tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87869767980441727372024-03-14T04:05:29.288-07:00farmlassKerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.comBlogger1070125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-58455923399458251292020-04-08T09:19:00.000-07:002020-04-08T09:19:30.506-07:00Here's to them...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last spring we took a road trip through Normandy, France </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> and in particular</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">to visit the Vimy Ridge Memorial.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It sits on a hill overlooking the Douai Plains of France.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A former 250 acre battle field, now peaceful and green.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rising up 30 metres are two pylons,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One for Canada, one for France...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1wdXZSqUH34nmBYDFzupsLf4y4MtsHoLkrn0h5enyB478n8gIu3JQUNpqPi2Nz_b5q-hHMUylfjDiPxY-41N7KACA56uB7VP694eL0mr-_2AsMCgJmqRVXOMwrLHWyBH0qBUm8fNiQS5/s1600/885089F7-E1FE-497A-B22A-C0322BE73BC0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1wdXZSqUH34nmBYDFzupsLf4y4MtsHoLkrn0h5enyB478n8gIu3JQUNpqPi2Nz_b5q-hHMUylfjDiPxY-41N7KACA56uB7VP694eL0mr-_2AsMCgJmqRVXOMwrLHWyBH0qBUm8fNiQS5/s640/885089F7-E1FE-497A-B22A-C0322BE73BC0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNO76qbGgivbYzkEs2gfHnVVgs3u1XSHHZ7jmBT1sUMkvQ-Y3YcfR0h8uQq20sqXfm6CwUdoqCS5oSPecmWkNtB32fRrEftB9BJDIGYo3ydKdakY3Z5lFS4mK3gyOJSjn_2uL8yBTGDz2Q/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNO76qbGgivbYzkEs2gfHnVVgs3u1XSHHZ7jmBT1sUMkvQ-Y3YcfR0h8uQq20sqXfm6CwUdoqCS5oSPecmWkNtB32fRrEftB9BJDIGYo3ydKdakY3Z5lFS4mK3gyOJSjn_2uL8yBTGDz2Q/s640/IMG_3538.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is Vimy Ridge Day in Canada.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A day dedicated to the men, mostly very young, who fought</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and died in the battle </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and to those whose bodies were never found after WW1.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They have no known graves and so this is their memorial.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy5Byl3RcXe5Xo2doT9vJMfHGef7xjkLiaXC_t6XuC3pqecqCceUEQIZyw-F-tlQtJ9RtsRw6dg5n18N_-CotrOmVO1mEQiDI8ehWQaa-7yUV7yv1QUvBSHQlQaXxJTPedbyYp9UwI0ci/s1600/IMG_2729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVy5Byl3RcXe5Xo2doT9vJMfHGef7xjkLiaXC_t6XuC3pqecqCceUEQIZyw-F-tlQtJ9RtsRw6dg5n18N_-CotrOmVO1mEQiDI8ehWQaa-7yUV7yv1QUvBSHQlQaXxJTPedbyYp9UwI0ci/s640/IMG_2729.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(<span style="font-size: x-small;">preserved in concrete, a</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">trench at the memorial)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The attack began at 5:30 AM on April 9th 1917, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Easter Sunday.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By nightfall on April 12th the Canadian Corps had defeated the German Army</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">but had lost more than 3,600 men in the fight.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwEJEAimmy_lr8D18IHZXQwMz2DDhYlVmQtGH7VEkdXRPjzpJZAAbzR5nOZ7LyTF0wsA5WF6WinovRHOjiZyc1-jrsMv-QnvU5kStd1EnE2WAcHlQqLtIC3k3SGfG_5np171tDfI_lIDM/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwEJEAimmy_lr8D18IHZXQwMz2DDhYlVmQtGH7VEkdXRPjzpJZAAbzR5nOZ7LyTF0wsA5WF6WinovRHOjiZyc1-jrsMv-QnvU5kStd1EnE2WAcHlQqLtIC3k3SGfG_5np171tDfI_lIDM/s640/IMG_3543.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(tunnels where the soldiers spent much of their time)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's impossible to imagine the horror of these 4 days and 3 very long nights.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The mud, the cold, the dark, the fear that so many faced. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In fact, the naivety of the soldiers who fought for the freedom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and beauty of countries such as Canada, France and indeed so much </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">of the Western World, is beyond comprehension.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18QRiCqjLUjVc13d-F9KLWcU92O6Ffrc0w7JmNH_FiFu7WScuSmPi48V8C-3-5CLdCLqFk81H9Qi4e1SvgiGM5bDwJW0MZ08_INOIZaGCGuybzEbZcIHt0eQZKhef3rzWKS4367nHglPH/s1600/2768028E-8FC4-40A4-83CB-6B4039917B0B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18QRiCqjLUjVc13d-F9KLWcU92O6Ffrc0w7JmNH_FiFu7WScuSmPi48V8C-3-5CLdCLqFk81H9Qi4e1SvgiGM5bDwJW0MZ08_INOIZaGCGuybzEbZcIHt0eQZKhef3rzWKS4367nHglPH/s640/2768028E-8FC4-40A4-83CB-6B4039917B0B.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we walked around touching the letters of the names of the dead, a sense of gratitude became so overwhelming </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">that there was nothing to do but to be quiet and to be with them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To thank them silently.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLlDmoaAtBsVdHGYspL4pCDYZGMcuz8C_Dut8vZzY0-EJ1w4AUS1krIYHvM82Sepbh0OJYqmFWF8OCPhrukiXkKg4m4xk9dvbz4NahO8S4J3jGG-iPjdKEQsq1yGQ_dorr0lJhe3hw-S-/s1600/IMG_3541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLlDmoaAtBsVdHGYspL4pCDYZGMcuz8C_Dut8vZzY0-EJ1w4AUS1krIYHvM82Sepbh0OJYqmFWF8OCPhrukiXkKg4m4xk9dvbz4NahO8S4J3jGG-iPjdKEQsq1yGQ_dorr0lJhe3hw-S-/s640/IMG_3541.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The only danger here now are the fenced off areas of </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">rough ground, old fox holes and unexploded munitions </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">which make grass cutting impossible for human powered machines</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">so the army of sheep are constantly on call for these duties...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrRu5mUA2eQsrDMJ_A5UqPF7z2UmWEW2G3LLwr1Lnd5AMImeZwXKZWZBiUQRtZOdRPf6wq9U_imopv6fFT5q3crKVT2gJ2KXTEaFRJ1uyb01JVV6fzaq87sdULYoFTquhEY2pBkKdhK8B/s1600/IMG_3548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrRu5mUA2eQsrDMJ_A5UqPF7z2UmWEW2G3LLwr1Lnd5AMImeZwXKZWZBiUQRtZOdRPf6wq9U_imopv6fFT5q3crKVT2gJ2KXTEaFRJ1uyb01JVV6fzaq87sdULYoFTquhEY2pBkKdhK8B/s640/IMG_3548.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6_nqo7rifOD0mVQYXJxHLCAu-UY8pyE4uhLPqQxswE0QIBKdY8mdzvkm2aEmVbIm-U2Ut5NCwDS9bsVYhzrqncYFLylFkxwwSCADJGeepFojeIa9M3ZQmjOFYSSe5yj1Ec3CRPBi58l5/s1600/IMG_3550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6_nqo7rifOD0mVQYXJxHLCAu-UY8pyE4uhLPqQxswE0QIBKdY8mdzvkm2aEmVbIm-U2Ut5NCwDS9bsVYhzrqncYFLylFkxwwSCADJGeepFojeIa9M3ZQmjOFYSSe5yj1Ec3CRPBi58l5/s640/IMG_3550.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(<span style="font-size: x-small;">and no, not one sheep has ever been blown up)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a personal connection to this place.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About 4 kilometres to the southeast is a tiny French village called Thelus.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the outskirts of this village is a Canadian Military Cemetery </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">called <a href="https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseas/first-world-war/france/nine-elms">Nine Elms</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was near here that my fathers Great Uncle died during this battle and </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">is buried along with 79 other men of the 14th Canadian Infantry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He was 29.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can read another detailed post about Joseph Quilty <a href="https://farmlass.blogspot.com/2012/04/remembering-someone-i-never-knew.html">here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We made a pilgrimage to his grave.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Something I had wanted to do for many years.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I made a felted poppy for him and laid it over his headstone...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fSJrM0Yb12lOjiWDZ2ji74zAIxc6NiVOcrM930whHXBAv18woZt8eKU55VRPz0UEWVSaO6JvInu2Nb7wc6shwjDUiEd_vNV1SGpS_XCVKQXbY8Tx1s0AIe84zwxyJOoYS_729p01PVEc/s1600/IMG_2731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fSJrM0Yb12lOjiWDZ2ji74zAIxc6NiVOcrM930whHXBAv18woZt8eKU55VRPz0UEWVSaO6JvInu2Nb7wc6shwjDUiEd_vNV1SGpS_XCVKQXbY8Tx1s0AIe84zwxyJOoYS_729p01PVEc/s640/IMG_2731.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoY_Pz-Z4krrOHdNePw-WTLGy-JfOXE5NRVtbZBr40CvIUGguG0ThHf1wQihl9lVbpwc4f-ClTotB3E6OhTWlhrQOwhgWY65RMrKq-im5F6tjbh9GsAnBziDi83Hz8XWjsb11ZCvX9Bu7/s1600/IMG_2734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoY_Pz-Z4krrOHdNePw-WTLGy-JfOXE5NRVtbZBr40CvIUGguG0ThHf1wQihl9lVbpwc4f-ClTotB3E6OhTWlhrQOwhgWY65RMrKq-im5F6tjbh9GsAnBziDi83Hz8XWjsb11ZCvX9Bu7/s640/IMG_2734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a peaceful place bordering thousands of acres of wheat fields on one side </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and a busy motorway on the other...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4KBmB0NfjUgQ5t8vpJf8uza7Z1HCh9cIa95NZH8ooSJfIDTj1Nn79agVsV_qUAS-wGcFcCVQfRb6mSH8dUQmCi5sxuIIQXOiIA6BzYZ6Ldt_Iv9bZgoKPsJEXECBpd0PxIULN8cnAnR7/s1600/IMG_2724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4KBmB0NfjUgQ5t8vpJf8uza7Z1HCh9cIa95NZH8ooSJfIDTj1Nn79agVsV_qUAS-wGcFcCVQfRb6mSH8dUQmCi5sxuIIQXOiIA6BzYZ6Ldt_Iv9bZgoKPsJEXECBpd0PxIULN8cnAnR7/s640/IMG_2724.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Again, hard to imagine the grey, barren battlefields full of the wounded, dead and dying</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">as you stand amongst the carefully tended graves neatly lined up.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="background-color: white; color: #2a92e5; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><img alt="Picture" src="https://www.ww1cemeteries.com/uploads/7/4/4/5/74452945/nineelms17_orig.jpg" style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: none; border-width: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; width: auto;" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">the same area 103 years before</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There, just outside the walls of the cemetery, one lone poppy grew in the wheat...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhR0Hw1m2-yslpFqCJoFk9d89tNQ0Ee49ZzICFQuJtbbBv5X0OrIsuBNr4Ypuc8SUh2thWqewCx2tBjrvqGWnPrFnYHy2ECtzGLhxzHDSzAQ2TI1reUadnvKsIKes84z78D8NifLEg1Sv/s1600/IMG_2730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhR0Hw1m2-yslpFqCJoFk9d89tNQ0Ee49ZzICFQuJtbbBv5X0OrIsuBNr4Ypuc8SUh2thWqewCx2tBjrvqGWnPrFnYHy2ECtzGLhxzHDSzAQ2TI1reUadnvKsIKes84z78D8NifLEg1Sv/s640/IMG_2730.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A silent reminder of the immense loss of life on this day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We should all take a moment to remember all of those who were killed and damaged and never found again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A very special thank you to the people who take such good care </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">of these cemeteries all over the world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-46378989802150387282020-03-26T13:45:00.000-07:002020-03-26T13:45:22.859-07:00A delicate balance...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Globally, we are living in precarious and delicate times.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That a thing the size of a spec of dust can drastically change the world</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">in such a short time is, in a word, <span style="color: #990000;">'phenomenal'</span>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My days are filled with menial tasks, as probably most peoples are...the day to day usual bits of feeding, cleaning and for those of </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">us lucky enough to be able to get outside.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But even that has changed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I walk the dog twice, sometimes with one other person and of course we are socially distancing ourselves.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is my saving grace to GET OUTSIDE and to watch the natural world,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">somehow oblivious to the massive shift that is transforming us by the hour.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Or perhaps the birds and wildlife do notice that something is different?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's quieter, less air traffic, less pollution in the air, less cars on the road.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last December, on a walk, I had spotted a little nest perched in a tree,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">out of reach...a tiny round swirl of grass...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8L9LY5fPL8S0t08kuRqAiifr60A5ZHaCCyb8EERDSxdwnjzmOtmdicKdfwv6ihAH_fmWIjE-B71AncN4VdpbV_38IxBEGlRXdlwfODi4-2FocT9J2rTquek02Pp6pvvedB09DN26BjMK/s1600/IMG_5160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8L9LY5fPL8S0t08kuRqAiifr60A5ZHaCCyb8EERDSxdwnjzmOtmdicKdfwv6ihAH_fmWIjE-B71AncN4VdpbV_38IxBEGlRXdlwfODi4-2FocT9J2rTquek02Pp6pvvedB09DN26BjMK/s640/IMG_5160.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had been keeping an eye on it and wondering how I might be able to get it down since whoever had started it, clearly had abandoned the </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">thought of using it last spring....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6acM4hZ_cRimNx_2tvuE_UHsf-Mf-L5ThmbBSz8BLJrp-EI6UZVZeJAFg5ZhJDIQ-QIPjdLuMd_m7lwXuAecbxrKsjubQbHptzlBF-QVT-wmLWg7rlJlPQyPihebdWIfgmFu_yqfTTSxG/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6acM4hZ_cRimNx_2tvuE_UHsf-Mf-L5ThmbBSz8BLJrp-EI6UZVZeJAFg5ZhJDIQ-QIPjdLuMd_m7lwXuAecbxrKsjubQbHptzlBF-QVT-wmLWg7rlJlPQyPihebdWIfgmFu_yqfTTSxG/s640/IMG_5153.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday I looked for it and it was no longer in the tree branches.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And there it was, on the ground. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's fragile structure picked up on a wind and tossed to the earth...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What a gift!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZfN-Zp1LhWIvHj074iuXvUjSmlAOHEjxS-1Lh5GUHm1HcJF_GKZSF9SoAUwAroJZpkEoPr83l1Z1PXWnizT-AV0zkHvQ1-Aphdcx5CqK97IxaHZ1jZ2U2cMF5G6Um9SChMyftQ6j83vu/s1600/IMG_5154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZfN-Zp1LhWIvHj074iuXvUjSmlAOHEjxS-1Lh5GUHm1HcJF_GKZSF9SoAUwAroJZpkEoPr83l1Z1PXWnizT-AV0zkHvQ1-Aphdcx5CqK97IxaHZ1jZ2U2cMF5G6Um9SChMyftQ6j83vu/s640/IMG_5154.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I picked it up and it weighed almost nothing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, oh! it's construction was Something!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Horsetail and fine, long grass with minute bits of moss were the bricks and mortar of this house...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrGtZys4jn1S8V-7FX4g49rKCs3IEhBSzYBWcTCuExL2IXWtXcJgvElsdm3Sw0ko-YnqUQDIO-dpkV5bkRcikwu95K9RON461W-qPuNJOEb7O0YvDltk2mFKpUjIMPcilWNf_7JwvPGic/s1600/IMG_5147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrGtZys4jn1S8V-7FX4g49rKCs3IEhBSzYBWcTCuExL2IXWtXcJgvElsdm3Sw0ko-YnqUQDIO-dpkV5bkRcikwu95K9RON461W-qPuNJOEb7O0YvDltk2mFKpUjIMPcilWNf_7JwvPGic/s640/IMG_5147.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The worker, with nothing but wings and a tiny beak to forage</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the materials and engineer such a marvel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It had withstood, rains and snow and gale force winds all</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">through the winter until just a few days ago.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It may have been mowed over by the grass cutter if I</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">hadn't of seen it....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfF0RC03WCykT_9IA_7I1oKr8sgf24SbASKPvFP27WF6Al9wWzjtXPqUbYHOYHQ_f1ivvFlRV__ycjcaRbJaUuYCRVrhlreKnTeoXM0jvcOGOFLTx5WKaOxvgjs3hn1X77shdzTBb4dT3/s1600/IMG_5157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfF0RC03WCykT_9IA_7I1oKr8sgf24SbASKPvFP27WF6Al9wWzjtXPqUbYHOYHQ_f1ivvFlRV__ycjcaRbJaUuYCRVrhlreKnTeoXM0jvcOGOFLTx5WKaOxvgjs3hn1X77shdzTBb4dT3/s640/IMG_5157.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so here we are, as a human race being battered and swept away </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by things we cannot see and I feel we are all as fragile</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">as this little nest....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDsMJjsXRI9sji4p7Vai9PWsus12cDR4dsVlN2OAskwYBMFXy4FbTpd1_RmFWHlsrNoxrXuq-C3n2tIDO0OJZT9i1KiYUGEJIMXXVvArPCNnQcPy9fH34CUmRsxOeeMIyPdyPvO-a8ryy/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDsMJjsXRI9sji4p7Vai9PWsus12cDR4dsVlN2OAskwYBMFXy4FbTpd1_RmFWHlsrNoxrXuq-C3n2tIDO0OJZT9i1KiYUGEJIMXXVvArPCNnQcPy9fH34CUmRsxOeeMIyPdyPvO-a8ryy/s640/IMG_5159.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The questions we are all asking ourselves...can we weather the storm</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and bear the weight of the heaviness that surrounds us now?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's remember that right now this world isn't as big as it seems.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Collectively we can send love and light and strength to each other.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For certain there will be those who will be tossed to the </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ground and lost to the darkness.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> But for those of us fortunate enough to have a strong structure,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">reach out, catch them if you can.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do what it takes to come through to the other side.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I send you all the best.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remember, in the words of Emily Dickison...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="o-grid" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: adobe-garamond-pro; font-size: 27.5px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="o-grid-col o-grid-col_10of12" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 27.5px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: 638.359px;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="o-vr o-vr_12x" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border: 0px; font-family: adobe-garamond-pro; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px 0px 60px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="c-feature" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.231; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="c-feature-bd" style="border: 0px; font-family: adobe-garamond-pro; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.3; margin: 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="o-poem isActive" data-view="PoemView" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">“Hope” is the thing with feathers -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">That perches in the soul -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">And sings the tune without the words -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">And never stops - at all -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">And sore must be the storm -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">That could abash the little Bird</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">That kept so many warm -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">I’ve heard it in the chillest land -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">And on the strangest Sea -</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">Yet - never - in Extremity,</span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #38761d;">It asked a crumb - of me. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 25px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 25px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uB5ajWZTtzt-EnySd_VxzfeltkhSA8UYIH-Lxiok-ZohUq7MNg5HCEtHcryp8QyUdmKsyuRDuTmtSIJ4YCdYs2dtcIKxCUdNQU5tng0GxFs5HSiSPHjRtfthVOqpMguwmDSMESmLnvzp/s1600/IMG_5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uB5ajWZTtzt-EnySd_VxzfeltkhSA8UYIH-Lxiok-ZohUq7MNg5HCEtHcryp8QyUdmKsyuRDuTmtSIJ4YCdYs2dtcIKxCUdNQU5tng0GxFs5HSiSPHjRtfthVOqpMguwmDSMESmLnvzp/s640/IMG_5152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-31698716905676071562020-02-28T11:28:00.000-08:002020-02-28T11:28:27.124-08:00Pickers, carders, strippers and travellers...<div style="text-align: center;">
Sounds like the characters from an old Western movie </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or a travelling carnival right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wrong!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are some of the terms I learned the other day after </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
visiting one of the last tours of the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://incadincado.ca/">Inca Dinca Do Woolen Mill</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuaKgyJqI2LAF64RPKnl1tLZV33IEmC2LCPN7jX8z9T5ugTgRy9L3JclGvcUiG2oVGqJBxzRTbF_rK58FU8ErT4zV6ua1y3z_6vXRkMKLeOwgz4PShd_zPxm3xWq3cPk4zGojpVyOGi2l/s1600/IMG_4873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuaKgyJqI2LAF64RPKnl1tLZV33IEmC2LCPN7jX8z9T5ugTgRy9L3JclGvcUiG2oVGqJBxzRTbF_rK58FU8ErT4zV6ua1y3z_6vXRkMKLeOwgz4PShd_zPxm3xWq3cPk4zGojpVyOGi2l/s640/IMG_4873.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The farm has been in operation since 1980 raising Alpacas and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
three years ago began the fascinating journey </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into processing fibres in their onsite woollen mill.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The grand Duchess of the mill room (and yes, thats the name of her!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is the carding machine built in 1870 and still running like a charm!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9BvZxnGaA5Ge_k-X5EqkRTmdusWOBjAZgR2D3GDRZ8XLnTiPpYo7QzXs2dO1wlTD6MoR-8xWgBx-dghcuOZfmi0w-I6Negl_9ajQ-Z8jVxwPwypJKMBPUfpBhQpRGy4yryPn5Epzkc8V/s1600/IMG_4886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9BvZxnGaA5Ge_k-X5EqkRTmdusWOBjAZgR2D3GDRZ8XLnTiPpYo7QzXs2dO1wlTD6MoR-8xWgBx-dghcuOZfmi0w-I6Negl_9ajQ-Z8jVxwPwypJKMBPUfpBhQpRGy4yryPn5Epzkc8V/s640/IMG_4886.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her name has worn off mostly, but then you might be a bit </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
