tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67632649664428148952024-03-18T21:42:46.919-07:00Teapots and Polka DotsStories of food, tea, pugs, simple living in big cities, and all things cute.Alanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08841066920049647372noreply@blogger.comBlogger1145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-61576922282666058982015-11-16T07:33:00.000-08:002015-11-16T07:33:09.784-08:00Saving "Rex"<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve just seen a dog without a collar…very
skittish…wouldn’t let me approach.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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The “stray dog alert” popped up on my neighborhood's electronic bulletin board in late August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The accompanying photo showed a golden-haired, medium-to-large dog looking
very scared: tail between his legs, hunched-over spine, and some serious Side
Eye going on:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIbAjjnniA6H99QLJZTOinQFeXQFLRfGVGKBsMMZ-tDdgslDNlVyk_OrVqHFApd7dOlxy_ZhGq-CcCd7sh2k3Wn7TwISpuP8hBayYe37ujErqj6F7yM0v9dodaT1fF4w_rjcdvki2OMo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-09-10+at+11.05.36+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIbAjjnniA6H99QLJZTOinQFeXQFLRfGVGKBsMMZ-tDdgslDNlVyk_OrVqHFApd7dOlxy_ZhGq-CcCd7sh2k3Wn7TwISpuP8hBayYe37ujErqj6F7yM0v9dodaT1fF4w_rjcdvki2OMo/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-09-10+at+11.05.36+AM.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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Stray dogs aren’t common in the area; this is a neighborhood
with neat, trim houses, families with children, and pet dogs on leashes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He stuck out like a sore thumb.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day after day, reports of the stray came pouring in.
Neighbors spied him crossing a busy boulevard during rush-hour traffic,
skulking around their yards, running away at the sight of an approaching human.
He had a limp and looked way too skinny.<o:p></o:p></div>
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August rolled into September, with its miserable weather,
hot and sticky. One morning a surprise thunderstorm clobbered the city, dumping
a record-breaking amount of rain. And the homeless dog was out in all of it.</div>
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Concerned, my neighbors put out bowls of food and fresh water.
One neighbor laid a large dog bed on her porch; she never saw him use it, but
in the morning there were fresh, dirty paw prints on it. He lost his limp and
gained a little weight, probably because he now had a steady source of food and
water. He no longer had to be on the run. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We started calling him “Rex”:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPk9-inF545S_Q-1HCm_HLry-wz3J7Nqaj01dZhweMkeWgtjlEGRnAAoua1EDoSFF2otjAWH21XbbQE9-0wg1HDpEpC3IkcvKIjW0G2GBO9vnBZjt9e6o2ok9UlC7FTB_1mg8pgLJELQ/s1600/IMG_7745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPk9-inF545S_Q-1HCm_HLry-wz3J7Nqaj01dZhweMkeWgtjlEGRnAAoua1EDoSFF2otjAWH21XbbQE9-0wg1HDpEpC3IkcvKIjW0G2GBO9vnBZjt9e6o2ok9UlC7FTB_1mg8pgLJELQ/s640/IMG_7745.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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The golden-haired boy with the white blaze on his head
settled into a pattern. He roamed the streets under the cover of night and
napped during the day in certain gardens, deep in the shade:</div>
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People walking
their dogs in the early morning often saw him sleeping in the same few spots.
He seemed non-reactive to the neighborhood cats and less afraid of people than
before:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwEJceWbEEaAWpRGNO-TUxzBvkCiLbsqb6VlqzGH4MwUbAU0r87uEMNybmZJ6plZo0nc96vk8BGVT_Mf892FGQei9-QQVjGsWToDG5YjfHRZXwiQ0Ot6OMy6chm9tWHPYNtxfCoe44Ko/s1600/IMG_7736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguwEJceWbEEaAWpRGNO-TUxzBvkCiLbsqb6VlqzGH4MwUbAU0r87uEMNybmZJ6plZo0nc96vk8BGVT_Mf892FGQei9-QQVjGsWToDG5YjfHRZXwiQ0Ot6OMy6chm9tWHPYNtxfCoe44Ko/s400/IMG_7736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We also noticed that he was bolder around humans if we were
walking a dog. Taking advantage of that, I walking my Pugs past Rex's hiding spots whenever I was out for a walk.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A small group of us began laying plans: Find a foster home, a trainer, a vet. We pledged money to
his care and rehabilitation. We just needed to catch him. But <i>how?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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The first weekend in October, Rex seemed ready to come in from
life on the streets. On Friday the 2<sup>nd</sup>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he touched noses Won Ton as I was sitting next to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> him. Exciting! </span>On Saturday the 3<sup>rd</sup>, professional rescuers from two different nonprofit, no-kill rescue groups <i>almost</i> caught him, using cheeseburgers
and flexible netting. </div>
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The next morning, I acted on a hunch. I went out very early in the almost-dark with Won Ton and sat quietly near where Rex was sleeping. Within a minute, he came over to us and pushed his big, soft head into my hands. The light was very poor, so this is the best image I can give you. Sorry about that:</div>
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He let me pet him all over. He was filthy, but otherwise he felt pretty good. As the sky slowly lightened over the next half hour, the two dogs and I stayed together, just sharing the quiet. I hope I never forget how thrilling that felt!<br />
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Long story short, Rex followed me home. The Hubby opened the garden gate and closed it behind us. We sat together as we waited for transport to the vet. As we waited, I snapped these photos:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQjfJ1EqxS9zuAt4l27vmjL5xau2Srd0AaReiryL5AduVsMmODtjuEoacIMLXAQBfAYQyVRcwbs-ju9JFQUaD4Bj9D4SYYMjF_lhFAFKhjaHPZbxy1QBTB5hkTqI82YFyN5XiVALiKJc/s1600/IMG_8144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQjfJ1EqxS9zuAt4l27vmjL5xau2Srd0AaReiryL5AduVsMmODtjuEoacIMLXAQBfAYQyVRcwbs-ju9JFQUaD4Bj9D4SYYMjF_lhFAFKhjaHPZbxy1QBTB5hkTqI82YFyN5XiVALiKJc/s400/IMG_8144.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-LIRjsgLADGsrE3-QSd93eE-WS_n8TOb6HB2oHGPi_DFpFr8HDmyz8K8zKVGWrFO7l4VCoEEZqpTg7z2s52OaLgM1zEdKuzjWQBpYMPm-Q28qO5hlemgrpJcymZ_p-fwA5zwr6G8fO4/s1600/IMG_8161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-LIRjsgLADGsrE3-QSd93eE-WS_n8TOb6HB2oHGPi_DFpFr8HDmyz8K8zKVGWrFO7l4VCoEEZqpTg7z2s52OaLgM1zEdKuzjWQBpYMPm-Q28qO5hlemgrpJcymZ_p-fwA5zwr6G8fO4/s640/IMG_8161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTGy2CF7LDcCoHW27yY86a_Csqpei6zkqqST4sjnupeZdR9KRF7Qhj4ZSqHuRwrvwBsQ3ay4dxXde543flNxuGjr0GTsXmri0-1WpBD9aww9HRbHY2KCYNZFqLlua8EVjgl5WxKGyAhg/s1600/IMG_8155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTGy2CF7LDcCoHW27yY86a_Csqpei6zkqqST4sjnupeZdR9KRF7Qhj4ZSqHuRwrvwBsQ3ay4dxXde543flNxuGjr0GTsXmri0-1WpBD9aww9HRbHY2KCYNZFqLlua8EVjgl5WxKGyAhg/s400/IMG_8155.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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After a trip to the vet for microchipping, shots, and a neuter, Rex went to live with his professional trainer. He’s there now, learning his commands and how to be a fabulous family dog. He's young--maybe a year and a half--so he has <i>years</i> to share with the right family.</div>
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Won Ton and I visited Rex at his trainer's house a few weeks ago. The big boy seemed very happy to see us--and he felt so <i>soft</i>! Amazing what a bath can do for a dog:</div>
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In a few weeks, Rex will be ready for his Forever Home. I hope he finds a home somewhere not too far away so Won Ton and I can go visit occasionally.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So many people stepped forward to help save Rex. I want to thank Mimi & Dan; Pat & Tom, Orly, Ed, Margaret, Fritz, Robin & Damon and their crew, Melanie & Darlene, and Jeff. It took a village to bring this beautiful boy in from the streets. </div>
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I hope I never forget how thrilling it felt to be the one to walk him into his new life.</div>
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Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-54385885939918986132015-11-10T19:18:00.001-08:002015-11-10T19:18:29.864-08:00A New Life for Some Old ClothesA few days ago while out on a walk, I came across a tumbled-over cardboard box with clothes spilling out of it. Clearly somebody was tossing them out--they were in the dirt, on the street, and smelly.<br />
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But I saw they were in good condition and just needed to be cleaned.<br />
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I took them all home and ran them through a wash and dry. Here's most of what was tossed out:<br />
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Some blue jeans, some tee shirts, some sweatshirts:<br />
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This one in particular looked so cozy. The hood is lined with faux fur:<br />
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It almost looked like an animal curled up in there and went to sleep:<br />
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There was also a hand-knit scarf, with this pretty button to fasten it snug around the neck.<br />
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I will never understand why people throw out perfectly good clothes when there are folks in this world who don't have enough warm, clean things to wear.<br />
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I am taking the sweatshirts and the knit scarf to Lovely Daughter #2, whose students--and their parents--often don't have enough warm clothes to get through a Boston winter.<br />
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The rest of the pile goes off to charity.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-4710843137524015812015-11-07T19:21:00.002-08:002015-11-07T19:21:59.109-08:00Fantastic Grooming Tool: The "Zoom Groom"Recently I worked a dog-adoption event, and a professional groomer was there to give the shelter dogs a little polish:<br />
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She used a soft rubber brush on the dog I was handling. He loved it; it was called a "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/KONG-ZoomGroom-Grooming-Brush-Boysenberry/dp/B0002AR19Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1446952820&sr=1-1&keywords=zoom+groom"><b>Zoom Groom</b></a>." As soon as I could, I bought one from my local, independent pet store:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCVarp0I0redo7bR2_zh3bimqG5AJ0Hl0vrN002fWkZIheTNpOwsrtONBQDw5coZhMVTV2xMre6Ydm49piWo8EH85wHVIpj_Ixj2kiDqq9hvIDLw_SE586jIqBYXNWClYwpw8veApBbk/s1600/IMG_8856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCVarp0I0redo7bR2_zh3bimqG5AJ0Hl0vrN002fWkZIheTNpOwsrtONBQDw5coZhMVTV2xMre6Ydm49piWo8EH85wHVIpj_Ixj2kiDqq9hvIDLw_SE586jIqBYXNWClYwpw8veApBbk/s400/IMG_8856.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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My Pugs shed a lot. Up to now, I brushed them with a<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_10?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=furminator+for+dogs&sprefix=furminator%2Cpets%2C211"> <b>"Furminator,"</b></a> which is great, but you have to be careful when using it. The steel teeth can hurt a dog's skin if you push or pull too hard.<br />
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The great thing about the Zoom Groom? It's terrific at removing loose hair, but it does it with soft, rubbery "fingers" that practically massage the dog's skin. My Pugs close their eyes and bliss out when I use it on them:<br />
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And boy, does it pull out the loose fur!:<br />
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I'm totally sold. So, apparently, is Mu Shu:<br />
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Plus, the Zoom Groom makes these cool little honeycomb mats of Pug fur:</div>
