tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309782342024-03-19T23:32:04.739-05:00baratin-debordant"overwhelming blah blah blah".... What I think to what you read here."MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-53674674763066975052020-08-25T18:40:00.002-05:002020-08-25T18:40:19.095-05:00Art in small doses <p> Than you, Tate Museum, for introducing artists in profile videos. </p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CETuIAzAodX/?igshid=1e060zuo7ceo5">https://www.instagram.com/tv/CETuIAzAodX/?igshid=1e060zuo7ceo5</a></p><p><br /></p>MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-49539946420951596892020-08-24T16:22:00.000-05:002020-08-24T16:22:19.610-05:00How can I rationalize your denial?<p> I can be skeptical when finding out new information, and I always double check the resources to determine the accuracy of a news story. Writers tend to check the facts, even when creating fiction. As an editor I am very comfortable checking the facts in everything I read. Maybe being from the Show Me state also makes me more of a skeptic and less gullible. </p><p><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg2E3oMOBoG7UrNTTUEZjZ-yPSAadHyQBCi-znKJotJOMde6D8EXOSaJCmUW_jADLNIWQDVHYP3h-G8eEc1pfurHJKrlQFlwha9U39zcmsobM3gSlqfd7-JdvBc4F8jMAGzWk/s640/66B7EDDA-A673-4A22-B4C6-FF5C8DBDB1A2.jpeg" width="640" /></p><p>When people began to doubt the news about covid-19, I began wading into the constant flow of news washing up in my newsfeed. I checked with people far away and with experts I trusted. Seemed to me, we had cause to be concerned. Not panicked, no. But careful.</p><p>The possibility of infection has been proven a real world danger. No one is making it all up just to scare us or turn us into communists. People have died. I know them. I know people who have tested positive. In the early days, I had all the symptoms but we had no available testing back then; and my doctor would not allow me to come to the office. My symptoms lessened and eventually I was well again. I have no sense of taste and smell, and the ringing in my ears never stops. </p><p>My skepticism about the virus has changed focus. Now, I am skeptical about how anyone can refuse to believe we're in a full-blow pandemic. The skeptic in me wants to know why someone refuses to wear a mask. At first I thought, well, they've all got a death wish. I think this about smokers, too. I mean, seriously, the science says it is very UNhealthy; yet smokers continue. No value for life. That's fine, I guess, personal decisions allowed. </p><p>Masks on the other hand protect other people. Do the unmasked persons have a death wish for others? Probably not. So, why, then, do they want to take a chance of inhaling droplets of covid-19? </p><p>Fortunately, in my search for the answer I ran across a psychological basis for this decision: Denial and/or Rationalism. </p><div class="el__leafmedia el__leafmedia--sourced-paragraph" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; font-family: CNN, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Utkal, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><p class="zn-body__paragraph speakable" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: 1.66667; margin: 0px 0px 15px;">"With so much information available about the severity of the coronavirus and the need to follow guidelines, some people still refuse to accept reality. </p></div><div class="zn-body__paragraph speakable" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38); color: #262626; font-family: CNN, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, Utkal, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: 1.66667; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-right: 0px;">The denial manifests itself in many ways, whether that be refusing to wear a mask or attending large gatherings."</div><p>https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/16/health/pandemic-covid-19-denial-mental-health-wellness/index.html</p><p>Megan Marples digs into the science--the psychology--to enter the mind of the UNmasked. Yeah, scary place to be, I agree. After reading her article, which I recommend, I don't understand the reasons--because there aren't real reasons, but I can see how fear and control shape someone's decision making. Their actions, unfortunately, endanger not just themselves but others, young and especially the old. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aires 2 mask https://youtu.be/t9zhieYJtu8</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-53677739419271739892018-04-25T17:57:00.002-05:002018-05-02T14:39:49.759-05:00Visit my "Tea Time" at the Brooklyn Art Library collection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWRHkP1dgxGuUOQU3L4jBa5YXjT91wn1Erl5XMWpPairiJmm4GG_odYnMDcygetoMna4fM5SHkRtP0h0A0pQmmJXFM_RUvsMPlfmMATVuVeuJb4t83T25llEGcD74mk__nKI1/s1600/fullsizeoutput_29.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWRHkP1dgxGuUOQU3L4jBa5YXjT91wn1Erl5XMWpPairiJmm4GG_odYnMDcygetoMna4fM5SHkRtP0h0A0pQmmJXFM_RUvsMPlfmMATVuVeuJb4t83T25llEGcD74mk__nKI1/s320/fullsizeoutput_29.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
I sent my sketchbook off to the Brooklyn Art Library where it will be installed with all the other participants' sketchbooks for the 2018 project. Eventually, all the s-books will travel around the country visiting and sharing art. That's the front cover <i>Tea Time.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8ZAFosSsdpkN2caxPCgjlA6-u7K33swYi5U2owJIb8xu7zjgT7Mbm-ZeTnJYJZaL7f2HUWmFwbGndozKcbxAEugUdqV-jXrDYbyLfBtlBhf8O0CnRk_BZ77ztXjE_pIj-73i/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8ZAFosSsdpkN2caxPCgjlA6-u7K33swYi5U2owJIb8xu7zjgT7Mbm-ZeTnJYJZaL7f2HUWmFwbGndozKcbxAEugUdqV-jXrDYbyLfBtlBhf8O0CnRk_BZ77ztXjE_pIj-73i/s320/fullsizeoutput_2f.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
I have created a mini-book. Here's the table of contents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFuMssVCl92mXXpBi266Ong4Rstsn0OIRybHD8QOFZxFJzlV_o7JyjMJ1TwPZOuCShDRIXsZnWmMmVJ5y9eabVSzJmPozCVy014T9gVnPZOg1Ilh-EcVluqc0Y-Q90vOyETdu/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFuMssVCl92mXXpBi266Ong4Rstsn0OIRybHD8QOFZxFJzlV_o7JyjMJ1TwPZOuCShDRIXsZnWmMmVJ5y9eabVSzJmPozCVy014T9gVnPZOg1Ilh-EcVluqc0Y-Q90vOyETdu/s320/IMG_2215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here is a page from Part 2.</div>