worn yourself after 150 years of work!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX0BMp3X1p5a_jb1nDhv_NzxyU6mPQnF0yQHVZQzlG-lpTocsCwtRhC2RL-Se0OnKEE9BQDEqa0RJt2wDpGHiLv2dInwJL3xq8qkFaTNQYMPaL-CrRNfOO4EYXW68HTi_Rc9C3wWAf8db/s1600/IMG_4889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX0BMp3X1p5a_jb1nDhv_NzxyU6mPQnF0yQHVZQzlG-lpTocsCwtRhC2RL-Se0OnKEE9BQDEqa0RJt2wDpGHiLv2dInwJL3xq8qkFaTNQYMPaL-CrRNfOO4EYXW68HTi_Rc9C3wWAf8db/s640/IMG_4889.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She came from Philadelphia but her history up until recently is a bit unclear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She worked in Crofton, then Qualicum Bay </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before moving south down Island to North Saanich, B.C, Canada.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTf1x1vSr9GrjDwndSpqRTsOwTb5LOQiR2ykrxVFNZSb5DMDVa7JU41-aV60-viSeqYuYyyJr4LMUNhwmhkLJTmfIYGxolK4vfdtZI20w130X_IKydyBO1yH9FDOs5WwXLWHC-1yOzB2G/s1600/IMG_4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTf1x1vSr9GrjDwndSpqRTsOwTb5LOQiR2ykrxVFNZSb5DMDVa7JU41-aV60-viSeqYuYyyJr4LMUNhwmhkLJTmfIYGxolK4vfdtZI20w130X_IKydyBO1yH9FDOs5WwXLWHC-1yOzB2G/s640/IMG_4878.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This beautiful beast of cogs and drums and belts and wheels is a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fluff layered machine of incredible ingenuity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The dawn of the Industrial Revolution brought this machine to the forefront </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of processing wool on a grand scale.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Basically the picked, cleaned, raw fleece...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrujxwVHWE_RRF0GDDXPEoxlj3MpGqLtCyc4hxXCTIt8-gqBAGY8Lu2BUddTXxr1K3fdZovv8BjM3Q1oA7hAjKe8_GwXJ13Y-4gq-faVPWobFAgF798FYEXngYLrO_DV79W6cT4x9FOgPV/s1600/IMG_4875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrujxwVHWE_RRF0GDDXPEoxlj3MpGqLtCyc4hxXCTIt8-gqBAGY8Lu2BUddTXxr1K3fdZovv8BjM3Q1oA7hAjKe8_GwXJ13Y-4gq-faVPWobFAgF798FYEXngYLrO_DV79W6cT4x9FOgPV/s640/IMG_4875.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM10MkrKcPBr8LGpbIeEtammNSKmNUTVLAD0C7Bu1w0EK_gLbLQWA5bX179QudjdclCocdToE3CeQbcBUNxajnpt8Dc5kDkWAoOesW1cYwPIuJeLFhmUCd362HR9DgBB-7Jix5OEUn2Z7/s1600/IMG_4876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM10MkrKcPBr8LGpbIeEtammNSKmNUTVLAD0C7Bu1w0EK_gLbLQWA5bX179QudjdclCocdToE3CeQbcBUNxajnpt8Dc5kDkWAoOesW1cYwPIuJeLFhmUCd362HR9DgBB-7Jix5OEUn2Z7/s640/IMG_4876.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...is fed onto the large belt where it is taken </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into and through a number of needled drums</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(kind of like those fine tooth dog brushes).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jOkIwhaIor9e96REkaFNtYILrotYAYEGnM_3VGaQRk8E8ox4jnwOHPVIGKxS3UEXzdnOv7tdnuuxY1TuJ1Qxd7kf-b9k76VA8pKGdfigGl5rruA5e6hxjJFqMPD9pkTYruNU5JXvaJpA/s640/IMG_4877.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9ZCwn_eNEx9XFlsKo-eG7yey-Cx3_96H4127FWwWG9MwdooAHS7PK0l3xkhRdUzwrl7mEvrhy03x9qGspCI4FtJZuIINdbLa-MHpUI27egL8iOfxizJuoB6WtQANAheqm9slPthOjWv7/s1600/IMG_4894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9ZCwn_eNEx9XFlsKo-eG7yey-Cx3_96H4127FWwWG9MwdooAHS7PK0l3xkhRdUzwrl7mEvrhy03x9qGspCI4FtJZuIINdbLa-MHpUI27egL8iOfxizJuoB6WtQANAheqm9slPthOjWv7/s640/IMG_4894.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is John...master of fluff, using cards to set a gauge...and no, thats not</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
why it's called 'carding'! The word is derived from the latin word <i>carduus</i> which means 'thistle' or 'teasel' which </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
are seed heads that used to be used to comb fleece.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtE9yLlxj-3wBcxxV2iSn5TMBRhV1pYZZT2Hcx4Ntq1qvPqFmdaCxnFWnhQgDruQby75RFLHHf3I_GJ3BnbqpneI-ySnpR9M8V9yd4zVefp_F51O67BObrNz1n-c1bJ5p_TCBdtxJxNsE/s1600/IMG_4885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtE9yLlxj-3wBcxxV2iSn5TMBRhV1pYZZT2Hcx4Ntq1qvPqFmdaCxnFWnhQgDruQby75RFLHHf3I_GJ3BnbqpneI-ySnpR9M8V9yd4zVefp_F51O67BObrNz1n-c1bJ5p_TCBdtxJxNsE/s640/IMG_4885.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Everything is covered in a gauzy, layer of bits of fleece...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I stood there watching, I couldn't help but wonder what products had come from the fleece processed on The Duchess throughout it's 150 years of service...soldiers uniforms, blankets, woven</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
textile for suits and coats...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSVTvDrmQsHsM3AisDBHLORhd4Kzu0DXJY47Pd0btMiRKRFBe2XgdfX2kCrA7OTK-RuzGYe7DhebxmYgirTOTBWQLjWa8Gm3v27HOKtejyb9jArbKhpHPoEFRK3HomRNUWX9GaJPpXP1g/s1600/IMG_4893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSVTvDrmQsHsM3AisDBHLORhd4Kzu0DXJY47Pd0btMiRKRFBe2XgdfX2kCrA7OTK-RuzGYe7DhebxmYgirTOTBWQLjWa8Gm3v27HOKtejyb9jArbKhpHPoEFRK3HomRNUWX9GaJPpXP1g/s640/IMG_4893.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM-7XLJ0P1uksumhEGtIky7pAhrTOHm0yxpvpmUbx9PgLuzp2lGn_xH0QBw5woM6D7RedsUh0U_guWhFo4rZQSDPiFUQcBKV5l5Sa3qURQK4zNdxKmJu-k-3yCRPJlBZi-tIuSG92cNlH/s1600/IMG_4892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM-7XLJ0P1uksumhEGtIky7pAhrTOHm0yxpvpmUbx9PgLuzp2lGn_xH0QBw5woM6D7RedsUh0U_guWhFo4rZQSDPiFUQcBKV5l5Sa3qURQK4zNdxKmJu-k-3yCRPJlBZi-tIuSG92cNlH/s640/IMG_4892.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-3oRPFKCbtTwZJBPz13oVS9593W1oazMpBGG2BYPQRH84EwX_iA8dfxbg7LKXHgKp-qn4At2efG2KGjPf7EpIfLU_YIuq-AAp0C_bNemTz6s-hQa4VNttGZ2-p6FKoXwQ0K3C_8PUsYj/s1600/IMG_4891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-3oRPFKCbtTwZJBPz13oVS9593W1oazMpBGG2BYPQRH84EwX_iA8dfxbg7LKXHgKp-qn4At2efG2KGjPf7EpIfLU_YIuq-AAp0C_bNemTz6s-hQa4VNttGZ2-p6FKoXwQ0K3C_8PUsYj/s640/IMG_4891.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After several turns through the various gauges of needles, it comes out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as beautiful, fluffy strands called pencil roving...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ24rohCOh-IYBBNavE1FK8-D64UsNZCSwxixbQcalp5ozALbhi_DPb5JWdjFBy_wQmUmIiiwKkmjZyc5yL9fMHWAtR7UIqRv1pW5-DNA-nK6ok6DUBGHO6uXFbvyGURcnhCwlYR4RWdvW/s640/IMG_4896.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGFZhIMIaBmIWqbb1LzP7kgByftzTnRnAOfYFsJeFohHPOPVEGZ4ziKJyjleGF9VzkebqT3WYRRBbpjeXkOdZq4B2bD01ag460oXCF7foQb_X3w1yONbR-fSFph7IWNVsH1MT7VgL5mPG/s1600/IMG_4897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGFZhIMIaBmIWqbb1LzP7kgByftzTnRnAOfYFsJeFohHPOPVEGZ4ziKJyjleGF9VzkebqT3WYRRBbpjeXkOdZq4B2bD01ag460oXCF7foQb_X3w1yONbR-fSFph7IWNVsH1MT7VgL5mPG/s640/IMG_4897.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It then goes into a smaller, but none the less intricate than the big carder,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
machine called a Pin Drafter where it gathers the pencil roving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into a more stable texture...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfI4WIigacORa6OTZYltQF60ZxTlmzlTYAhhkMjYRfNb_1WIeLSTt95FnKKUetdEzSALMrHLHxbaBu26rarVRFcor6LkDqq7fJc29MQPfB0ChyphenhyphenKWJmVM-YdwkqgIQLXL5Xw83Xm9ZYuHj-/s1600/IMG_4895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfI4WIigacORa6OTZYltQF60ZxTlmzlTYAhhkMjYRfNb_1WIeLSTt95FnKKUetdEzSALMrHLHxbaBu26rarVRFcor6LkDqq7fJc29MQPfB0ChyphenhyphenKWJmVM-YdwkqgIQLXL5Xw83Xm9ZYuHj-/s640/IMG_4895.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxnE6znTiTg_InEXlVImnGAKl3xIqzf29k4khzhwtSqn1k5w6X2W5yJS_tcn2urCfWUOsFir5TdlmQ2M9EoEy9Z_XMCzNTtLDvb1r-bNyE1PuJDRU7eTZyJUH6VuXENQcYCjzC-U6NWc6/s1600/IMG_4898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxnE6znTiTg_InEXlVImnGAKl3xIqzf29k4khzhwtSqn1k5w6X2W5yJS_tcn2urCfWUOsFir5TdlmQ2M9EoEy9Z_XMCzNTtLDvb1r-bNyE1PuJDRU7eTZyJUH6VuXENQcYCjzC-U6NWc6/s640/IMG_4898.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where it is transferred over to a spinning machine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
WE INTERRUPT THIS BLOG POST FOR A BRIEF DOG INTERLUDE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BROUGHT TO YOU BY </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TALULA THE WOLFHOUND AND CRICKET THE PAPILLON....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC5M2y9u_0xzWJRFoZ3Yeef1hvOhG01G-cpmO7oVuvzdxVoWJYfN0XWLYgJi8DLWhnOc0Qk3StFKYEMnYqhyDxWqk0cANj1mfnRmGaeUTLMpaYD2g_W9Ozq9Rs3wKd9PD99-ck3UpYJMs/s1600/IMG_4880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC5M2y9u_0xzWJRFoZ3Yeef1hvOhG01G-cpmO7oVuvzdxVoWJYfN0XWLYgJi8DLWhnOc0Qk3StFKYEMnYqhyDxWqk0cANj1mfnRmGaeUTLMpaYD2g_W9Ozq9Rs3wKd9PD99-ck3UpYJMs/s640/IMG_4880.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uzji5STFzchdEkz_RX7vdEAgshoXqr1OHlqVElo3ORCLsZu_Sa2mNmGKmQ07n3xYLCjjsbjgRE0_3OPom2nWQfQHqcSU-pOzUczCbhwzecx3vr326cuu0_DdHYPp7keGG8mJsWxQ6lfh/s1600/IMG_4884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uzji5STFzchdEkz_RX7vdEAgshoXqr1OHlqVElo3ORCLsZu_Sa2mNmGKmQ07n3xYLCjjsbjgRE0_3OPom2nWQfQHqcSU-pOzUczCbhwzecx3vr326cuu0_DdHYPp7keGG8mJsWxQ6lfh/s640/IMG_4884.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
WE NOW RESUME YOUR PROGRAM...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The roving now begins the process of becoming yarn. It is spun first in one direction and then, depending on the ply, is switched to another part of the machine to twist the ply's together thus creating different </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gauges of yarn ready for knitting and weaving.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PHEW! This making yarn is exhausting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAYK-Ce-aBtrpkELTtjS03v386W0opd7gyJR6LVmVkaqzn19-A8sCGbYf-MqzLP-GFGtHOCXFJDhe_B1LKIHlnsbTl-rQUMsJfm1HvdVqCsQzmhGPuDHU1LGfE8jfu9pgjyJO9aIHX57-/s1600/IMG_4900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAYK-Ce-aBtrpkELTtjS03v386W0opd7gyJR6LVmVkaqzn19-A8sCGbYf-MqzLP-GFGtHOCXFJDhe_B1LKIHlnsbTl-rQUMsJfm1HvdVqCsQzmhGPuDHU1LGfE8jfu9pgjyJO9aIHX57-/s640/IMG_4900.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCKouQQSoaS1oVXA_LMhaEhHQjvItuTHGuJaWbWzzb6b1KwViyDHcgjkBLPRe_STHmK1IjK0_ZUAiFabHSMfSFjBlZZ_d2_rpDBLja7BOWAPzR1cL4qQoVEgm1YOcXX0o2W3J56eZq1gx/s1600/IMG_4905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCKouQQSoaS1oVXA_LMhaEhHQjvItuTHGuJaWbWzzb6b1KwViyDHcgjkBLPRe_STHmK1IjK0_ZUAiFabHSMfSFjBlZZ_d2_rpDBLja7BOWAPzR1cL4qQoVEgm1YOcXX0o2W3J56eZq1gx/s640/IMG_4905.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw3X2gqeyjlDjvEuOk0XK_tz8UXQ7_A-Pme8iy1_RfJRH-TtK0gKAfawzmPBhr27Ap_tlI0AIfbF7y4e14XCsgHQMwKb-AG7-8kr2nSs9RGnnbWQnkJCfcY6hPZHK4sWzh0VFZtqNK6lQ/s1600/IMG_4907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEw3X2gqeyjlDjvEuOk0XK_tz8UXQ7_A-Pme8iy1_RfJRH-TtK0gKAfawzmPBhr27Ap_tlI0AIfbF7y4e14XCsgHQMwKb-AG7-8kr2nSs9RGnnbWQnkJCfcY6hPZHK4sWzh0VFZtqNK6lQ/s640/IMG_4907.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It takes a lot of finicky messing about to set </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this machine so the yarn comes out right!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uV2dCh3jk1BQaAbjEWyfKhUZP9kte-aeAA8-9NimKdDAakTyS9q_xQb8PyCvIYvxFsMv-dy_SyP1jkZjlUfH2n5eSLj5I8eOYdF4sh9L64pSXALGnUfq_fVVm8WofhqRZ4UeG9DLWTMe/s1600/IMG_4902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uV2dCh3jk1BQaAbjEWyfKhUZP9kte-aeAA8-9NimKdDAakTyS9q_xQb8PyCvIYvxFsMv-dy_SyP1jkZjlUfH2n5eSLj5I8eOYdF4sh9L64pSXALGnUfq_fVVm8WofhqRZ4UeG9DLWTMe/s640/IMG_4902.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigP784HoBIHmitVWlmqPrP1ZvcKzpEpr-j-Scd98P6wAUknbGGbmzsn1oqy60AmVREpFxw6zkXblCfOUSEH30tfkFAaI2QdPYnl9z7qfZZEL8HnytPGPFKtr0AxEy9OvkWC8hdghPoQyQ9/s1600/IMG_4903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigP784HoBIHmitVWlmqPrP1ZvcKzpEpr-j-Scd98P6wAUknbGGbmzsn1oqy60AmVREpFxw6zkXblCfOUSEH30tfkFAaI2QdPYnl9z7qfZZEL8HnytPGPFKtr0AxEy9OvkWC8hdghPoQyQ9/s640/IMG_4903.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaGYSzaFC2mipWYEgBiV_E4t3NmM0k3JbYKm7iscussuBun-Rd4qRKF6VyUR5SwZHdJSw4xTFgZ3fGYWrijNpeHvvN9xlvboTGo914w-c9-zoo9jKR__eFXypqveMR-ePta0w7AZIKdJ4/s1600/IMG_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaGYSzaFC2mipWYEgBiV_E4t3NmM0k3JbYKm7iscussuBun-Rd4qRKF6VyUR5SwZHdJSw4xTFgZ3fGYWrijNpeHvvN9xlvboTGo914w-c9-zoo9jKR__eFXypqveMR-ePta0w7AZIKdJ4/s640/IMG_4904.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each small batch order is accompanied throughout the whole process</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with all of the pertinent information of the owner of the fleece insuring</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that it stays together with every bit of info that the customer has requested.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4D4konSQrsFh42jFaUmlb0GY73nWe1OoRP9qbflyhl2rumVlKby_w7ltx0nhMkvKeKVUajHvdS5LLVPLgd04WbNdSK1ZDCwSOd0e4FW0po30Wj9It7vZ3tmX7BU2K6hczpw-t_eqWBjBH/s1600/IMG_4899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4D4konSQrsFh42jFaUmlb0GY73nWe1OoRP9qbflyhl2rumVlKby_w7ltx0nhMkvKeKVUajHvdS5LLVPLgd04WbNdSK1ZDCwSOd0e4FW0po30Wj9It7vZ3tmX7BU2K6hczpw-t_eqWBjBH/s640/IMG_4899.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the spinning machine has finished, the yarn is either spun </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
onto cones or twisted into skeins ready for pick up...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnLe4Diahkkg7bJzIWjDbV5GuPpV13vimsrnjzfQBPtJAl51pQaww1BWBbnSXZp9f98vYi7nkZJfJ4dT9nMoVoy4qdwUdAnCSb1K6B2NdgkGXbuthuS4yZPGD87mzRiVwdJaCgMFTvPXZ/s1600/IMG_4908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnLe4Diahkkg7bJzIWjDbV5GuPpV13vimsrnjzfQBPtJAl51pQaww1BWBbnSXZp9f98vYi7nkZJfJ4dT9nMoVoy4qdwUdAnCSb1K6B2NdgkGXbuthuS4yZPGD87mzRiVwdJaCgMFTvPXZ/s640/IMG_4908.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMnYoUFSPLhxlEerjSx_uEMAaFs2QH74-mGddt085xjfqBR1Sg9d4JG7NhOcSoEQtEsU_wV4t-vCV-UilQKQXD5AqNcxpmlA_surcnVaJAqEfNzjtHU4fsaj7GTFFVgRS5TqwoF4Ll9En/s1600/IMG_4909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMnYoUFSPLhxlEerjSx_uEMAaFs2QH74-mGddt085xjfqBR1Sg9d4JG7NhOcSoEQtEsU_wV4t-vCV-UilQKQXD5AqNcxpmlA_surcnVaJAqEfNzjtHU4fsaj7GTFFVgRS5TqwoF4Ll9En/s640/IMG_4909.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtIZ8aJhSeaeRmd9mVEzYUbIcilAePz90VoRzWWWhT-VfrX4IB2sFq0qRw2xa4FY4PRA32z4Tr21d_BkIM5jSCIrWjWny8eb5Adh3E2EDBwZsEj7BkUp7D-U26rstr4Nk0Z2D363ZZseP/s1600/IMG_4910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtIZ8aJhSeaeRmd9mVEzYUbIcilAePz90VoRzWWWhT-VfrX4IB2sFq0qRw2xa4FY4PRA32z4Tr21d_BkIM5jSCIrWjWny8eb5Adh3E2EDBwZsEj7BkUp7D-U26rstr4Nk0Z2D363ZZseP/s640/IMG_4910.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately I must end this post on a sad note as Inc Dinca Do Farms</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is on the chopping block. The owners will be closing the mill and selling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the farm due to personal reasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I only hope that through some amazing circumstances, that this</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
does not happen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These people who work and live here are passionate </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about what they do, using organic and low carbon footprints and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
only process local, small batches.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The work is long and tedious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is part of the slow fashion movement that begs you to think</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of how and where fibre and clothing comes from.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please visit the farms website to meet the wonderful people </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who spent the time to explain their wonderful world!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://incadincado.ca/about/">the staff...</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wish you all the best and hope and pray the mill will be saved!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOJpyHxpzs-Puka-fh7p-M-ua0oz7ATP_zPPDA33_F-9awmeZVCcOJEGVx8e-IV2znpFfdn1Hb6iHPUA-NKhrKRomNxTHBLWWQkFHHOrZk-2lBsxwqmrC1sw7-2IejfoN3rij3p1uHMZQ/s1600/IMG_4914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOJpyHxpzs-Puka-fh7p-M-ua0oz7ATP_zPPDA33_F-9awmeZVCcOJEGVx8e-IV2znpFfdn1Hb6iHPUA-NKhrKRomNxTHBLWWQkFHHOrZk-2lBsxwqmrC1sw7-2IejfoN3rij3p1uHMZQ/s640/IMG_4914.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-29448951005176924062020-02-20T16:11:00.001-08:002020-02-20T16:26:25.804-08:00If they could talk...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spent the day poking around my favourite little</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thrift store town, Sidney, B.C.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXlc8GNeKZ51u3F8Tpep-5Pmwqj0sYCB3OdWDxtwEt43Roge2GiTkl9i93wveza8Myviv1i-UXr6_Q1BYUD2UUJz5UkX9A3UkrGyZiIG7scSkZpPS9Xb_9U9SgIX8sWlFEv6mPDd4JYgS/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2314.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXlc8GNeKZ51u3F8Tpep-5Pmwqj0sYCB3OdWDxtwEt43Roge2GiTkl9i93wveza8Myviv1i-UXr6_Q1BYUD2UUJz5UkX9A3UkrGyZiIG7scSkZpPS9Xb_9U9SgIX8sWlFEv6mPDd4JYgS/s640/fullsizeoutput_2314.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
But before I started 'the hunt' I noticed the tides were</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
finally low and so I went down to the shore to have a look.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not much of a beach but sometimes you can find a few</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
interesting bits and pieces from a fire</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the early 1900's...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFIinfLnOIQBxhvWOk44Bz04hoI0Asf3BcPS_EaMT9LVSDHPabfouCCxH2_CPLh-TIOvG8679i2MyBSPr1_5k8EVLU3DuklkMPtv8B897opMKwU5fVpN-8Dk-eEPdCLVnTh84quiE7nHU/s1600/IMG_4817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFIinfLnOIQBxhvWOk44Bz04hoI0Asf3BcPS_EaMT9LVSDHPabfouCCxH2_CPLh-TIOvG8679i2MyBSPr1_5k8EVLU3DuklkMPtv8B897opMKwU5fVpN-8Dk-eEPdCLVnTh84quiE7nHU/s640/IMG_4817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did find one rare piece of red glass...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dibiDpM4y804JtM3zW5uVX9ydJxWut2DeHT_jL3tttenhGs8e_7aEhVCwRn2YjoenZN7pLO9xQonDVJpysxD-R7e15wQqiI3DZDiRs_WngEpentbui0KgOq0Hav6Ib0W-RBq_ApxQ8NY/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2315.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dibiDpM4y804JtM3zW5uVX9ydJxWut2DeHT_jL3tttenhGs8e_7aEhVCwRn2YjoenZN7pLO9xQonDVJpysxD-R7e15wQqiI3DZDiRs_WngEpentbui0KgOq0Hav6Ib0W-RBq_ApxQ8NY/s640/fullsizeoutput_2315.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...the bits of green seemed to be calling my name too and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a bit of printing on a worn piece of pottery...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ySWGQ9-1EJiozz3dkhEZ9FdNWlKwKaTPOPDIKVW2ocV-3_SFTDGA6pA5pmScQ002AjEWMqxnSpkyC2WvXEus3Svop3DyVtMaLMznBEqu_08FgTMi-0UlLqTam8KLFKjsz2P_XXGWr6f0/s1600/IMG_4841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ySWGQ9-1EJiozz3dkhEZ9FdNWlKwKaTPOPDIKVW2ocV-3_SFTDGA6pA5pmScQ002AjEWMqxnSpkyC2WvXEus3Svop3DyVtMaLMznBEqu_08FgTMi-0UlLqTam8KLFKjsz2P_XXGWr6f0/s640/IMG_4841.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a sucker for an old suitcase and couldn't resist this </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cute little leather one with a sweet interior...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kXdZfC0yExazcxKoKurLCekaPsmojXQx8U0yX6QAPdRyKjn11pLcti-CUxF6zVSuhW8OCaBA2WC45jBR5UDD3PD1nFHncrBHTA9asKiu9fot9B5vUprOtv8OspKdAVlbSbEliBX-Q_qy/s1600/IMG_4820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kXdZfC0yExazcxKoKurLCekaPsmojXQx8U0yX6QAPdRyKjn11pLcti-CUxF6zVSuhW8OCaBA2WC45jBR5UDD3PD1nFHncrBHTA9asKiu9fot9B5vUprOtv8OspKdAVlbSbEliBX-Q_qy/s640/IMG_4820.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMD5YCBudugIJWKdnkBns4OOmQi9N1jIMp3bl-IxZ4pb2Tg0GlFh25jwdiXhyphenhyphenrRfsqqTXIVEmyHQAnP6N8rVGmJp1OYPDeJmTMbaFkAb52iQ_nYeQtfT28uFPX21tUImLTsxjzcZqrRAx/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMD5YCBudugIJWKdnkBns4OOmQi9N1jIMp3bl-IxZ4pb2Tg0GlFh25jwdiXhyphenhyphenrRfsqqTXIVEmyHQAnP6N8rVGmJp1OYPDeJmTMbaFkAb52iQ_nYeQtfT28uFPX21tUImLTsxjzcZqrRAx/s640/IMG_4823.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whenever I find one I always want to know...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Where have you been?" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Which exotic ports did you see?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Did you travel from far away on a train? plane? horseback?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who's initials are engraved on some suitcases?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTuVBGKBE7_a4RjB4tIbE-kod6ktJO3u_UVjQN_tmJJfSuJyH5PP7LUxDmMHnlRkZI7wQvRC6jdTtVX8XkQY0frRHVxHZ2TU1keedgz1dYZkOrgN7k1EEjNR2fLQGPI_x-NGzTWq0u-YO/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2312.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTuVBGKBE7_a4RjB4tIbE-kod6ktJO3u_UVjQN_tmJJfSuJyH5PP7LUxDmMHnlRkZI7wQvRC6jdTtVX8XkQY0frRHVxHZ2TU1keedgz1dYZkOrgN7k1EEjNR2fLQGPI_x-NGzTWq0u-YO/s640/fullsizeoutput_2312.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's also the little metal tag with the number 1819 on it which</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I doubt is a date...do you know?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakHEAHAeLR5dia0mFjaEkD4yiHIWBlrWJzaMLu8MaNLeRBiI_hUF-01BwLHvXyC3dWgzryPKyvXONurj6e83P7Vy7hqZY4VYN9c4YtA8P7ybS56pLpSAp_2SlGqbY7553bsJ1e-9D7PTl/s1600/IMG_4822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakHEAHAeLR5dia0mFjaEkD4yiHIWBlrWJzaMLu8MaNLeRBiI_hUF-01BwLHvXyC3dWgzryPKyvXONurj6e83P7Vy7hqZY4VYN9c4YtA8P7ybS56pLpSAp_2SlGqbY7553bsJ1e-9D7PTl/s640/IMG_4822.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like I said, I have a small collection of vintage cases that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I use for storage or taking goods to shows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe1k1MMJVWd5NQPlUfRbySgRj0IAuerr8NMduW9ySbAKDqFEF93oCYCqKK9qonVhu1eRiILYFngVVAn9cJCzAH1C7DFlGaQ0rfsi-GKZKkmVzReZhkf9pCNBvT8Rhi2i80pXHDuV6HNPP/s1600/IMG_4835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe1k1MMJVWd5NQPlUfRbySgRj0IAuerr8NMduW9ySbAKDqFEF93oCYCqKK9qonVhu1eRiILYFngVVAn9cJCzAH1C7DFlGaQ0rfsi-GKZKkmVzReZhkf9pCNBvT8Rhi2i80pXHDuV6HNPP/s640/IMG_4835.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsugOJ7nLKMxjR-OJGlD8GKX4CnZrkyQttwHj494TpSbcKXHalXS_vsU1tEt7Qk0JNOH4H7pYFTHtYRVdekFGlgG8JBwqjBOw24ZYyOJCbws9qd_klU-hPZYVzBfRZCfgUV-okGVWyRKV/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2319.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1494" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsugOJ7nLKMxjR-OJGlD8GKX4CnZrkyQttwHj494TpSbcKXHalXS_vsU1tEt7Qk0JNOH4H7pYFTHtYRVdekFGlgG8JBwqjBOw24ZYyOJCbws9qd_klU-hPZYVzBfRZCfgUV-okGVWyRKV/s640/fullsizeoutput_2319.jpeg" width="596" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZt3h1aWsqlp-QR8w2vdhEL1MM1A0VS_ud4Apd3Mp786wnheGPTHghejQMfXmkPdF7YhstfX5LlxhQhlkJz5KHAPgOfIsqZRW_fp32JtckNVWULL_G_-HbFnL7Q9eHulAGg2CGaszhuh6/s1600/IMG_4838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZt3h1aWsqlp-QR8w2vdhEL1MM1A0VS_ud4Apd3Mp786wnheGPTHghejQMfXmkPdF7YhstfX5LlxhQhlkJz5KHAPgOfIsqZRW_fp32JtckNVWULL_G_-HbFnL7Q9eHulAGg2CGaszhuh6/s640/IMG_4838.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-puA8PNDaqU7rlqqxl7waEmT09IxetZVLnthuVzAK3GH9ukwU0Sw-9J4U7w8XaZKrz5zzlEFP8wO1tPCAD39olF2IqStVyLXJMHklnzmDs5XJR05zDeLvRoxrPk8WzVePObmmfw0yPM2V/s1600/IMG_4832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-puA8PNDaqU7rlqqxl7waEmT09IxetZVLnthuVzAK3GH9ukwU0Sw-9J4U7w8XaZKrz5zzlEFP8wO1tPCAD39olF2IqStVyLXJMHklnzmDs5XJR05zDeLvRoxrPk8WzVePObmmfw0yPM2V/s640/IMG_4832.