnGymwADoJ2f2SZ4lDSfUVJti1EUbgKfM-kaG5GdKl7H1EZqO5ekJmaR3Yl00cV-meDCn50Ic8-vT95hj1-7aldrYjjSivlA/s1600-h/P1020727.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMYfY8aMVTIp-LUVlFIKvJpM6HSczoxsu_5s1DY04jlMlvWnGymwADoJ2f2SZ4lDSfUVJti1EUbgKfM-kaG5GdKl7H1EZqO5ekJmaR3Yl00cV-meDCn50Ic8-vT95hj1-7aldrYjjSivlA/s400/P1020727.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241411833098208434" border="0" /></a>Very tasty! Also makes good leftovers for lunch. mmmmm.......Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-62897774757358355292008-08-29T18:28:00.006-05:002008-08-29T19:15:02.935-05:00Fresh tomatoes and okra, oh my!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE96sbZghsd-gdQr-r0qxgHvR-3XKvFKmIDTSiB0rfIyUWme49vyqOFDCmz9NZ2cxT9keBLKhB5mBwr4a0twvOMqxDNb4IVIVIZkZD-yZWREzXn-B85bfW4eZIZbd8O_-DBmUutQvtNVc/s1600-h/P1020716.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE96sbZghsd-gdQr-r0qxgHvR-3XKvFKmIDTSiB0rfIyUWme49vyqOFDCmz9NZ2cxT9keBLKhB5mBwr4a0twvOMqxDNb4IVIVIZkZD-yZWREzXn-B85bfW4eZIZbd8O_-DBmUutQvtNVc/s400/P1020716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240087989211755410" border="0" /></a><br />Our tomatoes and okra are finally coming in at a faster pace. All the rain we've had the past few days has helped immensely. Now I must keep up with feeding us fresh veggies as they are picked--the only thing I desire to can this year is cold packed pickled okra.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVh4FKb5WN3XZCHphaT1Lt26SpMM-rHPtXiYelZF5DUjBB-eodlIZltLYOPHjpIaGlZpHYF6U2SX6QGega34hAPkY9KX350XRjbyH6nXvo2rHbw51FinTvyU341_2UxJFe1tmoQudPd0j/s1600-h/P1020718.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVh4FKb5WN3XZCHphaT1Lt26SpMM-rHPtXiYelZF5DUjBB-eodlIZltLYOPHjpIaGlZpHYF6U2SX6QGega34hAPkY9KX350XRjbyH6nXvo2rHbw51FinTvyU341_2UxJFe1tmoQudPd0j/s400/P1020718.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240089157290394626" border="0" /></a><br />We've been eating a salad of tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella, olive oil and salt and pepper almost every day. Now I've run out of mozzarella. Until I make the 30 mile trip for more mozzarella I need to improvise.<br /><br />So I improvised and came up with this:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPbcifZo4AJqtJr52wM9S8Oup1kg-STe1i6w967pkZBJ-rB5BuSd0NRgPMi7JDVhkha27x-1DOo-ZzVOKKWmuQzqqDLtEiPq8Apy4aX_ZpBcjowxy0JIhLCpLhsdZzcETbTuq0XklHS2L/s1600-h/P1020720.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPbcifZo4AJqtJr52wM9S8Oup1kg-STe1i6w967pkZBJ-rB5BuSd0NRgPMi7JDVhkha27x-1DOo-ZzVOKKWmuQzqqDLtEiPq8Apy4aX_ZpBcjowxy0JIhLCpLhsdZzcETbTuq0XklHS2L/s400/P1020720.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240091638504077954" border="0" /></a>Okay, so maybe I need some sort of food designer who can plate my food to look appetizing! But it really tastes pretty good.<br /><br />I fried about a half pound of bacon and crumbled it. Then chopped up a couple of tomatoes, mixed them with the bacon. I tossed in about a handful of torn basil and parsley from the garden. I whisked some mayo--maybe one quarter cup--a couple of splashs of red wine vinegar and salt and pepper. Drizzled this on the tomato, bacon, basil, parsley mixture and tossed. It was yummy.<br /><br />Now for the okra:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmjlZkbwpKQv1VoryXJAxT7OTRoWkeIOfK2k8bDQt0kXkioY3DAknwRKjpG3pEs-u9GBgpty1oJd-MiX-49c2SgA3PD44-XYRdArIv6DknotUodHYcTC8QVz7TPeAEfR1fJ9UJD4CwQJd/s1600-h/P1020723.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmjlZkbwpKQv1VoryXJAxT7OTRoWkeIOfK2k8bDQt0kXkioY3DAknwRKjpG3pEs-u9GBgpty1oJd-MiX-49c2SgA3PD44-XYRdArIv6DknotUodHYcTC8QVz7TPeAEfR1fJ9UJD4CwQJd/s400/P1020723.