tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87003248639826162422024-02-29T04:32:02.411-07:00French Country Style from the Foot of the Rockies Bringing French Country Home No Matter Where You LivePat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-91389103500103615572020-10-06T13:05:00.000-06:002020-10-06T13:05:10.621-06:00Fall Greetings from a Colorado Cabin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It's the most beautiful time of the year here in the Rocky Mountains </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">when the stately aspen trees quake in their golden finery </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and the marshy bushes snuggle under their bright orange blankets. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You never know what you will wake up to here at our cabin at 11,265 feet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The mountains may be dusted with snow one day </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and bathed in golden sunlight the next.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFiCPSLGb2HiXj6s8DJw8Wmar2cnVTx5OQoX5OBrACtYyu66ntalxZ3TyFt4dzlXgS4svKCY3qy3DHCYRi7fyGOhjWZbFi5n4EWbkp6Pa2XQj359v6gdFmYGG0OoGAJ8NqUSF3Mssd8sc/s2048/IMG_6117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFiCPSLGb2HiXj6s8DJw8Wmar2cnVTx5OQoX5OBrACtYyu66ntalxZ3TyFt4dzlXgS4svKCY3qy3DHCYRi7fyGOhjWZbFi5n4EWbkp6Pa2XQj359v6gdFmYGG0OoGAJ8NqUSF3Mssd8sc/w640-h480/IMG_6117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The mosquitos have moved on to warmer climes, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">students are back in school </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and families have wrapped up their summer vacations </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">so it's quiet here at the cabin.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oxbo37-uGk4icchfU38_rXivVyKahhc5Wo9g_6h0Dfkpwe91nJPRlXRL2zO0FzqfRbG_T1iPNEkP13SiwayP0L27uaZ3q30q5NrB6tLC75_c0Cgdwzh628sXqykt6nYfZt05tYF6wtxO/s2048/IMG_6115.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7oxbo37-uGk4icchfU38_rXivVyKahhc5Wo9g_6h0Dfkpwe91nJPRlXRL2zO0FzqfRbG_T1iPNEkP13SiwayP0L27uaZ3q30q5NrB6tLC75_c0Cgdwzh628sXqykt6nYfZt05tYF6wtxO/w640-h480/IMG_6115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We hold our breath and listen for bugling elk. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We've seen their signs but haven't heard any mating rituals yet</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">which can be pretty exciting. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">However we were thrilled to see a moose with her calf close up and personal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(That post in the lower right corner is our front deck!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx8_WP7h26uxlho33cvi3nuju7ni1LcLiLtsem4FiMTGQ9DHoLhS3DVrI1pPKtI__5qRPPrYYV010sxZPvOFeHBgSEHstBAjWKm8DFjnLS6H3SfjM30PRFFtqc7S0O5CRO5wRpCsW_WcM/s2016/20200722_193735_resized_2+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx8_WP7h26uxlho33cvi3nuju7ni1LcLiLtsem4FiMTGQ9DHoLhS3DVrI1pPKtI__5qRPPrYYV010sxZPvOFeHBgSEHstBAjWKm8DFjnLS6H3SfjM30PRFFtqc7S0O5CRO5wRpCsW_WcM/w640-h480/20200722_193735_resized_2+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It's perfect weather for being outdoors so we hike</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> abut two hours, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">skirting an old 1897 silver mine</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">then returning to the cabin on a back road</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> that winds through a ghost town.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you look closely, you'll see stumps </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">scattered on the hillside </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">where </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">trees have been chopped down </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">for old miners' cabins or mine structures.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The mountain in the distance is one of Colorado's 14ers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig31OhoDuUhOiRm5POwQu3OhK0Z8SnWzeujkJvEpWxvOy6xVZIgqQDzkm2k8o7U40HMcgFBWj6VZdv7KPTanKFYJyDooUNPp5h6P6gnqP4Iem_RgSTpM_sKw9Mfqbu1As6UJQfFWmsQf9b/s2048/IMG_6120.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig31OhoDuUhOiRm5POwQu3OhK0Z8SnWzeujkJvEpWxvOy6xVZIgqQDzkm2k8o7U40HMcgFBWj6VZdv7KPTanKFYJyDooUNPp5h6P6gnqP4Iem_RgSTpM_sKw9Mfqbu1As6UJQfFWmsQf9b/w640-h480/IMG_6120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As we walk through the woods, we o</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ccasionally view a giant mountain </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">peeking </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">through enormous green pine trees. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This unusual formation is shaped like a horseshoe. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Breathtaking. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmfsMlRJpl5uvfXiBl-iwtU9IGRuAm_fTjaBM4RqrS1OO7sagKfCXbgMxSjgnLGRko3fPw_yPyTPM7C4OO-b7lIe0RiCLc41Ee0qHH76SiE0LUabuJ-kUPyKKs3pOV6sC-pxctkFiOrDG/w640-h478/20200930_105105_resized.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It gets dark early here in October and, with no electricity, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">it's darker and colder than you can imagine. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The temperature overnight was twenty-four degrees. Brrr.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Roxy has claimed her favorite blanket to keep her warm.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So sweet. Her nose is usually buried in the blanket.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4Gc82zlnLV1alV2KuJ-BZGeuwBXEcbqnGDfU5PQZsFL4SzBTVqMcCLdabY6KHzdyds-DR30MT-Rd_9NP9WyRlvJvDE7D6cRtZ1PMoZBLZ60TvOPi4LoKOXNwejcvutZvFg2EgfacI37l/s2016/20200722_075253_resized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4Gc82zlnLV1alV2KuJ-BZGeuwBXEcbqnGDfU5PQZsFL4SzBTVqMcCLdabY6KHzdyds-DR30MT-Rd_9NP9WyRlvJvDE7D6cRtZ1PMoZBLZ60TvOPi4LoKOXNwejcvutZvFg2EgfacI37l/w640-h480/20200722_075253_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Soon the narrow road will be impassable with snow depths of eight feet or more. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As total darkness overtakes</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> our little cabin,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">we turn on our battery lights an</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">d fire up the small propane stove. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(Thank God for propane!)</span></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;"><span style="background-color: #e1e7f1; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><br /> <p></p>Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-53949334474317435182020-03-16T16:40:00.000-06:002020-03-16T16:40:06.054-06:00It's Story TimeHi Everyone!<br />
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I'm so excited to let you know my new novel is now available in <b>PAPERBACK</b>!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhasglQYfBhEj8QzwOavrg9c67hwB4RhsF-9YvdP4LOF5l-3-V3Fbv2k6gCi-SqXIXEWQ4yIoStzvHaNWQ42x-jbJAn0oucqzuKShJpup4QWivDoeeQyiS78s_a6OyLquUqksFNtlxDjU1g/s1600/20200311_111814_resized_1.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/AVvXsEhasglQYfBhEj8QzwOavrg9c67hwB4RhsF-9YvdP4LOF5l-3-V3Fbv2k6gCi-SqXIXEWQ4yIoStzvHaNWQ42x-jbJAn0oucqzuKShJpup4QWivDoeeQyiS78s_a6OyLquUqksFNtlxDjU1g/s640/20200311_111814_resized_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For those of you who prefer to hold a book in your hands instead of reading it online, </div>
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I've added the paperback option for you. The Kindl version is also available.</div>
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Just google Amazon.com and search "Secrets from the Past" or "Pat Shipley." </div>
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I've recently found out there is another book with the same title, so make sure you order mine. LOL. </div>
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As always, I appreciate your support so much. </div>
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I can't tell you how excited I get whenever I see another copy has been sold! Thank you!</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-51240823048841354782020-01-03T14:19:00.003-07:002020-01-03T14:19:58.264-07:00Exciting News from Pat<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi Friends! Have I got some exciting news to share. I'm a published author! </div>
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Yes, that's what I've been up to and why you haven't seen too many posts on my blog for a while.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYohe6ME3dxEHabfWAE0NCMtj-B-DNBJeiixiGCDMJNy3vG-HwQfkMi8Fix-SavGYaBAhma2sKzm9-C9YK6gVHU0b25O6lpn2on2DMuxaViHmbq-V2lCiqSh8cQXsP8vRd__TwqY2g-P4/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYohe6ME3dxEHabfWAE0NCMtj-B-DNBJeiixiGCDMJNy3vG-HwQfkMi8Fix-SavGYaBAhma2sKzm9-C9YK6gVHU0b25O6lpn2on2DMuxaViHmbq-V2lCiqSh8cQXsP8vRd__TwqY2g-P4/s400/IMG_1828.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My book is called <b>"Secrets from the Past." </b></div>
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Below is a short preview giving you a little taste of what it's all about.</div>
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"Twenty-eight-year-old Cassie Hart finds herself unemployed, broken-hearted and still feeling the emotional scars of early childhood abandonment. She channels those feelings into saving a one-hundred-thirty-year-old cottage that is slated for demolition in the old part of Denver, a city that is rapidly losing its charming old neighborhoods in favor of progress and profit. She's stunned to find out a ruthless but sexy developer has purchased the cottage and is on a fast-track to clear the lot and build condos. As she explores the property, she encounters a small child who appears to be a ghost that only Cassie can see. Why is this ghost, who mysteriously died in the house a hundred years ago, guiding Cassie to find cryptic clues about her traumatic death? While Cassie unravels questions that have plagued her for years, she begins to realize she has more in common with the developer than just real estate and finally understands why she's inexplicably drawn to this old cottage."<br />
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I published my book on Amazon Kindle; I think this is a link to it below. (This is my first attempt at self publishing so I'm not 100% sure I'm doing the link right.) Maybe you can let me know if it worked. I hope you enjoy my book and would appreciate your comments and support. Thanks so much.<br />
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Love and hugs, Pat Shipley<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083C6MY2T">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083C6MY2T</a><br />
<br />Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-584085917012535322019-11-01T11:21:00.002-06:002019-11-01T11:21:22.026-06:00Capturing Winter Light<div style="text-align: center;">
Greetings from the Deep Freeze! I awoke this morning to 10 degrees and 10 inches of snow. </div>
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I admit I stayed in my jammies until around noon </div>
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when I started noticing unusual shadows and highlights in the dining and living rooms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-a1dxgY1vX7ftr70byUnRZU6xH-Z8vPkFeJZ1d2-S_AWQ2YsTU7xkgUHEEe7tSz22lBxUKzFHZruxgAzuLQE-J-75hwfXoMlfh6Gqv22oNdCnPaBemlBPgpaG7jNYzACt1KKZThyW04JI/s1600/IMG_6026.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/AVvXsEi-a1dxgY1vX7ftr70byUnRZU6xH-Z8vPkFeJZ1d2-S_AWQ2YsTU7xkgUHEEe7tSz22lBxUKzFHZruxgAzuLQE-J-75hwfXoMlfh6Gqv22oNdCnPaBemlBPgpaG7jNYzACt1KKZThyW04JI/s640/IMG_6026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Winter light can pose challenges as well as creative photographic opportunities. </div>
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The sun is lower in the sky, casting unusual shadows and highlights </div>
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where you didn't notice them before. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3VzXO2_F0l-ch9Twvt3tBHVinHH_dOZhqUGj_HTz44w155wsfyiLpuLfAagcuCXsELHTpOuQoTGrnaV1RwWfhDksb7ior9U38VGQVeFeX-zY3hlyEuD5mD1jZyBDxcCf943gC8eR7Ud7/s1600/IMG_6051.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/AVvXsEiF3VzXO2_F0l-ch9Twvt3tBHVinHH_dOZhqUGj_HTz44w155wsfyiLpuLfAagcuCXsELHTpOuQoTGrnaV1RwWfhDksb7ior9U38VGQVeFeX-zY3hlyEuD5mD1jZyBDxcCf943gC8eR7Ud7/s640/IMG_6051.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Walking though your house you may notice potential shots</div>
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that were invisible in the harsh light of summer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs778iWDe3kEW06B4f96ihsfsxZywwcNG4akrQpUDkzGCXBw4rn0Er2DKjK9MwDVebViMp19Fl2JzCM_IRP3cL8k_dpFfNNdiOGBtGwupz09Dyh5a1KcWOMyaHkj1ed46OFpANHOshSTOb/s1600/IMG_6028.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/AVvXsEhs778iWDe3kEW06B4f96ihsfsxZywwcNG4akrQpUDkzGCXBw4rn0Er2DKjK9MwDVebViMp19Fl2JzCM_IRP3cL8k_dpFfNNdiOGBtGwupz09Dyh5a1KcWOMyaHkj1ed46OFpANHOshSTOb/s640/IMG_6028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This post is not about changing your white balance or stepping down your f-stops </div>
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because I keep it simple with my Canon point and shoot camera. </div>
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You can find some excellent tips online for these more specialized adjustments.</div>
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No, today's post is about noticing how things change in the filtered light of winter. </div>
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My number one tip is simply to pay attention to what's around you. </div>
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The winter sun is lower in the sky, creating a softer light, making winter, </div>
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as some experts say, the best season for photography.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9ZofbYyxwEC_uvQyRkTxHvntxlQfRF5uDGMot09GnLrrqW_aLMTWMB_EuDyHhZlb5a5wZiS6zTFt9q_4Q9D-lM8bHzVqpzX8LbjodXSso9cXSLLzF9LjTkzcIxnkSj96_hPcq26fs1M0/s1600/IMG_6042.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/AVvXsEgz9ZofbYyxwEC_uvQyRkTxHvntxlQfRF5uDGMot09GnLrrqW_aLMTWMB_EuDyHhZlb5a5wZiS6zTFt9q_4Q9D-lM8bHzVqpzX8LbjodXSso9cXSLLzF9LjTkzcIxnkSj96_hPcq26fs1M0/s640/IMG_6042.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Remember how strong summer light created harsh shadows. </div>