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are sturdy things, for sure, stackable and can take a licking...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8qPOeKqFT9SFRdae7xgQPP_F4r_ZclnGI7RDAd9mangZQYe7ln7W6DIa7Y5kbjfIUoWVglfXY54D632EQfXelWOdr0GlJ7UBvV6SmtMzyAfN2t3VM7PpbeDRhqjBiHG59li0TX1SaKkl/s1600/IMG_4833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr8qPOeKqFT9SFRdae7xgQPP_F4r_ZclnGI7RDAd9mangZQYe7ln7W6DIa7Y5kbjfIUoWVglfXY54D632EQfXelWOdr0GlJ7UBvV6SmtMzyAfN2t3VM7PpbeDRhqjBiHG59li0TX1SaKkl/s640/IMG_4833.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh4Xc6d7dBJqa-cFZfmb8c3dQS5XX7hFXLzktdooThSrKREB6VGFgYXnq5jt2CIQVnMC2eod2LoqkECZUN36XXJ1mxJj3ESYFMHrEMCYBuXl21IiaNWsALzlkeIwbNuKKCfmHLwLCspGI/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifh4Xc6d7dBJqa-cFZfmb8c3dQS5XX7hFXLzktdooThSrKREB6VGFgYXnq5jt2CIQVnMC2eod2LoqkECZUN36XXJ1mxJj3ESYFMHrEMCYBuXl21IiaNWsALzlkeIwbNuKKCfmHLwLCspGI/s640/IMG_4840.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbwyDU-bFynuw9kksDJDRBC6khEMmGkXrMgGP1zORu5_K-kbx1c2uIhNEulcriskZxCO12tMfspNuY7w-wcz7PJ1tStxoxAMKE44kF9YKwfCG9o4gSaRuRVawk_Gw6tYD5Qaq0AkaK7qI/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2318.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbwyDU-bFynuw9kksDJDRBC6khEMmGkXrMgGP1zORu5_K-kbx1c2uIhNEulcriskZxCO12tMfspNuY7w-wcz7PJ1tStxoxAMKE44kF9YKwfCG9o4gSaRuRVawk_Gw6tYD5Qaq0AkaK7qI/s640/fullsizeoutput_2318.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other great find was this whimsical cheese holder and knife!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmfili2OXyvHGih9BlHwJMcHrKnWGvMB3rE3eKVCnnrSuKaL5LBWTpn1JYR5gh39aUwPbIy9OxsTk6UZzJbaMEiaR8uXNzR_1UtnGmAYnxLrG1K8Ke8NPiSknus_ySegqNr2iMEiwIaWM/s1600/IMG_4826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmfili2OXyvHGih9BlHwJMcHrKnWGvMB3rE3eKVCnnrSuKaL5LBWTpn1JYR5gh39aUwPbIy9OxsTk6UZzJbaMEiaR8uXNzR_1UtnGmAYnxLrG1K8Ke8NPiSknus_ySegqNr2iMEiwIaWM/s640/IMG_4826.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's pewter with the name Metzke printed on it and I researched </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it to find out it was made in Tallahassee, Florida in the mid '70's.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JmygWMhJXRtDyE5qHRrgaYY1-CAqsNnpTzH20ZoHi5R6LjF_d9udZcgf4apXFJ8bIJ8cKpp2SeOKl-KQqZFwdC0zD4tLIXGRCs_Cy7W9Lupe1_qnPQupPYjClV1EsSn1ZoFs1NXBJS59/s1600/IMG_4827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JmygWMhJXRtDyE5qHRrgaYY1-CAqsNnpTzH20ZoHi5R6LjF_d9udZcgf4apXFJ8bIJ8cKpp2SeOKl-KQqZFwdC0zD4tLIXGRCs_Cy7W9Lupe1_qnPQupPYjClV1EsSn1ZoFs1NXBJS59/s640/IMG_4827.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So the hunt was successful! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-47583028370223869612020-02-13T18:19:00.001-08:002020-02-13T18:20:06.256-08:00The spirit of ravens...part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> This story is about my other encounter with a raven </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">which I wrote a few months ago.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">In reference to Spirit of the West, it is a Canadian folk rock band who had just lost their lead singer </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">John Mann. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He was a powerhouse of a performer with energy which permeated a room of 10 </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">or a stadium of thousands. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He died from complications due to early onset dementia.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">He was 57. The same age as myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" type="cite">
<div class="">
<div bgcolor="#FFFFFF" class="" text="#000000">
<blockquote cite="mid:470D3200-6595-48CA-933D-FDE2F154E49E@gmail.com" class="" type="cite">
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On a day when we lost a part of Spirit of the West, I was a quiet witness to another spirit of the west passing. </span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On a deserted lakeside trail, my uncle and I and 3 dogs ambled up through firs and arbutus to a peaceful lake in the highlands.</span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBgYARg3pU0hs1bD217nj3EVfWdKlxwuddvG2ItonBL8m91IMSpt373aetj0nfGhik-MhNSguP0m6N2FJ11Md8Bd60LhBD_Cgz5aiGhF-r-UqAAgBzLYON4ugA-8tRGaT1An93Hx85AzR/s1600/IMG_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBgYARg3pU0hs1bD217nj3EVfWdKlxwuddvG2ItonBL8m91IMSpt373aetj0nfGhik-MhNSguP0m6N2FJ11Md8Bd60LhBD_Cgz5aiGhF-r-UqAAgBzLYON4ugA-8tRGaT1An93Hx85AzR/s640/IMG_3961.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErgWWW4aM0VU7pJXe4qgQb6BK-evBZ0fvqisuNwyzgHeBHsdQuJZ5T8C9So0kq3BqNGViqIR3dPaBz5aILMuNSSbLjivdV8TBaxK_vkrMoKYyJZ7G2Th0G35EWpFoW1-cLNLSaC_MBRL2/s1600/IMG_3967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErgWWW4aM0VU7pJXe4qgQb6BK-evBZ0fvqisuNwyzgHeBHsdQuJZ5T8C9So0kq3BqNGViqIR3dPaBz5aILMuNSSbLjivdV8TBaxK_vkrMoKYyJZ7G2Th0G35EWpFoW1-cLNLSaC_MBRL2/s640/IMG_3967.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" type="cite">
<div class="">
<div bgcolor="#FFFFFF" class="" text="#000000">
<blockquote cite="mid:470D3200-6595-48CA-933D-FDE2F154E49E@gmail.com" class="" type="cite">
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We walked amongst the bountiful mushroom crop, best in years….giant white gills emerging, orange flat caps, slimy, skeleton like, curled up hands, reaching out from the mossy graves.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The smallest dog caught the scent of something more interesting though. </span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And as if he knew to be gentle other than the crazed terrier on the scent of something to hunt, he nudged his nose towards it. </span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlck9CzeifEXCGjs2yLSJkJA78MXGedH-KOwT2UqP66wJtmqAkDpkmSICeRbqGt4lz6BzH5NQRkBX6apZ120dSRXYAv3GAVkjreijhGwO_8PfKJy6J3A1PAYAj-_fzb5WF2Z4IaVUvs99e/s1600/IMG_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlck9CzeifEXCGjs2yLSJkJA78MXGedH-KOwT2UqP66wJtmqAkDpkmSICeRbqGt4lz6BzH5NQRkBX6apZ120dSRXYAv3GAVkjreijhGwO_8PfKJy6J3A1PAYAj-_fzb5WF2Z4IaVUvs99e/s640/IMG_3972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The feathered black body lay off to the side of our footpath.</span></div>
<blockquote class="" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" type="cite">
<div class="">
<div bgcolor="#FFFFFF" class="" text="#000000">
<blockquote cite="mid:470D3200-6595-48CA-933D-FDE2F154E49E@gmail.com" class="" type="cite">
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Raven. Still alive. Resting on his side. </span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We thought at first that he was injured.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Should we save him?</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Take him to the wildlife rescue centre?</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My Uncle took all three dogs away and left me with him.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I stroked his feathered back…he looked at me calmly from a black, glass bead of an eye. </span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGCw2-8tutO-XJHWI7b5fDhRz4k4bP0XGNN_elC9MR5JHYuUlHNi9p9NpxujcTykQ5WWE7HtCM9NzXkTqzu-r4ZrdEhbbN-9gqFBPHTXz4Abkn3MBXcxidE3dKzpW6jSAz943WB9iDo05/s640/IMG_3971.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The top of his head slightly ruffled in proud raven fashion.</span></div>
<blockquote class="" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" type="cite">
<div class="">
<div bgcolor="#FFFFFF" class="" text="#000000">
<blockquote cite="mid:470D3200-6595-48CA-933D-FDE2F154E49E@gmail.com" class="" type="cite">
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The beak…the long, strong confident power of it.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And then I looked at his leg, relaxed under the large wing.</span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsfMmmUwlEv1jlgmOAVa3P5y4Z-UtV2wHhhpJxaFRqeANeFha-ktrQowztqhHY7nfg2N-UJlSWHzaRImG4VT7xfgc8rfwckfQsxIyrrTiZ7XOp-b2xtNecjIzNVGKVXZ6E6nhIVj0iRxw/s1600/IMG_3970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsfMmmUwlEv1jlgmOAVa3P5y4Z-UtV2wHhhpJxaFRqeANeFha-ktrQowztqhHY7nfg2N-UJlSWHzaRImG4VT7xfgc8rfwckfQsxIyrrTiZ7XOp-b2xtNecjIzNVGKVXZ6E6nhIVj0iRxw/s640/IMG_3970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It was calloused at the knee joint like old burled maple. Dry, no fresh flesh of a wound. His foot had similar aged markings. Years of wear. Of battles. Of old wounds. Maybe arthritis had set in.</span></div>
<blockquote class="" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" type="cite">
<div class="">
<div bgcolor="#FFFFFF" class="" text="#000000">
<blockquote cite="mid:470D3200-6595-48CA-933D-FDE2F154E49E@gmail.com" class="" type="cite">
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I think he had chosen to lay down his sword.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To rest on the bed of fallen leaves .</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">His satin black form against the brown blanket of an all too familiar autumn floor.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How old are you I wondered?</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to go home and rip open one of my own down quilts and bring a bag of feathers back to him. </span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Cover him with warmth on this frosty night.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Lay with him so he was not alone.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But he was not alone.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">While I sat there, a congress of ravens , cackled and looped their songs above this senior member.</span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJQLZ800odZpGEuTSsOwd_TIsxOxic0osehmkWWRj2YqX76k_hMpYQvg5C2BelUjeNkewm_cvfeYJl05bDpy1r0bmFLBekMKFw8VPLQ8Qd_xlmy3fRb0tTLaNJZGouFJsgYIkmPWe0xgk/s1600/IMG_4008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJQLZ800odZpGEuTSsOwd_TIsxOxic0osehmkWWRj2YqX76k_hMpYQvg5C2BelUjeNkewm_cvfeYJl05bDpy1r0bmFLBekMKFw8VPLQ8Qd_xlmy3fRb0tTLaNJZGouFJsgYIkmPWe0xgk/s640/IMG_4008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">They circled a hundred feet above him, sat vigilantly in treetops but they were not that far away in spirit to the one who lay dying on the forest floor.</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="" style="text-size-adjust: auto;" type="cite">
<div class="">
<div bgcolor="#FFFFFF" class="" text="#000000">
<blockquote cite="mid:470D3200-6595-48CA-933D-FDE2F154E49E@gmail.com" class="" type="cite">
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He could hear their words of goodbyes and well wishes.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I offered him my own words of comfort in a language he wouldn’t understand but perhaps through my tone and touch he would grasp my encouragement of love and light on his journey to the next world.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I thought of the things in my own life that are dying.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How acceptance is not an easy thing for mortals.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Today, once again, I am learning from the world beyond words and human things.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Keep to the quiet paths.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Listen to the swans trumpet.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Stop to watch the sun rise through a frosted, dying seed head.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The tall, tawny coloured high grasses will keep you company on an early morning walk.</span></div>
<div class="" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And always…listen for the silence in between it all.</span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Na_tWzUtJ8T_HTYkNOKFkEWVLzUJBmihYA9rifrTdawfU1Wes9mWZPOlzyrz-yuOgGuJ8H26-YmvH4-hLtgU4Ilc0Kp57zup7vWG1gacodDxXyGwkjy4MAJ6qQDXo5VswxA64GjYyY8G/s1600/IMG_4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Na_tWzUtJ8T_HTYkNOKFkEWVLzUJBmihYA9rifrTdawfU1Wes9mWZPOlzyrz-yuOgGuJ8H26-YmvH4-hLtgU4Ilc0Kp57zup7vWG1gacodDxXyGwkjy4MAJ6qQDXo5VswxA64GjYyY8G/s640/IMG_4138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-66719140455592764412020-02-12T10:50:00.000-08:002020-02-12T10:56:49.314-08:00The spirit of ravens...<div style="text-align: center;">
After a long, no excuse pause on this little blog, I'm back!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been reflecting on so much these days including the importance </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of moving slow through life and observing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was spending chunks of precious time on the fast-food of media</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Facebook and Instagram and decided that I want </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to journal on these pages again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FB and IG can be notoriously up to date</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and entertaining but I found it was taking me away from </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what I used to love to do...record the world around me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had a good ramble through previous posts and was reminded of so many </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
moments in mine and others lives that got me thinking about </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the importance of observing, reflecting and sometimes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
diving deep into life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Such as my 2 incredibly moving encounters with ravens.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
About a year ago I was rambling around in the bush with true companion, Jed,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSb4FzOCTo1_JRfmjwnJZIAp2rtJyl6it1A0NVFXvlY7_V33eGVunlM50meea9-Xv67Z1X_N8kR2O_C1tVWC3xxb_g_GxhIjnY9ADIMt-XgTDKFfOfPnhsMRehvMthM9YrbzWJOz8iXG3/s1600/IMG_7912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSb4FzOCTo1_JRfmjwnJZIAp2rtJyl6it1A0NVFXvlY7_V33eGVunlM50meea9-Xv67Z1X_N8kR2O_C1tVWC3xxb_g_GxhIjnY9ADIMt-XgTDKFfOfPnhsMRehvMthM9YrbzWJOz8iXG3/s640/IMG_7912.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I found a ravens carcas with the head barely attached.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thanked the bird gods for the gift and gently carried it home...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoRr7duuavYK3TqbdQRYyvJJDWjeI-2ZBxQc0LRLPzZnkErncFtmFNFSGpht2HkOOLnwSEjQxSe37suP5hkPc3FrnqmiITdKfIo0qwpYlfjMGVeVt2Hsg2Nn9V5WvTp7XG_s-WDksgPRi/s1600/IMG_9779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoRr7duuavYK3TqbdQRYyvJJDWjeI-2ZBxQc0LRLPzZnkErncFtmFNFSGpht2HkOOLnwSEjQxSe37suP5hkPc3FrnqmiITdKfIo0qwpYlfjMGVeVt2Hsg2Nn9V5WvTp7XG_s-WDksgPRi/s640/IMG_9779.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...looking a bit gruesome, I know, but I've never had the blessing of finding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a raven's skull, so I was very happy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I asked a curator at a museum workshop I was doing, what the best way to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
clean up all the remaining feathers and junk (The 'meat' of the brains and eyes were gone) so I could reveal the skull.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He told me just to put it in a large jar of water for a week or two, changing the water and rinsing the skull daily...sure enough it worked like a charm!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hgV0flZI40wroFD35NdSkpANhosIPdxdCPu_dNJl3zh1kDscX-bo93SKI6nTt0oKS0eFkDGaidhEdmkFcIDlIuA7laTnUd2zsQssc1U6eB4Da-zxLwVBHCvs3Y92HwYKxYz5bLqkAEp6/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hgV0flZI40wroFD35NdSkpANhosIPdxdCPu_dNJl3zh1kDscX-bo93SKI6nTt0oKS0eFkDGaidhEdmkFcIDlIuA7laTnUd2zsQssc1U6eB4Da-zxLwVBHCvs3Y92HwYKxYz5bLqkAEp6/s640/IMG_0129.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found it so interesting that the black part of the beak </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is actually a sheaf that comes off.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I've had the skull cleaned up and sitting around since then and last week I finally got around to putting it into a shadow box.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I felt it deserved something regal to rest on so I chose a piece of lovely,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
vintage silk velvet in a twilight blue...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym7FO0_4cJ8CINekKeVxhBlbH32gALQKcSsoAYaA0kcRyDXSRZ1sCDh11Y8JSVB1HJlxz2vfXC41Rb_Va1yvxC_KaCHyQow69BcDgG481LSy5c85rxTXATHD5GS_6p7xJDJIsJGvMP7zj/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2305.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjym7FO0_4cJ8CINekKeVxhBlbH32gALQKcSsoAYaA0kcRyDXSRZ1sCDh11Y8JSVB1HJlxz2vfXC41Rb_Va1yvxC_KaCHyQow69BcDgG481LSy5c85rxTXATHD5GS_6p7xJDJIsJGvMP7zj/s640/fullsizeoutput_2305.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5ztGXIhbqASXqE5KGGHLZb7B9yI99BNF5hhDXdyYqwDWqW7pb1f1DbI5is39w4Cl9a_1t6OZTbOiO24tetr4CNMZUkpfTrX2mkbS3pPFosgjRdDjgesFMquY57CANzP5fLHl-YGt1gLz/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2307.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5ztGXIhbqASXqE5KGGHLZb7B9yI99BNF5hhDXdyYqwDWqW7pb1f1DbI5is39w4Cl9a_1t6OZTbOiO24tetr4CNMZUkpfTrX2mkbS3pPFosgjRdDjgesFMquY57CANzP5fLHl-YGt1gLz/s640/fullsizeoutput_2307.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That BEAK!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtd9ZDbRlchYpYqhJZvydE890iQxduESIkj_956KZ7Pqjk-iPct5h_BwyT9SVHVfZMP9hEN79j240AFX3fHMik2UNnMdpYidchnmxsOXT53mOj-mZ0WpRhR46TshAFPwKVkINddQyY0Tk3/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2303.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtd9ZDbRlchYpYqhJZvydE890iQxduESIkj_956KZ7Pqjk-iPct5h_BwyT9SVHVfZMP9hEN79j240AFX3fHMik2UNnMdpYidchnmxsOXT53mOj-mZ0WpRhR46TshAFPwKVkINddQyY0Tk3/s640/fullsizeoutput_2303.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It will sit in a place of honour because these birds are </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
magical and powerful in many cultures. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some have dark and gloomy meanings,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
others are more spiritual and mythical.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are a highly intelligent bird and a very tightly knit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
family/community bird.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My second tale of raven encounters will be next on the blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one affected me very intensely and deeply.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you can take the time to have a look.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-65287907957982464612018-01-15T20:55:00.000-08:002018-01-21T20:39:55.031-08:00What's happenin'...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well hello 2018!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Back in the studio now that the hoopla has died down and the creative juices are flowing again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I love this time of year...full of promise, new hopes and ideas kick in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm trying this year to introduce a few more new kits so </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">those who've never tried needle felting can give it a go.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I've had 3 in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/farmlass?ref=seller-platform-mcnav">shop</a> for a while now, Owl, Fox and Man in the Moon</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and I'll be introducing a Fawn and a Raccoon in the very near future.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here's some sample photos of whats to be coming soon...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1600" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfo2H-wELZEQQ5vHE8dwdoAMelBPfOW8GZF3vMS4TsTDwBv4JvTc4aJS2ZC6nu7Qv3b5r4fkEbEQbKBFgMjJwnPAvfQarNR4c4l4Lbw8MOCMLa7iY_-_yIi2Q_NbPQoU9pfV-QYRCAsSZ/s640/P1016268.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdw5PQo1i9VrnMXsQi6RIYFYSVZyYXvd1UEY0tG1okXnH07uesW-4QujmzUJR9t7ReHAwTTYX8Ny1YpwAD2J9A4oSPJpLRp0CbgnsAVrRCB8uv9SawP9RJoYYV3ntXQOGYBI6I3OOe7Mq/s640/P1016345.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a very time consuming process to take step by step photos, load them onto the printing website,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">write up the instructions for each step, lay it all out appropriately, check all the spelling, grammar etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and then wait for two weeks for things to come back from the printer and get the samples ready to take to the shops. By the way, the kits are currently available at <a href="https://www.kbnfibres.ca/">Knotty by Nature</a> and <a href="http://shopamelialee.com/heritage/">Amelia Lee Boutique</a> in Victoria, BC (as well as on my website <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/farmlass?ref=seller-platform-mcnav">here</a>).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As always, I like to think ahead to other projects so I'll keep y'all posted on that later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been on some lovely walks lately...early morning down on the flats with the geese...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyxCasQpVMKjhwGcX2vy11K2RhRDN-G5yeH1j1eGSZP5_AOsT_WKr1n8f1gMNXxQpFrzTffwoKFQ0YSWFBwNrLRPX9ZQIkksnfxmAkORCtv6J9ovmVbvMWhfiYiZ87y8A6GTnAy_PgQEq/s640/P1016171.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jed looking quite sporty!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVubtagburQnag6Jz8udnXGhp2iPHYx1i7RxCE8qrH_Tumr0p5tm0O635FySHE12USqQVEKU698r08rC-RLkbp_ju3-zteliPLSIdJf8esciaFC0KE-FSfavYHgq5tQAXGIIEukTiblZ23/s640/P1016168.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Went up Island to ramble with my buddy and her pup...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jed ever hopeful for a scrap of sausage roll to drop!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8aoMc6LYlxkoPjdB8KyS-8cYUkXsk1gx2Ya4nKY84Jqn4KbDClBh2fs4uuXEBVGWm2LE2rU1KoRoiJRqpslq6mfAIoE2lSz5PmyzlI64iBAxKXQK4HP8hr-knlzTmKtolL85YQbR7he2/s640/IMG_9852.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuXhdKX5R19vwoDCYkZ_ej5DuotMqhL6NRXX8_IKHwFddFB7CtYueFcwhnkVwFIY-Zj4S8g_6uhXqpyqFUuVT3jH8Jz3GC7YmyebuxTjrttORbh5_5UjAyovkhn4afGavJE6a5zAf0LL8/s640/IMG_9857.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1387" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyW2ahAc2h6Q9J0DRvcHhgKkxE1zyTdFjXpmXQcAUanQrdt9evrY1wjAsv1WC1JvwGUesaLiHAySa0tXHD3wodInuErHJhw3VCC__l1BdhGbL4zq8qB6GV5hKV9ghE6lrN-zs7iyM73aTI/s640/IMG_9855.jpg" width="554" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ended up at the Tea Farm where I was smitten with the colours on this building!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBd5WaEB3KIsec9wjo-JOpnRpwya45-V0D5JfztFPVhTeQx3h-BUg_3w-nAe_Ia3OU9FBUWe8IIxbxlmjve2pGfZO8QPoNk9kvhlMNrDzE1bGIAMuvKaflSegdVUdmZb4FHAZf8ri0vcc/s640/IMG_9866.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Lots of pretty frost around these days...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxEcRzCCkl0FCMrXFWx13Ro6MgfbK0BcBUi5HcPa0E2iTJUnmI3sIUb6-1421eJZbK99gPQnoW3tBRTbpeWE-D_ofqigdowSKrI83g1okOxbJDOt7WZOhluFZbBGUxgYs_QpsSSm3kwVu/s640/IMG_9848.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Busy beavers down by the marsh...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6LDYC_ttiGNnV-kJmdD36HS425-rRpJ0cPURcEDPFdL9CcBB696idF_WRaj7EsRdDP5Cc5Jck6Ax9DOGP-K1pjplVkZP63IiU63Fryfby8m5CmYqdCLIcTFrhAcCr6BJg0oNkcY-EXhq/s640/IMG_9793.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my precious finds in the bush was this raven head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now waiting in the freezer to be cleaned up!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqmZH0tfGX6yyqEyHo3wjtrY6c-V69k0IrqgyZhrDNV8kdNf_cOlFSdF2pE7QrW00hy_rNHryJKZuidkJVunXFizS3hpA4ZQpz1ORKzw6piWt3QJ1F766xCuaV1nuNR6d_0PO1tkWMsbB/s640/IMG_9779.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Also found in the bush, this gorgeous door handle and plate...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk16PgcGhyphenhyphen1RqOPA3NMZkm4nbuKQXCuVCI6v6Do5XrV6ffqCC4gz6XJIgyOp3gnRVLdnlAFiEVD9MyTUiJaljfyZN6xKhyphenhyphenORm9rvjP16POAC2BS3Feot_EFDH0_1Cduc4XMeIg62qTGlfD/s640/IMG_9758.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Georgia...well...she's just grand!!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3IQNmmhh2jQJUuzOh2xPIWvQYNq1zzlGu0n_h8fkI5EUxj5c-F8GdjLzVTVhy6zvETojMl1-DWS9wwGIYcpOQW4ZvD5msZlMaTb-fowWUvL4Xe_FTpAhdxxvwCNNGeO0buCfJ_iAx5wX/s640/IMG_9845.JPG" width="640" /></div>