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240094503718281106" border="0" /></a><br />This is a recipe Husband found last year when our okra crop was humongous, gigantic and extremely prolific. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br />Easy Indian Style Okra<br /><br />3 tbs butter<br />1 med onion, chopped<br />1 lb sliced, fresh okra<br />1/2 tsp each--cumin, ginger, coriander<br />1/4 tsp black pepper<br /><br />Melt butter, add onion, cook until tender. Stir in okra, add seasonings. Cook and stir a few minutes, reduce heat to med-low, cover and cook for 20 min., stirring occasionally.<br /><br />Other than breaded and deep fried, it's our family's favorite way to eat okra. Of course, I'm not sure if any of us really LIKES okra, but we enjoy eating it.......Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-22648881083087521102008-08-28T12:03:00.014-05:002008-08-28T14:22:50.512-05:00It's time to introduce...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdy6xmLwi9n1X0iPjveidTISyijp1vEmzkpB5VPhe9RgPqPyADcdqnB3CSE9vMeY43OXeLQsb0gic8vReRuN1ZJhA4NhbqimZxjQ8zMacXEPEmSYapzkDIBy7-K1deInzJMbEelS9q436/s1600-h/100_0615.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdy6xmLwi9n1X0iPjveidTISyijp1vEmzkpB5VPhe9RgPqPyADcdqnB3CSE9vMeY43OXeLQsb0gic8vReRuN1ZJhA4NhbqimZxjQ8zMacXEPEmSYapzkDIBy7-K1deInzJMbEelS9q436/s400/100_0615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239618027281898450" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Jingles the not so amazing wonder cat, so named by my three sons after many days and many names, this one stuck. She was a mere 6 weeks old when we first brought her home and she loved sleeping in oldest son's slippers. She can't fit in shoes anymore, but she still enjoys cuddling on laps and nuzzling necks.<br /><br />Granted this is not a very flattering photo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBTF15USxlnvXJqniarNIn4ctHaZRahfaskjH9OVcoGNkvRzL3-TtIVSR88EVRDizQ67ex8kRD2EV2yTCdBwImtQpd7bjkSJuK8YcGBviaS5DVaT5zPg9XslKSnnM26bQJ45U_4LpRqao/s1600-h/P1020668.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBTF15USxlnvXJqniarNIn4ctHaZRahfaskjH9OVcoGNkvRzL3-TtIVSR88EVRDizQ67ex8kRD2EV2yTCdBwImtQpd7bjkSJuK8YcGBviaS5DVaT5zPg9XslKSnnM26bQJ45U_4LpRqao/s400/P1020668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239616576935152066" border="0" /></a><br />This scowl seems pretty permanent since the arrival of:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgcYTeRcZh-w7stXoByNAyKdLDlSIug1j-U9sUdiOYbUjgnZ2Jb7QY9rrSYthmBBLyh8B5KHg-OHmef2MD9hcnzu1iz4eOGZs0EVmjQk3NN_QtiY7-6uL-j6WQNbmF2TOq34KmPejqXOm/s1600-h/P1020672.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgcYTeRcZh-w7stXoByNAyKdLDlSIug1j-U9sUdiOYbUjgnZ2Jb7QY9rrSYthmBBLyh8B5KHg-OHmef2MD9hcnzu1iz4eOGZs0EVmjQk3NN_QtiY7-6uL-j6WQNbmF2TOq34KmPejqXOm/s400/P1020672.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239621892333825538" border="0" /></a><br />This is Fry, our grand-cat. He belongs to eldest son and daughter-in-law who are living in not-pet-friendly housing at this time--we are cat-sitting.<br /><br />Fry (yes, that Fry,the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.futurama-madhouse.com.ar/bios/fry.shtml">Futurama</a> guy) is a great cat. He's quirky and soft and affectionate. Though he is quite big--bigger than any cat we've ever had before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynclK21Hd_Ty2wQJUgQPyc-yZ3VBngANHlYCSq1T7i8Gzq4CpehScM7cV4v8QGvmK-RuQdYTroI_JOIaAWRMfrU8mSL2LiquUhvMK8CQSSazw7pvHDdc_q858rPGK99C-TnOn5w7Eg58d/s1600-h/Fry.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynclK21Hd_Ty2wQJUgQPyc-yZ3VBngANHlYCSq1T7i8Gzq4CpehScM7cV4v8QGvmK-RuQdYTroI_JOIaAWRMfrU8mSL2LiquUhvMK8CQSSazw7pvHDdc_q858rPGK99C-TnOn5w7Eg58d/s400/Fry.