tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38363319896947878172024-03-13T15:14:12.272-07:00Cool Jewelslife's little gemsNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-23800185826334329812016-11-01T21:04:00.002-07:002016-11-01T21:04:25.754-07:00Halloween 2016<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sCEIiMraKBJqI_YGQQX2RAJVMvAmm8goQZDUhunyhBiwqr9M0Cw_HfB18_llehbzTEmPoe7Wf-BKdPsgu_Kw6t_S3BqOOa1POH9X6JjDCjadQU_6ngh2QEuIDJEqC5vo66YavuPWraw/s1600/holli%2526dallashalloween2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sCEIiMraKBJqI_YGQQX2RAJVMvAmm8goQZDUhunyhBiwqr9M0Cw_HfB18_llehbzTEmPoe7Wf-BKdPsgu_Kw6t_S3BqOOa1POH9X6JjDCjadQU_6ngh2QEuIDJEqC5vo66YavuPWraw/s320/holli%2526dallashalloween2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At my new job, Halloween is a big deal. There was no way I could pull an "Oh, I forgot," what with the posters in the bathroom reminding me of the costume contest.<br />
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It felt odd to wake up on Monday, put on a martini dress and glitter eyelashes, and head to work. Thankfully only one small child did a double-take.<br />
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Holli, who was one of the winners, came as Darla from Finding Nemo. She made her own headgear with earring backs and a lot of creativity. And Dallas was a turd. An artfully draped turd, complete with fart gun.<br />
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People really committed. Steph, whose face was covered, could only see large objects. And the creative team made their own video.<br />
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Still, I was happy to have nabbed a premade costume from Goodwill. Another Halloween survived!<br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-40332796313340101082016-08-19T08:17:00.001-07:002016-08-19T08:32:34.459-07:00Dream Team 2016I get a little stressed thinking about what I need to do before my move. There are goodbye dinners to be had and boxes to be packed and U-verse modems to be shipped (really, AT&T?).<br />
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But then I remember Gina's advice: "Don't think about the big picture." Good idea, particularly when I overanalyze things that aren't likely to happen. Sometimes I talk myself out of opportunities, but this last month has really shown me what is possible.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4cctrElf5TzksnMSU9440KKmkbKgHiQg2REIFetm_mXkdLC0qGLm8i0qcBatoY-p9fKcQG161y1TLaJtMnpn-JLVBEe7US84TryAgjlFSZvYNxcxEetggQjG0tTreNRb51hEHMB5mu0/s1600/dreamteam2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD4cctrElf5TzksnMSU9440KKmkbKgHiQg2REIFetm_mXkdLC0qGLm8i0qcBatoY-p9fKcQG161y1TLaJtMnpn-JLVBEe7US84TryAgjlFSZvYNxcxEetggQjG0tTreNRb51hEHMB5mu0/s320/dreamteam2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">March 2012: Gina, Yvonne, Patrice & me in Indian Wells</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's fitting that Gina was the one to give this advice.<br />
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Four and half years ago, our tri-level team went to California and played at <a href="http://cooljewelsnaomi.blogspot.com/2012/03/35-at-nationals.html" target="_blank">Nationals</a>. Cheesy as it may sound, it was a dream come true. The journey had everything: triumph, tears, and some heartbreaking losses. To get to play in Indian Wells was a high point of my tennis career. Getting there might've been unlikely, but it was always possible.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August 2016: Gina, Yvonne, Patrice & me at Highlander</td></tr>
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Four and a half years later, we reunited to play some doubles. After the great tennis, we enjoyed lunch at El Jefe. We ate everything: tacos, quesadillas, and lots of chips. To get to play and hang out with the Dream Team again was a high point of my last week in Milwaukee. They'll always remind me of all that is possible.Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-10817412792321188562016-08-14T06:28:00.000-07:002016-08-14T06:28:56.699-07:00The tennis tribeTo my Milwaukee tennis friends,<br />
Thank you for the memorable send-off party. For going to four stores to find the perfect ingredients for sloppy joes. For the taco wontons that were such a hit I didn't get to try them. And for the oatmeal chocolate chip bars and the gooey brownies. This group knows how to party and potluck.<br />
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I'm blown away by your thoughtfulness and creativity. I love the luggage, which makes me look forward to living out of a suitcase. And the Starbucks and the candy (which I may or may not have started eating already) to keep me peppy during the drive to Nebraska. Thursday Night Ladies, thank you for the engraved pen and journal to chronicle my new adventures.<br />
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Thank you for your friendship, for all the phone calls and you-got-this conversations. Even you, Doug, for the tough love that very first week! I'm glad you knew in December how happy I'd be now.<br />
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I'll miss you all, but I know it won't be long until I come back for a visit, asking (demanding?) to play the ad side. Thanks for always making room for one more.</div>
Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-18946245102424203592016-04-25T07:25:00.002-07:002016-04-25T07:25:53.428-07:00Freckles thinks out of the box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday I came home and Freckles greeted me at the door. Which would've been cute had I not left him in his crate. His <i>locked</i> crate.<br />
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I inspected the house. No accidents, no tchotchkes destroyed. There was but one telltale sign: Wrinkles on my bedspread.<br />
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He's not allowed on my bed.<br />