Hope everyone is happy and healthy and that the fresh, New year is taking you off<br />
on wonderful journey's! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-14397727405500414852017-12-11T11:22:00.000-08:002017-12-11T14:03:27.355-08:00Deer Mother...<div style="text-align: center;">
When I made my reindeer I knew that the females were the ones who kept their antlers in the winter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I gave her a feminine Sami name meaning 'quiet,' to honour the majestic and powerful and all being magical creatures we associate the winter season with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Introducing Jaska...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLEB68D4tQpeNOku2kB_-vPDQvn3CbrE8vzyADEvmHYNEJ4VyetZUC0ldMLawmq3CFgvH6niVCHRmZ9Bov8H7kxrKpmdd3Vc1WkepJGtEabAxEwz_1SzbymK-rSSHbK8OlSArampxrlIk/s640/IMG_9738.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF4nqkzPXXMvMebkLEBQLwsnx978oS7Mffo1kRxkzYkzj6s0x6fykctU75C2g0T4_rtdjlMngLJIOtpLAgWGdFmS3A4UGl3Uj2wy2FhGjWfaFlpqORYmxDuL5_BgnxJT2J-ukrW-DP8L5/s640/IMG_9741.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahrCmvTT2MXb53EaoHGWvTFB3TGybWIn3doTDexDSNulYt93OuU-8UXs6gXYOoYCXkOIFvo6n4Yjo_iVKidIqDy2sSRzTJJ-8w0GBkKl13V2nwHag6sQ6rdqvAUGJqbEkp8Cm2nAz02qR/s640/IMG_9737.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_AIXV5Nweb0GSV5erVhKKpwYhX3UG8zYzQd0uYFOPpWscSzBWWxV60TAjACNviw5d2xzL0has6wGox73yDmtU7D4lhEHnXgGy5EU03uF5QO17B0tHbnS9fMwW4-jUitASpFvX5esNFw7/s640/IMG_9699.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After blog hopping this morning I found the most interesting post by <a href="https://gathervictoria.com/">Gather</a> a local Victoria</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
blog produced by two women who clearly know how to research and put out a gorgeous blog.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are truly passionate about which they write about! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I urge you to check out there archives...so interesting and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
many tasty recipes made from local, wild crafted ingredients!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I found this enlightening post all about the Deer Mother in legend, folklore and history...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://gathervictoria.com/2014/12/04/doe-a-deer-a-female-deer-the-spirit-of-mother-christmas/comment-page-3/#comment-4911">https://gathervictoria.com/2014/12/04/doe-a-deer-a-female-deer-the-spirit-of-mother-christmas/comment-page-3/#comment-4911</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So grab a mug of tea and spend the time to have a look through the beautiful images</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and learn all about this engaging tale of the Deer Mother.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess it explains a lot on a former sculpture I made...Finns Nordic dream...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzZ8P8FGMrWaaeeBbAQi4Ck3ckV0PRExi3t4EzjvuNUHj_wVDs_cVqbu8RHblCntkxpuSyDX-M9rXGzDWovm3nfz8hMnqiCSRGelpKwcWCUFnP5Pk_R3f2oKhYOSFqqyudAFEmq27jn5J/s640/041.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had no idea about all of the folklore regarding birds in the antlers and such!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF0ZhyphenhyphenLlqFHwR3o3csEmcvnxmZgpDE7HE86G-OtxxlHxoa1ywjOcI4yStXW34Nurvbvom7-yYaQaJkXaPS0e4Y8L25kIHMpNBbesKbjltC1az0N6TxDRbNEbXzhciODDyZlqkf48hpifl/s640/042.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(this sculpture is sold)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(p.s...Jaska is now available in my etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/577071517/needle-felted-reindeerjaska?ref=shop_home_active_3">here</a></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-28535407739623256602017-11-17T16:36:00.000-08:002017-11-22T07:37:00.824-08:00an update...<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm13GiYjhaX7c1ZpUTEP-oFeNOUDv9_ouAH-V9ABeKnVT-glIDFX3XkVjW9DebuhtExhD6Wf7hVsagUUgDL4hjHWghOEBlf4TI4U3e-5nmd5jsicZ_NLgY9UQ6iAp8RJOJhPyMkag3n1la/s640/2014-05-03+13.42.30.jpg" width="640" /></div>
Limner spoke of not deleting drafts and this was one I was working on for something else when I forgot to delete the draft!<br />
So for you Limner (and anyone else who might have wondered!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Sue'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tugwell Creek Honeyfarm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sooke, B.C</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(taken on a rainy Sunday afternoon. I was supposed to be taking photos of bees but this lovely gal poked her head out of a little sheep shed) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Thanks Limner for alerting the press!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-7498982088338375972017-10-14T20:49:00.000-07:002017-10-14T20:49:33.472-07:00there is always light somewhere in the world...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Amidst these dark and evil days in the world,</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am recharged by light.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Not in the physical sense of the word so much as the feeling of the word.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are two definitions of the noun:</span></div>
<div class="vk_ans" style="font-weight: lighter !important; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span data-dobid="hdw" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">light</span></span></div>
<div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_ent_ph" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_h" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">noun</span></i></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd vk_gy" data-mh="-1" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-family: arial, sans-serif; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b></b><b></b></span></div>
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><strong>1</strong>.</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-weight: lighter;">the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span class="vmod" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; text-align: center;">
"the light of the sun"</div>
</span><div class="vmod">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">synonyms:</span></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="illumination" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoILzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">illumination</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="brightness" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIMDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">brightness</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="luminescence" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIMTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">luminescence</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="luminosity" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIMjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">luminosity</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="shining" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIMzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">shining</span>, gleaming, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="gleam" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoINDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">gleam</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="brilliance" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoINTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">brilliance</span>,<br /> <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="radiance" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoINjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">radiance</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="luster" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoINzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">luster</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="glowing" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIODAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">glowing</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="glow" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIOTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">glow</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="blaze" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIOjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">blaze</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="glare" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIOzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">glare</span>, <span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="dazzle" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIPDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">dazzle</span>; </span><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><div style="display: inline;">
<div style="display: inline;">
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="sunlight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIPjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="moonlight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIPzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="starlight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIQDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="lamplight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIQTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="firelight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIQjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
</div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<i style="padding-right: 4px;"></i></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_blk xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="margin-left: -25px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_ths" style="color: black; display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div style="color: #878787; display: inline;">
<span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="daylight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIQzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="daytime" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIRDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="day" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIRTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div style="color: #878787;">
<span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="dawn" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIRjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="morning" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIRzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="daybreak" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoISDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="sunrise" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoISTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div style="color: #878787;">
<span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="sunlight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoISjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="color: #878787; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="darkness" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoISzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="nighttime" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoITDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: -13px;">
<ul style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
</div>
</span></span><div class="vmod">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="lamp" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoITjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><span class="lr_dct_more_btn" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer; margin-left: 4px;"></span><div style="display: inline;">
<div style="display: inline;">
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="headlight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIUDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="sidelight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIUTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="streetlight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIUjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="floodlight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIUzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="lantern" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIVDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="flashlight" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIVTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="lr_dct_more_txt xpdxpnd xpdnoxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
</div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
</div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
</div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
</div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="color: #222222; float: left; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: lighter !important; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><strong>2</strong>.</span><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-weight: lighter;">understanding of a problem or mystery; enlightenment.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span class="vmod" style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: lighter !important;"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; text-align: center;">
"she saw light dawn on the woman's face"</div>
</span><div class="vmod">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: lighter !important; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">synonyms:</span></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="aspect" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIWzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">aspect</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="angle" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIXDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">angle</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="slant" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIXTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">slant</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="approach" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIXjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">approach</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="interpretation" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIXzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">interpretation</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="viewpoint" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIYDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">viewpoint</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="standpoint" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIYTAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">standpoint</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="context" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIYjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">context</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><br /><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="hue" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIYzAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">hue</span><span style="color: black;">, </span><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="complexion" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIZDAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: black; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0">complexion</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="color: #878787; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: lighter;">So in this context, I speak of the second meaning.</span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-weight: lighter;">You'll get my drift as I go on.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-weight: lighter;">I had an urge to go thrift shopping the other day and it was just one of those lucky days.</span></div>
</span></div>
</span><ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<div class="vmod">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The old wood bobbins were a thrill, since I collect them and at $5 a piece, a steal!</span></div>
</div>
<div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: lighter !important; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="ignorance" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIbjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="background-color: #fff2cc; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: lighter !important; margin-left: -13px;">
<ul style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy">
<b></b></div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Also from the same shop was the little Wade Irish mustard/salt pot. $6.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I just learned that they started producing this pottery in Ireland in 1946.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">More serendipity on that later!</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">On to the next shop!</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I was leaving empty handed, I glanced up on a shelf and the little book</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">caught my eye...'The Turf-Cutters Donkey Goes Visiting'.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I picked it up for $1.95 before even looking inside, just for the cover.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I was paying for it I commented on the sweet little cup and saucer that</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">happened to be at the front (I thought it was someone elses purchase).</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The shop keeper said "isn't that the sweetest thing? You can</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">have it for $1. It has a crack in the saucer".</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I of course took it home to maybe plant a little succulent in it.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The scene of the country cottage...hmmm, is there a theme happening here???</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One more shop to go and I found the fabric to cover cushions...already cut to size: $2</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OVno9gJ-d2cBtwMulzyl7tu-HdELOo8bY1saNBAP_ZovcIwKcKGnzhKTaoFlNvqkXNNpJBE1cSg15H3_xSWbztKEdlrZm0Ty_-trUoaloDsbgM2El6A2wNs5WVgP0SFhPSeKgpluQBeo/s640/IMG_9413.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I got home, mug of tea in hand, I began exploring the little book.</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnwbbHkg6hLWPzaOf2bmQcLSY6W34_zeZuPin0iDOI391eS3YgjK4iGfNspcHCb8E2rQ5BcGDdX9sYqsVTHI1AJCusakDwJFZO3gEv0wiuPN3X03ZIQc9TaJNQOmLJeQ975fnNNqaigE3/s640/IMG_9415.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It belonged to this young lady...</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkRo-FSDlLOYTmYWYyfH38VBZNu5lhsZ4zMshyphenhyphenYdguoTN2o26I16534qWIgWwKfwhQRmEFACIjCjHrLi_hjyoUirqGKUDMLuGZLrdXqTxnDyfwrYiMK9beN7nv4diSatwGlMbNz42vq2P/s640/IMG_9416.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">...and lo and behold it was given to her by Eunice,</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Christmas 1946!</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The same year that the Wade Irish Pottery began production!</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1404" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxtiUOjXN6T6BxLbfaWfT0SwSSVy1N1EJlLVoRgv0_UF4KCgcMbEc0LbtNptclTxUgyNwm0gU0jq4U3BaJlUOozA3M1ICg567LnZn3qBe-6SFzsBMdjuPCEAkUCCyelnaqwIGobNigc0M/s640/IMG_9417.jpg" width="560" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">How about them apples!</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The colour plates in it are quite lovely...</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40iurO7xGAtgm9w4xo0DV3RSIav3FTM5k6Gw80mR28PtuONlFx0eq_jYhJRfXhDV85xFRYUWxdAGfLp2b5LUkxSQBlTJE4qQQN_6mVSPmLbsSoSc8sP1awa5FCt2QI68rcm_lL1EBzcCc/s640/IMG_9418.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">...worthy of colour photo copies to frame...</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYtGxrhDxRRCs9tqVp0cqYuLY_qALStmfy1BjttMXK9ZEtAkIrlsDXByAJNlhb4JgeFkluKmxiys3jLULgFtahehejjy8_xc62xMOfPi9XuBd6GYHS5y1YPMCBMehhhS48VQ1pqF6KFbZ/s640/IMG_9419.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This one will be perfect for the upcoming "season of spooky malarkey!"</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">as a blogger friend, Ciara commented this morning...more on her in a bit...</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtPc0jA7yrkb9g1gHaDtOtoPbM8uW9IR5usfUKhtX_5zPHvwI6uhU_PR5ZGskyFm7Gg5XM4Mazup6kSkGpfhBAgTyZ7x9AjGt9mxXHOZRjw8g85U0u_GF-VT2l7axWWFmdbGKQmPE-CJz/s640/IMG_9420.JPG" width="480" /></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHvDqVnHSnEnBLWAoGXoRXAm0umpBdujgAzEmRHsyxOr1zW_82ln9-j-4RjGE3FJwUkFCTlD48kP8l9LidS2KQWMnQ-olZcczP5pAU7v-A6bPhxe2f121xE6rw70WkUSE6eQi9pVNLBhI/s640/IMG_9421.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There are some cute little black and white illustrations throughout as well...</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5v8fCSBxucTWgNBWrL9C5BZ8Rt2qiXeSoM7-oZw6oQgRFv25gHqNtgrQj5tOO9Q_FK8osH1CVsW1z4fXyXSduuQgWZKkV3cVItvmbcswW_ucLeRbqaxGcTp3iLHtscvLBW8BLM0oetBg/s640/IMG_9422.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroq59_y66GR8A9G9TTIryu6luwizTbhkHVCBRq9JtLLfWrJgWjSJQ6rbMFkybu6Aak-5t0XwauItqRRx8s0XpdEGS_Tdi9VHjOVJ8t-GhcvD2umDfQJsqLL9L3c06zXbuhvWhtkgg-Mai/s640/IMG_9423.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvVJZfQwvUgjt4FE8e4FC83ggbnx8YkYqx8tPLfkhzs2RSOPTGDnY0ZeFMD34ndfBf1kWeF9a7Wzv8jEEWmVIZIRCsRF3FvWpAQ6yvn2IhnPOsYNjB9IHhH2YVF6V-iRhtHqLfn9cl7F7/s640/IMG_9424.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapL7J4qI1ufb73HGuyAqLSMsUFAfAj_RSR0JCxJOcZMBIGA7wdQR4DL4RHdSN47AnPxLnc9stDs6doAo4lA9zzg8lJoGf2_PWo8clDbUdDW1nfaUtaOsuTc8JajJz4Sjq3k7XCqxWwPfD/s640/IMG_9425.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So here's the kicker...this morning when I opened my Instagram comments there</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">was this one from milkmoonmama:</span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">'Ooh ''tis the season for spooky malarkey! Little story here (bear with me): I spent Wednesday morning unpacking an entire library that was rescued from a house that was being cleared out following the Elder owners passing away a few years back. The friend who rescued it didn't know what to do with it but kept it until our little school came along and he was delighted to donate it (as were we!) So there I was, unpacking and lovingly cleaning each book, and the entire contents are nature, natural history, geographical, gardening, and Irish interest, dating from the 80's and backwards. And there it was, the single novel, one I had forgotten the existence of since I read it age 9 - The Turf Cutters Donkey by Patricia Lynch. A little electric moment into my childhood. I was charmed and delighted. And now this! You've made my day. How lovely to feel this connection across the ocean. Have a lovely weekend! 😘'</span></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Many years ago Ciara and I 'met' via our blogs and followed each other through</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">various turning points in our lives.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She would post the most moving prose along with her heartwarming photos of</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Motherland (Ireland) and I got to know her and her family and her thoughts on life,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">learning, love and philosophy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is indeed a big, bad scary world out there but it is also this:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Friends and kindred spirits can be found in the most unique ways.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I urge you to open your heart to these happenings and see the LIGHT </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">that this sad but beautiful world has to offer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thank you Ciara for giving me yet one more reason to</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">believe in the good.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">💚</span></div>
