tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296660642024-02-07T18:32:00.142-06:00Alpha LeonisRobynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.comBlogger260125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-68712322573161343242012-04-03T21:04:00.004-05:002012-04-03T21:16:32.604-05:00Exploring the new backyard.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBlnIO7J0hRtt4L73ZYTaWTjMweLrQwpX8CystqHfUUPqNnP0TlsYnazTObF5-TnMZTBz9Vd2H0dVYPqeoxYAPdQPoMb46KQngQSPzo4G73ZEBwLpLMiISxfHiOiE8-fXJS9UWg/s1600/exploring+the+backyard.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBlnIO7J0hRtt4L73ZYTaWTjMweLrQwpX8CystqHfUUPqNnP0TlsYnazTObF5-TnMZTBz9Vd2H0dVYPqeoxYAPdQPoMb46KQngQSPzo4G73ZEBwLpLMiISxfHiOiE8-fXJS9UWg/s400/exploring+the+backyard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727362400544903506" border="0" /></a>It's springtime at the big house. Each day we are discovering new things out in the backyard. We haven't touched any of the plants yet - just waiting to see what's out there and what will grow. So far it's mostly green with a little bit of magenta. Plus a little bit of Bella. Love it.<br /><br />And ps. I haven't been blogging much because I'm posting on tumblr. Check it out:<br />http://2012bestyearever.tumblr.com/<br /><br />And pss. Yesterday I joined twitter. Follow me:<br />@robyncraftygirlRobynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-26665069450079115452012-02-19T18:24:00.004-06:002012-02-19T18:35:23.363-06:00Sticky orange cake with marmalade glaze.First of all, don't you love the word marmalade? It's fun to say!<br /><br />And second, I found this recipe on pinterest which of course is everyone's new addiction.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/vegan-recipe-damp-orange-cake-136406">Sticky Orange Cake with Maramalade Glaze</a>.<br />I've found so many good recipes through <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/">thekitchn</a>. And a bonus - this recipe is vegan!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBwEWgBVmFM37DOn0cuO3fNp3liahMalLVb9WxUXnaUjUUcdMVw1L5UJzxqJoakjp_kXrvJRq0_agr7kzgh8ifojRtXoEhU716gVSEHK2z-crEJXCUDh_ttfjUDmCtJUcuum5kw/s1600/IMG_4731.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBwEWgBVmFM37DOn0cuO3fNp3liahMalLVb9WxUXnaUjUUcdMVw1L5UJzxqJoakjp_kXrvJRq0_agr7kzgh8ifojRtXoEhU716gVSEHK2z-crEJXCUDh_ttfjUDmCtJUcuum5kw/s400/IMG_4731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711009322204811282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5h8VtGlmvqjlBNewYHGTUHbqwj2bqfjFR4vOvL3dYfe537d42chywRvLB_Whk0oAT01JkhXAupKYfTX6r3Qkn-umCmcKN7IdB3iyAzKnKJg_SCJ4ThmwYRJFhv7FJ-cVRaM2Zw/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5h8VtGlmvqjlBNewYHGTUHbqwj2bqfjFR4vOvL3dYfe537d42chywRvLB_Whk0oAT01JkhXAupKYfTX6r3Qkn-umCmcKN7IdB3iyAzKnKJg_SCJ4ThmwYRJFhv7FJ-cVRaM2Zw/s400/IMG_4738.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711009060549152130" border="0" /></a><br />You have to zest an entire orange for this recipe. That would be easy if I had a zester. However, I discovered that this old peeler is a pretty great substitute. And you can't tell from the photos, but the cake ended up very concave. In part because of the plate I served it on, but also because I think I opened the oven when I shouldn't have during baking. Oh well - the cake still tasted great. I served it with chunks of organic dark chocolate.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-18577581833842769622012-01-09T20:52:00.002-06:002012-01-09T20:52:43.368-06:00follow me on tumblr!I've converted.<br />http://2012bestyearever.tumblr.com/<br /><br />I think it will be easier to post the photo a day project to tumblr. Enjoy!Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-53762954797763160282012-01-09T19:59:00.001-06:002012-01-09T20:00:59.924-06:00buzzed.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaqFkfI8K0niGC8yQYL0vgK-VwqwJ2_blMJlUdNO6CgJEmyICkOKsNxkwm1wyF3l7-9lf5HmeWZ93n__zcYBzLPzi15J3JTwlIDtwVLCQR2HgeAIjXAyssG70F7JMIUfCnGhvEw/s1600/IMG_4653.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaqFkfI8K0niGC8yQYL0vgK-VwqwJ2_blMJlUdNO6CgJEmyICkOKsNxkwm1wyF3l7-9lf5HmeWZ93n__zcYBzLPzi15J3JTwlIDtwVLCQR2HgeAIjXAyssG70F7JMIUfCnGhvEw/s400/IMG_4653.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695817280578517602" border="0" /></a>I like a good buzzed haircut.<br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-62974815515173261872012-01-08T20:25:00.001-06:002012-01-08T20:26:41.706-06:00cleaning out the freezer.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKtkbGMRtR4FbuvZwS04IQeHPaJeNWF4JAg7Ggir6raXvLPF-6nfL3zisI2GhugjLotI4QPZHwaRnw1fqRpiV3vGZ5Yj-ucwzPkqTuZBsFOIrVhEWDYhVP4fal51t5Ncoiwh05w/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKtkbGMRtR4FbuvZwS04IQeHPaJeNWF4JAg7Ggir6raXvLPF-6nfL3zisI2GhugjLotI4QPZHwaRnw1fqRpiV3vGZ5Yj-ucwzPkqTuZBsFOIrVhEWDYhVP4fal51t5Ncoiwh05w/s400/IMG_4649.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695452830078754162" border="0" /></a>Banana Muffins.<br />I made two loaves of banana bread too. I had to use up those frozen bananas one way or another!<br />Canon Powershot.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-41663595730696049512012-01-07T21:40:00.002-06:002012-01-07T21:42:14.665-06:00yellow<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqVofk-QjHnYhJdblr_WKU6KgGrxACrNSejTmSJ1Kkal6RbHw1_o6UWHzGymlOA6gsOHOi-qBz8XQoQmVxdYlkzKDdbRyYTuvmu1FQQ9IpyuWdFo-gYY1Uv2CRr9JRmh5eKYXpw/s1600/photo-15.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqVofk-QjHnYhJdblr_WKU6KgGrxACrNSejTmSJ1Kkal6RbHw1_o6UWHzGymlOA6gsOHOi-qBz8XQoQmVxdYlkzKDdbRyYTuvmu1FQQ9IpyuWdFo-gYY1Uv2CRr9JRmh5eKYXpw/s400/photo-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695101226102591874" border="0" /></a><br />Banana puff pastry dessert.<br />It should be noted that this was the second dessert of the evening.<br /><br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-22331738603645517712012-01-07T15:09:00.003-06:002012-01-07T15:10:58.301-06:00January 6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgrFnK8Mj2rE1X5QQZyH5uIoiz0zu51_56JlB70LYjCdZuQ5dVDt3uofSuOg-9y_Cm7jyK0AmXH2zhh_1ucsVLH0RZPoyytBANbL9zM4cHai8Q9y4uaEKxj_6gCJPNPqtxvJeOw/s1600/photo-14.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgrFnK8Mj2rE1X5QQZyH5uIoiz0zu51_56JlB70LYjCdZuQ5dVDt3uofSuOg-9y_Cm7jyK0AmXH2zhh_1ucsVLH0RZPoyytBANbL9zM4cHai8Q9y4uaEKxj_6gCJPNPqtxvJeOw/s400/photo-14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695000278369071378" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, I already missed a day. But all day Thursday I was in a meeting and then that evening led to dinner at a lame restaurant. There wasn't anything 'photo worthy'. So I made up for it on Friday and tried Chick-Fil-A for the first time ever. Not bad at all.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-32974618081558355732012-01-06T07:04:00.003-06:002012-01-06T07:07:23.356-06:00photo from January 4<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aMNCMqY4gef8Ox_FUE9PSYs2b1xqJX7-i5ZDT4Y8nqHhlDIIUEMaquTj5WEUbIcJJA0u_9aA5QlEj4OKjYyuHoq3nW2WkV_rgBweR1dXTdtEQn35R5ceNSDqkPIuYUJ9d21ONA/s1600/photo-13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aMNCMqY4gef8Ox_FUE9PSYs2b1xqJX7-i5ZDT4Y8nqHhlDIIUEMaquTj5WEUbIcJJA0u_9aA5QlEj4OKjYyuHoq3nW2WkV_rgBweR1dXTdtEQn35R5ceNSDqkPIuYUJ9d21ONA/s400/photo-13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694504188782966114" border="0" /></a><br />No access to wi-fi the other day so this photo is late to be posted.