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Here's a tip I got from my local wildlife store: Save that soft fur you brush off your pet. In the early spring, put it into a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/EZ-Fill-Suet-Basket/dp/B000795Y64"><b>suet basket</b></a> and hang it from a tree. Birds use the soft fur to line their nests for their babies.<br />
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Turning trash into treasure, one Pug at a time.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-21207786422128145832015-10-27T08:48:00.002-07:002015-10-27T08:48:59.205-07:00Maine Coon LoveMeet George:<br />
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George was the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_Coon"><b>Maine Coon cat</b></a> I had when I was a child. He was 22 pounds of pure love--the chillest, coolest cat I ever knew.<br />
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I adored all cats, but I adored George to the <i>nth</i> degree.<br />
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When I was 12, my family had to move from Kansas to California. My parents made me leave George behind. They found another family to adopt him. Leaving George broke my heart.<br />
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To this day, there's a George-sized hole in there.<br />
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This is my cat now. Roosevelt is currently about 17 years old:<br />
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Rosie was less than a year old when he wandered into our yard. The Hubby and I weren't looking for a cat, but he was clearly in need of a home. The vet said--judging from Rosie's broken-off baby teeth and abraded front paws--he was probably tossed out the window of a moving car.<br />
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Egads.<br />
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With such a rough beginning, Rosie deserves all our love and devotion. But when he eventually passes into the Great Beyond, I'm getting a Maine Coon cat once again. It will be a rescue, because that's the only way I do it. I always vowed I'd wait for a Maine Coon until after Rosie left us.<br />
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And then this happened:<br />
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This is an eight-week-old, unnamed female Maine Coon that a friend of my daughter's bought off Craigslist. (Bad Move #1, people: Don't buy pets off Craigslist!)<br />
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He brought her home to his anti-cat girlfriend, hoping she'd change her mind. She didn't. She told him to get rid of the cat. (Bad Move #2, people: Don't get a pet without the approval of everybody in the house!)<br />
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If this kitten lived in Los Angeles, I'd toss aside my vow to let Roosevelt be the One and Only, and I'd take this foundling into our home. I want a Maine Coon so much!<br />
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But she's in Boston. She's a kitten (cute but so destructive!). Rosie is still with us. And Lovely Daughter #2 says she's pretty sure she can find the kitten a Forever Home where everybody wants her and will keep her forever.<br />
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So, no Maine Coon for me yet. But when the time comes, I'm getting another one.<br />
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And boy <i>or</i> girl, its name will be George.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-51204820939820898162015-10-25T10:31:00.001-07:002015-10-25T10:32:44.197-07:00Halloween Dog ParadeLovely Daughter #1 (the ER doc) went to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tompkins-Square-Halloween-Dog-Parade-132001436897326/">Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade</a> in Manhattan yesterday. It's one of the best, most creative collections of costumed dogs and dog owners in New York City. (Take a look at the link in this paragraph to see some more of the wonderful costumes there.)<br />
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My daughter's posse of five 5 people and three dogs all piled into one Uber ride to get there:<br />
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Naturally, she took some pictures of Pugs, like YodaPug:<br />
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And TriceratopsPug:<br />
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SkunkPug:</div>
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And UnicornPug:</div>
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FBI Pug:</div>
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Some of the costumes were pun-tastic. This cutie was entered in the costume contest as "a wolf in sheep's clothing":<br />
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This weiner dog confused me at first, but LD#1 explains that he's a Bloody Mary drink:<br />
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A rainbow unicorn!:<br />
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Naturally LD#1 was interested in this fellow physician:<br />
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She says this little dude's name was "Pepe," no joke!:<br />
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Three Chihuahuas, three superheroes. LD#1 says of Batman on the left, "Extra points for drawing on the mask!":</div>
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And this Pom was about the cutest Chewbacca, ever:</div>
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Her favorite "Star Wars" entry was this trio. Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and the dog as "Princess Leia" in the slave costume. Daughter was laughing too hard to get a great photo, but if you look closely, you can see the pooch is rocking a metallic bikini bra, a long braid, and a bikini bottom with harem-style pants:</div>
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Next year, I just may have to fly to NYC to catch this fun even in person.<br />
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Or, in dog.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-416675041930014012015-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:002015-10-21T20:25:40.497-07:00Hotel Silver Bread TrayOut on a walk a few days ago, one of my Pugs snuffled around in a pile of fallen leaves and faded Bougainvillea blossoms. He was looking for the perfect place to pee. As I gazed idly at him, something silvery caught my eye.<br />
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I picked it up: it was a bread tray--the kind of heavy silverplate that hotels and restaurants in the 20th century used. What was it doing in a place where dogs pee? I have no idea:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WgLexxRzs89XmyVx8hRwAwCT-MjQ191yoTIYJADaICcBAl8ZHkGQ_mHZF2SBctDb4TKe6w26zKCW4hsblVFCQAWSXds4W35J27L4WLIBa3j5CzwuuTpoTViKhN1acsLbh48533ZRTPk/s1600/IMG_8444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WgLexxRzs89XmyVx8hRwAwCT-MjQ191yoTIYJADaICcBAl8ZHkGQ_mHZF2SBctDb4TKe6w26zKCW4hsblVFCQAWSXds4W35J27L4WLIBa3j5CzwuuTpoTViKhN1acsLbh48533ZRTPk/s400/IMG_8444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I brought it home and gave it a clean-up:<br />
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Even with a quick, imperfect cleaning, it is handsome. The mark on the underside is "DW Haber & Son NY."<br />
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I did a Google check. It turns out Haber & Sons is a <a href="http://www.habersilver.com/about/"><b>purveyor of servingware to the hotel industry</b></a>, and they're still in business.<br />
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I think I'll keep this. It's plain but handsome. It could come in very handy, serving cornbread or corralling mini muffins.<br />
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When I'm not using my silver and silverplate, it hangs out in my dining room's built-in bookshelves:<br />
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Books and old silver:<br />
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Two of my favorite things.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com216tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-55366197756234468002015-10-13T13:05:00.000-07:002015-10-13T13:05:17.973-07:00Art and People-Watching: The Broad Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I visited L.A's newest museum, "The Broad." It was just completed, and it houses modern and contemporary art collected by Edythe and Eli Broad over the last half-century.</div>
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The Broad is an amazing-looking building. Here's "The Oculus," which looks like a giant thumb pushed into a part of the mesh-like outer surface of the building:</div>
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But what's inside is even more fun. I loved the balloon-like pieces by Jeff Koons:<br />
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His "Balloon Dog" is a gigantic 12 feet high:<br />
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Jeff Koons again. This is "Party Hat," and it's also huge--like 9 feet by 10 feet:<br />
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Other pieces I loved include El Anatsui's "Red Block," made of thousands of metallic liquor labels, hitched together like a woven Kente cloth. It was so hard not to reach out and touch it:<br />
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This is Jasper Johns' "Untitled." Too bad the Broads nabbed it; I would be so happy to hang it in my family room. Hah!:</div>
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Here's a detail of the same piece:</div>
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I also enjoyed Bernd and Hilla Becher's photography. They used a large-format camera to capture dozens of water towers in their native Germany. They grouped the objects according to their overall shape. This was what I'd call the "ball on stilts" water towers, and it reminded me of the ones that dotted the prairie in Kansas when I was a little girl:<br />
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I had fun capturing people in the same frame as the art. Somehow these pieces become more alive when somebody is interacting with them, even if it's just sitting in front of them and twiddling on a cell phone:<br />
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This painting, above, is a small part of the largest piece in The Broad. It's by Takashi Murakami, a mural 82 feet long, called "Land of the Dead, Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow." It blew me away. So detailed, so colorful, so drop-dead crazy.<br />
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In front of his piece was his amazing sterling-silver Buddha statue, maybe three or four feet high. It was a mind-bending mashup of traditional Japanese iconography and cartoonish anime:<br />
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The Broad itself is quite a work of art. The escalator from the ground floor to the next floor reminded me of blood cells coursing through an artery. The walls are Venetian rubbed plaster, and they are wonderfully smooth and touch-able:</div>
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The interior "skin" of The Broad is largely made of glass walls. The outer, mesh-like "veil" that forms the outer skin of the museum leans out from the glass, on the left. The rainbow colors on the glass panels are reflections from a colorful, large piece of art off-camera to the right. I have no doubt that the curators knew what they were doing when they hung the piece where it did. The effect is fun and unexpected:<br />
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Sometimes the line between art and people is blurred at The Broad. These look like they might be the museum's visitors, right?:</div>
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But really, they are huge, hyper-realistic panels done by Thomas Struth--enormously blown-up photographs he took of tourists at the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence:</div>
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Struth captured these folks as they stood in the rotunda dominated by Michelangelo's monumental "David," which is off camera. </div>
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But you get that they are affected by something--something big and awe-inspiring:</div>