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How did he get out? Will this happen again? Is it a sign of separation anxiety? So many questions. The sleuthing begins.Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-77421130079311245532016-04-21T07:26:00.001-07:002016-04-21T07:26:35.161-07:00Hello, Freckles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNegEIXV9Lyr0zzF15cK6T31t9aDvU0oWGel7nMSBLnwTcEM_5eUKhdl7z9Rxmjy4L1i5axgHiOQ6uCbQkjld4YJBsPnskXiCMrVDzXdvMwppfYca3YIei7lPCMrtK9sRuK96xndpYb4E/s1600/freckles+couch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNegEIXV9Lyr0zzF15cK6T31t9aDvU0oWGel7nMSBLnwTcEM_5eUKhdl7z9Rxmjy4L1i5axgHiOQ6uCbQkjld4YJBsPnskXiCMrVDzXdvMwppfYca3YIei7lPCMrtK9sRuK96xndpYb4E/s320/freckles+couch+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Freckles, my very first foster dog, came home with me Monday. He's a four-year-old mini Aussie and is settling in well.<br />
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Having lived on a farm, he's making the transition to city life: fences, sidewalks, the bass sounds of rap. But whether he's on a leash or on the couch, he's quickly gaining confidence and loves people.<br />
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He will gently paw for attention, then bam bam bam, he marches like a cat. Oh no, Freckles, please don't smack me in the face!<br />
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Of course he reminds me of my other dogs. Like Chewy, he eats calmly, almost leisurely, and takes treats like they're no big deal. But he has Papaya's clinginess; he always wants to know where I am and will wait near the landing while I do laundry.<br />
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He's sweet and has adorable spots (uh, freckles) on his nose and paws. I hope you'll come by and meet him!Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-27712641216331222432016-04-05T16:22:00.001-07:002016-04-05T16:24:33.049-07:00Lemon poppy seed pancakesI made these pancakes for brunch and Sandy and Jeff requested the recipe — which is the highest form of flattery except for eating a third serving.<br />
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<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/214498/sunday-morning-lemon-poppy-seed-pancakes/" target="_blank">The original recipe</a> has you make curdled milk by adding white vinegar; I prefer to just use buttermilk. Also, both versions are faintly lemony. Not super-lemony like those lemon smack-in-the-face cookies I made for that royal wedding brunch years ago. One last thing: Poppy seeds add a certain <i>je ne sais quoi</i>, but I actually don't know what that is. I may try these with blueberries instead.<br />
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<i>Lemon poppy seed pancakes </i><br />
<i>Serves 4 (or 3, if you eat like us)</i><br />
¾ cup buttermilk<br />
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2 Tbsp lemon juice</div>
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1 egg</div>
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2 Tbsp melted butter (plus extra for cooking)</div>
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Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
½ tsp vanilla<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 cup flour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 Tbsp white sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tsp baking powder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ tsp baking soda</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ tsp salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tsp poppy seeds</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tsp lemon zest</div>
<br />
1. Stir the buttermilk and lemon juice together in a bowl. Whisk in the egg, butter, and vanilla.<br />
<br />
2. In a separate large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, poppy seeds, and lemon zest. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and whisk a few times (lumps are okay; don't overmix or your pancakes will be chewy).<br />
<br />
3. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and coat with melted butter. Scoop ¼ cup of batter onto the pan and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. Flip the pancakes with a spatula and brown the other side.<br />
<br />
PS: There are a bunch of tips at <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/articles/making-great-pancakes.aspx?pg=0" target="_blank">The Secrets to Making Great Pancakes</a>. (Rest the batter to relax the gluten? Who knew?)Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-23021722126445836692016-04-03T19:47:00.000-07:002016-04-03T19:47:01.386-07:00Holly the houseguest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskUGbpzC8mAKSXRzeBFidYhABytI0p6Lzhn8M-BnIGfITD4zKLR8jiprSzUdjHOJBLEjCcoWZlgIigmzhWM3cwdB6MBKqEukDx15LJKBX0_cVb_Yk-E-0ywZMweGSt4pbK2S3GTnbc9s/s1600/hollymarch2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskUGbpzC8mAKSXRzeBFidYhABytI0p6Lzhn8M-BnIGfITD4zKLR8jiprSzUdjHOJBLEjCcoWZlgIigmzhWM3cwdB6MBKqEukDx15LJKBX0_cVb_Yk-E-0ywZMweGSt4pbK2S3GTnbc9s/s320/hollymarch2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://cooljewelsnaomi.blogspot.com/2015/12/happy-holly-days.html" target="_blank">Holly</a> stayed with me again. Nervous at first, she'd only take her meals on the living room armchair, eating while I sat next to her holding the bowl.<br />
<br />
But soon she was more her hammy self, squeaking about walks, belly rubs, and chewy treats. She tolerated storms yet ran away from mashed potatoes. Who doesn't like mashed potatoes?<br />
<br />
She was quick to warm up to Sandy. It took only a few minutes before Holly got on the couch to offer her bad breath. But then Hollytosis was standoffish with Denise and Michelle. Who can know what goes on in a dog's mind? Hal says she's not self-aware.<br />
<br />
Which could maybe explain why she'd wedge herself into the couch and under the covers, then try to kick me out of the way. Still, I enjoyed her company. Come back soon, little space invader!<br />