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239630209095027410" border="0" /></a>We've all been speculating on whether or not Fry has some Maine coon in him. He's just about a year old and already weighs in at 15 lbs! According to Wikipedia average adult male Maine coons weigh between 13 and 20 lbs. It also mentions that Maine Coons growth is slower than most cats, with Maines sometimes not reaching full size until age 4 or 5. Yikes!<br /><br />Since we're not doing any kind of dna or paternity testing on Fry, we'll just have to wait it out and see just how big he gets! I'll keep you posted.<br /><br />Jingles does scowl an awful lot, her life was peaceful and solitary until Fry. It took a few weeks of hiding in the basement and hissing whenever Fry came near, just to show him who exactly was in charge, now she's adjusted very well to Fry and they spend many hours sliding along the hardwood floors.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5V5t_5BhKvmUGkOQJjJLn-iWI42_GrH1gCnGF1_BXtgJEAH-X4pTwEVz6oZUhMQ4MHDcyiCUCjceVQrWH8TuyLN3sg44Ob0IWlG8ZUSTppzgBlf-U33R3uVObQJikznv2a9iAJNcLA15/s1600-h/P1000120.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5V5t_5BhKvmUGkOQJjJLn-iWI42_GrH1gCnGF1_BXtgJEAH-X4pTwEVz6oZUhMQ4MHDcyiCUCjceVQrWH8TuyLN3sg44Ob0IWlG8ZUSTppzgBlf-U33R3uVObQJikznv2a9iAJNcLA15/s400/P1000120.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239644571658677938" border="0" /></a><br />Cats are warm, comforting, and of course, entertaining.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPy5xXROJIS3QNlsZLJLn3k4iDmzdjIKJQ3JAJhiRFntrSH5mby3o1XOUywxgUz4r27nLUKwtDhN9luOpTKQfRcQkwPMa61QS56u9vTIIPCq24RA30vKg0Ff9dPR3KUEMHzYOkhuklPwK/s1600-h/P1020661.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPy5xXROJIS3QNlsZLJLn3k4iDmzdjIKJQ3JAJhiRFntrSH5mby3o1XOUywxgUz4r27nLUKwtDhN9luOpTKQfRcQkwPMa61QS56u9vTIIPCq24RA30vKg0Ff9dPR3KUEMHzYOkhuklPwK/s400/P1020661.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239650535716306146" border="0" /></a>Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-61025350639584056302008-08-27T12:23:00.008-05:002008-08-27T13:51:46.553-05:00I can crochet!It's been 25+ years since I've attempted to crochet anything. When I did yarn play those years ago my most ambitious projects were all afghans of one stitch type, simply repeated over and over.<br /><br />Late this past spring I got the itch to stitch and found loads of books with wonderful exciting patterns. Since then I've been hooked! Ha!<br /><br />This is my current work-in-progress:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0oNtQlLOZ8IxvcU1qC8EEsS5sDbK0BwrkyxvA4tVsEfV9dkck9WimaldFYapzUSnVCTBGskneGVBDuK9b4I3CE9WtM_orCJTD1ifW95cglEBKSM9xiGvMWMA_2zQ9t_AtOMmcSPCFAZS/s1600-h/P1020680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0oNtQlLOZ8IxvcU1qC8EEsS5sDbK0BwrkyxvA4tVsEfV9dkck9WimaldFYapzUSnVCTBGskneGVBDuK9b4I3CE9WtM_orCJTD1ifW95cglEBKSM9xiGvMWMA_2zQ9t_AtOMmcSPCFAZS/s400/P1020680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239252382392053202" border="0" /></a><br />Can you guess what it's "growing" to be?<br /><br />Give up?<br /><br />Here's a couple of photos:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BBLHBF94Ud9hkbbNJLiZQGuvllvsIBIdLt-5YxKpponEqMiKF5_JONOAvsmA3lSMunVuV5tgr_gwTxcITfE7FOEVrH1CEltdag5QokldDqaEDdADMJ1zXTHANuBo7i_mCQGbx2u2UjMi/s1600-h/P1020696.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BBLHBF94Ud9hkbbNJLiZQGuvllvsIBIdLt-5YxKpponEqMiKF5_JONOAvsmA3lSMunVuV5tgr_gwTxcITfE7FOEVrH1CEltdag5QokldDqaEDdADMJ1zXTHANuBo7i_mCQGbx2u2UjMi/s400/P1020696.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239253663105470434" border="0" /></a>That's the front and here's the back:<br /><br /><a aiotarget="false" aiotitle="" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSx6arIrZ5fIVZ8YgRWaq0-RKKYfUWl_PGGarbmeYMiMEIALxZgHGboVqxmcYQml3YM5F4azjWSp8UwPHKWK9wieob3z_pLaQz2VgUf2dM8ACX8BznB8_57NldQf6OKytDqwjr6wGRBt/s1600-h/P1020698.