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They look the way I felt when I toured The Broad. </div>
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<span id="goog_1203000433"></span><span id="goog_1203000434"></span><br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-78814298713960359472015-10-02T12:19:00.000-07:002015-10-02T12:19:03.683-07:00Iced CofeeLast summer, I discovered <a href="http://www.chameleoncoldbrew.com/"><b>Chameleon Cold-Brew coffee</b></a> for making delicious iced coffees at home. The refrigerated concentrate is WAY cheaper than Star-you-know-what. And it comes in three varieties: regular, and vanilla- and mocha-flavored.<br />
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I love the mocha one. It's just a hint of flavor, not a hit over the head.<br />
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This summer, two more contenders joined Chameleon in the cold-coffee case, <a href="http://www.coldbrew.com/"><b>Stumptown</b></a> and <a href="http://www.theoutpost.co/"><b>Outpost:</b></a><br />
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I was impressed that two of the three have sell-by dates, so you know the product is going to be fresh:<br />
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I lined them up and did a taste test. Outpost (the middle one, below) is made locally (which I always like). It had a nice taste, too, but there was an unattractive film on the concentrate. Stumptown was too bitter for me:<br />
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So I'm sticking with Chameleon. And since we're still having summer-like weather here in Los Angeles, it will probably be a staple in my fridge for weeks to come:<br />
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Yum!<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-55715011402552214592015-09-27T17:29:00.000-07:002015-09-27T17:29:41.746-07:00Daddy's Little (Hairy) HelperI went to the grocery store today, and this is what I saw just outside the sliding-glass doors:<br />
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A yellow Lab, no leash on her, waiting patiently on a patio chair drawn right up to the front doors:</div>
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I snapped a few fast shots (this one is underexposed--I only had a moment!):<br />
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Then a man came out of the store with two bags of groceries. He handed one to the dog, and as jaws dropped, the two of them made their way through the parking lot:<br />
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What a good dog!</div>
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-44421297201300670752015-09-19T07:16:00.000-07:002015-09-19T07:16:02.352-07:00Kate Spade Polka Dots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kate Spade continues to crank out adorable china collections. Here's her letter-A mug from a series of alphabet plates and mugs. Every letter has a different color and pattern, but of course I love the dotted ones best:<br />
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This is her random-dot version of a kitchen-utensil crock. I don't need it, but I SO want to buy it for somebody:<br />
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The tins hold four large-sized cookie cutters. I don't need extra cookie cutters, either, but I'm tempted to buy them, just to get my hands on the tin:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Just a small quibble, Kate: Ampersand-shaped cookies will be a b**ch to slide off a hot cookie sheet.)</span></div>
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And her randomized polka-dot plates. And bowls with snap-style lids:<br />
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I want them all!<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-5276587358686244892015-09-15T17:29:00.000-07:002015-09-15T17:29:36.540-07:00Vintage LinensRecently I scored some vintage linens at very reasonable prices--some of them just $1 each! They need to be washed and bleached, but that's no big deal.<br />
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I love using vintage linens in my powder room. They look great if they're ironed all crispy-flat, and they look great if they're air-dried all wrinkly and shabby-chic-y.<br />
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I think they're easier on the environment than the one-use paper ones. (Honestly? I'm not 100 percent sure.)<br />
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But I'm sticking with them, regardless. I prefer all-white linens over colored ones or those with colored threads, because I can bleach the dickens out of the all-white ones. They come out clean and glowing. And because they're made with linen--or a cotton/linen blend--they last like crazy. I have linens that date from the 1950s, and they still look terrific.<br />
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These linens are in their pre-washed, pre-bleached phase, just the way I bought them.<br />
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Junk shops, resale shops, and yard sales are good places to scout for vintage linens. Sometimes, like these, they need some TLC to bring them bleach away the years and bring them back to their beauty.<br />
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But they're worth it. I just adore the way old linens look and feel when they're brought back to life.<br />
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Apparently, so does Mu Shu.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-55179199240569853362015-09-08T21:19:00.000-07:002015-09-08T21:19:28.671-07:00Reclaiming a Roadside OfferingRecently I cleaned out our outside storage room and put a lot of castoffs on the curb, hoping folks would take them away. There were broken patio chairs, an old stroller--that sort of stuff.<br />
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Everything got carted off. All but this one thing:<br />
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It's a sort of a glorified hurricane lamp, I guess. I used to put a pillar candle inside it and use it outdoors on summer nights. It was pretty once, but then the plastic panels got all yellowed and one of them just died. But it did have a sweet bird on top:<br />
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I realized the ugly plastic panels were the problem.<br />
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And maybe a little overall grubbiness:<br />
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So I hauled it back from off the curb, pulled off (and tossed) all the plastic panels, and gave the thing a good cleanup:<br />
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Then I set it on the front porch next to a new fern in an old pot, on top of a cute old sideboard I bought for very little cash and painted a couple shades of periwinkle blue:<br />
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The hurricane lamp-turned-decorative-object looks so much better now!<br />
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And I think that little bird on the top is smiling.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-80149365526254147922015-09-01T17:44:00.000-07:002015-09-01T17:44:37.034-07:00First Day of School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lots of people right now are posting on FaceBook their "first-day-of-school" photos of their children. They're all so darling. We took those pictures, too. Our tradition was to pose each child in front of the car that took them to school. </div>
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So this is my Lovely Daughter #1, through the years. First day of grade school:</div>
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First day of junior high:</div>
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Argh! I can't find first day of high school or college!</div>
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But here's the first day of medical school:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcU_RJdSWtIfGzn0rHo_rY8DEzRyNEV056a1GHuqwgN_jTBWBav8IfG3RWRW7DLiOuJnORk2g9WdnbklLINtLGzAHfNC1QtwQWarC7h5eA4_rDtFI9h4KkB5k1DMCyC_pVnsA7LU44Ss/s1600/P1170768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcU_RJdSWtIfGzn0rHo_rY8DEzRyNEV056a1GHuqwgN_jTBWBav8IfG3RWRW7DLiOuJnORk2g9WdnbklLINtLGzAHfNC1QtwQWarC7h5eA4_rDtFI9h4KkB5k1DMCyC_pVnsA7LU44Ss/s640/P1170768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, because she knew I'd love it, she had The Boyfriend take a photo on her first day of work as a medical doctor:</div>
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In front of the hospital-run bus that drove her to the hospital. Now I'd better find some photos of my other kids doing the same, or they'll kill me!</div>
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Happy first days of school, everyone.</div>
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-82452265785641856212015-08-31T12:34:00.002-07:002015-08-31T12:34:57.150-07:00Hot-Weather Window ShoppingIt's SO hot here, guys! August and September traditionally are L.A.'s hottest months of the year. Sometimes when I can't get all three dogs walked before the morning heat sets in, I head to Macy's with the last one.<br />
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Inside the department store, it's nice and cool, and they have a standing policy of welcoming dogs. Pao came with me this time; he had such fun, and I got in some great window-shopping.<br />
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Pao posed in front of this poster:<br />
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He and I found these great Oxfords by Tahari. I need something like these to replace a pair falling apart after three seasons of almost constant wear:<br />
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I also found that my favorite flats comes in this adorable black-and-white version:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I ended up going back two days later to get these--on sale, too!)</span></div>
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I never was swayed by Kate Spade purses, but Kate Spade china? Love!<br />
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That apron with the sweetheart neckline and the little ruffle is just calling my name.<br />
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These beauties stopped me in my tracks:<br />
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The blue one reminds me so much of a powder box my Nana got from a sale at the estate of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanette_MacDonald"><b>Jeanette MacDonald</b></a>:<br />
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We're months away from sweater weather, but of course the stores are filled with them. These ladies literally seem to have yarn on the brain:<br />
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Because Pao was such a good shopping buddy, when we got home, I spelled out his name in kibble for lunch and let him go at it:</div>
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He sat beautifully and waited until I said, "Okay!"<br />
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Good boy, Pao. We'll go window-shopping again soon.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-90963415477820855332015-08-22T17:01:00.000-07:002015-08-22T17:01:02.648-07:00Africa: People ShotsThe people we met during our recent visit to Zambia were <i>so </i>friendly and warm. Thanks to their historical connections to the U.K., many if not most speak English (as well as one or two native tongues). So it was easy for us to say, Thank you! We had a lovely time!<br />
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Here are some people shots from our trip.<br />
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We began our stay at The Islands of Siankaba, a beautiful lodge on the Zambezi River, upstream from Victoria Falls. This darling man piloted our little boat to an island in the middle of the river, where he served cocktails while we listened to hippos roar:<br />
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A local cutie enjoying the view--and the mist--at Victoria Falls:<br />
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Zimbabwean first names fall into three categories: 1)"Normal-to-us" names like Frank and Jones and Simon. 2)Native-sounding names I can't pronounce--or spell. (So I won't try.) 3)Wonderfully descriptive names like "Beauty" and "Adorable"--this guy's first name. And he was:<br />