<br />
<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-36609806155496613342015-12-28T19:35:00.002-08:002015-12-28T19:37:02.512-08:00Happy Holly-days!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWpERw8YYaLI-1JsGOPsPPMRHpwyQIs-FQ7V0b2BY92pN-MJygv_kTJirS3ZTl7XPh5ZDaIZHo4K12RNbSaBPhxWcOm0IFSIXCIJzC7p1qBmpjsqSY2Ij3mknTTYrvbgrjNJaEL7E4K8/s1600/holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWpERw8YYaLI-1JsGOPsPPMRHpwyQIs-FQ7V0b2BY92pN-MJygv_kTJirS3ZTl7XPh5ZDaIZHo4K12RNbSaBPhxWcOm0IFSIXCIJzC7p1qBmpjsqSY2Ij3mknTTYrvbgrjNJaEL7E4K8/s320/holly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Holly, my houseguest for a couple of weeks, smells a bit like Christmas. Like a box of holiday ornaments.<br />
<br />
At first, she trembled in her crate and tried to hide from Bill and Elizabeth and my parents. She made a point of grumbling at Jeremy, too, albeit while sitting next to him on the couch.<br />
<br />
Sure, she yawns dramatically with her not-so-fresh breath and backpedals when I roll out the treat ball. But she's coming around. Her interests include cuddling and blankets and the occasional udon noodle. She squeaks and chirps when it's time to go out. She's affable, just as Hal said she would be.<br />
<br />
Thank you, little Holly, for bringing your holiday spirit. You make the days merry!<br />
<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-44897617288005667662015-11-22T17:19:00.000-08:002015-11-22T17:19:52.608-08:00Hello, snow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM-Ps6VqC57NDD96l-fTh2Twuk2PVliKlpqsbU1iF7O4K48zHqf9Ttat445vmaOAntFqWCH7u4LMo2CSEsc6t6xBriSwkENiQrX71rgs169X83zy8ilXlAh55DSfgfjR-tJk5VoB9lUY/s1600/chewy+ankle+boot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFM-Ps6VqC57NDD96l-fTh2Twuk2PVliKlpqsbU1iF7O4K48zHqf9Ttat445vmaOAntFqWCH7u4LMo2CSEsc6t6xBriSwkENiQrX71rgs169X83zy8ilXlAh55DSfgfjR-tJk5VoB9lUY/s320/chewy+ankle+boot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It snowed for the first time this season, and I wished I could find my black ankle boots. Except <a href="http://cooljewelsnaomi.blogspot.com/2015/03/oh-no-chewy-not-my-only-pair-of-black.html" target="_blank">Chewy destroyed them</a> a few months ago.<br />
<br />
So I still have cause to say "Oh no, Chewy."<br />
<br />
Though it was hard to give Chewy back, I hope that whoever adopted her gave her a great name that she grew into, like Snuggles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EbqSvceAugsjVjRXOSNukj5lF5Z92XCcXnJV2WlDmeGUf8FR4L2Wx5ERgSl_AbH3QUvdPJJ7DjDiWSE_oW6h-jPBW21-OLwHzH-SWxqiu8DHVxpt3Qmwh4qj8zMpo4fx6aaGw9gDQfc/s1600/cocoa+snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EbqSvceAugsjVjRXOSNukj5lF5Z92XCcXnJV2WlDmeGUf8FR4L2Wx5ERgSl_AbH3QUvdPJJ7DjDiWSE_oW6h-jPBW21-OLwHzH-SWxqiu8DHVxpt3Qmwh4qj8zMpo4fx6aaGw9gDQfc/s320/cocoa+snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This weekend I dogsat for Cocoa, who's obedient and low key — so, not like Chewy (or Pops or Ginger, for that matter).<br />
<br />
Cocoa's interests include burrowing in the snow and cuddling. She was a lovely houseguest.<br />
<br />
And I bought some ankle boots, so the universe is as it should be. Well, almost. Having my own dog isn't in the cards right now, but I'm always happy to dogsit.<br />
<br />
<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-15829648091092115302015-11-12T22:02:00.000-08:002015-11-12T22:05:55.576-08:00G Phi, G Phi B reunionOur sorority reunion really started Saturday afternoon, when Ruth and I
looked at her old pictures. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t3kP9cHdrsw35ip1Pybn3auc9HZldyIB2UxKSekjY4TOCGCO2zB1T9vbsa81p2xbrEe5lrU3wEJlgJlmZwtPUWIkUu-1e-iHNG0q6ZAf33hfI_eUPrHHqCP_n2eGTW0VH-O_KPvXPMg/s1600/reunion+linda+and+zoraya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t3kP9cHdrsw35ip1Pybn3auc9HZldyIB2UxKSekjY4TOCGCO2zB1T9vbsa81p2xbrEe5lrU3wEJlgJlmZwtPUWIkUu-1e-iHNG0q6ZAf33hfI_eUPrHHqCP_n2eGTW0VH-O_KPvXPMg/s320/reunion+linda+and+zoraya.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda, Zoraya, and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Exactly 22 years earlier, I'd given her a
framed photo of us: She rocked a gold sequined dress and I wore a strapless
leopard print with rhinestones.<br />
<br />
Good times, wearing over-the-top dresses during the day.<br />
<br />
On our drive to Berkeley, we talked about who had RSVP'ed and how much we admired Marjorie's genuine excitement at seeing everyone.<br />
<br />
Marjo did not disappoint, starting with the pre-party in the hotel room
she was sharing with Ginger. Every so often there'd be some shrieking
when someone new arrived. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxbPgGB-dirHvQ-TRdOQIeL0tPMGsZ3Kxx3Y5WTDW2KdJ4M2DGndCaniyuZRGGwaqezYTIQTUevdSW3ueTas-Srb8sfHSUmifoDAykr2U6QkIkxuHnkpFnrzBFAMLBrHhrdGdz3Dt1LE/s1600/reunion+linda+and+nancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxbPgGB-dirHvQ-TRdOQIeL0tPMGsZ3Kxx3Y5WTDW2KdJ4M2DGndCaniyuZRGGwaqezYTIQTUevdSW3ueTas-Srb8sfHSUmifoDAykr2U6QkIkxuHnkpFnrzBFAMLBrHhrdGdz3Dt1LE/s320/reunion+linda+and+nancy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda and Nancy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once we got to the reunion, it was hard to keep up
with the wine and food because there was always someone to hug. At some point, Marjo announced, "Wasted!" and gave
more hugs and kisses and squeezes to everyone. <br />
<br />
I loved catching up with old roommates (I know "old" sounds bad, but I hate the
formality of "former"): Merideth. Susanne. Liz, who reminded me of our
post-college 1490 Sacramento apartment — and yes, I Googled it. <br />
<br />
After the reunion, we
did fit in some one-on-one time, marveling at who looks
even younger than they did in college (Annie and Norene, are
there hideous paintings in your attic?). Linda and Yvonne and Liz and Susanne, I'm so glad we got together. <br />
<br />
It was great to be able to say, "I regret
having lost touch with you" and then be able to pick right back up.