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSx6arIrZ5fIVZ8YgRWaq0-RKKYfUWl_PGGarbmeYMiMEIALxZgHGboVqxmcYQml3YM5F4azjWSp8UwPHKWK9wieob3z_pLaQz2VgUf2dM8ACX8BznB8_57NldQf6OKytDqwjr6wGRBt/s400/P1020698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239254971444465762" border="0" /></a>I still have a long way to go!<br /><br />I started the wrap project in May but took a break to attempt my first baby sweater.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV-JTm-gKO1hMHGEzOXC583ePGvnkBAiySSF0gXWFUCtQnR50EUZ0kPSeZGnaN-Bj5ww9Z8OXDvolLFIeAQvfD7sli0gnlA4s0ZSiPJQ0sveI2IElRDnMHrWY5VB_ZbVzRYeWrx2MwT12/s1600-h/Lily+in++sweater.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbV-JTm-gKO1hMHGEzOXC583ePGvnkBAiySSF0gXWFUCtQnR50EUZ0kPSeZGnaN-Bj5ww9Z8OXDvolLFIeAQvfD7sli0gnlA4s0ZSiPJQ0sveI2IElRDnMHrWY5VB_ZbVzRYeWrx2MwT12/s400/Lily+in++sweater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239257163513131794" border="0" /></a><br />Success! My beautiful granddaughter wearing my finished product. Just a little big, but she'll grow into it, right?<br /><br />Here's the pattern photo:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnS_dXtdgSofVSuBDPXs-yXpBUXjpfKvv1lLpG8-9TiB3a07IIhW1dpjtB865Gc6RSc1D_ZpK0Kl4K0PxJqDU4F_PhiAqnIHt0aUl-rm_sUfRzIuICcmZtybw4ZRErLATCjoFn1rtCxEN/s1600-h/P1020702.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnS_dXtdgSofVSuBDPXs-yXpBUXjpfKvv1lLpG8-9TiB3a07IIhW1dpjtB865Gc6RSc1D_ZpK0Kl4K0PxJqDU4F_PhiAqnIHt0aUl-rm_sUfRzIuICcmZtybw4ZRErLATCjoFn1rtCxEN/s400/P1020702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239258778222767378" border="0" /></a><br />Several times, okay, more than several times, I had to unravel and unravel and unravel, and pull yarn away from cats and dogs who always think I'm playing with them! I stuck with it, though, image of my granddaughter wearing my homemade sweater in my mind and voila!<br /><br />Now I'm surfing the web for crochet books, blogs and websites. There is sooo much out there. Just a few of my favorites: <a href="http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/">Monster Crochet</a> , the <a href="http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/pg.fcgi">Lion Brand Yarn</a> site, <a href="http://www.beginnercrocheting.com/">BeginnerCrocheting.com</a> , and <a href="http://www.about.com/crochet">About.com/crochet.</a><br /><br />YouTube even has a few learn to crochet movies.<br /><br />I'll update my progress on the wrap, in the meantime, though I've come across a few patterns for some really neat looking striped socks...hmm....how hard can they be?Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-26293324062422270502008-08-26T08:20:00.006-05:002008-08-26T10:32:14.439-05:00Sunflower Christmas TreeYes, that's what I call this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJB4F1uriEV-pFCXoTBelL5DNP_acXLmnedgEfBsEEQFtZ39d8di3MkIZ2PCYbZ0xqdS5XsjB3HBp9gomrAnDlsDY59wZf01ja7yGsKH96e04Qp8n9iSmr0fZzr2L8ZmbAAXteM3yIsf4/s1600-h/100_1889.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJB4F1uriEV-pFCXoTBelL5DNP_acXLmnedgEfBsEEQFtZ39d8di3MkIZ2PCYbZ0xqdS5XsjB3HBp9gomrAnDlsDY59wZf01ja7yGsKH96e04Qp8n9iSmr0fZzr2L8ZmbAAXteM3yIsf4/s400/100_1889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238816831021199890" border="0" /></a><br />This sunflower "tree" stands about 8 feet tall and, along with several other sunflowers popped up in our vegetable garden. Mind you, this year I planted NO giant/mammoth sunflower seeds anywhere!<br /><br />Last year I planted these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz1dmCWU1cUslWKAJqGNywDksVoggzgmiT5pPVNYLaN2pTmv-gQp_ItYdFPZ8BpJtWkHdmmS9XAeovdEM_B1giewu2LtnTE-SzLcQW89Y-3WABamtC6TiBuBxdOPtW0aWMq4qVon-AUoj/s1600-h/P1010041.