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I painted all the art for the book on tea bags. Used ones. I painted on the dried tea bag paper while I drank the tea. The subjects for the art originated during my tea time in the studio. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nM9wY0Amdx0lsEa6zVL_m7cjN5_TnpAV2gIKyQNsCXbH-W5X6VQAyYrus_ooUF5tlaVwjMwJxJXizXiDl_4HJKX3hIYXHEwCJEnjV11Wx6zKWixCFWA608coBXpqgyFVyv4r/s1600/IMG_2224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nM9wY0Amdx0lsEa6zVL_m7cjN5_TnpAV2gIKyQNsCXbH-W5X6VQAyYrus_ooUF5tlaVwjMwJxJXizXiDl_4HJKX3hIYXHEwCJEnjV11Wx6zKWixCFWA608coBXpqgyFVyv4r/s320/IMG_2224.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'd say the story is a sort-of-chronological story of having tea during the Sketchbook Project. </div>
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Everyone can visit and view my sketchbook at the Brooklyn Art Library. </div>
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-90575966569213207012018-02-07T15:34:00.002-06:002018-02-23T12:53:38.054-06:00Waiting for Magic<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I can't recall how I found Kunts' art online. Probably turned up in a lazy scroll one day as I vegged out on those streaming videos, one after another after you've opened the first one from the feed. Kunts posts videos of his creative process on the paper. Magically, the little trolls, foxes, pirates, and woods appear while I watch him sketch, apply paint wet on wet, and dab color into the background. His gentle voice describes how he follows the flow of whatever happens. I have to pull myself away from watching videos and sit myself down in front of some Arches 140 with paint and brush. I wait for the magic.<br />
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<a href="http://www.hartvig-hansen-kunst.com/">http://www.hartvig-hansen-kunst.com/</a><br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-75293411440005598952017-05-17T12:06:00.001-05:002017-05-17T12:06:18.827-05:00Celebrating 14 Blog Years<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Before the throngs of online surfers and madding social media crowd checked blogs daily or even knew where to find one, <a href="http://baratin-deboradant.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">baratin-debordant</a> launched and offered an active (maybe slow paced) online source for reflective, creative non-fiction. <br />
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<i><b>THE SKY'S THE LIMIT </b></i></div>
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In tribute to the 14 years online (since May 16, 2003) , I post here the first blog:</div>
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<b>The Joy of Blogging.</b><br />
How can sitting all day with your eyes on the screen
<br />make your think of new things and say what you mean?
<br />The keys are alive with the power of words
<br />though the thought of it all is something absurd.
<br />In Bloggsville they type and they type and they scroll.
<br />They read and they search trying to make themselves whole.
<br />But all that arrives on the screen are the bits,
<br />the tids and the flotsom and whatever fits.
<br />The blogging goes on, day in and day out,
<br />as they wonder out loud and shift with each doubt.
<br />It's a Zeuslike land all the words that they blog.
<br />Yet, the bloggers blog on, blog, blog, blog-blog, blog.<br />
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<u>Before the blog </u>we had the website from Tripod. So old I don't even have the password to edit the site now.<br />
<a href="http://debordante.tripod.com/index.html">http://debordante.tripod.com/index.html</a><br />
One of my favorite plugins won't work on that site any longer; the fish in the virtual tank moved when the cursor brushed over them. Now it reads: Undefined. Huh! <br />
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An upgraded site for the most inventive of creative reflections and artzy finds has landed here:<br />
<a href="http://dameistermedia.blogspot.com/">http://dameistermedia.blogspot.com/\</a><br />
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No matter <a href="http://meistertravel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Where In The World </a>we land, we can wonder out loud online:<br />
<a href="http://meistertravel.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://meistertravel.blogspot.com/ </a><br />
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On and on it goes with FB pages, a site for professional work, Pinterest, and those sites I manage for other people. Next year will mark the 15th year of dameistermedia online. "Oh the places you'll go" in this Zeuslike land. <br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-73614794539718759142017-02-09T14:26:00.000-06:002017-02-09T14:42:38.190-06:00Spoonful of Love <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The chilly weather called for some soup making today. I chose a new recipe I found online for Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. <br />
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The recipe for this delicious soup, just right for Valentine's weekend, is an easy one to follow. I had all the ingredients on hand except the red peppers and tomatoes which I bought fresh at <a href="http://www.globalfoodsmarket.com/" target="_blank">Global Foods Market.</a> I chose to use Roma tomatoes and cherry tomatoes with happy bright red colors. What could be healthier, since these fruits are loaded with vitamin C.<br />
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I followed the recipe as written with just one exception. I added 1 T of butter when I sauteed the chopped onions and carrots--because I like butter. The peppers roasted in 30 mins. and the skins peeled off easily after they cooled inside a plastic bag. I also took the skins from the tomatoes after roasting them, though the recipe does not specify it needs to be done.<br />
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When everything is simmering in the pot, the anticipation is worth a picture. <br />
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Let all those flavors kiss each other (perfect for Valentine Soup) and "marry" as many cooks say. Pretty soon the aroma that fills the house cries out for world peace. Truly, it's zen-like. After 25 minutes simmering away, the veggies have softened enough to invite an immersion blender into to the pot.<br />