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Well, winter light filters the sun, turning those shadows into creative shots.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUo62zyG388HH-wlHzLLEtXFxZ1y5aWANCAPi5TXwbWUEBKjG1Oa-V55CqqMNlLGxdmwnX8G50h-Vkdvm6Ths3sH-eIEwtn4s_qJ_cp_EKbsmAv-UcN265OoOkSMlAqVooSzbjfO27ysJs/s1600/IMG_6037.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/AVvXsEiUo62zyG388HH-wlHzLLEtXFxZ1y5aWANCAPi5TXwbWUEBKjG1Oa-V55CqqMNlLGxdmwnX8G50h-Vkdvm6Ths3sH-eIEwtn4s_qJ_cp_EKbsmAv-UcN265OoOkSMlAqVooSzbjfO27ysJs/s640/IMG_6037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Winter days are shorter so tip number two is take your outdoor photos during the Magic Hour </div>
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when a golden glow cast a warm tone on your photos.</div>
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This is the mountain by our cabin as the sun sinks in the sky.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iPU7O8gVMB5KpCcwtcWqzsrk_lpTGBU-ZRdEx4JqVXgMqwPQNuYyTiF7Ehc3XGmJbDG5Qj49fndhQXlhyA88PwKXhXWUXV9kHg4bLbm0w7zNbMR81h5ujY18-UIVs9cs-_BlseJY4EL7/s1600/IMG_4911.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/AVvXsEj0iPU7O8gVMB5KpCcwtcWqzsrk_lpTGBU-ZRdEx4JqVXgMqwPQNuYyTiF7Ehc3XGmJbDG5Qj49fndhQXlhyA88PwKXhXWUXV9kHg4bLbm0w7zNbMR81h5ujY18-UIVs9cs-_BlseJY4EL7/s640/IMG_4911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Magic Hour is the time just before and after sunrise and sunset. </div>
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Also known as Happy Hour! Well, during sunset that is. LOL</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSuWqhBQa6JOoI2s9KHmmC2tVstkivudUHh-5QHAxYcT6Ihc_D2XEGI7xKwHzFL8QkupnWt0cBH9vdy3EZuhtBm_-L1y0nVRfiVYDAqy_S4R0U_8JaghL4XeR2l0THut55I1HOrePR6Zo/s1600/IMG_6041.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/AVvXsEhvSuWqhBQa6JOoI2s9KHmmC2tVstkivudUHh-5QHAxYcT6Ihc_D2XEGI7xKwHzFL8QkupnWt0cBH9vdy3EZuhtBm_-L1y0nVRfiVYDAqy_S4R0U_8JaghL4XeR2l0THut55I1HOrePR6Zo/s640/IMG_6041.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's one I didn't know until I read it online . . . batteries don't last as long in cold temperatures </div>
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so have extras on hand or make sure your rechargeable batteries are fully charged. </div>
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That's tip number three.</div>
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Taking a photo of an object next to a window can produce a lovely soft, shot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_721i1Q4_-GgF1h0pPtfSktTHD60pTSk0jsV_bONSvdiJqXJ029wH2CTPiyrD18cFBiBsvBKzMcPJjHIhZeazJreFOGOUyXeJ6NPv3bFW-Guv0gvin0wDN8tJj6nbZP-37yhXneqdA59/s1600/IMG_6049.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/AVvXsEgf_721i1Q4_-GgF1h0pPtfSktTHD60pTSk0jsV_bONSvdiJqXJ029wH2CTPiyrD18cFBiBsvBKzMcPJjHIhZeazJreFOGOUyXeJ6NPv3bFW-Guv0gvin0wDN8tJj6nbZP-37yhXneqdA59/s640/IMG_6049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The main message of this post is simply to be more aware of your surroundings this winter</div>
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and you may discover a whole different look to your photos.</div>
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I like the contrast of dark and light in this photo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31Q1krsdvr_nxirLG-uat1yK2g927JIturX35K1XiBbcu6xDlOp8kICGAs1WIKVFkCf75_M_dTuTzE7VIpyonl-dTFgayR6yVveuy9m6AZrxTDdbP3e1SAkFrVNAxVWdQTCCijIREzbV-/s1600/IMG_6048.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/AVvXsEi31Q1krsdvr_nxirLG-uat1yK2g927JIturX35K1XiBbcu6xDlOp8kICGAs1WIKVFkCf75_M_dTuTzE7VIpyonl-dTFgayR6yVveuy9m6AZrxTDdbP3e1SAkFrVNAxVWdQTCCijIREzbV-/s640/IMG_6048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Roxy certainly is aware of her warm surroundings on these cold winter days. </div>
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She always seems to find a spot of sun. </div>
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And, yes, she likes to keep a small plate close by in case a snack becomes available. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuycHdYZbOpIf85RJ99Zt9r5P0YG1EenfBSDBX2st-zKFzC7WGTc6-bvb8iGL166WTSTDUEZzU3SBDCs8KnGRQYJYmjqy23ejxTMo14x4jVo5ewBTzUjQCo3IFXBwv3uBu5jT03AHqL_vp/s1600/IMG_6032.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/AVvXsEiuycHdYZbOpIf85RJ99Zt9r5P0YG1EenfBSDBX2st-zKFzC7WGTc6-bvb8iGL166WTSTDUEZzU3SBDCs8KnGRQYJYmjqy23ejxTMo14x4jVo5ewBTzUjQCo3IFXBwv3uBu5jT03AHqL_vp/s640/IMG_6032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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***</div>
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<br />Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-68992239021226482292019-10-25T13:58:00.001-06:002019-10-25T13:58:07.653-06:00My Wild Ride<div style="text-align: center;">
It's not often you have the opportunity to climb to the top of the world.</div>
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But that's what it seemed like when I bumped up a narrow dirt road </div>
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to the top of the Rocky Mountains across from our rustic cabin. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_btAWyqwP0NodWReuhZqQ0bVjcibs3ZvJOxDA-H9aLZn3lULDVRVrrs736hvnMrivgf3KKFYbY06jqt05vKQAsqNT8B3hTBi3xbYp2WRQlBePWm_MmRmIk-bs7XzRf3iI0AMGxtckiEq/s1600/IMG_5959.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/AVvXsEhf_btAWyqwP0NodWReuhZqQ0bVjcibs3ZvJOxDA-H9aLZn3lULDVRVrrs736hvnMrivgf3KKFYbY06jqt05vKQAsqNT8B3hTBi3xbYp2WRQlBePWm_MmRmIk-bs7XzRf3iI0AMGxtckiEq/s640/IMG_5959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It started when I flagged down my cabin neighbor, Charlotte, (below)</div>
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and asked her to give me a ride in her ATV. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMITA1Pji5g3T2Tx9jW8HwbYloYarwiaKY11f5y47YhziFzRQteprUhYST9wRn28RYTiz5ZVJANO23IWsrXTqYCEvHqs4MoscoYfOx_QsIhZFv1rw_VqgEhEElblYChP_XFgcdzk2eqUUz/s1600/IMG_5952.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/AVvXsEiMITA1Pji5g3T2Tx9jW8HwbYloYarwiaKY11f5y47YhziFzRQteprUhYST9wRn28RYTiz5ZVJANO23IWsrXTqYCEvHqs4MoscoYfOx_QsIhZFv1rw_VqgEhEElblYChP_XFgcdzk2eqUUz/s640/IMG_5952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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She readily agreed and strapped me in, then snapped a net across the open doorway.</div>
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It didn't look sturdy enough to keep me from becoming a projectile into the blue sky.</div>
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I was expecting the ride to be less than an hour, </div>
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just bopping around the side roads near our cabin. </div>
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Boy, was I wrong!</div>
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Yes, Charlotte did point out neighbors' cabins as we chugged up higher and higher. </div>
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We passed a remarkable old mill that the new owners are encasing in a house.</div>
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Can't wait to see the finished product. </div>
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Then we took off across an area hidden from the county road below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFo1GRLAuhORZwvfQmpBqbkIolH-MzdtTwqZTOFUiNx1HRZyHXYbiShJJX2B5uOn3GKf11KiLZzxjA-bpTDD9HwezAYIsIr45drXrSheouh9J5VPEvtci7IQ5MvuHN-kqksMrFXxlcwKDE/s1600/IMG_5944.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/AVvXsEgFo1GRLAuhORZwvfQmpBqbkIolH-MzdtTwqZTOFUiNx1HRZyHXYbiShJJX2B5uOn3GKf11KiLZzxjA-bpTDD9HwezAYIsIr45drXrSheouh9J5VPEvtci7IQ5MvuHN-kqksMrFXxlcwKDE/s640/IMG_5944.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Really, it was more of a path than a road. </div>
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Uh oh. </div>
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The narrow road skimmed the side of the mountain. </div>
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The view was straight down. </div>
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I grabbed the side bar that was keeping me from sliding down the mountain,</div>
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laughing nervously. </div>
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But what gorgeous scenery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRiWkmBRcvrhmh0moOTb5lCqtPsrgzTZrQDzSK7WZoZrdgMJx_pgT6Du9t0H54LJ3dzUhYtAGnaNMSuu2VX1WLKJp5VWw8B9LqxHZs7096zMWjwnlfVvLg00PMXrTNvKTwpq4zXWTsd3E/s1600/IMG_5956.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/AVvXsEiJRiWkmBRcvrhmh0moOTb5lCqtPsrgzTZrQDzSK7WZoZrdgMJx_pgT6Du9t0H54LJ3dzUhYtAGnaNMSuu2VX1WLKJp5VWw8B9LqxHZs7096zMWjwnlfVvLg00PMXrTNvKTwpq4zXWTsd3E/s640/IMG_5956.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It felt like another world. </div>
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We didn't see any other people or animals during the two-hour ride.</div>
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We climbed to a mountain cirque (an ampitheatre-like valley formed by glacial erosion.)</div>
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This one is called Horseshoe Mountain (13,898 feet).. </div>
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This is what Horseshoe looks like in the winter.<br />
It's easy to see why it's called Horseshoe. </div>
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At the base of the cirque was a magical small lake called a tarn. </div>
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A tarn forms when there is seasonal melting on the floor of the cirque.</div>
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This was my favorite place. </div>
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Now, we just had to get down off this mountain!</div>
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I'm not much of a daredevil (any more)</div>
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and am not sure I would have taken this wild ride had I known what was involved.</div>
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But Charlotte was an excellent driver and I'm so thankful I got to see this side of the mountain.</div>
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It was so worth it.</div>
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Thank you so much Charlotte!<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed your "ride" I hope you'll follow me via email.<br />
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
Thanks so much!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-35845427260988630292019-09-24T22:56:00.000-06:002019-09-24T22:56:02.773-06:00Early Fall Changes<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi friends and Happy Fall. </div>
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I hope you're enjoying some beautiful autumn weather where you are. </div>
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Here in Colorado, the nights are cool enough for an extra blanket </div>
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and the aspen leaves are turning bright orange and gold </div>
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while there's snow dusting the mountain tops.</div>
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I'm enjoying a few new blooms that brighten a fall landscape in my garden.</div>
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Inside the house, fall inspires me to make a few simple changes and do a little cleaning. </div>
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I always seem to do "fall cleaning" rather than "spring cleaning."</div>
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The foyer gets a new look for fall with some natural touches, </div>
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an old window, a vintage silver tray and a straw-covered wine bottle. </div>
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A view of the little "great" room. </div>
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I love the warm look of the wooden bowl and a deer antler on the dining table.</div>
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More wooden bowls and some dried hydrangeas crown the china closet. </div>
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The mantel in the dining room is lined with candles, warming up this space.</div>
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Wrapped wine bottles punctuate each end of the mantle. </div>
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I've added a small table in back of the couch that holds an ironstone pitcher </div>
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filled with cotton ball stems and another unusual wine bottle. </div>
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Looking into the dining room from the living room. </div>
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Warm textures, soft colors and a chunky throw bring the changing season inside. </div>
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It won't be long before cars line up<br />
to view the changing colors of the leaves in our beautiful mountains. </div>
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Happy Fall Everyone!</div>
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***</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me on e-mail.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks so much!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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***</div>
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Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-12669647547787634922019-08-31T15:15:00.001-06:002019-08-31T15:15:04.598-06:00Late Summer at the Cabin<div style="text-align: center;">
Late August is a wonderful time to visit the cabin. </div>
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The air is fresh and cool, a nice change from the 90+ degrees in Denver. </div>
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The wildflowers are blooming and the daytrippers have left to get ready for back to school. </div>
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The cabin is surrounded by wildflowers and rock outcroppings.</div>
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After a storm ... mist settles into the pines.</div>
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When it storms at 11,000 feet, the lightning literally bounces off the mountain tops.</div>
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We've whittled down our "to do" list.<br />
Our front deck had too much space in between the boards, making it very unsafe. </div>
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Here, Ron is putting 2x2s in between the boards to close up the spaces, a simple fix.</div>
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I really like how it turned out!</div>
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We'll use this deck more often now that we won't twist an ankle.</div>
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Inside the cabin we brought a primitive bench I had up to the living space.<br />
It makes a perfect small coffee table.<br />