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKz1dmCWU1cUslWKAJqGNywDksVoggzgmiT5pPVNYLaN2pTmv-gQp_ItYdFPZ8BpJtWkHdmmS9XAeovdEM_B1giewu2LtnTE-SzLcQW89Y-3WABamtC6TiBuBxdOPtW0aWMq4qVon-AUoj/s400/P1010041.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238819711615231986" border="0" /></a><br />Yes, that's Youngest Son standing in front of the garden for proportion purposes.<br /><br />I also planted these next to the porch:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKCnLpE6oEpWy90gIfP_jNvXItGbHoWiMeMMDiiVXMuoOiQXYux81BkZbUgYu2s5ghCjQu607QcWXPKWP_BwFMvDOAjmyA4W-NuqvEp4mDMVmqKYCfqdZTJK_xolQ0hcps-sIpL4tdfTy/s1600-h/P1010039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKCnLpE6oEpWy90gIfP_jNvXItGbHoWiMeMMDiiVXMuoOiQXYux81BkZbUgYu2s5ghCjQu607QcWXPKWP_BwFMvDOAjmyA4W-NuqvEp4mDMVmqKYCfqdZTJK_xolQ0hcps-sIpL4tdfTy/s400/P1010039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238821255635593042" border="0" /></a><br />The seeds were called Mammoth Sunflowers--that they were!<br /><br />This year I planted seeds for miniature sunflowers next to the porch. Maybe two plants came up.<br /><br />I was pleasantly surprised to watch my sunflower tree grow and grow and add bloom after bloom. Unfortunately it's shaded the cucumber plants Husband planted. We've had one small cucumber so far. The vine has traveled up the sunflowers and is flowering. I'm hopeful we'll get a least a few more cukes--if it ever rains again.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sunflowers are so easy to grow, even someone with a --what would be the opposite of a green thumb-- well, whatever it is, it's what I've got. My gardening and plant successes rank right up there with my cooking without a recipe successes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA4uwLjofJ3oLenBkIsBhrCHtCWzr6ASVvMYqL1B72l-bBh-XmlzC-AQwg7FmSU3H3Bu15Jk8dV84v7V7DX0Io9Y9i9aAAoAlvTYRPL7xUgtVVaZL0SprKDM9TQGybKGh0SRSCLiRC-BP/s1600-h/100_1890.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA4uwLjofJ3oLenBkIsBhrCHtCWzr6ASVvMYqL1B72l-bBh-XmlzC-AQwg7FmSU3H3Bu15Jk8dV84v7V7DX0Io9Y9i9aAAoAlvTYRPL7xUgtVVaZL0SprKDM9TQGybKGh0SRSCLiRC-BP/s400/100_1890.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238846446111421202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, we've thoroughly enjoyed our "naturalization" sunflowers. Supplying the birds with the dried flower heads last year has rewarded us greatly.<br /><br />I wonder what we'll have growing next year?<br /><br />P.S. Did you know that there are two types of sunflower seeds--black oil and striped? I didn't. This <a href="http://www.backyardwildlifehabitat.info/sunflowerseeds.htm">website</a> lists which birds prefer which seeds.Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-59976008015693537082008-08-26T06:57:00.002-05:002008-08-26T07:15:46.519-05:00Quick writing update<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Wendy</span></span> is still making the rounds out there in publisher deep space. I've decided to query agents. From my research, agents usually respond within a reasonable amount of time. Right now I'm gathering a list of appropriate agents that accept queries--most prefer email--and within the next few weeks <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wendy</span></span> will be visiting some agent types. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Magdalena </span></span>is on hold right now. I'm having issues with her age.........<br /><br />I've dabbled on a few of my other novels, but my brain always returns to middle grade. I've begun a new one, this time about a couple of boys. It's been fun writing!<br /><br />The quest continues.Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-83771653088497719892008-08-25T08:47:00.006-05:002008-08-27T14:06:34.171-05:00Clay pot cookingSomething else I picked up on our North Carolina visit was one of these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nIBgyHX3rbo5JuBq64J6EMvybx3Mpo1dwwIDETqpBwymF9BMQ24MLejyRCMNBwy3EFLDgHX7tCDECDeUQh1apd3j8qFjgFiVJijpyJPxLm6Ug1nKJJF_xxNdxDeMoImXzPYZhko7km8e/s1600-h/P1020665.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nIBgyHX3rbo5JuBq64J6EMvybx3Mpo1dwwIDETqpBwymF9BMQ24MLejyRCMNBwy3EFLDgHX7tCDECDeUQh1apd3j8qFjgFiVJijpyJPxLm6Ug1nKJJF_xxNdxDeMoImXzPYZhko7km8e/s320/P1020665.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238466541160186914" border="0" /></a><br />A Romertopf clay cooking pot. I've been on the lookout for one of these for quite a while. Paying enormous shipping for an online order wasn't an option, so I was pleased to find this one.<br /><br />I've tried it out twice thus far. The first time with a venison roast and vegetables, it worked well. This second time I used a pork loin.<br /><br />The loin weighed about 6 lbs and had good bulk, nice and thick, not skinny like some are. I cut it in half, 3 lbs is plenty big for us.<br /><br />I decided to make my own recipe--yikes--I'm not usually too good at winging it when it comes to cooking. I wanted to use what I had on hand. So, while I soaked the pot in cold water for 15 minutes I searched and this is what I came up with:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5pyEQ4el14KIQwyb9EDj132tDotD0ODpvEnqlU-WwqlxAtKjK5VGYmLtgjGvLYjyul7iMVDs-WQ825NWVXGGK7d262jSEIECkxFLd9DYruYqqMBqGnBXfYzPuzV8RN3jGtbytXAtW40d/s1600-h/P1010019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj5pyEQ4el14KIQwyb9EDj132tDotD0ODpvEnqlU-WwqlxAtKjK5VGYmLtgjGvLYjyul7iMVDs-WQ825NWVXGGK7d262jSEIECkxFLd9DYruYqqMBqGnBXfYzPuzV8RN3jGtbytXAtW40d/s320/P1010019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238473682887974866" border="0" /></a><br />- fresh beets from our garden--yay!<br />- about a cup of leftover sauerkraut (Boars Head brand)<br />- one large onion<br />- one very large clove of garlic from an Elephant head garlic bulb<br />- salt, pepper<br /><br />First, I cleaned the beets. Cut off the greens (to save for later), rinsed, peeled and quartered the beets. I used 6 beets.<br /><br />Then I chopped the onion and sliced the garlic clove.<br /><br />By now, the pot was ready.<br /><br />I placed the pork in first, fat side up. I stabbed it a few times with my meat fork and sprinkled it with salt and pepper, rubbing the seasonings into the meat.<br /><br />Next I placed the beets, onions, and garlic around the pork. Then I dumped on the sauerkraut, spreading it out across and around the pork.<br /><br />Put the top on the pot, placed it in a cold oven (very important to put pot in a cold oven or the clay might crack), turned the oven on to 450 degrees and set the timer for 90 minutes.<br /><br />The end result was pretty tasty. The beets cooked nicely and the sauerkraut added a nice flavor. The pork was a wee bit dry, next time I'll test the meat temperature after 60 minutes.<br /><br />I did take a picture, but it didn't look too appealing! The beets colored eveything reddish purple, so it looked a little weird.<br /><br />What I really like is how fast and juicy everything cooks up in these clay pots. I've used my Crock pot for cooking pork alot and it dries it out terribly. I think I can work on the time and get great results with this clay pot.<br /><br />Next time I'll take appealing photos to share.<br /><br />Oh yes, the beet tops. Husband soaks them repeatedly to remove all the grit, chops them up and sautes them in butter. They're still a little bitter--what green isn't--but let's face it, what doesn't taste yummy with lots of butter!Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-42855983749004830852008-08-22T07:48:00.005-05:002008-08-22T11:54:16.896-05:00Ronnie Dante and the DetergentsLast week or so while channel surfing I happened upon the local public tv station's fund drive. They were pushing those 60s compilation cds. Michele Phillips of the Mamas and Papas gushing over the greatness of the 60s music, flashes of clips from original artists, and some recent performances of these "oldies but goodies" singing to an audience filled with more "oldies but goodies."<br /><br />I always enjoy watching these things in bits and pieces. The music is always fun and a little bit of nostalgia is good for the soul.<br /><br />This time what piqued my interest was Michele Phillips introducing Ron Dante, noting that he was the original lead voice of the Archies. My mind tumbled. I knew who the Archies were, I even own a couple of the 45s. Hmmm, I thought, Ron Dante, could he be Ronnie Dante?<br /><br />Cut to the recent performance and upon close inspection, yeah, this guy looks like an older version of guy I met 40+ years ago, who gave me these:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcdbbohsG7tvV1vWuAY55S1bY88SvILvF9_eVNqcLO68IIly9JNFVhf0U5EDhX_lNZfH4Ap2dl_qtTmCOGRzf1t31y54qz1-L-1TH1ApWTVUmCMhT-4GvcbVSnMfVXvcCj6XWk9STBBfr/s1600-h/100_1897.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcdbbohsG7tvV1vWuAY55S1bY88SvILvF9_eVNqcLO68IIly9JNFVhf0U5EDhX_lNZfH4Ap2dl_qtTmCOGRzf1t31y54qz1-L-1TH1ApWTVUmCMhT-4GvcbVSnMfVXvcCj6XWk9STBBfr/s320/100_1897.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237371413594351538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8LAwUhvBvRCkX-o0eCTNeZLAHuzqkeqknWZvvw3nw0yYyBO00QA-juXBnoeMy6HpT7pvtLpHAZEA9pJZIBh1I1v9v4Bk5vJgGUeuFJI5_-mGklOU_WrTKfYPOIHD6SOfU7CeK9QVx9xq/s1600-h/100_1899.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8LAwUhvBvRCkX-o0eCTNeZLAHuzqkeqknWZvvw3nw0yYyBO00QA-juXBnoeMy6HpT7pvtLpHAZEA9pJZIBh1I1v9v4Bk5vJgGUeuFJI5_-mGklOU_WrTKfYPOIHD6SOfU7CeK9QVx9xq/s320/100_1899.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237371420711860546" border="0" /></a><br />Way back when, my Aunt Irene and Uncle Ted lived in Staten Island. On one of many family visits, my dad took my young Aunt Karen (she's just 7 years older than I am) and myself across the street to meet a new teen idol--Ronnie Dante. Karen, who was probably 15 or 16 at the time, appreciated this opportunity more than I did.<br /><br />Ronnie was cute and cheerfully gave us his autograph and these 45s. I have no idea were the autograph is, maybe Karen knows. But as you can see by my boldly placed Magic-Markered initials, I took possession of the records.<br /><br />After that PBS show I dug through the basement boxes and found them. Never realized before that they're "not for sale" copies.<br /><br />We had our picture taken, Ronnie, Karen and I. It's small, square, and black and white, typical of the time, and I can't find it anywhere. Somewhere in one of the many, many, many boxes of old photos all my family members (including me) are storing, that photo is hiding. Maybe I'll find it one day.<br /><br />Hadn't thought about Ronnie Dante at all since that "fan" meeting. How interesting it's been Googling him and discovering he had/has a very successful career after "Poor Boys" and "Here She Comes." He has a myspace page with songs, You Tube clips, etc., etc.<br /><br /> Though I'd rather just listen to my old 45s.<br /><br />"Here she comes, m-m-m-my that's my baby, here she's comes...."Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-35068168514462976022008-08-21T07:08:00.004-05:002008-08-21T08:26:49.633-05:00Figs, not Fig NewtonsAren't these beautiful?