After all this time, it's funny what we remember. I can remember who
Susanne set me up
with. Her, not so much: "Oh. He was nice."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-ZnWRMixN-xAs7EzwGpBSbcha0ZCB-MHMSG2cJ8kZdK4Sd__koMekeFbA2c-b6uzeKRCYzjC3lREFLPHi5GEXJ0GEI8L0PMZuA7686OzR3YTbpFQrO7KxLZyJngQPU4Keft1k-MRvWE/s1600/reunion+susanne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-ZnWRMixN-xAs7EzwGpBSbcha0ZCB-MHMSG2cJ8kZdK4Sd__koMekeFbA2c-b6uzeKRCYzjC3lREFLPHi5GEXJ0GEI8L0PMZuA7686OzR3YTbpFQrO7KxLZyJngQPU4Keft1k-MRvWE/s320/reunion+susanne.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and Susanne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The reunion was a night of wonderful memories and horrible selfies. (I'd like to practice and get better at them, but who does that?) <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrd6CCPCUvEafB_FEhUQvtrMyjZnGGgv0KvqjcFg5YCXiPE76DfRDITXelYWH6LXkuy1NhHGgKdkozZHVRBmIyP0HDiDvpZp0zAryeetlT_6krCIfZOLwTwz_lwsq0yUCBNu3U0JAT48/s1600/reunion+group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrd6CCPCUvEafB_FEhUQvtrMyjZnGGgv0KvqjcFg5YCXiPE76DfRDITXelYWH6LXkuy1NhHGgKdkozZHVRBmIyP0HDiDvpZp0zAryeetlT_6krCIfZOLwTwz_lwsq0yUCBNu3U0JAT48/s320/reunion+group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brenda, Zoraya, me, Liz Q., Alma, Kim, Anne, Ruth, and Carmen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I did miss talking to a few people — Brenda, Kim, and Erika, for starters. We will have to catch up another way. And I didn't get a chance to talk to Julie and Deanna, who arranged everything and got us all together. Thank you!<br />
<br />
Let's do it all again soon.<br />
<br />
<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-1169381956640587082015-08-17T20:15:00.000-07:002015-08-17T20:33:16.410-07:00Irish Fest 2014 and 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTxmo2BTim53Spsdnx90wIIqP-MmkAOlfYi4hzplB5Q-KhSF0okINJoEpoAJZAfkydPs_v-czmtXipJ11_LtzV61-LScpVz4qoWBCpIMAa4cMQW3o5ph3M8-ayEzp-ZEYkzf5WpgYijk/s1600/irish+fest+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTxmo2BTim53Spsdnx90wIIqP-MmkAOlfYi4hzplB5Q-KhSF0okINJoEpoAJZAfkydPs_v-czmtXipJ11_LtzV61-LScpVz4qoWBCpIMAa4cMQW3o5ph3M8-ayEzp-ZEYkzf5WpgYijk/s320/irish+fest+2014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I just realized I never blogged about last year's Irish Fest. Strangely, I don't remember much about it, except that Denise and I were there and that Maggie took this selfie.<br />
<br />
Maggie is great about scheduling us when we want to work, and the 4 to 8 shift is really the Fest's sweet spot: fun volunteers, easygoing customers, and time to wander around afterward.<br />
<br />
This year's Fest had a little of everything, starting with the parking gridlock. It's too bad <a href="http://cooljewelsnaomi.blogspot.com/2013/08/irish-fest-2013.html" target="_blank">this is a thing</a>, going to one lot and then getting redirected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAstZcUx2O1RnUI3pdsPHX6g79Bg99-CZpqbHpcc-ev22sSZ_XvJCFaSJ7sMzaWC7nIsa9eXImxLuWR2wZwflGb3uDONZG3ro1dDlhpoSlyBkDHbemqDYBG-4Iloa1ULL3px0bQCPZts8/s1600/irish+fest+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAstZcUx2O1RnUI3pdsPHX6g79Bg99-CZpqbHpcc-ev22sSZ_XvJCFaSJ7sMzaWC7nIsa9eXImxLuWR2wZwflGb3uDONZG3ro1dDlhpoSlyBkDHbemqDYBG-4Iloa1ULL3px0bQCPZts8/s320/irish+fest+2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Within moments of walking into the tent, we were ringing up sales. There was
virtually no time to chat with other volunteers (Murph, how are you doing?) or even for this
selfie. (And yes, I wore the same dress and earrings last year.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately Jenna, who's in high school but has been volunteering for
five years with her grandpa, knew just about everything. She was the go-to person about posters, sizes, and prices on the rhinestone tees. At one point I looked at her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Ten dollars," she said. (She just knew I was going to ask how much the backpacks were.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Among this chaos, Margaret stopped to announce that Denise and I had been
volunteers for 10 years. Everyone in the tent applauded and we
got our 10-year Irish Fest pins. It was a truly awesome moment, because how often in life do you unexpectedly get applause? Thank you, Margaret and Maggie and Jenna and everyone who makes it so much fun to be a part of the Fest.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-73833808829713962232015-08-03T21:13:00.002-07:002015-08-03T21:28:24.458-07:00Tailgates and mini milestones<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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The tennis gang has a long, colorful history of tailgating that is not rivaled by a love of baseball. (Though, there are some years when Colleen can name multiple players on the team.) While any jamoke can lean on their car and drink Miller Lite, this group knows how to handle the details: preferred parking passes (thanks, Ron!), clearly marked coolers with ice-cold beverages, homemade chocolate chip cookies, two kinds of hand wipes.</div>
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We were all happy to toast a half-milestone: Ron's 65th birthday. It's hard to believe that <a href="http://cooljewelsnaomi.blogspot.com/2010/10/two-milestones-ron-and-jeans-60th.html" target="_blank">Ron and Jean's collective 120th birthday</a> was already five years ago. I'm really
glad they celebrated that one with karaoke rather than skydiving, which
was also one of their options.<br />
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It was a night for
simple pleasures. Like mobility. (Though, truthfully, when Patty and I
were on crutches last year, we were still able to enjoy brunch.) Thanks