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One day we visited the village of Siankaba. In the village (population maybe 65), there is no running water, there are no flush toilets, no phone lines. There is very little of <i>any</i>thing we tend to take for granted. Yet I was impressed at how inventive, how adaptable the people are at making the most of what little they have.<br />
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This is the village's choir master. He had only one hymnal, so to teach the choir a new song, he sang each line of the hymn--soprano, alto, tenor (there was no bass singer in attendance).<br />
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The choir sang their lines back to him <i>a cappella</i> until they had it memorized. They had beautiful voices:<br />
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The lodge provides employment to the villagers, but fishing and subsistence farming help bring in a little more cash. This is a fisherman on the Zambezi River. He pilots his little dugout canoe while standing up the whole time:<br />
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The guys who work at the lodge are all adept at this mode of transportation, too:<br />
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One task at the lodge is "monkey chaser." If the staffer guarding the alfresco buffet table turns his head for just a second, Vervet Monkeys will swoop out of the trees and make off with whatever they can. Once, this guy told us, he saw a monkey trying to run away with a whole platter of teacakes--and the platter, too!:<br />
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A classic mother-and-child moment in the village:<br />
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These young girls were carrying water from the village pump to their homes. Then they returned with these big trays for some other errand:<br />
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No people in this picture, but it sums up what it's like in the village. Mud huts and hand-made wood furniture. Aaaand cell phones:<br />
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Washing clothes in the village is a matter of several buckets and a lot of elbow grease:<br />
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Our guide showing us how the village blacksmith uses his hand-built bellows to stoke a fire hot enough to forge steel blades in his outdoors smithy:<br />
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There the girls go again, still hard at work. They are taking a shortcut across the grade school's play yard, where chickens mingle with Fisher-Price toys:<br />
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We visited two pre-K classes. This doe-eyed boy was in the class for five- and six-year-olds:<br />
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His beautiful little tablemate:<br />
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This little munchkin wasn't really old enough for preschool yet, but his momma was one of the ladies cooking lunch for the schoolchildren. He hung out with the big kids while mom worked:<br />
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Those fingers never strayed far from his mouth:<br />
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Hauling water from the well to the homes is a daily, multi-trip affair:<br />
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We left Siankaba and for Mfuwe (population 5,000), which sits at the edge of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Luangwa_National_Park"><b>South Luangwa National Park</b></a>. The immense park is home to a huge variety of birds and animals. From the posh Mfuwe Lodge, tourists take Land Rovers with specially equipped, tiered seats to see the animals in their natural habitat.<br />
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We saw jeep after jeep of Muslim tourists from the U.K. They seemed to be a huge, extended family, wearing a mix of clothes, from western gear to traditional robes. They were having a glorious time, snacking on treats, enjoying a multi-family vacation, and trying to convince us that they saw a lion (they didn't):<br />
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The jeeps are also a great way for serious photographers to get close-up shots of the local fauna. Look at the size of that lens!:<br />
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When something exciting was spotted, the jeeps pour in from all over to have a look. It begins to resemble the 405 Freeway during commuting time. (The rule of thumb is that once there's five jeeps in one spot, the first one to arrive has to move on.):<br />
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Once we left Mfuwe Lodge and its relatively crowded trails behind, we got out into the <i>real</i> bush. This is Fannuel, our guide, driver, naturalist, and interpreter. Through him, we saw the fairly unspoiled, truly wild side of this beautiful land and its fabulous critters:<br />
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Occasionally Fannuel hopped out of the Land Rover to move a huge branch that elephants pushed over into the road. He also removed other hazards, like this wicked-looking branch full of thorns. They're big and tough enough to give a jeep a flat tire:<br />
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We went out twice a day on "game drives" to look for animals. Midway through each morning, we stopped for coffee and cookies, and at sundown, we stopped for cocktails and nibbles. Fannuel had a rotating cast of helpers who helped set up these lovely little breaks. Everything was served off a flip-up grille on the front of the Land Rover. This is Jones, enjoying a "sundowner" with us:<br />
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Jones also manned the high-powered beam used to locate animals in the dark. After sunset, he stands shotgun in the jeep, holding on with one hand while sweeping the beam back and forth in front of the jeep as it trundles along. These talented guys could pick out the eyeballs of a tiny mammal--even a chameleon--and once a spider!--in the velvet night:</div>
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Speaking of "shotgun," this is Frank, our park ranger. You don't go out on a game drive in the park without a ranger for protection. Here he's showing his mid-20th-century, Czech-made rifle to The Hubby:<br />
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If Nature calls while you're out on a game drive, you'll need TP, a box of matches (to burn the TP), and Frank to pick you out a safe spot to commune with Nature: </div>
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And Frank, bless his soul, stands guard while you're...umm...communing:<br />
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Speaking of that, here's Fannuel and his trusty <b><a href="https://www.leatherman.com/">Leatherman tool</a> </b>showing us whats in this dried-up blob of elephant poop. Poop lectures: just one of this man's many talents.<br />
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After a dusty day driving through the bush, we were met with a friendly smile, a cold drink, and a damp cloth to wipe off the trail dust:</div>
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The service at the bush camps was remarkable. Every morning while we ate breakfast, staff dusted off the Land Rover until it sparkled:</div>
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They served us drinks in the most lovely places, like out in the shallows of a river:<br />
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They watched over us, even when we were goofing around in the river. (How ya doin' there, Frank?)<br />
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I got such a kid out of the "cockpit" of the Land Rover, where cup holders and shotguns coexist:<br />
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If we didn't use the Land Rover for our morning game drive, then a staffer toted all the goodies for coffee break in his pack. I don't know how the water for coffee stayed so hot, but it did:<br />
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One morning we were surprised with an alfresco breakfast overlooking a riverbank. This gentleman was toasting lovely home-made bread over a small brazier:<br />
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And the chef made our eggs to order--as well as offering up about 12 other side dishes!<br />
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Back at camp, we presented the gentlemen with a little gift--pencils for their children and nieces and nephews. (School supplies are costly and hard to get.) They gravely drew up a list of all those present and their absent coworkers. Each man ended up with seven pencils. You would think we handed them slices of the moon, they were so lavish in their thank you's.<br />
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It made me sort of sad. If--no, WHEN--I go back to Africa, I'm bringing a whole lot more pencils.<br />
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Until then, lovely people, thank you again, and goodbye!</div>
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-53159629787804838262015-08-18T06:17:00.000-07:002015-08-18T06:17:33.689-07:00Africa BluesWhenever I travel, I look for blue things to photograph. This was a challenge in the African bush, where the colors are mostly tawny golds, dusty greens, mudbank browns, and elephant grays. But that made the challenge to photograph blue things all the more fun.<br />
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Here's what I found:</div>
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Cell phones and blue-green nails on the Zambezi River:</div>
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Victoria Falls, or "Mosi-oa-Tunya," in the local language:<br />
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Visitors to the falls can get quite wet from all the mist, so these lightweight plastic raincoats abound:<br />
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GO BLUE! I saw this gentleman waiting in line to cross from the Zambia side of the falls into Zimbabwe side. He didn't speak a word of English, and I didn't speak his tongue, but I managed to use a lot of charades-style gestures to indicate my kid went to the University of Michigan. His face lit up, and he shook my hand--twice!<br />
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A maintenance worker near the falls using an old-school broom and rocking brilliant blue slacks:<br />
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Zambia has many of the same flowers I see around Los Angeles. Lobelia was everywhere:</div>
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The Luangwa River hippos basking in its blue waters:</div>
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One day we took a bamboo-bicycle tour through the tiny village of Siankaba, about an hour outside of Livingstone:<br />
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I saw this totemic-looking thing in the village. Don't know what it was, but it looks like those huge stone heads on Easter Island:<br />
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The village has no running water, so the villagers use whatever they can to lug water from the well to their homes:<br />
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This cutie-patootie was in the preschool class for four- and five-year-olds in the village. Preschool classes are a relatively new thing for Zambian villages, and they're already making a big difference:<br />
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The village agreed to allow a cell phone tower on their land, which provides them some income now and may help them some day get phone service. The turquoise box is part of the equipment that maintains the tower:<br />
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In the bush, I saw many birds I'd never seen before. Our guide's birding book helped me get a picture of the bird when the one in the wild wasn't cooperating:<br />
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I snapped this one, though. This gorgeous creature is the Lilac-Breasted Roller:</div>
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In flight, it flashes lots of turquoise and navy blue:<br />