<br />View from the plane, iPhone.<br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-72968792414592149182012-01-03T19:45:00.000-06:002012-01-03T19:46:19.593-06:00chop.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3GBYky2VnEIS-eTvPTAXtNxTI-AibItEcxlCId-bB9mhZOs-uetR5yaNWmQgODwnyfowwg7OgL1YJ1cEQgkryB4z3RWwAKeWGe_AdrBk_xqmfBAqZuW3nAxzW9bGzNl-KrNn2A/s1600/chop.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3GBYky2VnEIS-eTvPTAXtNxTI-AibItEcxlCId-bB9mhZOs-uetR5yaNWmQgODwnyfowwg7OgL1YJ1cEQgkryB4z3RWwAKeWGe_AdrBk_xqmfBAqZuW3nAxzW9bGzNl-KrNn2A/s400/chop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693587090490254706" border="0" /></a><br />Swiss chard, carrots, onion.<br />nikon d7000.<br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-51590026288038752582012-01-02T16:04:00.000-06:002012-01-02T16:05:02.040-06:00packing.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rjLMtGG_zeTeD3adL5I4fjvu9Dcg0pbfYVtd8L9yUvajVvBYE5CqBj4zlogOZh1jmBkP6kLLTiIwd4-4fR4rPg7_yiajr93k5DHnq39DGKfPrWrzoss8nXkgHND4yVExr2LpAA/s1600/plate.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rjLMtGG_zeTeD3adL5I4fjvu9Dcg0pbfYVtd8L9yUvajVvBYE5CqBj4zlogOZh1jmBkP6kLLTiIwd4-4fR4rPg7_yiajr93k5DHnq39DGKfPrWrzoss8nXkgHND4yVExr2LpAA/s400/plate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693158967889928050" border="0" /></a><br />Spent most of today packing for the move to the big house.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">iPhone.<br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-65572190784381718332012-01-01T16:44:00.003-06:002012-01-01T17:07:43.379-06:00starting now.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXEvpNy-7lfDYPqUTux3LHqTNctRSvvCdZA7J41Hya2f9xFtEUqR0SjY_hwb_M96WYdO_FGa4DI-sUjtbIZgMVOOj0q6qZuHMEy52fPIUytfW-u86Z9JmgdQpc2PdFxcT3XvkIw/s1600/me+010112.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXEvpNy-7lfDYPqUTux3LHqTNctRSvvCdZA7J41Hya2f9xFtEUqR0SjY_hwb_M96WYdO_FGa4DI-sUjtbIZgMVOOj0q6qZuHMEy52fPIUytfW-u86Z9JmgdQpc2PdFxcT3XvkIw/s400/me+010112.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692798692355192290" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Happy New Year 2012!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I've decided that starting now I'm going to post a photo for every day in 2012. Typically this is referred to as a 365 photo project and I'm following in the shadows of </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://content.photojojo.com/tips/photo-project-ideas-for-the-new-year/">many bloggers</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> who have done the same.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The logistics of my project will get ironed out as I go along. Specifically I need to figure out the most efficient way for me to post a daily photo. There are so many options - I could post right here on the blog or I could use flickr or tumblr or a combination of all of those. Regardless of how I post I know I'll be using one of my three cameras. Of course I have my iPhone 4 camera and the instagram app. Then there is my shiny new Nikon D7000. And finally, the camera that lives in my purse is the Canon Powershot SD1200.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I am full of anticipation for 2012 and so I thought this project would be a great way for me to capture the year (and hone in on my photography skills at the same time). I may or may not write a description with each photo, but 2012 is sure to bring some great visuals. Watch for a new home and a wedding!