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We're loving this room.<br />
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Roxy is really adapting well to the altitude.<br />
She's our new Scrabble partner!!<br />
I think she's saying, "What do you mean Grrr is not a word?"<br />
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'Til next time.<br />
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***<br />
<br />
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Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.<br />
Thanks so much!<br />
<br />
***</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-43223453713710441302019-08-09T08:43:00.000-06:002019-08-09T08:43:00.780-06:00Ready for a Sweetness Overload?<div style="text-align: center;">
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Brace yourself for the sweetest faces you've ever seen! </div>
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Ready? Here they come!</div>
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Alpacas! All fifty of them on a beautiful ranch in Colorado. </div>
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I'd met the lady rancher/weaver at a vintage market earlier this year </div>
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where she was selling Alpaca socks, scarves and other items. </div>
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As we talked about these adorable animals, she told me they open their ranch </div>
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once a year to the public. I made a note to follow up and find out when it was. </div>
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When the day finally came, I couldn't wait to see these unique animals close up. </div>
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What made this so fun was being allowed to walk among the alpacas, </div>
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quite a different experience than viewing animals at a zoo.</div>
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Sometimes we saw them at a distance, other times they were curious about us </div>
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and checked us out up close and personal.</div>
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There were several yearlings that were just too cute for words.</div>
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How do you catch an alpaca?</div>
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You sneak up on them from the rear and straddle them from behind,<br />
then hold onto their long necks.</div>
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And no, this picture is not out of focus.</div>
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That's just how soft and airy their hair is.</div>
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Alpacas are not pack animals. They're raised for their wonderful hair!</div>
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This ranch was located in an area I'd always considered the plains</div>
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but it was surrounded by giant pine trees and green green meadows.<br />
Heaven.</div>
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Alpacas, originally from Peru, come in several different colors -- </div>
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white, dark brown, light brown. black and light gray.</div>
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And when they sleep, they really rack out. </div>
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Their breathing is so shallow, they appear to be dead.</div>
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This group had been sheered three weeks ago but they do get quite a thick coat.</div>
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I must have taken a hundred pictures but I think my favorite was these "babies."</div>
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Don't you just love their "leg warmers and top knots?"</div>
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And lest we forget . . .</div>
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this adorable farm dog eyeing a few treats while all the attention was on the alpacas!</div>
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What a perfectly beautiful day.<br />
I think I left a piece of my heart on this ranch. </div>
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***<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.<br />
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page<br />
Thank you and enjoy your summer!</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-91945335818560112282019-07-19T09:52:00.002-06:002019-07-19T09:52:40.248-06:00Mountain Cabin Summer Update<div style="text-align: center;">
We've finally been able to reach our cabin in the mountains. </div>
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The last time we attempted it, there was still lots of snow blocking our road. </div>
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So, now that the snow has melted, we've visited the cabin a couple of times so far this summer.<br />
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Everything is so green!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WRMlvFWNz0PSRH2YresTTwC3mUvv8aO0hs9jsnGaBt17qA7hZlRgSAATbDQDYH-_D5XOWGMAsWU27kxuzbbBhWzMIO1fQnK9mUTDon05mktO9U9ekc3rfCj55tjrr1gohbPbXKvJDzZH/s1600/IMG_5889.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/AVvXsEh3WRMlvFWNz0PSRH2YresTTwC3mUvv8aO0hs9jsnGaBt17qA7hZlRgSAATbDQDYH-_D5XOWGMAsWU27kxuzbbBhWzMIO1fQnK9mUTDon05mktO9U9ekc3rfCj55tjrr1gohbPbXKvJDzZH/s640/IMG_5889.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had purchased a super comfy chair from Habitat for Humanity back in March</div>
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and now we could finally moved it from the middle of our guest room floor to the cabin. </div>
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Then I moved all the furniture around until it was cozy and not too crowded.<br />
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I think this arrangement works!<br />
What do you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70AJ25v9MXZMTXVHyOI5EXP9-F7QfMBYm9eOuoZ6KnunEU_lMvvnLRLj3wT4LwDV4jOMim602g2wnf2EJ1JTza2ciYPAjVbpFdLaZqkCHi42c0pCaQfAbtAZFD2p6s6B0GbVyhoSqC__Z/s1600/20190706_141950_resized_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70AJ25v9MXZMTXVHyOI5EXP9-F7QfMBYm9eOuoZ6KnunEU_lMvvnLRLj3wT4LwDV4jOMim602g2wnf2EJ1JTza2ciYPAjVbpFdLaZqkCHi42c0pCaQfAbtAZFD2p6s6B0GbVyhoSqC__Z/s640/20190706_141950_resized_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a "before" picture of this tiny space on the day I bought the cabin..</div>
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It's come a long way. I think it doesn't even look like the same room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXv_HINpJNBFUvLmrfzgRtw6Qhx-AxIEhtguaA20-rXJBvckc20x0uRzQU5OPIjYs6lHoYVjYcdzfn1c-2myY6dr8TihgU1caFUS_Wri8Tdf6XJdvt8Gq-wkFAGTWSBeKWhOb7EGQwCIDl/s1600/Cabin+interior+living+rm.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/AVvXsEhXv_HINpJNBFUvLmrfzgRtw6Qhx-AxIEhtguaA20-rXJBvckc20x0uRzQU5OPIjYs6lHoYVjYcdzfn1c-2myY6dr8TihgU1caFUS_Wri8Tdf6XJdvt8Gq-wkFAGTWSBeKWhOb7EGQwCIDl/s640/Cabin+interior+living+rm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My main objective in the cabin was to have a comfortable space.</div>
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For those of you who don't know, this cabin is only about 350 square feet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQKcdv2ED7IS09Ogv0X6mak_4jnJJPOxdkjKb_6wAERANjSVABxcPC7fwrCn8wukgJrfhCKNAeStL1P8wDnkl1MhgHedTcI_7u7HYlxDsuHIIA2dYdNGrKwxhW71XyG8mY_19OcQbHLqa/s1600/IMG_5853.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/AVvXsEghQKcdv2ED7IS09Ogv0X6mak_4jnJJPOxdkjKb_6wAERANjSVABxcPC7fwrCn8wukgJrfhCKNAeStL1P8wDnkl1MhgHedTcI_7u7HYlxDsuHIIA2dYdNGrKwxhW71XyG8mY_19OcQbHLqa/s640/IMG_5853.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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One more thing I added was a thick area rug to soften the tile floor. </div>
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Roxy is happy to have her favorite green chair back. </div>
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I'd found an old galvanized bucket under the back deck of the cabin </div>
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and thought it would make a cool battery-powered chandelier. </div>
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Ron took the project on and I just love it. It looks especially pretty at night.</div>
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In keeping with our Rustic Western theme, we had fun decorating with<br />
old snowshoes (above) and this incredible elk antler we hung over the bed.</div>
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A few sweet items in the bedroom. Don't you love the little western vest?</div>
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Some old lanterns look perfect atop our cast iron stove.</div>
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There's an interesting story here . . . I was standing on a ladder trying to hang a lantern from<br />
a beam when I couldn't quite reach the nail. I put one leg on the stove and one on the ladder</div>
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and wham! The ladder went out from under me and I went sailing onto the tile floor. Ouch!</div>
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Just a few bruises and some pain but all is well now Won't do that again!</div>
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We replaced the long table top that had been under the front windows with a shorter top</div>
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that fits perfectly as an end table next to the loveseat. I added a few western items</div>
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like this 1920's calendar, some dried grasses and feathers, and a deer antler.</div>
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Last year when the cabin was broken into, the burglar shredded our magnetic door screen.</div>
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We hung a new and improved one guaranteed to keep the hummingbirds from flying into the cabin!</div>
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And when all the decorating is done (is it ever?), </div>
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we retreat to the secluded back deck with this amazing view. </div>
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More projects next time. </div>
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Stop by for a visit!<br />
I hope you're having a wonderful summer.</div>
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***<br />
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If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.<br />
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
Thank you!!!<br />
<br />
***</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-26948952155755331332019-06-28T13:47:00.001-06:002019-06-28T13:47:15.716-06:00Downton Abbey Comes Alive<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you a big fan of Downton Abbey like me?</div>
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You wouldn't think the small steel town of Pueblo, Colorado </div>
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would be the home of a magnificent mansion reminiscent of the PBS series. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5Z4YGP1Q-Mige1WjhTmHZtIbEoi3ju1zJWv9x9SIXYKSVFYmu2MjRLsWzvAqCVjAZFliQ2cQkqS4V1qGdwPyuhIlmFqaI9KY6d5mqght8srOuV9AHavOHXsipiSGu9lbNaqzcXpB5oZB/s1600/IMG_5803.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/AVvXsEic5Z4YGP1Q-Mige1WjhTmHZtIbEoi3ju1zJWv9x9SIXYKSVFYmu2MjRLsWzvAqCVjAZFliQ2cQkqS4V1qGdwPyuhIlmFqaI9KY6d5mqght8srOuV9AHavOHXsipiSGu9lbNaqzcXpB5oZB/s640/IMG_5803.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But after driving about two hours south of Denver, </div>
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we toured this gorgeous home called Rosemount</div>
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and many of the features like the pantry, third-floor rooms, and grand entry</div>
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reminded me of my favorite show. </div>
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The lady of the house loved roses and the house perched atop a hill, thus the name. </div>
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Referred to as Colorado's Crown Jewel, the house is fitted with a communication system </div>
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similar to the one on Downton Abbey. </div>
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But instead of bells ringing in the servant's quarters to different rooms in the house, </div>
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Rosemount used a system of speaking into a tube from various rooms. </div>
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Built in 1891 by successful merchant and banker John Thatcher, </div>
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its 24,000 square feet was constructed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style. </div>
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It cost approximately $100,000 to build, an enormous sum in those days </div>
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when many homes were adobe and the streets were not paved.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDdaaFP_d4tBe7Eyv2aKgEElTQe3p3Xv6Szjhska5-VlKPzV7WTS-fJ-zkuggbITKSDYrVDPboAIQKZxNb3f3Ts4tGXobxChnVyziO2xO1VABPK0ffp8B-wnI2DQSfjqgy0K3hWKgQRBM/s1600/IMG_5811.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/AVvXsEiXDdaaFP_d4tBe7Eyv2aKgEElTQe3p3Xv6Szjhska5-VlKPzV7WTS-fJ-zkuggbITKSDYrVDPboAIQKZxNb3f3Ts4tGXobxChnVyziO2xO1VABPK0ffp8B-wnI2DQSfjqgy0K3hWKgQRBM/s640/IMG_5811.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I especially loved all the intricate woodwork, the hand-painted ceilings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the huge stained-glass windows shipped from New York.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos inside the house. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFMIiIey5EQubCmbUlys7X4V-HZ6WMMXMBKUAWN-kuAQbphxcy4GyeUVCzrw3qSTYNL0u2pu2dj8UuBA0FLonj_HD3oKf-2S1CSmWOISEkljvMxJlv6eHSYyIH1EB0j81NR6JKpHjgkw2/s1600/IMG_5802.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/AVvXsEgzFMIiIey5EQubCmbUlys7X4V-HZ6WMMXMBKUAWN-kuAQbphxcy4GyeUVCzrw3qSTYNL0u2pu2dj8UuBA0FLonj_HD3oKf-2S1CSmWOISEkljvMxJlv6eHSYyIH1EB0j81NR6JKpHjgkw2/s640/IMG_5802.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nearly all of the fascinating furnishings are original to the house. </div>