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License plate detail:<br />
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Jugs of powdered milk and instant coffee for a mid-morning coffee break while out in the Land Rover:<br />
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The oddball Babobab tree (showing signs of elephant damage) against a blue Zambian sky:<br />
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Luke, one of the bush camp staff, showing how to work the outdoors shower:<br />
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Early-morning game drives begin with a light breakfast served around the campfire. One of the offerings is hot cooked oatmeal, kept warm in this snug pumpkin-shaped thingie:<br />
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Lanterns flickering in the twilight:<br />
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A cotton cloth called a "Kikoy" is standard equipment in the bush camps. Dampened and placed on a sleeper, it helps keep folks cool on the hottest nights:<br />
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A beautifully set table and some hand-thrown pottery:<br />
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Glass dish with laundry powder for washing things out in the sink at a bush camp:<br />
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An outdoors breakfast on the riverbank begins with eggs cooked over a campfire:<br />
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A rope draped over the support posts of our treehouse-like tent on stilts:<br />
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Lamps waiting for use at nightfall:<br />
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A hugely important part of each camp: the place where all the guests' electronic devices are recharged via solar power:<br />
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We had a tour of a bush camp kitchen. The quality and quantity of food they produce is astounding--everything from hearty stews to delicate mousses:<br />
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Not used much any more, but charming nonetheless, a milk jug and matching bowl decorated with giraffes sat in a corner of the kitchen:<br />
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And finally, I couldn't resist one last image of those blue lanterns:<br />
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Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-34790613930942029202015-08-17T08:06:00.000-07:002015-08-17T08:06:57.151-07:00African Bumshots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear readers, I actually thought a lot about you out in the bush. As in, how can I not bore you with my animal photos? I know my pics aren't <i>National Geographic</i> quality. And everybody's got an Uncle Harrry or Aunt Min who went to Africa and just can't wait to <strike>bore</strike> show you all their bajillion photos.</div>
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I don't want to be your Aunt Min.</div>
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And then I had it: Bumshots! That's what our guide, Fannuel, calls the inevitable photos you get when all you catch is the backside of a critter.</div>
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I tried to capture for your entertainment the best bumshots I could.</div>
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First up, an elephant bumshot. At Mfuwe Lodge (the poshest and largest place we stayed), the trunksters are known for walking through the grounds--and sometimes right through the lobby:</div>
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This is a Kudu, a type of antelope. Not strictly a bumshot, I know, it's more of a sideshow. But I love the way he's got his head in the bushes: "You can't see-ee me!":<br />
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Oh, lordy. Zebra bumshots are just the best thing ever:<br />
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This poor behbeh has lost most of his tail, probably in a fight with another zebra:<br />
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This is a Waterbuck, a type of antelope:<br />
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They're famous for having a white ring "painted" on their bums:<br />
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More zebra bumshots! I'm helpless in front of their glory:<br />
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Elephant bumshot in the bush:<br />
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Cape Buffalo have the most endearing goofy, deadpan faces. But there bums are awfully cute, too:<br />
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Okay, hide your eyes for the next two shots if you're prissy. Because the Boys of the Bush let it all hang outwhen it comes to bumshots.<br />
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We've got your male lion...<br />
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...and a very relaxed local dog in the bush village of Siankaba:<br />
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Back to PG stuff. Mother-and-child heffalump bumshot:<br />
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Bushbuck bumshot. Bushbucks are very shy animals and normally hide in the underbrush:<br />
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Wart hog bumshots. When they run away, their little skinny tails stick straight up. When they're relaxed, they flop all over the place, like the tails on these guys. Quite adorable:<br />
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African Hare bumshot, snapped on a night game drive. A hare is not the same as a rabbit, we learned. (I won't bore you with the whys and hows, here.):<br />
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Giraffes make some of the best bumshots ever. This guy's really cool, because if you look closely, you can see three or four faint lines on his haunch where a lion raked him. But he got away, so yay!:<br />
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Egyptian Sacred Ibis bumshot, with the extra-fancy feature of doing it on one leg:<br />
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Leopard in the night bumshot. Not a well-focused photo, but hey! It's a <i>leopard!</i> In the <i>wild!!</i><br />
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Baby Baboon Bumshot. (Triple B's for the win!)<br />
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Impalas have some of the cutest bums in the bush. Their dark markings on haunches and tails make the letter "M," and their ubiquitousness leads some people to call them "the fast food of the bush," and the "McDonald's of the bush." This guy's broken off most of his left antler, probably in a fight with another male:<br />
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I'm especially excited about this bumshot. This is the African Wild Dog, an endangered species, I'm sad to say. This gal's pack recently had a litter of pups born to the alpha female, keeping these nomadic creatures in the area for several weeks until the babies grew large enough to travel. I was able to see the dogs on two separate occasions:<br />
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This is another rare shot. The Sharpe's Grysbok is the smallest of the antelopes. Wikipedia says it weighs only 15-25 pounds, full grown. It is solitary and shy, so I was tickled to get this shot, even though it isn't a full-on bumshot:<br />
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I can't help myself. Giraffe bumshots are hysterical:<br />
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Behbeh elephant!<br />
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Behbeh elephant bum-hance:<br />
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These are Puku. They're another antelope species, just a little bit bigger and shaggier than the Impala. Mother-and-child Puku bumshot:<br />
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Lioness and cub bumshot. You can see from her pendulous teats that she's still lactating:<br />
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Oh, dear lord. Look at the teensy bum on that littlest elephant:<br />
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Camouflage bumshot! That's Frank, our park ranger, toting the rifle on his shoulder (which he's never had to use on an animal, thank goodness) and our inestimable guide, Fannuel. What that man doesn't know about the bush isn't worth knowing.</div>
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I followed their bums for the better part of a week, walking through the bush. These guys kept me safe, they made me laugh, and they showed me a world of beauty and wonder I could scarce imagine.<br />
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The end.<br />
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(I had to say it!)<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-41005857259850372372015-08-16T06:53:00.001-07:002015-08-16T06:53:13.456-07:00Africa ChicHello, dear people. I'm back from a long trip to Zambia, where The Hubby and I spent nearly two weeks on a photographic safari in South Luangwa National Park. It's heaven for an animal lover like me--zebras, giraffes, hippos, lions, monkeys, leopards--the works!<br />
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We stayed in two posh lodges and three bush camps that were deep in the countryside. They all had a similar, captivating look. I call it "Africa Chic." Here are some examples of this look:<br />
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"Africa Chic" uses lots of natural substances: wood, leather, metal, reeds, shells, and stone. The fabrics tend to be canvas or local printed cottons.<br />
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The three different bush camps we visited were examples of "glamping"--glamorous camps with cabins or tents that were rustic but also luxurious. Our tent at this camp encompassed a bathroom, bedroom, and sitting room:<br />
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A leather-and-wood side chair next to a wood drum table. Great for catching a breeze--or the view--through the tent's mesh windows:<br />
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Even a humble dish of washing powder (for hand-washing things in the sink) was elevated by putting it in a beautiful container. In this case, a milky-blue glass dish:<br />
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Our bed in the tent cabin. The mosquito netting isn't just for a romantic look; those are lowered each night to keep the bugs away as you sleep:<br />
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These cotton shawls were placed at the foot of the beds in every camp we visited. On the hottest nights, they are dampened, then draped over the sleeper to help with cooling down:<br />
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Table settings featured native woods, pottery, and printed cotton cloths:<br />
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Brunch on the shady bank of a riverbed with crisp, white napkins and a tablecloth made with a lost-wax-type of technique:<br />
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Another leather-and-wood combo, this time with a blue accent pillow:<br />
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These side tables looked like adorable aliens to me:<br />
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Made of wood, the tables' patterns are into the surface:<br />
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A collection of low-gloss glass bottles was a nice contrast to the rustic woods:<br />
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These little things are solar-operated lights--necessary for after-dark lighting since we were off the electrical grid. Instead of just plunking the lights down on the deck to recharge during the day, they were gathered in a handsome oversize trough made of a solid chunk of wood:</div>
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One evening near sundown we had a special surprise: Cocktail hour in the middle of a river! (That's The Hubby, with our amazing guide, Fannuel):</div>
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I loved these blue lanterns that the camps used. Some were fitted with candles and some burned kerosene. They weren't just for atmosphere; they lit the camp's pathways after dark:<br />