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Today's photo:</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">A self portrait on the way back to MN from Wisco.</span>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-75816497178216370922011-12-22T21:37:00.004-06:002011-12-22T21:41:21.398-06:00Santa's Nice List.Earlier this month Luke and I were in Chicago for a fun holiday weekend. We walked by the Macy's display windows and look what we found! It's Santa's nice list and it includes Luke, Eli and Me (although Santa spelled my name wrong).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MyEb1k7mVZ8ULyPtIPIvScl7jz16iSgLOhX8h-eF9PjakzviTju-GA8Lrjm-srniLsYJALEhWWfBGXXJRtlB9M4_cU4hlmUia-CVomexuk1M2fAFWhrJqnPnTJeozfV8FuGwOg/s1600/DSC_1243.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MyEb1k7mVZ8ULyPtIPIvScl7jz16iSgLOhX8h-eF9PjakzviTju-GA8Lrjm-srniLsYJALEhWWfBGXXJRtlB9M4_cU4hlmUia-CVomexuk1M2fAFWhrJqnPnTJeozfV8FuGwOg/s400/DSC_1243.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689163546931222434" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaZp5CwJYypATHcINFfpRNFJIPgIxi4-zoXriGAZDR_yOQbrorQTtCWWCRpAXylINuy0NiYm2enppu4K0X_-epEBq4EcrSOYndG5M1C-8dzjEABCaNlzvNKuoTjDo7AoRWVr1VA/s1600/DSC_1243+edit.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaZp5CwJYypATHcINFfpRNFJIPgIxi4-zoXriGAZDR_yOQbrorQTtCWWCRpAXylINuy0NiYm2enppu4K0X_-epEBq4EcrSOYndG5M1C-8dzjEABCaNlzvNKuoTjDo7AoRWVr1VA/s400/DSC_1243+edit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689163645529253842" border="0" /></a>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-45649557466869008932011-12-22T21:28:00.000-06:002011-12-22T21:29:25.575-06:00guess who's coming to town?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZZC-6w8IXFt_45pXXScscoCF7gnujgZY1aogHJFD1OgyS-Ys0UOZgbwgfYWbYlOwVDd9MTO3R38hLZUxkA-a4LjO6bgH3OVENjyIQc4R-Ws353_SpOmqH3hyCSv2OpqmpCKfKw/s1600/DSC_1375.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZZC-6w8IXFt_45pXXScscoCF7gnujgZY1aogHJFD1OgyS-Ys0UOZgbwgfYWbYlOwVDd9MTO3R38hLZUxkA-a4LjO6bgH3OVENjyIQc4R-Ws353_SpOmqH3hyCSv2OpqmpCKfKw/s400/DSC_1375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689160745429119794" border="0" /></a>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-15254593205505752762011-12-14T21:24:00.004-06:002011-12-14T21:26:44.129-06:00before and after.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBFn6ffXAYzqk315NSDnjNxsBSmd1nZSBL7uYw9-UBmW33zZjZbkAx3_x-4LzFhQalVEKQ8sUMUq8qFHNLB5E80YUC3lVjeSFVDmO20qunuh4VFdjrTz8AlNf8CdCFkZ8PkPuNw/s1600/IMG_2312.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBFn6ffXAYzqk315NSDnjNxsBSmd1nZSBL7uYw9-UBmW33zZjZbkAx3_x-4LzFhQalVEKQ8sUMUq8qFHNLB5E80YUC3lVjeSFVDmO20qunuh4VFdjrTz8AlNf8CdCFkZ8PkPuNw/s400/IMG_2312.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686191079441979522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0ESopQDeIf7zieJ5PbO1pTqtk65bMFWs8_TIz3cJExeX7V4p57PGe5J2gjyWNcQN1CVXfMYny46kOXCZPXktJPEpt9kb56WhjC0hlYh_9oY0jaPNllau3tomZRtUy4CcHt9rtg/s1600/DSC_1389.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0ESopQDeIf7zieJ5PbO1pTqtk65bMFWs8_TIz3cJExeX7V4p57PGe5J2gjyWNcQN1CVXfMYny46kOXCZPXktJPEpt9kb56WhjC0hlYh_9oY0jaPNllau3tomZRtUy4CcHt9rtg/s400/DSC_1389.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686190963411637282" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I finally completed my tv stand project. I think it only took me a year and a half. Ha!<br />I'm happy with the end result.<br />The darker stained wood matches the other end tables in the living room.<br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-17528579804308635682011-12-11T21:07:00.003-06:002011-12-11T21:09:48.888-06:00I made this.