3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

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Day 60/365: Window Shopping

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Day 60: Bit's & Pieces

I love my local thrift store, Bit’s N’ Pieces.  I really do, not only have I gotten great bargains, but I can count on friendly conversation on Saturday morning when I go in to browse. It’s not often, ok never, that I leave empty handed. This is just one of the beautifully decorated windows that change with the seasons.

Bit’s and Pieces Thrift Store is operated by the Elmwood Christian Church in Elmwood Nebraska. I don’t remember how long it’s been in business but it was originally opened as a way to raise money for the church that had burned down. Kinda of an indoor-garage-sale concept. Well, the success was overwhelming. At first it was only going to be open long enough to pay back the loan for the church. It became such a fixture that no one wanted to see it close. So volunteers still operate the store and profits go back to the church to benefit the community.

Elmwood has a population of less than 800 people and soon it was the place to find Christmas presents, birthday gifts, and just about anything you needed, or didn’t need, you could get there. My latest find was a LL. Bean Woolen woolen dress coat for $4.99, retail price $199.00.

I think this may be another topic I’ll highlight, Thrift Store finds…hmmm the treasures we will find. Remember my Uggs?

Day 59/365: Mandarin Oranges

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Mandarin Ornages
Day 59: I love Mandarin Oranges

Yes, I love Mandarin Oranges. I would pick up a can at our local convenience store CD Express, in Elmwood, and eat them as a snack. Cheaper and healthier than chips don’t you think? The problem lately is the store no longer stocks them. But every time I stop in I walk down the aisle and look at the empty space where they used to be.

Before Christmas this past year we stopped in and and lamented the fact that I couldn’t get me Maradarin Orange fix.  She said she would get me some for Christmas. I smiled and said “OK!”

You read that right 6 lbs 9 oz of Mandarin OrangesWell,  Christmas came this year I received about five cans, or about 7 lbs total. Not only did Jen put four small cans under the tree but I got a HUGE six pound bulk size can as a joke. Hey, have your laugh,…I’m eating Mandarin Oranges.

At first I thought I was going to have to find recipes to use them all, but no, better my daughter and I we will have them gone within the week.

But, if you ever find yourself looking for things to do with Mandarin Oranges here are a few hints.

Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Oranges With Sea Salt

Spinach Salad With Mandrin Oranges

Bittersweet Chocolate Tart With Mandarin Oranges

Jamaican Jerk Chicken with Mandarin Chicken Salad

Pork With Mandarin Oranges

Day 58/365: Another Dog Toy Bites the Dust

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Day 58: Grrrrr….Give me my toy!!

The search for the indestructible dog toy continues. Why do I try? Because it’s fun, because I like a challenge, and one day Brody might learn that the fun will last longer if he doesn’t totally destroy his squeaky toys. This time is was with a line from Tuffy Dog Toys.

When I worked for a pet supply company I had a lot of excuses to indulge my dog. I tried different dog foods, various types of dog toys, and all kinds of  dog treats. Brody eats anything so that wasn’t really a fair test.

But, I digress, back to the dog toy test. My daughter played tug of war, keep away, and pulled him around the kitchen. It wore Brody completely out. He actually didn’t eviscerate this rabbit for over an hour, but was content to slobber and just gnaw.

It took almost three hours this very determined Jack Russell to break through the 3 layers of fabric and reach the stuffing. then it was an all out war on the dog toy. Kill the Rabbit, kill the rabbit,…isn’t that from a movie, I think Bugs Bunny.

The squeaker came out first, then all the stuffing, all over the floor. When the toy was sufficiently dead and just the skin left the novelty of the toy was over.

I now have a Boxer, in addition to my Jack, and Leah loves stuffed animals and carries them around like a baby. So as long as it doesn’t have a squeaker

This was also a level 9 dog toy from MyDogToy.com and it’s a good thing I participate in the Dog Testing program, otherwise these experiments would cost me a fortune.

 

Day 57/365: Winter Icicles

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Day 57: Edited top right eave (thanks Anglin)

Icicles aren’t as easy to photograph as I thought. I tried to get the glistening of the sun and the drops melting off, but just couldn’t get it right. I do like the stained glass window of the church in the background. This was taken at the Christian Church in Elmwood, Nebraska.  Between Elmwood and Murdock (6 miles away) we’re a community of less than 1000 people, but we have five churches which are a crucial part of our lives.

Day 56/365: Marine Charm Necklace

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Day 56: US Marine Necklace

This has become one of my favorite necklaces. My oldest son is a US Marine, my youngest will be leaving for boot camp next summer.

I have found a custom jewelry artist who will create a line of Marine themed charms and pendants for me to start a new business “Hero Charms & Jewelry”.

Several inspirational words will be available and each charm is double sided. The square charm has an option for an option for the motto on the opposite side or a custom image of your special Marine. I will post other necklace options on my Flickr page

Now I have to submit the official licensing paperwork to the United States Marine Corps in order to use the EGA (Eagle, Globe and Anchor) logo and advertise Marines, U.S.M.C. Then I will post the website and shopping cart.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Marine Charm necklace leave me a message or email me and I will let you know when they are available.