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A sink and vanity, carved from a single block of wood, with a natural, undulating edge along the front. The soap dish is carved from wood, as well:<br />
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An intriguing collection of seed pods, feathers, and other curiosities in a handmade bowl made a beautiful table centerpiece:<br />
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In one camp, the alfresco bar was made in part from a living tree that ran up from underneath the deck and disappeared above the reed thatched roof:<br />
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A terrapin shell and some driftwood fill an empty corner:<br />
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This was our "closet" in one camp: It had plenty of shelves and pegs to hang our hats and binoculars, plus some polished-wood hangers for clothes:</div>
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The shower area in one camp was open to views of a private lagoon where animals came down to drink and roll in the mud:<br />
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More bush camps, more beautiful beds:<br />
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Colorful native fabrics lined up on one camp's main viewing deck, turning steps into out-of-doors seating:<br />
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These wicker chairs were big but light and airy, just right for letting the cool breezes flow through the main gathering spot:<br />
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Even the unsightly areas, like the kitchens and laundries, were beautifully hidden under thatch roofs and behind woven walls of elephant grass. That sinuous S-curve on a pole is a solar panel--the prettiest I've ever seen:<br />
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A row of Moroccan lanterns atop a wall of niches holding bottles of booze and Moroccan tagines:<br />
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Beanbags in colorful local fabrics were a surprise--but a very comfy way of settling in to watch the animals come to the river each afternoon:<br />
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More gorgeous fabrics:<br />
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The bathroom in one place we stayed was lightly separated from the bedroom by a curtain of wooden beads:<br />
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In most of these camps, there is next to nothing between you and the wild beasts that roam through camp at night. This can give some guests the heebie-jeebies, but these handsome iron gates that look like spiderwebs locked out anything larger than a mongoose:<br />
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Next up:<br />
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The animals we saw!<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-67262416729375083762015-07-31T05:30:00.003-07:002015-07-31T05:30:56.095-07:00Pumpkin Pup-siclesA few days ago, I had some bananas getting too ripe. Usually, I make them into <a href="http://kimsunee.com/recipes/moist-chocolate-banana/">Kim Sunée's superlative chocolate banana bread</a>. But this time, I made a batch of pumpkin pup-sicles for the pugs to enjoy.<br />
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The ingredients are simple: a 15-oz. can of pumpkin, 1 C. plain nonfat yogurt, a banana or two, and a little drizzle of honey:<br />
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Put them in a bowl and mix them up:<br />
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Yummy! (If you are a dog.)<br />
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You can use cute ice molds (like bones or dog shapes) if you have them, or you can just plop the mixture into a standard ice-cube tray:<br />
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They are a little messy-looking, but my pugs won't mind:<br />
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Won Ton was very happy to help me clean up afterwards:<br />
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Here's the finished treats. I gave everybody one--okay, maybe two--and put the rest in a zip-style bag in the freezer for another hot day.<br />
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We'll be ready, when the inevitable heat wave hits!<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-2018902992176447872015-07-15T17:18:00.003-07:002015-07-15T17:18:53.079-07:00Technical Difficulties and Polka Dot PupsHi, dear people,<br />
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My laptop is having some problems, and I'm not able to load any new photos into the blog. I have an appointment to talk to the Apple folks about it soon.<br />
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In the meantime, here are two photos of adorable polka dot dogs that were lurking around in a draft folder.<br />
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First is a portrait by the wonderful Karl Loveys, who donates his time and expertise to take gorgeous shots of shelter dogs in L.A.'s system:<br />
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What a beauty. Let's hope he/she has already been adopted, eh? Next, this is a candid snap by one of the tireless workers who are in the trenches with the homeless dogs in L.A.'s six shelters. Look at that tail--it's a blur, because the doggy is wagging it!<br />
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I love the pancake-sized polka dot on this pitty's spine. Let's hope he/she found a fur-ever home, too.<br />
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With luck, I'll be back with a regular post after the Apple folks do their magic.<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-67389203621028098062015-07-11T09:11:00.000-07:002015-07-11T09:11:05.803-07:00Further Adventures of Jessica the Foster Kitten Our foster kitten "Jessica" is growing in confidence daily:<br />
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Now she's chill around the pugs, especially when they're being quiet:<br />
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She's getting confident enough to go up to them and take an exploratory sniff:</div>
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Here's Mu Shu, just watching the kitten show:</div>
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She's fascinated by my laptop--to the point that it's hard to get any work done:<br />
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I ate some cherries out of this colander, and she kept pulling it toward her with her paw. I thought she wanted a cherry, so I bit one in two and offered it to her. She sniffed it politely, but what she really wanted was the colander! It has been a favorite toy--especially when we put a ball inside it:</div>
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I fed her and Pao the some little treats, and hers skittered under his belly. She tried to get it out. Pao tried to not freak out as a kitten tickled his undersides:</div>
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She strikes such gorgeous poses by the window. The light there is great:<br />
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This was yesterday. Three pugs basking in the sun, and Jessica exploring around them:<br />
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I was just about to take this fun kitten tunnel to Goodwill, since Lovely Daughter #1 doesn't need it any more (Olivia got too big to fit). So glad I didn't, because Jessica loves it:<br />
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Yesterday was a big day. The Boy and I barricaded off the family room, and we let her explore it. She liked sharing the couch with The Boy:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvQ2z1imAayE48BTdYSsy7SJzIS_DpYLGiKmdchhAX6F9vGtoVZvuIQoAjk5GUWTmtNmqP9PsZ0Baawfvwks4rO_bpOvuG5FzQHjDD9j4R3gBjzDSXTEx7nWJG8ta8kgsoujndSzmBVo/s1600/IMG_6421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvQ2z1imAayE48BTdYSsy7SJzIS_DpYLGiKmdchhAX6F9vGtoVZvuIQoAjk5GUWTmtNmqP9PsZ0Baawfvwks4rO_bpOvuG5FzQHjDD9j4R3gBjzDSXTEx7nWJG8ta8kgsoujndSzmBVo/s400/IMG_6421.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And even with Won Ton:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXlW9WXi4qLU8WucPBhco5dEcPQTEit9MOwTZQn976KsZ6_Wt_U5i9n7sOdw4mLwbeIdwwpf6Vi8aflA7k6SW2gz8mCPuYiPLD3pDt-FmRaxAaeBoIDrF4GjcSjPi43mQi-h0WsLCdik/s1600/IMG_6422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXlW9WXi4qLU8WucPBhco5dEcPQTEit9MOwTZQn976KsZ6_Wt_U5i9n7sOdw4mLwbeIdwwpf6Vi8aflA7k6SW2gz8mCPuYiPLD3pDt-FmRaxAaeBoIDrF4GjcSjPi43mQi-h0WsLCdik/s400/IMG_6422.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The chaise was also a hit. Do you think she knows what a great looker she is?<br />
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Speaking of lookers, here's a couple of my beauties:</div>
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Although Jessie's kitten antics have turned our lives upside down...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwqaAoZbbZNss5WDCZsqIpvS0eswmcZA-Asacc-PQAci-G5G4qQyoR0QsLrWmbBWuBLS7yCNSuKYEotqB-JlaMTLHd6S_ke9Gwq2p8xyYxEep3IE3THRuLJkH8bT6BbEqv5PP0e5w3hY/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFwqaAoZbbZNss5WDCZsqIpvS0eswmcZA-Asacc-PQAci-G5G4qQyoR0QsLrWmbBWuBLS7yCNSuKYEotqB-JlaMTLHd6S_ke9Gwq2p8xyYxEep3IE3THRuLJkH8bT6BbEqv5PP0e5w3hY/s400/IMG_6363.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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We're having fun. And she's learning to be a wonderful, laid-back cat!<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-8769120337348259002015-07-09T19:23:00.000-07:002015-07-09T19:23:14.065-07:00Gray + White + POP!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Four years back, Lovely Daughter #1 was about to start medical school at USC. LD#2 was about to start <a href="http://www.cityyear.org/"><b>City Year</b>.</a> The Hubby and I figured that, instead of pay rent for four years and have nothing at the end of it, we'd buy a place for the girls to live in during their "almost-grownup" time. When LD#2 went on to grad school and LD#1 went on to her residency, we could sell the house or rent it out.<br />
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Well, LD#1 is a resident in New York City, LD#2 is a teacher in Boston, and we just rented the house to a new batch of med students. (We seem to like med students.)<br />
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As we were house-searching, I noticed this cute mural in the neighborhood. The dull gray sidewalk and the lively mural's colors inspired me to create a design plan. The Lovely Daughters took a few of the ideas and ran with them. The plan sat in my computer until now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxKp8fjgUrtmkbBcCGPM04waFE88tPVokBr8PN3hC_jLY9L5ewt1ILUMIetTnKaD9nuFMwtueeiY0pDjTvHTpQS_lyQcLhWI8wr_cE2z3dqpgBIeElATdEopBvyO7vs5PZzC1VnEbN9Q/s1600/P1150034.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589260008100848338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxKp8fjgUrtmkbBcCGPM04waFE88tPVokBr8PN3hC_jLY9L5ewt1ILUMIetTnKaD9nuFMwtueeiY0pDjTvHTpQS_lyQcLhWI8wr_cE2z3dqpgBIeElATdEopBvyO7vs5PZzC1VnEbN9Q/s400/P1150034.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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The freshly painted interior walls of the house we ended up buying were mostly painted gray, with white trim. Nice, but a little boring?<br />
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I imagined adding bright pops of clear, bright colors against the walls, with plenty of white mixed in. Kind of like these pillows against this grey chair look:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_CSKrFyHA_OMxAA3bVsMUah8oScmjsLVUewP8u2KOKdVedkDTZ2jPOKIhPCpVpUb2lRmBOwHmTvqyaFfa1e0w-OFPnc_6s8oYudRhpTKR_NTvXcY2NMctsmE6rjooDzLohNpCwnMlig/s1600/pillows+with+white+and+bright.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256867216917122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_CSKrFyHA_OMxAA3bVsMUah8oScmjsLVUewP8u2KOKdVedkDTZ2jPOKIhPCpVpUb2lRmBOwHmTvqyaFfa1e0w-OFPnc_6s8oYudRhpTKR_NTvXcY2NMctsmE6rjooDzLohNpCwnMlig/s400/pillows+with+white+and+bright.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 194px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 259px;" /></a><br />