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtUZUoh8EQrpFn7q3mgl7Q_L_C5Yq70DihqHd_ERMPtVKw1f7Nk4BZ7axtQl5c8sQRqAsoIzGpel-B8JgkVK5ncncLYoBsOXRyTfwptyhlK5RyeWAOeBJ4wxIXn5PgEaoct28ag/s1600/386618_10101401015271100_13956122_74787023_1649236171_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtUZUoh8EQrpFn7q3mgl7Q_L_C5Yq70DihqHd_ERMPtVKw1f7Nk4BZ7axtQl5c8sQRqAsoIzGpel-B8JgkVK5ncncLYoBsOXRyTfwptyhlK5RyeWAOeBJ4wxIXn5PgEaoct28ag/s400/386618_10101401015271100_13956122_74787023_1649236171_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685073281819901650" border="0" /></a>Congrats to Emma on completing nursing school. All celebrations of such accomplishment should involve big pieces of cake!<br />You can find the recipe <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2011/06/chocolate-hazelut-cake/">here</a>.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-89474209863555332862011-11-29T20:07:00.001-06:002011-11-29T20:09:55.482-06:00I can't stop staring.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbNeI7Z-WR8vqU3JTELDRm3FMSjDZXwwJsb6WGIt3_3cZ-wFeJppxtm44Zjhi3mN4S4iMowBLBU9TVLMMTBJ7Ty9A1CDlFqiO7mrlFWlv6O-zU-JvnqhA9Qy3z10lYQtw-NwW5g/s1600/DSC_1195.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbNeI7Z-WR8vqU3JTELDRm3FMSjDZXwwJsb6WGIt3_3cZ-wFeJppxtm44Zjhi3mN4S4iMowBLBU9TVLMMTBJ7Ty9A1CDlFqiO7mrlFWlv6O-zU-JvnqhA9Qy3z10lYQtw-NwW5g/s400/DSC_1195.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680605090065924034" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OrdantSUncRVOAkLYzE0qXOEg4pugpECmAGjfxakElGDHGfI_0yn-Zwz2CVARpYfQFDhTmw1zeuPXSLmPEpjG2UD9w7ioc4gitqp-oHa8OcWCeCPkE-nL5N_6Kjeb1sCraBpvA/s1600/DSC_1202.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OrdantSUncRVOAkLYzE0qXOEg4pugpECmAGjfxakElGDHGfI_0yn-Zwz2CVARpYfQFDhTmw1zeuPXSLmPEpjG2UD9w7ioc4gitqp-oHa8OcWCeCPkE-nL5N_6Kjeb1sCraBpvA/s400/DSC_1202.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680604898650741794" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">Here is our Christmas Tree, it's just as lovely as can be!</span><br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-65914888453526366372011-11-27T14:55:00.000-06:002011-11-27T14:56:06.578-06:00still my favorite sign.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9jcweDI2pp43AXY-s04IvFOtrTC6oW2CTVOe_Jzd3IizQ3nPhJlDomM31jMR79cNVnnh_Hj_EbKToYDPIsXRtrXVc9aTTPkmWwRuEL4gIc281mj5ADNU7jDM83P1GVnjJBZnVw/s1600/DSC_0939.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9jcweDI2pp43AXY-s04IvFOtrTC6oW2CTVOe_Jzd3IizQ3nPhJlDomM31jMR79cNVnnh_Hj_EbKToYDPIsXRtrXVc9aTTPkmWwRuEL4gIc281mj5ADNU7jDM83P1GVnjJBZnVw/s400/DSC_0939.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5679782236561769410" border="0" /></a>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-24885590318837982002011-10-26T20:22:00.002-05:002011-10-26T20:24:35.348-05:00coffee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPmpdjytIWLK_7gykYMS7DAEj9AogXSUcc_DDZ7RCRuXqe1Sp3azlZta4QH6u7CfuEdxQ_Xw2QdvfWYOEyBEssynwncLe3kAA9n-bMfhKuihEdi6V4E5DKCDIriaC6KnZeQkPKA/s1600/2011-10-26.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivPmpdjytIWLK_7gykYMS7DAEj9AogXSUcc_DDZ7RCRuXqe1Sp3azlZta4QH6u7CfuEdxQ_Xw2QdvfWYOEyBEssynwncLe3kAA9n-bMfhKuihEdi6V4E5DKCDIriaC6KnZeQkPKA/s400/2011-10-26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667976479276977778" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Last week I had a notion that I should stop drinking coffee.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Guess how long that lasted?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">One day. </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">I went one day without coffee.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">It's just so good.