tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62786647102141856872024-03-02T10:29:36.015-07:00Choice City NativeLife in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, North America, Planet EarthJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.comBlogger363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-82867418675694907342020-10-26T06:00:00.144-06:002020-10-26T06:00:02.615-06:00Local Haunt: The Bingham Hill Cemetery<p>Tucked along Bingham Hill road near the neighboring community of LaPorte, the Bingham Hill Cemetery is believed to be the oldest cemetery in Larimer County. I've been down that road countless times and had never noticed the small access gate. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqRwkihq3pQ/X5W2KC-4nvI/AAAAAAAAIKI/b5uT9sXrPb42wvhT7ZPN_cyussvMzscMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s3819/DSCN0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3819" data-original-width="2988" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqRwkihq3pQ/X5W2KC-4nvI/AAAAAAAAIKI/b5uT9sXrPb42wvhT7ZPN_cyussvMzscMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w313-h400/DSCN0439.JPG" width="313" /></a></div><p>A short walk past the gate... </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DK_cxaYS9r8/X5W2t7mH78I/AAAAAAAAIKQ/IwBCXHDLyIMPMXD9DqvWw2lWm_hRMxCqACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/DSCN0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DK_cxaYS9r8/X5W2t7mH78I/AAAAAAAAIKQ/IwBCXHDLyIMPMXD9DqvWw2lWm_hRMxCqACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN0442.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Reveals the cemetery:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_IdZQQMhcw/X5W29qbFUbI/AAAAAAAAIKY/ylgCd9ozB00Fb7Qzv-Ab6YFpVZGNis3ogCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/DSCN0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E_IdZQQMhcw/X5W29qbFUbI/AAAAAAAAIKY/ylgCd9ozB00Fb7Qzv-Ab6YFpVZGNis3ogCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN0446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>In 1858, Jean Baptiste Provost and his wife Mary squatted on the land before purchasing the squatter's claim for $200 in 1865. When the Overland Trail stagecoach route was established, Provost and his wife were hired to manage the station. He also sold liquor to the troops at nearby Camp Collins, which eventually became Fort Collins.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sprRHbxOMk/X5W547PoclI/AAAAAAAAIKo/zfYsK3TPP4sQXqv2RD7c3BlzOCBDxWrhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/DSCN0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4sprRHbxOMk/X5W547PoclI/AAAAAAAAIKo/zfYsK3TPP4sQXqv2RD7c3BlzOCBDxWrhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN0444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The first burial marked by a headstone came in 1862, when the Provosts lost their baby son, Bazille. Like most cemeteries of this era, Bingham Hill has no shortage of tragic stories. The Provost's oldest daughter was 10 when she died and was buried next to her brother. In 1876, Barbara Bingham, whose family owned the land at that time, died at age 19 of a nosebleed the day before her wedding. At the foot of Eliza Robertson's grave lie the graves of her three grandchildren, ages 3-6. who died from smallpox in 1911.<p></p><p>It comes as no surprise that some people claim the cemetery is haunted, but the only chill I felt was from the brisk wind. Instead, I was taken by the fact that the history of this small, unassuming place is so well-cared for. It was mostly forgotten until 1987, when neighbor Rose Brinks took it upon herself to restore the grounds and painstakingly research every single person who is buried here. Her book, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/History-Bingham-Hill-Cemetery-Colorado/dp/0692472363/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=history+of+bingham+hill+cemetery&qid=1603653039&sr=8-1" target="_blank">History of the Bingham Hill Cemetery</a></i>, is full of fascinating details, and I commend her for her dedication. What a gift to family members and history buffs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-llWaTgjTZ-I/X5W7oRnZReI/AAAAAAAAIK0/nK6eRQM4iXwArAL7tqDmhNsy5oNs2ucXACLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/DSCN0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-llWaTgjTZ-I/X5W7oRnZReI/AAAAAAAAIK0/nK6eRQM4iXwArAL7tqDmhNsy5oNs2ucXACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN0465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>These days, volunteers maintain the cemetery and raise funds to replace headstones damaged by time or vandalism. "Respectful" visitors are welcome during operating hours. </p><p>With Halloween approaching, I have to confess, though, that there were a couple of things about this place that struck me as just a tad creepy. The liberal scattering of coins and mementos on many of the headstones:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eIXgpcazOM/X5XMTA2j7eI/AAAAAAAAILA/4y8dgD4lLlsSZqbEKNQ46wHnfOT4XStHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/DSCN0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3eIXgpcazOM/X5XMTA2j7eI/AAAAAAAAILA/4y8dgD4lLlsSZqbEKNQ46wHnfOT4XStHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN0445.