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It's an easy look to create. First, pick some fabrics (or paint a few pieces of furniture) in pops of crazy, spicy colors, like mango and hot pink:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5bho8USMBNMCmPGM9B1T_-U9aCJe9nxjNCl6M3z2SxncUGgEkhqv2wn4_LOXCpBnuqE5BSjWVzT_8IMw3V1n5zftxnmG06OdkGsuRTIPRAbB-g784bZXHl5grMAveXh-KR_4775GLww/s1600/anthro+curtain.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256394771476690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5bho8USMBNMCmPGM9B1T_-U9aCJe9nxjNCl6M3z2SxncUGgEkhqv2wn4_LOXCpBnuqE5BSjWVzT_8IMw3V1n5zftxnmG06OdkGsuRTIPRAbB-g784bZXHl5grMAveXh-KR_4775GLww/s400/anthro+curtain.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 360px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnjiXR_8e_wJUapDc3Fs6x7348tvBxLfUe5OI3ozyTduIrVOHW5_vPosJ9ZDEZdshc70ZWve9cOaXDmwhNp86wG7kvh2raX0lqXkadJU6Y-_HOTpxAqeLDG4NpLe9ZzSRBwVf_7Y_1BU/s1600/pop+of+color.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256859044689106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnjiXR_8e_wJUapDc3Fs6x7348tvBxLfUe5OI3ozyTduIrVOHW5_vPosJ9ZDEZdshc70ZWve9cOaXDmwhNp86wG7kvh2raX0lqXkadJU6Y-_HOTpxAqeLDG4NpLe9ZzSRBwVf_7Y_1BU/s400/pop+of+color.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Look how fantabulous they look in this room (with walls and trim just like our purchased house, I might add):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv7PxNxAeaGbOiqH04mVIUumDHPRTZPi68S0-CprSdH4aJ_qolLwuuY1s3gznJFXXjegiszQ_qj9mBCERyY-6YvwNFwVzo2vUQMThEO2eWplhS2lVvdeE7oixP5GzxwIBfvs763cbZkE/s1600/Unique-living-room-design-with-dark-shades-and-some-bright-color-accents-on-furniture.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256855573712690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv7PxNxAeaGbOiqH04mVIUumDHPRTZPi68S0-CprSdH4aJ_qolLwuuY1s3gznJFXXjegiszQ_qj9mBCERyY-6YvwNFwVzo2vUQMThEO2eWplhS2lVvdeE7oixP5GzxwIBfvs763cbZkE/s400/Unique-living-room-design-with-dark-shades-and-some-bright-color-accents-on-furniture.gif" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>If mango and hot pink aren't your thing, try tangerine. I'm not crazy about orange shades, usually. But the way tangerine pops against gray and white is just wonderful!:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FFoRCSutBlA5vlTqTPBnAZcMQ7EIM5dpAdo7o_TVUGwbpNnjOxbHAIE39jWMypmv8sRpyFhYWZ4X7iA2SbkMynkYgalL2dRbvnDSZyppyXwAuVrtCwwXK3I-2ZNQg81moGTkFOJXVwA/s1600/anthro+curtain+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256388288929458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FFoRCSutBlA5vlTqTPBnAZcMQ7EIM5dpAdo7o_TVUGwbpNnjOxbHAIE39jWMypmv8sRpyFhYWZ4X7iA2SbkMynkYgalL2dRbvnDSZyppyXwAuVrtCwwXK3I-2ZNQg81moGTkFOJXVwA/s400/anthro+curtain+2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCdEmhPQ9oCbqVL2Hko-Sh3sfNM1r3YesYqlUBmceJozAvS1fX6o_HtLZ-YpskemyuJdLBmmaciPZjGyMPZyp_Z4NuKF90pVQSMOryZn6M6k0ylEcnm-jySitow8b61KBa0AFZ_ZPSmE/s1600/henry+road+pillow+4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256191650597218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCdEmhPQ9oCbqVL2Hko-Sh3sfNM1r3YesYqlUBmceJozAvS1fX6o_HtLZ-YpskemyuJdLBmmaciPZjGyMPZyp_Z4NuKF90pVQSMOryZn6M6k0ylEcnm-jySitow8b61KBa0AFZ_ZPSmE/s400/henry+road+pillow+4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 162px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 180px;" /></a>Or try shots of cobalt and candy pink:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitym5FGsn96DIl6i9ialY_gDcUDPB-tYRspQFI3R2k9wuBywbU3HkweRMa-CdJNrhXdrGjwyrlBO6_igvUk4gRQLQLbINajoTo8WI-3_FK9UXTDTUsAQOGJxIGP5pyDiyeyUC0aEEPDPU/s1600/henry+road+pillow+3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256186585474786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitym5FGsn96DIl6i9ialY_gDcUDPB-tYRspQFI3R2k9wuBywbU3HkweRMa-CdJNrhXdrGjwyrlBO6_igvUk4gRQLQLbINajoTo8WI-3_FK9UXTDTUsAQOGJxIGP5pyDiyeyUC0aEEPDPU/s400/henry+road+pillow+3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 324px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 360px;" /></a>Why not throw in some turquoise! Poll after poll shows that blue is Americans' favorite color:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKd4bn4vFKfjpbIF69zeU_Vl0DzfIK06xN40rZQ0RxLy5xr6k1dW4B6gMNNO_rlhJIWzRdY3JsXJy84Z_RkayEoZTE1h8Oi58TPIalougtk1Be1CAP070iVJEgIt7CdfVB_vmGetmSRc/s1600/henry+road+pillow+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="576" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256181978598274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKd4bn4vFKfjpbIF69zeU_Vl0DzfIK06xN40rZQ0RxLy5xr6k1dW4B6gMNNO_rlhJIWzRdY3JsXJy84Z_RkayEoZTE1h8Oi58TPIalougtk1Be1CAP070iVJEgIt7CdfVB_vmGetmSRc/s640/henry+road+pillow+2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 162px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 180px;" width="640" /></a>Don't forget bright red!:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvYqN8-v09zliLvsMKEGKqbipwtRha33HpfrITT3CVDpZBwb3i9yts7FHlPivoaP25Dlhch0xS0Mph0LMELRMS-yAoF0nt2OW-2k-RANzpkC7Ryr6xplUTVNeWXBqmxL7nIp2wy3raso/s1600/henry+road+pillow+1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256184007006594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvYqN8-v09zliLvsMKEGKqbipwtRha33HpfrITT3CVDpZBwb3i9yts7FHlPivoaP25Dlhch0xS0Mph0LMELRMS-yAoF0nt2OW-2k-RANzpkC7Ryr6xplUTVNeWXBqmxL7nIp2wy3raso/s400/henry+road+pillow+1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 324px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 360px;" /></a><br />
If you don't have a matching set of dining room chairs, a mishmash of wonderful chairs all painted the same glossy hue--whether it's white or a color--is wonderful. (LOVE that lime green):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1xPZpHeX-xDfb9SiIOFvEcU3bI7RJ3vu-Pr-dpJIVEXCl2baocuJ55ldt3xgVxbwuxGl-Ro0YJvTF47Wt-sYJ0Cc4E2yQb4S3cvkfQEqwxKOly-DMoBBNKjv7Kl7kepHD8KLP-Aoxho/s1600/green+chairs+and+cat.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256017190424290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1xPZpHeX-xDfb9SiIOFvEcU3bI7RJ3vu-Pr-dpJIVEXCl2baocuJ55ldt3xgVxbwuxGl-Ro0YJvTF47Wt-sYJ0Cc4E2yQb4S3cvkfQEqwxKOly-DMoBBNKjv7Kl7kepHD8KLP-Aoxho/s400/green+chairs+and+cat.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 390px;" /></a>(The gray cat is optional.)<br />
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If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, try painting the fireplace surround with a pop of color. (By the way--that channel-back chair in the corner? Almost a dead ringer for the two antique-gold channel-back chairs I own.):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm8ciKk_DLP8_OLWwpK-PB9IhhlPYvFqmQcy8r9OumQCj6VYq1KDSIW-BKVXcnxT_AUF5ytCUO2IY-Y0e-nBxRyFzhkZltYMjSoCF6iMQSSOZkn7FipZuYxEGw6kxF3OKDecLJeLRKsU/s1600/almost+my+channel+back+chairs.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256384770001058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm8ciKk_DLP8_OLWwpK-PB9IhhlPYvFqmQcy8r9OumQCj6VYq1KDSIW-BKVXcnxT_AUF5ytCUO2IY-Y0e-nBxRyFzhkZltYMjSoCF6iMQSSOZkn7FipZuYxEGw6kxF3OKDecLJeLRKsU/s400/almost+my+channel+back+chairs.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 250px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 379px;" /></a><br />
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All-white furniture and quirky lines make gray walls come to life. Just imagine the blue walls are gray:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljGLCogifOY8tXgqnBo0ryBeRgmH0ylw59Amds6KvCZkMxPTissxff86dUWaZAQI7Qf_hYm9XGh6U_IXaGRfRdFXfh5AiPQneGF0ztSggypVYqW5_OL28qrkl9b3fNNJUxVqmTBjlUl0/s1600/quirky+furniture+painted+white.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589260020128522114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljGLCogifOY8tXgqnBo0ryBeRgmH0ylw59Amds6KvCZkMxPTissxff86dUWaZAQI7Qf_hYm9XGh6U_IXaGRfRdFXfh5AiPQneGF0ztSggypVYqW5_OL28qrkl9b3fNNJUxVqmTBjlUl0/s400/quirky+furniture+painted+white.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 313px;" /></a>Don't have white furniture? Stalk the thrift stores to find furniture with "good bones," like this, then paint it glossy white:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gLi5FBJVndDAk3fCpwSOz_YqL56pbUTXdokAvVf4l5E4FOcj_VRCrgiyOFbyNw0AYrrzxykJvy1iH_Lti_N61Aea-VHAzq21zbrlRiFeM7hVpM8MmUMukgfc7eoMOvNbZZ72fHo7IcM/s1600/dark+walls+white+furniture.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAUDWPpEWrqy2OXtibbuD1z-cLn679sa_Pu6BD3Iz5cygQhaeJEJAmy1rVmqBP3b_GFaQ-LH9FeVsuQ9If9B-RDPrhzoI3tEkvN4_fr5nw-8UUjnhh9ANpu2R_lVRlR8RvrQFk6fSe8s/s1600/hutch+before+and+after.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256381221046434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAUDWPpEWrqy2OXtibbuD1z-cLn679sa_Pu6BD3Iz5cygQhaeJEJAmy1rVmqBP3b_GFaQ-LH9FeVsuQ9If9B-RDPrhzoI3tEkvN4_fr5nw-8UUjnhh9ANpu2R_lVRlR8RvrQFk6fSe8s/s400/hutch+before+and+after.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Actually, even chalky white would do. (I just love glossy white, that's all.)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCdEmhPQ9oCbqVL2Hko-Sh3sfNM1r3YesYqlUBmceJozAvS1fX6o_HtLZ-YpskemyuJdLBmmaciPZjGyMPZyp_Z4NuKF90pVQSMOryZn6M6k0ylEcnm-jySitow8b61KBa0AFZ_ZPSmE/s1600/henry+road+pillow+4.jpg"><br /></a>Here's another room with dark gray walls and white trim. Just <span style="font-style: italic;">look</span> how a few, funky pieces, some glossy white furniture, and a pop of color makes the whole thing sing:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSsI_m6tePKVy0HXQ1vEkCGBotNsZtPgygw7gvPS2W2JDwEDSm2C8VSdZEUz-z82KgS4fgkC2nSk1KEmvoyzXOxjr-G6DhZNbqDybRMkW2hSTuw6IKUILcEpJ5Yb5uNXjAgvitVnwrgU/s1600/funky+entry+way.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256012785267954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSsI_m6tePKVy0HXQ1vEkCGBotNsZtPgygw7gvPS2W2JDwEDSm2C8VSdZEUz-z82KgS4fgkC2nSk1KEmvoyzXOxjr-G6DhZNbqDybRMkW2hSTuw6IKUILcEpJ5Yb5uNXjAgvitVnwrgU/s640/funky+entry+way.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 299px;" width="478" /></a>If you don't have good art to grace your walls, one of the cheapest, best ways to get a big, graphic bang for your buck is to apply gorgeous fabric right to the wall with old-fashioned liquid starch. You trim it out for a polished, finished look, of course. It gives you a beautiful look that can peel right off if you change your mind or decor in the future. Here, it's yellow fabric on a gray wall:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXeGPwn_4yXF2AGwerdm00F_ZJcvFtNLCmtTPVb1C7pXJdaTJ-TlgNHmYSBU2QHamk2zADl23qMytFtGEyDcUrzv03wIOpLJhXUbXdEIIX3XDcF2m6qG_5AmTawCJLPBRPdNhKYuZWBw/s1600/fabric+panel+on+wall.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256011425517986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXeGPwn_4yXF2AGwerdm00F_ZJcvFtNLCmtTPVb1C7pXJdaTJ-TlgNHmYSBU2QHamk2zADl23qMytFtGEyDcUrzv03wIOpLJhXUbXdEIIX3XDcF2m6qG_5AmTawCJLPBRPdNhKYuZWBw/s400/fabric+panel+on+wall.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 268px;" /></a>Through the archway of this living room, below, you can see another big piece of fabric on a dark-mustard colored wall:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-0gvZQS1TmbdhsAFLLfgQJ2a5qrWAaDAXMBSXo2bgWOmFmb0e2TcLypO-5PIBEcn0AqfgdyV_upqRsjYTZ-LGIxQSFm7Q2KmiqbwpoXfTWTdVUwpYZ2JqlftYalVc6KtspiNekVnCLw/s1600/fabric+on+dining+room+wall.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589256006930544642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-0gvZQS1TmbdhsAFLLfgQJ2a5qrWAaDAXMBSXo2bgWOmFmb0e2TcLypO-5PIBEcn0AqfgdyV_upqRsjYTZ-LGIxQSFm7Q2KmiqbwpoXfTWTdVUwpYZ2JqlftYalVc6KtspiNekVnCLw/s400/fabric+on+dining+room+wall.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 313px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Just can't go wrong with that look. And here, below, the walls are much lighter gray, but notice the fabulous mix of printed fabrics in the furniture. Imagine that in pillows, a throw, a table runner, a piece of fabric starched to the wall:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIWfh32rNGCo8LIeavUleQhLsZY111_qpsIkH7_1a_Dl5e9h0jaMDwmGGwceOvCuhyphenhyphenlfOLXraBMXdZDnCY0Oe7m1hVpaOAHVhzr4nPS9-kLFV2LHAE66yq6TE_qf81T2H4RLM7g4Q4eQ/s1600/colorful+fabrics.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589255303901672674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIWfh32rNGCo8LIeavUleQhLsZY111_qpsIkH7_1a_Dl5e9h0jaMDwmGGwceOvCuhyphenhyphenlfOLXraBMXdZDnCY0Oe7m1hVpaOAHVhzr4nPS9-kLFV2LHAE66yq6TE_qf81T2H4RLM7g4Q4eQ/s400/colorful+fabrics.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 313px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>As we were house-hunting, we fell in love with this cottage. It had the most fantabulous view of the Hollywood sign.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi7t7gPtuf8QTuC2g88xXpA5EhxlCWofIq0rKvq__80rYn8dqR0JtE-uCv2YTzzQgYH9MMQtFjCbcc9_eeT-1GOWgWda2_YKr1fYWy9dpQZ0NTK7tFcr08lxjSLqK9slFZx1AFQSamO4/s1600/P1150123.