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These handheld blenders are marvelous tools. We've had ours for 25 years or more. As the pieces of peppers, tomato, onion, carrots, and spices get smaller and smaller the color changes into a gorgeous cadmium red mixed with gamboge. A master's palette of flavors all blending together to make a soup that warms the heart.</div>
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Here's the recipe I used and <a href="http://thechicbrulee.com/2012/09/20/roasted-red-pepper-tomato-soup/" target="_blank">a link to the page </a>where I found it.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial";">Ingredients</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">3 red bell peppers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">2 whole bulbs of garlic
(skin left on)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">1 tablespoon extra
virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">1 teaspoon garlic,
minced</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">1 large yellow onion,
diced</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">2 medium carrots,
finely chopped</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">3 teaspoons Herbes de
Provence (a fragrant southern Mediterranean mix of thyme, rosemary, marjoram
and lavender)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">1 teaspoon paprika</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">Cayenne pepper, pinch
(to taste)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">5-6 tomatoes (I used a
combination of 5 medium/large tomatoes plus 1 cup of cherry tomatoes)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">4 cups chicken stock</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">1 teaspoon salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">½ teaspoon freshly
ground pepper</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 6.65pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">½ cup half-and-half (or
fat-free half-and-half / creamer, depending on how healthy you want to go!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial";">Instructions</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">First, roast peppers and garlic. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Place whole peppers on baking sheet lined with tin foil. Lightly drizzle olive
oil over peppers. Next, prep garlic bulbs. Peel away the outer layers of the
garlic bulb skin, leaving the skins of the individual cloves intact. Using a
sharp knife, trim the stem end of the bulb by ¼ – ½″. Rub the cut side of the
garlic with olive oil. Cover each bulb with aluminum foil. Add foil-covered
bulbs to baking sheet with the peppers. Roast peppers and garlic together for
35-45 minutes or until peppers are starting to char and garlic is softened.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">Once out of the oven, set aside garlic bulbs to let cool. Place
hot peppers into a large plastic bag and seal. Let rest for 15 minutes, then
remove peel, seeds and stem (it will come right off!). Chop peppers. Reserve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">Unwrap garlic from aluminum foil. When the garlic is cool enough
to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic out from the skins. Reserve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">Next, roast tomatoes. Cut tomatoes in half or quarters
(depending on how large they are) add add to a baking sheet lined with aluminum
foil. If using cherry tomatoes, simply add them to the sheet without cutting.
Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for
30-40 minutes or until tomatoes start to “burst.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over
medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon chopped garlic, stir until fragrant, about 1
minute. Add chopped onion and carrot. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">Add herbes de Provence, paprika and a pinch of cayenne, cook,
stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped roasted peppers. Add all
but 1 tablespoon of “squeezed” roasting garlic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 20.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 8.5pt;">Add stock and tomatoes. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat, cover
and simmer for 25 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper to taste. Purée using an
immersion blender or in small batches using a regular blender. Add
half-and-half (or fat free half-and-half). Briefly reheat, then serve with a
dollop of plain Greek yogurt, if desired. This soup is wonderful with a side of
crusty bread – use the reserved 1 tablespoon of roasted garlic to smear on
bread just before serving.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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http://thechicbrulee.com/2012/09/20/roasted-red-pepper-tomato-soup/<br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-71126520869300177022016-12-20T10:36:00.000-06:002016-12-20T10:36:21.636-06:00Grand Theft Grammy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Tis the
season for going to the movies. I have three grandsons I want to take to one of
the new wonder movies out at this time. Maybe the new Star Wars movie. When I asked
those who’ve seen the movie, they raved about it but were hesitant to recommend
it for my two youngest grandsons—Andy who is four and his brother, Evan, who is
six. I agreed that the plot may be too complicated and the battle effects too
fierce.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">That does not sound like an Andy movie. Though he
DID con me into letting him play Grand Theft Auto a few weeks ago.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I was pretty
sure he wasn't allowed to play it, but when asked he said, Yes, I am. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So I watched
this sleazy dude who lives in a trailer court try to get out of bed, dress,
leave the trailer, and get on his motorcycle. Then he couldn't drive out of the
yard in the desert where he lived. I wondered why this guy was acting like a
4-yr-old. OHHHHHH, there's a 4-yr-old at the controls, I reminded myself.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Just about
that time, the guy stumbles into a growling dog and says what I think was a
curse word, but maybe SHOOT I thought to myself, until Andy grabbed the remote