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />And the fence around this little girl's grave, which rather reminded me of a crib (*shivers*):<p></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBiEIZxlX2k/X5XMyvKz1iI/AAAAAAAAILI/5UQnXMS0GFkoeKOhqtdCxIPFEULuxnloQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/DSCN0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBiEIZxlX2k/X5XMyvKz1iI/AAAAAAAAILI/5UQnXMS0GFkoeKOhqtdCxIPFEULuxnloQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/DSCN0450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p> Have a spooky week, everyone! And please be safe and smart on Halloween!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-68531331663500492072020-10-12T06:00:00.070-06:002020-10-12T06:00:03.933-06:00Local Joys #4: An Unexpected Find<p>Hello again after my long hiatus! </p><p>I love that I can still run across new discoveries in my hometown. My husband and I were out walking in a part of town we don't usually frequent and came across the first schoolhouse in Fort Collins. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoQPVz8bY1Y/X4NB_Fvxf0I/AAAAAAAAIG8/wR2ceWLLGXw7DvPxDazvmg0Y4Ig0298ogCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_6788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoQPVz8bY1Y/X4NB_Fvxf0I/AAAAAAAAIG8/wR2ceWLLGXw7DvPxDazvmg0Y4Ig0298ogCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_6788.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The plaque installed in 1976 (the year of Colorado's Centennial and the country's Bicentennial) reads:</p><blockquote><p></p></blockquote><blockquote><p>By 1870, there were enough settlers in the area that a regular schoolhouse was needed for the children. Judge Howes raised the $1,100 to build this small structure. It served as a school for eight years until Remmington (sic) school opened in 1879. The building then became the Catholic Church until 1901 when St. Joseph's was built. It was then converted to a dwelling and is still used as such.</p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLDqNfeBkAI/X4NDcrUPtHI/AAAAAAAAIHM/UAiW6mWJO_Uow2gbPl_0l88jcf8PjYi1QCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_6787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2069" data-original-width="3024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLDqNfeBkAI/X4NDcrUPtHI/AAAAAAAAIHM/UAiW6mWJO_Uow2gbPl_0l88jcf8PjYi1QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_6787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>These days, the building, located at 115 Riverside Avenue, is home to a property management company. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's a bonus photo taken near the Poudre River at the <a href="https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/finder/homestead" target="_blank">Homestead natural area</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBNuHPIe83E/X4NEL42HqAI/AAAAAAAAIHc/DzAOtgUN8agWrpKAhrBR51uucJpSIMvxACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_6786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBNuHPIe83E/X4NEL42HqAI/AAAAAAAAIHc/DzAOtgUN8agWrpKAhrBR51uucJpSIMvxACPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_6786.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-23646639380763707322020-05-15T07:35:00.000-06:002020-05-15T07:42:36.990-06:00Local Joys #3: The Masks Are Back!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Every year since 2003, the Fort Collins Museum of Art has held their Masks Exhibition and Benefit. The plain ceramic masks, seen here, are distributed to professional and recreational artists, who design and adorn them and return them to the museum for auction.<br />
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This year, in light of current events, the exhibition and auction are taking place online. For a virtual tour, <a href="https://moafc.org/masks-benefit/mask-bidder-registration/">click here</a>, and to see the entire catalog of this year's masks, follow <a href="https://app.bidcoz.com/moafc/masks/auction/list">this link</a>. As always, I'm amazed at the variety of artistic vision manifested in the masks. From poignant to whimsical, minimalist to ornately transformed, there is something for everyone. Click on the individual masks for more pictures and the artist's statments.<br />
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As you can imagine, museums everywhere are struggling with lengthy shut-downs due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Masks event is the museum's big annual fundraiser, and this year is more important than ever. Bidding is open until June 28. If you're so inclined, you have plenty of time to find that special mask and support a great cause.<br />
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I have never bid on a mask, but I'm going to this year. The tough part is deciding which one!<br />