</span>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-51534306146298281772011-10-12T19:49:00.005-05:002011-10-12T20:17:26.903-05:00how it's made.Thanks to a link from <a href="http://jenloveskev.com/">Jenloveskev</a> I found a great <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/song-lyric-wall-art-diy-project.html">DIY art project</a>.<br /><br />Then I teamed up with my friend Jackie and we began our crafty adventure. Our goal was to end up with a work of art worthy of serving as our wedding present to our friends Jake and Emily.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl7fcbCwDKwyyQUPMZXBC07gLNxIItU-FNFuCizXo28lhNBhK9qhBZct-Mbdd-hjkgeVw8FBC9Z8diuKOcm0ZKli23fSOwEo064mnr9jClySJjm2RMAFWUIZPh_4CO9JdT5KLdA/s1600/art+project.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl7fcbCwDKwyyQUPMZXBC07gLNxIItU-FNFuCizXo28lhNBhK9qhBZct-Mbdd-hjkgeVw8FBC9Z8diuKOcm0ZKli23fSOwEo064mnr9jClySJjm2RMAFWUIZPh_4CO9JdT5KLdA/s400/art+project.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662778452443136578" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztADoYCHD0URZE3Whd5_nMjoPsWiMYaTgGFjLr1D2E6CGCDPkIw68A9-X4wUpWq52XKDIacEM9-2tmNnDYTmNjSlXn2bvw14rWX2r7OmCiVb5ZVD_VBVDf6ylT4_9VNOm3meTZw/s1600/DSC_0040.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztADoYCHD0URZE3Whd5_nMjoPsWiMYaTgGFjLr1D2E6CGCDPkIw68A9-X4wUpWq52XKDIacEM9-2tmNnDYTmNjSlXn2bvw14rWX2r7OmCiVb5ZVD_VBVDf6ylT4_9VNOm3meTZw/s400/DSC_0040.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662778996056592610" border="0" /></a><br />We chose the lyrics from the Hall and Oats song because that was the song Jake and Emily had in their wedding ceremony.<br />Art project = Success!Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-83336482901826772612011-10-10T21:17:00.002-05:002011-10-10T21:18:01.583-05:00fall.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnbWMYY23BXzUdD9NnWDFvsL9ztuVNdM9eHePV38F4uHMmBLb4DShYaLv7OHj2MSb9GPPWMeSruXHrPcLBpnVzrqz3yWnrcsFoSzWSlsNsUMHNtGdT9Y9ML2PYnIeIag0Mo_3Qw/s1600/DSC_0190.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnbWMYY23BXzUdD9NnWDFvsL9ztuVNdM9eHePV38F4uHMmBLb4DShYaLv7OHj2MSb9GPPWMeSruXHrPcLBpnVzrqz3yWnrcsFoSzWSlsNsUMHNtGdT9Y9ML2PYnIeIag0Mo_3Qw/s400/DSC_0190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662053075790013138" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Houston Nature Center<br />Houston, MN<br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-51596562256902597182011-09-25T20:40:00.002-05:002011-09-25T20:56:13.330-05:00nursing pays off.Early this summer Luke injured himself playing soccer. Poor guy. Following surgery for a torn ACL and torn meniscus he became a permanent resident on my couch. As a result I honed in on my nursing skills and quickly got into a routine of care for the man with one good leg. I now have special skills in adjusting cushions and pillows. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to stack cushions for the right amount of leg elevation.<br /><br />When you only have one good leg and rely on crutches it's hard to do much more than relax on the couch. You can't do laundry or cook very easily. So I took over these tasks for Luke and he was a very appreciative patient. Somewhere during Luke's recovery we discovered that I'm a pretty good nurse and as a result, I deserve some sort of pay back. ah-ha! I knew just the thing. My plan was that once Luke was back to his regular self we'd go out for a fancy dinner and he would pick up the tab. Seems like a great plan, right? I thought so, and I was right.