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px; text-align: center;">
<div style="float: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</span></span><div class="vmod">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="match" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIczAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><div style="display: inline;">
<div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</div>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: -13px;">
<ul style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</span></span><div class="vmod">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<div class="vmod">
<div class="vmod">
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: lighter !important; margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span class="vmod" style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="ignorance" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIbjAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div style="font-size: small; margin-left: -13px;">
<ul style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; font-size: xx-small; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: center;">
<div class="_Jig" style="font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; font-size: xx-small; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
<b></b></div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
</div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
</div>
</span></span><div class="vmod">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span class="_Yht" data-term-for-update="match" data-ved="0ahUKEwiEr6GGrvHWAhUHy2MKHeExBtYQ_SoIczAA" jsaction="dob.uwt" role="link" style="color: #1a0dab; cursor: pointer;" tabindex="0"></span><div style="display: inline;">
<div class="vk_gy">
</div>
</div>
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: -13px;">
<ul style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; font-size: xx-small; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
</li>
<li aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; transition: max-height 0.3s;"><div class="lr_dct_sf_subsen" style="display: list-item; font-size: xx-small; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 25px; padding-top: 5px;">
<div class="_Jig" style="font-size: small;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
</span></div>
</div>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div aria-hidden="true" class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="-1" style="max-height: 0px; overflow: hidden; transition: max-height 0.3s;">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="font-weight: lighter !important; padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><strong></strong></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
</div>
<span class="vmod"><div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
</div>
</span></span><div class="vmod">
<table class="vk_tbl vk_gy" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"></td><td style="padding: 0px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-88436454659488550912017-09-21T10:18:00.000-07:002017-09-29T22:04:23.605-07:00Tiny noises...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Past rusty railroad tracks...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7xCJslH2zTg0FDoiC1kJLw0L-tWBd-iu6M6x9IuvIa-0dvh0v28IjZqthbAytDWDG6iHNimZPK8r1XUs5XVy4y6bFEuH1aajrTsUa0c4wqlu5DtafgWASPS9SfBEcx46qlm0-z9kHHpm/s640/P1016042.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...up the unused drive...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG0yuy4Y8AP4dVpizMncpq8ulcDxSvwA5_PR17GH4Jz6XiB0jdkzXX2tUuCq2HHJoZKFptlEG8z9yUdtUttQkLk6WhKAxJp3uuUqP5qOjZXpyJqmfW6_Jmsn0mIUQA7AeyGRL2kC0S72A/s640/P1016038.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...where once you could hear voices and farm plows, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's only the sounds of us and the pups and the birds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6xJF3_CL0fjJv6lBf86n4jmWv2Bhg2-eQTugrQqS6QGt94ABGyxnakEhZpDTTYdDg38zvS6XVlUbt7FgH04UzaCxuqsekVfz9x-l3JNRX2zgplzh_ek0aLqo8wI_vqOAL3yOmySKfdvY/s640/P1015996.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeiHXjtBqV_eMF-0vS_bJAFwN9R-oSp_rgI3WNb7lzAa8T1kYhNs5_bAwvoQLcvhwpNQMhfAd2Ta3KYTstu_oRlSDQuAPcUsK45sfPVQNWiRbloWnT7DTQ_1-Kfr3kLYYF5kobq9YJ9hI/s640/P1015998.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We meander where busy lives once existed...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NtvVCrQ5pJraLm6SPonFXvonOLsrWehDh5fdYWcxxMS_x28Zf0mK1BBPXdrOGGglHLM2POM95tJ9q932tzSoiOgv2vDSwdSDq_4Y7OK4R1A8MkSn0UGXmppYSpoyPEKNhmV7TVojH1JW/s640/P1016000.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TKa1wNl_9IXFzTMwrzvFVkVYoFZMqi62rvHuvaeti0H9T5Zr24_8z55mKwOjY_A2wIGHuC1yO4Y1lMpEiQnYipRT9ZZ6KCrpnpDv9JRHGDRnqw2NY2yF6N6wMAHUts8eqViWJktseBu-/s640/P1016001.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sapsuckers are the busy ones now...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEjmWISsfRUefaeA2RtLe1mIPJv3feQkPb7MIm8rYe1AphtBC95z7TIG6v0ZLqZCqdZ-zQJqyV-z3aWr8LanF2gMwMqoS5PWmZSf5ijm9LpMEBwRQoJA_XypFPsF-Xw6H0_OYBorbFao1/s640/P1016002.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n6peo2KkXl0zM9Bf2BzEmjJTAK05iTc6vYRU-pBsg_MluQI3A_kd0sH1vveeBThpLlkcdF-8U1Er1_3BeekZL_xVl3vLj73bT0v9gNV5FOlWiTqhBtzi42_xj9F-NknzXhwQS1tDOSOR/s640/P1015999.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The colours, the textures of the past greet us at the gate...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGfzLRKxCt88Ad4HMK6R5QkX-UIQDX1_TjZIM0DXtIRxHk0ZV1bG2g6RMJ6PWC31gzAJyTO-iEcd2p0nR8-H9Vg0EZm5UvcnoEACoVxcG6EQ3Cza_yDUkuNo8aOgBsbkHJuu2CCZQkjEd/s640/P1016004.jpg" width="310" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Pf6RPHuNKpeEtuknzM5PBUaxYfq203qnPD8DldiOsEmGIw8sUO_0VWR_P2hQV1d9RA9F8mijajeXMI3iAzFSuKpDn3-B1SmMjyTrr4sOf_5RjZGUD6ukGA_aOGoKMPpLlRgHBhlxDoPn/s640/P1016003.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone long ago took time to plant these wee autumn crocus' and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for many years watched them come up every September...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrd9I5rgGgsZv4O5hycvJLpY_SUmgJqIUer_SHjYWgqwE58xsTlrxbIn089hQMqh7lmI2K_t4JF3oJxjpyiDS9ZXSF44awRJ6iL_9jgkd7UCTRhamQSYzPnPiXPCl1GZZfkj7U1mck7be/s640/P1016005.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are scenes from a life abandoned...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2jZwRv4fUmEUiv-Glh27r1NaPfuFF1c9T8H_oWdl2NrM9qIAF8Ra6RWfoQLfMsNg4h3mmHwfdqG8_ejY4DT-DWvdhUiJ5IqVwN-MMmxKzSObdt6YfWXpC2JJd20-BSP1rQkrwjMLhwQK/s640/P1016006.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tiny noises play in our heads...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1_l7q9-CxwZ-YyczKqYnOelMvkV2BJasaqjpMSiJYLseZi90CC9tArbqlu81GMeP1UvqRKCD0uS2zgzamhlIDoFRkGxXpsEU31ppoKQ1q5D_JpNGbQNOUtIj7G3NJ9Edhn1VPxrQkc7q/s640/P1016010.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...the low of cattle, the cluck of chickens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ley8BUBM7WZpCgUhh1nShyphenhyphenxei7r9UWWK1pxhi3dWmHsZxGNVvDe_Gnqn4hhqgTT9U1CkvWgOIYNB1PBowXfqslnQ3hRk9Fw_E8En3Di9E1eKFSMtdDyRwlU9QN48H04AwvRNlVyvkaMj/s640/P1016011.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlYi8JBDf5-vv9Z96nxsFOfGJ9TVgAWBu-VfTCOO1V_OzDzl-SJhEPjL8bRci8H2gnTDBulTnVuzdU1C8CSX5ialVghKvMvocEQZRrv2wtIzZp07FeCReZFOD_QcCtJzmE-qjON6GpIVd/s640/P1016018.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0I-57FC3zAuiqs3BtAtS7yrWhZ_jzyuix3kAD1pfzTExAnvFNY3e4kDd1VYzkfuA9Nn2LUJEU5MBcCdTkHhw_fTjXwvsFuxQyQb7_OGAG5kXRBtecJs88NETRFIhMBIjvGxnb2t4fueY/s640/P1016014.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj855A6HYCYY1WANjdyYfkwCYJge9tRM57DcTdwnb18LzdxUQNOPW9JvYI0xo5ZWhNqX2bh5uxYp3bgUoTjXfAfNo8IynmwFiyyxWrRII9ciZh7iPeHiP2Z4BY0Z_XKD9tVEUk7EVG52LOY/s640/P1016019.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHfZrhwLM6f9oCOrRQ-lqH0KAfzdPEdUN6NMS_N4TemJYcict7ZRseD61S9z4lDYUHBj5f7KfLERCy19hemvUepLXp0vQ6ZOtkwB4nkp7ZoziHHRtvJGcN0FCDYvpNYbgFPEojJpG-Z-H/s640/P1016015.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For a hundred years this was a place...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYiD9DTDud9Kr669axLUpRV5k6LSg5iTVKc7fHeCuTzgbRJUx60jLlLwMWpZIgPvvNveWLhxCF6ZkIQKN_9ZjK7WAt4Wwqtnvla_Nmtp2QK5p-dyRdpezXa0CLonAX_tZr4wLEjtjeWrS/s640/P1016009.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...linked strongly to a life of farming</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJB4SCiNqiBWc3pb-m7tJ3JQvLHHdttwjP6fMaAxgH-fErXR5OsRmbjU-kx1q478xgXpxWTYRUqWMIk7O2ca0DhVxx3-b4DoVt6cnWi60z4PzvyUOAUIl9fmhEANm81kOLWBrn-x8nWdv/s640/P1016016.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4AQbhMTBB-OY6fHetk6t43wKQehs_2Scqk0urZpfsKVUSA6k6KGIISGBL2EUQAKpq3wSFnxFBWnuwynFFcgh1b7KAtMWorzFcjh-e_iA7a3jAVqiRIuQCG-G4EWPEchiPEHUVop_ZkNQ/s640/P1016013.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now weathered and disappearing...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuL_m9_ylPp9edCuPxH7yo4so9CtCFuVNl87lBara8z2qSla1tmNySeVvrgJLYFb5CEMhWT6BgrQb23yeH2AEVry7XsxVvdv-bhyphenhyphenKkTPqJjX4-nWvWI3wBEu3u9HCf-ZXGKXGcdZxtvk-/s640/P1016022.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqSpB2LjDN4vUe_s59moyn60C1LdPk7vY_1gRDQVSXR45ixdYyz5lTG8SLEKO7aL5BgqK6Vnruhp-McrcwRaZd_LonAHVcjhOq5CKBr505Bb1zxOS0Z-2GBI1sbExD4tZoHRsvjpbMhkK/s640/P1016021.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YfEntT1XPPDCvLDwkdakVJqbOPSKS4A7zPa8f99ZKCJHp-1-iKWMSscFcRX4CMFNDsacAIiZkY1UUfgvN9xRYwDYouG8YsQg4ZxfMhTPU1sIu4CTVh6ycBdtNsgC9VG0ME_RkJfOfntz/s640/P1016020.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMAaSJxhKMQ15f4mdTF8bqQby4y1N1WKRy527iNqYh_OlUlY_xuKo7z-WivjRbfovr5QsOIQ-lszuoJfZgNvT2NDmbAhFHNxt5OOGCBCg133BzctU_JLnnaZaiyQyhJAP2amAb4z3x4fl/s640/P1016024.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What happens when lives fade away?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfieMMZ3OGTu5qZezD5T9HAhetL8XyB8a1hsdHs5VteHbhW6rw4CAvJ8A74VsotuDGn8nrntL-WY9xof8q3Cbm111_ubKhnb0t5IzPL2xOuXwti-m7nVoWj46dBsHil0qhiygirJLztcv/s640/P1016027.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a home...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And as always we look closer...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JOBrMdfZaHXYxERSUGBBwbhSGFexxHeXLPhDk3Q9MEEw6uydMFZcVkWC09PdsVaoMKAE0rCpLPSj-1R4Kk7LRFeAU_kq5eRgSrMFn3rkDfgT2YyK0e-m1UWjgiFooAE6j7Ld0Jx2-aRw/s640/P1016031.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
try to hear those distant voices...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaG9qbq_yg6xvo4OuaFIx9d3iJUZQ6ZNCqxEV_TF-KOy-yJmE3BZ8wlRZpLTHJwj3WMdRGW7qjVdobTLPQ-jG-41IEaB7RYaaqEvIZhhdqVSdamuUHb611I7FXSOkU86uzJnND8RoV_Fu/s640/P1016028.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishing the grasses would rustle up the story through the breeze...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmVa4iLWzVF__QO5tDzuKhyphenhyphenbYk1UbmD9nwEZGS4yQuRsmSkD8zYsC6UxEbxX9T1sUQEvfpGRuWujGQheZ2NDb8YJFjjjMv4vpY-GOqOtl_EbPczJKsUZwzQaXtZvO356IScNEycGvr0Sf/s640/P1016035.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the sounds grow fainter...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOgYh2ABFALPmS6n1YgM70RLOKDgrUZ1d9RFXg4Huu1GFHoYC7UWHvqSbT-EJIM_WU7Q7NNZew5aSiBAee8rfUuZlw1UNiizC1Qbv6TEocXHO2ngflE8re6GgVV8RbBSNPtm3wfIunhE70/s640/P1016036.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The past keeps her stories to herself for now</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNQySfgcAHJS-GUUkj6kofZs-3e2nZoLfM0HRv9yZl9APgVquog275ge4fqaDkOI5F7HMu5US5e3z5XYWCC60daegX1aatdhKfUimnpieVZECppa8eFb7yc1dn-nA-19WbRN3kCPF8ISA/s640/P1016037.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But this life abandoned has had some visitors today, who think about it, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wonder and maybe keep the tiny noises turned up again, just a notch or two.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzK9hAFjfD3YMGcv-C0xLKIIB6-YqpcDrSMy6lDRuRfqaI2_Q7oe3QH-q9b3E8uC4JMQpQwcXWIIWRTCjNZXDOdUUeShindjQGDAVlJFC0YFX63R8uCafI9v_mB1Rzj297ekqUTD6D4on/s640/P1016040.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-85018868228089363362017-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:002017-09-15T10:35:30.960-07:00Her reign is the summer fields...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I once knew a horse with a feathery mane of this colour...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXoNtImJXUa6h33nPzj_2aNMAPuwnTJxYSfmFwHr10ZD6qvMTuy9tMpWmy5EsxdWe_nMLXPGe8Y2HeGozVzXQfl0RGOFUScackErKySuEfS2XnGWYFvI-Ju6vbr-trwSMNVmZQ6Fxxqkkq/s640/IMG_9032.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her body was a shade darker.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A Palomino.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The colour of dry summer wheat and grasses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjhz4mY1svttIl4NrXSwKbxvrEtQP-0g_bS6doRIWA1xsenfTdSlAj7VxCntEYjpuQIsit_otA0O9cAVqEOHLMGnxSU6GhJXzkd0cKZOoJ_Vb89wjFxT-cLpEt9HsYpGnMhTw8rzq8nMB/s640/P1015685.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her name was Sundance. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One Sunday morning while I was giving out carrots at the riding stable,</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I came to her stall.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She had her head sticking out over a piece of binding twine that went across the stall.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I gave her a carrot and as I walked away she tried to grab another one</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and bit down hard on my upper arm and pulled me towards her with her big, strong head,</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ripping my upper arm open.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I ended up with 15 stitches and a permanent scar...and a new born fear of horses.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I eventually, literally got back up on the horse (not her) and rode for many more years after that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I digress...I always think of that horse when I see those colours.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer fields bring me to daydream and remember.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These days, they are not only crisp with the Palomino grasses but also with filled with the Queen...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHq-9lF_2ACldRHtLga6_Pasr5NwlgBzQnxX7pvJmhjeMfetWI5eACSagDSQnD_debMb1ejEmICIKgqqy-905G8BcdKLzWnZYyMXtL3UisuHxyOy_9kuWqtfmJNSPyXc3A6epkMgadyrj/s640/IMG_9038.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Queen Anne's Lace <i>Daucus carota. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A kin to the modern day carrot but high above it in her royal dress...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg1g7weCoLKfmv3waw28VLBn6ACYV-MEzpL93eyCgZJfooJeWSY1UVUfcM7HYRfSCYAlqkMTesadDfpbgCtAvbkxSAD8IiGElc7V2oELVgh4-iNOoqvMGLdOzV9VVeldjV5olF_pgYtQGS/s640/IMG_8972.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A banner year for her majesty this year...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu67I8j6xopw7eBoL0sOSaqY8w8qj4XsZsdLpksZYVffHxWSln5NsW5HuyWakD6uCeOhbOJ4lFtcAftS7Oqbnl9gKwY5u4BVj01KrKsmYnvJr3CXh_xAEuYgl467WvNH3hKZhy6JLQzWf_/s640/IMG_9039.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As far as the eye can see, she billows and calls to the bees...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgForvmfVHiCZ9S7j3fvN2dtuP3kLYZLfDUdLtEKbhqzITjoQGVJEJDWWDdFdihhIAz7tcX8a2aJfC6XdI5csFuSp6tLyvdkx0RkvvsADfn7wrYRRPqi6mZyYoOOm03mZ9jtIKo1GlpZ0b1/s640/IMG_9049.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In grand company is the purple Canada Thistle <i>Cirsium arvense.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An introduced species from Eurasia but happily living amongst royalty...<br />
A fat and dewy bumble just waking up this morning...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1389" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxsCX_YPebiybuT3M7ciCQIhQDez1HsIKjdzocmZNn7VBTzskVqhD8mULG-Pd1ojQ1ls_XmMi18GMeVuDtrc4mHEeWaIKT93iraorVB9zW7RF-CDXN2UVegulUtobFi43aEsLNkzrOxWy/s640/IMG_9047.jpg" width="554" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRE4mWV5uXwm6HYU8Mwoq6Ye1kNUV0wjN8scZygelT-1i6Q3mdLcd6RvO08Gyd-ulrFimle1moCC60z5c-_gOOGzY5M8GCgFWmsIJLsYfNPHBx3Xdp_7WTAuK4ufldqCgm_Q5obVaOJF-o/s640/IMG_9040.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A world above me, a flutter of starlings! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mom used to call this a Bird Wedding!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxADF90o6cUwq4L-pEdfZdnQtocVXAj5QoRapJMTIPnnH630Z5YsVP_9um5cvgCeef4HZuip8mb9bDtk6ZQiAcpBlonget2n_piJvz-ABweUY1aWxWZtUnjl0wt5Ugy-mIIPL3iYy3LEob/s640/IMG_8917.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seed heads landing delicately...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUGbq9p9zc07s_UN9Ga91LkKCRFp-iDKYZZyjcEJ0i6wzWbZIoUpl3bP5ao2h2sDuGi2AGgw50NrZAPHyabIKw0yBAB4VW7r6teNbElfsUVF8daiNcmsqbyMQY1iDP3pNgoK_rzyEFI96/s640/IMG_9060.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some heads are closed for the season and show the soft cloak of spider silk...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdx2fzRR-QLv1H9wlZ6GDnUz_YDtsKQjxC5PBKY9UPPEfvXEwsn1TiH1ICTVJDrbaYUozRO07OTMJON_QFiTkBw85VczKP8H8tbaFSEMjAezhnmF5LyCvlb32L7APG1zqvri3BDle6mSau/s640/IMG_9059.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beautiful in her dying as well as her blooming...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvET_UTUtpEezYWq7Vnhgw3lMg99VS-0RbD-guxDnbAKm9LWd7B8aLqI7kNLWpwyHtfgv6Fgpnk743D44hH_gvIT9pwwQHuT89X0nZZUXiQ5PEXcDya5SWSDmASB3Mlr_4fksOjqr8Xmu/s640/IMG_9058.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HF2PKTmha51doG6Bro71bs6DGOLpyvUcFkt1kH-yB2iiQaH3mnbpFAXnRKBMmJ_8aChMkfBBJxM8DBvef6OCJyDnqpLVE2amIlSloj2rTZcDfGfzE8hzn6KrBJvNhb5gSZp43GXZ8PIL/s640/IMG_9057.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTNvXlt1w_O0NUVTYNTChy31u-vJ6xJs2U3cvqPcgYBytUFuRy3snUFF7ItywEwHyELdZvFabKzsyLeK-K3qPC8gFKG0uFJP34AYBBPufwjbG77vFG1IAeuLgolnoCa9C8UMR1qGq9ezT/s640/IMG_9064.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Providing the fields with seeds for next summer's show...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJkJFLnswQ8K2oQ5RxKiCDBDd-j8iL3mBUW9xjhkg4cemzQwDXO1_hItzwTWiz2tsCPGTF69x0OX_hoWlWExrXzX7869V3Af4Bqy8_KI4Q5gFcFfXKr33NlZ07C1EXPpqu0RmbO2sUKLaQ/s640/IMG_9063.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
love bugs!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZ5hVrnxKRDSJo6H_m_N6q9F_vIqncc022qLRJT6euDr5waB3gdk6T_N2WAiZAbklpGMKETnNycfFQ3y4i5Od31-oIe4iObbaJB3JMsyDD0A9UlVu-7ReKuMdcH_X-oqAhsGiboLHuuG4/s640/IMG_9062.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love bud!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP2sNRgFnN_5NIqx8kMzDliKbzHZy0141ADWd1jjwGGh6EfzUD1fwmUYZG3iQcwh9pvfgTaoDd8kyJBzLGLSXNT7eYUcVRq3H1IrDgPTlMFYwbMyXYI8JELwUfjiC4rGSzwx7F35slrRl/s640/IMG_9052.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been lax in blogging as of late, but now that the weather is changing and autumn is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at the gate, I hope to spend more time observing and telling tales of said visions and thoughts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you are all well and healthy and have had a joyful summertime!</div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-272631202491257062017-04-06T11:50:00.000-07:002017-04-06T16:32:10.224-07:00What's up?...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a while since writing, in the meantime, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SPRING has arrived here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The woods, all dark and mossy have been lit up with the first sweet little wildflowers...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fawn lilies or if you want to get all Latin about it, <em style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Erythronium oregonum.</span></em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlMH8jm3sIWxALqpEEj3oUSYRwX6yRa0XL9iGsVVtGNy49s-rx1oqw3TLMcxhOw7ng1x2wuATnyzbCEqd1gswcdqomlg2vCWtCeq4JmeddSMgK_YkTNjQDOiD8DrKpR71Kmb37Pds3XGV/s640/IMG_8172.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No matter what you call them, they will call to you along the paths with their</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