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589262430308078178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNi7t7gPtuf8QTuC2g88xXpA5EhxlCWofIq0rKvq__80rYn8dqR0JtE-uCv2YTzzQgYH9MMQtFjCbcc9_eeT-1GOWgWda2_YKr1fYWy9dpQZ0NTK7tFcr08lxjSLqK9slFZx1AFQSamO4/s400/P1150123.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>It had TWO kitchens and authentic, black-and-white linoleum floors. Some of the kitchen drawers were painted turquoise inside. That's a fun, easy pop of color in a place people don't expect:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1EpQ7fCUmSpM4Eks7B3sP2-GhazrlKSlza9Bpe7xHebOe3UP-KxpZrP6uSDfYWklg5wiREPleB1zdCd34C7yrc01cJGqBGavxFcq-5gA-VV81YkgUwkFlzGr_qOkOPnnDT_lkf8q-_A/s1600/P1150111.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589260022025907074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1EpQ7fCUmSpM4Eks7B3sP2-GhazrlKSlza9Bpe7xHebOe3UP-KxpZrP6uSDfYWklg5wiREPleB1zdCd34C7yrc01cJGqBGavxFcq-5gA-VV81YkgUwkFlzGr_qOkOPnnDT_lkf8q-_A/s400/P1150111.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>It's a bold look, but lots of fun:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1arGtlByaYFur1zIBK2BXUHeHsFrkdxPUaQ3deeN47UI51lWmBA78HSSemiBWzaALjQ8zMemxtwoyqOUAW2qko-l0k1TXBQBSlQEMdPYraaQlSOz0SQ3OxGybJqN03ZhQgHHAa_zXgg/s1600/P1150108.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589260012015949346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1arGtlByaYFur1zIBK2BXUHeHsFrkdxPUaQ3deeN47UI51lWmBA78HSSemiBWzaALjQ8zMemxtwoyqOUAW2qko-l0k1TXBQBSlQEMdPYraaQlSOz0SQ3OxGybJqN03ZhQgHHAa_zXgg/s400/P1150108.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>In a well-lit kitchen, here's how cute black-and-white floors with pops of red and turquoise can look:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gGCvvXEWcOpRwE2rKX_f5Omw8zQSLgJhTSp0zGZMcvc_9EWllfgYkRCG18IPAR0lSwQYnmqREp-FCC2oGlKZ8_H1r2PhgMrAiF3YpWteA2prW7Ac_VmZ97KC1pwCEY6o_hFWR31Dx0o/s1600/checkerboard+kitchen+floor.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589265919918408226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gGCvvXEWcOpRwE2rKX_f5Omw8zQSLgJhTSp0zGZMcvc_9EWllfgYkRCG18IPAR0lSwQYnmqREp-FCC2oGlKZ8_H1r2PhgMrAiF3YpWteA2prW7Ac_VmZ97KC1pwCEY6o_hFWR31Dx0o/s400/checkerboard+kitchen+floor.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Some rentals won't let you paint a kitchen wall such a crazy color. If that's the case for you, get your color fix by what you add to the kitchen: relatively cheap, easy-to-find things, like pot holders, tea towels, canisters, stirring spoons, etc. can add a great deal of color for very little money.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWRRRB4DyJ3DWtdT1KuFIVR5NK8bAdHgNHpnf-RH5zptNLRtezfvfnt7YWTd6g0DdEYz10TDTcBrGbfqLb7sJIS-siB0hO2RGYGB3wwOm0v6TsybQmdHyYtBO_lz-aH2yTumIussxvxU/s1600/chairs+and+cat.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWRRRB4DyJ3DWtdT1KuFIVR5NK8bAdHgNHpnf-RH5zptNLRtezfvfnt7YWTd6g0DdEYz10TDTcBrGbfqLb7sJIS-siB0hO2RGYGB3wwOm0v6TsybQmdHyYtBO_lz-aH2yTumIussxvxU/s1600/chairs+and+cat.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589255295466726722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWRRRB4DyJ3DWtdT1KuFIVR5NK8bAdHgNHpnf-RH5zptNLRtezfvfnt7YWTd6g0DdEYz10TDTcBrGbfqLb7sJIS-siB0hO2RGYGB3wwOm0v6TsybQmdHyYtBO_lz-aH2yTumIussxvxU/s400/chairs+and+cat.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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The cat is always optional.<br />
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Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-8312835715509257582015-07-06T07:14:00.003-07:002015-07-06T07:14:33.191-07:00A Month of Polka DotsHow did it get to be July so fast?! Here's a swift rundown of some polka-dotted wonderfulness that I noticed in the past month. First up, this little Chihuahua mix is a neighbor of mine. His name is "Gordito" ("little fatty" in Spanish). He has two big polka dots on one side:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunwWuiJsAGuinnzG61nZRZLpp4GrbK8QwfqP3dFGYOp9Z7mAYjKZNuoCOMX6IxFN7SXven0TlEpdw0VnVe-BbuNcS9tc1ljC7Znm4W55CGpxFf7wt3CLVLLpwcuMnt4lzp5bi_WbdyQs/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiunwWuiJsAGuinnzG61nZRZLpp4GrbK8QwfqP3dFGYOp9Z7mAYjKZNuoCOMX6IxFN7SXven0TlEpdw0VnVe-BbuNcS9tc1ljC7Znm4W55CGpxFf7wt3CLVLLpwcuMnt4lzp5bi_WbdyQs/s640/IMG_5410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And a cute mini-dot on the other:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOputlNtDLe8OiJuFQAkRiToV0KmZiSdHafgj9hEryHPgGpzLS3CBoLAOQqg93fqbA5Yfqod9VPMpqnfpzqjgcU_gE3H93T6B5v5DRn6DKTK3tCKdG8H02lW5eyTKuJMAmr6DtI_0RMA/s1600/IMG_5408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOputlNtDLe8OiJuFQAkRiToV0KmZiSdHafgj9hEryHPgGpzLS3CBoLAOQqg93fqbA5Yfqod9VPMpqnfpzqjgcU_gE3H93T6B5v5DRn6DKTK3tCKdG8H02lW5eyTKuJMAmr6DtI_0RMA/s640/IMG_5408.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is "Arrow," (f.k.a. "Acute"), one of the kittens that was fostered by my Lovely Daughter #1 for a few weeks. He has two teeny brown polka dots--freckles, really--on his pink nose:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoSG-cuMCOQ0q76b18ZUGfTFU2tdYoWBm3c4O12Nvu7Mv7kRqsl0CWAy3FPgl-ELKSqgvbU94IXJYa2QfKK5a4S3cA3W0gZ3wBFDz5VM23uvncKoN-B-CTS7jfYo_3z9vEtPSoFdIdoE/s1600/IMG_5543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWoSG-cuMCOQ0q76b18ZUGfTFU2tdYoWBm3c4O12Nvu7Mv7kRqsl0CWAy3FPgl-ELKSqgvbU94IXJYa2QfKK5a4S3cA3W0gZ3wBFDz5VM23uvncKoN-B-CTS7jfYo_3z9vEtPSoFdIdoE/s640/IMG_5543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This adorable bulldog was romping on the leash-free beach when we took the pugs there recently. He/She sported one super-sized polka dot:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kIpnP15DjhtCDewc0W97Q9e1fla_l-_16NdJ9kRdWYw-Wu0Q33BJ2-bkGlaIdLAjw9Ka2ABpDet7T9Mcgzh2WM6iOQwRY15c4BOzE_JipujozP84dYYO95McV-F-Mj5xHh7L_lyt3k0/s1600/IMG_5956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kIpnP15DjhtCDewc0W97Q9e1fla_l-_16NdJ9kRdWYw-Wu0Q33BJ2-bkGlaIdLAjw9Ka2ABpDet7T9Mcgzh2WM6iOQwRY15c4BOzE_JipujozP84dYYO95McV-F-Mj5xHh7L_lyt3k0/s640/IMG_5956.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This little ladybug rode in my car for a while. His/Her shoulder dots almost look like epaulets. Look at those teeny-tiny feelers!:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk-rLKm2U2wNF6kVL9FKcRG8WJNhcJJsh1HE850UPW0s2T5OjlOJm5ovrMLLWawS8Kv_LilFg9TKWnimEaCMuy4grBxIGGqJDasltqOF-gQ_A3qudPm6UECtLl5am-ttJgBPj0SslhGs/s1600/IMG_5536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVk-rLKm2U2wNF6kVL9FKcRG8WJNhcJJsh1HE850UPW0s2T5OjlOJm5ovrMLLWawS8Kv_LilFg9TKWnimEaCMuy4grBxIGGqJDasltqOF-gQ_A3qudPm6UECtLl5am-ttJgBPj0SslhGs/s640/IMG_5536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This beautiful polka-dot skirt by fiber artist <a href="http://alabamachanin.com/collection/collection"><b>Alabama Chanin</b></a> is done by layering two lightweight jersey knits over each other, hand-sewing around each dot, and then (very carefully) cutting away the top layer to reveal the inner layer. The model's stance isn't very graceful, and her shoes are awful, but I love the idea of the cutaway polka dot skirt:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5eg3dGSMFhr68QhxMTfkIs2ohJ7LqEoaXsxvhagXUYRT3rnFpNcLyjjFXB66DWuhzW12BovUB6rILnYFAe9-4PUBda65vw__b3hfAY9XymhYqjqsYvSoFmmMC_fpgLlrr0V0uBmyweQ/s1600/340d7088b719b64e790505a2e63bf704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5eg3dGSMFhr68QhxMTfkIs2ohJ7LqEoaXsxvhagXUYRT3rnFpNcLyjjFXB66DWuhzW12BovUB6rILnYFAe9-4PUBda65vw__b3hfAY9XymhYqjqsYvSoFmmMC_fpgLlrr0V0uBmyweQ/s640/340d7088b719b64e790505a2e63bf704.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
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Just one quibble: Couldn't you match up the dots on that center seam?<br />
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-70908652908331326202015-07-04T09:36:00.004-07:002015-07-04T09:36:46.329-07:00Foster-Kitten Fun!Sometimes you have to step outside of your routine and do something new, right? <div>
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So we're fostering a kitten for the first time, ever. This is "Jessica," 14 weeks old:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo courtesy of LUXE Paws.)</span></div>
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She was named by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LuxePaws"><b>the wonderful cat-rescue group</b></a> that saved her after her feral momma gave birth to a litter in the neighborhood. Jessie's super-sweet and loving. She purrs as soon as you enter the room:<br />
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She has the most adorable polka-dotted belly:<br />
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Pretty much every pose she strikes is model-worthy:<br />
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She has these fabulous, dark tabby lines on her, and this elongated bull's-eye mark on each side:<br />
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She loves to lick our fingers:<br />
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We're absolutely smitten:<br />
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That belly, again! Can't get enough of it!:<br />
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I'm thrilled to find that taking care of Jessica for a few weeks isn't that hard. It's mostly just keeping her company, playing with and holding her a lot:<br />
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Sometimes she naps:<br />
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And sometimes she plays:<br />
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With her appealing good looks, she'll probably be adopted soon:<br />
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The great thing is this particular rescue group does all the advertising and finding-a-home stuff for the kittens and cats it rescues. All I have to do is offer Jessie love and companionship:<br />
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And take cute photos of her:<br />
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And slooooowly introduce her to the other critters in the house:<br />
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Fostering a cat or kitten, a dog or puppy is surprisingly simple. Find local rescue groups in your neighborhood by going online to learn how you can do it, too.<br />
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It's fun! It's easy. And it saves lives.<br />
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Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6763264966442814895.post-47966517181167297762015-06-30T11:22:00.000-07:002015-06-30T16:26:39.997-07:00Beach Day with DogsHello! We're back from vacation, and it's sizzling in Los Angeles. The Boy and Lovely Daughter #2 are visiting us temporarily. So we loaded up the pugs in my car and drove to the off-leash dog beach to cool down in the surf.<br />
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The pugs hit the beach, running as fast as their little legs could take them:<br />
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Mu Shu was okay with the wavelets:</div>
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Won Ton preferred watching things from the wet-sand zone:<br />
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And Pao Pao was NOT going near those scary waves. But he did some impressive tongue-out action on the dry sand:<br />
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All three pugs had a blast, tailing after other dogs on the beach:<br />
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Won Ton, checking out a local dig:</div>
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The pugs have very little sense--okay, no sense at ALL--of stranger danger. They mobbed anybody they could, saying "Hi!" and "Got snacks?" and...Pao!! What the HECK are you doing to that nice young lady?:<br />
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He's not saying, but he sure had a big smile on his face.<br />
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When the waves got too much, Mu Shu enjoyed watching them from the safe, strong arms of The Boy:</div>
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What a fun day at the beach!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The End.</span></div>
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<br />Julihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07417649047543012626noreply@blogger.com0