to Dianne for taking so many photos of us trying to show off our
injury-free legs, and also for being the organizer of so many brunches.<br />
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I did get a little nervous at the <i>Final Destination</i>-like moment when one of the bolts fell out of the tent. But that passed, and it was really a nice, relaxing night. Almost as relaxing as, say, making a mohawk with Coco's golden retriever curls, which I was able to do later. Who knew that the night could keep getting better?<br />
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And no, Doug is not almost passed out — merely recovering from his grilling exertions (or trying to avoid being in the photo with all the enviable white-shorts ladies, of which Beth was also one). He did a phenomenal job with the steaks, brats, and hot dogs. When I hear Hebrew National, I think Doug, for sure.<br />
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Thanks to everyone who made the night fun. My first-ever Brewers tailgate did not disappoint, and I'll look forward to going back next year!<br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-70964282653057807812015-08-01T12:17:00.000-07:002015-08-01T12:17:06.650-07:00Cokes and friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkTccHA5nM7_v4kNddeqXGy3k1QByckB7dNKLIuNhUwcneKX29pJ5gyIhDmjvm2_9Eb8A25L3O3EhDKhRLZyXwsxnl-_eZau0i4NgolLkS5ZKOGLXazCxcAx338OKsj3tXjt1IguE6T4/s1600/diet+cokes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkTccHA5nM7_v4kNddeqXGy3k1QByckB7dNKLIuNhUwcneKX29pJ5gyIhDmjvm2_9Eb8A25L3O3EhDKhRLZyXwsxnl-_eZau0i4NgolLkS5ZKOGLXazCxcAx338OKsj3tXjt1IguE6T4/s320/diet+cokes.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
When I was a kid, I could never find any souvenirs with my name on them. Poor Yukie still has trouble with that. I hope she has at least stopped saying her name is "Vicki" when placing to-go orders ("because that's what people hear").<br />
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So when Katy's sister forwarded this photo, I just had to post it. Katy doesn't really drink soda and I never drink diet. Nor as children were we allowed unlimited access to sugary soft drinks. But I've always loved Coke — particularly from bottles or tiny cans, with lots of ice and a twist of lime.<br />
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Well played, Coke, with your social media campaign. And Erika, please let us know if you ever find a Coke for Yukie. Or Vicki.</div>
<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-7636094107448083752015-07-26T20:21:00.001-07:002015-07-26T20:25:12.378-07:00Happy 70th birthday, Terry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgzrL_m_yTiQ9DQJBR7Mw0lBydE9yvpus356JHYdKYOApLcR1wGcOmn7a0XCEBsgVt0p29arGnRkABNBVjEYTLqvOjQQhC_0HeLwezUcqgdZ6knBb7q9HRqkXzXWwMIB5nqKeC-6uq48/s1600/terry+hug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgzrL_m_yTiQ9DQJBR7Mw0lBydE9yvpus356JHYdKYOApLcR1wGcOmn7a0XCEBsgVt0p29arGnRkABNBVjEYTLqvOjQQhC_0HeLwezUcqgdZ6knBb7q9HRqkXzXWwMIB5nqKeC-6uq48/s320/terry+hug.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Terry hates being the center of attention and did not want a big shindig for his 70th birthday. Yet our tennis group perseveres in celebrating milestone birthdays. The best way to avoid this is to be in another state during your birthday, but even then, we might still try to celebrate (we're talking to you, Becks).<br />
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Colleen thought of everything: the invite, the balloons, the cupcakes. Dave and Patty did a trial run, arriving exactly one week early. A bunch of us (including Dave and Patty) arrived by 8:15 on Friday, eager to find out where Terry was going to make his entrance. </div>
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A few things went awry. But the good news is, Doug mentioned the surprise only once, and Jim got help with retrieving the keys he locked in his car.</div>
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And a good time was had by all. The party had everything: fruity mojitos, chicken tenders, and Terry sporting a beaded necklace. He was gracious in his receipt of the gnome, which <a href="http://cooljewelsnaomi.blogspot.com/2014/04/jims-50th-birthday.html" target="_blank">Jim had lovingly cared for</a> for more than a year.<br />
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Terry, you look terrific, you are terrific, and we love you very much. Cheers to you!Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-66062791013947145572015-06-08T16:51:00.000-07:002015-06-09T13:57:50.641-07:00Farewell, Chewy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX19g3vladNgyRq1a4agio9v-hyzBeF09VzxL49Z0HUrOokIciJMYk1dfmZY00jnFOBONf6oTpUuSwnG5j9oOTPjBarASglaUYny8CMtHpuMYxI41SbMwlftFoo_U7AX33fYaCfDhQoo/s1600/chewy%2527s+last+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNX19g3vladNgyRq1a4agio9v-hyzBeF09VzxL49Z0HUrOokIciJMYk1dfmZY00jnFOBONf6oTpUuSwnG5j9oOTPjBarASglaUYny8CMtHpuMYxI41SbMwlftFoo_U7AX33fYaCfDhQoo/s320/chewy%2527s+last+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday I gave Chewy back to the rescue. When I checked in, the counselor summed up my challenges with her as "too much dog."<br />
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If you've met Choo, you know that she does indeed have a big personality.<br />
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She could open the gate and run full speed through the neighborhood. She'd only poop off-leash (including inside my parents' house). She tried to climb on top of whoever was petting her, even when corrected. "Relentless" is how Jane described her. Choo and I wrestled, sometimes literally, for dominance. For only 40 pounds, she is insanely strong. Too much dog.</div>