little nodding heads, like fairy hats on parade...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhru_PqxbwRJLN6pul6hUXdjaHrIgcmKD4fY7XOw8KtsZnhItCoN7IAJX4fGfCis4U5zC8yR4Pu6IBuS8_DPmR5E62mMs23G2Xg0s4CmTEH28VAgF18I6EbGXoANx51yU67qv9wiHLeR7mw/s640/IMG_8174.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4EfDfcZp1J-_mZDmDQ6wTqQlGrAELPsGxBneyirwV_pAHFRxvKDwN0A0Lofho5uX4Kg6RT1OraSbTZac_Y6280ycR9a7e9ttrmvhX57oFj0MYbEuFJdPb9BeJ7CYxIjU12TmVNkEK9Hg/s640/IMG_8173.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holding onto drops of rain until the most delicate of movement shakes them off...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxO4kZnCUjSE6JzYZk8BQfEJK2RoSVhQ7MX0q2NUZg7WKLIazdpd7rqeuofQmspsjxutjjWKJywgfIXfnJRJ5suZad425Qy30aNy0pPQ820Bwmiw8B0wvJwNd6W9hKLxAOQbBQIJxvFFe/s640/IMG_8168.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFh-dEW_tBczI-2GhYAtLqZhFXqRgqPlBWbiAMGAFVDX56lFq0Yqe27lQgBR2wojJlraNQVOfGuQqsc1bo3HDaejmMAqvd_iv2Rq3Kef-4vwEw42ZtZH2pxV1Oj71fEXo8IoPlP1u7Bhew/s640/IMG_8171.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My walks are twice as long now while I stop and stoop on bended knees<br />
(sometimes stiff and achy bended knees!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to try and capture this fleeting show...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdxQxApK-Ez0qKh4VYkDJc1DTx0yh7-P5wb7O1AOyRXuuDmJvnjHng3Npb26ldkvBzHpU4aEGxoCqS0vMWkevNTvY6FZWqBA72uTVLaejzE4Dm8zKzkHjdQEVWOCl8m8AdAma6qazrsta/s640/IMG_8170.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7BQsKi3kOAnMJJwXKA3vApzWHpcdyao_pj-kV59SrcFhyphenhyphen28Mh8ydikg0DUa7mBnY2kmUVlCXCPGIphjh8q9OacXkbp7gw4ANjZE623DwQEvjmuunYoOp3Xc734zZ6KSeZYfhH2gfyL55P/s640/IMG_8153.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The mushrooms are staring to make a show as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I spotted these tiny little ones, the biggest about the size of a nickel, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
reminding me of minute Japanese paper parasol's </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34M_ahK3sCMinHCOnmxj1Mf_geFqLDloKXjVvnePX7lgwW2dW9x4m6fr8f-cBY7j3A3dnCBvSRzAeZ1zZ8rjSvMEAwdOvPNncD3IRuQpqptGalD_dOcOTJMrYwH5I7ddZK3jCZT575Puw/s640/IMG_8147.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jed is growing into a sweet little pup and I love that he's beginning to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
know the trails and paths we walk every morning...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMstoa9uMrcU5xMEvn2FtntVU9tZ2vlO0mvwClRS-x3Dr9_eq0vOiVjBbbKNuJtNQdTZwHgzwzUCwgb5bFIsmpPUZ-Ec_bGxKVY1t-JpI2OQDnPcgwl2gQQlGKy3lB7WKYNe83Hdzp_2GT/s640/IMG_8175.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...running ahead, knowing which fork to take, full of joy, as only a young pup can!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOror4IYGluOIWXfrJ1xWjvYqSdaIA50Qvy0qXdwgGj3gMldV7sVSL3NCb0whprJFr8d1Wa_8gs2pEphSypHRcX_-Qi_lk6oPNnBWXFGBoqVrvgCyCVmT-hg74q59VCN4sFicLng9DxHyM/s640/IMG_8177.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must apologize for photo quality as I seem to just bring along my iPhone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thinking I won't really take any photos...I should know better!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few things completed on the studio table in prep </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for a gallery show coming up in May.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is Stuart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I named him after our beloved CBC storyteller extraordinaire who passed away</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
early this year. He will be missed by many, many listeners who have been</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
following 'The Vinyl Cafe' and before that his stints on 'Morningside' for many years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He once did a story on birdwatching and called the ones he couldn't identify 'LBJ's'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or 'Little Brown Jobs'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So thanks for all the stories Stuart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little Stuart bird will always be singing your praise as one of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the best storytellers of our time.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
xo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbzb2xjIkomFO7ec1EVuXmOHAp3DNFhKWavQQ81FmZllY53LxMr7Pm4MCHWnC17kkV8oakn08yBJi7q8oQeAqc3gir1Uj_l9fWsBJLgmbYi15sNLT5C58gmgKzmrhzRsy-Z8Lbn7PAcRi/s640/IMG_8117.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This other piece was so much fun to make...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTeoikrv_5R7jnf5iM8knK5zRiy90XlaVM_exXGrHt174_YyYmfhsnhngrqZvKfH62lwFvxT6tE7cPO_I-9wMKdLQ59ST5NAYpqcFoXHDz5Fd4V81VdPWQThX7EguxvoHpp35nmHLt4g6/s640/IMG_8192.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's called 'Spike on Wellesley Street', a nod to my dads childhood home...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M37SMC9GV-ZfW_IqXkzPrrbtpjNDRRk1hN5ezcRHHBPZFhWl9PkQldJqg4wd86gZ7Sef6w3Y3GYSU2ULHdWTar-AkSC-kw24k7DB2OYW8-x1N0X_pByvRUetPd3mf0Q-CkaE9uQFvfbW/s640/IMG_8189.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPecfknkH5TLMfo3R8IcF57m1gLzdp35qrSUCEfDU8bF3ORvMBDHx-MWOkZ3rcR7lKvoHBArBgslvbrhqSgB-TLp1iNtiCmPAUOm25XwdAZge6K83hL-AcFdBWpB20kHqrVN7KtHJzZZa3/s640/IMG_8191.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0GuJOfj3Yfxjsr4wYg2fd7edan5YLR-CxcXXA5Amer1_xZ03U1eGQPQ8F0tH_ugBFBC_5joiR3IW9bXMO-FuAA6zScZsq4r4uWFXJo-fnV0wVvzVVq_hu_8OBOS1WYUst6u67Xpfv9pT/s640/IMG_8190.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...and yes Spike is anatomically correct!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5S35YpISOLGOLEztfsbQ9Wr5srkKotMpQxwIo0FZsHmaoEguy_bnsa_G1INb1yaXyJMGhovM4R8H5CnPMMHkLl8tOsHTTq8jp37N3D7OLG7e6LoId3ih_oxSnlnaksk8hqd48FL0KYfo/s640/IMG_8193.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used a thin piece of gold wire for his pee.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Funny enough, while I was sleeping, someone left tiny hand prints in the sidewalk!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFKmRtblvIE6IultxE6y61FOmuRDOx019S-Ao64woGP7EN33BepJpdZGz_Frp5cYtztX9wMYFOzN5PgxoozNZN3MIoiO7ZFDUOLOikDMSfG3PXnRtNMEbfKMDti5pEo6WefQUuSf2ovtnh/s640/IMG_8194.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It may be the part of a series as I'm now making two more versions of Spike.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So that's about all from this big rock in the North Western Pacific Ocean.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you are all well and enjoying spring wherever you are!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-87642909014249264192017-03-13T12:50:00.002-07:002017-04-09T12:32:03.813-07:00'Little' Alexander The Great!<div style="text-align: center;">
(FYI this is a surprise for Brenda so anyone who knows her...SSHHHHHHH!!)<br />
Hello, it is I, Alexander The Great. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(the dog that is.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a Great Pyrenees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(note the word 'Great'?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a picture of myself and my humans Brenda and Gerard...they are pretty 'Great' too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdJPljga-cli2LED5Mz5rnWBYjL5zPs2IwEgdRZcQNuCypHqTenzdUvGne-MbF6_66UIgUyZFvGs091xcx7nR8GWNegvplVSoYHNDSDrzs4VqMUr76R5xS_Is93i6txgq7sdQQ0EfQW_T/s1600/DSCN4020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdJPljga-cli2LED5Mz5rnWBYjL5zPs2IwEgdRZcQNuCypHqTenzdUvGne-MbF6_66UIgUyZFvGs091xcx7nR8GWNegvplVSoYHNDSDrzs4VqMUr76R5xS_Is93i6txgq7sdQQ0EfQW_T/s640/DSCN4020.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...and since Gerard is a romantic and loves me and Brenda so much, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he asked a lady named Kerry to make a wee likeness of me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From what I have heard, Brenda and Gerard have many fine pieces of art</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
including several other wooly sculptures by Kerry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So have a look at the likeness of me...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodhsvmqDtWR8fjrXJVJw23q3LYDKQ4IlyBPDQJrwh8OguTVrTu7cl6voN-980Pp1LZjmIOhpFlgZx58XNWW-jB9pcOmi3zSDEGZwxlKjHOLcwYzCeFrvYneoeouxhyphenhyphenj6Mc6j64rKC2M2A/s640/P1015234.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB0KrEmDorYwNfUDPr-0we49KSNUEoNNM4wkoZzLJDkIm0sSJvvP-UeNStBgX9d2KkfWs7s7KKpU4ceExiziizdwxPnZMP8VJY0HrOJMEbpx3O6mnYYNkia_p2797tS2caqGael9fUCre/s640/P1015235.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's Mini Me!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pretty good hey?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looks like Kerry added all my tiny details...the bit of smokey colour on my muzzle...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmAV1bppH1yg2jqI8lAekkCChZMBdLeKCoQJkjVtJqVs3ptPyYcQTOrEOBP7S3VcPirodIHKHcDybbIVPpXAgQJo0y4tQ2VToJ_qMLxZF1n_mUMtL_eIxeeNQW50aEoL2pZmGy3T8a_Nt/s640/P1015248.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...that little pink spot on top of my muzzle and the pink spots below my eyes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyjxtW0O1PL2x5NkclscyGyGmUfi6Ieo10S_jgHZMvlVxe1PiphSZiX48x5Nh66798-9HsD6EIM7UXeaqALnf7K5sR33i5wcnARJJJ9rBWC7bjLYqi0lL4jX2GwptJXq1UFJ2Uf3rYZpW/s640/P1015250.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...she really captured that big fluffy tail too!...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0NVPxMx1OFYcRMu0OXkfvq9PqhBABPu2-PXjDQJb4-F59cYvAf5xpbJqpDqWnGtU0zmRaEdWc65-rDqd2NK00QvJnKKhuoAXRmyIhPg47i33Z3lK-zaH-SLLCkBY2yxLQ2WlJkz54PKO/s640/P1015237.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAunlmCZB_JlMPeJ1s0TU7AZ5SRzkTJLahzXhdphMSV8YAa3vZer1XeOmaIniutceGpvsToTsrmDW7OyErjFlZSodFlOKKUA6qvP8lwY2HVzuQ_iwdXbwHoTvZebefS0T2_cBNQsd1YBp2/s640/P1015241.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...she even gave me a sweet little faux leather collar with brass buckles...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WzTPhg9uetU8M23UnWEqU3zrwokn9gmqBQLGRHd2mrGVOucmghtDrIbkQv6NBNv_yL8YV3eHHBmCdry7kEouceFz5ZviPcwjDKUfOIe4fcmk9oHoJzgTH5mowT755qOHJSQzexlXr8Pn/s640/P1015240.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't mind me saying this, but it would be pretty hard to capture my...ahem...'Great' looks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but by golly Kerry really did go all out on this one indeed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBEP4ims8LejH0F2uayqe828lLfnZieVdgkeVBOagNzqgqoDeIMyeUgDXpuDX9S3aNpanClG95KhDgdtbexcQaLuwwk1lyFYZGNRD33REhIp9sR93aMQIm8IUW95hDtDz4mbAgKuaoVLB/s640/P1015246.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09IoxSc-jQqrYm6XQMru6zr_k8jDGdcOMd3uwncmUzsUiui3CJiSpsd6Oe6L5RUC2MH-uA80n8_EjrffygUQI1x6MDGXZx9BK8IdXB1NNiIZVf-tAQW6zfAk2wonKSkP7tq7mnbS9DFsG/s640/P1015247.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She even included some of my real fur that Gerard stashed away after grooming one day!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbUOtHOZUmTsxosZr-toibNBwQIMMdH_zsGLz9aTgs9QWqAq3s9bzI3u8-CKlrH48J94_I14MDds1IhtVJpIzLmTOUC5DCegaebORVJTkAXkwUOf1GkulBJfh852AnfUpddhVlbcvHFfp/s640/P1015249.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I almost wish I could get a hold of Mini Me for a play date but I think my...ahem...'Great' and Powerful jaws would do some damage!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I imagine Mini Me will miss sitting in the window looking out at the oak trees...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddWAyM8yDmP-bsV0_W2AIlh81t_EAh5HF7WcJzUnJPoHWFJ1DHvNpercG3ev61hOqUF9AzE_OhXg6kAupky_fLI35Rw-lDk_El3wwoRa6hTC7A6rzKKJBs_R9z5leLEfR2CrOS4EebmsQ/s640/P1015254.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've heard he's had some...ahem...'Great' conversations with this odd little felted Chess man.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He tells me his lineage is Nordic and is a replica of his ancestors from the Bronze Age...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl19aiBm6bh5hwRv6WLa47JiJpOCmUtncz5_uCRzZ22xFiEePetY095g3C_sXOTYX5vpS8pxlen1LptPndC2cdro248D4m46-lv8PGvEOqrIihIfETzlR4wteHJBse-VSZQHYbg1hgUoC/s640/P1015255.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I told him that I came from...ahem...'Great' lineage as well...he says he's heard of me indeed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He asks me where my travels will take Mini Me...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I tell him that Kerry says Mini Me will go to live on the beautiful and rugged West Coast of Vancouver Island</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in a small hamlet called Shirley.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a land of big, tall trees and the wild Pacific ocean nearby.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh and a great cafe called 'Shirley Delicious'! Best sausage rolls around I hear!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So thats the story of 'Little' Alexander The Great's creation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe one day you'll see a picture Mini Me in Shirley,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but for now I bid you a fond Adieu and hope you have a...ahem...'GREAT' day!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Post Script...<br />
Here's a photo I just received from my customer!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHpd9uL7aLrN3Knxs-ibr3FhxHcSL94WXKemebsnJsTb0yKjmej2ZoWX_Q0XiFfzuWE-Hy_GtdI2vbLNGXg4xRwGUXbS3Hb0VOoLxSRy31-14iEr64nl6uBgZKO3YyaW3fuXhWrKykhgKC/s640/DSCN4244.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-4762559985475437272017-03-03T10:36:00.000-08:002017-03-03T10:36:22.467-08:00These woods....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other morning we had a very frosty one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sun came out a bit and showed off the workings of cold and nature...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj7XK1baZ0xT2ZmTd7nnmvnSqI_qmuC8Dab7-uilsNPMxlMGF13oBWrWxiJcNuSAHY7x4RYq1A-xWGrHBlbMXDh-TQSt7ziZjSXoibnLpfLoP8fA0HGdkmuGIUttVpLYaSFycmd3bGuyo/s640/IMG_7886.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiC1t3TQpQ-VzLU-Rtdj5up9zS0WJLCretPpOk1Y-830azYiEBjlpOJ_s6DOO51OrESFmsWv0BuQn9TaOuw305sSgPjhdkTjN__VAszMt3vVgnb4s1x6dxPHhoHY5xSDEVbbGmofxIKoqF/s640/IMG_7884.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Look how sporty Jed looks!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ready for some duck hunting bud?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoM8pAjgy_vfs2RhH8oteayE_vPn-uWfJFVGsPH9qfUAGXerdce51X98Rev8fT_9wRkXm99M10SEmd-rCW23BaJ4RDV2P58zhC59RvL9axCOx0V_Yffr7fKb4qQ1TSz2wPR7azTSfW5uk/s640/IMG_7881.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another perspective on wabi sabi...the beauty of the decaying...acceptance of the imperfect...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOAttbvPpJJoFqGm2R5yswDmB2YDaMkuOWDC6U4b-DLBHgNPWSp1IN7f1dnXrw5uzNaLUPPft6e9sUXRQUKsybMMm8hiQ9WfVU675M54Bid9wkah_ZspKPRkxifGzpg7C4R_GJU3OKGpkI/s640/IMG_7887.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a never ending fascination with moss...thick, thin, feathered, velvety, fluffy, trailing...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXGb_S7m2SOodacmEoC1jF4SUbNxBPgcDw5FDQuazCl8fBpaeUxjbIH06j5oXNjj0oGB8mVoeY_6DXzx133Yfm3O_9VFE_TeLPdyUub5BWUo3tBmyOq9mCO3oFTfPdqnQ_yL0jg1lUwG9/s640/IMG_7889.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remnants of the old farm that used to be here many years ago...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVhoEsq6f5z3d6nqHnpZHr8bpkxftkC5CK-pZ4LdmoMVQ4d6EzbgwP0uQW7Jugdgirt1qdO-3LoiZ9LioRWFF_zp4Mv3gGICyTcswSZZdq7VF60wRQ1Z39eJM80uJC4JuYHRCZUISGJNL/s640/IMG_7888.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then there are These Woods.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Growing up in Victoria I had a love for Garry Oaks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There ecosystem is restricted to a small area on the Southeast part of our Island.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nowhere else in the world do these gnarly, craggy ones grow...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4BfBGfgOhPFjMylkZIY1YXNA8JbZ8v7XsQcdh8WLi9LBTsXcwAJAQojdRMisoQ4Y2ukaTBh0YIaSheJzbZmmIT3rOYYW3qvGsJeBDg2IpzaEHzaOAnGogSG6rgxAaIruzan6svju0HyU/s640/IMG_7891.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The very bones of them in the winter, the loving dappled shade in the summer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But for eighteen years when I lived in Sooke I had a relationship with the coniferous</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
evergreen forests that surrounded our house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The deep, tall woods of the west coast are a spiritual place for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A free and open place of worship where quite often I was alone with my thoughts and prayers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6GKGIqGXNbHvAeScq_O-B1MNaRbDdQ9ZuhWjAlw0-Vwm39L6baekthhTJBHked5HcFbFoL5dMdmFh5bh1hL28Yh4Xiz6j9SFUCJvw3HzN25Zdz5M9qPbT4FuTGmzDPThHpAcoPU2INaf/s640/IMG_7892.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So now I think among these different beings...some tall, some short and scrubby. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But a place like this is my tall drink of water in this sad and beautiful world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can sit and wonder and grow along with the moss and the lichen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Invent my own stories of the things I find.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like this simple wooden cross I found lying at the base of a big oak.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wondered...what lies beneath?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I propped it up against the great tree, stood up some of it's meaning again...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNh-hEHp_ooq-ZL3ewyoJc-rSV2YT9xVc6_-kOOEST1T1Cozl9jmx84BaDo8heXsmCbLO6lJJtKkQXvNyWglnzErQfKiTXgTXJ-MFiyIJ2DRQBeIEI5Ud5k4ZRXLYa0fioFmneBYOUtH0/s640/IMG_7893.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I will wander these wiry meadows now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are new kin to get to know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I find comfort when I drive up our road, past the subdivision, entering our block</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where the oaks still line the sidewalk-less street. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some parts around here were left to be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For that I am grateful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RjPUFagyOeng-B0j1Kx8vzgT2PuOGckbMle1pJF5lCDQswTRpwb-l_rkynDFZNy05zxm3GBF-zud6prZbhMk4bc2iM9oiDIyMZOFDaGLUkfQ9QTLTEufddUZlpELna3UpwTHKi-dnyKZ/s640/IMG_7890.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<br />Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-60982558461648899852017-02-21T10:03:00.000-08:002017-02-21T10:03:49.061-08:00Dog bits...<div style="text-align: center;">
This new house we live in is lovely and old.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Which means the house has lots of rooms chopped up and even</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
though we put in an amazing wood stove, the heat doesn't quite</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
reach the room which is my studio.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ928xYWsgWEsA0-PfWZRZnL5hlnZX_g5A-BPCD7cuQn9l4R63ZKufoF8Wh7X_amkF4_7ph1cI1RNstQytncisKbNdK74p0DqatpalKaxpdglIsLiSAOxXWmDb4Xxeq9temrE7TCfIXD7o/s640/P1015138.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So during the cold months I've been working in the main room where</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the heat is but now the spring weather is on it's way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I am once again able to work in the studio room in comfort.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjykSw3scDGXY7bTWX2hcLO6IWx3DxdPc0ebZdKGdfwe_j7LrdTtQb39I1yoBxlufVuJggqtYIJxfX1v4y2VllFdcUjbfjNPgd40kjUbXEuypjzS51MAncPbZJx1TaipSjIR85dpMMohPNh/s640/P1015136.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I watch these shows about the Tiny Living revolution and I wonder...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Could I be in a space that small?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must admit I do love 'my stuff'...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVo89KVX6PZQomvjFC5C6SasTlLr5XIIstTSLhBm8g6BgNBhq8XNeevi9FLn1D3K7CSdZzHuShp_aA50JzdMPxI_ZFvgzjWFznptOLxl_LH01ILt_u1QOQZiTG3ksd1DcM5kL6wkZPiBT/s640/P1015135.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love to surround myself with lovely things from near and far, old and new and treasures</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've had for years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love to look at art my friends have given me or pieces I have purchased from them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, back to work..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm currently creating a likeness of a customers dog...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDynJHUcvxeYD7rr-URihBqmD2qOLJcOxvV3BjidJu-5VBlYgzRQ3zPDjwfZ-8rKfVFWuQKbAALc5Tpq5Eteb3jpP3OmeAU611JOmvSexLbJX_X8MGB9WlC5vEFVFkaQEgBY86iL3sJrf/s640/P1015122.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoSbGa2S5QHra0Ry2XyH0cPGkF-jhugqPdqk_QsogIcad6wVO6t3_0icr0yWQhDEFkgTGlTCRaixwKEJY6ZRAkHn16cPaSlKe2Ov1lXg-mvNbMzKJJPJ1EeEG-EU1C0U_99OM08Qgmzi1/s640/P1015123.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His name is Alexander The Great...appropriately since he is after all</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a Great Pyrenees!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_-Fo9K1Xx4iPQ4C4xwyW87LIaaBt_O0Vh2-9QZjcWnLazAXcvCL5NpaG2VbfsM6wrHE9UCuxekZ_BSCV4blbMzl6l7uGOsuqtz0HkUQAolbXWJsTmwMlS17KDQ8hyf8u5Y-d29H7V9mm/s640/P1015125.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So he's coming along nicely...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBbEH1QaKbrlr-hCoi1X3W5BKJXHFP9JhxNOAWH6z6klKDm-7ypPP5HN3OotAflIU2WnnzCVkOt_dyMG8T3IFFE4jwkUsUcH4T_ln0DNOyoEsPnCBEHG6MBA_JezNe8KTpMycBIOzEDxs/s640/P1015126.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The form is what I am looking for and so far so good...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEgpGwGR8no3JZOORq5A0OQjOgm223N27FLxlHp9k_RFQXXNx4zOhfA-6qHiVAYw5SAiVJNO94HSB3VthoaQdR_YFB0o6FbKObtvUCMjChlC4aJ31ZCE1BXymC-ioIALRCxBX-62HGdJo/s640/P1015127.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I start a piece and It's just not taking shape.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will cut off heads, legs or whatever and start again and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
do whatever it takes to get it just right...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3vmxAvyssS9YG7INGnJx5pRTRJbzqiD9oB5KvrhzSKgwmS1W_iDomZvQSnBgvJBc9-BlyLi6H4ZdgP9XYugKC2ITKD8Eoxq_sKXk1w28kPZNrZPpU8IzjvT_dFR2KOdxUZ1eFkxmqw-U/s640/P1015128.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Still got a ways to go...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRClbLOOT_vBMvn_pBVno95JNnWu99jAm5iMF5cWsI1cp6NP71M8vNAl8sBqLgB8nMtKm8QwAzss7G7wtedRosks2vi51eItJS8p1isnrqC1eRaA1gGvMef5PmlaW15tn706QPEYgi0hq/s640/P1015130.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAEGUFlFuX3oPpap0wIupiIYQo-oginSVYArpIfDKJUjCW_zh8XyUfgKljGoHwrBN51PVgaz0JhrcpTZPKd_3wYuS50zbFlB_re4DwIqWxQXN3TspQURcTcKvbn8ciYlOKEo14Bi9qc8bS/s640/P1015131.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The finishing touch will be using some of ATG's real fur which</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the owner has been collecting...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEodBuAKPS4dvIqMtWjvBr8gjNICcIVgi4Ka_i5xLoTPzwtQNDFXYyitST_iL2LXZMzjM9u4fx-MVnV0OdvnHUMAjUnia_zdfbHyvPCOLvaPkmKbwbws6epdWRBuiSRVPVZ-YfqdHqhsLV/s640/P1015132.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYqIvwx85Pb_fiZhyRL6E0LzI_4pPj6p7I4aFJZhsp-1K6uGkG7ijgrZm_kqHDnhhZLEyxDpph6oYl2Mzzs6qzH6GBfehyphenhyphen3400kDd7Xglils4BdzCfV17XAJ2p-OQNQPdOXLUCenI-OiL/s640/P1015133.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's all the news for now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope everyone is well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-26094122916562783152017-02-06T11:53:00.000-08:002017-02-06T11:53:19.406-08:00Variations on a theme...black and white<div style="text-align: center;">