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Stay safe and well, everyone!<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-25464543907413748732020-04-15T06:00:00.000-06:002020-04-15T06:00:06.185-06:00Local Joys #2: Show Me the Monet<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRoyuKzifK4/XpTJ_CTBMeI/AAAAAAAAHqI/GeLo-QtJp6cPUpEvhPh9dUEj5MKPGWGHwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_6243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRoyuKzifK4/XpTJ_CTBMeI/AAAAAAAAHqI/GeLo-QtJp6cPUpEvhPh9dUEj5MKPGWGHwCKgBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_6243.JPG" width="240" /></a>It seems like a year ago, but it was only the end of January when my husband and I ventured out (remember doing that?) to the Denver Art Museum to see the exhibit <i><a href="https://denverartmuseum.org/exhibitions/claude-monet">Claude Monet: The Truth of Nature</a>. </i>Spanning two decades, the exhibit consisted of more than 120 paintings reflecting Monet's evolving relationship with nature.<br />
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It was amazing and humbling to be in the presence of such beautiful artwork. I couldn't help but wonder what Monet might have thought if he'd known that his singular talent would someday draw sold-out crowds for weeks on end.<br />
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For a nice overview, watch the short video below. Try not be alarmed that people are standing close and no one is wearing a mask. It was B.C. (Before Corona).<br />
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<a href="https://denverartmuseum.org/article/20-quotes-claude-monet">These quotes</a> from Monet provide interesting insight, too.<br />
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Wishing you health and safety as we continue to take things one day at a time on the long road back to normal!<br />
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-12443177121698182542020-03-19T07:25:00.001-06:002020-03-19T07:25:44.774-06:00Three Random Things: Outdoor ColorWe're still waiting for things to green up here in Northern Colorado--today's rain and projected snowfall will help with that--but here are three random colorful things I spotted on my walk the other day:<br />
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Crocus! A sure harbinger of spring.<br />
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This orange feather. I have no idea why it was on the sidewalk, but I like to imagine that someone was strolling around in a feather boa.<br />
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These two people in their red coats. I kept trying to get closer for a better picture, but then they cut across the open space. Maybe they felt like they were being followed?</div>
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Have a lovely day! Stay safe and well!<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-9450257836782738942020-03-09T06:00:00.000-06:002020-03-09T06:00:09.926-06:00Local Joys #1Hello there, and happy Monday! In case you missed it, I'm working on bringing more joy into my life this year and writing about it at my other blog, <a href="http://www.jensunwriter.com/">Jenny Writes</a>. Here at this blog, I'm reporting on the local joys I find around my hometown.<br />
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This week:<br />
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I was stopped at a light when I saw this orange Lamborghini in my rearview. It was a beautiful day, and this couple looked like they were having a blast as they passed me. (Of course they passed me. Pretty sure they passed everyone.)<br />
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And on Saturday, my husband and I happened across this 24-hour open Jam for the Van session. The folk band <a href="https://www.abrothersfountain.com/">A Brother's Fountain</a> was trying to raise money for a touring van, and they also donated half of their proceeds to the local homeless mission.<br />
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I'm not sure how many on the stage at this moment were actual band members, but here's a bit about the band that I swiped from online:<br />
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A Brother’s Fountain is a band birthed from deep spiritual expression within the avenue of passionate music. Their story began on the street corners of Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado. Starting out with just two guitarists/songwriters, the band has evolved into a seven piece with a rather eclectic combination of instruments. They have uncovered a folk inspired genre that you’ve always wanted to hear, but never knew existed.</blockquote>
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Joy on, people!<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-1922086042906503002020-02-21T06:00:00.000-07:002020-02-21T06:00:05.077-07:00The Resurrection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome! It occurred to me the other day that I started this Choice City Native blog all the way back in August of 2010. It began as a challenge to do one new thing in my hometown every week for a year, which I successfully completed. After that, I posted pretty regularly for three years. I did a bunch of new stuff, and some favorite old stuff, and had a lot of fun writing and taking pictures. Then I decided I needed a little break.<br />