and muted the volume reassuring me that, We don't need the sound, Grammy. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And I was
pretty sure he should not play this game. But by then I was really interested
in how this guy was gonna survive, since I've never played GTA myself.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Then, Sleazy
Dude goes to someplace with posters of naked women on the walls or maybe he
went back into his own trailer, and once again I started to ask, Are you SURE
you are supposed to play this game? But before the SURE came out of my mouth he
had changed the scene and was shopping for a new vehicle. And a new character
as it turns out.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU9SmYsa77fYJw-Fz7I3_iRupry_RQXa72lyWrupa9ob5syOvJ2quBnFeAjWoQi_EsuNtg_DINGKi4rzQgRviLLmxJVa7RvhqWDh3bgI_TZ-_kZ2abIwtGGzrfAa0JC4PPBW2/s1600/Grand+theft.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQU9SmYsa77fYJw-Fz7I3_iRupry_RQXa72lyWrupa9ob5syOvJ2quBnFeAjWoQi_EsuNtg_DINGKi4rzQgRviLLmxJVa7RvhqWDh3bgI_TZ-_kZ2abIwtGGzrfAa0JC4PPBW2/s1600/Grand+theft.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Things went
along well for a while with the new character who lives in a plush Hollywood
cliff-side home. Andy gave me a tour of the house and the pool and the garage
and the patio view. WOW! Vicarious living through Play Station I thought, and
made a note to add GTA to our Play Station at home so I could visit more
Hollywood houses. Oh, and Andy skillfully left the scantily clad woman in the
master bedroom to go down to the living room, out the front door, and hop into
the amazing open air sports car.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">What d'ya
know, we hear the garage door open--of the actual house we are in; and I'm
pretty sure his mother is home. Andy shut the game down and ran to greet his
mother. Usually he is not that eager to welcome her home and I KNEW, with absolute
certainty, that he was not supposed to play GTA. So, I said, Hi. Andy and I
were playing....</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">But a with a
force greater than any 4-yr-old has ever mustered, Andy clamped his tiny little
hand over my mouth, secured it with the other hand and pushed me back onto the
sofa. MMMMMmmmmmmphphphphmmmm, I tried to tell his mother. I was laughing so
hard I couldn't have spoken even without the tiny palms locked over my
lips.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I tried
again later to tell his mother but again he tackled me and smothered me with
his little hands. When he'd left the room, I asked her if he could play
something called Grand Theft Auto. OF COURSE NOT, his mother said, not in a
whisper. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Oh, I said,
I didn't think so. She gave me a look that said, WHY did you let him?</span></div>
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-64240231116319121542016-03-27T10:16:00.000-05:002016-03-27T10:16:04.022-05:00Lost the Lamb<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This lamb needs to be resurrected for Easter table. Ignore those Pinterest photos of cute little lamb cakes. Take a look at reality. </div>
MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-66043329355423944672016-03-03T12:12:00.000-06:002016-03-03T12:17:59.527-06:00Longview of Winter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Once upon time we lived through winters like this one in the middle of Illinois. <br />
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On a street named Longview, our one acre of land bordered hundreds of acres of corn fields or soy beans depending on the year. <br />
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Winters were particularly snowy in those days. <br />
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We sought warmth from the unusually efficient wood burning stove, <br />
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also unusual in its design.<br />
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The glass tubular shell surrounded the burning logs and two oven doors behind the shell opened to an oven.<br />
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The only thing ever cooked in the oven was one of those stacked rings from a child's toy--the big red one I think. We didn't know the child had placed it on the oven shelf until we smelled the fumes of melting plastic. This fireplace put out some heat, and it did not take long for the ring to melt.<br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-72822754513176013322016-02-26T10:28:00.001-06:002016-02-26T10:28:18.916-06:00Inspiration <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Crate and Barrel design photo and my own recreation. The C and B family photos leading up the stairs inspired me to surround a small flat screen TV with framed photos and original watercolors.<br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-1687584112624231952016-02-03T14:38:00.001-06:002016-02-03T14:38:42.111-06:00Barn Doors Add Interest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The master bedroom of our home has an adjoining room with a great patio sliding-door and windows looking out onto the landscaped yard. An exterior French-door separated the bedroom and the bright, sunlit room when we bought the house. This door functioned fine, as doors go--open, close, lock--but the <b>exterior</b> look of the interior traditional styled door seemed ill-fit for the Colorado contemporary vibe of the bedroom and house in general. We decided to change the existing door to barn doors.<br />
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A creative carpenter, Cris, listened to my design ideas and came through spot on. We tore out the carpet in the room and added bamboo flooring to the "Away Room." Two of the four walls are nearly all glass providing plenty of daylight. The closed barn doors create ideal snoozing darkness for the bedroom, and when the barn doors slide open the bedroom lights up with bright natural sunshine. The doors become a focal point in both rooms when closed and when they open the "Away Room" becomes integrated with the bedroom vibe and welcomes the outdoors into the house.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ecostructionstl.com/" target="_blank">Ecostruct, LLC</a> (Jay and Gloria Jarvis) took care of every instillation detail. They brought their expertise in ordering the hardware, contracting with Cris, and sending Steven the Carpenter to make this project happen in a timely fashion. We love our new "Away Room" and look forward to spending many relaxing hours in this room reading or just enjoying a great view of the yard and the doors.</div>
MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-57708707564033465122015-12-20T19:09:00.002-06:002015-12-20T19:09:49.805-06:00I Miss Summer already<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-30905469839597008192015-11-28T11:23:00.001-06:002015-11-28T11:24:48.699-06:00The BIG Reveal - After<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-48911200010752043562015-11-28T11:19:00.002-06:002015-11-28T11:19:59.883-06:00Remind Me Again How Not to Forget<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Many years ago I met a woman whose last name was Barb Gowdy. I needed to remember her name because I would be seeing her often at meetings. In order to remember, I knew I had to find a mnemonic (memory trigger) to associate with her and thus recall her name at the next event. Ms. Gowdy was dressed in not so stylish clothes; in fact, I saw her as frumpy. Then, dowdy snapped into my mind and it rhymed with Gowdy. Perfect mnemonic. The next time I met her, I knew her name and greeted her with ease, "Hello, Ms. Dowdy, so nice to see you again."<br />
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Most of the time a mnemonic works better than this failed word association I had employed. Looking back, I wonder that I didn't somehow associate her with Gaudi, the artist who designed Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. I'd like to think I'm creative enough to have thought of some connection between this Gowdy and the unfinished cathedral. Or I could have worked out something with Barb. The ideas I have now are endless.<br />
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The mnemonic name recollection exercise has been around longer than I can remember. I guess not everyone knows about it, though everyone tends to forget names. <a href="http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20151113-how-to-never-forget-a-name-again?ocid=fbfut" target="_blank">The BBC has an explanation </a>of how our memories work and how to make the brain's association patterns work in our favor to remember the names of those we meet.<br />
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They've included one important tip "It doesn't matter if the links you make are outlandish or weird. You
don't have to tell anyone. In fact, probably it is best if you don't
tell anyone, especially your new friend! But the links will help create a
web of association in your memory, and that web will stop their name
falling out of your mind when it is time to introduce them to someone
else." Always remember NOT to say out loud the link--the trigger word--instead of the name you need to remember.<br />
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http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20151113-how-to-never-forget-a-name-again?ocid=fbfut<br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-36612535837615141072015-08-18T14:36:00.002-05:002015-08-18T14:36:26.740-05:00Art in the Field<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Standing on their own in a field below Falling Water (Frank Lloyd Wright), the Red Army spreads out across the green grass.<br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-88068799175513937312015-08-18T14:24:00.001-05:002015-08-18T14:24:41.662-05:00Hair Beautiful Hair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In 1970 men really cared about their hair enough to buy THE HOT COMB
from Remington. Seems to me like blow drying hair has always been
something ordinary, everyone knows how to use the hair dryer, and
directions are unnecessary. Judging from this booklet that accompanied
the THE HOT COMB, some men needed a little help.<br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-10769926307336174252015-01-10T16:53:00.001-06:002015-01-10T16:53:44.416-06:00Before and After<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The new year brings an end to remodel projects in our home. Before I do the big reveal on the kitchen, I want to take some space in this post for a renovation of the master bath which was finished a two years ago. While organizing the photos for the kitchen big reveal, I ran across the before photos from the bathroom. This was one ugly bathroom I saw in the photos. And now we have an impressive spa like bathroom. Hard to believe, even for me and I saw it all transform before my eyes.<br />
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You have to admit, this is ugly--<br />
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The bathroom looked just like this when we moved in. Seriously devoid of any style or color. The "Japanese" tub did not actually hold water (the real-estate description called it Japanese-style, though I don't think that has anything to do with it leaking). And shower/toilet room gave privacy, I guess, but it's a bathroom with a door anyway. Pretty useless.<br />
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When we tore out the fixtures and cabinets the space automatically improved.<br />
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We were amazed at how much space we actually had to work with. Having the empty space allowed us to get a feel for how big the shower could be, how long the tub would be, and led to some creative ideas for the vanity/sink space. Agape Construction brought in the elbow grease labor and the architectural know how. Whatever I could dream up, I trusted they could make happen. And they did not disappoint us.<br />
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Vanity is concrete and flooring is tile. Shower surround tile matches flooring. Lighting above the vanity enhances the design and also allows ambiance for shower/tub use. The dim lighting under vanity and above light cabinet provide non-blinding light in early morning or middle of the night trips to the bathroom.<br />
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Cascading water from Moen faucet gently fills the air-bubble tub. Shower has a variety of water sources: rain head, adjustable height shower head which can also be taken off pole for hand held sprayer, two power sprays in the wall.<br />