<br /><br />Last night we went to <a href="http://tiliampls.com/">Tilia</a>. This is a small restaurant in Linden Hills and it's wonderful. Fabulous. Amazing. SO good!! I had only read great reviews about this place so I had added it to my "restaurants to try" list. I continue to thank myself for this list because it really helps me find new places to eat. When we arrived at Tilia it was just after 6 pm and the place was already packed with a dinner crowd. We put our names on the list and were told it would be an hour wait. My some magic our table was ready in less than a half hour. Lovely.<br /><br />Here's what we had: meatballs (plus wine for me and beer for Luke). Then we tried the scallops and chicken thighs. We ended the meal with the squash pasta dish (and more wine and beer). It was all incredible. Plus, the dishes came to our table slowly so we could enjoy each item and take time to chat. I really like that format of dining out because then you don't feel rushed. <br /><br />Can you tell that I highly recommend this place? Go there now. Thank me later.Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-52704201055904881242011-09-25T20:27:00.002-05:002011-09-25T20:30:04.239-05:00art project.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmmHPYVHaFVmg7HAqn4swwXIs2KEGfSVWx3k03eKmNpzJ3OPGcvWwS53MW_cdleIqpIHHGf4pG5PjqEXPV-O1wNZquga8HB02tZ_Gi10ZqeDSlFQr_C4TmWzbPrm75sC7AmYOHA/s1600/IMG_4345.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmmHPYVHaFVmg7HAqn4swwXIs2KEGfSVWx3k03eKmNpzJ3OPGcvWwS53MW_cdleIqpIHHGf4pG5PjqEXPV-O1wNZquga8HB02tZ_Gi10ZqeDSlFQr_C4TmWzbPrm75sC7AmYOHA/s400/IMG_4345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5656474390403117730" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a hint of an art project that I am dying to share!!<br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-23798158464134166522011-09-05T21:14:00.000-05:002011-09-05T21:15:04.520-05:00nature walk.<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDLoOh4JBSoUEbg2VXhzb5puIrC7y4Ry9coe6XPhzeeIvry5fh40NGctEnjsY4FagT5ypm848YJhmHKLhulpGKesoqversx3TG1n_8B2FYGyW8gv0JXv0L8IzK-vL72gBheQ0LA/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDLoOh4JBSoUEbg2VXhzb5puIrC7y4Ry9coe6XPhzeeIvry5fh40NGctEnjsY4FagT5ypm848YJhmHKLhulpGKesoqversx3TG1n_8B2FYGyW8gv0JXv0L8IzK-vL72gBheQ0LA/s400/IMG_4312.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649064298313757874" border="0" /></a><br />Up North Wisconsin<br /></div>Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-55466036734794382592011-08-22T21:38:00.002-05:002011-08-22T21:39:02.764-05:00this is a bike rack.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTCINCjCOnJecuXKPsj_2hBsUMSqDbPCSmIZOe30milat0CdUYNcoNoDdc86DCzRrwyeK9p9uAvK0yQB6A-TICgOaIn9YH80gycooELO_D0cFW-7T432IpFz5UFen5stYPLtPGw/s1600/IMG_3943.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTCINCjCOnJecuXKPsj_2hBsUMSqDbPCSmIZOe30milat0CdUYNcoNoDdc86DCzRrwyeK9p9uAvK0yQB6A-TICgOaIn9YH80gycooELO_D0cFW-7T432IpFz5UFen5stYPLtPGw/s400/IMG_3943.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643875355340457426" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29666064.post-22557041161705631452011-08-15T20:53:00.000-05:002011-08-15T20:55:19.055-05:00Streetcar.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaXLkBwYVpLLmAOjBeqBdYbkDNh6YJ_SNljNjCsc7sgZ44a2GfnVIOAYjg_Me99QXgR-j1I4zV-yM3TFi3R86AGoWcNX9-pxboA4Qn5UlPF60dSLDBQpHzTNF7SqkpgnLhhh8yA/s1600/IMG_3985.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaXLkBwYVpLLmAOjBeqBdYbkDNh6YJ_SNljNjCsc7sgZ44a2GfnVIOAYjg_Me99QXgR-j1I4zV-yM3TFi3R86AGoWcNX9-pxboA4Qn5UlPF60dSLDBQpHzTNF7SqkpgnLhhh8yA/s400/IMG_3985.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641266442515617410" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Robynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02605604463897068884noreply@blogger.com0