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Thankfully, the family didn't throw anything away. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_7wGkPhdBhaGgrbBXz-4nEmMP0YYCY_fcsG__FeXXJ9rmlaZ7QAeg5bv0YWLKDeIGCz2l7CbnSvsK1ewwFUKotZADIRpAB7Fxth5z5mUdpiD_9b17RYVptU098KQ9kfcPhboHOT3RhKK/s1600/IMG_5814.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/AVvXsEjR_7wGkPhdBhaGgrbBXz-4nEmMP0YYCY_fcsG__FeXXJ9rmlaZ7QAeg5bv0YWLKDeIGCz2l7CbnSvsK1ewwFUKotZADIRpAB7Fxth5z5mUdpiD_9b17RYVptU098KQ9kfcPhboHOT3RhKK/s640/IMG_5814.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Psst. In case you haven't heard, a Downton Abbey movie is set </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be released this September with the original cast. Can't wait!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-90120333587596859592019-06-07T12:44:00.001-06:002019-06-07T12:44:10.097-06:00Happy Summer and a Decision<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi Friends! Happy Summer!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a catastrophic hail storm here in Denver, summer has finally arrived. </div>
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And wouldn't you know, the hail hit right after I planted my annuals. </div>
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My roof is totaled and so are my annuals. Hopefully, they'll come back in time. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7AwZiue87Gm3paV0R-bu8H8NAUX4CKJNgnrCc39brgpmUfVetAb2J4RQC5aKPAcknWGLwsgEuy4LWA6qKCYV3QfesZM2Y_RbaA3XnB1ceAViL-1Vjg9zzPBN4nHlQtFXWayFP_gnlg5h/s1600/IMG_0759.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/AVvXsEjo7AwZiue87Gm3paV0R-bu8H8NAUX4CKJNgnrCc39brgpmUfVetAb2J4RQC5aKPAcknWGLwsgEuy4LWA6qKCYV3QfesZM2Y_RbaA3XnB1ceAViL-1Vjg9zzPBN4nHlQtFXWayFP_gnlg5h/s640/IMG_0759.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I've made a decision about my blog. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to take a partial break this summer and post once or twice a month </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
instead of once a week. </div>
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<br /></div>
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After the snow melts at our rustic mountain cabin and we can navigate the road, </div>
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I'll probably write about summer at the cabin.</div>
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I imagine there will be lots of wildflowers poking up through all that snow.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We have quite a to-do list! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And also lots of snow to melt!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpN2oYo7-T3_8fUCkXwLDPwJLBVuO605WFkoxRUgawGhVNilKhGEgVoOupFeUwKHhbF6C-Q6sgSzDSqGvesBojLvkGpPvPlKTIvudp6JlKzcC9pL6VwrPwMZlHwTC_o-uvDzGDAlHpuvj1/s1600/Cabin+exterior.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/AVvXsEjpN2oYo7-T3_8fUCkXwLDPwJLBVuO605WFkoxRUgawGhVNilKhGEgVoOupFeUwKHhbF6C-Q6sgSzDSqGvesBojLvkGpPvPlKTIvudp6JlKzcC9pL6VwrPwMZlHwTC_o-uvDzGDAlHpuvj1/s640/Cabin+exterior.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, there are lots of posts archived on my blog for you </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to re-visit or maybe enjoy for the first time. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy the long days of summer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love and hugs, Pat</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
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<br /></div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-61095745296958601682019-05-31T12:51:00.002-06:002019-05-31T12:51:14.573-06:00Hunting and Gathering -- Find of the Month #4<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome back to my new feature, Hunting and Gathering - Find of the Month </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>where I share a new treasure recently found.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I'm sharing an unusual find -- a beautiful little enamel candle holder.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbEdW0O3Q3GrPeRM2eE70TccaDLN0flzDegC-wUAW5kJ4CGKj0KEZnmNBDn5UyKRaf52Zq6rmiqXIhyphenhyphenS9zJAgFnzfqtPtqONPCTPzpQfLdTkd1UMLRNh0YLmWsYW5IGZncsRrestmP8X9/s1600/IMG_5646.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/AVvXsEgLbEdW0O3Q3GrPeRM2eE70TccaDLN0flzDegC-wUAW5kJ4CGKj0KEZnmNBDn5UyKRaf52Zq6rmiqXIhyphenhyphenS9zJAgFnzfqtPtqONPCTPzpQfLdTkd1UMLRNh0YLmWsYW5IGZncsRrestmP8X9/s640/IMG_5646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Purchased at one of my favorite antique malls, Sweet William, in Colorado Springs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this unusual candle holder is eight inches high with a saucer at the base to catch melting wax. </div>
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<br /></div>
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There's also a glass slit in the stem of the candle holder; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm assuming it's so you can see how much of the candle remains.<br />
<br />
I love the faded gray painting of a vine<br />
overlaid on the worn white enamel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMvfw4FNo6i74UzxXOmlXVd7EMl7D5ZMpWR3cisXz8_B3lyzKtMMc760DQ0yihW4WaG-E0dz0mTAMq5-JeoKodjoII_oGCAO0qM6QtPq65jBpUiMaZ6g67dOnY9oP6f4X198Kgudrqf7h/s1600/IMG_5647.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/AVvXsEjzMvfw4FNo6i74UzxXOmlXVd7EMl7D5ZMpWR3cisXz8_B3lyzKtMMc760DQ0yihW4WaG-E0dz0mTAMq5-JeoKodjoII_oGCAO0qM6QtPq65jBpUiMaZ6g67dOnY9oP6f4X198Kgudrqf7h/s640/IMG_5647.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The candle holder certainly adds an elegant feeling to the dining table.<br />
I'm sure this candle holder has supported years and years of candles,<br />
as evidenced by the wear and chips in the black rim of the saucer.<br />
<br />
I know I'll get a lot of use out of it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_a3ra1G3OzH0lv-rF_yIsDtoe1bheRkoM6Gfu2Z1XNtKVRf_0StkRSj5vv5J68KffJBzJ4kYhUzXJTk9fxZFqrlqWFmhl_DmZXY1YQ7DWF6xtTKgodoYQLJ-0GFLp4GWmurJBJ020d-p/s1600/IMG_5643.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/AVvXsEjh_a3ra1G3OzH0lv-rF_yIsDtoe1bheRkoM6Gfu2Z1XNtKVRf_0StkRSj5vv5J68KffJBzJ4kYhUzXJTk9fxZFqrlqWFmhl_DmZXY1YQ7DWF6xtTKgodoYQLJ-0GFLp4GWmurJBJ020d-p/s640/IMG_5643.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I had some fun with my camera with this photo.<br />
When I blew out the candle's flame, the smoke swirled up in the room,<br />
resembling a ghostly presence.<br />
<br />
How cool is that?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mPoDKwJb6dtoXVWYPbzUfgt_okKWaDvBJGhQRqGrl_fUo-6JTGtp_72oQipmNHMRuExeujEbkNlIvCW9swIM1VUNoAxfQQl9VduXfpeDzjXTL0ABjeSsL61JByoH17Fi5_t5iaxbha6U/s1600/IMG_5651.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/AVvXsEh8mPoDKwJb6dtoXVWYPbzUfgt_okKWaDvBJGhQRqGrl_fUo-6JTGtp_72oQipmNHMRuExeujEbkNlIvCW9swIM1VUNoAxfQQl9VduXfpeDzjXTL0ABjeSsL61JByoH17Fi5_t5iaxbha6U/s640/IMG_5651.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
If you know anything else about this piece,<br />
I'd love to hear from you as I can't find anything online about it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNPC0NF_jFTXAWseZMAx_9RFtsAchMYkizAJ82fNfPUlhiibxxdxue6O0S7SJqHGNJ-uKgQSedzFHkjdivrc5b4JkJwVDAe5pgSJxp7Rc2i6r4O5f5Gb38c7vgR9VpEwLUsJo5aFy2JVI6/s1600/IMG_5649.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/AVvXsEjNPC0NF_jFTXAWseZMAx_9RFtsAchMYkizAJ82fNfPUlhiibxxdxue6O0S7SJqHGNJ-uKgQSedzFHkjdivrc5b4JkJwVDAe5pgSJxp7Rc2i6r4O5f5Gb38c7vgR9VpEwLUsJo5aFy2JVI6/s640/IMG_5649.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Whether I learn that it's a rare find or a modern reproduction,<br />
I just love it.<br />
Isn't that what counts?<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.<br />
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.<br />
Thank you!!<br />
<br /></div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-40926970596353532182019-05-24T11:40:00.002-06:002019-05-24T11:40:39.407-06:00Stand by Me<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
It's been driving me crazy trying to find the perfect spot for this </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
little red three-tiered stand that I purchased at least twenty years ago.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not really sure what it was used for but I like to imagine it holding</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
beautiful wine decanters, sparkling glasses and fancy hors d'oevures</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in a penthouse, of course.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also admit I bought it because it was red!<br />
And I admired the Bakelite handles and chrome trim. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moving it here. Trying it there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think it's been in every room in my house. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3Znv05ZPEc27anNOm-Vx1qfayrkBIEPMukw3xR6pfeum5dBfHkykBGi5GRGadrlbeb7P_MqIU3-D7YkbtYLB8LcULkJFAT0KcFle4sbRJ1ATt95FbPMsU5ApAAUUm3_SzVUujaLVj2Jd/s1600/IMG_1805.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/AVvXsEjo3Znv05ZPEc27anNOm-Vx1qfayrkBIEPMukw3xR6pfeum5dBfHkykBGi5GRGadrlbeb7P_MqIU3-D7YkbtYLB8LcULkJFAT0KcFle4sbRJ1ATt95FbPMsU5ApAAUUm3_SzVUujaLVj2Jd/s640/IMG_1805.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I'm pleased to report I finally found its forever home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It has settled in next to my red leather chair and ottoman in my office. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a small lamp on the top shelf, it's a perfect quiet spot for reading. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I untied the sheers on the tall windows to soften the light. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And recently my lovely neighbor gave me this chippy column.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(We both grabbed a column when a house was being demoed.<br />
Now I have a matching pair!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Mo1_SxsRGtnLDJpP4VzR18OJyxjLBHIc7ggysn0zVPdS-rxkC4eBwshJwKVQHYy-usvgIaEn4xVaRNguWOWAiI_sxG4pvx0k0Q-sV1qYU0NqtaC6x370-khCer18Taa7CkXIAS24gkAg/s1600/IMG_5726.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/AVvXsEh_Mo1_SxsRGtnLDJpP4VzR18OJyxjLBHIc7ggysn0zVPdS-rxkC4eBwshJwKVQHYy-usvgIaEn4xVaRNguWOWAiI_sxG4pvx0k0Q-sV1qYU0NqtaC6x370-khCer18Taa7CkXIAS24gkAg/s640/IMG_5726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love accessorizing the table with some vintage finds like this metal lotion holder. </div>
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The bottles are triangular-shaped so all three fit together perfectly. </div>
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This vintage compact beautifully complements the lotion holder. </div>
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I can still smell traces of the powder inside</div>
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reminding me of my mother. </div>
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In the middle row are old black and white family photos in art deco frames.</div>
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And the bottom shelf holds inspirational books and a vintage silver alarm clock. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiCESq9keLd5-8R2oVmEwP_SA4J4QQ4h2sjui92WLvurcZPJFRV6admGczoQKCLEV4VoiFBHos4XVfNnfh8EYDTwnFS7CozS8viyyW_i7Sm52ETJjxoESYNd7g9NDHzp2OwYFeB6KDQPc/s1600/IMG_5740.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/AVvXsEidiCESq9keLd5-8R2oVmEwP_SA4J4QQ4h2sjui92WLvurcZPJFRV6admGczoQKCLEV4VoiFBHos4XVfNnfh8EYDTwnFS7CozS8viyyW_i7Sm52ETJjxoESYNd7g9NDHzp2OwYFeB6KDQPc/s640/IMG_5740.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Ahh, it's good to be home. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just subscribe, it's free, in the upper right column of this page.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks so much!<br />
<br />
***</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-9137604283832776992019-05-17T12:54:00.001-06:002019-05-17T12:54:16.119-06:00Escape to a French Garden <div style="text-align: center;">
Like many parts of the country, we are finally getting some warm, dry weather.</div>
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Lilac bushes are blooming, flowers are popping,</div>
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and we've brought the patio cushions outside to relax.<br />
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Please take a moment from your busy day and escape to my French garden. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpxdGMcPa7gptJTJm-vt9lAebwJaiduvm6UdHUtfoyoHlTAhYpZHugtoOCEjtc4lVQFO02KkzhA_MTq1M4qyOpf-74-jmImirMpnvV5SOjA_q3co4xUDN-lPFqjzvg8HbOlrtC29sT0-h/s1600/IMG_5751.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/AVvXsEgXpxdGMcPa7gptJTJm-vt9lAebwJaiduvm6UdHUtfoyoHlTAhYpZHugtoOCEjtc4lVQFO02KkzhA_MTq1M4qyOpf-74-jmImirMpnvV5SOjA_q3co4xUDN-lPFqjzvg8HbOlrtC29sT0-h/s640/IMG_5751.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm drawn to this little corner of my garden</div>
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where I can dream and plan my next step in the garden. </div>
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This salvaged brick path winds through the garden,</div>
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beckoning me to enter "Cafe Bleu." </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-fxbeYBhd4nak4waT3c5peCQgCD_XgAqIc9A2QSV4pAx6Xw7rQuCLoH8TAeJvBj3I4rySWbQk-DzVCN2AbjiQM_uj_LYsZdDJYFEWD9WTl5fQLVU4UmD4t1rgfNuluL7G3tsIudDmKd7/s1600/IMG_5755.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/AVvXsEgl-fxbeYBhd4nak4waT3c5peCQgCD_XgAqIc9A2QSV4pAx6Xw7rQuCLoH8TAeJvBj3I4rySWbQk-DzVCN2AbjiQM_uj_LYsZdDJYFEWD9WTl5fQLVU4UmD4t1rgfNuluL7G3tsIudDmKd7/s640/IMG_5755.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Come on in and join me.</div>
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Cafe Bleu is open.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcml8g-Mk81A8_oubpnXt8q9fgzOPb3WLM5GHvEVfJ4YTGpHxfJ5ZDySKV4avhI8R_y9DFxBPynAhM0z0ikrgLI6SMzYhaj4yrROmhfNatJfR9GPrLnB7TuIzPrVMqKG9mITZVPSfuFyDY/s1600/IMG_3346.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/AVvXsEgcml8g-Mk81A8_oubpnXt8q9fgzOPb3WLM5GHvEVfJ4YTGpHxfJ5ZDySKV4avhI8R_y9DFxBPynAhM0z0ikrgLI6SMzYhaj4yrROmhfNatJfR9GPrLnB7TuIzPrVMqKG9mITZVPSfuFyDY/s640/IMG_3346.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We all crave a bit of solitude, don't you think?</div>
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Even though we live in a densely populated area of Denver,</div>
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this garden feels like I'm in Provence, a private place to read or watch the birds at the feeder. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgga54wf9qoTLMl7CCUkNZQNDpu_a0bKkvoTS-HXYZkQdmq02frhW9XZFNzmx6q7JedfL-D9B69W81qysoYhkhMkPZ-6bij-P75qhrNPO9I6192ZQ7pK6KFDV1tuO1xBFHkTar6g0d_dCF_/s1600/IMG_5757.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/AVvXsEgga54wf9qoTLMl7CCUkNZQNDpu_a0bKkvoTS-HXYZkQdmq02frhW9XZFNzmx6q7JedfL-D9B69W81qysoYhkhMkPZ-6bij-P75qhrNPO9I6192ZQ7pK6KFDV1tuO1xBFHkTar6g0d_dCF_/s640/IMG_5757.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found this metal pitcher at a garage sale for a dollar!</div>
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Originally dark green, I spray painted it white and added some cheery yellow flowers. </div>