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Under the cherry vanity cabinets you can see in the photo a row of pebble tile spotlighted by recessed lighting. This pebble tiling is repeated vertically in the shower wall for dramatic accent.<br />
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The bathroom has a sky-light in the sloping, extra-high ceiling, located above the tub for air circulation of steam in addition to ceiling ventilation on a timer. A recessed nook in the shower looks unique and functions as a shelf for bathing products.<br />
Tub is easy to step into with enough room on ledge for sitting. The modern toilet has water conservation technology.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3qUx2gP7LWmQVjdk5NI50Ib_v_KJOU2x4D-eS-xBR5dD5_ieUqLJCsVpLm7ZO3Ol09sXz5O8OCeC7xwdjhE15KdWKCi_7sAjWseWTRXBEo0qHa2mapuerjhIuSeO06P12cOr/s1600/Best-+IMG_4515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3qUx2gP7LWmQVjdk5NI50Ib_v_KJOU2x4D-eS-xBR5dD5_ieUqLJCsVpLm7ZO3Ol09sXz5O8OCeC7xwdjhE15KdWKCi_7sAjWseWTRXBEo0qHa2mapuerjhIuSeO06P12cOr/s1600/Best-+IMG_4515.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt4Jy05jYdRHIDRaOSkXHlJNKyexabaymUIOnTiLE2DYTGq00rmoQFkch7FjkiOVUys9-lSiCGOZ0aZWRio0T_qZkCjTEOPIBUPY_OCbiKGc7LabBB-_pZbbjD3UaXvQBUwSv/s1600/IMG_4502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpt4Jy05jYdRHIDRaOSkXHlJNKyexabaymUIOnTiLE2DYTGq00rmoQFkch7FjkiOVUys9-lSiCGOZ0aZWRio0T_qZkCjTEOPIBUPY_OCbiKGc7LabBB-_pZbbjD3UaXvQBUwSv/s1600/IMG_4502.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>We love our new bathroom so much that we couldn't wait to get started on the kitchen remodel.<br />
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Check out the upcoming post with photos of the BIG kitchen reveal.<br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-47553897882418297652014-11-29T12:09:00.005-06:002014-11-29T12:09:49.535-06:00A Work in Progress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.kelleymeister.com/">Artist on the River click here to view artist site</a><br />
<span class="userContent">Follow a work in progress: "the possibilities
of what our planet, and more specifically Minnesota’s Mississippi River
Valley, will look like over the next 150 years. Using scientific
research and historical analysis," the artist will develo<span class="text_exposed_show">p
"a multi-channel video installation that combines hand-drawn
animations, high-definition video footage of the Minnesota landscape,
and field recordings to paint a picture of what may come." </span></span><br />
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-59967709732483536002014-09-05T17:03:00.001-05:002015-11-28T11:25:12.193-06:00Can I call this home?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a room with a view. And the inside ain't so bad either.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can I call this home?</td></tr>
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-12241132777362819302014-06-30T17:22:00.002-05:002015-11-28T11:24:12.548-06:00The Big Reveal: Before <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We live in a house built in 1987 by some very creative people. The real-estate blurb called it "Colorado Contemporary." It was love at first sight. Rustic Colorado stone exterior in front and cedar siding all around with clear-story windows and a unique floor-plan. In addition to everything we need on one main level, the house features a solarium with full length windows.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3FucdFESrOGUAcvQQ0OlEWfHwBChpVv_Exl4Ny7HJ1s92KjI2lIS16GOE0-ZO7_am7D566ExUmXetSpr3uTH20Rzez71XQLdDfEKsCVp7xNj68KkXhgv_j6ZrZHo9nG0ccVD/s1600/DSCF2897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3FucdFESrOGUAcvQQ0OlEWfHwBChpVv_Exl4Ny7HJ1s92KjI2lIS16GOE0-ZO7_am7D566ExUmXetSpr3uTH20Rzez71XQLdDfEKsCVp7xNj68KkXhgv_j6ZrZHo9nG0ccVD/s1600/DSCF2897.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The roof lines give that Colorado Rockies vibe, also emphasized by the steep climb up the driveway. Our vision for the interior reflects an eclectic vibe, not as rustic as the exterior.<br />
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A few years ago, we started on the kitchen renovation. We stopped with yanking out the Jenn Air stove (with only two burners) and the small wall oven. In their place we installed the cabinets and counter where the wall oven had been, and added a new inductive range with large oven, and a microwave above it. The cabinets remained white, as originally built, except the ones on top over the range/oven. Those we replaced with a wood grain that imitates the original upper cabinets over the sink that have wood-framed glass doors.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLOhZ5g34xjM29oavX7PZqtk35crLGDx1oDT_WAnOEZnr4VjdBD7RkB1W0RNB3Jd92TI_ZskerXanlvJfXnzKoDz5phazP4taW9lvFZRQBmrkexJ8OpEEqf85FDUxiUFQoxbt/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLOhZ5g34xjM29oavX7PZqtk35crLGDx1oDT_WAnOEZnr4VjdBD7RkB1W0RNB3Jd92TI_ZskerXanlvJfXnzKoDz5phazP4taW9lvFZRQBmrkexJ8OpEEqf85FDUxiUFQoxbt/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" width="320" /></a> In the middle of the kitchen pictured here, you see the enormous island (interior shot after cabinet and counter were removed). An island does not need to be this large, and we wanted to have a hangover for bar stools (get it hangover for....never mind).<br />
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Yes, that's a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer (right of the photo), original to the 1987 house. Still works well. Since they cost more than most cars and have to be specially installed, we have learned to love it.<br />
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Stay tuned. I am not giving away the BIG reveal in this post. This week the finishing touches will be added and all in good time I'll share the photos of this 21st century make-over in another post.</div>
MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-10901235037685328702014-06-30T16:35:00.003-05:002014-10-01T12:41:07.505-05:00Boats on the Water<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The only thing more fun that one peddle kayak would be two peddle kayaks on the water. These speedy water crafts maneuver easily and defy tipping over. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Hobie Kayak with peddles, paddle, and a sail (not shown here)</u></td></tr>
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-5262488706119303062014-06-26T09:39:00.000-05:002014-10-01T12:41:41.276-05:00Stop! Don't eat that....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic market in Rome.</td></tr>