Alright, so everyone in the East and up North can stop laughing now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, Victoria has snow in February.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our days of bragging about walking by the water in our shirt sleeves</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whilst everyone is shovelling their walkways are over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least for now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, lets embrace this stuff called snow!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my street this morning...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHdkWJAhIptQDqlX0eQKyH3g2EKsrITYGU9R8PZsP-V_8QankRQwlerU2fWxOzlkGAgmmp1vdTHzzfMyWb17obXM4WfMzkClVHaYBB-nrrvQ2QFll1r-kIXY41_yDFSKQAFirzABkgLQE/s640/IMG_7668.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course Lil' Jed was ready for some snow action!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3wiOTZThhaBbrI2QXaQ_7wv9IbEbOdmBnOvOfsZPUcR4jlRpd6jDY20EEWqMvmr4CXeMyLONUUQ9_jG1eBH-iX-KShhES2XwJtiQwbBIZLcrOv-rhqwb6U0d27yn3vJn2dBJsE14ot9j8/s640/IMG_7670.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqwrFkt-pKVdkVv97h6im8dWHPuQNAdbnEAhzraBUVeNvRXKa_AI_aCt371K_g-2CskYmZU0erZH9PVsxm3_L8QlllPGunq7fWIAkUBMgghusxDtDfiL_1GYCd-FSCSeOlBU5cBndEGdE/s640/IMG_7671.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although he wasn't impressed with the tiny snowballs gathering on his legs and feet...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMK-fLwj_-n7mIkNfLE-Ex7OJTVtCnLqYDolNfGWq0aEzblUQM_XhuBoTqp-rFSSwc-7Bvfca7l0i0RtMlxp97Em2z1Q2BCO4LHtIxWKEce7ueVKslPyUxpDE48yj9dU6mdtXJQajQwd8/s640/IMG_7689.jpg" width="620" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"these things are really starting to annoy me" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aside from the ornaments, he really had a great time out there plowing with his wee snout...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqp-mRq4UK8cdyLDn0Uxh5pG2Y333dzFYKxJCkOhwN7aFe1XBMv44RJePlXITqIE-NtxygH4Cs6UBdsHk4oMeal46xlsTp1zEfiSwvnH_R3PbYcjCQjSb2QruIAxywj5q-dMcUrPjmgZU/s640/IMG_7681.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EdIpoCNyIcoT96T70iVu8U8TL238-XZtUOCObxYL9mg9w2PBROKsmU1B-WOVqxuFSyZ2OEjHhmejb57tERIKxzKBH0CXBZwR6jCplW0UkNMOvPU20MoBgUyw82bYv5GAYVrbV5NL2SyB/s640/IMG_7687.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I live in an area filled with Garry Oak trees and they really lend themselves beautifully</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to shadows and light and general perfect silhouette specimens...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUgOMXQNXtzY22V4GAP4OF-9-3_ti1M_KVnRpTty7lNWjpp4W7muUNtY10MQxjGYBrj6niRwea7TZR-FIAcZMYcIZEVAvjNen5o1N71JYWNctqJV3M0cEtFAptlig6RUC_s61exzKgBVH/s640/IMG_7674.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKGkx8UknTjngX_mhMwTO2HUHDl35OOkrlB6m-Jx5kQ0lH-Xflw4OVjeMFQHstTl_rMRi5O-08Tq2KK8T9mTvQ3G6WKtj6xQWTzE-jZATxosyiXe8meEBwEfU2W-g8TIASEPVk0IQKUnC/s640/IMG_7683.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvNtRlvTBNmxQpsbz23P0jH3Sbry34BA-nfjgT9guMqRYj3XE72V2bvbZ3dqvXeUecc-m_lsknn1FmZMqb-KRmi3vxIsJEC8XIoivtGK9yXnM7pF8-LeqVNUOkMbkHB23RSK3jmoegUTS/s640/IMG_7690.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The paths are no sooner trod with footprints then are covered up just as quickly...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7eAFc_ulPgQTuQQoZGtMLUXWR_qIyNK9gK0uLMGzvgAyp40ZTNk3UDG_3wwuvykwRyfevJr82PfgfJKtrDbW15lhbVxU040TfFvDHNq_tA1Sha5PgL-Cs3ZItL7DNaDcvbOZd3uP5Ado/s640/IMG_7692.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3gdezu_EBjOCBFtn71EmIPzCzMwSHjLp4F-TQRqQDP0GmI4XuWWGRRawhCBZTsgn2B9KIV3v-B-NWW8xErlhEFxo5CaCpP1vJJTSgv56gVNkvBRD9IWL7A8GrXNJaLAZjYLJUd4R8gVP/s640/IMG_7706.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wild roses and blackberries preparing for spring have put their plans on hold...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiWZKUXIvxwkS0sxDfaPbCRg09GGg0878aWaxq8126OOS8svI4G0enDEFR3N79fkmp1kzwb0EgtiGavrW4qbvYHh35YmuolWuYKtlOjcP5vTWIc8z08cp_euWoAn_HOnvMfEnMYBTydBw/s640/IMG_7701.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9RIC-vQGROW-teyvIbfdlqj-K9Twf6fbIZjgtIvHNkLrxFKa3-wGp5nad7DnPYsK2_aQGugnpQx9AmIgHHys_CgRuCmrvaqaUn5JmheO-STd-ZiHlkv1TcvENNcaQAz3p2tu75oyKKK9/s640/IMG_7669.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The bright green lichens and mosses have been subdued by falling snow...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4evAfU8kjgAurz0GX0bDhEIDipW95LF3Xj-N-SDYuLRfi1-Jwd21hbUfiJj-q0DMmcDESZnD0tMoOAtqtmTILsauvllS5u0EHopur7falSuOMeH8LJRRBaJkZu3rPCJ8Ivo22zfvrkMdf/s640/IMG_7673.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyGNP6kEYe6ORWDes1rYtlomwqvtr3NHR97L1ZPddwg2XT3pKWuVRSlmd7Vo_o2HS1KiztcaMFJNkBpZnfqzo5aDx-ZDOk7uTzQWTzo9sn1qw8VNxDdn0ASIavzo-0GSBcXY4abKvkJHq/s640/IMG_7675.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And so we trudge through our unpredictable season, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
embracing what may come, being grateful for the warmth of a good fire when we return home...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5aHHxGuT570CEIBpyx6pHLy-TB8I7DlRdJNs97XqAZ9kc3CF8jXft9pHPA_hY2pXmmSGFz7bdUGHekpJuJP6apM59MJCV0ne1xcUT_SabvKyx9O2QY9Hxv8ASAtlLXiBcnePXv_BCHt-/s640/IMG_7703.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-27073427712824657852017-01-25T18:55:00.001-08:002017-01-25T18:56:15.552-08:00Jeds big adventure...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Talk about timing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With a new puppy in the house and my hubby going in for a knee replacement in two days,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it just seemed like the perfect opportunity for my back to decide to go out on me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Argh!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the mean time I will take you with Jed and I on his first real adventure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted him to get use to travelling in the van so I'm starting</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with short trips.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Two days ago we went to a sweet little wild park in </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the city called Anderson Hill.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It sits on the eastern edge of the city of Victoria and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
has lovely views out to Trial Island...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFT9oKw8Bz6cJB6aNN5GZtk9fjaKk6EOj7-hyNnuGBYG6MaerlaORRVsxG6l2bAs6Hz9m1cj1job66UAUgPzkCsue_aHGy0lIyt1qX0hiTanL6WCkK1kdwY6ZufsDbJIpbzr1UL0FglzAM/s640/P1015075.jpg" width="640" /><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-q-TU2EOlUDurlQF-4bhC0ec3Tm0XvyXmDPmOZg-WJCD3thyIGIad-KveYlOqq802NdKfnmCRRQ_1qjO3_gClq6kDIvkSR6b4q3Hp-iXsuh00vxOttXH3b-uH1q6wGeIJ4zOlfzuZ-hpw/s640/P1015074.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Actually a group of small islands, it houses an automated lighthouse who's main</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
function is to record weather and tides for the area.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's Jed heading out to the lookout!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pqoicdcEwEwKitdIW3_A6e4SuKWyRHW4BvCinGfGuZkJGpOfPSNnBlr0JEJtO7dAZOcmZMrMOaMsZ2aHhlA53Ewil4COkd5K86baj58-E1t1fcr72wrNb2vb_JneFosMtPSLAHKONZjf/s640/P1015077.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4F-W6GQ6PWUEaZV7Fh2ECRDFchRqJdmJrRqVON1cm0DsruIGMPW2voiawlJIS2V7zY2DRl7FvvDSOUqUntluPHONaxnexoY_3OR1rpxbBDYonfTmlEqDmnFqZ8-jAvzE2MkVbAEleBRG/s640/P1015078.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a small park but along the mossy, rocky terrain it has BIG views.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here, looking west towards the neighbourhood of Fairfield and Gonzales Bay...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_EvQc3oS1bm9ZFOMN4cxRwkZEipjffrp0aVslYSHBrKYw8KlEYou-LDW_0IPHLYX80tv_Rc0i1VwDRSbse6iM2CPRGmHvEo3Vn0w_w5Gc6LvGtkCkLLPVHlkxRw1crBwowBmNBBqH0CG/s640/P1015081.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jed was full of wonder at all of the new smells and sounds...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BeGqd60CDSRT089eluomE2R-M7EyYLD-86MYPwk-IXkKTT6UmFmx4D2fvFYQBEuhCWtmYHaQSKS7afwS2_a39KrLQDpt995yDE41uWgyJ2R_ek-eY71ieYg4H0VjnQm93r-LgMVXJSIH/s640/P1015083.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I forgot how hard it is to take pictures of a black dog! he kept getting lost in the light!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsRHDnxUxh6Q17jPgHaofPWg__1hyphenhyphenBHdmyMjjgy0hFb5DcHKOeCgku4yEbYDquilamjDcJGjebKDqOfQorJzL8b4MLINmJNG97z0RmMQuiBgwySSSHkHEeEJF_AxN5PSrg3d9-mdR6-hT/s640/P1015084.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...thats better!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEhYG02GhJnba_3sxs_x5oW_ADSNQduCTcEkVCf4STOyI4Un-ZzJOueWjdVfrHAEfK_DehumLhY7PkrxVShrjJayPrSNpQiyp68IgYQbAe4rbFXlT98b7FMPZ6epBP8jLxP5tEQekf2TD/s640/P1015086.JPG" width="640" /><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKz2tupDe4mvvcbxO6FgUgJjF611RkehlLDDle5msQ93r6fyLdxRI0CeeFPYSZ7dCHAKz3a7P_F55zhdEZeMPbdFdx9Vugh4o0MYSrXZoNc89akkjnxvpU8GqUtJy1ZWY1l7iviI35YYe/s640/P1015085.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I kept telling him that this was the start of many rambles together and that the van will be his best friend. He was kind enough to listen to me even though it probably sounded like Zulu to him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once more, a lovely view of Trial Island, this time with a freighter gliding by...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaKXJlQvhmMPOTN-20el_0wCC4gbRYqACFCyI7T8R_uPMdT5mel1fZlfv3-j4OhBS-fM6mV6E1BMmHgnL3zDPCCnMzUxBlCzN6Jf_1fOv_CQq2UvbTbhxcw5Jgc5Khfz59Ywu91rRftw3/s640/P1015087.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"hey there little mite!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiff-lD1UewnP7gfnfX1yhf_A0OeF12zy-IlQTFVGJ5d86plxzbJpNoYLz8__VsxMZlXe-0dTwKkoM4Bq-J0wcVMCclXcqbIqgOW_SG8xHLSUD8Kspt3pMVg5vQUSHv8YmMuLzoiS5MUXH3/s640/P1015088.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Garry Oaks up on this point are very short and scrubby.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are very exposed to mighty winds here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNUUs3fx936SPGITAuyXZ-uoin1hkc8FSbUKwRfqqmzxrtNUFpsFQ41J1KFsKzmTZNUDIwNg5KQRedTZ8w32QhlS4iYE-RSvngwCHZlEXo1ZYRrCxnzrssP_Dmxwy8K1apXIzujlPNKrT/s640/P1015089.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40GWXJ4A4enWZyPiQ1drTxDvSsEgXZqcLXER4uaT7J2c5QP8bjxr-xTchVucb_W6NV2KN1494ylV2G4wE8AWDpcgjeWOeNivbjMXN0LArONgEgmKIbEiiqRT-U2bqJ8dqUQCHR4BrSKrk/s640/P1015094.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The trail looking back to whence we came...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysYE-9P4XuBUCbkRC0sHkfCBA6HTiaindp2CA4efYP5wwiqsldvHfaFeyFRcqtt1IRsmhIVD9EkFm3hIM_YYSzo4RfTX0YkWvJtoMk66OHIbfCb-AdrQ6VnOxhr5DdAFVH5VZRWp6EALU/s1600/P1015090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhysYE-9P4XuBUCbkRC0sHkfCBA6HTiaindp2CA4efYP5wwiqsldvHfaFeyFRcqtt1IRsmhIVD9EkFm3hIM_YYSzo4RfTX0YkWvJtoMk66OHIbfCb-AdrQ6VnOxhr5DdAFVH5VZRWp6EALU/s640/P1015090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jed trying to become one with the grass..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaTA_OT25OjyMGpqZ1J0nWUQRxtgxNVaE02I5skTIm3HQ-JDUiCPEHJvN6PrBMnb7nRrT45-M7UdrxmieTZ6HxZI_yOwjqsdvxSmKDzpPw0VwLKKIN40YbvrnBRRF83VNuqOaNzc-opCt/s640/P1015092.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A big day for a wee lad...naptime on the way home...dreaming of what's to come!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2DlcjMsqdUUPmhUHXTLEcbsRNKGkyEz-bO9VBwMBJA6hYmAL8tG9_SU7jc_dRRKZppeqY4_D3FU_91Gx44vQg4nCZ98mjg0qpW-FLJQhk2DIbxaf7qBMSYk26EzScmBihb6KGDh-aqGb/s640/P1015095.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-91148026474709300342017-01-19T11:53:00.000-08:002017-01-19T13:43:13.525-08:00Introducing.....<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As promised I have some big news!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This little face has stolen my heart...Introducing Jed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9dlETliTduWT6aYafVDaYCRnc511w6rrIpPEi1r9qTmjcjLquJa2tqY7BZfRfJ5tm5ZJHTln97MDCid6V6EQYMVIyzsghZ_GGHlG2v9zAx09tHgQOtX2977PcP7TNjMNVoonChoLTNYg/s640/P1015055.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At last my heart, regarding the loss of my beloved Griffin, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has passed a threshold and the door to another pup has opened...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg13CCzfvKDDhAANwTOjnyK35Sy-obTuBjgTIdyo5VQIaHgYCYTRBH56X8UNdFzqlR3_ti7tl3ejp-YNQIDEqfw_eUXp_qXF0q3L_dXDY4xCN1cYDgyjvb1ssPjtMXKeChYqMaAK0ekoYZ/s640/P1015032.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are certain things in my world that disappeared when Griffin died.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed a good ramble through the woods and swimming in the</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
cool summer lakes and rivers but it was those moments without my boy by my side</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that felt somewhat empty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Replacing Griffin was not on my mind as he was a once in a lifetime dog.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That will never be disputed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some people never have that blessing bestowed upon them and I was one of the lucky few.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jed is a new companion...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsXikBJRu6i6hML_qNC1xD1ImxKPUGlH4w-LqeniOHtsdSplnIcflM-yFuLBMAEE2-j8Yv6Mrhn13-jnX2z3wurtQGFCj0BIQ7klkn1rMnnkQ46y0MljnNN97yykGqYNzZ0nQv8nes__E/s640/P1015036.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61l0wQVlRLqLVv1ID-N_kurXTj-5dSOAScgViCSeA4UHeMB0gY7hBynKFUBDBSH2NcBk4OPte3WCILxHZ2gRcigY06cKYzEiyfeWWsUAPPXXKTi3z4uPG1YNfEcxxFdSFK6L_53gBqrvB/s640/P1015053.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fresh off the press and ready for action!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All be it he's the same cross as Griffin was (Lab/Poodle) he is showing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
me his very own personality along with the quirks of all individuals...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUPAaSKry4IYZOGaLxhhf7fS8XY5ItFIvNrekpApfnR3efm597gxVRMEGr6MwPqxXTQZoORNqIMSMc4TPRkIaziPHPpJzJz-7gUY9UYfGKnpjnVm16GnVlC6uHV7NUO5j-1y15X9tFc4B/s640/P1015056.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBMcluuCX7BtOPScUBoovuPhQD1D8Bxze459NAv43m8JS8xM9yEIXybHF9PsVS3ghVkYHdMKBhYUKg6sJB8Zhd8QA-0w7Y8e9YF5GmvQMJp49Iu9E1t0r5NJMDxZ1dvW1jEn-4DpN3C_L/s640/P1015054.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was almost 14 years ago that Griff was as small and terrorizing as Jed and time has let me forget just how much energy it takes to begin the task of raising a puppy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxKsG9wmz23X52iheuUqfHnguqOBMTA36hFjsZHQggnuLEkDwiWVP_7CwW_QypzQiTgsCJxnxVNgg_antAlbqNpDJ-t0QjHkU29iXssAX7ye1i4dDTOQssTr0GTEuCVI2N2PGLV8TCm_O/s640/P1015033.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you see the mischief in those eyes???</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It really is akin to having a newborn baby and stealing showers when possible and doing chores</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
while the wee one naps!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfA8cGZT_sbeVzVICx81UD7-0nxhHCvawFDevx5KObfZ6SvoJpvd8rDBhpKDOh-z7nYPEV8SukgGBAYkflJSpBorDq0tvDWzMGCBEyDjEcszu-NorkMw-xoPAOqCQzMn-e5HraCDLSqGi/s640/P1015061.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKlYD__4YaMRcdgA-KDM9RFmAJjgZO9jmrvHkbImYhY3z86pqOUnDjybp8zZm3Nj8lVc9W-qgHpO31jtu5q5MqJqQEuBUjb9qVFJR4f6mWtLn7Kx7Rj4ZmaTIaaEuFkmo33t8JtQjluoe/s640/P1015042.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj916rW4qLMbD05NX3yIzJ4zHqENhPg0lk1sXLb6vcArA4rPIs1KHrcAmF-Aha8L3sl9A1FXRbNcXDQ8Hhy9-kpuF8FhRujoDtjW28sX9w9xcEKwpjBQHKUVlvMAeM8Mz50DsckfdLZwVrX/s640/P1015047.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But as all puppies do, he will grow quickly, leaving only the photos</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and chewed up shoes to remember these days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope I do well by him and that our adventures together will fill</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
my soul with the joy that only a dog can bring...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2ZAkrP_R1QF4wwioYJHce7pZNIlEPSneCRF-G2MlxNZICk63gn6QOYzEsRJZnob1tSHCBPh0dWaeZcIe0jA5zuLxKJb3sQV8FqRbkM8ZLdzfGwXlCe6O2rwLZomiWJplYy0bjpQwNEjb/s640/P1015057.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwd_cpBSRBoRyKatR_XdrxuX_GMdOOnJFCkXCxcTfx3231giUvXV_SQAgA5WW6Noz79rWeCLLNoCAVYWIy8MiMEOUDzfri5AaOvJ12j-D6H50Kf0QpGEL4Rm3VwQoHvxJBWCeo7aMc64W/s640/P1015051.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's to looking ahead Jed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-4282322971407307942017-01-05T09:23:00.000-08:002017-01-14T07:41:52.003-08:00A walk through ice and shadows...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even though we now live near the city, we sometimes have to remind ourselves to</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
take advantage of those 'city things' like going to a movie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know it sounds silly but when we lived in Sooke it was a big ordeal</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to drive 50 minutes in, an hour for something to eat, 2 hours for the </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
movie and another 50 minute drive home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It may not be a big deal to some but we found it to be a bit of a slog just to go to a movie!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway yesterday afternoon we went to see 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Its a J.K Rowling story with ties to 'Harry Potter' and was well worth seeing it </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
on the big screen! Great special effects and the imagination of that woman...wow!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before the film we took a walk around our Government Legislature.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mostly I wanted to take photos of the frozen fountain! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOByAeydnjosYY5W9Ck2Z_0ldgHVNmp9NYtV1-9bny93judY46aD9AVYcG2wLDlAUArAbKxp6kTSSjV0cOWD5eEtjtNfLCiPn-3DyWsYD-TKMSDGsxUshlV8cv_ZX50zJt_vkzPNjxl9Dn/s640/P1014921.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's rare in these parts to have weather cold enough to freeze a large fountain solid...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6peNkcCv502f88QdEKPFdAjd4_o7EiMoZKjTZ9UuUaCKBuF3Kx7ds9oU8wAh3T8r1lDm1gDmC0ji2kJzba0daCwLVCiM9lFphiYJ8TcgdKqwiE9rfVpFsILhojXarYHu0rCBZAPGu-Y8/s640/P1014922.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The wind had been howling for 3 days before so one side of the fountain was </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
pure ice where it had blown and frozen the windswept water...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtNE1WTPGYc8mJ_tfiuayGD_S_nCuDz1EnYbgY5hitnlIY77VO3zteV311tI6yG8XA4eGTNy6T_kFpT5OMWT3FrQb1aO2GlAS938APwTK8EY-U07NNN8F3Guc8YSMA0UkqK5znyFdHXsk/s640/P1014923.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbFxHuLe8gJetZX9NuAnKhBmUjtKcnF_zrft9EZkRB27pNw7gz0vrnEPIJd84-27nirJcslsOGiSqeyQx0XShoWqpScCubusUygfd5EMlbIC1V4VhuVH0ahtnYSk4rYSx8Ka6TnJ4ZLzZ/s640/P1014929.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got as close as I could, even sneaking under the 'DO NOT CROSS' tape!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photographers sometimes break the rules you know.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNuDgWPlzMWmbNxlwMDdSvcSHBeBle1kdyimGqhwYGGlFGurTZGbrUi59rl73M2L41-KS59iKfPefgGSGZtPFWL7ckWqb7wu87No6pHf81sAFN678KBhjiuir-USFGUHsW93wHH26Oi4M/s640/P1014925.jpg" width="308" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was indeed magic!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LEJEDCFz95sitdtDcB-c4GzpjSq_e6fvE5-yqsIGOB1m-vN0LNgRMx-g99pssxt5jeEBYl5bjQ6zVxtrnQgVlPiMM3-V1xMXXdL7ZPdYRrzj7CG5z7HbNL4oYdxZpypprRGGqLpH6ZrS/s640/P1014924.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to shrink myself and put on tiny ropes and cramp-ons.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wield a wee pick axe and climb through the chasm of icy blues...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1yr9MOD8z7MCDXVrNHj_pClT9qO3ICbWTCKFvvu5TWcy-TKkB7l_h5FWDpB7zka5C14WCcW0QPqK4oL4z_vYRr2-MKc-tCuM2fqtyqNn_jiCf6ngEzEncmHnwF7AXDqVBcraEeJsxfio/s640/P1014926.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzbCm2X9k3Zi4Nay6PdK0-L269n8U9UoOq-IYpYL3nRVtjg3ZZlIXKFgBebyHxQv3NDKXbEIJfMmQTYqSku_EK7qbj7K8olHwXEKWNQok2M-o4E2HxFPg1gTMUt5HhvXpJcPSgFQUC4545/s640/P1014933.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_q5a0BOFCi32eLRnZI6gO9vo768xO960A076NEtn_a2BFUkY_upUdZFsURPhLTRUAs37nLc-8i9KmdwUz-2dQnJT_e-D1u6Ptp2tqaQhicLzN6rDEaMEg2KY6U0tu_7MlUdWHvWK4H9T/s640/P1014932.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQRy61LRVpoCFpfqMp4TsZRXEzQ_hjrcbQw_YWwUR10l2reoMab1Hl33r85XZkqMPPZ904XSoZMuhiDZKs4427EO8JPRwVaTOuJsSvDoI7f-_hGXQAu70JEDD57tOtA4GmCSw1j5LKmNT/s640/P1014927.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxtqT4C8IGjihG6MzQpwbVmj6642CCx1Y3U7LneWgaqRmE2gqZ-tUhOW4BD3PJK2gV4aP_3ha4KMdpOpkMZtKgn1exr3ItWtXxWil0AKMvy544_67flKtP_yYeVuLtpJL2EtXFC0Nc8cZ/s640/P1014931.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Qd2lFzOTr1KRSL94m1rx9-TvzM_jQS9egm_fEH02WiHZrwZQc28XJY8x2c0WCuAWrUF0C_Uj1oz741UesrHE3OwezglkqFAk3f0pfCB0e3ScmW-7jtOvZ7Qui5BJlphsxo0JnqB1pF0T/s640/P1014928.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ice fantasy fulfilled, we strolled around the back where the sun was doing it's winter afternoon magic</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbWK39dOjNLmyxkdioFTn1BpnwlC3XWn3yhRpSrMb29yzi7sZ0ItB2sNxLzM5nlSYxz733rUyLhy23GXfn5uZbfn5ie6u5MuokstZuSMKbRZw4gtNb-gkmC9FzSAkd0jHJNJZAcluwSIG/s640/P1014934.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's a grand old building that's iconic of the Victoria Harbour scene...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3BHPq4HQ0LGIFO8u-MAyBz5IOSokOem_joOfjO0OP6OgJmEF4rVREoIxGrhyy0qLOQrt5M4id6IYAG_dLQmOQQRdQZdOaD97Lk7uBtFOJwov_lLHLkHAw7VEnf7s1MWmlDu8LRubPGOP/s640/P1014935.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Built in 1898 in the Neo-Baroque style, it's fascinating to poke around inside and out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's a gold Capt. George Vancouver on the top of the dome...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiqZMT-5GmksQ4Dc0I-UV8dyBBfftaFEzrTU7JAFU9v4gqkU8WjCAL8x0PuS5SDoUsEWfCIhM9ApfjKpYkvrvGsDin14_wtGSlm9jhEFV3ExV5cpnMIBhED_EXwvjIw-PqEGsz8NwL5VtI/s640/P1014936.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdX3pRHU3t6zKsmVLyoCyKirE8Uan4OgrFG5aIwKoU6f-ua6wvILtJYZWrZv9kCdZWgIV5D60wS_nm9sEF0RmoDUONe0KyOzUnSITNCkNae9XzusZPNsMr6olwJph98K4iufZopGWuo5p/s640/P1014937.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Around the back is another smaller fountain surrounded by bronze sculptures of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some of our native wildlife.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It too had been encased in an icy cloak...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EOgrreocdFCIi6gEKj0nHFEsaARjqVMnXmIdhoPwDsDoflQo2o3I7C5fQ4YPESgwZ5u3rxGrya-2906wm2aupf1HB4w6hjto8PWHMRRdCV2GJbfu6HdaFRMH4YfzrdH7sx-o2x3PcmF3/s640/P1014944.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoGxC1GTYI_WjYDPsPkk05XIt5rV7tyIwXvTQqP45CY7FTj0jfFZqcrVof2C_cwqS0eZT3Kiv1FhBtFutSye7ft1yxO-kshrTu6xhX14GsJE4f0iA3e-Eitcw8GDAWFcqM0SLdP_-CtRM/s640/P1014942.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My favourite was The Wolf...half of him shadowed by the icy waters</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