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The French tablecloth pulls the yellow and blue pallet together. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlJqfIduwze5Dghgw_ZMZQh9WE6ms2PLXRX-upuCJ51WFuiikYjOh8CenoEHemW4I1IsgvK6G-B4kqlNAPglclkYXPojSeHxYNWXgU14AES4dV_qA933PIkRMb6zeQ6G-_8GY2KCMEOUh/s1600/IMG_5768.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/AVvXsEgTlJqfIduwze5Dghgw_ZMZQh9WE6ms2PLXRX-upuCJ51WFuiikYjOh8CenoEHemW4I1IsgvK6G-B4kqlNAPglclkYXPojSeHxYNWXgU14AES4dV_qA933PIkRMb6zeQ6G-_8GY2KCMEOUh/s640/IMG_5768.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I found these blue seat cushions at WalMart. </div>
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They are a perfect match to the blue in the tablecloth.</div>
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My eyes are drawn to the basket of my vintage blue bicycle</div>
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overflowing with artificial flowers. </div>
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(I don't think I can kill these ones!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAUpsQHxUEjjFri8WuV8Pi2TX5JUe-xIi9VQ42t7ku8C3EX_k_KaRgJwzMTGJZ3znGN1VjBX8L4ZdgATTbayDG_UU8DOar2zx8dUSsn0t78MShmt8s91_8g-DMq69fePF8dVNP6DbnJct/s1600/IMG_5770.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/AVvXsEgAAUpsQHxUEjjFri8WuV8Pi2TX5JUe-xIi9VQ42t7ku8C3EX_k_KaRgJwzMTGJZ3znGN1VjBX8L4ZdgATTbayDG_UU8DOar2zx8dUSsn0t78MShmt8s91_8g-DMq69fePF8dVNP6DbnJct/s640/IMG_5770.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Roxy enjoys exploring the Cafe Bleu garden too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiun0pnFDSj2HYIG5DNySNd2P22297xuipS2_8bgxZ9_HYNXqpQSyNla5gWZgmVb4Qk9sX-4SpPIO299z0dcKRHu6ZsoCADMmdVSc-BcJtmVdOZSX27UuPbPjdWrpiM7igknDp_QEGcw9-/s1600/IMG_5765.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/AVvXsEgiun0pnFDSj2HYIG5DNySNd2P22297xuipS2_8bgxZ9_HYNXqpQSyNla5gWZgmVb4Qk9sX-4SpPIO299z0dcKRHu6ZsoCADMmdVSc-BcJtmVdOZSX27UuPbPjdWrpiM7igknDp_QEGcw9-/s640/IMG_5765.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>A' bientot</i> (see you soon) and keep on dreamin'.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.<br />
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.<br />
Thanks so much!<br />
<br />
***</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-87407813464013920492019-05-10T09:28:00.001-06:002019-05-10T09:28:13.368-06:00Why it's OK to Fake It<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hello Friends!<br />
Today, let's talk about "faking it."<br />
Yes, it's OK to "fake it!"<br />
Hey, I'm talking about indoor plants.<br />
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Don't be afraid to use dried or artificial plants in your home.</div>
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Today, artificial plants look real and </div>
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some dried flowers are even prettier dead than they were alive,<br />
especially a bunch of roses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLUo27RBLQoMlk6LbXYuE6cGu6JI1jvbdponOKOlCVVm8Iq7L7FSUL_fyq7BhPItEcFCreXy-suNVIRwLTM9fKOaCVaKx7zPm0boRGIz1ZpGfljYcHlVRZbHvUrekrpAQJeYZMqBrN1YIn/s1600/IMG_2028.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/AVvXsEgLUo27RBLQoMlk6LbXYuE6cGu6JI1jvbdponOKOlCVVm8Iq7L7FSUL_fyq7BhPItEcFCreXy-suNVIRwLTM9fKOaCVaKx7zPm0boRGIz1ZpGfljYcHlVRZbHvUrekrpAQJeYZMqBrN1YIn/s640/IMG_2028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't have a green thumb?<br />
Faux greenery can go anywhere -- dark rooms, can't remember to water, have allergies?<br />
No worries.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnN1joRQPmgTooT26mhrowHOrxA-VD8Cq9JyQDXBw8hIMrFpkfzPwpEMBqgQ2XgnL1EuMw1g_E2rd2C_EdwRG-mcoDeu0i2GR03K4BBPW0tTpjh_RaWtrdBNDxTBaGRCKDpr-QFelB7C9C/s1600/IMG_4637.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/AVvXsEjnN1joRQPmgTooT26mhrowHOrxA-VD8Cq9JyQDXBw8hIMrFpkfzPwpEMBqgQ2XgnL1EuMw1g_E2rd2C_EdwRG-mcoDeu0i2GR03K4BBPW0tTpjh_RaWtrdBNDxTBaGRCKDpr-QFelB7C9C/s640/IMG_4637.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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During the occasional spring snowstorm when I can't play in the garden,<br />
I find pleasure in my indoor plants.</div>
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Yes, most of them are dried or artificial,<br />
but they sure do last a long time like these delicate white larkspur. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSp2Qs8aFmn9BjQyKb7rcBNT_SJi57KTh_P2DrPFaKxjBzkD0BgJvS0XwFDgDPP266HInrEilmoC1R7mzxF4dd2kNpt2_CzLXOmElVLQozl_fVo6JSDNk5HxvBWNSMtbqGOURRfm6ExpTM/s1600/IMG_5638.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/AVvXsEgSp2Qs8aFmn9BjQyKb7rcBNT_SJi57KTh_P2DrPFaKxjBzkD0BgJvS0XwFDgDPP266HInrEilmoC1R7mzxF4dd2kNpt2_CzLXOmElVLQozl_fVo6JSDNk5HxvBWNSMtbqGOURRfm6ExpTM/s640/IMG_5638.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
I like to use mostly white flowers throughout the house for a consistent look.<br />
Plop them into an ironstone vessel for a farmhouse feel.<br />
And they're no-maintenance!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvf1hUd0oXV0a7fF7Bgxs6dElOAbSWqOks9eCoRyXMhacOfdaVTxKHqyTCJpBNtp8RVi938ZwhFMnaxijFRMMwKtRxPnjLhqvz-H6QNkt5UrdTg393qXna79CQwIK56p7UU9SkRicb-0N/s1600/IMG_5639.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/AVvXsEjzvf1hUd0oXV0a7fF7Bgxs6dElOAbSWqOks9eCoRyXMhacOfdaVTxKHqyTCJpBNtp8RVi938ZwhFMnaxijFRMMwKtRxPnjLhqvz-H6QNkt5UrdTg393qXna79CQwIK56p7UU9SkRicb-0N/s640/IMG_5639.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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You can dry your own plants by tying them in a bunch and hanging them upside down until dry<br />
or hit the hobby stores for a variety of artificial flowers and stems. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurco86X-NOikjtRJISC4bJSs59iPwrfDifWwxzOlaBtGVTVUN09vF-NnrwithRHpmzRcXeJjHpcMqDqSHzEHunUyCwzAC7asqML0MYKgJ8st0L1qA_9lKe7xklyRJf6D27v-XgJuzhnJh/s1600/IMG_5640.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/AVvXsEhurco86X-NOikjtRJISC4bJSs59iPwrfDifWwxzOlaBtGVTVUN09vF-NnrwithRHpmzRcXeJjHpcMqDqSHzEHunUyCwzAC7asqML0MYKgJ8st0L1qA_9lKe7xklyRJf6D27v-XgJuzhnJh/s640/IMG_5640.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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I think dried flowers add a bit of romantic intrigue to your decor.</div>
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Maybe it's remembering who gave them to you or perhaps where you purchased them </div>
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that evokes lovely memories.<br />
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Dried roses or hydrangeas seem especially evocative.<br />
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So remember, sometimes, it's OK to fake it!<br />
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***<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.<br />
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.<br />
Thanks so much!<br />
<br />
***<br />
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Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-79370469608564369262019-05-03T12:41:00.002-06:002019-05-03T12:41:47.084-06:00Looking for Some Colorful Inspiration?<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome back to my blog. </div>
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Today we're visiting Holland to see the bulbs in bloom.</div>
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OK, maybe not Holland but that's what it seemed like.</div>
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Actually it's right here in Denver, Colorado.</div>
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We're going to the Denver Botanic Gardens to see more than 14,000 bulbs in bloom</div>
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winding through 24 acres of this urban oasis.</div>
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Ready for some colorful inspiration?</div>
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How about these tulips that just go on forever?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUfC2uZgbmxu48e8-GM5aMcjoV_WkPL-ZQeVtKTatr6ZZ67AymZcLRuaClpNRWlQl5Ki8EFo1uaWiX83PHLZZisQONVHijRAGVDUMeryu2pjdt6kIIshbPawt2zgtmBgPxBg8A5ADOST7/s1600/IMG_5690.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/AVvXsEhcUfC2uZgbmxu48e8-GM5aMcjoV_WkPL-ZQeVtKTatr6ZZ67AymZcLRuaClpNRWlQl5Ki8EFo1uaWiX83PHLZZisQONVHijRAGVDUMeryu2pjdt6kIIshbPawt2zgtmBgPxBg8A5ADOST7/s640/IMG_5690.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love the reflection in this pond.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4zUD7MTJuc87xCuRN0Wr7NA_JsXOrgKnrccVEVOiNrLk6dxJ9u63bFLA4mJlzIS1g5epaGWqJmLOcJ5twaXQszIhogG4aInTb0qRJnClnOm5gz3APYFl2tBSkOGgNpCWF0LTgCOvHge5/s1600/IMG_5715.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/AVvXsEif4zUD7MTJuc87xCuRN0Wr7NA_JsXOrgKnrccVEVOiNrLk6dxJ9u63bFLA4mJlzIS1g5epaGWqJmLOcJ5twaXQszIhogG4aInTb0qRJnClnOm5gz3APYFl2tBSkOGgNpCWF0LTgCOvHge5/s640/IMG_5715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pink and purple is one of my favorite color combinations.</div>
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So vibrant!</div>
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While the bulbs are breathtaking, there are other blooming plants to admire as well.</div>
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Brunnera is one of the plants that blooms in the shade. </div>
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Be still my heart.</div>
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Graceful sculptures are sprinkled throughout the gardens</div>
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including this beauty in the bamboo garden.</div>
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And, if you just want amazing landscaping, visit the Japanese garden.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxwa7_XRsE03AnXkJ5VUaCJdgKcX0H1PX53yVtBiwcfN9RPhxu81DgBL2tZRpBqb5gIvJ9EcM_K4scP_p0nyJ0K7mEYDy-OX4DgkRg05pXhkhiqQG2IXlW4CLn-1MdEQJB7JQqHQbEAjL/s1600/IMG_5707.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/AVvXsEhKxwa7_XRsE03AnXkJ5VUaCJdgKcX0H1PX53yVtBiwcfN9RPhxu81DgBL2tZRpBqb5gIvJ9EcM_K4scP_p0nyJ0K7mEYDy-OX4DgkRg05pXhkhiqQG2IXlW4CLn-1MdEQJB7JQqHQbEAjL/s640/IMG_5707.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The gardens are open in the summer from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.</div>
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at 1007 York Street in Denver. </div>
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Every month is a different experience.</div>
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For a different look of the gardens, you may click on the link below.</div>
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<a href="https://bringingfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/2016/06/an-urban-oasis-waiting-for-you.html">An Urban Oasis Waiting for You</a></div>
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***</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-43210794817810627542019-04-26T09:20:00.000-06:002019-04-26T09:20:05.777-06:00Ready for an Adventure? <div style="text-align: center;">
We had pretty much given up on going to our mountain cabin until late May or early June </div>
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because there was so much snow up there this year. </div>
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We'd heard our area had more than seven feet of snow!!!</div>
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What a wonderful surprise when we heard from a cabin neighbor that </div>
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the county road had been plowed and was passable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBCxqZldZJU0SEMiQYjR5jP1Rm-g9Ze0Ki7qZc93_4wc6Hz5CwoQdVFFQXscVYmGng5NHTX8BPoVOnEapTuiTElKrWWcrtclhxrgqNan5cC41MGHSzSZYov8LjxaCRAc-8rtOV9nKYfC-/s1600/IMG_5656.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/AVvXsEjFBCxqZldZJU0SEMiQYjR5jP1Rm-g9Ze0Ki7qZc93_4wc6Hz5CwoQdVFFQXscVYmGng5NHTX8BPoVOnEapTuiTElKrWWcrtclhxrgqNan5cC41MGHSzSZYov8LjxaCRAc-8rtOV9nKYfC-/s640/IMG_5656.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So we planned a day trip to the cabin. </div>
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Although Denver was completely socked in and rainy, </div>
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the roads looked bare and the sky was blue on the mountain cams. </div>
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Rarin' to go!</div>
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I couldn't wait to see what the cabin looked like in the snow. </div>
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(Here's the cabin with about three feet of snow).</div>
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We hoped we could drive up our old road to the cabin. </div>
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If not in the Jeep, we thought we could shovel a path.<br />
Ha!</div>
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Yes, the road had been plowed </div>
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but the snow and ice had been piled up on each side of the narrow road. </div>
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You can barely see the cabin in the distance. </div>
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We were grateful for Ron's Jeep and new tires </div>
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but we had to park on the county road and hike into the cabin. </div>
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We couldn't carry any of the things we'd packed<br />
as we were trying to stay upright.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6gJQDxwSkh2pGfy1_3VDhb8_vLS1zqHR62Ddq3hraWXJsVZxKZ1Wey_8ew9_Uofo91ygspSrrNgIorTWfjsn1vQP1RWSWEKVFktHPqz_i_tWWYRKnIHfKRFIe7PsclXtSdrsfHzoawdB/s1600/IMG_5658.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/AVvXsEiC6gJQDxwSkh2pGfy1_3VDhb8_vLS1zqHR62Ddq3hraWXJsVZxKZ1Wey_8ew9_Uofo91ygspSrrNgIorTWfjsn1vQP1RWSWEKVFktHPqz_i_tWWYRKnIHfKRFIe7PsclXtSdrsfHzoawdB/s640/IMG_5658.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The mountains were breathtaking with puffy white clouds and a stunning blue sky. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPL-v65gUj3Iys1tJ6uOlE1kKVwImBonU3zoPb4JYIHNi8vzy8HWpjPk6z1JbrwMMBYbBHW-RVMj-vtAXtfkZW2NWqXsVZMvLewnobntKLN7B_lcdTRa_fl-E-wmRxRbpnIodDj7ZY-yi/s1600/IMG_5660.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/AVvXsEjWPL-v65gUj3Iys1tJ6uOlE1kKVwImBonU3zoPb4JYIHNi8vzy8HWpjPk6z1JbrwMMBYbBHW-RVMj-vtAXtfkZW2NWqXsVZMvLewnobntKLN7B_lcdTRa_fl-E-wmRxRbpnIodDj7ZY-yi/s640/IMG_5660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now to make our way to the cabin. </div>
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In the morning, the snow pack was icy and solid, easier to walk on . .. </div>
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except for the few times we fell through the snow past our knees. </div>
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Believe me, it's not easy to climb out the this situation. </div>