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So after obedience classes and many visits to the vet, I decided to give her up. She needs an alpha owner who can spend more time with her.<br />
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Goodbye, Choo. I miss you already. I miss your soft head and your love of Mr. Bill and the way you'd fall asleep when I pet your belly.</div>
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But because you're young, adorable, and sweet, you will make somebody a great companion. A perfect companion. For somebody, that lucky one, you will be exactly the right amount of dog. </div>
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-3551556985145183152015-06-08T16:13:00.001-07:002015-06-08T16:13:38.455-07:00Oh good, Chewy, finally a collar that works!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ird0Ba0Osg6WnUeYJ6jGCoZHw9BjZp7Ky5KzS9eJwSAufQ9a0qxpKOYSIYwkHC_LeI2VRs39FQAyG35IHcd7Qvdfg65dRvg3AkcEJdedoo8ZGFSoE2pDETw3sVReEztxCQJd406llL4/s1600/chewy+spay+collar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ird0Ba0Osg6WnUeYJ6jGCoZHw9BjZp7Ky5KzS9eJwSAufQ9a0qxpKOYSIYwkHC_LeI2VRs39FQAyG35IHcd7Qvdfg65dRvg3AkcEJdedoo8ZGFSoE2pDETw3sVReEztxCQJd406llL4/s320/chewy+spay+collar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The vet gave Chewy a soft blue collar, which she had to wear for two weeks. <div>
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It worked! I'd keep flipping it back, but still, it did the job.<div>
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Maybe the real news isn't that the collar worked, but that Choo's surgery did. No more licking or scooting or strange contorting.</div>
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Oh happy spay!</div>
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-13290194993398887342015-05-20T20:46:00.004-07:002015-05-20T20:48:07.665-07:00Bingo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JI22wRaoo052gbiwDJEQyWgGxs7pJuOYpX4WLY8-VvL6R03P09CB3syRGOuAtnZ1bgrQ8JbVOgxUZocF8rjgdBODcoCOFR0MBANXd-m03tIVTvuP9V78ebAUvAiDCgg4B_MM5G6RiH8/s1600/party+rock+bingo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JI22wRaoo052gbiwDJEQyWgGxs7pJuOYpX4WLY8-VvL6R03P09CB3syRGOuAtnZ1bgrQ8JbVOgxUZocF8rjgdBODcoCOFR0MBANXd-m03tIVTvuP9V78ebAUvAiDCgg4B_MM5G6RiH8/s320/party+rock+bingo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Tonight I met up with the Wednesday night tennis gang at J&B's Blue Ribbon. It was Party Rock Bingo night, and the suspense did not disappoint.<br />
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There was a little of everything, including some one-hit wonders and bands whose names I never knew. Plus there were some real throwback tunes; I can't ever hear "Pour Some Sugar on Me" without thinking of Katy, for reasons I can't quite remember. And "Runaround" takes me back to my days at the Keg in Evanston. Ah, 1994.<br />
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About five minutes after Carol left, I filled in a row on one of her cards. Bingo! By the time I called her, though, she was already leveraging her luck in bigger venues (up $31 at Potawatomi).<br />
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We'll go back some Wednesday to spend my gift certificate on more chicken fingers and cans of beer. See you there!<span id="goog_1042501449"></span><span id="goog_1042501450"></span>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-33874306346466827442015-05-17T11:48:00.001-07:002015-05-17T11:48:58.077-07:00Oh no, Chewy, not the cervical collar!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpac6ZYZepFaVMftlHGfPeogHHdJWefeTsDazrEP4LGp737ONN1zUnjPDGtZcBLn_STfGiWTps1iFEeNti7il8WjaW1i_-OseMy_tQbKm8HFaspPv5-KY9P3eJmj7s0_dLPGN96R2fvw/s1600/chewy+cervical+collar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpac6ZYZepFaVMftlHGfPeogHHdJWefeTsDazrEP4LGp737ONN1zUnjPDGtZcBLn_STfGiWTps1iFEeNti7il8WjaW1i_-OseMy_tQbKm8HFaspPv5-KY9P3eJmj7s0_dLPGN96R2fvw/s320/chewy+cervical+collar.jpg" /></a></div>
I really thought this was it: The cervical collar allows Choo her peripheral vision, and she can move and eat normally while wearing it. It seems like the least disruptive of the protective collars. <br />
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The only downside? It doesn't work. She can still lick herself. <br />
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Maybe I need to buy a bigger size. But an inch taller still seems like no match for a persistent (and super-flexible) dog.Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-7338829171915984822015-05-16T18:33:00.000-07:002015-05-16T18:33:46.701-07:00Oh no, Chewy, not bad manners at brunch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Choo loves people and food, and nowhere is this more evident than at brunch. When Dana and Kelsey came over, Choo got on her hind legs and tried to sniff our plates. We weren't overly troubled by this (some of us may have even been charmed). Bacon in her mouth? No problem, we took it. But after a brief house tour, we came back down to find her eating the top of the quiche. Sigh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE1zz5JmsVrdP_RaHqMDTbqtrmfy6Ruenxo7yvCrPaiM3LEH7_OTyBM5eGUojEKhohmxzaxKpKKUJNb13RNleFsErTuN571mc__xyWmNL4vJ0lH4gTMicl0MwbRsHfTCgJfKByANkKHk/s1600/brunch+mary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE1zz5JmsVrdP_RaHqMDTbqtrmfy6Ruenxo7yvCrPaiM3LEH7_OTyBM5eGUojEKhohmxzaxKpKKUJNb13RNleFsErTuN571mc__xyWmNL4vJ0lH4gTMicl0MwbRsHfTCgJfKByANkKHk/s320/brunch+mary.jpg" /></a></div>