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That break went on. And on. For. Years.<br />
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I would post occasionally, but for the most part, this blog has been gathering dust for the better part of a decade now.<br />
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The other day, I thought, that's it. Time to toss it onto the heap of well-intentioned but forgotten blogs in some cobwebby corner of the internet. But then I had a change of heart and decided to give it one more run for old time's sake.<br />
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Over at <a href="https://www.jensunwriter.com/">Jenny Writes</a>, I started something this year I call Joy Project 2020. You can read the explanation <a href="https://www.jensunwriter.com/2020/02/joy-project-2020.html">here</a>, but the short version is that I'm using the book <i>Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness</i>, by Ingrid Fetell Lee, to inspire more joy in my life. And I thought it might be fun to let that spill over into this blog and report on the elements of joy I find here in my hometown, where I still happily reside. Think of it as Joy: Local Edition.<br />
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So, here we go!<br />
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The first "aesthetic of joy" in Ingrid's book is Energy, and I don't know if I could find find a better example of joyful energy than the performance of Ballet Folklorico my husband and I recently attended. The choreography, the costumes, the music, it was all spectacular. And, I have to say, the perfect antidote to everything that's happening in the news this month.<br />
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We weren't allowed to take pictures or videos (which was actually awesome because no one was waving phones around), so here's a short YouTube clip. I hope you enjoy it, and I also hope you'll stop by periodically to see what other joyous things I discover in my neck of the woods this year!<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-18804584836714008962018-03-23T06:00:00.000-06:002018-03-23T06:52:26.908-06:00Photo of the Week: Scorpion Gulch<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kKIbydjWQgBg4Qq0dh2pyJs-0y7p_bX7U5jiBymkuvyzfkJTz8iNDMb7iCD1-dhgDjFnMOpE8NAr9WDJzq3GXxMXcwSoanIvVbVYKPl0UiJsfq1ArdM_xQpZG-7gevurtN3maVn5B1_ouyFIyUoWH5gFzV_qW0McFEfUPYwatQkyajurDf-jxhRxTwIufR7i-0PRsb4KRIVhofjAdpv1646ERBTh_IW_IAiM2kpHY4H97LthlAquV_oD9wbeHEfthQX7jBVb-0dqhGXVP2SaqnCzt_uwC_wLX2Md_1c30Q0-qJ6OVgCC61DzhJMe0QWclqOj_rk1UEz-9VmCIPMkjF9TGZsgbNz_5Gg0_lkC4bfw3m7Ad_Ptx27s82Ff2XlowWe5cUfqbUOySYaOMfIyOuMpd2q3Imd_9fTgCkAArwvZ_KMzfptdQB8IpRWjTvXPydMP4hAWFYQkizhsDwGqf5eRBP65veV0dV_C7HV8JaBaPjSVxfR6l9eSZCaNpVBa3dalgu1dgLaKR-kXO-1GVK9Ec36oTZrvBCy2K6IE5hvqNwZhbKhtQUjFCT0o0EIyjb5VEd38NeQdaw1eg9qvVxuEBwpJ011XxQjaljY=w471-h627-no" /></div>
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Scorpion Gulch, Phoenix Arizona</div>
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Built in 1936 as a residence and curio store, what remains of the site is now listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register and is open to the public.</div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-29716932577315505462018-03-05T14:48:00.000-07:002018-03-05T14:51:19.865-07:00Plog Away!The wind is whipping in NoCo today. When I had Walter the Wonder Dog out on an ill-advised walk, I couldn't help but notice how much trash has collected in the winter-dry irrigation ditch near my neighborhood. That reminded me of something my son told me about the other day: plogging.<br />
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The term is a portmanteau of "plocka upp" (Swedish for pick up) and, of course, jogging. I'm not much for jogging, but I can certainly try get into the habit of bringing a trash bag along on my daily dog walks.<br />
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I guess that will make me a "plalker"...?<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-68181571414158933722018-03-02T13:04:00.000-07:002018-03-02T13:10:09.548-07:00FrankenblogIt's time for me to decide the fate of this blog. I hate to leave it hanging out there on the internets with no new content, for fear that something nefarious will happen to it. But I still have a fondness for my one-time hometown project. So I think I will try to keep up with it for a bit to see how it goes.<br />
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The blog lives!<br />
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Hooray!<br />
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I think!<br />
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We'll see...<br />