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It made me wonder how people ever survive an avalanche. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemBjXHfvWwsb52pMlXpW-8eZfY0_eL7LKKkA3_YotnYbK4c3NiE-tQd-wJrG0Wa0HLRvbi5-x8UFyIK6lDY5mXxYUCmocjyVyKQO3bH_UOdrEi4PQ-tN84SDrlgequvkxffvTrCDMxFFK/s1600/IMG_5673.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/AVvXsEiemBjXHfvWwsb52pMlXpW-8eZfY0_eL7LKKkA3_YotnYbK4c3NiE-tQd-wJrG0Wa0HLRvbi5-x8UFyIK6lDY5mXxYUCmocjyVyKQO3bH_UOdrEi4PQ-tN84SDrlgequvkxffvTrCDMxFFK/s640/IMG_5673.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's one of the waist-high drifts in back of the cabin. </div>
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Good thing we didn't need to visit the out house.</div>
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The propane tank was buried too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7ip6GNR1qwKYEU0BHdApGemw0lQ389nkKaV7_Q79XY9v22hXFjzL09IJdaFYC1zPxRsOnSjDUDrhBJL1kX37_2WmfR2EQo_yr7g1gIWNAuyBtmXbmwWlPMAhH7ZYwe5DhrKqYUPF71o1/s1600/IMG_5664.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/AVvXsEhk7ip6GNR1qwKYEU0BHdApGemw0lQ389nkKaV7_Q79XY9v22hXFjzL09IJdaFYC1zPxRsOnSjDUDrhBJL1kX37_2WmfR2EQo_yr7g1gIWNAuyBtmXbmwWlPMAhH7ZYwe5DhrKqYUPF71o1/s640/IMG_5664.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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But the weather was just perfect -- blue sky, sunny, warm temps, no wind </div>
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which we appreciated since we get some pretty strong winds up there.<br />
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Inside, it was cozy and surprisingly warm.<br />
We didn't stay too long, just enough to check the roof and skylight.<br />
No leaks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCyr2hFfjR33e0id-FYduFnnOAeAT0YnQ9NW4e5lyiO21B78QbMUGmfHzuLiqRvQ9UnDLolWlA7-_FK-ZZeeck2rKwUT6bYIcImX6arxSfMVwZPxTTpXE6U1RYZgrLbnTAqxYxtn7QgYa/s1600/IMG_5667.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/AVvXsEjXCyr2hFfjR33e0id-FYduFnnOAeAT0YnQ9NW4e5lyiO21B78QbMUGmfHzuLiqRvQ9UnDLolWlA7-_FK-ZZeeck2rKwUT6bYIcImX6arxSfMVwZPxTTpXE6U1RYZgrLbnTAqxYxtn7QgYa/s640/IMG_5667.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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On the way out, the snow had softened and we kept falling through it. </div>
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Then we found some wide boards that distributed our weight on the snow</div>
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so we could work out way out to the road.</div>
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(I saw something similar once on Survivor where they had to build a bridge with two boards)!<br />
That came in handy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjar2PN3TL6gUJImE7L90QMqDIJpZEFFaTQKokVOmuav3uCHloqMKIq2fOJ0zxaFEGQliy3i-HVPgvGpgCt-IjVWiJKYM39bTlwEyoPv1w4_xurXXrGp3LIN6dFwcfIbI5bFNvh7yKuefP5/s1600/IMG_5674.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/AVvXsEjar2PN3TL6gUJImE7L90QMqDIJpZEFFaTQKokVOmuav3uCHloqMKIq2fOJ0zxaFEGQliy3i-HVPgvGpgCt-IjVWiJKYM39bTlwEyoPv1w4_xurXXrGp3LIN6dFwcfIbI5bFNvh7yKuefP5/s640/IMG_5674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although it was still pretty wintry at 11,000 feet, we had an exciting adventure.</div>
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Still, it's always a little tense, thinking we might get stuck in this remote area.<br />
So I'm fairly sure we'll wait another two to three weeks before attempting it again. </div>
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<br /></div>
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***<br />
<br />
If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.<br />
Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.<br />
Thanks so much!<br />
<br />
***</div>
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Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-31252790040153212662019-04-19T09:11:00.004-06:002019-04-19T09:11:39.660-06:00Spring Garden Update<div style="text-align: center;">
When warm weather arrives, </div>
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I can't wait to head outside to work (and play) in my garden. </div>
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Honestly, I don't even think about indoor decorating once the garden calls.</div>
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It's like my favorite naturalist, John Muir, said, "The mountains are calling and I must go."</div>
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For me, spring is calling and I must go!</div>
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It won't be long til the allium and phlox, early bloomers, </div>
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are blooming and the garden looks like this photo from last year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wS6Je7GQZzOPdCa_cDbqZpdnoHNTLUMY_j4XECI0Txu9jDiyxL__ZS1i4_Ocegec5uwmIUNHqnU2Vv-MM_ws0YiWWqzcliMVt9zSXhgPG_BZ40WDmJJtYfOLOyCSbDlCN8-1CQstC_pd/s1600/IMG_4726.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/AVvXsEi_wS6Je7GQZzOPdCa_cDbqZpdnoHNTLUMY_j4XECI0Txu9jDiyxL__ZS1i4_Ocegec5uwmIUNHqnU2Vv-MM_ws0YiWWqzcliMVt9zSXhgPG_BZ40WDmJJtYfOLOyCSbDlCN8-1CQstC_pd/s640/IMG_4726.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This year I finally ordered a load of compost (a level amount in the bed of a pickup truck), </div>
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to enrich my soil and feed my plants. </div>
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Let me tell you, my friends, a "yard" of compost is a LOT of compost. </div>
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The pile under the white tarp was originally double the size in this photo.</div>
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It's gradually shrinking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrjzqUSHHNQ4jOUWOf0Ub7m-V7aBSuBdI8iBZoN1pbrec4ul_Vkp238t4xbOCUIRkSMFxxIQiPiZzAs8MNcTinvIGfkxR2WU1it6UfbYTVK0KwnLy2Wl6c0NDkD801AyEmpbrII2JDkNB/s1600/IMG_5634.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/AVvXsEhQrjzqUSHHNQ4jOUWOf0Ub7m-V7aBSuBdI8iBZoN1pbrec4ul_Vkp238t4xbOCUIRkSMFxxIQiPiZzAs8MNcTinvIGfkxR2WU1it6UfbYTVK0KwnLy2Wl6c0NDkD801AyEmpbrII2JDkNB/s640/IMG_5634.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've spread it over the bare spots in my lawn and sprinkled grass seed, </div>
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then added it to all my perennial beds and put some aside to mix in </div>
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with my potting soil when it's time to plant flowers. </div>
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<b>And guess what?</b></div>
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I still have enough left over to cover both of my neighbors' yards!</div>
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Ron also pruned a dead limb from the big ash tree this year </div>
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and I snagged the smaller branches to lay over the seed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_487VT1G9XLUTZJwNWDxbaXHE5QGH1P7QiImufnBdz91m4MYipvI59J1ddg0HAaAMQtigyOcn4jlhCSQS5ubMko9G8BaXrpNR6u3WvKs-Bh_LQ-YiJskt6qBNqPsW4-iJ5dgvcLY-6VD/s1600/IMG_5632.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/AVvXsEgc_487VT1G9XLUTZJwNWDxbaXHE5QGH1P7QiImufnBdz91m4MYipvI59J1ddg0HAaAMQtigyOcn4jlhCSQS5ubMko9G8BaXrpNR6u3WvKs-Bh_LQ-YiJskt6qBNqPsW4-iJ5dgvcLY-6VD/s640/IMG_5632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hopefully, this will keep birds and squirrels from snacking on the seeds. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGF6Jom4aNEHL0LEfCOsW4lgr80Ud1sMdGEaWGn6TvMTPQvi19QhSIZVyrWUyOcwtY4Iwfy_-iK6BTy4ASLksbch2RfoB97XSfJESY79NcLLtA9dWe1JkSPZnKeUTG5_LCePeNfPQdC0D/s1600/IMG_0084+%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGF6Jom4aNEHL0LEfCOsW4lgr80Ud1sMdGEaWGn6TvMTPQvi19QhSIZVyrWUyOcwtY4Iwfy_-iK6BTy4ASLksbch2RfoB97XSfJESY79NcLLtA9dWe1JkSPZnKeUTG5_LCePeNfPQdC0D/s640/IMG_0084+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We recently had a big snowstorm and the moisture should help the seeds germinate. </div>
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Once the snow is melted, I'm going to spread more compost on the lawn.</div>
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That can't happen too soon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0U3bYzFJziIa01WkMqM7v1v-SLZJTW1zhkzlk33lcIEWG1HlB4uql7KFbI5jKxHrK7ysRbFC3OfruZBfZYoXRDwAi2F5w1c-2EDeaVPkud8Ff2vuO_3nx5as16wqAFmzrBM4_tPiMPoc/s1600/IMG_0073.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/AVvXsEjq0U3bYzFJziIa01WkMqM7v1v-SLZJTW1zhkzlk33lcIEWG1HlB4uql7KFbI5jKxHrK7ysRbFC3OfruZBfZYoXRDwAi2F5w1c-2EDeaVPkud8Ff2vuO_3nx5as16wqAFmzrBM4_tPiMPoc/s640/IMG_0073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although I'm fine with using dried or artificial plants indoors, </div>
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there's one faux thing I can't handle. </div>
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Artificial Grass!</div>
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Yes, the real thing is more work but you can't beat walking on a cool grassy lawn </div>
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in your bare feet on a hot summer day -- once the snow melts. </div>
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***</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-84699199342445835722019-04-12T10:17:00.001-06:002019-04-12T10:17:36.732-06:00Happy Easter !<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't do much decorating for Easter but did want to wish you all a Happy Easter!</div>
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As for me, I take time to appreciate the beauty of nature . . . </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7q9IGaZ5wfR0fMfwqlMVNd6LLLu3EKgnBJp6vj6Ux_isq8kvWQJKezTHyJ19rYzI1emki5Sc3WNzU2XXLPS6RYgc4Cps-AHavEp4aeeUnuzuqD3WHA6N5BImHzDLJc7TyumGbziKO9FX5/s1600/IMG_1010.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/AVvXsEh7q9IGaZ5wfR0fMfwqlMVNd6LLLu3EKgnBJp6vj6Ux_isq8kvWQJKezTHyJ19rYzI1emki5Sc3WNzU2XXLPS6RYgc4Cps-AHavEp4aeeUnuzuqD3WHA6N5BImHzDLJc7TyumGbziKO9FX5/s640/IMG_1010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
. . . and be thankful for all our blessings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG0vqcs-7YasUP1hmyDr2YLrhzSK39_ldnDJ0Ifhh-N3afU0zs6GMTKDamtdRbYaKMAxCQ_fX9OkkBc25rFP7qvRBwIpcjP6Eg8hWC4SknN4SycZDwhw9pAPJv3qkgJam5udvSk5LcdMy/s1600/IMG_3172.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/AVvXsEgbG0vqcs-7YasUP1hmyDr2YLrhzSK39_ldnDJ0Ifhh-N3afU0zs6GMTKDamtdRbYaKMAxCQ_fX9OkkBc25rFP7qvRBwIpcjP6Eg8hWC4SknN4SycZDwhw9pAPJv3qkgJam5udvSk5LcdMy/s640/IMG_3172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Roxy, on the other hand, enjoys a good Easter egg hunt!</div>
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<i>Mine, mine, mine.</i> </div>
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Blessings and joy to all.</div>
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***</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-65502042922941260962019-04-05T10:59:00.003-06:002019-04-05T10:59:58.572-06:00See Why I Love This Vintage Market<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always wanted to go to Round Top, Texas for its amazing antique fairs in the spring and fall.</div>
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It's definitely on my Bucket List.</div>
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But meanwhile I've discovered a wonderful vintage market here in Denver called<br />
The Market Beautiful.</div>
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It was originally called the Vintage Whites Market.</div>
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Recently Jana and Vanessa moved their vintage market closer to downtown Denver </div>
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at the National Western Complex at the Denver Stock Show. </div>
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It's all arranged so there's plenty of room to see everything without stepping on somebody.</div>
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The market is in four states (Montana, Colorado, Mississippi and Utah).</div>
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And it's definitely worth a visit (or two).</div>
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We went to the market last weekend.<br />
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There's more than 150 vendors, lots of vintage stuff, entertainment, and classes.</div>
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So much fun!</div>
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The market has been ranked among the Top Four markets in the U.S.</div>
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by Romantic Homes and Flea Market Style magazines.</div>
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Although I didn't buy anything this year, I love seeing all the creativity and displays. </div>
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I always come home with tons of ideas.</div>
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This is the market where I bought my favorite red farm table </div>
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and my beautiful Hollywood Regency candelabra.</div>
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Antiquing, inspiration, and our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Tapatio, </div>
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where we enjoyed margaritas, chili rellenos and tamales. </div>
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A perfect way to end a perfect day.<br />
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***<br />
<br />
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Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
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Thanks so much!!<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
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Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-86449930586591027282019-03-29T08:50:00.004-06:002019-03-29T08:50:54.347-06:00The Storm Before the Calm!<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a "BEFORE" post. I hope you'll come back in a month or so to see the "AFTER" photos. </div>
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I know it's barren now but I invite you to use your imagination to see lots of flowers.</div>
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***<br />
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After a "historic" snowstorm in Denver, the sun came out and melted all that snow, </div>
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making the grass greener than usual with bulbs popping up everywhere like this Siberian Iris. </div>
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Yep, I have spring fever and I've got the sore muscles to prove it.<br />
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These tiny Squill bulbs are one my early favorites. </div>