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSG21Ya-wNfh6RwHcrYWIedOCKmMni45Dp_x0giF2CHDIcb1kgLHpp0i4Wm1fXFAftEybuuWhpRP-01dSWWTG9rBhm5MyysB_YrX93SYfjQ9CFvSqWUG2axIcE6MW94Q4EWsZpkNiPwJZ/s1600-h/P1020662.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSG21Ya-wNfh6RwHcrYWIedOCKmMni45Dp_x0giF2CHDIcb1kgLHpp0i4Wm1fXFAftEybuuWhpRP-01dSWWTG9rBhm5MyysB_YrX93SYfjQ9CFvSqWUG2axIcE6MW94Q4EWsZpkNiPwJZ/s320/P1020662.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236943893139822770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />These figs came from my father-in-law's fig tree in North Carolina. The tree is huge and produces succulent, scrumptious fruit. I have to admit that before I'd met my husband I had no idea what a fig was, never even occurred to me that the figs in Fig Newtons might be some sort of fruit and not just a sugary concoction. While visiting in North Carolina we just walk by and pick and eat, they're too good to resist. No need to peel, just bite and enjoy the sticky juice dripping down your hand. The skin is fuzzy, like a peach and the inside texture reminds me of a kiwi.<br /><br />Whenever we visit I have grand illusions of bringing home a large bucket of plump, ripe fruit and making preserves or jam. Usually, by the time our car pulls into the garage, this is what's left of the fruit. They are the perfect size snack to pop in your mouth while driving, a lot healthier that my favorite <a href="http://www.wisesnacks.com/products_potato_traditional_all.html">potato chips</a>.<br /><br />Some fig facts:<br /><br />*Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral which helps to control blood pressure.<br /><br />*Figs have no fat, no saturated fat, no cholesterol or sodium.<br /><br />*Fig puree can be used to replace fat in baked goods.<br /><br />*Charles M. Roser, a cookie maker born in Ohio, created the Fig Newtown recipe, then later sold it to Kennedy Biscuit works, which later became Nabisco.<br /><br />*From Central Africa to the Far East, the fig tree is known as the Tree of Life and Knowledge.<br /><br />*Fig remnants have been found in excavated sights throughout the Middle East that date back to at least 5,000 B.C.<br /><br />*Cuban fig-eating bats are found in the Cayman Islands, Haiti and the Domincan Republic. Their body is only about 2.25 inches in length, but their wingspan is 13 inches.<br /><br />*People born between June 14 and June 23 are considered Fig Tree people.<br /><br /><br />Several attempts at propagating our own tree have failed. We'll try again in early fall, which is the best time.<br /><br />Here's a <a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/134577">recipe</a> for homemade Fig Newtons, I haven't tried it yet, maybe when I have an abundance of figs in my own backyard!Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6456618070901994489.post-49684748626170537142008-08-20T07:41:00.003-05:002008-08-20T08:01:29.916-05:00New look, new blogAfter a very long absence I have returned. I do believe I have banished the goblins that had blocked my computer's access to my blog. Many, many things have happened this past year and all will be revealed bit by bit, so as not to overwhelm the faint at heart....<br /><br />To begin with, the look of my blog will go through a gradual change. I'm striving for a warm and inviting place that will be reflected in the colors and layout. The content of my posts will change also. While writing is still my lot in life, kids, cats, dogs, food, crocheting and books will encompass a very large portion of my postings.<br /><br />Life is good, let's live it.Cheryl Kobehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00213965065615323089noreply@blogger.com1