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<img height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eDwqq2NUGCojYn9MgieDAgROavZvv7NYLjX2v4AjDgq_m-YLAE3sR-ULlxHsFcpAVuwrz-orVH3RTCkj0isHSd24eq949BMviK35U6MC3q1XQOkPTO0B1_fJ5l_sBl6NM8GoSRCY9iY/s400/ChaneyGhost.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-4153754336152815792016-06-28T16:06:00.000-06:002016-06-28T16:06:15.935-06:00Still Here...Why, hello there! I'm pleased to report that I'm still alive and well, despite my lengthy absence from this blog. If you're just dropping by, thanks for visiting! Here you can find information about my adventures in Fort Collins, Colorado (aka the Choice City).<br />
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I'm also on twitter at @jennysundstedt, dabble a bit on Pinterest, and am published by <a href="http://hotchocolatepress.com/">Hot Chocolate Press</a>.<br />
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-89823084582982136792013-08-14T05:55:00.000-06:002013-08-14T05:55:03.434-06:00Happy Blogiversary Hiatus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can hardly believe it, but Choice City Native turns three years old this week! I'm proud of my little blog baby and have a lot of fun sharing it with you. But now feels like the right time for me to take a break and work on other important projects--including Walter the puppy, my mother's garage full of antique furniture, my neglected manuscripts... Life, right? You know how it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until we meet again, I wish you all the best. And happy blogging!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-60280515799367607842013-08-09T05:55:00.000-06:002013-08-09T05:55:00.358-06:00Photo of the Week: A Quiet Moment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They don't happen very often, but when they do...so sweet.</span></div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-31234589269681466572013-08-07T05:55:00.000-06:002013-08-07T05:55:00.401-06:00A Breckenridge Getaway<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last week, we spent a few days up in Breckenridge, Colorado (aka Breck), a ski community less than three hours away from my house. The town got its start when prospectors came for the Pikes Peak Gold Rush in 1859 and discovered placer gold deposits along the Blue River. These days, Breck has a population of about 4,500 at an elevation of 9,600 feet. In my humble opinion, the Colorado ski towns are more fun and more beautiful in the summer--not to mention less crowded and with better weather. And, in Breck's case, free gondola and parking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some of the many things we enjoyed:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picturesque town</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Historic cemetery</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer sled dog ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renting a boat on Lake Dillon</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of good food</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wildlife</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course the spectacular views</td></tr>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-33762562713243214002013-07-31T05:55:00.000-06:002013-07-31T05:55:00.039-06:00Meet Walter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Walter is a 12(?) week old terrier mutt-puppy who was found running loose in Kansas and was rescued by an organization here in Colorado, surviving parvo along the way. He is adorable and crazy and on Friday will be the newest member of our family. Wish us luck! I think we're gonna need it :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Enjoy this last day of July, before the back-to-school season gets into full swing. Tomorrow is Colorado Day, and I'd like to wish my native state a happy 137th birthday! Admission to the History Colorado Center in Denver will be free from 10-5, and Monday, August 5, is a free day at all 42 state parks.</span></div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-29134857894533357142013-07-24T05:55:00.000-06:002013-07-24T05:55:00.065-06:00Paddler's Pub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Prepare to be super-mucho impressed everyone, because I know someone who plays in a <i>non-school</i> band. He's a not-too-geeky computer guy by day and a funky trumpet player in the band Futaba by...well, in this case it was early evening. (They play at night, too, if I ever want to stay up later than the 9:00 news.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hearing the band perform at a reasonable hour was a great reason to get us out to Paddler's Pub for the first time. The pub is part of the <a href="http://www.raftmwd.com/">Mountain Whitewater Descents</a> rafting company and is described as "the first true outdoor pub in Fort Collins." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The atmosphere is genuine Colorado casual. There's no kitchen, the floor is gravel, and the bar serves only local beers and wines. The eats come from pizza delivery or one of the food trucks that frequent the parking lot. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you remember the B-52's song "Love Shack," this is indeed a funky little shack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even though we hadn't spent the day paddling down the Poudre, we didn't feel at all out of place at Paddler's Pub. The place is all about friendly and fun, with a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, a nature trail, stuff for kids to climb on, and great views of the foothills. And the music, of course, which wraps up by 9:00--just right for semi-geezers like me. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Click here for the </span><a href="http://www.raftmwd.com/paddlers-pub/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Paddler's Pub music schedule</a>)<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And If you ever get the chance to hear Futaba play, please do, unless you are allergic to great music that makes you want to shake your booty and/or groove-thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-89752123494943770332013-07-19T05:55:00.000-06:002013-07-19T05:55:00.158-06:00Photo of the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="bqQuoteLink">Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as
simple as hunger. There is really nothing to be said about it. It is like the
perfume of a rose: you can smell it and that is all.</span><br /><i><span class="bodybold">W. Somerset Maugham</span>
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Have a great weekend!</span></div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-48927457485588662632013-07-17T05:55:00.000-06:002013-07-17T05:55:00.078-06:00McMurry and Salyer Natural Areas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The boys and I were overdue for a natural areas visit, and when the weather is hot like it was last week, the cool waters of the Cache la Poudre River are pretty inviting. The McMurry and Salyer Natural Areas lie adjacent to one another alongside the river and are two of the 17 natural areas included in the city's river management plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">McMurry's two ponds make it a popular spot for fishers and canoers. We weren't outfitted for either, so we walked around them and looked for interesting critters--which, during the heat of the day, weren't out and about in abundance. (Smarter than we were, I guess.) Swimming is not allowed in the ponds, but it's just a short detour to the river, where my boys waded in and cooled off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salyer is an easy-access area with a short stretch of trail perfect for watching the birds. The meadow at Salyer is under restoration, which includes the removal of the native iris for future reintroduction. I would like to come back and see it when that is completed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We also found a shady stream and a great tree for climbing. All in all, not a bad way to spend a couple of hours of a summer day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-6745706546474822312013-07-12T05:55:00.000-06:002013-07-12T05:55:00.166-06:00Friday Fun: Little Free Library<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey, everyone. If it's hot where you live--like it is here--I hope you'll have a chance to find some shade or a swimming pool this weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Some neighbors a few blocks down have put up a <a href="http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/">Little Free Library</a>--kind of a combination mailbox/birdhouse-looking enclosure where readers of all ages can exchange books. I'd never heard of this before, but apparently they are popping up all over the world. (Find the U.S. map <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=201860500793147213935.0004ac6e854ff1e35e434&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=43.834527,-89.824219&spn=32.912703,76.113281&t=m&z=4&vpsrc=6">here</a>.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have a very good library system in Fort Collins, but there is something so charming and neighborly about having an exchange box right down the street. I dropped off a couple of kids books and chose a novel for myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy reading! If you have a Little Free Library in your town, I'd love to hear about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-78224825244355106342013-07-10T05:55:00.000-06:002013-07-10T05:55:00.056-06:00Bombers Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm feeling exceptionally unmotivated on this hot summer day, but I do want to share a few pictures of our recent family activity involving enormous military aircraft. Over the Fourth of July holiday, the Ft. Collins/Loveland airport hosted a '40s Forever weekend to remember and honor the men and women who served in WWII. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Along with other air and ground vehicles from the period, three bombers were on site--one offering flights (for $500) and two on the tarmac for tours (a mere $12 in comparison). We went with the less-expensive option and got to walk through the B-17 and B-24 bombers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was an eye-opening and humbling trip back in time. Though the bombers look huge from the outside, maneuvering inside them was cramped and difficult (that's my husband squeezing through). It felt like being in a giant steel can, and I can only imagine how harrowing it must have been during wartime. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As this important era of American history slips farther away, I'm glad there are still people who work so hard to keep it alive so my kids, and hopefully their kids, can learn from the past.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-88518514718374911702013-07-03T05:55:00.000-06:002013-07-03T05:55:00.741-06:00Making Peace With My Lawn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last summer, I was in a bit of a snit because my lawn wasn't green enough. That's right, even with the smoke from forest fires hanging heavy over the town, and the reservoir being steadily depleted to fight those fires, I still wanted a green lawn. The kind everyone had when I was a kid: a plush, green rectangle with a sidewalk down the middle (like this one, which is SO not my lawn).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The problem (according to me) is that my husband, in his endearing stubbornness, has refused since day one to put in a sprinkler system, and that means schlepping garden hoses around. Garden hoses are my nemesis. I hate them. (And before you try to convert me, I refuse to fall for the marketing ploy that is the "as-seen-on-TV-pocket-hose," because I know even that Muppety-sea worm-looking thing will try ruin my life.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So the perfect lawn eluded me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This summer, I'm a changed woman. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The tragic losses of life and property we've seen across the region have made it extremely clear that fire (too much of it) and water (not enough of it) are going to shape life here in the west for many years to come. The vanity of perfectly green lawns in a climate like ours has become ridiculous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Instead of envying the neighbors' lawns that are Land-of-Oz-green, I wonder why they bother. Back yards, okay, for kids and dogs. Front yards, however...with the exception of mowing, my neighbors never spend any time on them. And I can imagine what their water bills are like. The lawns I now envy are the ones that are shrinking, with grass being steadily replaced by rock and drought-loving xeriscape plants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As for our front lawn, I have plans for downsizing it someday soon. For now, we're maintaining it in a state of near-death by watering just enough to keep things greenish-brown and moderately crunchy. It's not great for bare feet, but that's what flip-flops are for, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-46454915223662490522013-06-28T10:10:00.000-06:002013-06-28T10:33:06.289-06:00Cephalopod Coffeehouse: The Martian Chronicles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Friday, everyone! With my boys out of school, I've been thinking about summer reading this month. I was the kind of kid who had my nose in a book all summer long. I didn't play sports, I didn't go on fabulous vacations. And in my junior high days, we didn't have the electronic distractions that kids have now. So, I read. (Yeah, I watched bad TV too, but mostly I read.) Feeling nostalgic for those days, I've chosen Ray Bradbury's T<i>he Martian Chronicles</i> as my coffehouse entry for today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bradbury called it "a book of stories pretending to be a novel." This blurb from Wikipedia explains the format better than I can: "<i>The Martian Chronicles</i> follows a "future history" structure. The stories,
complete in themselves, come together as episodes in a larger sequential
narrative framework. The overall structure is in three parts, punctuated by two
catastrophes: the near-extinction of the Martians and the parallel
near-extinction of the human race."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think I read and reread this book every summer from junior high until after college. Written in the forties and fifties, when 1999 was a distant sparkle in the future, it was dated even when I picked it up for the first time. Martians? Please. But I found the stories to be so compelling, so poignant, so understatedly sinister at times that the hokey science was easy to ignore. At their most basic, the stories examine the good and the bad of what it means to be 'human.' But the book is also a commentary on what makes a better society, what Americans (even back then) were doing wrong, and the lessons we dumb future-people might learn from the Martians. (Sadly, I suspect we haven't.) This is the book that turned me into a Ray Bradbury fan for life, and I am enjoying rereading it now more than ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now, I'm off to get my coffee and read some enlightening cephalopod book reviews!</span><br />