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Before I can do anything fun in the garden, </div>
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I'm taking advantage of our 70 degree weather to do some garden clean up.</div>
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First, I have to rake up all the wet leaves and dead plants and bag them for garbage pickup.</div>
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We decided to remove a sand cherry that had messy berries and suckers throughout the garden.</div>
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It was a job but will be worth it when I plant this area.</div>
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Thanks to Ron for tackling this monster root.</div>
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Beginner's Tip: It's a good idea to cut down your ornamental grasses and lavender stems </div>
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to make room for new growth. </div>
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This little tool makes quick work of trimming grasses and it's fun to use.</div>
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One of the first things I like to do in the spring is re-imagine my small patio.</div>
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At one end of my patio is a vintage fireplace grate that will hold red geraniums, </div>
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some taller plants in the pots and flowers in the galvanized tub.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Watch out for my little photo bomber!</div>
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I picture the metal structure wrapped in battery-powered twinkly lights.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiennbaju3INoehEBEMEr9pCxtv_fvMstQRUW9vki_TYoejfHKhr9dZh9jkfJnrjlkkNXjxQfQazFVEQzBkC0dPmFTqh6bAppffRlf_JkcTtDvITKLDnedAzQ63YKcdYilJlTcacJ7YvyyL/s1600/IMG_5612.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/AVvXsEiennbaju3INoehEBEMEr9pCxtv_fvMstQRUW9vki_TYoejfHKhr9dZh9jkfJnrjlkkNXjxQfQazFVEQzBkC0dPmFTqh6bAppffRlf_JkcTtDvITKLDnedAzQ63YKcdYilJlTcacJ7YvyyL/s640/IMG_5612.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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You know in Paris how they have tall planter boxes on the sidewalk to define the cafes?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm going to try something like a bench lined with lanterns and flickering candles. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or maybe I'll ad a small arborvitae in a big clay pot or a flower stand.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEufGQ-CPGvF4UjFV6WgERXUHAx2zXfjWoCSq1tXDk7rQr0q6GIN83RwT5tBeyyGVHaK4GKlYdF1Ifvdo7uTp_-6i6c27jo2ttTLI3NgYEZd2ThUTJPBGZPOh2ir0uvc8iuZFePIOsx39/s1600/IMG_5615.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/AVvXsEgWEufGQ-CPGvF4UjFV6WgERXUHAx2zXfjWoCSq1tXDk7rQr0q6GIN83RwT5tBeyyGVHaK4GKlYdF1Ifvdo7uTp_-6i6c27jo2ttTLI3NgYEZd2ThUTJPBGZPOh2ir0uvc8iuZFePIOsx39/s640/IMG_5615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
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Oh no, now they're saying we're going to get snow this weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's Colorado for you.</div>
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Argg!</div>
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***<br />
<br />
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Just subscribe in the upper right column of this page.<br />
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.<br />
Thank you!!!</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-20712466760719415372019-03-22T10:17:00.001-06:002019-03-22T10:17:53.515-06:00Hunting and Gathering - Find of the Month #3<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome back to my new feature, Hunting and Gathering - Find of the Month, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>where I share an unusual treasure recently found. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, I'm sharing an interesting find -- a surprising book by author Eugene Field called </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"The Tribune Primer."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWFpWX7eO1ICWJbQ4Hj3KlfhCrhyphenhyphenV5vrvIbnTwI1QNhhqvCG93aSIBuNeCgpEnBStcE32zx53buYd6cy0m2nEXrrM9KQ-P0BtrWGwbQ3DD3EjmjzyEKXJgZNYjBeJBZvBG-yckH1hu0psd/s1600/IMG_5582.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/AVvXsEjWFpWX7eO1ICWJbQ4Hj3KlfhCrhyphenhyphenV5vrvIbnTwI1QNhhqvCG93aSIBuNeCgpEnBStcE32zx53buYd6cy0m2nEXrrM9KQ-P0BtrWGwbQ3DD3EjmjzyEKXJgZNYjBeJBZvBG-yckH1hu0psd/s640/IMG_5582.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I assumed this was a harmless little book by a man I always thought of as a sweet,<br />
loving soul who wrote the well-known children's poem, "Wynken, Blynken and Nod."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(You can read more about Eugene Field in a previous post by clicking <a href="http://bringingfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/2017/02/a-field-of-dreams.html">HERE.</a>)</div>
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I'm especially interested in him as my local library is named for him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He lived in this sweet little cottage in my neighborhood<br />
that later served as a small branch library. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2kAfrms7oFcdUcpy2mgdKvuU4vBmiYqD8Yepodi0cJtNUFWrPbfGwVIoeS_1Ce6wZPVlmffFvF_XfGHWTUl9PSIIaPBQzlKfWRwQBF6rCs4BFVpGq4AVFwxxP3KRIfKhzghX8mexb_o5/s1600/IMG_3043.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/AVvXsEiw2kAfrms7oFcdUcpy2mgdKvuU4vBmiYqD8Yepodi0cJtNUFWrPbfGwVIoeS_1Ce6wZPVlmffFvF_XfGHWTUl9PSIIaPBQzlKfWRwQBF6rCs4BFVpGq4AVFwxxP3KRIfKhzghX8mexb_o5/s640/IMG_3043.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Well, hang on to your hat!<br />
This book, written in 1882 and published in 1900, was definitely not meant for children. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bought it to add to my collection of Eugene Field books without reading the story. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boy, was I shocked when I finally skimmed through it at home. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As Field worked as the editor of Denver's newspaper, The Denver Tribune,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he must have meant this book to be a sarcastic picture of the culture and politics of the day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you ready for some excerpts?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Here is a Man who has just stopped his paper. What a miserable looking Creature he is. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of these Days he will break his leg or be a candidate for Office and then the Paper will<br />
Say Nothing about it. That will be treating him just right, will it not, little children?"</div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJfzTSg05uqP9a2yg5siEOXd9YpAX6bZscQgZTN9LdiiCMHXt_dYCkQ-8PaxcqPNHs16hdKV6_V2ryCZIJOw2Ff40EUHLlLzmpQ-TvEtxUztAx6ovQBCny4mksIVvkV43CvauOYiW1PErG/s1600/IMG_5583.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/AVvXsEhJfzTSg05uqP9a2yg5siEOXd9YpAX6bZscQgZTN9LdiiCMHXt_dYCkQ-8PaxcqPNHs16hdKV6_V2ryCZIJOw2Ff40EUHLlLzmpQ-TvEtxUztAx6ovQBCny4mksIVvkV43CvauOYiW1PErG/s640/IMG_5583.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
It gets worse!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
"This is a gun. Is the Gun loaded? Let's find out.<br />
Put the Gun on the table and you, Susie, blow down one barrel while you,<br />
Charlie blow down the other. Bang! Yes, it was loaded. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Run quick and pick up Susie's head and Charlie's lower jaw </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
before the Nasty Blood gets over the new carpet."</div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcGXBa_YJUJ2zT9oJ0VrOWCOvCPl0C2aOYzL_lWC9brN56KRCPzFcxHQIexs3YZ0kLwYpKOS0ylY1ljUTpas5S4e2hlSpn7dn4-b-SaoHz_kvbKkcutqHN15QbOvMPcLec8d-YxOolqBP/s1600/IMG_5585.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/AVvXsEiRcGXBa_YJUJ2zT9oJ0VrOWCOvCPl0C2aOYzL_lWC9brN56KRCPzFcxHQIexs3YZ0kLwYpKOS0ylY1ljUTpas5S4e2hlSpn7dn4-b-SaoHz_kvbKkcutqHN15QbOvMPcLec8d-YxOolqBP/s640/IMG_5585.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can you believe it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What happened to the sweet man who wrote children's poetry?</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNX2rTXdEykQc0MFl6aopEviJi48y7voRSsMuK3VxTNEI4peGhFu4XylH20Cb8Zgud4NiucJSq52hUMyxcCarqlWMC7_5TFMeZRZd37Dh-NZSTfkBSj_U4F4VsJjxxq-JWKotH6ldt8HZI/s1600/IMG_3037.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/AVvXsEiNX2rTXdEykQc0MFl6aopEviJi48y7voRSsMuK3VxTNEI4peGhFu4XylH20Cb8Zgud4NiucJSq52hUMyxcCarqlWMC7_5TFMeZRZd37Dh-NZSTfkBSj_U4F4VsJjxxq-JWKotH6ldt8HZI/s640/IMG_3037.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
There's more.<br />
<br />
"Here we have a Knife. If you are Good,<br />
perhaps the Editor will Give it to you to cut off the Cat's tail."<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_EYaZ8q1f9yPwWvs7wOl_Kax34rxn_ZcJhazsU_b8rSeKlCGuTa6DKHWKrC5fs5ZyElj3pIJZUYkyF7ccepNiaW2tdK6YhzMLKIV0LvZ1DsBN0RPjq4W2m05U2wilP0-zrGGezDxm_A-/s1600/IMG_5586.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/AVvXsEg4_EYaZ8q1f9yPwWvs7wOl_Kax34rxn_ZcJhazsU_b8rSeKlCGuTa6DKHWKrC5fs5ZyElj3pIJZUYkyF7ccepNiaW2tdK6YhzMLKIV0LvZ1DsBN0RPjq4W2m05U2wilP0-zrGGezDxm_A-/s640/IMG_5586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The whole book is like this. Disturbing, isn't it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, at the time it was published, these comments were<br />
thought to explore the darkly comic aspects of life and government hypocrisy.<br />
<br />
This book sure came of the left "Field!"<br />
So, what do you think of Mr. Field's primer?<br />
<br />
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-25611576509490726432019-03-15T10:52:00.001-06:002019-03-15T10:52:18.994-06:00Keeping the Country Spirit Alive and Well<div style="text-align: center;">
The year was 1978.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A new magazine hit the racks called Country Living.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hard to believe that was more than 40 years ago. It certainly inspired me </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(along with John Denver's songs) to move from California to Colorado in 1979.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioG128ExhqbN1ys1yEP8Dx5pHy-vO7zdkHP8B44fuW7eBQxf1Pwk6dzTJZHmAlc3Y0D8tWDeqk5t2JgY2cvdR_BFzlRgQGc9rcMXvzds4e3l0JDNE68gUY7nFCkxktAV9o4AHYW1wP-Qk3/s1600/IMG_2751.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/AVvXsEioG128ExhqbN1ys1yEP8Dx5pHy-vO7zdkHP8B44fuW7eBQxf1Pwk6dzTJZHmAlc3Y0D8tWDeqk5t2JgY2cvdR_BFzlRgQGc9rcMXvzds4e3l0JDNE68gUY7nFCkxktAV9o4AHYW1wP-Qk3/s640/IMG_2751.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The nascent magazine eventually would lead me </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
down a winding path to develop my own decorating style. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHTwRT1pUo7cWlF0pROlJ727u4m9i3KLXklvE8uhD1YSD9KuAL5pnx2rDrL0w5NmduyyHEMzVrIK9911ZCb7Z2v_XfyOr8nDjzSbirfLt6dWbqx4F8ruFOGWWxfgNE-emf-NqGeigTDbL/s1600/IMG_4569.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/AVvXsEgpHTwRT1pUo7cWlF0pROlJ727u4m9i3KLXklvE8uhD1YSD9KuAL5pnx2rDrL0w5NmduyyHEMzVrIK9911ZCb7Z2v_XfyOr8nDjzSbirfLt6dWbqx4F8ruFOGWWxfgNE-emf-NqGeigTDbL/s640/IMG_4569.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, we go way back and I still enjoy this magazine that was </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"committed to bringing warmth back into readers' homes."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's an early issue that I still have. Check out that price of $1.95!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mv5_Yd3ZNqSv-JQSiIBq10JvUPwVX23IhA1N812NMC9vLFnKWrn8Hlim6eEodkW_kiqMuSJ2g-FVXiDcdCiWZq_YDZGHwFUpRPB5IcWgBaG6eS99ElrgV617-Q7J59-VP8rsJIup0SXV/s1600/IMG_3628.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/AVvXsEh0mv5_Yd3ZNqSv-JQSiIBq10JvUPwVX23IhA1N812NMC9vLFnKWrn8Hlim6eEodkW_kiqMuSJ2g-FVXiDcdCiWZq_YDZGHwFUpRPB5IcWgBaG6eS99ElrgV617-Q7J59-VP8rsJIup0SXV/s640/IMG_3628.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Granted I worked my way through many looks before finally settling<br />
on a style - French Country.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But that was after I'd lived through Southwestern, Farmhouse, Country,<br />
and what Ron called my "Mary Tyler Moore" look.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Mauve and black, oh dear.<br />
I do wish I'd kept that chaise lounge though.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently found a beautiful coffee table book published in 1988 called<br />
"Country Living Country Decorating."<br />
It's a compilation of the best of the magazine over the first ten years<br />
and sure brought back a lot of memories with lots of gorgeous photos.<br />
<br /></div>
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My favorite feature in that magazine was always "Country in the City."</div>
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So this post is a tribute to that time-honored magazine and especially that feature.<br />
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I learned to appreciate ironstone,<br />
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Mom's dishes that had been handed down,<br />
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and hand-stitched samplers.<br />
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One of the things I learned from "Country in the City"<br />
is that you don't have to live in the country to feel like you do.<br />
And so many country things complement French Country style. </div>
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It's the feel of a room rather than a particular style.<br />
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<b>Country living is all about homespun and heartfelt.</b><br />
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It's about hooked or braided rugs, folk art, baskets, and quilts,</div>
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primitive painted furniture and wooden bowls . . .</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and all those things that honor individual expression. </div>
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A wood-burning fireplace warms a room but a gas flame works just as well.<br />
And nothing says country like a roaring fireplace.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks to Country Living magazine for reminding us of the value of home, heart and hearth<br />
and for keeping the country spirit alive and well.<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
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Thanks so much!<br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
Linking with:<br />
<a href="http://littlefarmstead.blogspot.com/">Little Farmstead</a>, <a href="http://dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/">Dwellings</a>, <a href="http://stonegableblog.com/">Stone Gable</a>, <a href="http://astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a>,<br />