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Knowing you have an interest in healthy eating, I thought you might find this article worth reading.</div>
It's on the Internet so it MUST be true....</div>
On the <u>No No</u> list you will find these US made foods, sold here, are <b>banned in other countries</b>.
But some of the countries have changed their product make-up to UN-ban the food to export to other
countries to make it safer to consume, and they still don't change it here. Go
figure!</div>
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Highlights from the article--to save time....the article lists more....</div>
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Mountain Dew --banned in Europe (MD does keep you from spontaneously bursting into flames)</div>
Boxed foods, (Mac and Cheese) --banned in Austria, Norway, warnings in Britain, European Union<br />
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Chicken fed with Arsenic --banned by the European Union (lots of skinny chicks over there)</div>
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Bread made in the US --banned in Canada and China and the EU</div>
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Food made with Olestra --banned in UK and Canada (I never thought this stuff was a good idea)</div>
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Preservatives BHA and BHT (it's in everything) --banned in EU, Japan, UK<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><br /></b></span>Milk and Dairy Products Made with rBGH<b> --</b>Australia, New Zealand, Israel, EU and Canada<br />
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<a href="http://oracletalk.com/10-foods-sold-u-s-banned-elsewhere/">Read the details here ----- http://oracletalk.com/10-foods-sold-u-s-banned-elsewhere/</a></div>
Next time I have to grocery shop, I'm going to France. Well, I could go to Canada once in awhile.<br />
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Here's a mini-world tour of food I have experienced in traveling out of the USA. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qg99PUguSIS4Ax2Q4aw2t9alaoJ9pEHwTZGOrwIHLPDwUOXqMsM9HltHowwyDbvffDlqd7ysNfqz_QNOWKcpVcNMJwicR8O4yyWc1KBo3FmayAwGGTsQP_RnHMY44Y0M7Vl9/s1600/DSC01223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Qg99PUguSIS4Ax2Q4aw2t9alaoJ9pEHwTZGOrwIHLPDwUOXqMsM9HltHowwyDbvffDlqd7ysNfqz_QNOWKcpVcNMJwicR8O4yyWc1KBo3FmayAwGGTsQP_RnHMY44Y0M7Vl9/s1600/DSC01223.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nQlBxDqPc5U20Ch3Nem74h5c09VQ4Gbr51tsmLWXG4_vUQq8pBdWaw1l7ON4MafWKPPTehfnJ1cM534Ohab-SR7GLmNT7UGZOXMKmrBPRthhqFHDUAzo1lAIuTYeRYRV3hY7/s1600/DSC01470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nQlBxDqPc5U20Ch3Nem74h5c09VQ4Gbr51tsmLWXG4_vUQq8pBdWaw1l7ON4MafWKPPTehfnJ1cM534Ohab-SR7GLmNT7UGZOXMKmrBPRthhqFHDUAzo1lAIuTYeRYRV3hY7/s1600/DSC01470.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frankfort, Germany. BOILED pork chop! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjau0DmsKsBfbmDZw8NkNWa9XNZ5PVN5kExejObpxfDzqG_5TdqyrQQJ3uM7DpOlKrjD4kwfOt97ognp2K9Wye1srzaBlX5tZz867C_ZIlCIeLQSYP_bv_dcTQ7DOuBTQPaB0k/s1600/DSC02306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjau0DmsKsBfbmDZw8NkNWa9XNZ5PVN5kExejObpxfDzqG_5TdqyrQQJ3uM7DpOlKrjD4kwfOt97ognp2K9Wye1srzaBlX5tZz867C_ZIlCIeLQSYP_bv_dcTQ7DOuBTQPaB0k/s1600/DSC02306.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish in Ostia Antica, Italy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiJAw71TZPMbrtrh689CXhjDdHXgHf_UfkAe-FI4hfPwxC34NJ1ISx0FalQCbnkFUcj_qs2LtTmI7EGbJ3FZaGhCRKHO1mB8ADB_N6Pgh-GgIMOOSJyneh8zJTXNRXR9VzdvZ/s1600/DSC00531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiJAw71TZPMbrtrh689CXhjDdHXgHf_UfkAe-FI4hfPwxC34NJ1ISx0FalQCbnkFUcj_qs2LtTmI7EGbJ3FZaGhCRKHO1mB8ADB_N6Pgh-GgIMOOSJyneh8zJTXNRXR9VzdvZ/s1600/DSC00531.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The making of CAT POO POO Coffee--yes, cat feces, actually. The USA would probably prohibit this coffee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxv_5zpX7qMfw0oMDR3TTZWL5-iZXCZ5UASRhTH5dQHkZUbqqcfuCbVDxsSitxw2t0zQa2YryCEa0mWf4wxQLvDEgEbrFpeLD1q7SxKQdRpsLV_mphW4Ij9rrbxknj4Hn0SM3/s1600/DSC00521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxv_5zpX7qMfw0oMDR3TTZWL5-iZXCZ5UASRhTH5dQHkZUbqqcfuCbVDxsSitxw2t0zQa2YryCEa0mWf4wxQLvDEgEbrFpeLD1q7SxKQdRpsLV_mphW4Ij9rrbxknj4Hn0SM3/s1600/DSC00521.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the coast of Bali, Indonesia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHhqrWr_wZlmmpX5_L2fiTsSZL-NjXaLDe02pGUQlwwuZoG3KhKHUB3hGfBVZirhgJjIATshD18DF6nUfk1vlcjKm6bBUIqj8U-XNwsM_n-sthrbDH6Gqfub_5wq7FK6w1DaZ/s1600/DSC00565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHhqrWr_wZlmmpX5_L2fiTsSZL-NjXaLDe02pGUQlwwuZoG3KhKHUB3hGfBVZirhgJjIATshD18DF6nUfk1vlcjKm6bBUIqj8U-XNwsM_n-sthrbDH6Gqfub_5wq7FK6w1DaZ/s1600/DSC00565.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ubud, Bali, Indonesia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtNhd4faEdfn6lavthXgzkL3e7AH4mMl4eE23mrdIBnLD8Oe69JGYTIC4OJl6Dt3RTi8TWotQSPTnG3_Xa4U-u80x8Oflkop0B_R1eO0XWSlE4jayWQBI3ZkX85pX6n8rRzMY/s1600/DSC00154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtNhd4faEdfn6lavthXgzkL3e7AH4mMl4eE23mrdIBnLD8Oe69JGYTIC4OJl6Dt3RTi8TWotQSPTnG3_Xa4U-u80x8Oflkop0B_R1eO0XWSlE4jayWQBI3ZkX85pX6n8rRzMY/s1600/DSC00154.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vancouver, Canada.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-uXUgiRitjcmDWvoHI2ugrPv-83vk9bLFnvOjkg8P-ndHOjCRmC0LLxw8i6mj6xotA6h_-ECeQzETbuu8kBXJd6OazAxVvU0-D-U32s48_CJmJ5k1Y6W7WrhOUGVYRvQJsPC/s1600/2009_0727Jluy090260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-uXUgiRitjcmDWvoHI2ugrPv-83vk9bLFnvOjkg8P-ndHOjCRmC0LLxw8i6mj6xotA6h_-ECeQzETbuu8kBXJd6OazAxVvU0-D-U32s48_CJmJ5k1Y6W7WrhOUGVYRvQJsPC/s1600/2009_0727Jluy090260.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert, in Ireland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-11750778570744570972014-03-24T18:59:00.000-05:002014-03-24T18:59:15.673-05:00Schist Adds Beauty <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When hiking along trails, creeks, and roads, I have seen more than my share of leaverite rocks. Sometimes these rocks show up back at home, in the garage or the washing machine, after they've fallen out of pockets. Such specimens should stay where God or the DOT put them--just leave-er-ite where it is.<br />