Mary also met Chewy over brunch, and Choo thought fit to give kisses and try to get very close to the food. We foiled her. But bothering guests while they ate was starting to become a habit. And who wants to push plates around the table while wrestling a smallish yet muscular dog?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1GU8cpaIAF6CNv8WMn7guxCczrmOkak1GNdH_P_E_no-bvDtmhIMYI6Pddifk6C7aWrRud7tes6Mbt5DJH_ed1nl7jO6LfsV_anuWMckE-mW3ZolzSMytlrIDJ-vTrSKB-JLTGiXRZ0/s1600/brunch+pat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1GU8cpaIAF6CNv8WMn7guxCczrmOkak1GNdH_P_E_no-bvDtmhIMYI6Pddifk6C7aWrRud7tes6Mbt5DJH_ed1nl7jO6LfsV_anuWMckE-mW3ZolzSMytlrIDJ-vTrSKB-JLTGiXRZ0/s320/brunch+pat.jpg" /></a></div>
Recently Pat came over for brunch. After we'd cleared the dishes, he walked back into the dining room to find Choo on the table. On all fours, sniffing my coffee. For real, Chewy? (And yes, I know I need to be more alpha than responding with, "For real, Chewy?")<br />
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Choo is fearless, treading that fine line between confidence and dominance. <br />
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We're working on her boundaries.Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-53578110492772481122015-05-06T21:42:00.001-07:002015-05-15T20:46:52.413-07:00Oh no, Chewy, not the cone!Puppy vaginitis, it's no walk in the park. <br />
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The vet said Chewy would need to wear a cone for two weeks and take an antibiotic. Choo didn't seem to mind her inflatable Cloud Collar. She could still cuddle, play with toys, and use her peripheral vision. <br />
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So imagine my dismay when I found she had punctured the collar. Nice knowing you, soft and comfy neck pillow.<br />
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But I had a plastic cone, so I asked Choo if she'd mind wearing it. Sure, it amplifies her snoring and somehow collects bits of food and grass. And when she bangs into my legs, ouch. But it works. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmZBMVOD4FoR1KMRPVlqeq-QcE_AyMGgk0naLfckWYSlK1z4yzldANGeBUXoTnOo-bSCL7-GCsxw8f1Tfj5PmJ_DNE_UFh8oT0eVgrJYNMpX3K-8sxmquHo0YQryDFKSjrbkasC-uWec/s1600/chewy+cone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmZBMVOD4FoR1KMRPVlqeq-QcE_AyMGgk0naLfckWYSlK1z4yzldANGeBUXoTnOo-bSCL7-GCsxw8f1Tfj5PmJ_DNE_UFh8oT0eVgrJYNMpX3K-8sxmquHo0YQryDFKSjrbkasC-uWec/s320/chewy+cone.jpg" /></a></div>So imagine my dismay — yes, again — when I saw she had detached it and was wearing it like a shield.<br />
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We're going to try one more option: a cervical collar I'm hoping will be the best solution. Work with me, Choo.<br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-80140578771141216962015-05-04T20:22:00.003-07:002015-05-04T20:22:56.782-07:00Chewy's milestone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDkoMYlPhcr-1cyW3SwPXKHN5UgWpUFaBz5sBZP-8bZCkqZcyHyJhB2I7zucOVtoXMrLi7CRXk2yfLnhIXVS_TZLHeepohmBevykA8j-f6qiBF1PsF7uOqe41FON7TsE-jDMbPGOEjfg/s1600/chewy+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDkoMYlPhcr-1cyW3SwPXKHN5UgWpUFaBz5sBZP-8bZCkqZcyHyJhB2I7zucOVtoXMrLi7CRXk2yfLnhIXVS_TZLHeepohmBevykA8j-f6qiBF1PsF7uOqe41FON7TsE-jDMbPGOEjfg/s320/chewy+blanket.jpg" /></a></div>On both of my walks with Chewy today, she peed on other people's lawns. This is real progress!<br />
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Since I adopted her, Chewy had only done her business off leash. So when she did a quick little squat on our morning walk, I praised her. And again tonight!<br />
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She didn't act like it was newsworthy, but I called my parents to share her accomplishment. Good girl, Choo! Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-61937258000347149102015-03-26T20:45:00.000-07:002015-03-26T20:45:10.128-07:00Oh no, Chewy, not my only pair of black ankle boots!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcFjRAqQKlvNA7uZ-TJrBkmqFzV7p-XXp4PJTTrpi40AumPM967MX65BLWSoofdfPfQB0f6yx0sbiJ6BSNxJH4NCYLmFTPwKGBokS-nf85btmLwYNSF3G19EsT4BVlgyUEzhaPcQPfm4/s1600/chewy+boot+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcFjRAqQKlvNA7uZ-TJrBkmqFzV7p-XXp4PJTTrpi40AumPM967MX65BLWSoofdfPfQB0f6yx0sbiJ6BSNxJH4NCYLmFTPwKGBokS-nf85btmLwYNSF3G19EsT4BVlgyUEzhaPcQPfm4/s320/chewy+boot+2.jpg" /></a></div>Chewy pulled out a bit of zipper on one of my black boots. It was annoying but still wearable as long as I didn't try to zip it all the way up. But then I forgot to put the boots away, and she destroyed the heel. <br />
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Ah, Choo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbZtsBjFJGe3G-YfXLh_s1CmOIeDJvoMpFM9ZQXwGuZt5-FS85XzO9mbtjpSXI9d4RLoDadGKkP6I-Wl7y7nGY1wf60h22QZkEPef63umqaJUadSHUjxRc2RQIFUEzl3tG7pMA97kHXg/s1600/chewy+boot+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbZtsBjFJGe3G-YfXLh_s1CmOIeDJvoMpFM9ZQXwGuZt5-FS85XzO9mbtjpSXI9d4RLoDadGKkP6I-Wl7y7nGY1wf60h22QZkEPef63umqaJUadSHUjxRc2RQIFUEzl3tG7pMA97kHXg/s320/chewy+boot+1.jpg" /></a></div>On the plus side, she's gotten really good at high fiving. We just need to find socially acceptable situations where she can do it.Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-74438306083566464052015-03-01T21:01:00.000-08:002015-03-26T20:26:07.687-07:00Oh no, Chewy, don't cry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHs3DxnDHJh6q8QE8JCDSmvUrsGW24jgjioy8uFuAGdQ83lSygkpbs7QysV7z3EqleIlJhF-Bv80xnE1oPtvt3UyOHnR4NPmEuDeF3vjgH7Xa98eLf_Q__jB07JuhyPCG-pSxNMUACk8/s1600/chewy+bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHs3DxnDHJh6q8QE8JCDSmvUrsGW24jgjioy8uFuAGdQ83lSygkpbs7QysV7z3EqleIlJhF-Bv80xnE1oPtvt3UyOHnR4NPmEuDeF3vjgH7Xa98eLf_Q__jB07JuhyPCG-pSxNMUACk8/s320/chewy+bed.JPG" /></a></div>During Yukie's visit last week, Chewy napped on the bed and couch and armchair. Now my little snoozer likes to curl up between the pillow and headboard. <br />