<a href="http://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/">Follow the Yellow Brick Home</a>, <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.net/">French Country Cottage</a></div>
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Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-38644646556002083482019-03-08T09:36:00.001-07:002019-03-08T09:36:40.193-07:00Trek to our Mountain Log Cabin<div style="text-align: center;">
Trek seems to be the right word for this trip.</div>
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It connotes an adventure, an arduous journey, a dangerous undertaking. </div>
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Yep, that pretty much sums it up.</div>
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Okay, I guess we have to delete arduous and dangerous but other than that, it was an adventure. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3f7CuJtDeLok_3c2APgBzKCfFxMb-KoXXr94Wl4GINDbc5GsxL6FqDaHQKsLsw-pzbKcG3Z8fZtauoscUOOfUq91PNf7W_fA97d65K6lwrbp7DndwzZycoRoorhenwG9rpuJezdl21Cb8/s1600/IMG_5558.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/AVvXsEg3f7CuJtDeLok_3c2APgBzKCfFxMb-KoXXr94Wl4GINDbc5GsxL6FqDaHQKsLsw-pzbKcG3Z8fZtauoscUOOfUq91PNf7W_fA97d65K6lwrbp7DndwzZycoRoorhenwG9rpuJezdl21Cb8/s640/IMG_5558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We'd been longing to visit our rustic mountain log cabin that we bought this past year<br />
and had been wanting to see it again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLqDglskiSM6I-7-U07R4eI_Nzlu6Vwr0FwpJPpFezgLOTQwmPE2OFO-iyaUsMFqu0nUISteUJt4nU4k1SA3QwklkXy1wW1U0rt_8wRgTLw2HnJyjpKo8QJCq1_30R5vCuxLwrWgnUmqF/s1600/IMG_4984.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/AVvXsEjvLqDglskiSM6I-7-U07R4eI_Nzlu6Vwr0FwpJPpFezgLOTQwmPE2OFO-iyaUsMFqu0nUISteUJt4nU4k1SA3QwklkXy1wW1U0rt_8wRgTLw2HnJyjpKo8QJCq1_30R5vCuxLwrWgnUmqF/s640/IMG_4984.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We'd been collecting things here and there we thought would be nice in the cabin</div>
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like old snowshoes, pillows (that I made, ahem!), wildlife mugs, and a super-comfy chair.<br />
I'm eager to get up there and decorate!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGtW9mhCKTnKHpBS-5CSSkYxZfYvLg-dbQbDHu0lBpvibF2ALPfjKwWYjovBu1gtCQEFNPXkjXN7dLdrpO3knzmTS2nlYmB91XPlVbzuQToF3qZwPwc6fGPVped2zABFPgdTMFsFg62HX/s1600/IMG_5589.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/AVvXsEiJGtW9mhCKTnKHpBS-5CSSkYxZfYvLg-dbQbDHu0lBpvibF2ALPfjKwWYjovBu1gtCQEFNPXkjXN7dLdrpO3knzmTS2nlYmB91XPlVbzuQToF3qZwPwc6fGPVped2zABFPgdTMFsFg62HX/s640/IMG_5589.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And we thought "wouldn't it be beautiful in all that snow?"</div>
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However, we knew the Colorado Rockies had been having a banner snow year and that we </div>
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probably would not be able to get up the narrow unpaved, unmaintained road at 11,000 feet. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkaOFqoCPK5POI4083VNJK-KOg6iu4boQqqk-6eVwozNEDeX4B3ryIgCtUayIS9tWqq2_D48IfHDFPhW7whUQ2s7-7X1No4FRTGE0J3p6jQHdfwxcPws0KjB4BLFvP4XYhgSMJbJsu6KQ/s1600/20190226_133759_resized_2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkaOFqoCPK5POI4083VNJK-KOg6iu4boQqqk-6eVwozNEDeX4B3ryIgCtUayIS9tWqq2_D48IfHDFPhW7whUQ2s7-7X1No4FRTGE0J3p6jQHdfwxcPws0KjB4BLFvP4XYhgSMJbJsu6KQ/s640/20190226_133759_resized_2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Still we decided to head up into the mountains, just to see how far we could get. </div>
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It would be a pretty drive if nothing else. </div>
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It was fairly passable up the rough county road </div>
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until we reached the "No Winter Maintenance" sign.<br />
The only tracks we saw beyond this sign were snowmobile tracks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDfVgAt9vWK4obnW8EbSxz6K32ZWVq0a9_wtOEPCXpZm7ImHUVRtu_tYfmseVgQzj6eSvYXgsYrvEIzEKpsilarkyQ0nM1-tiUw2bHQ8Fweic-_yLzAFiC2nbsCupfdfIhNBJ2AEaNIgR/s1600/IMG_5565.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/AVvXsEhNDfVgAt9vWK4obnW8EbSxz6K32ZWVq0a9_wtOEPCXpZm7ImHUVRtu_tYfmseVgQzj6eSvYXgsYrvEIzEKpsilarkyQ0nM1-tiUw2bHQ8Fweic-_yLzAFiC2nbsCupfdfIhNBJ2AEaNIgR/s640/IMG_5565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although we only had about five miles to go to the cabin, </div>
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we decided not to be too adventurous (foolish?) </div>
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and turned around at the first wide spot in the road. </div>
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I don't like turning around on this road in the middle of summer </div>
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let alone when there's a foot of snow on the road that drops off steeply on one side. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafyKnfhH5RNAhu5SRbEx0WhkOKnQdN3zj6p-XorEQ2ZaoPCS_yM2choJoUg4xA6Fkd5as9PP_rJiVDeBBZL-ZZIGvSejh3o7DsGfU2IF_BRWcX0tOI2du2suQniNzbORiGI65upncj02B/s1600/IMG_5563.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/AVvXsEhafyKnfhH5RNAhu5SRbEx0WhkOKnQdN3zj6p-XorEQ2ZaoPCS_yM2choJoUg4xA6Fkd5as9PP_rJiVDeBBZL-ZZIGvSejh3o7DsGfU2IF_BRWcX0tOI2du2suQniNzbORiGI65upncj02B/s640/IMG_5563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So we headed for nearby Fairplay to check out the pioneer museum in the snow. </div>
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It was definitely worth the detour.</div>
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You can read more about Fairplay by clicking <a href="http://bringingfrenchcountryhome.blogspot.com/2018/09/a-giant-step-back-in-time.html">HERE.</a><span id="goog_142171895"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_142171896"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT5_6v9gxIGx3ehSb8vbOADkBIHUkrhYwiSgUTzRMb5bOC-50D-3y9cDuFi4uZ28TO7uwBGc2uHowd3vGUC9YWbrWVJSar48px_rm0MieK3H12qT4KThTi-dPD-NxNN-XXx9SR4oKt836/s1600/IMG_5567.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/AVvXsEjpT5_6v9gxIGx3ehSb8vbOADkBIHUkrhYwiSgUTzRMb5bOC-50D-3y9cDuFi4uZ28TO7uwBGc2uHowd3vGUC9YWbrWVJSar48px_rm0MieK3H12qT4KThTi-dPD-NxNN-XXx9SR4oKt836/s640/IMG_5567.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Yes, we had a beautiful drive in the snow-covered mountains but we soon realized</div>
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we probably wouldn't make it in to the cabin until April or May. </div>
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That little cabin has been standing for a hundred years so I guess it's not going anywhere. </div>
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Sigh. </div>
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****</div>
Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8700324863982616242.post-73264763370614165592019-03-01T11:57:00.001-07:002019-03-01T11:57:10.771-07:00Easy Ways to Accessorize your Kitchen<div style="text-align: center;">
When you have a tiny kitchen like I do, you have to be creative in giving it some personality.</div>
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Here's a shot of my compact kitchen.</div>
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There's a small stove on the wall opposite the mirror.<br />
And that's it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1qHb9rVzWnCbHSCD_AaSNRKh5q5eQCiwDSPKCnd2iAx7tvQoxLELF-ZORoOJuVF4RJnr3zhggEO-moSfFVRDPKM_5pEnA8TC-kbn7RTeF0RGh8N-Nvp-ZBQfTk_MnOlpGrqosgVumF1WN/s1600/IMG_1467.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/AVvXsEg1qHb9rVzWnCbHSCD_AaSNRKh5q5eQCiwDSPKCnd2iAx7tvQoxLELF-ZORoOJuVF4RJnr3zhggEO-moSfFVRDPKM_5pEnA8TC-kbn7RTeF0RGh8N-Nvp-ZBQfTk_MnOlpGrqosgVumF1WN/s640/IMG_1467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The easiest way to jazz up your little kitchen is with accessories.<br />
Since French Country style leans toward soft and muted colors,<br />
colorful accessories can liven up this room. </div>
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I enjoy decorating my kitchen with farm animals but you could pick</div>
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your favorite accessory and repeat it throughout the kitchen for more impact.<br />
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Love ironstone?</div>
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Fill your open shelving with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MSCqqH-c_-hiQ7KG9c4qv3-f8CgnsQherahjPXeVm03yRolfRec8TuTDHGuTLx3T-U11N8sNPrD9bMLGPTCCrcFWabRboUQA0MItZHpDolPUI4OqiT9cbYESRRmyr1oQ4x_3plLd19r6/s1600/IMG_0870.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/AVvXsEj3MSCqqH-c_-hiQ7KG9c4qv3-f8CgnsQherahjPXeVm03yRolfRec8TuTDHGuTLx3T-U11N8sNPrD9bMLGPTCCrcFWabRboUQA0MItZHpDolPUI4OqiT9cbYESRRmyr1oQ4x_3plLd19r6/s640/IMG_0870.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or maybe you collect silver or copper.</div>
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You can always find a spot to squeeze in a pretty silver tray or a copper tea kettle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluxUBKqyjdcovREP4Pn3nheFSTWddcaTOB0Sf_6ejxXuIWuNsfWGHOD9-idJI9pJr2c_jRY73PTJ0W_1tCa77JQpjGHjHOyc6vvthV63S6wGJNxp0nuXbjJmD7rHjbL46d0rhJZ-lHlmm/s1600/IMG_4514.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/AVvXsEhluxUBKqyjdcovREP4Pn3nheFSTWddcaTOB0Sf_6ejxXuIWuNsfWGHOD9-idJI9pJr2c_jRY73PTJ0W_1tCa77JQpjGHjHOyc6vvthV63S6wGJNxp0nuXbjJmD7rHjbL46d0rhJZ-lHlmm/s640/IMG_4514.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRq5arRVDX7wR1OhyMQ4FjHGECN9N_nvZtLJ2PsRBy4QumAVBc0Y3Sa7AFUjIpfLocByZngBwB_CCvq8f0s3ow2LSuaEWOrYtlCyxhVj0xpL9KFKusgYUQr3_HlWQ73ZY46u2dzRBNDPMr/s1600/IMG_5546.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/AVvXsEiRq5arRVDX7wR1OhyMQ4FjHGECN9N_nvZtLJ2PsRBy4QumAVBc0Y3Sa7AFUjIpfLocByZngBwB_CCvq8f0s3ow2LSuaEWOrYtlCyxhVj0xpL9KFKusgYUQr3_HlWQ73ZY46u2dzRBNDPMr/s640/IMG_5546.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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For me, farm animals add a simple touch of Provence to my kitchen.<br />
You'll find lots of cows in this room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlk27WeUkttupqMts2K1Tom5P6AstFl62_lNPVazonzq7qSoexZ_GuXHRvJM4w89lJQTxQo-G-eGlCY_7v8j-M0Yr_PWAUzjWsLdNYGCVAFtc-flAfs56vkwlevo9BVYxNln7x5XJ3JEk/s1600/IMG_4582.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/AVvXsEgxlk27WeUkttupqMts2K1Tom5P6AstFl62_lNPVazonzq7qSoexZ_GuXHRvJM4w89lJQTxQo-G-eGlCY_7v8j-M0Yr_PWAUzjWsLdNYGCVAFtc-flAfs56vkwlevo9BVYxNln7x5XJ3JEk/s640/IMG_4582.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Bring on the cows, roosters, pigs and sheep. </div>
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Then add some pretty glass bottles to catch the light.</div>
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I love the pig on this lard tin<br />
and pops of red energize this space.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLXzgroo5CxyLThmuZkLWjNc889JjxDgkKhBu8n0q3RT-nX84ExT-u5WLEseO2Z_lcBlbZ6Kt6RwfCRLui7YIRVE2nd8fN7lIiLeGd22kR8LhXxE3Uqq0dlKFIJYfRw1fAmigLrMVPJkZ/s1600/IMG_1790.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/AVvXsEjmLXzgroo5CxyLThmuZkLWjNc889JjxDgkKhBu8n0q3RT-nX84ExT-u5WLEseO2Z_lcBlbZ6Kt6RwfCRLui7YIRVE2nd8fN7lIiLeGd22kR8LhXxE3Uqq0dlKFIJYfRw1fAmigLrMVPJkZ/s640/IMG_1790.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't forget the roosters. This symbol of Provence is a must.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mNxVi9Rv-SiFCukOwPloMIKh0E-hTqv2gzs5dy6B5MrFO2-rjGZipneQrswzfX_PDZ3UTqBiOnLotgwCDlR6JlADh6c6-VIYAZjeA_2GLTwrTmNJsgvb6RymufTbMUlpZB6LjcsUSucQ/s1600/IMG_5534.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/AVvXsEg_mNxVi9Rv-SiFCukOwPloMIKh0E-hTqv2gzs5dy6B5MrFO2-rjGZipneQrswzfX_PDZ3UTqBiOnLotgwCDlR6JlADh6c6-VIYAZjeA_2GLTwrTmNJsgvb6RymufTbMUlpZB6LjcsUSucQ/s640/IMG_5534.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The top of the fridge is the perfect spot for a big basket or two to add texture.</div>
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I love the juxtaposition of the wire hen against the woven basket.</div>
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Original artwork is an easy way to add color and a fun farmhouse feel.</div>
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Those 1960's paint-by-number paintings are inexpensive and charming.<br />
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I won this vibrant rooster painting by an art teacher in an auction.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRTmpm1E48HhMvc4_UaQ_2pQgldxOW00A5g14TM893tc2x4SkLpttmlRI_5mgy_lQRREUnqdxJXXmu-jIxyst5HqWyTbQmq56vlmh21Z4f0zse7l29KjI6Z9uFIhyphenhyphenDKFTR5bYEaQX5Wzz/s1600/IMG_2642.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/AVvXsEgoRTmpm1E48HhMvc4_UaQ_2pQgldxOW00A5g14TM893tc2x4SkLpttmlRI_5mgy_lQRREUnqdxJXXmu-jIxyst5HqWyTbQmq56vlmh21Z4f0zse7l29KjI6Z9uFIhyphenhyphenDKFTR5bYEaQX5Wzz/s640/IMG_2642.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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If farm animals, copper or silver aren't your thing,<br />
collectible kitchen items can add a warm feeling to your kitchen.<br />
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A large, round breadboard is on my wish list if I can find an affordable one.<br />
Meanwhile I love this hand-carved board.<br />
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It may be small but my kitchen is one of my favorite rooms in my house.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil_OppP2qUajgVdU_vrLkwAwskIIO8jaNmJzE6d3yGPQavb8LGaParhEPx4aqc_2NA1oHJwv5Vmt91tPqhvy_dx9RyXWVDG3xBwcso4qdeRE-N8usn0yTRwNt76Bq4PvenkhAiq8pVPwd/s1600/IMG_1755.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/AVvXsEgil_OppP2qUajgVdU_vrLkwAwskIIO8jaNmJzE6d3yGPQavb8LGaParhEPx4aqc_2NA1oHJwv5Vmt91tPqhvy_dx9RyXWVDG3xBwcso4qdeRE-N8usn0yTRwNt76Bq4PvenkhAiq8pVPwd/s640/IMG_1755.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And it's not because the wine is stored there!<br />
LOL!<br />
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***<br />
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<br />
***<br />
<br />
Linking with:<br />
<a href="http://littlefarmstead.blogspot.com/">Little Farmstead</a>, <a href="http://dwellings-theheartofyourhome.com/">Dwellings</a>, <a href="http://stonegableblog.com/">Stone Gable</a>, <a href="http://astrollthrulife.net/">A Stroll Thru Life</a>, <a href="http://ourhopefulhome.com/">Our Hopeful Home</a>,<br />
<a href="http://adelightsomelife.com/">A Delightsome Life</a>, <a href="http://frenchethereal.net/">French Ethereal</a>, <a href="http://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/">Follow the Yellow Brick Home</a>, <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.net/">French Country Cottage</a><br />
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Pat @ bringingfrenchcountryhomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04039120314764829217noreply@blogger.com17