<br />
Not so for the large slice of schist that surrounds our fireplace. While the warmth of the fire caresses my cold nose and chilly toes, I gaze upon the beauty of the fireplace surrounded by schist.<br />
<br />
Take a look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-N_Ek_K1Cr8X2qO3_eW4ppk6tfZd4osF_BVulP8s2EXMuyC_UhXh79h29TmIURNALr9FvC6p3w-v8ADHGfshVpa7aasfkf5dYQbzC_h8ggHWL2bR-sCIwIDEwAfBr_481TeoH/s1600/Shist+Fireplace+Surround.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-N_Ek_K1Cr8X2qO3_eW4ppk6tfZd4osF_BVulP8s2EXMuyC_UhXh79h29TmIURNALr9FvC6p3w-v8ADHGfshVpa7aasfkf5dYQbzC_h8ggHWL2bR-sCIwIDEwAfBr_481TeoH/s1600/Shist+Fireplace+Surround.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
Set the auto-thermostat on the direct vent fireplace, sit back, read a book, sip wine, and watch the flicker of flames reflect on the sparkling gemstones in the schist hearth. A piece of art--made by God.<br />
</div>
MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-38935559981944496502014-03-18T15:52:00.001-05:002014-03-18T15:52:35.020-05:00Counting the Dead<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you know how many dead people are buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery?<br /> <br /> Trick question: They're all dead!<br /> <br />
My father told me that joke when I was a child---every time we drove
past a cemetery. I passed the chuckler on to my children and now to
their children. <span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> <br /> One day last
week the clouds turned gray while we were driving toward the new bridge
crossing the great Mississippi. The grandsons in car seats (3+ and 1+)
were getting restless from the long ride. Where we can let them out for
fresh air and room to explore? Bellefontaine Cemetery, of course.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd71YgKg2MZCTGNBmgutfkke40G7SYP50O5mF-1IWecofFKSwWl_iLxvuceSVXLXGljfyuwiN-3wbnSqDO65A1oSl3eXqBfkkQAvyo23E7-cmyePX7osTO8-EvP5E6Cz7BX1X/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtd71YgKg2MZCTGNBmgutfkke40G7SYP50O5mF-1IWecofFKSwWl_iLxvuceSVXLXGljfyuwiN-3wbnSqDO65A1oSl3eXqBfkkQAvyo23E7-cmyePX7osTO8-EvP5E6Cz7BX1X/s1600/IMG_1197.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRco07KK-xgem2EgOQiU8GotjZAYUsxre4fENTZLi-z2Xi5RRfBN5eMtDcX6cxKRZ9Xp2BUdxvfQr0td44tl76SamxQf2o3QWB_WW9EggNC1NEH-twvhxT4AtyuF3M-Pq8Rsu/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRco07KK-xgem2EgOQiU8GotjZAYUsxre4fENTZLi-z2Xi5RRfBN5eMtDcX6cxKRZ9Xp2BUdxvfQr0td44tl76SamxQf2o3QWB_WW9EggNC1NEH-twvhxT4AtyuF3M-Pq8Rsu/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show"></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">I didn't know we had a couple of tomb robbers with us.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLuc53j7DHS_WMLRPPwLyU9IZNOObHxEf6UcfWlVEKsBosPutd0q3LiO5wQzy271C9vzHBhCJtIBfO-6xJU-i0SDneNoEegPCgOsTVyX2-6cL7ejtwM_J-1zit02-nrH_ea_3/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLuc53j7DHS_WMLRPPwLyU9IZNOObHxEf6UcfWlVEKsBosPutd0q3LiO5wQzy271C9vzHBhCJtIBfO-6xJU-i0SDneNoEegPCgOsTVyX2-6cL7ejtwM_J-1zit02-nrH_ea_3/s1600/IMG_1205.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwaYTOhV8PSEn1r4mev0aYaa5oPpl5Hq-g3AELFmfjVcad7Kr7gkLNAWJyS6uFjxbzmT6_iYrMMikoGz31gQLKr0sFe0cW72fJianOD72pOj64oyOhCOUwJap6m9-hm6y6_SU/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwaYTOhV8PSEn1r4mev0aYaa5oPpl5Hq-g3AELFmfjVcad7Kr7gkLNAWJyS6uFjxbzmT6_iYrMMikoGz31gQLKr0sFe0cW72fJianOD72pOj64oyOhCOUwJap6m9-hm6y6_SU/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show">Looks like he needs help.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVTkZuCcZp8SbvTKoBRPEyDKF-DIkhbUb6VJ9dumRq0YUwTb6c1UHnZRlRmahgDpXNIl2gPc13s8cLpBBRE-Mi-qBht8hxp53_gIF6KvkQ7SytMv5a60Tmy_ViK0MqgxN5yAb/s1600/IMGP0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVTkZuCcZp8SbvTKoBRPEyDKF-DIkhbUb6VJ9dumRq0YUwTb6c1UHnZRlRmahgDpXNIl2gPc13s8cLpBBRE-Mi-qBht8hxp53_gIF6KvkQ7SytMv5a60Tmy_ViK0MqgxN5yAb/s1600/IMGP0071.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show">We'll never find them now.<br /> <br />
A friend of mine gives tours of Bellefontaine Cemetery, and I've walked there with her a few
times. Very impressive -- architecture, memorials, St. Louis history!
Check it out online and plan to visit. <br /> <a href="http://bellefontainecemetery.org/history/timeline/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://bellefontainecemetery.org/history/timeline/</a><br /> <br /> You can tell the joke as you pull in to the cemetery. Every time you visit.</span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">Come across the new bridge from the east.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05-_LAxXqfRuoUE-FpVKlfc8S3-2tzRufOHgZPJonGn3a4v4BHqDfmYSzWzAmr6XN1sPzdeoIcuY_xqzUb1wpuyau6gvs9BBRBc7pJWzaSm9i1qnenaMw1lKF0v6EMUzDoAsO/s1600/IMGP0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05-_LAxXqfRuoUE-FpVKlfc8S3-2tzRufOHgZPJonGn3a4v4BHqDfmYSzWzAmr6XN1sPzdeoIcuY_xqzUb1wpuyau6gvs9BBRBc7pJWzaSm9i1qnenaMw1lKF0v6EMUzDoAsO/s1600/IMGP0066.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show"> </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></div>
MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30978234.post-23786774734895367882014-02-24T20:07:00.004-06:002014-02-24T20:07:47.327-06:00Costco Still Unaware<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Not long ago, several posts previously, I described the typo in the Costco marketing brochure. While I was at my nearby Costco for my most recent purchasing adventure, I checked the brochure. All one billion brochures in the world (one presumes they only print one since the info won't change from state to state) have the same typo, mispelling the company's name as COCTCO.<br />
<br />
When will they notice? What will it take to change the text of brochures? <br />
<br />
COCTCO is not even pronounceable, really. Do they get many new members, or new members who pick up their Costco members brochures to learn about joining Costco? If not, why does Costco spend money on these brochures? If they don't care about Costco's image and attention to detail (or lack thereof), what does it say about the rest of Costco's business/management practices? Or the quality of Costco's service and products?<br />
<br />
Well, Costco, I'd like to know.</div>
MEISTER-Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06026359459230678698noreply@blogger.com4