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Her love of furniture does not include her crate. When I put treats — even special ones like the peanut butter Kong — there, she creeps closer but whimpers. Sometimes she runs out of the room.<br />
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We'll be working on a few things together at our dog manners class, and the crate is on my wish list. I'll need lots of positive reinforcement to encourage this. Lo and behold, Dana, Kelsey, and Lora threw a celebration in Chewy's honor, filled with treats, toys, and an adorable jar. I cried, it was so thoughtful. <br />
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My Chewlio Iglesias cried for different reasons. She's finding her voice — perhaps she is part hound?<br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-86985501699996785552015-02-24T20:54:00.000-08:002015-02-24T20:54:47.220-08:00How Honey became Chewy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOukCe-HYsjdI0IRpMB8QJQv5S1UODH54VqS1mpGyXZXaDeIb5GVy_jdLX5iXyzAsgDvRbFh_q5iFPpUmHLhhEBKIU9qHWagtZ45ueLmb7mi60cAkeFjpV8NgVk1S-S6Xtpj2ZC9rrsw/s1600/chewy+chair+profile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOukCe-HYsjdI0IRpMB8QJQv5S1UODH54VqS1mpGyXZXaDeIb5GVy_jdLX5iXyzAsgDvRbFh_q5iFPpUmHLhhEBKIU9qHWagtZ45ueLmb7mi60cAkeFjpV8NgVk1S-S6Xtpj2ZC9rrsw/s320/chewy+chair+profile.JPG" /></a></div>Honeybun is a cute name for my new friend: She gives slurpy (almost syrupy) kisses and is not picky about where. Ears, eyelids, thighs, she loves to smooch. <br />
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Yet "Honeybun" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, so we considered other names.<br />
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Brioche. Toffee. Challah (Holla!).<br />
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But none quite worked. <br />
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You know what else Bun loves? Chewing. Leashes, buttons, fingers, toes, the arm of the sofa. She is gentle but insistent, delighted to bring a running shoe or shower sandal onto the bed (that's <i>my</i> bed, by the way). <br />
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And so Chewy it is. Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3836331989694787817.post-14425279259170805652015-02-22T17:34:00.000-08:002015-02-22T17:34:17.925-08:00Adopting HoneyI've been wanting to adopt a dog, but the timing hasn't been right — my knee surgery, the weather (unusually cold!), and my parents' kitchen remodel felt like a perfect storm of obstacles. So I mostly looked online, for medium-sized mutts. <br />
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I received a listing for a border collie mix, a blonde girl named Mercy. She cocked her head just so; worth an application, I decided. <br />
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A day later, Anna from <a href="http://www.chicagocaninerescue.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Canine Rescue</a> asked about my approach to dog training and when I could visit the shelter. Wednesday, it turned out. Why wait until the weekend?<br />
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I drove to Chicago to meet Mercy, who was first on my introduction list. "You could name her Marcy," Kelsey had said. (Adorable!) But after a few awkward minutes it was clear Mercy wasn't comfortable around me. <br />
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Yet Anna and Hannah encouraged me to meet whoever I wanted. They were super knowledgeable and open to answering my many questions. So I met eight dogs. <br />
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Esperanza, a sato, was on the short list. (By the way, I learned a lot about satos from my many talks with Meryl from <a href="http://www.thesatoproject.org/" target="_blank">The Sato Project</a>. She's their adoption and foster coordinator, and she not only knows a lot about the dogs, but she'll figure out <i>your</i> personality as well.) In Puerto Rico, Esperanza had stayed by the side of an injured dog, and I liked her loyalty. <br />
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But after almost three hours at the shelter, I also felt like I couldn't bear to leave Cinder, a gentle 40-pound black lab mix who rested her chin on my knee whenever I stopped petting her. She must have been practicing her soulful gazing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLE63oDrli8QLsRkUAC6JU0cg5YwSVlqlIQnq5s6euT0quxHNf0aS50b0SaOboxdkiXuhD4QMeOXBuxbMM-HvDjntgXDjY8MPbSaqaqWNmyfrwnK2ASUg3e0IN98D2bYtW2dEZM4H1aE/s1600/honey+at+ccr+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLE63oDrli8QLsRkUAC6JU0cg5YwSVlqlIQnq5s6euT0quxHNf0aS50b0SaOboxdkiXuhD4QMeOXBuxbMM-HvDjntgXDjY8MPbSaqaqWNmyfrwnK2ASUg3e0IN98D2bYtW2dEZM4H1aE/s320/honey+at+ccr+1.JPG" /></a></div>It was hard to choose only one dog. But the first dog I'd had a connection with that day was Honey. In her profile, it said she "greets strangers with confidence." Indeed, she did: kissing, licking, waiting for belly rubs. "Pouring it on," as Hannah said. Honey seemed to love people, dogs, and toys, and I couldn't resist her playful spirit. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_QBG67qt_7Wb3WlE-azme6mZA3Js_iWcYgB2P4d6_JI_9bCsn8FbKFQNW1ErdiapDQPSAG61ntuaeFo_hRaz5tkxcAdKRA1omVWnxgFx9DfUeQa_sMIqbuiWVu6L3Su7rU6hS-DpWwY/s1600/honey+at+ccr+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_QBG67qt_7Wb3WlE-azme6mZA3Js_iWcYgB2P4d6_JI_9bCsn8FbKFQNW1ErdiapDQPSAG61ntuaeFo_hRaz5tkxcAdKRA1omVWnxgFx9DfUeQa_sMIqbuiWVu6L3Su7rU6hS-DpWwY/s320/honey+at+ccr+2.JPG" /></a></div>I never realized that adopting a dog comes down to <i>not</i> adopting other dogs. But Honey, who looks like a miniature German shepherd, was incredibly sweet. She was the one, my little Honeybun. <br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12208386238252814764noreply@blogger.com0