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-84955220963729718682013-06-26T05:55:00.000-06:002013-06-26T05:55:00.331-06:00Grill Your Ace Off<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GynWx9aN9Ck/UcppIgLDveI/AAAAAAAAEqk/xJnUStwfxdc/s1600/DSCN1263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GynWx9aN9Ck/UcppIgLDveI/AAAAAAAAEqk/xJnUStwfxdc/s400/DSCN1263.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm not a food blogger, but I like to eat. I also like to support worthy causes. And where better to do it than...the parking lot of my local Ace Hardware? Yes indeedy, last weekend <a href="http://claysacehardware.com/">Clay's Ace Hardware</a> in Fort Collins hosted a "Grill Your Ace Off" competition to benefit the <a href="http://homelessnessprevention.net/">Homelessness Prevention Initiative</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Clay's and a handful of restaurants put their grill skills to the test, and I don't mean with the run-of-the-mill hot dogs and brats, either. Nope, we're talking ribs, shrimp, salmon, pork tenderloin...and even peanut-butter-stuffed jalapenos with mango chutney. (Interesting combination, that.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The samples were free; casting a vote for the best cost a dollar. No kidding. We sampled from everyone, and we voted for everyone. It was too hard to choose a favorite, as it was all good food for a good cause. I hope it was successful enough that they will want to do it again.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">About the Homelessness Prevention Initiative:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Founded in 2001, the Homelessness Prevention Initiative provides rental
assistance to members of our community who face the loss of their housing
through unforeseen emergencies. For those who earn a marginal income or work in
service sector jobs, homelessness is just one rent payment away. When work hours
are reduced, when a job is lost or a child requires expensive emergency care,
making that rent payment may not be possible."</span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-87856059062040548662013-06-21T05:55:00.000-06:002013-06-21T05:55:00.060-06:00Photo of the Week: Painter's Pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Friday yet again! Sorry I missed my Wednesday post. I was going to write about playing in my first tennis tournament (me, who has never ever ever played a competitive sport) last weekend with my younger son. But there weren't enough teams signed up in the beginner bracket, so we didn't get to play. It turned out okay though, because my husband and older son ended up playing <i>five hours</i> of tennis together--in the hot June sun, no less--and frankly, I just don't have that kind of stamina and/or attention span.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyhoo, here's my photo of the week: </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knGEt9yOHvE/UbouKohPW7I/AAAAAAAAEp4/BTHDS5qIXfE/s1600/DSCN1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knGEt9yOHvE/UbouKohPW7I/AAAAAAAAEp4/BTHDS5qIXfE/s400/DSCN1233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I never see anything but clouds and birds through this kitchen window, and the sight of the headless house painter up there on his ladder was impossible to resist. I had to make it quick, though, because if he'd have busted me with my camera...well, that's a tiny bit awkward, yeah?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Apologies for not visiting many blogs lately. I'm going to try shake off this summer blog-fog that's settling over my brain and get out there again. Anyone else having a hard time staying plugged in...?</span></div>
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<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6278664710214185687.post-11094102422939392102013-06-14T05:55:00.000-06:002013-06-14T05:55:00.270-06:00Photo of the Week: You're a Grand Old Flag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">George M. Cohen wrote "You're a Grand Old Flag" in 1906 for his stage musical <i>George Washington, Jr. </i>It became the first song from a musical to sell more than a million copies of sheet music. Not too shabby, considering it was nearly a century before iTunes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The song has a few verses I've never heard, but many of us in the US of A are familiar with at least part of the chorus:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You’re a grand old flag<br />You’re a high flying flag<br />And forever in peace may
you wave<br />You’re the emblem of<br />The land I love<br />The home of the free and
the brave<br />Every heart beats true<br />‘Neath the red white and blue<br />Where
there’s never a boast or brag<br />Should old acquaintance be forgot<br />Keep your
eye on the grand old flag</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Not to be unpatriotic, but some of us could use a little work on that 'boast or brag' part.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Flag Day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03446526228387021274noreply@blogger.com3