stopped in time by the previous days wind...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfEcUr39BwXMsalKf2305D75SvJgmsx16S7Jfq-1mrJE3m9in4hAPdYaK40xXh25IvI7hdEa1tuobqbjF59t6L90aFp1aTGWl498GutFCWGN0bOr0VxfN2r_6X7vYIDyvLCNbZWHWLhGR/s640/P1014940.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was like he was protecting the fountain with his frozen armour...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjV1D5hx5fu2TFHdIQdiKuaHNaAf6OE6E84BvdmIOkG3YhIDTX9L-J36JWQ35TqUKDR57I6hPBiVyG2MCCMVhO8MtinqxNiSuYPlxDfwOmzutI0Pg-_vSukoZgt-82UkivdtrTMOcXCfk/s640/P1014941.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgkYj7eJLPFWG-2LCDFvZzW72qPgxeE_L2KSWlDB1hdZQ2PaamQyh2uZfl8xqyuUWE25_8yCugbi_2r1PmWoBzjIntrlq-44Nga9fJNQeFt7vZzHcAVKtNKKqQFOOXz8Q2jFIqdjDqywx/s640/P1014939.jpg" width="640" /><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGPNH8UByVTNTyVrMb7BwisK-QxC6etSktQXd37Aza4fw_Z2Ic7e_QQvDcbFs2WcL6X66REgzjeEBk-y13otfLdf898x-4VD6F7xIs3Wp4Zit2QAEBs69eM6vDFsxWR95pS1i4XIDqXgu/s640/P1014943.jpg" width="640" /><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TgePKtv-3i2yvzVnC7S99Ok_DAHKprICzs6sFOyMtIthzbnSh4JarOafL6QuC0nlj0cnjXfXLDsaXF_rS73fmM5K9_j-EY7CdqLArElCbpW59tV0H1HzuZ2pXVbdTFidZOPlMLoftk4S/s640/P1014938.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A tiny field of frozen bubbles...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8v9IxqNXyM95cPEZTHVex8vAT8Pz0tuy3Y0ibaLfuCtCmLX3AJNNS6fEJgEpLZ1xnauPDXj3CxO2U2LKkCvyTXXUN2ugRor0qMrklKrhX0v09wxj_JcvFlgqCfd2fH92DDrn2hy-QO5o9/s640/P1014946.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe this is the back of some old carriage stables which also housed the Motor Vehicle Branch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I got my first drivers license there back in The Dark Ages!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8hbemKEbFErQ2O-K0iIKRfdQm07Lr7npJfi7xLLMnBrudYMhA69u-39mVr97kDm3mHy2Mr4cKe8sxHpgaf627kO8TXFVNpqaeaPdHniN9d_V6LI5Vwv9XWNeHa2l4de4r3UnRlENVqt7/s640/P1014947.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5t0nnx0gy9Viz1Zn-nI80dmmcdWvQ6pJq1QHiP8jmv_M-OD_zUEmkO87nUypc4KX-gGruAto5uvHdLBFLFot0_YXWVdazU_9I57F0J0_sWp0nuCuq0xuTnxDf6MIx2E8oduyapfm416-g/s640/P1014950.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As the sun started to go down it cast the most beautiful light on the building...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJUmsZs4o55wuC7R_fYaZ6eBcuhJgoe8hImmg37JHyzFWRoDsRYtM2uwwy7zvcpf7qihevcqtbirGFRFJQ9y0vlT0UkZXEK23RLc-QVgavFTt9dMzhEuB0tNX5YupaDXvB5-PrV8DJDC3/s640/P1014948.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIK4UBRhHSeIgzYKPdvPBOatlfZPeofeo9Kr1hqv3-G2mLTfRiDYIMqjeWscDPcUiZ1jffM7AjoMZ66SBlOFGJJp1-_UD4veYy4wwpNQm1MKeKTH9fm8KAG3uVfLKyJoovuHpkdo-L0T2F/s640/P1014949.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">“I thought the most beautiful thing in the world must be shadow.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">~Sylvia Plath~</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hvmoZCUGrCSR17chTDJAgIANZ6K607S37DAe4eLeJYv2XhhZjQu8tOKLUClc_pbWEK3AtybndhO5ayXmtg92aXTgmAwM-J9-k_YiJa-ZzowY1kTrTb4Ct-wcfsINONQn7w9gHx0xqFnE/s640/P1014951.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">“All shadows whisper of the sun. ” </span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #181818;">~</span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1068294.Emanuel_Carnevali" style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Emanuel Carnevali</a>~</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpqqWS1LLCEoDnZE84d5EYa86kWoDGJgRv3_UOS7KNeUnwfaNOrP-38GwYWJQ3aGdh-X1Le4MhlFVSh97zG59x-UlhjZ1lhG0-vfKL7qBCd2sLhm-qoOAJYjYwSu0lmFpAqAW-ZNHFjvC/s640/P1014952.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS954HQJAN1xWO-dI0He5ZNxBNqEeCKayt5M7mcydQBhybdNDbh6f-PVHIM_GJGUGbYLiB-M1SLTeAzsBLhLFjcC3xFSe17JgBE4cDmWkJUa_EX5NLNWCDvgGIwJmeJn1yDcwL5t3eskFR/s640/P1014953.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">“We find beauty not in the thing itself but in the patterns of shadows, the light and the darkness, that one thing against another creates.” </span><br style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;">~</span><a class="authorOrTitle" href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6263.Jun_ichir_Tanizaki" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Jun'ichirō Tanizaki</a>~</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScQVxWNlbwRU61_eMQjBE7KiMKxQdQRc6nhRV8jys5_3mOAAd78PxKx8ySB7BSsGCBFlJWxMO_LLZF_W9AqqoSyOnJSzjXbW95Tx65J1PGS_l5Di9-oI4iR0NF6FNTNaUZIwCU5qoNGH1/s640/P1014955.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So for now I bid you a fond New Year...keep warm, play safe, spread love and hope to the world...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipflnebWqaqXuPVV8T3SqxEvfDsdDEQ8zzy1zJLtsEpq4M3tpUysEnEqb9UrPkjJxf4_a-P-XGx1olKZGI-x2AutvqN6nTXOdyu47sgaJkfYg_63Mzzz4xkN8C2pTbTT03V_97CiONfAC3/s640/P1014956.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-34926632405478728392016-12-30T13:57:00.001-08:002016-12-30T13:57:09.416-08:00Just about there....<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a clear, cold and frosty morning here on the West Coast.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am up and out in my robe and slippers marveled by who's</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
hands have come in the night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They have swirled and twirled with the moist air and magically </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
left crystal strokes of feathery designs everywhere!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gingerly I make my way across a VERY slippery back deck to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
find the rails sparkling with the new dawn...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxG7N-j1MOkt14MmEdtFfRqB_JAd5bLdyEIGW3JPj5WULcGBT0zSapvXRW8kaE2Bj7PMZ3nlv5rRBWoXPaNtimJ19gjtMvP4DJaPIE0LNBWmSIrayVDehCee-3gjlkTqg1IsSqF6l5k9y/s640/P1014892.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPjLKDLXD5HMG36b4UoHjgP06zZ6ur4Txh9wwB8obsZ4MT1ffmxikZn0naJ7BpYVPDc9DiBRIumhfQkLc47bktcStNwvBRpYqLk-FrF-pumiI39KgeN_mxwYspKB3ANy7ZmgzN9lj44Oe/s640/P1014898.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWniqZuGn9D7qFAyNnnhgphFQwB06yyQneJg7FhF9fxaEv1MnHR5xOotgZMRucCee_WKvIJs-G6OkG_3nNgHKvL4LOjde0hQ1b5ZBqBg_uBAP0MB3EkzEYXKDne3amgxGX1vmsc0olRNLv/s640/P1014893.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So many stories could accompany this blog title!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I'll begin with just a few...starting with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The New Year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2017.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What will be waiting at the end of that road, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the one we have so much hope and anticipation about in these</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
fading days of 2016?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like this beautiful morning, I start new and clear...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOIkGOzxxqkTaQ7VehDOD_l_ZH3uzoXEy8zJBGYg8eW-5-adrSMmNeXdZY_Nv9iIRxuVqfqeewTdPlgcb5EETeDtTlvkihI1NmbUuBe1Xyfly_VM5jCirNoRx_8zPO2BE9Xkqv-RKJWW-/s640/P1014894.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKOlEUrtmDFunA06okAh3ysLb5Af0AK4v3G2ruxbKkY2yIMuQ746ekLDDZeB7rw7kwmMdnTSr9JaYtXpTBK34xCWqJUSYoLj1vAi0ApghXpF1STKYx5ODfi_i2cVt4-xrIL6cgd34tqqp/s640/P1014895.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBsBkHPu0F31TkzXJiCmsHZWRjXQMcvEx_y3haYcIcx0kWhZbGWbk8pImtw76XNjOLxosXUBCNS6ObndKCddYbsC3AJbYcwAY_q4mGrIHV2TpH_yNHOeCxVPB43ImVwFzggkhONgzNjhk/s640/P1014896.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Things will change slowly right along those which come quickly, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leaving us to once again to adjust, accept and roll alongside life whatever it may bring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijub48Q9O0-7_fDzlLNCYk-cBoEcNnOOoi9bo2RjSFrWxJgZxQssR8BAmRRtKw4kLm1yvHyYpQlOy97PxdA8WR_vjnCve1YT5itB1LHMqyLF0VJOja7CL-uQYTD5vlZJtFZzqgPWCohsq6/s640/P1014912.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nhGbQZ8m9Q16Y9-yu0EbDyOUQHTd2tdoqu5PDmhoclf03kSdBM8xtYyBmZWY1ZYsWtAuImMIc3qDRpHi6A6cSvAtkFsshRccgYM-0vjrQ5tsEpIY5nn-a1vyyv_I2He9vW2KQRCsy8Rr/s640/P1014911.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7iHlTtlvdH3j0beoX2SS9s8SAjuQZo_F_LT9aqNIk508Qhk4B4gTlaWdiSmwZ0B-NqZz4rwvFPUTS2vx6HvJqeZsoy3dxuRJ5VPpEeNU2i-Yn0Hj28ioKET5eJHqSq3ePofaXVP4pEGw/s640/P1014906.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am not one for resolutions but it's natural to feel the closure of one year and the start of the next.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our parts spring comes early and we begin to see signs of it already.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The earliest of the flower bulbs have already begun to sprout</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
through the moss at the bottom of the oak trees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This coming month will see two VERY big changes in our lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One will be Tom's new knee!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It will be a bit more complicated than your average run of the mill knee replacement</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(he blew out his whole knee in a motorcycle accident when he was 16)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and recovery will be tough and long but</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we hold big hopes that it will ease some of the difficulty he's</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
had for the past several years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe by summer he will be able to come for walks again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the fields near our house. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tAGRPQCCiVLM-4pjzLjK9XL4zIDHFzaRQdPtWj7MyD79iQwI0Lar3hKtmEloCWQJUCuZBA_JbodwbSdFS3CRKBi04vMXcI37uKcX_JcLLsSrwPtTXQtsI2t9PK2LuAHiWnSRUCRIZV01/s640/P1014914.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfoIKrydKLoSD0WCQWGy4hV1RGbjvmDGEcqDTLLsWcP0t_V6TbL1c36jH1P2S_4kOoZokAUa-bDqN-rG09z1anw00ybYU7zuQ_L3CI891ToagdH1_OxkOVcvpxAWNqSsr4Hf-cJJoPChyphenhyphen/s640/P1014915.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The second big change I will keep a secret for a few more weeks!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lets just say that new knee will come in handy!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you all had a lovely holiday season and here's</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wishing you beautiful, peaceful, healthy blessings for the coming year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kvj0RWP_5yW4tZctUG6A_WAPWlJAVN2gxVe_SkpGEhjohO3TliGhjtYHn32SeFZ8DjK21t5ZxBbGPZdgvjLeGGFozXSxayzyApBOdtftKlgi4o0GgUyeugWCOJ-OV17I9PtaeI0JjTTD/s640/P1014901.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-14810563095109309002016-12-01T17:49:00.001-08:002016-12-01T17:49:18.327-08:00The world needs a few dreamers...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are those of us who contemplate big ideas...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9cQjhDRW4U18sgLdK6aQgNo6SqA4eAxplN2owqacgeDfWt1Zi5DJOuyFvVTsZf-s-LRwOdaby4AJJw_r08hRuVXVvgTiL7oIH348pvYFSCOd3qUeSBL5AxACxYE6b5H7Y5QDcB39iDxX/s640/P1014761.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...ideas of peace and kindness...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMgUOjanfdIynUrN59FasC7_M3kirStgWJeBTjlGcTzlWDm6Lo6eLtD793PBRrlz-JRlVcU_m1Hgh6-iCk-6SctC9h-FX-Z4K2n9XX4izUts4tHSKQkvM6v-cMCyG9AOJOPBpNA1djFwQ/s640/P1014745.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...of the simple things in life that could make this world a better place...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbZqKcyrmti4aKocUyM5wyZfsheZdoNzmLV5nL0DR9q1QAkKN8ybiFWbdG0O6_mbcE4fb2h6BLyDzZc6W0ozvCJfiEhJAMXDQ6FyWmOJWShXDiSWaFhLbDBdNV2tcYb3ylcUsjiUawH_J/s640/P1014750.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...the stars, the clouds...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfUlrdh_6NoHnxF6unr8XGMlk84oYsqAWxAcfwZFLX06sDecWTOQJdwb5MTPaiTMZewFQAcl2xzKgObPizLzpe3qHEGY6gbrmjEWqHIu-oTypKH1iYeG840sFeyZQc7QA6qEs8WJ8LlsY/s640/P1014747.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...the basic elements of love and joy...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X78tUVyWal1zIgNAGvre12wBX8Y11MyekhKJoj5bpwL0OZjAgdRD_FvG2yE8mv2JQ1hyBBsDAnpNAqQFtZFZsCPgUC3ZbT85_d3EljeCEvb8NEDx8u_RL6jBFsYFE5fslBVdu_XYRtHu/s640/P1014748.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The world needs those who share these thoughts...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyl050k0_Bk428n4OSa_HQqdeGZmZOcRedGjTNhmJKakLlMhPeXoWgwZ48eHKgnxQcJp2TmV9vSBYkrpdEczO_JHn8Sa9a_hQXrce8y5LqV0kz1mu4CcQqAy0eBhsG7AWCzs1EvvWaPKIJ/s640/P1014752.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Some may say I'm a dreamer'<br />
<br />
now in my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/495114285/some-may-say-im-a-dreamerneedle-felted?ref=shop_home_active_5">here</a></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-14412293956075660962016-11-23T08:33:00.000-08:002018-05-01T07:49:06.445-07:00Supporting the world of artisans and the handmade....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQiVKYZ42mgBjJfO8e_2T-r5YxU_h5CSTm4J6xWpKreVhOgGkAXpMe3ACMI_GucXdMPvPSYNWTESkF1h7I1NROOBDxLI0IcRKC5d6JxQXzwwtAwE8FyXqw63DC8nGmyr4nfBUvZNIeKSH/s400/P1015732.JPG" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #1d2129; text-align: start;">As an artisan I take great care and time to make each and every piece no matter how big or small it is.</span><br style="color: #1d2129; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1d2129; text-align: start;">I believe a part of my personal identity goes into that piece and stays within in it where ever it may end up. </span><br style="color: #1d2129; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1d2129; text-align: start;">When someone falls in love with that piece or buys it for someone they know will love it, I am honoured to be a part of that emotion. </span><br style="color: #1d2129; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1d2129; text-align: start;">A thing made by hand is just that...made by someone, one persons own hands a</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline;">nd if you know it or not it is a connection to that artisans creative soul.<br />Sure, you see the finished piece, but I urge you to look a bit deeper into handmade, be it a painting, a sculpture, fibre arts, jewlery, ceramics, whatever.<br />That 'thing' has been enticed from deep within. From thought to design to the actual process of making, which in most cases takes hours, days and sometimes months to finish.<br />Search out these lovely things from small galleries, shops and shows and remember a few of these thoughts when you're out and about.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I am offering free shipping worldwide in my shop from now until the end of December!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/farmlass?ref=hdr_shop_menu" style="background-color: white;">you can find my shop here</a></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-20993907816861742202016-11-09T09:38:00.000-08:002016-11-09T09:38:41.462-08:00'In Training'...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="color: #666666; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Apple Harvesting 101: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">To find the best apples in late September, take a wander down to the old Lawson place. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">At the far end of the field there's an old weathe<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">red, silver wooden barn, half falling down.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1QqyPtsoIOCPDnxkkt5vGY4QbD-LqC320zCwr7dgHn6Vs9RbtL9AZZ4WZNa0p4H00u7B8SE2TQPV9YqOoQnlORUuvk1XUFcBjHSA01WtT3ZlDvhgSSsoznZResNoQxWVGAN33E5wBZ0l/s640/DSCN8386.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: #fff2cc; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: #fff2cc; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Behind that there are 3 ancient trees.</span></span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: #fff2cc; display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
The one at the edge of the rock wall on the west side is the one you want.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At this time of year they are sweet and crisp and fall gently from the leaning tree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwdr0A6aeJE27YldxWmv63anBmd73tjsqg6sjMlYly8R3p72D5Fzm9lDq_Y57PQD1AoONy59O3aNRARm1z1n92juKbjexoh0lsb4a5dyhpYzVKpDak-d2KvThTreGfAZxh6ZP86HAlFnS/s640/DSCN8442.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5 generations of raccoons can't be wrong.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPwOHreAwJFGINQRs3CnxsEaKPhz_1wSrYFCEeY8-TNoxlmCmLT-i-ZSeRe9LhKWWdvDSgeSpIEWaMMEE518RWNvtdBBRvxLzun_gRvxzSICtOSlt8rZlTLBVQO2U2x_ekNlobHmG26-1/s640/IMG_7209.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nGM0xSFsoJj5FXAQtz32IjYF2DqTpR7iBzWd7_W4e7s_fShGu7XeFcspiyv4rCbZs6_96BA3KKzWWmupn4t7Eql-GKNyCMRdRgh9q0JoRI423oTP5w952qzvSzGp-hpsQKL3Ku1FeDSu/s640/DSCN8438.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjR3ypx2fGRuotrZtDxmBQaMDZwlbUmD2ZOswGRjKIArhoHWVUifA_k9UrxhAUXJ2UX1RAjs8M98jHgyUXimrhncZKGTtgoL_xRqokOZIkIj_NhCd30ZB3Zl7mX3g3weIsgNlPSPMhiiC/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKO8b5mTae3YJKvjLSJgq1-lt2AiTNEFYbnaq-szAgYsCM0aq4LRvFjmqK8ta1eVEdOOPBAS1YpsUeZonfysdIVGK_hwA3BQlyvizw-0t6cR-PWPlF_Ymjjfp-nHTckjIEHP2BXU87Y_vX/s640/IMG_7214.JPG" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnksN0xElQIT07dPd8n8Ai8HszN14SupuhD5qA62C4NqI4fjI-cnPRXocPTuhyiylaHDyGvdvyZ-A2zXFViuBZf__PiHLwpP5wNiVnOwCrG9qVcJ_g8vY5eFYym-a5-nHtg2cdPGYuVzd5/s640/DSCN8444.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfd4Zr-V7FJJrto-GeZQZlBnnJFgfgkXzyE2ocde_i-Mm9dIfuhgCMpfnhwFwVtum4lh11eFmGwD0VF1vnuFb-TbWfUyI7grUKeqDxa2QHxdLR1J_JS2NAHqT35Pg3nSK5Mw3P1vEiFxu/s640/IMG_7210.jpg" width="534" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'In Training'</div>
</span></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #666666; display: inline; font-size: 12px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Available on Etsy <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/your/shops/farmlass/tools/farmlass/ca/listings/477161280" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/…/farmlass/tools/farmlass/ca/listings/…</a></span></div>
</div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8786976798044172737.post-79121863696086650652016-11-08T08:54:00.000-08:002018-05-01T07:52:04.816-07:00Cornelius takes Josephine for an afternoon skate...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Cornelius and Josephine's story...</span><br style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">There is nothing quite as peaceful than a river on the edge of a farm. </span><br style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Add a quiet yellow sky in the late afternoon in winter and there you have it…</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Cornelius’ favourite time to go for a skate!</span><br style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">This alone would keep him happy for the rest of his days but if he has the accepted invitation of Josephine in his corner, then THAT my friends, is true bliss!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCWB0ai8hunruDqVQoze8Lhp5d_nBXNInzqFi0eZV3JN3_kenlk3kpTB2k8mPvMuWVaJK1vCEUOwSlXvo5U-S4awsu9RMnjWdv0fkUxaf0WcZg_Gykb7hBrBRr9ub5h10D4UdwVwEXGTI/s640/IMG_7225.JPG" width="480" /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Pulling on his woollen winter coat, wrapping a scarf around his neck, Cornelius pops the little red Josephine into his hood and off they go!</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinyHYpSWvDxz1i1SMz7tKqKJbo6x98rpb8DIHfLw68TlLRYg7YLyaq2ItDwTUHVzsjAQ5gcWRA2GqrB6Jm63mqPMIqzI4dbFWosyARxtzhug-HnllnciC87B95F9T61f_LSibZURix6Pp/s640/IMG_7227.jpg" width="480" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqO6vyLx_CDCvfIxIA30am_coP8VSyDCBp7tZn4kfTPHFILD6O5oznMgu4yfEIwVJvpSUUxm1bjP0iG4WRir-Fg0qvnvMOQHn4XSkWMAcYY_TxtypEvOYNcSlp82BZo0BkRlfVZozYD_vq/s640/IMG_7228.jpg" width="402" /></div>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">The frozen water meanders amongst the trees and the sound of a tiny flock of pine siskin flutter by…”bird wedding!” Josephine calls out. Something her mom always said when little groups of birds flew overhead.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EdCoghbTY_kqpgzMlp191F30X9rEYDkiL9gMLGriHmKXcjv45jIWMtyfkNFw32OU1KEfro81l4Jg3YXa16c8EQg3pM8JS9Za5XdPZZWP9gKhiae0EjabSIpe-0jmToEzPE-mKENoR1wc/s640/DSCN8483.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">It is these times that Cornelius and Josephine love the best.</span><br style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">The scrape of the blades carving patterns on the fresh ice, the sky on the edge of evening, the promise of snow during the night…and then home to mugs of tea and a fire...what could be more perfect.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnutfSaAe22FTUqjtGIVc3WITEs0OVgT1uabbTkqaKxyH9CLdMMDxKJWJp4bMYzJfF2iXIgrP7wK67fKGHccmE3z5DxN7RgjuwhmdEmdzUoaqMF2HxclTh5Y8Z0dAxfsuiZ4yiBNMTOmwE/s640/DSCN8427.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmngrgbmNn72yrCxe6DwEp1RHbSfnGANTqUJ3EDSmy-qVb72HwKi-lUsvRbTcUro1m9b_p3NRvATgZArnNW5VbyyxD6C4wRNq7TXpP2FF_PyDdYF8NV0zibpm5Botcede8x6Sqt0o1Kfj/s640/IMG_7241.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0rh_cPX-fTABRYkJhsV2aj8eQ2rLxilSLThyDYd39MT8n6l9za6Z5gl4pWt05YPPDky48tqxH4BXhGb126FCeNGAp9fmQoNXhc9gAYHykY0C3ZN6r8N5rOCQNtaSp-t0ETq6h8G2YyF7/s640/IMG_7226.jpg" width="478" /></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Cornelius and Josephine...now in my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/476486568/cornelius-takes-josephine-for-an?ref=shop_home_active_1">here</a></span></span></div>
Kerry O'Gormanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951445594586971908noreply@blogger.com1